2022 STARTS NOW: HERE IS TEAM GRESINI RACING MOTOGP
Faenza (Italy), 15 January 2022. Team Gresini Racing MotoGP was presented via streaming worldwide today; the team, which was founded and ‘raised’ by Fausto Gresini, returns to the premier class of MotoGP as an independent team after seven years of absence in this role.
This project is led by team owner Nadia Padovani Gresini and supported by Gresini Racing’s core; this season will witness the return with the family of Enea Bastianini, who already stepped on the podium last year with Ducati, as he joins fellow Italian and MotoGP rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Both riders will race aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP21 in 2022, a bike they were able to get a glimpse of last November at Jerez de la Frontera. Bastianini has already proved he can be extremely competitive with his new bike, while Di Giannantonio has shown great signs for the upcoming debut season.
The rider #49 will be the first to take to the track in Sepang’s first test, which is reserved exclusively to the MotoGP rookies. On-track action will get underway on January 31st with a three-day ‘shakedown’ where the light blue-liveried team will be already among the protagonists.
ENEA BASTIANINI #23
“The new colours of the bike are very particular, when I saw it first it appears a little strange to me, but now that I see it live I can say it is amazing. Such a great bike can’t be but fast! In about twenty days we’ll be leaving for the tests, luckily it is just a short time because I’m way too excited to be back on my Ducati. I already met the team during the first test: we had the chance to know each other better and to work together, and I can firmly say that I have a super team. I think it is going to be a very interesting season, I’m sure we’ll achieve great results. I can’t wait for the season to begin!”
Team Gresini Racing MotoGP riders Enea Bastianini (left) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (right) with Team Owner Nadia Padovani Gresini (center). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49
“2022 is just around the corner. It will be my first season in MotoGP and it will be so cool! I will have a lot to learn, my expectation is to grow race by race and who knows, we’ll may be able to collect even some great achievements. In a bit we’ll be back on track for the test, we’re going in Malaysia and Indonesia is following. I can’t wait to ride again this beautiful beast. The winter break is always too long, I’m counting the days, the hours! And the bike is spectacular, maybe the most beautiful I’ve ever ride, the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. With that unique main color it looks like a bike of the 70’s, retrò style, on track we’ll be recognizable for sure. Particular, original, BEAUTIFUL. A unique emotion”.
NADIA PADOVANI GRESINI
“We’re finally presenting a project we strongly believed in and one we have been working non-stop for during the last year. We’re very motivated and we ended up being the first MotoGP team to present itself; plus, I believe our bikes are beautiful – and I hope all the others will like them, too. I would like to think Fausto is looking at us from above and that is proud of his family. There is almost no distinction between natural and work families, we’re one. I must say that I saw both Diggia and Enea in great shape and eager to start: we’re aiming at being among the protagonists and show up at the parc fermé sometimes.”
The new year brings new reasons to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum
Plus, VISIT Milwaukee’s Museum Days (Jan. 20-30) gives you the perfect excuse to become a tourist in your own hometown.
MILWAUKEE, USA – Resolve to rev up your new year with a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum. Whether you’re looking to brush up on Milwaukee’s punk rock history, hoping to score a leather and other great gear from The Shop or aiming to satisfy your hunger pangs with the new monthly specials from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant, the H-D Museum™ campus has you covered in January – and beyond.
Plus, the H-D Museum is proud to partner with VISIT Milwaukee and 20+ other cultural institutions throughout southeastern Wisconsin for Museum Days in conjunction with VISIT’s Hotel Month. From Jan. 20-30, guests can enjoy discounted admission, special events and more.
And with the weekends filling up with football fun, be sure to check out MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant’s offerings to keep the whole team satisfied. BBQ and pigskin are a match made in hog heaven.
Please note the H-D Museum™ campus has rolled out seasonal hours for January and February. The H-D Museum will be open Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Shop will be open Thursday – Monday, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. And MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays, and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Beginning March 1, 2022, the campus will resume seven days a week operation.
PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
Museum Days, Jan 20-24 & 27-30
Nourish your mind and soul by visiting Milwaukee’s amazing cultural institutions during Museum Days, Jan. 20 through Jan. 30. (Please note seasonal hours above for H-D Museum.) For this special event, many of the city’s most fantastic museums will offer admission at rates ranging from FREE to just $15.
Need somewhere to stay during your trip to visit Milwaukee’s museums, restaurants, and stores? More than 20 of Milwaukee’s best hotels are offering wonderful overnight packages at rates of just $75, $100, $125, and $150 throughout January as part of Milwaukee Hotel Month 2022.
Just mention “Milwaukee Museum Days” when you are purchasing your tickets in person January 20-24 & 27-30, 2022 or visit the H-D Museum tickets page to redeem the Museum Days admission offer – just $10 for a ticket to ride – from the H-D Museum. Visit H-D Museum.com to see complete ticket details for exclusions and other terms and conditions.
No other company is so closely associated with Milwaukee as Harley-Davidson, so be sure to check out exhibits like “Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” and experience some real Mil-town history.
Annual Pass
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s new Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.
Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be partially facilitated as scouts explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date. Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, partially facilitated program, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.
Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.
MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
Keith Brammer (Die Kreuzen) leather jacket (on display now)
Perhaps no other genre of music is so closely associated with the classic black leather jacket than punk rock. Keith Brammer, of Milwaukee’s hardcore punk band Die Kreuzen, has graciously lent his well-worn leather to the H-D Museum. The jacket was purchased in New York City in the 1980s and was a constant companion for Brammer throughout his touring days. Check out the Custom Culture gallery to view this piece of Milwaukee music history.
Inspiration and Recovery: Wounded Veteran Climbs the Seven Summits (on display now)
In September 2009, Specialist Benjamin Breckheimer, a Cavalry Scout with the U.S. Army 2nd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was severely wounded during a tour in Afghanistan. His rehabilitation was difficult as he endured numerous surgeries. During this same time, the Harley-Davidson Museum regularly sent care packages – including H-D Museum™ flags dotted with well wishes – to active-duty military personnel. Breckheimer took to mountaineering during his recovery and over the summer carried the H-D Museum flag to the summit of Denali, the highest point in North America. With that peak reached, Breckheimer became the first and only Purple Heart recipient to reach all the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. He continues to climb, and he shares his inspiring story to encourage resiliency and support the mental health of veterans and current service members.
Revolution® Max Engine (on display now)
The brand-new Revolution® Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America™ adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster® S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.
Clubs & Competition (on display now)
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.
The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.
Harley Fox (on display now)
Gail Anderson’s 1986 Softail® Custom motorcycle, “Harley Fox,” built by her partner Bob Burrows, took top prize at the first Ladies of Harley® (LOH) ride-in show during Daytona Beach Bike Week in 1987. With her custom bike and themed riding gear, Anderson presented a striking image that fit the growing visibility and exciting new options for women riders in the 1980s.
Alfonso Sotomayor’s 1957 Model FL (on display now)
The Harley-Davidson Museum is proud to announce its collection has recently grown with the addition of a 1957 Model FL that was ridden by famed Mexican stunt rider and racer Alfonso Sotomayor Canales.
Harley-Davidson’s history in Mexico dates back to at least 1913. In the 1920s, the brand was more frequently spotted throughout Mexico City as the motorcycles proved popular with the local traffic police who would also perform stunts with their Harley-Davidson® bikes. After racing from the 1930s into the 1960s, Sotomayor launched his own stunt riding career by performing the famed “Salto de la Muerte” or Jump of Death. Learn more about Sotomayor’s feats of derring-do and Harley-Davidson’s early entry into Mexico with this new display located in the Custom Culture area.
“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)
In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.
“Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” (on display now)
A recently recovered cache of architectural drawings includes plans for the original Juneau Avenue facility. The pencil drawings, along with archival photographs, demonstrate the whirlwind pace of the company’s early growth. While building an international business—going from producing just over 1,000 motorcycles in 1909 to manufacturing 27,000 motorcycles in 1920—the company’s Milwaukee factory experienced near-constant expansion. Construction through this relatively brief period created the buildings that today, a century later, are still the proud home of Harley-Davidson.
“Building a Milwaukee Icon” provides a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s formative years and illustrates a chapter of Milwaukee history when the city was known as the “Machine Shop to the World.”
THE SHOP
Didn’t get the gift you were hoping for over the holidays? Don’t worry! With new items arriving at The Shop, you can find just what you’re looking for to keep your primed for riding. Check out the new spring apparel items for the whole family along with drinkware and headwear. Need something for that someone special, but don’t know their size? Gift cards are the perfect way to show you care and come in the perfect size!
MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
Fight off the winter chill with monthly specials, BBQ packages and more from MOTOR® Bar and Restaurant. This month, the Grilled Pork Chop (8-oz., bone-in, thick-cut pork chop grilled and seasoned with house-made pork dry rub and served with crispy rosemary potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables, $23.95), Brisket Tacos (three corn tortillas filled with slow-smoked, juicy brisket, queso fresca, pickled red onions and jalapenos. Served with cilantro-lime rice, crispy tortillas and salsa verde, $16.95) and Cherry Pie (fresh locally sourced cherries, fluted in buttery puff pastry, sprinkled with sugar and topped with vanilla ice cream, $7.95) will have you drooling, but leave you satisfied.
And with the football playoff push kicking off, be sure to call in the team at MOTOR® Bar and Restaurant to help you win gameday. With delivery, dine-in and carryout options – including the Family BBQ Package – MOTOR® Bar and Restaurant has you covered!
Finally, on Wednesday, Jan. 19, MOTOR® Bar and Restaurant is teaming up with 2A Wine Merchants for an exploration of wines to pair with football fare. Score your tickets today to get ready for the big game.
1903 EVENTS
Did someone put a ring on it over the holidays? Let “Happily ever after” begin with the team at 1903 Events. The memories from your big day will last a lifetime when you leave the planning and details to 1903 Events. Book your wedding prior to March 31, 2022 and receive a complimentary sixth hour of hosted bar with the wedding package. Be sure to check out Milwaukee Magazine’s Weddings issue to learn more.
About the Harley-Davidson Museum
Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.
Former AFM 250 Production and F2 racer Kelly Winkelbauer, age 60, died Tuesday, January 11th at home in Santa Rosa, California from congestive heart failure. He is survived by his long-time girlfriend Sue Urquhart, and his mother, Melva Boelter.
Winkelbauer’s best season with AFM was in 2008, when he won the 250cc Production Championship and finished second in the F2 Championship.
According to Urquhart, “Nothing planned at the moment (thanks omicron), but talking about having an AFM people get-together in a few months to remember him. I’ll let you know when that happens.”
Passion For Ducati Has Never Been Greater With 59,447 Motorcycles Sold worldwide, 2021 is the Best Year Ever
Ducati ends 2021 with record sales, growing globally by +24% over 2020 and +12% over 2019
Double-digit growth in all major countries including the United States, which regains the place of top market, and Australia, which records + 50% compared to 2020
The Multistrada V4 is the best-selling and most popular motorcycle for Ducatisti in 2021 with 9,957 motorcycles delivered to customers
The 2022 range has received great praise from enthusiasts already as demonstrated by the highest order portfolio ever at the beginning of the year
Borgo Panigale, Bologna – Ducati concluded 2021 with a record figure of 59,447 motorcycles delivered to customers all over the world, and achieving an increase in sales of +24% over 2020 (48,042) and +12% over 2019 (53,183).
Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: “2021 was a magical year for Ducati. We delivered over 59,000 motorcycles, a number never achieved before in 95 years of the company’s history. We also won the title of MotoGP Constructors’ World Champion for the second consecutive year, and we started the electric era of our company with the V21L prototype, which foresees the bike that will race in the MotoE championship from 2023. The pandemic, which is still underway, in addition to generating so much suffering, has also made activities more complex, forcing us to conduct a continuous internal reorganization. Supply chains created delivery delays for which I want to apologize to all Ducatisti, thanking them for their patience. Despite all these difficulties, the desire to excel of our employees here in Borgo Panigale and in our subsidiaries around the world helped us to achieve these record results. We are investing in an extremely ambitious growth path that will lead the company to improve even further, by entering new market segments. With the DesertX we will have from this year on an extremely attractive proposal for adventure fans, and other ambitious projects are currently in development. The core values of the brand – Style, Sophistication, Performance and Trust – are more current than ever. Future growth will take place in compliance with these values, offering our enthusiastic customers products that are increasingly representative with a unique mix of beauty, technology and distinctiveness, such as the best of Made in Italy.”
In 2021 Ducati’s growth came in all the main countries, starting with the United States, which regained the place of leading market for Ducati with 9,007 units which corresponds to an increase of 32% on 2020, followed by Italy with 8,707 bikes (+23% on 2020) and by Germany with 6,107 units (+11% on 2020). The Chinese market also grew, with 4,901 motorcycles (+21%), as well as the French one with 4,352 (+12%) and the UK one with 2,941 units (+30%).
Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales: “With 59,447 motorcycles delivered to customers, Ducati notches up a historic result and once again underlines its solidity, despite the difficulties encountered across all sectors due to the supplies crisis. Sales grew double-digit in all major countries, from the United States to Australia, where the new subsidiary achieved an increase of 50%. These results are also the outcome of extraordinary work aimed at the continuous improvement of the global sales network both in quantitative terms, with 84 new dealerships, and in qualitative terms, focusing on the digitization of processes and omnichannel to guarantee our Ducatisti an “unforgettable” experience, which fully reflects the company’s values. Now we are starting 2022 with an even more complete range, which is already receiving high praise as demonstrated by the best order portfolio ever at the beginning of the year.”
