Riding KTM’s $38,999 RC 8C, In The November Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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November 30, 2021

Riding KTM’s $38,999 RC 8C, In The November Issue

Featured In the November 2021 issue of Roadracing World:

“The large group of riders gathered on pit lane at Jerez Circuit, anxiously waiting for the blue garage doors to roll up and unveil their new 2022 KTM RC 8C track bikes. When the garage doors finally opened, they revealed a fleet of 25 KTM RC 8C motorcycles, each with a custom number and all on stands and tire warmers, awaiting their new owners.

“The atmosphere in the pit box was electric and the excitement infectious. I snuck into the group unnoticed and claimed the only unmarked KTM RC 8C in the lot. I was happy to join the group for a day at Jerez, and tried to stay under the radar. A full day of riding on the track was ahead, including eight 20-minute sessions, with Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio mixing with the group on and off the racetrack…”

—Owners Track Intro: KTM RC 8C, by Chris Ulrich

Build a motorcycle that evokes passion for riding and it will sell—that was KTM’s plan for the track-only $38,999 RC 8C. Adding in a once-in-a-lifetime track day experience at Jerez with KTM MotoGP test riders Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio for $5,700 (race track equipment package and event fee) saw the 100 units available worldwide sell out in just 4 minutes and 32 seconds! But how does it work on the track? Racing Editor Chris Ulrich was on hand to test the sporting twin, and his review is in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

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MotoAmerica: MP13 Racing Fielding Ventura In Twins Cup

David Swarts

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November 30, 2021

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MotoAmerica: MP13 Racing Fielding Ventura In Twins Cup

MP13 Racing Back In Action For 2022

MP13 Racing and team principal Melissa Paris are pleased to announce the team’s return to the MotoAmerica Series for 2022.

The Class: Twins Cup

The Equipment: 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7

The Rider: Cory Ventura

Oceanside, California (November 30, 2021) – It has been since the 2019 season that the MP13 Racing team has fielded a motorcycle on the grid for a MotoAmerica race. In that time, team principal Melissa Paris won a National Championship as a mechanic with Altus Motorsports and rider Cameron Petersen, and she also worked alongside the Westby Racing and HDR teams with rider Hunter Dunham. But, in the past two seasons, a re-launching of MP13 Racing has been in the back of Melissa’s mind, “It’s always been in my heart to run my own team…but, for the last two years, it has made sense to try to add to my skill set. Having the chance to work with both Cameron Petersen and Hunter Dunham over the past two seasons has been invaluable. I owe a debt of gratitude to both of them for the trust they placed in me. I’m also forever grateful to the Westby Racing team who, in the past season, supported my growth as a crew chief. With the new R7 coming out, it feels like the timing is right. and I’m so excited for next season.”

In 2021, the Twins Cup Championship had a total of 14 races with 7 different winners. It is easily one of the most competitive classes in MotoAmerica. A staple of Twins Cup has been the Yamaha MT-07 Hyper Naked Motorcycle converted into race trim. But, with the May 2021 announcement of the YZF-R7, things have gotten more interesting. The YZF-R7 has the same foundation as the MT-07 including frame and engine, but updated parts, frame bracing, and more aggressive looks make it more of a “sportbike” lending itself to be the perfect weapon for Twins Cup competition.

Cory Ventura, who competed for MP13 Racing in 2018 (shown here after winning Junior Cup Race Two at Sonoma Raceway), is returning to the team for the 2022 MotoAmerica season and will be aboard an MP13 Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 in Twins Cup. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MP13 Racing.

Further adding to the excitement of MP13 Racing’s plans is the signing of multi-time MotoAmerica podium finisher and current AFM #1 plate holder Cory Ventura. Cory rode for MP13 Racing in 2018, securing the first MotoAmerica win for the Yamaha YZF-R3 in Junior Cup. “I am extremely excited to be racing with MP13 Racing in 2022 on the Yamaha YZF-R7 in Twins Cup. Melissa and I have stayed pretty close since 2018 when we raced the R3 in Junior Cup, which was the most fun year for me on and off the race track. Since then, I have developed more as a racer especially after my last two years racing on the West Coast with AFM, as well as a couple of MotoAmerica wildcards. Melissa is putting a lot of time and effort into this, and it gives me a lot of confidence and motivation to race for her. I am so excited and more hungry than ever to come back into a full MotoAmerica season with MP13 Racing.”