The enormous success obtained during the year is confirmed by the Multistrada V4, which was by far the biggest-selling and most-loved bike for Ducatisti in 2021 with 9,957 motorcycles delivered to customers. The Ducati Scrambler 800 family followed with 9,059 units, and the Monster, with 8,734 motorcycles sold.
These results were achieved despite the unpredictable situation generated by the supply crisis that has been on-going for some time. It is still a very volatile situation and is destined to continue further.
For 2022, Ducati presented nine new models to the public during the Ducati World Première web series, helping to create an even more complete range ready to satisfy the desires of every type of motorcyclist. Expectations are particularly high for the DesertX , the Ducati bike designed to tackle the most demanding off-roads with 21″ front and 18″ rear wheels, long suspension travel and ample ground clearance. A motorcycle that takes Ducati into a whole new world, a symbol of how the brand can widen its horizons without losing its roots and its sporting identity, as proven by the Panigale V4 which, in its latest evolutionary step, becomes the closest motorcycle to a MotoGP bike that a motorcyclist can ride.
To discover the Ducati 2022 range, a dedicated section is available on the Ducati.com website.
Front-running CSBK Pro racer David Klassen, 58, has died after a six-month battle with Cancer in Alberta. Klassen passed away on December 29, 2021.
As described on the North Shore News website obituary section, Klassen is survived by his children, Zoe (13) and Logan (9), as well as his parents Robert and Lynn Klassen, his sister, Janis and brother, Mark.
Klassen climbed the RACE-sanctioned ladder in the late 1980s era of fierce competition, and big manufacturer support, on the Canadian National and Regional Road racing scene. Klassen was a front runner in Amateur big bike competition in 1988, with Suzuki support on the new, second generation “sling shot” twin-exhaust GSX-R750.
Among the racers who graduated with Klassen from the class of 1988 were eventual Muzzy-Kawasaki factory racer Jacques “Jet” Guenette, Suzuki Canada Superbike pilot Jeff Gaynor, and Superbike ace as well as multi tile National Sport Bike Champ for Yamaha, Linnley Clarke.
Klassen wanted to race in the Feature class when he turned Pro for 1989 and purchased the ex-Norm Murphy Weld Rite Racing Kawasaki GPZ750R. Discouraged by friends from taking such a big career step all at once, Klassen proved competitive in the Feature class.
However, he didn’t have the support and finances to run on a much modified bike, and was frequently struggling with mechanical issues. His best result was a RACE Eastern Canada Challenger Series victory at Sanair International, Quebec.
The next season, Klassen move to the more affordable Pro Twins class with a mostly stock, ex-Dave Hatch Honda GT650 Hawk. Throughout the season, Klassen staged a number of memorable battles for the Twins win with the legendary “Crazy Frank” Mrazek, the older veteran aboard the Ducati 851 Desmo owned by author George Jonas. Mrazek was twice Klassen’s age and near twice the fit Klassen’s size!
While Mrazek had way more bike, Klassen was incredible on the little Honda, and rode beyond the potential of his equipment to the point that the Twins races became a fan favorite. Klassen won the Championship and set regular lap records.
An electrician by trade, Klassen lived in eastern Toronto, and gradually gravitated into the circle of Pro racers based on Queen Street West at Ontario Honda and Yamaha. Owned by Murray Brown and tuner Rick Andrews, Ontario Honda decided to build a road racer powered by Yamaha’s dual sport Super Tenere big twin powerplant.
With a frame built at the shop by Andrews, Klassen showed well immediately with the unique racer, winning easily, and running near the pace of the best Superbikes. Klassen set lap records with the Yamaha, breaking the seemingly unbeatable standards he had established on the Honda V-Twin!
This helped Klassen back into the Superbike mainstream, and he earned success in WERA Sprint and Endurance National events in the U.S., on both American and Canadian (Tim Ruhl’s R.A. Racing) based squads.
Klassen also had success in 1994 with a mutt Yamaha built at Ontario Honda, a Yamaha Superbike finished in purple and named “Barney.” The remaining elements of Barney exist to this day with former Ontario Honda mechanic and Pro Superbike Feature race winning tuner Zaid Saleen of Z-1 Cycle Tech.
HE DID IT! WE DID IT! SAM SUNDERLAND AND GASGAS ARE DAKAR RALLY WINNERS!
HISTORY MADE WITH FIRST EVER DAKAR RALLY VICTORY FOR GASGAS FACTORY RACING
Sam Sunderland and GASGAS Factory Racing have won the 2022 Dakar Rally! Delivering exactly the kind of mature, considered performance we’ve come to expect of him over the last two weeks, in finishing eighth in today’s final stage, Sam has claimed overall victory at the 44th Dakar Rally. And, at the end of 12 grueling days of racing across the Saudi Arabian desert, he’s handed GASGAS our first ever victory at the world’s most iconic rally raid event!
Sam Sunderland wins Dakar Rally 2022!
GASGAS Factory Racing claims first Dakar title!
Two stage wins for Daniel Sanders before injury
Dakar Rally winner Sam Sunderland. Photo by Rally Zone, courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing.
Sam Sunderland: “Wow. What a feeling! That 10-minute period waiting at the end of the final stage to see if I’d won felt like a lifetime. But this feeling, knowing I’ve won a second Dakar, will stay in my memory forever. This win feels better than the first as this victory was anything but easy. The times were so close this year and there was no time to let off the gas, it was a really close race, right to the end. All of the hard work, the sacrifices, and everything that the GASGAS team has done for me makes it all worthwhile. It’s been five years since my first Dakar win, and it’s been a long time to wait! I’m super happy to get another win and claim the first one for GASGAS. Everyone on the team has worked so hard to achieve this and it’s a true team effort – together we got the job done. Amazing.”
Leading the race from stage two through to the end of stage six, the Dakar began perfectly for Sam. Riding flawlessly throughout the two-week event, he delivered the goods on multiple occasions when the pressure was well and truly on. Competitive from the very beginning, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Sam Sunderland is 2022 Dakar Rally champion!
Sam’s second Dakar victory is not just an incredible personal achievement, it also marks the return of the title to the KTM AG Company. With 19 wins in the last 22 years, Sam’s victory re-affirms the group’s commitment and ongoing success at the world’s toughest rally raid.
While it’s all about Sam right now and his amazing achievement, it wouldn’t be right to sign off from Dakar 2022 without giving Daniel Sanders the credit he deserves. Our second GASGAS Factory Racing star taking on this year’s event, Chucky claimed two amazing stage wins, and on the final day of racing in week one, led Sam home for a GASGAS one-two. A crash on stage seven resulted in a fractured elbow and wrist, but the good news is that’s he’s had surgery and is now well on the way to making a full recovery. He’ll be back at the Dakar in 2023 for another run at the title.
Congrats guys, enjoy the party!
Norbert Stadlbauer – Rally Team Manager: “Amazing, simply amazing! This Dakar was a really challenging race, right until the very end, so to win, it’s an incredible achievement. Throughout the whole event Sam was smart, strong, and his speed was exceptional. I’m really happy for him and the whole of GASGAS Factory Racing. The entire team has worked so hard to be successful and it’s a really special moment. There’s no feeling like it. I’d like to thank all of the team’s sponsors and partners, everyone in Austria, and now, after a two tough weeks, it’s time to celebrate!”
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
MATTHIAS WALKNER AND KTM FINISH THIRD AT 2022 DAKAR RALLY
Dakar Rally 2022 – Stage 12
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Matthias Walkner has claimed an impressive third-place finish at the incredibly tough 2022 Dakar Rally. Delivering strong, consistent results throughout the entire two-week event, the Austrian star fought hard right to the very end to ultimately finish less than seven minutes behind the race winner after close to 40 hours of racing. Toby Price secured a top-10 overall result with a solid second place finish on the event’s 12th and final stage.
Lying third going in the final day of racing, Matthias Walkner put in a superb performance on today’s stage to finish seventh fastest and secure his overall podium result. After covering more than 8,000 kilometers, the top three motorcycle class finishers were separated by just under seven minutes, such was the closeness of competition at this year’s event. Walkner’s third-place finish is the Austrian’s fourth Dakar podium, as he adds the hard-fought result to his 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship title, in what has been an incredible 12 months of racing for the experienced 35-year-old.
Matthias Walkner: “I feel super happy and also lucky to be here healthy at the finish line. It feels great to be back on the podium too after a couple of difficult Dakars the past two years. It’s been a super long and hard Dakar as always, but this year has been special because of the level of navigation needed every day. We saw right from the first day that you can win or lose so much time on each stage. Because of that I really tried to focus on my roadbook, and concentrate on my navigation for the whole race. The first week went really well for me, and then into the second week, everyone was pushing really hard, so you had to give your best every day as the times were so close. The new bike has been brilliant, and the team have put so much effort into making sure we had the performance needed to finish on the podium, so thank you to them. Now it’s time to celebrate!”
Following a tough start to this year’s event when a navigation issue on stage one cost him a considerable amount of time, Toby Price delivered day after day of solid results to fight his way back into the top-10 overall. Placing as second quickest on the final day of racing, together with his stage win on day 10, shows that the two-time Dakar Champion has lost none of his speed or motivation. Happy to safely complete the 2022 event without injury, Price now looks ahead to the remainder of this year’s FIM World Rally-Raid Championship.
Toby Price: “I’m always happy to reach the finish here at the Dakar, it’s been a really tough race this year. Losing time on that first day put me on the back foot a little for the rest of the stages, and the way things are now, any mistakes can lose you a lot of time on the others because things are so close. The terrain here in Saudi makes for a really fast race too, a lot of the stages are sprints to the finish, but the atmosphere is good and it’s a good place to be. I’m excited for 2023 already!”
Kevin Benavides showed impressive speed throughout the whole 2022 Dakar Rally – his first riding for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. Also losing time on the first day in Saudi, the 2021 Dakar Champion put in day after day of fast, consistent performances to fight his way back up the order to lie fifth overall at the close of stage nine. Unfortunately, after suffering a technical issue on stage 10, the Argentinian was forced to withdraw. Returning to complete the final two stages of the race, Benavides was immediately back up to speed, claiming a stage win on day 11. Happy to reach the finish line safely and taking the many positives from his performance, Kevin is already fully motivated for next year’s event.
Kevin Benavides: “I have enjoyed this final day at the Dakar – I opened the stage, which was great, and it feels good to finally get to the finish. Obviously, it’s frustrating to have had the problem on stage 10, up until that point my race had gone really well, and I believe I had the pace to challenge for the podium. These last two days have shown that, too. There are many positives I can take from this year’s race and I’m really happy with how I rode and navigated through the stages. Part of the Dakar is all about learning and improving and so I’ll take that away from this year and try to come back even stronger in 2023.”
Making not only his Dakar debut, but also his first ever competitive rally-raid appearance at the 2022 Dakar, Danilo Petrucci raised a few eyebrows around the paddock with his consistent display of speed and skill on his Tech3 KTM 450 RALLY. Claiming a stage win at the Dakar is a huge accomplishment, to do it at your first attempt is a spectacular achievement! Attaining his goal of completing the race, Danilo was overjoyed with how his race had gone and what he had accomplished.
Danilo Petrucci: “I am so happy to finally reach the finish line and to complete the goal I set out to do. It’s been a tough time both leading up to the event and the race itself, but to complete my first ever Dakar feels amazing. I’m really happy with my performance but over the last couple of days I have had some crashes and feel quite sore at the moment. Thanks to all the team for their hard work, it has been an amazing experience and one of the hardest things I have ever done.”
Completing his 2022 Dakar campaign with an excellent fifth-place result on stage 12, KTM-supported privateer Mason Klein not only finished as top rookie, but also claimed an outstanding ninth overall. The 20-year-old American has shown incredible navigation and roadbook skills over the course of this year’s event, as well as the speed to back it up.
Norbert Stadlbauer – Rally Team Manager: “I’m really proud of the whole team. The Dakar is simply the toughest, hardest race in the world. For all of our riders to get to the finish is a huge achievement. Big congratulations to Matthias who did an amazing job to put his KTM on the podium in third position. It’s another really good result for him and even more impressive considering the level of this year’s event. Thank you also to Toby, Kevin, and of course Danilo, who all performed very well over the whole race. It’s been an amazing Dakar, so thank you to all who helped to make it happen.”
HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING RIDER DELIVERS IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT TOUGH TWO-WEEK EVENT TO PLACE 13TH OVERALL
Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has successfully completed the 2022 Dakar Rally with a strong performance on the 12th and final stage of the event, claiming sixth fastest on the short timed special. The result places the young Argentinian 13th in the overall rally standings.
Although the final stage of this year’s Dakar Rally was a long one, totalling 680 kilometres from Bisha to the finish in Jeddah, the special used to decide the final event placings was a relative sprint to the finish, totalling just 164 kilometres. As the 26th rider to enter the timed section, Benavides immediately got his head down and pushed hard right from the start.
With the special primarily made up of fast, sandy tracks, and navigation proving less of a challenge, times were extremely close at the sharp end of the timesheets. Coming in just less than three minutes behind the eventual stage winner, Luciano secured a strong result for the final stage and with it ended his 2022 Dakar on a high.
The impressive performance continued a strong run of form for Benavides who has gone from strength to strength in the second week of racing. Following a tricky start where he, like many of his rivals, lost time on the event’s opening stage, Luciano has delivered six top-10 stage results to fight his way back up the leaderboard. Completing the rally in 13th overall, the former FIM Cross-Country Rallies Junior World Champion is happy to finish a third Dakar Rally and now looks ahead to attacking the rest of the world championship.
Skyler Howes had also been showing incredible form at this year’s race when a crash on stage five forced him to withdraw from the event. After undergoing medical checks at the local hospital, the American was discharged and has since returned home where he will get some much-needed rest and recovery time before returning to competition later in the year.
Luciano Benavides: “I’m really happy to complete this year’s Dakar, it’s been a really tough event both mentally and physically. It was hard to lose time on the first stage, but since then I have been giving my all to work my way back up the standings. The bike has been great and with a few changes as the race has gone on, I’ve found a setting I feel comfortable with and because of that the results have been improving throughout the rally. Getting to the finish of such a long and intense event feels amazing. It would have been good to get inside the top 10 by the finish, but I’m still happy with my performance. The result and the finish have really improved my confidence and now I’m looking forward to the rest of the year and seeing what we can do in the world championship, before preparing for Dakar 2023.”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Honda Team:
Pablo Quintanilla takes runner-up spot in the Dakar Rally 2022
Monster Energy Honda Team rider Pablo Quintanilla won the final 2022 Dakar Rally stage to grab second overall place in the race just three-and-a-half minutes shy of the winner. All four team riders managed to finish one of the toughest ever editions of the rally, with the Honda CRF450 RALLY once again making it through the entire Dakar without a single mechanical issue.
Monster Energy Honda Team’s Chilean rider Pablo Quintanilla wrapped up the 45th edition of the Dakar Rally today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a well-deserved second place. Quintanilla, who started this morning in second place in the general standings, 6’52” behind Sam Sunderland, attempted to close the gap over the 150 kilometres of timed special involving some tricky, fast-paced navigation. Pablo earned the final stage victory, finishing 3’27” short of clinching the outright Dakar 2022 title.
Pablo Quintanilla joined Monster Energy Honda Team last May, finishing on the Andalucía Rally podium in his first outing. Later, in October, he would clinch top honours in the Rallye du Maroc. Today’s runner-up position marks a third finish on the Dakar podium for Quintanilla.
Monster Energy Honda Team team-mates Joan Barreda, Ricky Brabec and José Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Cornejo, riding their respective Honda CRF450 RALLY bikes, also finished the race among the leaders. Spain’s Barreda, fourth on the final stage, finished fifth overall, equalling the result achieved in 2017. Brabec took seventh spot overall in this edition of the Dakar, while ‘Nacho’ Cornejo, third on the stage today, consolidated his sixth place in the final rally classification.
All four of the team riders placed among the top seven finishers. Furthermore, a total of five stage victories (Barreda 2, Cornejo 2, Quintanilla 1) in this edition takes Honda’s overall tally of partial wins at the Dakar to 97.
The next race for the Monster Energy Honda Team is scheduled from 5-10 March for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
Ricky Brabec 2
STAGE: 21TH OVERALL: 7TH
The last day we tried to push. There was navigation and a lot of rocks. He hoped to make up time and see if someone else stumbled. We didn’t give up until the end. I’m happy and healthy and ready to go home. There was not much else we could do. We tried to come back from an hour down. The first stage killed us. After the first week it was definitely hard to pick up the pieces. We’ll be back next year to try and win this thing. Anything else other than winning is unacceptable. We’re going to come back next year and hopefully try to win.
Pablo Quintanilla 7
STAGE: 1ST OVERALL: 2ND
I am very happy with the result and my performance throughout the whole race, especially during the second week, which I managed well, making up time with a steady performance. I am very pleased and I wish to thank the whole Monster Energy Honda Team for their incredible work over these weeks. It was a really tough race, with a lot of tension, but I’m happy. Today there was second place at stake and there was even a chance of winning the race. It didn’t turn out that way, but I’m still happy with the second place finish. Now it’s time to enjoy this moment.
José Ignacio Cornejo 11
STAGE: 3RD OVERALL: 6TH
We finished the Dakar with a good stage; I am very happy with this final stage, without any mistakes and marking some good pace. I am satisfied to have finished the Dakar like this, but not in the overall balance, because, although I recovered several positions this last week, the mistake early in the race conditioned the end. I think I should have been further ahead. This year it was our turn to suffer, but we will be back again. The team in general was very solid and I want to congratulate all my team-mates for the great work done these days.
Joan Barreda 88
STAGE: 4TH OVERALL: 5TH
The result of this Dakar is a fifth place with a broken collarbone from a week ago and after losing 40 minutes at a waypoint on the first day. I’ve kept the mentality and the ambition that I’ve had all year, in spite of the adversities. Not giving up and going all the way to the finish. In racing sometimes things go well and other times not so well. But the important thing for me has been to be able to show all the hard work that’s been done. We’ve been working for seven months for the Dakar, now it’s time to rest a bit and then we’ll think about the new goals, knowing that the ambition and motivation has to be 100%. In this Dakar, every day that I’ve been on the bike I’ve had unique sensations.
Ruben Faria
General Manager
First of all I wish to congratulate the entire team for the work done in this Dakar which was such a tough race. We managed to win the last two editions and in this 2022 we finished runner-up, but we fought until the very end for the win. In the end it was very satisfying as we placed all four riders in the top seven. The first week we started with a disadvantage, starting with the prologue. The best rider in that first special was Pablo Quintanilla, who was also the top rider in our team, finishing in second overall place. For me, the prologue conditioned the first day which had a very difficult waypoint and where the riders lost a lot of time. The result of that prologue meant that we didn’t get off to the right start on those early Dakar stages. The first week was difficult for us, but we were always fighting and working to improve step by step. We would have liked to have retained the title, but this second place was really hard and has a great value for the team. There is some tough competition between the marques and the riders from different teams. We have to work harder and improve in all aspects. We finish with our heads held high, everyone has given the maximum in their respective duties. This Dakar was really tough, with long, hard special stages and with everything that a Dakar should have. Lastly, but no less importantly, I also wish to congratulate the team that was finally able to come from Japan despite Covid. They were with us and worked very hard too. I especially want to thank Taichi Honda for always being at our side.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team Enjoys Positive Results At 2022 Dakar Rally
The 2022 Dakar Rally has reached its conclusion with Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team’s Adrien Van Beveren and Andrew Short successfully completing the world’s toughest rally raid well inside the overall top 10. For Adrien Van Beveren, his encouraging form throughout the race saw him impressively lead the event on two separate occasions. Taking the race for overall victory down to the very last stage, the Frenchman eventually missed out on a top-three finish by the narrowest of margins. Andrew Short also enjoyed a largely positive time at the Dakar with the American claiming eight top-10 stage results on his way to finishing a highly commendable eighth overall.
Besides Ross Branch being ruled out of the event due to injury following a fall on stage seven, the 2022 Dakar Rally has been an incredibly successful one for the entire Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team. In addition to the riders’ Yamaha WR450F Rally machines running flawlessly throughout the entire event, Adrien Van Beveren narrowly missed out on the overall podium with Andrew Short demonstrating just what he’s capable of during the race.
Equalling his best overall finish at the Dakar, Adrien Van Beveren has placed an impressive fourth overall at the 2022 edition of the iconic event. Leading the race on two separate occasions this year and placing no lower than fourth overall throughout the entire rally, the Frenchman was undoubtedly in fine form throughout the competition. Delivering pin-point accuracy with his navigation day-after-day, Adrien delivered one of the stand-out performances in the motorcycle category.
If not for a frustrating navigational error on stage one, which affected him as well as many of his rivals, Andrew Short may well have joined Adrien in the top five overall. After losing considerable time early on, the 39-year-old was faultless through the remaining stages at the Dakar as he worked his way up the leaderboard. At the end of 12 stages and almost 40 hours of racing, Andrew secured eighth overall, narrowly missing out on placing seventh by just five seconds.
Securing further positive results at the Dakar Rally for Yamaha, Camelia Liparoti, driving her YXZ1000R Prototype, posted strong stage results throughout the event to claim sixth overall in the Light Prototype class.
Adrien Van Beveren – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
15th Stage 12
The race is over and I have mixed feelings about it, but on the whole it has been a really positive race for myself and the team. I’m really happy to have finished the race, the first time since 2017, so I’m really pleased about that. But on the other hand, it looked certain that I would podium or maybe even take the win. But with the issue yesterday, that’s just part of rally racing and it wasn’t meant to be. I’m really happy for the team. Everyone has worked super hard and my bike was amazing. I have no regrets about anything and I gave it everything that I had. To be fighting for the win at the Dakar, it was an amazing experience and now I’m looking forward to the future.
Andrew Short – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
13th Stage 12
I’m so happy to have reached the finish line. The Dakar is such a crazy race that finishing is a great achievement in itself. The final stage was pretty cool, a bit tight a twisty with some nice terrain. Before the rally I hoped to finish higher and it wasn’t through lack of effort – it was solely down to the issue I had on stage one. I did the best I could after that but that’s just how rally is sometimes. The team have been amazing. They built a great bike for me, which didn’t miss a beat all race and I’m happy that we had two guys in the top 10.
STEFANO MANZI JOINS SOOMER AT DYNAVOLT TRIUMPH FOR 2022
Dynavolt Triumph are pleased to confirm that Moto2™ regular Stefano Manzi will join Hannes Soomer to complete the team line-up in the 2022 World Supersport Championship.
Stefano is an experienced rider. His career started back in 2007 and he went through many victories and categories until he made his leap into the World Championship in 2015 in Moto3™. Two years later he made his debut in Moto2™ with the Sky Racing Team VR46 and since then the intermediate class has been his field.
The 22-year-old from Rimini now moves across to the World Supersport category for a new challenge in 2022 with the UK based official factory Dynavolt Triumph team. This represents a great opportunity for both sides to grow together, sharing their experience in racing.
Stefano Manzi: “I am really happy to be part of this Team and part of the project to bring Triumph back to the World Championship. Now I am focused on my winter training to be 100% ready for the beginning of the season. I cannot wait to be back on track and on my new bike.”
VR46 Riders Academy Sporting Director, Alessio Salucci “The whole VR46 Riders Academy is beyond pleased with the agreement reached with the Dynavolt Triumph team. It’s a great chance for Stefano to be part of this project supported by such a highly experienced manufacturer as Triumph. World Supersport is a very competitive category and I am sure that he’ll be able to make a great job together with his new team.”
Dynavolt Triumph Team Manager, Simon Buckmaster: “We’re really pleased to sign Stefano Manzi from the VR46 Academy to ride with the Dynavolt Triumph team in our return to World Supersport this year. He is an exciting prospect with good performance level in his seasons in Moto2™. He had a top six finish towards the end of last year so he’s on good form. He did a couple of wild cards in World SSP so understands the Pirelli tires and of course, understands the Triumph engine well. I won’t say he is going to surprise a few because a lot of people think he is going to be a good front runner and that is what we want, challenging for race wins and the title. We can’t wait to get started testing in March with Stefano and of course with Hannes.”
Dynavolt Triumph will now begin their preparations for the 2022 season which is set to get underway at Aragon, Spain on April 8th, 9th, and 10th.
Marc Marquez back on a motorcycle as his recovery advances
Marc Marquez underwent a medical examination with Dr. Sánchez Dalmau last Monday to analyse the situation of his diplopia. The ophthalmologist confirmed a clear improvement in the vision of the eight-time World Champion.
With this progress, the Repsol Honda Team rider received authorization to ride a motorcycle and motocross, the most demanding discipline possible in the world of two wheels, was chosen by Marquez and his team. After a three-month absence, the Spanish rider returned to riding at the Ponts Circuit (Lleida). After several runs his sensations and feelings on the bike were more than optimistic.
The next step for Marquez will be to ride on a paved racetrack.
VALENTINO ROSSI TO DRIVE AN AUDI R8 LMS OF TEAM WRT IN THE 2022 GTWCE
Team WRT is pleased to announce that Valentino Rossi will join its driver line-up in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS for the 2022 season.
A 9-time motorbike World Champion and one of the world’s sports icons, the 42-year-old Italian will start his professional career on four wheels with the Belgian squad, which is the reigning champion team in the Fanatec GTWCE Powered by AWS (overall, Endurance and Sprint).
Valentino Rossi will be competing in both the Endurance and the Sprint Cups, driving an Audi R8 LMS sporting the emblematic #46. He will be paired in both series with Audi Sport drivers to be named in due course.
The announcement follows the test conducted by Valentino Rossi with Team WRT at Valencia last December.
Vincent Vosse: “I am sure that a lot of fans will be as pleased as we are that Vale is starting a new career on four wheels and that he is doing it in GT, with Team WRT and Audi. We all know what a great motorbike champion and sports figure Vale is, but most of all, he is a true racer and a very professional and competitive sportsman, eager to be as successful as possible in the new challenge he has decided to embrace. This is exactly why we really wanted to work with him. The test we made at Valencia was extremely positive for both parties, in terms of technical feedback and working approach, and we took things from there. We warmly welcome Vale in the WRT family and I am sure that we are off to a very exciting experience for both.”
Valentino Rossi: “I am delighted to join Team WRT for a full Fanatec GTWCE powered by AWS programme. Everybody knows that I have always been a great car racing fan and that I have always been interested in a racing on four wheels once my MotoGP career would come to an end. Now I am completely available to devote myself to a car racing programme at high level and with the right professional approach. Team WRT is the perfect fit I was looking for and I am anxious to start this new adventure in the GTWCE with them.”
Stéphane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group founder & CEO: “I am delighted to welcome Valentino Rossi to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS grid for 2022. Having followed his illustrious career in motorcycle racing for more than two decades, it is truly exciting to witness the start of this new chapter in GT machinery. To attract a competitor of Valentino’s stature is a tremendous vote of confidence for our championship and for GT racing in general. He will bring new energy to our paddock and I look forward to watching him on-track this season.”
KEVIN BENAVIDES TOPS PENULTIMATE STAGE AT DAKAR 2022
Dakar Rally 2022 – Stage 11
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kevin Benavides has bounced back from a tough day 10 to win stage 11, the penultimate day of the 2022 Dakar Rally. On one of the toughest specials of the event, Matthias Walkner brought his KTM 450 RALLY home in an excellent fourth place, and now lies third in the provisional event standings with one day left to race. Opening today’s stage, Toby Price placed 28th, while Danilo Petrucci completed the 346-kilometer special in 17th.
The event organizers ensured there was a sting in the tail to this year’s Dakar Rally by delivering one the most challenging stages of the race on the penultimate day. Technically demanding navigation combined with extremely soft sand and dunes tested the riders and their machines to the limit.
After a disappointing stage 10 yesterday in which his 2022 Dakar hopes came to an end, Kevin Benavides bounced back in style, showing impressive speed to top today’s results. Putting in an incredible performance, the number one plate holder fought his way from a late, 33rd place start to ultimately win the stage by a narrow four seconds. Benavides will now lead out the event’s short, final 164-kilometer timed special on Friday’s stage 12.
Kevin Benavides: “It was a really demanding day today. It’s great to get the win but I’m full of emotion because of the issue I had yesterday. Up to that point I was fighting for the overall, and now, after going fastest today I know I would have been in with a chance to win the rally. I gave it my all today, mostly to prove to myself that I could do it. I think it’s important to be able to come back from disappointment and immediately fight for a stage win. I have to thank the whole team, but especially my mechanic who worked so hard last night to give me an amazing bike for today – it felt perfect on the stage. I will now have the pleasure of opening the last stage of the race with no pressure, so I’m really looking forward to it and reaching the finish.”
Well in the fight for the overall rally honors, Matthias Walkner had to ensure he delivered a strong stage result today with the minimum of mistakes to stay in contention for the 2022 title. Fastest to the first checkpoint, Walkner navigated superbly through the remainder of the special to complete the stage in fourth place, just under five minutes down on teammate Benavides. Moving up to third overall in the event standings, Matthias will be aiming to reduce the gap to the current leader during tomorrow’s stage and secure a podium position while also fighting for the rally win.
Matthias Walkner: “It was a really long and really fast stage today. It was very dusty this morning too, which made the navigation even more difficult. I made a few small mistakes, but I really did try my best all day pushing as hard as I could. Finally I was able to make the finish with a good time and it puts me in a good position for tomorrow, so we’ll see what happens.”
After his win on day 10, Toby Price had the unenviable task of opening today’s ultra-tough stage 11. An issue early on where a waypoint didn’t validate correctly for the Australian put him on the back foot for the rest of the special. However, using his skill and speed, the twice Dakar Champion was able to regroup and keep pushing through the arduous terrain. Ultimately completing the stage in 28th, Toby now lies 10th in the overall standings with one day left to race.
Toby Price: “It was super dusty today and navigation was tough, but I had a frustrating problem early on at kilometer four where one waypoint didn’t validate, even though I’m pretty sure I was in the right place. I had to zig-zag back and forward and thankfully in the end, even though I was on the same track, it activated. Hopefully we can have that checked, but other than that the day went ok, I felt good on the bike and arrived safely at the finish line. One more day to go tomorrow, and that will be the 2022 Dakar complete.”
Continuing to impress, and despite the severity of today’s stage, Danilo Petrucci brought his Tech3 KTM 450 RALLY home in a commendable 17th place, just over 23 minutes down on the eventual stage winner. With one more day remaining, the former MotoGP racer is now just 680 kilometers away from completing his first Dakar Rally.
Danilo Petrucci: “It was one of the toughest days of my life today. I got a little lost early on with some other riders and then after that there were some really soft dunes. I have never seen anything like that before, it was really tiring to ride through. Then we raced through a huge sandstorm where it was really difficult to find your way and stay focused on your navigation. Luckily, after the refueling it was ok – the sand was still really soft, but it wasn’t so tricky. Unfortunately at one point I hit a piece of wood that was hidden underneath the sand and I had a big crash and hurt my shoulder. I was able to make it to the finish, but it did give me a lot of pain. We have one more day to go, so I’m looking forward to reaching the finish.”
Provisional Standings – 2022 Dakar Rally after 11 of 12 stages
1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), GASGAS, 37:04:05
2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Honda, 37:10:57 +6:52
3. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 37:11:20 +7:15
4. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 37:19:35 +15:30
5. Joan Barreda (ESP), Honda, 37:31:59 +27:54
Other KTM
9. Mason Klein (USA), KTM, 37:55:14 +51:09
10. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 37:56:32 +52:27
More, from a press release issued by GASGAS Factory Racing:
GASGAS FACTORY RACING’S SAM SUNDERLAND RETAKES DAKAR RALLY LEAD
OUTSTANDING RIDE ON PENULTIMATE STAGE MOVES SAM ONE STEP CLOSER TO DAKAR GLORY!
We said stage 11 would be a pivotal day of racing at the Dakar and, oh boy, it sure was! After losing a little time yesterday, the pressure was well and truly on Sam today, who in no uncertain terms needed to deliver a flawless ride to keep his chances of a second Dakar win alive. And that’s exactly what he did. Putting together a standout performance, Sam navigated perfectly, attacked from the start, and finished second on the stage, just four seconds behind the eventual winner. Now, with just one day of racing to go, the GASGAS Factory Racing ace sits at the top of the leaderboard with a near seven-minute advantage over his nearest rival.
Sam returns to the top of the provisional Dakar leaderboard
Outstanding performance on penultimate stage from Sunderland
One day and just 163 kilometers of racing to go!
Sam Sunderland: “Today was a really tough one. We were expecting it to be difficult and even four kilometers in there were lines everywhere in the sand. From there on I had to focus on myself and stay on top of my roadbook, it wasn’t really an option to follow the lines ahead. Through the dunes I was able to make up some time, which was good and I just missed out on another stage win. Up until now the race has gone really well, the whole team behind me has been fantastic but the race isn’t over until it’s over. All I can do is hope for a clean run through tomorrow’s stage and then we’ll see where we end up.”
In rally racing, starting any stage a handful of riders behind the first rider generally proves to be an advantage, but with the navigation incredibly tricky on today’s penultimate stage of the rally, it was every man for himself out there in the desert. Opting to focus solely on his roadbook throughout the challenging 345-kilometer special, Sam was in superb form, narrowly missing out on the stage win but more importantly, now leads the rally heading into the final, decisive day of racing. It’s go time!
More, from a press release issued by Husqvarna Factory Racing:
LUCIANO BENAVIDES BATTLES THROUGH DAKAR STAGE 11
ONE DAY OF RACING REMAINS FOR HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING STAR AT GRUELLING 2022 EVENT
Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has completed the hugely demanding stage 11 of the Dakar Rally in 26th place. Following his excellent runner-up performance on Wednesday’s stage 10, the FR 450 Rally rider was the second competitor to take to today’s challenging special where he soon found himself up front and opening much of the route.
Totalling 501 kilometres, stage 11 of the Dakar included an extremely tough 346-kilometre timed special that tested riders with a combination of soft sand dunes, faster tracks and canyons, with technically demanding navigation throughout. Although setting off near the front proved to be a disadvantage, Benavides rode extremely well, focusing on his roadbook and safely making his way through the special without any major issues.
Completing the day as 26th fastest, less than 30 minutes down on the eventual stage winner, Luciano lies 13th overall in the event standings and will enjoy a strong start position for the final day of the race – the 680-kilometre stage 12. The young Argentinian’s primary goal is to successfully complete the stage and earn his first Dakar finish riding for the Husqvarna Factory Racing team.
Luciano Benavides: “Another stage done, and it was super tough today. Probably not the best day to start in front, but I did my best as always and I think I did a good job. The navigation was very tricky and with the dunes being so soft it would have been easy for the guys starting behind to make up time. I was able to catch up with Toby (Price) ahead of me and we took it in turns to open the stage. I lost some time, but not enough to affect my position in the overall. There is one day left so I will go out tomorrow and do my best to finish the race strong.”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Honda Team:
Pablo Quintanilla to fight nail and tooth for the overall Dakar 2022 win
Monster Energy Honda Team’s Dakar Rally battle will go down to the wire. After the penultimate stage, Pablo Quintanilla holds second overall place with a chance of victory. There are still over 150 kilometres left to go, with the Dakar often producing final stage surprises.
Today’s special stage, as expected, was an intriguing one. The strategy of the previous day, which saw some riders managing to lose time, yet drop many positions, in order to benefit in today’s starting order, dictated for the most part, what happened on the route today. Some 346 kilometres of sand and dunes, on a total stage of just over 500 kilometres, helped define how the podium is likely to look at the end. The Bisha loop caused a few losses, but many riders were able to make up for time they had lost yesterday.
Ricky Brabec was the best-placed Monster Energy Honda Team rider on the day. The American finished in fifth place, moving up into six place overall, a position which he hopes to consolidate tomorrow. Brabec finished just one place ahead of team-mate Pablo Quintanilla. Pablo, sixth, performed well today – well enough to be in contention tomorrow and could improve on his current second place in this 2022 Dakar. The Chilean biker is less than seven minutes behind the overall race leader. If the full length of the final special stage goes ahead as planned tomorrow, the rider could well spring a surprise and stand a chance of scooping the world’s toughest rally.
Chilean José Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Cornejo also had a good day in spite of a minor mistake in the opening kilometres of the special. Today’s seventh place also puts him into the same position in the general rankings. Lastly, Joan Barreda was lumbered with opening the track today as the riders ahead forced him to carry the stage’s main burden. The conditions were not ideal for Joan who struggled to make progress in the soft dunes of Bisha. With a fall included, the Spaniard finished sixteenth in RallyGP and is fifth in the general standings, nearly half an hour behind the race leader.
Tomorrow’s stage
Bisha-Jeddah. The final stage of the Dakar Rally 2022 will be decided over a total of 676 kilometres, including just 163 against the clock. Leaving the dunes behind, the race will be fought over hard tracks with some sand. A lot of technical complexity is expected before the riders reach the shores of the Red Sea, with the final podium set to take place on the Bisha street circuit.
Ricky Brabec 2
STAGE: 5TH OVERALL: 6TH
This year’s Dakar has been difficult for me personally, to get back into the fight after a bad start. The team didn’t let us down, so we can’t let them down…. We have tried very hard to do our best and give it our all. On this stage 11 we tried very hard to do a good job; I would have liked to make up a lot more time than I did. I’m happy with the way I’m riding and I’m happy with the team, I’ve learned a lot. Our team-mate Pablo can do it tomorrow. Unfortunately, I heard that the stage will be shortened, which in my opinion is unfair.
Pablo Quintanilla 7
STAGE: 6TH OVERALL: 2ND
It was a difficult stage. One of the hardest we’ve done on this Dakar, with a lot of wind, with sectors of very soft dunes. It was very difficult to make progress. I tried to push as hard as I could from the first kilometre; it wasn’t easy. I really let rip but without losing my concentration. In the end, it was a good day, I gave 100% and I think that’s what’s important, that I gave my best every day. There is still one day left and the race is not over until you cross the finish-line. Tomorrow we will attack again from the first kilometre.
José Ignacio Cornejo 11
STAGE: 7TH OVERALL: 7TH
It was a good stage; not the best, but not the worst either. I made a small mistake at the start, where I lost a few minutes. Mathias passed me and we ended up riding together until the end. I think it was a solid stage. We also moved up in the overall standings, which makes me happy because we have managed to overcome a bad first stage. We are not where we wanted to be. Tomorrow the rally will be over, so we will draw our conclusions afterwards.
Joan Barreda 88
STAGE: 16TH OVERALL: 5TH
Today was a very difficult stage, I could say it was one of the most difficult I’ve ever done. I had to open the track from kilometre 4. I tried to keep a good pace, but I encountered some tough situations, with very soft sand that made it almost impossible to move forward; the bike got stuck about ten times, including one where I was thrown off completely and Toby and Luciano helped me to get the bike back upright. I want to say thanks to both. We opened the track all day long. I’m happy because I gave 100%. Some days go well and others not so well. But the best thing is to be satisfied with yourself.
Team Gresini Racing MotoGP's Enea Bastianini (23) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
2022 STARTS NOW: HERE IS TEAM GRESINI RACING MOTOGP
Faenza (Italy), 15 January 2022. Team Gresini Racing MotoGP was presented via streaming worldwide today; the team, which was founded and ‘raised’ by Fausto Gresini, returns to the premier class of MotoGP as an independent team after seven years of absence in this role.
This project is led by team owner Nadia Padovani Gresini and supported by Gresini Racing’s core; this season will witness the return with the family of Enea Bastianini, who already stepped on the podium last year with Ducati, as he joins fellow Italian and MotoGP rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Both riders will race aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP21 in 2022, a bike they were able to get a glimpse of last November at Jerez de la Frontera. Bastianini has already proved he can be extremely competitive with his new bike, while Di Giannantonio has shown great signs for the upcoming debut season.
The rider #49 will be the first to take to the track in Sepang’s first test, which is reserved exclusively to the MotoGP rookies. On-track action will get underway on January 31st with a three-day ‘shakedown’ where the light blue-liveried team will be already among the protagonists.
ENEA BASTIANINI #23
“The new colours of the bike are very particular, when I saw it first it appears a little strange to me, but now that I see it live I can say it is amazing. Such a great bike can’t be but fast! In about twenty days we’ll be leaving for the tests, luckily it is just a short time because I’m way too excited to be back on my Ducati. I already met the team during the first test: we had the chance to know each other better and to work together, and I can firmly say that I have a super team. I think it is going to be a very interesting season, I’m sure we’ll achieve great results. I can’t wait for the season to begin!”
Team Gresini Racing MotoGP riders Enea Bastianini (left) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (right) with Team Owner Nadia Padovani Gresini (center). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49
“2022 is just around the corner. It will be my first season in MotoGP and it will be so cool! I will have a lot to learn, my expectation is to grow race by race and who knows, we’ll may be able to collect even some great achievements. In a bit we’ll be back on track for the test, we’re going in Malaysia and Indonesia is following. I can’t wait to ride again this beautiful beast. The winter break is always too long, I’m counting the days, the hours! And the bike is spectacular, maybe the most beautiful I’ve ever ride, the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. With that unique main color it looks like a bike of the 70’s, retrò style, on track we’ll be recognizable for sure. Particular, original, BEAUTIFUL. A unique emotion”.
NADIA PADOVANI GRESINI
“We’re finally presenting a project we strongly believed in and one we have been working non-stop for during the last year. We’re very motivated and we ended up being the first MotoGP team to present itself; plus, I believe our bikes are beautiful – and I hope all the others will like them, too. I would like to think Fausto is looking at us from above and that is proud of his family. There is almost no distinction between natural and work families, we’re one. I must say that I saw both Diggia and Enea in great shape and eager to start: we’re aiming at being among the protagonists and show up at the parc fermé sometimes.”
The Harley-Davidson Museum south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo by David Swarts.
The new year brings new reasons to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum
Plus, VISIT Milwaukee’s Museum Days (Jan. 20-30) gives you the perfect excuse to become a tourist in your own hometown.
MILWAUKEE, USA – Resolve to rev up your new year with a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum. Whether you’re looking to brush up on Milwaukee’s punk rock history, hoping to score a leather and other great gear from The Shop or aiming to satisfy your hunger pangs with the new monthly specials from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant, the H-D Museum™ campus has you covered in January – and beyond.
Plus, the H-D Museum is proud to partner with VISIT Milwaukee and 20+ other cultural institutions throughout southeastern Wisconsin for Museum Days in conjunction with VISIT’s Hotel Month. From Jan. 20-30, guests can enjoy discounted admission, special events and more.
And with the weekends filling up with football fun, be sure to check out MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant’s offerings to keep the whole team satisfied. BBQ and pigskin are a match made in hog heaven.
Please note the H-D Museum™ campus has rolled out seasonal hours for January and February. The H-D Museum will be open Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Shop will be open Thursday – Monday, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. And MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays, and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Beginning March 1, 2022, the campus will resume seven days a week operation.
PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
Museum Days, Jan 20-24 & 27-30
Nourish your mind and soul by visiting Milwaukee’s amazing cultural institutions during Museum Days, Jan. 20 through Jan. 30. (Please note seasonal hours above for H-D Museum.) For this special event, many of the city’s most fantastic museums will offer admission at rates ranging from FREE to just $15.
Need somewhere to stay during your trip to visit Milwaukee’s museums, restaurants, and stores? More than 20 of Milwaukee’s best hotels are offering wonderful overnight packages at rates of just $75, $100, $125, and $150 throughout January as part of Milwaukee Hotel Month 2022.
Just mention “Milwaukee Museum Days” when you are purchasing your tickets in person January 20-24 & 27-30, 2022 or visit the H-D Museum tickets page to redeem the Museum Days admission offer – just $10 for a ticket to ride – from the H-D Museum. Visit H-D Museum.com to see complete ticket details for exclusions and other terms and conditions.
No other company is so closely associated with Milwaukee as Harley-Davidson, so be sure to check out exhibits like “Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” and experience some real Mil-town history.
Annual Pass
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s new Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.
Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be partially facilitated as scouts explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date. Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, partially facilitated program, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.
Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.
MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
Keith Brammer (Die Kreuzen) leather jacket (on display now)
Perhaps no other genre of music is so closely associated with the classic black leather jacket than punk rock. Keith Brammer, of Milwaukee’s hardcore punk band Die Kreuzen, has graciously lent his well-worn leather to the H-D Museum. The jacket was purchased in New York City in the 1980s and was a constant companion for Brammer throughout his touring days. Check out the Custom Culture gallery to view this piece of Milwaukee music history.
Inspiration and Recovery: Wounded Veteran Climbs the Seven Summits (on display now)
In September 2009, Specialist Benjamin Breckheimer, a Cavalry Scout with the U.S. Army 2nd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was severely wounded during a tour in Afghanistan. His rehabilitation was difficult as he endured numerous surgeries. During this same time, the Harley-Davidson Museum regularly sent care packages – including H-D Museum™ flags dotted with well wishes – to active-duty military personnel. Breckheimer took to mountaineering during his recovery and over the summer carried the H-D Museum flag to the summit of Denali, the highest point in North America. With that peak reached, Breckheimer became the first and only Purple Heart recipient to reach all the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. He continues to climb, and he shares his inspiring story to encourage resiliency and support the mental health of veterans and current service members.
Revolution® Max Engine (on display now)
The brand-new Revolution® Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America™ adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster® S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.
Clubs & Competition (on display now)
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.
The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.
Harley Fox (on display now)
Gail Anderson’s 1986 Softail® Custom motorcycle, “Harley Fox,” built by her partner Bob Burrows, took top prize at the first Ladies of Harley® (LOH) ride-in show during Daytona Beach Bike Week in 1987. With her custom bike and themed riding gear, Anderson presented a striking image that fit the growing visibility and exciting new options for women riders in the 1980s.
Alfonso Sotomayor’s 1957 Model FL (on display now)
The Harley-Davidson Museum is proud to announce its collection has recently grown with the addition of a 1957 Model FL that was ridden by famed Mexican stunt rider and racer Alfonso Sotomayor Canales.
Harley-Davidson’s history in Mexico dates back to at least 1913. In the 1920s, the brand was more frequently spotted throughout Mexico City as the motorcycles proved popular with the local traffic police who would also perform stunts with their Harley-Davidson® bikes. After racing from the 1930s into the 1960s, Sotomayor launched his own stunt riding career by performing the famed “Salto de la Muerte” or Jump of Death. Learn more about Sotomayor’s feats of derring-do and Harley-Davidson’s early entry into Mexico with this new display located in the Custom Culture area.
“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)
In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.
“Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” (on display now)
A recently recovered cache of architectural drawings includes plans for the original Juneau Avenue facility. The pencil drawings, along with archival photographs, demonstrate the whirlwind pace of the company’s early growth. While building an international business—going from producing just over 1,000 motorcycles in 1909 to manufacturing 27,000 motorcycles in 1920—the company’s Milwaukee factory experienced near-constant expansion. Construction through this relatively brief period created the buildings that today, a century later, are still the proud home of Harley-Davidson.
“Building a Milwaukee Icon” provides a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s formative years and illustrates a chapter of Milwaukee history when the city was known as the “Machine Shop to the World.”
THE SHOP
Didn’t get the gift you were hoping for over the holidays? Don’t worry! With new items arriving at The Shop, you can find just what you’re looking for to keep your primed for riding. Check out the new spring apparel items for the whole family along with drinkware and headwear. Need something for that someone special, but don’t know their size? Gift cards are the perfect way to show you care and come in the perfect size!
MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
Fight off the winter chill with monthly specials, BBQ packages and more from MOTOR® Bar and Restaurant. This month, the Grilled Pork Chop (8-oz., bone-in, thick-cut pork chop grilled and seasoned with house-made pork dry rub and served with crispy rosemary potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables, $23.95), Brisket Tacos (three corn tortillas filled with slow-smoked, juicy brisket, queso fresca, pickled red onions and jalapenos. Served with cilantro-lime rice, crispy tortillas and salsa verde, $16.95) and Cherry Pie (fresh locally sourced cherries, fluted in buttery puff pastry, sprinkled with sugar and topped with vanilla ice cream, $7.95) will have you drooling, but leave you satisfied.
And with the football playoff push kicking off, be sure to call in the team at MOTOR® Bar and Restaurant to help you win gameday. With delivery, dine-in and carryout options – including the Family BBQ Package – MOTOR® Bar and Restaurant has you covered!
Finally, on Wednesday, Jan. 19, MOTOR® Bar and Restaurant is teaming up with 2A Wine Merchants for an exploration of wines to pair with football fare. Score your tickets today to get ready for the big game.
1903 EVENTS
Did someone put a ring on it over the holidays? Let “Happily ever after” begin with the team at 1903 Events. The memories from your big day will last a lifetime when you leave the planning and details to 1903 Events. Book your wedding prior to March 31, 2022 and receive a complimentary sixth hour of hosted bar with the wedding package. Be sure to check out Milwaukee Magazine’s Weddings issue to learn more.
About the Harley-Davidson Museum
Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.
R.I.P. AFM racer Kelly Winkelbauer (462), who in 2008 was 250cc Production Champion and second in F2, died at age 60. Photo by Gary Rather/courtesy Michael Aron.
Former AFM 250 Production and F2 racer Kelly Winkelbauer, age 60, died Tuesday, January 11th at home in Santa Rosa, California from congestive heart failure. He is survived by his long-time girlfriend Sue Urquhart, and his mother, Melva Boelter.
Winkelbauer’s best season with AFM was in 2008, when he won the 250cc Production Championship and finished second in the F2 Championship.
According to Urquhart, “Nothing planned at the moment (thanks omicron), but talking about having an AFM people get-together in a few months to remember him. I’ll let you know when that happens.”
Francesco Bagnaia riding a 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Passion For Ducati Has Never Been Greater With 59,447 Motorcycles Sold worldwide, 2021 is the Best Year Ever
Ducati ends 2021 with record sales, growing globally by +24% over 2020 and +12% over 2019
Double-digit growth in all major countries including the United States, which regains the place of top market, and Australia, which records + 50% compared to 2020
The Multistrada V4 is the best-selling and most popular motorcycle for Ducatisti in 2021 with 9,957 motorcycles delivered to customers
The 2022 range has received great praise from enthusiasts already as demonstrated by the highest order portfolio ever at the beginning of the year
Borgo Panigale, Bologna – Ducati concluded 2021 with a record figure of 59,447 motorcycles delivered to customers all over the world, and achieving an increase in sales of +24% over 2020 (48,042) and +12% over 2019 (53,183).
Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: “2021 was a magical year for Ducati. We delivered over 59,000 motorcycles, a number never achieved before in 95 years of the company’s history. We also won the title of MotoGP Constructors’ World Champion for the second consecutive year, and we started the electric era of our company with the V21L prototype, which foresees the bike that will race in the MotoE championship from 2023. The pandemic, which is still underway, in addition to generating so much suffering, has also made activities more complex, forcing us to conduct a continuous internal reorganization. Supply chains created delivery delays for which I want to apologize to all Ducatisti, thanking them for their patience. Despite all these difficulties, the desire to excel of our employees here in Borgo Panigale and in our subsidiaries around the world helped us to achieve these record results. We are investing in an extremely ambitious growth path that will lead the company to improve even further, by entering new market segments. With the DesertX we will have from this year on an extremely attractive proposal for adventure fans, and other ambitious projects are currently in development. The core values of the brand – Style, Sophistication, Performance and Trust – are more current than ever. Future growth will take place in compliance with these values, offering our enthusiastic customers products that are increasingly representative with a unique mix of beauty, technology and distinctiveness, such as the best of Made in Italy.”
In 2021 Ducati’s growth came in all the main countries, starting with the United States, which regained the place of leading market for Ducati with 9,007 units which corresponds to an increase of 32% on 2020, followed by Italy with 8,707 bikes (+23% on 2020) and by Germany with 6,107 units (+11% on 2020). The Chinese market also grew, with 4,901 motorcycles (+21%), as well as the French one with 4,352 (+12%) and the UK one with 2,941 units (+30%).
Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales: “With 59,447 motorcycles delivered to customers, Ducati notches up a historic result and once again underlines its solidity, despite the difficulties encountered across all sectors due to the supplies crisis. Sales grew double-digit in all major countries, from the United States to Australia, where the new subsidiary achieved an increase of 50%. These results are also the outcome of extraordinary work aimed at the continuous improvement of the global sales network both in quantitative terms, with 84 new dealerships, and in qualitative terms, focusing on the digitization of processes and omnichannel to guarantee our Ducatisti an “unforgettable” experience, which fully reflects the company’s values. Now we are starting 2022 with an even more complete range, which is already receiving high praise as demonstrated by the best order portfolio ever at the beginning of the year.”
The enormous success obtained during the year is confirmed by the Multistrada V4, which was by far the biggest-selling and most-loved bike for Ducatisti in 2021 with 9,957 motorcycles delivered to customers. The Ducati Scrambler 800 family followed with 9,059 units, and the Monster, with 8,734 motorcycles sold.
These results were achieved despite the unpredictable situation generated by the supply crisis that has been on-going for some time. It is still a very volatile situation and is destined to continue further.
For 2022, Ducati presented nine new models to the public during the Ducati World Première web series, helping to create an even more complete range ready to satisfy the desires of every type of motorcyclist. Expectations are particularly high for the DesertX , the Ducati bike designed to tackle the most demanding off-roads with 21″ front and 18″ rear wheels, long suspension travel and ample ground clearance. A motorcycle that takes Ducati into a whole new world, a symbol of how the brand can widen its horizons without losing its roots and its sporting identity, as proven by the Panigale V4 which, in its latest evolutionary step, becomes the closest motorcycle to a MotoGP bike that a motorcyclist can ride.
To discover the Ducati 2022 range, a dedicated section is available on the Ducati.com website.
David Klassen (19) as seen on his Yamaha-powered Pro Twins racer at Shannonville Motorsport Park in 1992. Photo by Colin Fraser.
R.I.P. David Klassen, 1963-2021
By Colin Fraser
Front-running CSBK Pro racer David Klassen, 58, has died after a six-month battle with Cancer in Alberta. Klassen passed away on December 29, 2021.
As described on the North Shore News website obituary section, Klassen is survived by his children, Zoe (13) and Logan (9), as well as his parents Robert and Lynn Klassen, his sister, Janis and brother, Mark.
Klassen climbed the RACE-sanctioned ladder in the late 1980s era of fierce competition, and big manufacturer support, on the Canadian National and Regional Road racing scene. Klassen was a front runner in Amateur big bike competition in 1988, with Suzuki support on the new, second generation “sling shot” twin-exhaust GSX-R750.
Among the racers who graduated with Klassen from the class of 1988 were eventual Muzzy-Kawasaki factory racer Jacques “Jet” Guenette, Suzuki Canada Superbike pilot Jeff Gaynor, and Superbike ace as well as multi tile National Sport Bike Champ for Yamaha, Linnley Clarke.
Klassen wanted to race in the Feature class when he turned Pro for 1989 and purchased the ex-Norm Murphy Weld Rite Racing Kawasaki GPZ750R. Discouraged by friends from taking such a big career step all at once, Klassen proved competitive in the Feature class.
However, he didn’t have the support and finances to run on a much modified bike, and was frequently struggling with mechanical issues. His best result was a RACE Eastern Canada Challenger Series victory at Sanair International, Quebec.
The next season, Klassen move to the more affordable Pro Twins class with a mostly stock, ex-Dave Hatch Honda GT650 Hawk. Throughout the season, Klassen staged a number of memorable battles for the Twins win with the legendary “Crazy Frank” Mrazek, the older veteran aboard the Ducati 851 Desmo owned by author George Jonas. Mrazek was twice Klassen’s age and near twice the fit Klassen’s size!
While Mrazek had way more bike, Klassen was incredible on the little Honda, and rode beyond the potential of his equipment to the point that the Twins races became a fan favorite. Klassen won the Championship and set regular lap records.
An electrician by trade, Klassen lived in eastern Toronto, and gradually gravitated into the circle of Pro racers based on Queen Street West at Ontario Honda and Yamaha. Owned by Murray Brown and tuner Rick Andrews, Ontario Honda decided to build a road racer powered by Yamaha’s dual sport Super Tenere big twin powerplant.
With a frame built at the shop by Andrews, Klassen showed well immediately with the unique racer, winning easily, and running near the pace of the best Superbikes. Klassen set lap records with the Yamaha, breaking the seemingly unbeatable standards he had established on the Honda V-Twin!
This helped Klassen back into the Superbike mainstream, and he earned success in WERA Sprint and Endurance National events in the U.S., on both American and Canadian (Tim Ruhl’s R.A. Racing) based squads.
Klassen also had success in 1994 with a mutt Yamaha built at Ontario Honda, a Yamaha Superbike finished in purple and named “Barney.” The remaining elements of Barney exist to this day with former Ontario Honda mechanic and Pro Superbike Feature race winning tuner Zaid Saleen of Z-1 Cycle Tech.
Sam Sunderland (3) in action during Stage 12 of the Dakar Rally. Photo by Rally Zone, courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing.
HE DID IT! WE DID IT! SAM SUNDERLAND AND GASGAS ARE DAKAR RALLY WINNERS!
HISTORY MADE WITH FIRST EVER DAKAR RALLY VICTORY FOR GASGAS FACTORY RACING
Sam Sunderland and GASGAS Factory Racing have won the 2022 Dakar Rally! Delivering exactly the kind of mature, considered performance we’ve come to expect of him over the last two weeks, in finishing eighth in today’s final stage, Sam has claimed overall victory at the 44th Dakar Rally. And, at the end of 12 grueling days of racing across the Saudi Arabian desert, he’s handed GASGAS our first ever victory at the world’s most iconic rally raid event!
Sam Sunderland wins Dakar Rally 2022!
GASGAS Factory Racing claims first Dakar title!
Two stage wins for Daniel Sanders before injury
Dakar Rally winner Sam Sunderland. Photo by Rally Zone, courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing.
Sam Sunderland: “Wow. What a feeling! That 10-minute period waiting at the end of the final stage to see if I’d won felt like a lifetime. But this feeling, knowing I’ve won a second Dakar, will stay in my memory forever. This win feels better than the first as this victory was anything but easy. The times were so close this year and there was no time to let off the gas, it was a really close race, right to the end. All of the hard work, the sacrifices, and everything that the GASGAS team has done for me makes it all worthwhile. It’s been five years since my first Dakar win, and it’s been a long time to wait! I’m super happy to get another win and claim the first one for GASGAS. Everyone on the team has worked so hard to achieve this and it’s a true team effort – together we got the job done. Amazing.”
Leading the race from stage two through to the end of stage six, the Dakar began perfectly for Sam. Riding flawlessly throughout the two-week event, he delivered the goods on multiple occasions when the pressure was well and truly on. Competitive from the very beginning, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Sam Sunderland is 2022 Dakar Rally champion!
Sam’s second Dakar victory is not just an incredible personal achievement, it also marks the return of the title to the KTM AG Company. With 19 wins in the last 22 years, Sam’s victory re-affirms the group’s commitment and ongoing success at the world’s toughest rally raid.
While it’s all about Sam right now and his amazing achievement, it wouldn’t be right to sign off from Dakar 2022 without giving Daniel Sanders the credit he deserves. Our second GASGAS Factory Racing star taking on this year’s event, Chucky claimed two amazing stage wins, and on the final day of racing in week one, led Sam home for a GASGAS one-two. A crash on stage seven resulted in a fractured elbow and wrist, but the good news is that’s he’s had surgery and is now well on the way to making a full recovery. He’ll be back at the Dakar in 2023 for another run at the title.
Congrats guys, enjoy the party!
Norbert Stadlbauer – Rally Team Manager: “Amazing, simply amazing! This Dakar was a really challenging race, right until the very end, so to win, it’s an incredible achievement. Throughout the whole event Sam was smart, strong, and his speed was exceptional. I’m really happy for him and the whole of GASGAS Factory Racing. The entire team has worked so hard to be successful and it’s a really special moment. There’s no feeling like it. I’d like to thank all of the team’s sponsors and partners, everyone in Austria, and now, after a two tough weeks, it’s time to celebrate!”
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
MATTHIAS WALKNER AND KTM FINISH THIRD AT 2022 DAKAR RALLY
Dakar Rally 2022 – Stage 12
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Matthias Walkner has claimed an impressive third-place finish at the incredibly tough 2022 Dakar Rally. Delivering strong, consistent results throughout the entire two-week event, the Austrian star fought hard right to the very end to ultimately finish less than seven minutes behind the race winner after close to 40 hours of racing. Toby Price secured a top-10 overall result with a solid second place finish on the event’s 12th and final stage.
Lying third going in the final day of racing, Matthias Walkner put in a superb performance on today’s stage to finish seventh fastest and secure his overall podium result. After covering more than 8,000 kilometers, the top three motorcycle class finishers were separated by just under seven minutes, such was the closeness of competition at this year’s event. Walkner’s third-place finish is the Austrian’s fourth Dakar podium, as he adds the hard-fought result to his 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship title, in what has been an incredible 12 months of racing for the experienced 35-year-old.
Matthias Walkner: “I feel super happy and also lucky to be here healthy at the finish line. It feels great to be back on the podium too after a couple of difficult Dakars the past two years. It’s been a super long and hard Dakar as always, but this year has been special because of the level of navigation needed every day. We saw right from the first day that you can win or lose so much time on each stage. Because of that I really tried to focus on my roadbook, and concentrate on my navigation for the whole race. The first week went really well for me, and then into the second week, everyone was pushing really hard, so you had to give your best every day as the times were so close. The new bike has been brilliant, and the team have put so much effort into making sure we had the performance needed to finish on the podium, so thank you to them. Now it’s time to celebrate!”
Following a tough start to this year’s event when a navigation issue on stage one cost him a considerable amount of time, Toby Price delivered day after day of solid results to fight his way back into the top-10 overall. Placing as second quickest on the final day of racing, together with his stage win on day 10, shows that the two-time Dakar Champion has lost none of his speed or motivation. Happy to safely complete the 2022 event without injury, Price now looks ahead to the remainder of this year’s FIM World Rally-Raid Championship.
Toby Price: “I’m always happy to reach the finish here at the Dakar, it’s been a really tough race this year. Losing time on that first day put me on the back foot a little for the rest of the stages, and the way things are now, any mistakes can lose you a lot of time on the others because things are so close. The terrain here in Saudi makes for a really fast race too, a lot of the stages are sprints to the finish, but the atmosphere is good and it’s a good place to be. I’m excited for 2023 already!”
Kevin Benavides showed impressive speed throughout the whole 2022 Dakar Rally – his first riding for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. Also losing time on the first day in Saudi, the 2021 Dakar Champion put in day after day of fast, consistent performances to fight his way back up the order to lie fifth overall at the close of stage nine. Unfortunately, after suffering a technical issue on stage 10, the Argentinian was forced to withdraw. Returning to complete the final two stages of the race, Benavides was immediately back up to speed, claiming a stage win on day 11. Happy to reach the finish line safely and taking the many positives from his performance, Kevin is already fully motivated for next year’s event.
Kevin Benavides: “I have enjoyed this final day at the Dakar – I opened the stage, which was great, and it feels good to finally get to the finish. Obviously, it’s frustrating to have had the problem on stage 10, up until that point my race had gone really well, and I believe I had the pace to challenge for the podium. These last two days have shown that, too. There are many positives I can take from this year’s race and I’m really happy with how I rode and navigated through the stages. Part of the Dakar is all about learning and improving and so I’ll take that away from this year and try to come back even stronger in 2023.”
Making not only his Dakar debut, but also his first ever competitive rally-raid appearance at the 2022 Dakar, Danilo Petrucci raised a few eyebrows around the paddock with his consistent display of speed and skill on his Tech3 KTM 450 RALLY. Claiming a stage win at the Dakar is a huge accomplishment, to do it at your first attempt is a spectacular achievement! Attaining his goal of completing the race, Danilo was overjoyed with how his race had gone and what he had accomplished.
Danilo Petrucci: “I am so happy to finally reach the finish line and to complete the goal I set out to do. It’s been a tough time both leading up to the event and the race itself, but to complete my first ever Dakar feels amazing. I’m really happy with my performance but over the last couple of days I have had some crashes and feel quite sore at the moment. Thanks to all the team for their hard work, it has been an amazing experience and one of the hardest things I have ever done.”
Completing his 2022 Dakar campaign with an excellent fifth-place result on stage 12, KTM-supported privateer Mason Klein not only finished as top rookie, but also claimed an outstanding ninth overall. The 20-year-old American has shown incredible navigation and roadbook skills over the course of this year’s event, as well as the speed to back it up.
Norbert Stadlbauer – Rally Team Manager: “I’m really proud of the whole team. The Dakar is simply the toughest, hardest race in the world. For all of our riders to get to the finish is a huge achievement. Big congratulations to Matthias who did an amazing job to put his KTM on the podium in third position. It’s another really good result for him and even more impressive considering the level of this year’s event. Thank you also to Toby, Kevin, and of course Danilo, who all performed very well over the whole race. It’s been an amazing Dakar, so thank you to all who helped to make it happen.”
HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING RIDER DELIVERS IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT TOUGH TWO-WEEK EVENT TO PLACE 13TH OVERALL
Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has successfully completed the 2022 Dakar Rally with a strong performance on the 12th and final stage of the event, claiming sixth fastest on the short timed special. The result places the young Argentinian 13th in the overall rally standings.
Although the final stage of this year’s Dakar Rally was a long one, totalling 680 kilometres from Bisha to the finish in Jeddah, the special used to decide the final event placings was a relative sprint to the finish, totalling just 164 kilometres. As the 26th rider to enter the timed section, Benavides immediately got his head down and pushed hard right from the start.
With the special primarily made up of fast, sandy tracks, and navigation proving less of a challenge, times were extremely close at the sharp end of the timesheets. Coming in just less than three minutes behind the eventual stage winner, Luciano secured a strong result for the final stage and with it ended his 2022 Dakar on a high.
The impressive performance continued a strong run of form for Benavides who has gone from strength to strength in the second week of racing. Following a tricky start where he, like many of his rivals, lost time on the event’s opening stage, Luciano has delivered six top-10 stage results to fight his way back up the leaderboard. Completing the rally in 13th overall, the former FIM Cross-Country Rallies Junior World Champion is happy to finish a third Dakar Rally and now looks ahead to attacking the rest of the world championship.
Skyler Howes had also been showing incredible form at this year’s race when a crash on stage five forced him to withdraw from the event. After undergoing medical checks at the local hospital, the American was discharged and has since returned home where he will get some much-needed rest and recovery time before returning to competition later in the year.
Luciano Benavides: “I’m really happy to complete this year’s Dakar, it’s been a really tough event both mentally and physically. It was hard to lose time on the first stage, but since then I have been giving my all to work my way back up the standings. The bike has been great and with a few changes as the race has gone on, I’ve found a setting I feel comfortable with and because of that the results have been improving throughout the rally. Getting to the finish of such a long and intense event feels amazing. It would have been good to get inside the top 10 by the finish, but I’m still happy with my performance. The result and the finish have really improved my confidence and now I’m looking forward to the rest of the year and seeing what we can do in the world championship, before preparing for Dakar 2023.”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Honda Team:
Pablo Quintanilla takes runner-up spot in the Dakar Rally 2022
Monster Energy Honda Team rider Pablo Quintanilla won the final 2022 Dakar Rally stage to grab second overall place in the race just three-and-a-half minutes shy of the winner. All four team riders managed to finish one of the toughest ever editions of the rally, with the Honda CRF450 RALLY once again making it through the entire Dakar without a single mechanical issue.
Monster Energy Honda Team’s Chilean rider Pablo Quintanilla wrapped up the 45th edition of the Dakar Rally today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a well-deserved second place. Quintanilla, who started this morning in second place in the general standings, 6’52” behind Sam Sunderland, attempted to close the gap over the 150 kilometres of timed special involving some tricky, fast-paced navigation. Pablo earned the final stage victory, finishing 3’27” short of clinching the outright Dakar 2022 title.
Pablo Quintanilla joined Monster Energy Honda Team last May, finishing on the Andalucía Rally podium in his first outing. Later, in October, he would clinch top honours in the Rallye du Maroc. Today’s runner-up position marks a third finish on the Dakar podium for Quintanilla.
Monster Energy Honda Team team-mates Joan Barreda, Ricky Brabec and José Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Cornejo, riding their respective Honda CRF450 RALLY bikes, also finished the race among the leaders. Spain’s Barreda, fourth on the final stage, finished fifth overall, equalling the result achieved in 2017. Brabec took seventh spot overall in this edition of the Dakar, while ‘Nacho’ Cornejo, third on the stage today, consolidated his sixth place in the final rally classification.
All four of the team riders placed among the top seven finishers. Furthermore, a total of five stage victories (Barreda 2, Cornejo 2, Quintanilla 1) in this edition takes Honda’s overall tally of partial wins at the Dakar to 97.
The next race for the Monster Energy Honda Team is scheduled from 5-10 March for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
Ricky Brabec 2
STAGE: 21TH OVERALL: 7TH
The last day we tried to push. There was navigation and a lot of rocks. He hoped to make up time and see if someone else stumbled. We didn’t give up until the end. I’m happy and healthy and ready to go home. There was not much else we could do. We tried to come back from an hour down. The first stage killed us. After the first week it was definitely hard to pick up the pieces. We’ll be back next year to try and win this thing. Anything else other than winning is unacceptable. We’re going to come back next year and hopefully try to win.
Pablo Quintanilla 7
STAGE: 1ST OVERALL: 2ND
I am very happy with the result and my performance throughout the whole race, especially during the second week, which I managed well, making up time with a steady performance. I am very pleased and I wish to thank the whole Monster Energy Honda Team for their incredible work over these weeks. It was a really tough race, with a lot of tension, but I’m happy. Today there was second place at stake and there was even a chance of winning the race. It didn’t turn out that way, but I’m still happy with the second place finish. Now it’s time to enjoy this moment.
José Ignacio Cornejo 11
STAGE: 3RD OVERALL: 6TH
We finished the Dakar with a good stage; I am very happy with this final stage, without any mistakes and marking some good pace. I am satisfied to have finished the Dakar like this, but not in the overall balance, because, although I recovered several positions this last week, the mistake early in the race conditioned the end. I think I should have been further ahead. This year it was our turn to suffer, but we will be back again. The team in general was very solid and I want to congratulate all my team-mates for the great work done these days.
Joan Barreda 88
STAGE: 4TH OVERALL: 5TH
The result of this Dakar is a fifth place with a broken collarbone from a week ago and after losing 40 minutes at a waypoint on the first day. I’ve kept the mentality and the ambition that I’ve had all year, in spite of the adversities. Not giving up and going all the way to the finish. In racing sometimes things go well and other times not so well. But the important thing for me has been to be able to show all the hard work that’s been done. We’ve been working for seven months for the Dakar, now it’s time to rest a bit and then we’ll think about the new goals, knowing that the ambition and motivation has to be 100%. In this Dakar, every day that I’ve been on the bike I’ve had unique sensations.
Ruben Faria
General Manager
First of all I wish to congratulate the entire team for the work done in this Dakar which was such a tough race. We managed to win the last two editions and in this 2022 we finished runner-up, but we fought until the very end for the win. In the end it was very satisfying as we placed all four riders in the top seven. The first week we started with a disadvantage, starting with the prologue. The best rider in that first special was Pablo Quintanilla, who was also the top rider in our team, finishing in second overall place. For me, the prologue conditioned the first day which had a very difficult waypoint and where the riders lost a lot of time. The result of that prologue meant that we didn’t get off to the right start on those early Dakar stages. The first week was difficult for us, but we were always fighting and working to improve step by step. We would have liked to have retained the title, but this second place was really hard and has a great value for the team. There is some tough competition between the marques and the riders from different teams. We have to work harder and improve in all aspects. We finish with our heads held high, everyone has given the maximum in their respective duties. This Dakar was really tough, with long, hard special stages and with everything that a Dakar should have. Lastly, but no less importantly, I also wish to congratulate the team that was finally able to come from Japan despite Covid. They were with us and worked very hard too. I especially want to thank Taichi Honda for always being at our side.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team Enjoys Positive Results At 2022 Dakar Rally
The 2022 Dakar Rally has reached its conclusion with Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team’s Adrien Van Beveren and Andrew Short successfully completing the world’s toughest rally raid well inside the overall top 10. For Adrien Van Beveren, his encouraging form throughout the race saw him impressively lead the event on two separate occasions. Taking the race for overall victory down to the very last stage, the Frenchman eventually missed out on a top-three finish by the narrowest of margins. Andrew Short also enjoyed a largely positive time at the Dakar with the American claiming eight top-10 stage results on his way to finishing a highly commendable eighth overall.
Besides Ross Branch being ruled out of the event due to injury following a fall on stage seven, the 2022 Dakar Rally has been an incredibly successful one for the entire Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team. In addition to the riders’ Yamaha WR450F Rally machines running flawlessly throughout the entire event, Adrien Van Beveren narrowly missed out on the overall podium with Andrew Short demonstrating just what he’s capable of during the race.
Equalling his best overall finish at the Dakar, Adrien Van Beveren has placed an impressive fourth overall at the 2022 edition of the iconic event. Leading the race on two separate occasions this year and placing no lower than fourth overall throughout the entire rally, the Frenchman was undoubtedly in fine form throughout the competition. Delivering pin-point accuracy with his navigation day-after-day, Adrien delivered one of the stand-out performances in the motorcycle category.
If not for a frustrating navigational error on stage one, which affected him as well as many of his rivals, Andrew Short may well have joined Adrien in the top five overall. After losing considerable time early on, the 39-year-old was faultless through the remaining stages at the Dakar as he worked his way up the leaderboard. At the end of 12 stages and almost 40 hours of racing, Andrew secured eighth overall, narrowly missing out on placing seventh by just five seconds.
Securing further positive results at the Dakar Rally for Yamaha, Camelia Liparoti, driving her YXZ1000R Prototype, posted strong stage results throughout the event to claim sixth overall in the Light Prototype class.
Adrien Van Beveren – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
15th Stage 12
The race is over and I have mixed feelings about it, but on the whole it has been a really positive race for myself and the team. I’m really happy to have finished the race, the first time since 2017, so I’m really pleased about that. But on the other hand, it looked certain that I would podium or maybe even take the win. But with the issue yesterday, that’s just part of rally racing and it wasn’t meant to be. I’m really happy for the team. Everyone has worked super hard and my bike was amazing. I have no regrets about anything and I gave it everything that I had. To be fighting for the win at the Dakar, it was an amazing experience and now I’m looking forward to the future.
Andrew Short – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
13th Stage 12
I’m so happy to have reached the finish line. The Dakar is such a crazy race that finishing is a great achievement in itself. The final stage was pretty cool, a bit tight a twisty with some nice terrain. Before the rally I hoped to finish higher and it wasn’t through lack of effort – it was solely down to the issue I had on stage one. I did the best I could after that but that’s just how rally is sometimes. The team have been amazing. They built a great bike for me, which didn’t miss a beat all race and I’m happy that we had two guys in the top 10.
Dynavolt Triumph Team Manager Simon Buckmaster (left) with Stefano Manzi (right). Photo courtesy Dynavolt Triumph.
STEFANO MANZI JOINS SOOMER AT DYNAVOLT TRIUMPH FOR 2022
Dynavolt Triumph are pleased to confirm that Moto2™ regular Stefano Manzi will join Hannes Soomer to complete the team line-up in the 2022 World Supersport Championship.
Stefano is an experienced rider. His career started back in 2007 and he went through many victories and categories until he made his leap into the World Championship in 2015 in Moto3™. Two years later he made his debut in Moto2™ with the Sky Racing Team VR46 and since then the intermediate class has been his field.
The 22-year-old from Rimini now moves across to the World Supersport category for a new challenge in 2022 with the UK based official factory Dynavolt Triumph team. This represents a great opportunity for both sides to grow together, sharing their experience in racing.
Stefano Manzi: “I am really happy to be part of this Team and part of the project to bring Triumph back to the World Championship. Now I am focused on my winter training to be 100% ready for the beginning of the season. I cannot wait to be back on track and on my new bike.”
VR46 Riders Academy Sporting Director, Alessio Salucci “The whole VR46 Riders Academy is beyond pleased with the agreement reached with the Dynavolt Triumph team. It’s a great chance for Stefano to be part of this project supported by such a highly experienced manufacturer as Triumph. World Supersport is a very competitive category and I am sure that he’ll be able to make a great job together with his new team.”
Dynavolt Triumph Team Manager, Simon Buckmaster: “We’re really pleased to sign Stefano Manzi from the VR46 Academy to ride with the Dynavolt Triumph team in our return to World Supersport this year. He is an exciting prospect with good performance level in his seasons in Moto2™. He had a top six finish towards the end of last year so he’s on good form. He did a couple of wild cards in World SSP so understands the Pirelli tires and of course, understands the Triumph engine well. I won’t say he is going to surprise a few because a lot of people think he is going to be a good front runner and that is what we want, challenging for race wins and the title. We can’t wait to get started testing in March with Stefano and of course with Hannes.”
Dynavolt Triumph will now begin their preparations for the 2022 season which is set to get underway at Aragon, Spain on April 8th, 9th, and 10th.
Marc Marquez (93) riding his motocross bike. Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Marc Marquez back on a motorcycle as his recovery advances
Marc Marquez underwent a medical examination with Dr. Sánchez Dalmau last Monday to analyse the situation of his diplopia. The ophthalmologist confirmed a clear improvement in the vision of the eight-time World Champion.
With this progress, the Repsol Honda Team rider received authorization to ride a motorcycle and motocross, the most demanding discipline possible in the world of two wheels, was chosen by Marquez and his team. After a three-month absence, the Spanish rider returned to riding at the Ponts Circuit (Lleida). After several runs his sensations and feelings on the bike were more than optimistic.
The next step for Marquez will be to ride on a paved racetrack.
Valentino Rossi (46) testing an Audi at Valencia in December 2021. Photo courtesy W Racing Team.
VALENTINO ROSSI TO DRIVE AN AUDI R8 LMS OF TEAM WRT IN THE 2022 GTWCE
Team WRT is pleased to announce that Valentino Rossi will join its driver line-up in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS for the 2022 season.
A 9-time motorbike World Champion and one of the world’s sports icons, the 42-year-old Italian will start his professional career on four wheels with the Belgian squad, which is the reigning champion team in the Fanatec GTWCE Powered by AWS (overall, Endurance and Sprint).
Valentino Rossi will be competing in both the Endurance and the Sprint Cups, driving an Audi R8 LMS sporting the emblematic #46. He will be paired in both series with Audi Sport drivers to be named in due course.
The announcement follows the test conducted by Valentino Rossi with Team WRT at Valencia last December.
Vincent Vosse: “I am sure that a lot of fans will be as pleased as we are that Vale is starting a new career on four wheels and that he is doing it in GT, with Team WRT and Audi. We all know what a great motorbike champion and sports figure Vale is, but most of all, he is a true racer and a very professional and competitive sportsman, eager to be as successful as possible in the new challenge he has decided to embrace. This is exactly why we really wanted to work with him. The test we made at Valencia was extremely positive for both parties, in terms of technical feedback and working approach, and we took things from there. We warmly welcome Vale in the WRT family and I am sure that we are off to a very exciting experience for both.”
Valentino Rossi: “I am delighted to join Team WRT for a full Fanatec GTWCE powered by AWS programme. Everybody knows that I have always been a great car racing fan and that I have always been interested in a racing on four wheels once my MotoGP career would come to an end. Now I am completely available to devote myself to a car racing programme at high level and with the right professional approach. Team WRT is the perfect fit I was looking for and I am anxious to start this new adventure in the GTWCE with them.”
Stéphane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group founder & CEO: “I am delighted to welcome Valentino Rossi to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS grid for 2022. Having followed his illustrious career in motorcycle racing for more than two decades, it is truly exciting to witness the start of this new chapter in GT machinery. To attract a competitor of Valentino’s stature is a tremendous vote of confidence for our championship and for GT racing in general. He will bring new energy to our paddock and I look forward to watching him on-track this season.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kevin Benavides (1). Photo by Rally Zone, courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
KEVIN BENAVIDES TOPS PENULTIMATE STAGE AT DAKAR 2022
Dakar Rally 2022 – Stage 11
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kevin Benavides has bounced back from a tough day 10 to win stage 11, the penultimate day of the 2022 Dakar Rally. On one of the toughest specials of the event, Matthias Walkner brought his KTM 450 RALLY home in an excellent fourth place, and now lies third in the provisional event standings with one day left to race. Opening today’s stage, Toby Price placed 28th, while Danilo Petrucci completed the 346-kilometer special in 17th.
The event organizers ensured there was a sting in the tail to this year’s Dakar Rally by delivering one the most challenging stages of the race on the penultimate day. Technically demanding navigation combined with extremely soft sand and dunes tested the riders and their machines to the limit.
After a disappointing stage 10 yesterday in which his 2022 Dakar hopes came to an end, Kevin Benavides bounced back in style, showing impressive speed to top today’s results. Putting in an incredible performance, the number one plate holder fought his way from a late, 33rd place start to ultimately win the stage by a narrow four seconds. Benavides will now lead out the event’s short, final 164-kilometer timed special on Friday’s stage 12.
Kevin Benavides: “It was a really demanding day today. It’s great to get the win but I’m full of emotion because of the issue I had yesterday. Up to that point I was fighting for the overall, and now, after going fastest today I know I would have been in with a chance to win the rally. I gave it my all today, mostly to prove to myself that I could do it. I think it’s important to be able to come back from disappointment and immediately fight for a stage win. I have to thank the whole team, but especially my mechanic who worked so hard last night to give me an amazing bike for today – it felt perfect on the stage. I will now have the pleasure of opening the last stage of the race with no pressure, so I’m really looking forward to it and reaching the finish.”
Well in the fight for the overall rally honors, Matthias Walkner had to ensure he delivered a strong stage result today with the minimum of mistakes to stay in contention for the 2022 title. Fastest to the first checkpoint, Walkner navigated superbly through the remainder of the special to complete the stage in fourth place, just under five minutes down on teammate Benavides. Moving up to third overall in the event standings, Matthias will be aiming to reduce the gap to the current leader during tomorrow’s stage and secure a podium position while also fighting for the rally win.
Matthias Walkner: “It was a really long and really fast stage today. It was very dusty this morning too, which made the navigation even more difficult. I made a few small mistakes, but I really did try my best all day pushing as hard as I could. Finally I was able to make the finish with a good time and it puts me in a good position for tomorrow, so we’ll see what happens.”
After his win on day 10, Toby Price had the unenviable task of opening today’s ultra-tough stage 11. An issue early on where a waypoint didn’t validate correctly for the Australian put him on the back foot for the rest of the special. However, using his skill and speed, the twice Dakar Champion was able to regroup and keep pushing through the arduous terrain. Ultimately completing the stage in 28th, Toby now lies 10th in the overall standings with one day left to race.
Toby Price: “It was super dusty today and navigation was tough, but I had a frustrating problem early on at kilometer four where one waypoint didn’t validate, even though I’m pretty sure I was in the right place. I had to zig-zag back and forward and thankfully in the end, even though I was on the same track, it activated. Hopefully we can have that checked, but other than that the day went ok, I felt good on the bike and arrived safely at the finish line. One more day to go tomorrow, and that will be the 2022 Dakar complete.”
Continuing to impress, and despite the severity of today’s stage, Danilo Petrucci brought his Tech3 KTM 450 RALLY home in a commendable 17th place, just over 23 minutes down on the eventual stage winner. With one more day remaining, the former MotoGP racer is now just 680 kilometers away from completing his first Dakar Rally.
Danilo Petrucci: “It was one of the toughest days of my life today. I got a little lost early on with some other riders and then after that there were some really soft dunes. I have never seen anything like that before, it was really tiring to ride through. Then we raced through a huge sandstorm where it was really difficult to find your way and stay focused on your navigation. Luckily, after the refueling it was ok – the sand was still really soft, but it wasn’t so tricky. Unfortunately at one point I hit a piece of wood that was hidden underneath the sand and I had a big crash and hurt my shoulder. I was able to make it to the finish, but it did give me a lot of pain. We have one more day to go, so I’m looking forward to reaching the finish.”
Provisional Standings – 2022 Dakar Rally after 11 of 12 stages
1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), GASGAS, 37:04:05
2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Honda, 37:10:57 +6:52
3. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 37:11:20 +7:15
4. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 37:19:35 +15:30
5. Joan Barreda (ESP), Honda, 37:31:59 +27:54
Other KTM
9. Mason Klein (USA), KTM, 37:55:14 +51:09
10. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 37:56:32 +52:27
More, from a press release issued by GASGAS Factory Racing:
GASGAS FACTORY RACING’S SAM SUNDERLAND RETAKES DAKAR RALLY LEAD
OUTSTANDING RIDE ON PENULTIMATE STAGE MOVES SAM ONE STEP CLOSER TO DAKAR GLORY!
We said stage 11 would be a pivotal day of racing at the Dakar and, oh boy, it sure was! After losing a little time yesterday, the pressure was well and truly on Sam today, who in no uncertain terms needed to deliver a flawless ride to keep his chances of a second Dakar win alive. And that’s exactly what he did. Putting together a standout performance, Sam navigated perfectly, attacked from the start, and finished second on the stage, just four seconds behind the eventual winner. Now, with just one day of racing to go, the GASGAS Factory Racing ace sits at the top of the leaderboard with a near seven-minute advantage over his nearest rival.
Sam returns to the top of the provisional Dakar leaderboard
Outstanding performance on penultimate stage from Sunderland
One day and just 163 kilometers of racing to go!
Sam Sunderland: “Today was a really tough one. We were expecting it to be difficult and even four kilometers in there were lines everywhere in the sand. From there on I had to focus on myself and stay on top of my roadbook, it wasn’t really an option to follow the lines ahead. Through the dunes I was able to make up some time, which was good and I just missed out on another stage win. Up until now the race has gone really well, the whole team behind me has been fantastic but the race isn’t over until it’s over. All I can do is hope for a clean run through tomorrow’s stage and then we’ll see where we end up.”
In rally racing, starting any stage a handful of riders behind the first rider generally proves to be an advantage, but with the navigation incredibly tricky on today’s penultimate stage of the rally, it was every man for himself out there in the desert. Opting to focus solely on his roadbook throughout the challenging 345-kilometer special, Sam was in superb form, narrowly missing out on the stage win but more importantly, now leads the rally heading into the final, decisive day of racing. It’s go time!
More, from a press release issued by Husqvarna Factory Racing:
LUCIANO BENAVIDES BATTLES THROUGH DAKAR STAGE 11
ONE DAY OF RACING REMAINS FOR HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING STAR AT GRUELLING 2022 EVENT
Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has completed the hugely demanding stage 11 of the Dakar Rally in 26th place. Following his excellent runner-up performance on Wednesday’s stage 10, the FR 450 Rally rider was the second competitor to take to today’s challenging special where he soon found himself up front and opening much of the route.
Totalling 501 kilometres, stage 11 of the Dakar included an extremely tough 346-kilometre timed special that tested riders with a combination of soft sand dunes, faster tracks and canyons, with technically demanding navigation throughout. Although setting off near the front proved to be a disadvantage, Benavides rode extremely well, focusing on his roadbook and safely making his way through the special without any major issues.
Completing the day as 26th fastest, less than 30 minutes down on the eventual stage winner, Luciano lies 13th overall in the event standings and will enjoy a strong start position for the final day of the race – the 680-kilometre stage 12. The young Argentinian’s primary goal is to successfully complete the stage and earn his first Dakar finish riding for the Husqvarna Factory Racing team.
Luciano Benavides: “Another stage done, and it was super tough today. Probably not the best day to start in front, but I did my best as always and I think I did a good job. The navigation was very tricky and with the dunes being so soft it would have been easy for the guys starting behind to make up time. I was able to catch up with Toby (Price) ahead of me and we took it in turns to open the stage. I lost some time, but not enough to affect my position in the overall. There is one day left so I will go out tomorrow and do my best to finish the race strong.”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Honda Team:
Pablo Quintanilla to fight nail and tooth for the overall Dakar 2022 win
Monster Energy Honda Team’s Dakar Rally battle will go down to the wire. After the penultimate stage, Pablo Quintanilla holds second overall place with a chance of victory. There are still over 150 kilometres left to go, with the Dakar often producing final stage surprises.
Today’s special stage, as expected, was an intriguing one. The strategy of the previous day, which saw some riders managing to lose time, yet drop many positions, in order to benefit in today’s starting order, dictated for the most part, what happened on the route today. Some 346 kilometres of sand and dunes, on a total stage of just over 500 kilometres, helped define how the podium is likely to look at the end. The Bisha loop caused a few losses, but many riders were able to make up for time they had lost yesterday.
Ricky Brabec was the best-placed Monster Energy Honda Team rider on the day. The American finished in fifth place, moving up into six place overall, a position which he hopes to consolidate tomorrow. Brabec finished just one place ahead of team-mate Pablo Quintanilla. Pablo, sixth, performed well today – well enough to be in contention tomorrow and could improve on his current second place in this 2022 Dakar. The Chilean biker is less than seven minutes behind the overall race leader. If the full length of the final special stage goes ahead as planned tomorrow, the rider could well spring a surprise and stand a chance of scooping the world’s toughest rally.
Chilean José Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Cornejo also had a good day in spite of a minor mistake in the opening kilometres of the special. Today’s seventh place also puts him into the same position in the general rankings. Lastly, Joan Barreda was lumbered with opening the track today as the riders ahead forced him to carry the stage’s main burden. The conditions were not ideal for Joan who struggled to make progress in the soft dunes of Bisha. With a fall included, the Spaniard finished sixteenth in RallyGP and is fifth in the general standings, nearly half an hour behind the race leader.
Tomorrow’s stage
Bisha-Jeddah. The final stage of the Dakar Rally 2022 will be decided over a total of 676 kilometres, including just 163 against the clock. Leaving the dunes behind, the race will be fought over hard tracks with some sand. A lot of technical complexity is expected before the riders reach the shores of the Red Sea, with the final podium set to take place on the Bisha street circuit.
Ricky Brabec 2
STAGE: 5TH OVERALL: 6TH
This year’s Dakar has been difficult for me personally, to get back into the fight after a bad start. The team didn’t let us down, so we can’t let them down…. We have tried very hard to do our best and give it our all. On this stage 11 we tried very hard to do a good job; I would have liked to make up a lot more time than I did. I’m happy with the way I’m riding and I’m happy with the team, I’ve learned a lot. Our team-mate Pablo can do it tomorrow. Unfortunately, I heard that the stage will be shortened, which in my opinion is unfair.
Pablo Quintanilla 7
STAGE: 6TH OVERALL: 2ND
It was a difficult stage. One of the hardest we’ve done on this Dakar, with a lot of wind, with sectors of very soft dunes. It was very difficult to make progress. I tried to push as hard as I could from the first kilometre; it wasn’t easy. I really let rip but without losing my concentration. In the end, it was a good day, I gave 100% and I think that’s what’s important, that I gave my best every day. There is still one day left and the race is not over until you cross the finish-line. Tomorrow we will attack again from the first kilometre.
José Ignacio Cornejo 11
STAGE: 7TH OVERALL: 7TH
It was a good stage; not the best, but not the worst either. I made a small mistake at the start, where I lost a few minutes. Mathias passed me and we ended up riding together until the end. I think it was a solid stage. We also moved up in the overall standings, which makes me happy because we have managed to overcome a bad first stage. We are not where we wanted to be. Tomorrow the rally will be over, so we will draw our conclusions afterwards.
Joan Barreda 88
STAGE: 16TH OVERALL: 5TH
Today was a very difficult stage, I could say it was one of the most difficult I’ve ever done. I had to open the track from kilometre 4. I tried to keep a good pace, but I encountered some tough situations, with very soft sand that made it almost impossible to move forward; the bike got stuck about ten times, including one where I was thrown off completely and Toby and Luciano helped me to get the bike back upright. I want to say thanks to both. We opened the track all day long. I’m happy because I gave 100%. Some days go well and others not so well. But the best thing is to be satisfied with yourself.
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