MP13 Racing is also excited to announce that there will be exclusive content and lots of ways for fans to engage with team members via their participation on the Patreon platform (https://www.patreon.com/mp13racing).

Also, stay tuned for an announcement about the launch of the new MP13 Racing Fan Club.

Although it’s still early in the process of securing support for 2022, MP13 Racing would like to thank and acknowledge those partners already on board for the excitement ahead, including Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., Maxima, J4orce Training, O2 Creations, GHD Designs, One Cure, and All Kids Bike.

For more information: [email protected]

Video: Suzuki ECSTAR MotoGP Team Tests At Jerez

David Swarts

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November 30, 2021

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Video: Suzuki ECSTAR MotoGP Team Tests At Jerez

Join Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Joan Mir, Alex Rins, Sylvain Guintoli and Takuya Tsuda at the Jerez MotoGP test in November.

The new video from Suzuki Motor Corporation and produced by Dorna features some on-track and behind-the-scenes footage from Rins and Mir, plus interviews with the riders and also Technical Manager Ken Kawauchi as the team worked on testing new parts and settings for the 2022 season.

Australian Superbike: How To Watch The Season Finale Live

David Swarts

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November 30, 2021

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Australian Superbike: How To Watch The Season Finale Live

For fans unable to make it to The Bend this weekend (and there’s still time, tickets and championships-to-be-decided reasons to go!), we have options…

ASBK fans from all over the world can enjoy all the live racing action from the comfort of their own home this weekend from the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul Grand Finale at The Bend Motorsport Park.

ASBK TV official Free-to-Air broadcast partner SBS have stepped up to provide ASBK fans the opportunity to catch the livestream action from Saturday via their exclusive broadcast platform SBS On-Demand.

SBS has long been the home of great motorsport and in 2021 they have again provided ASBK race fans with both Live Free-to-Air coverage and the opportunity to catch all the action via SBS On-Demand after each round. At no cost to join, ASBK fans simply need to jump on and subscribe to SBS On-Demand.

The ASBK Championship comes to massive conclusion on Sunday and ASBK TV have all the angles covered with Free-to-Air coverage on SBS HD, SBS On-Demand or via Fox Sports Australia from 12.30pm – 3.30pm (Australian Central Daylight Times).

New Zealand race fans can catch the action on Sky Sport NZ who continue to broadcast every round of ASBK to fans across the ditch.

From the comfort of home, or on mobile devices, SBS will provide free to air coverage, and Fox Sports Australia and Sky Sport NZ will ensure pay TV viewers won’t miss a minute of the action.

Live race coverage will include the Alpinestars Superbike, Motorsports TV Supersport, Dunlop Supersport 300, Yamaha Finance R3 Cup and the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, plus race fans will get no shortage of behind the scenes features.

Fans across the nation and around the world can also go to www.asbk.com.au and watch up to the live ASBK TV Live Stream on Sunday.

Exclusive Live telecast of the Grand Finale of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, can be seen:

Saturday 4^th December
ASBK Livestream Telecast 10.30am – 5.00pm (ACDT = SA time)

Exclusive telecast on SBS On-Demand

Sunday 5^th December
ASBK Live TV Telecast 12.30pm – 3.30pm (ACDT = SA time)

SBS HD
Fox Sports Australia
Sky Sport NZ
SBS On-Demand

Sunday 5^th December
ASBK Livestream Telecast 9.30am – 4.00pm (ACDT = SA time)

Check your local guides for times and more information.

Keep up to date with the latest news on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join our ASBK mailing list at www.asbk.com.au

Where To Ride In December: Track Days, Schools, And Races

David Swarts

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November 30, 2021

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Where To Ride In December: Track Days, Schools, And Races

The following track days, riding schools, and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States and Canada during December 2021.

Motorcycle track days, riding schools, and races are posted under the Event Calendar tab on the home page of this website, or you can access the Event Calendar for December 2021 directly by clicking HERE.

Once on the Event Calendar page, you can search for the event you are looking for by its date.

When you click on the event you want to attend you will find a link to the website and/or email address of the host organization, a link to the website of the host venue, the physical address of the host venue, a Google map to the host venue, and buttons to add the event and its information to your calendar application.

To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Event Calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by clicking HERE.

Calendar listings are updated often.

COVID-19 restrictions are still in effect in certain parts of North America and can change with little advanced notice. So before heading out on a long trip to an event, check with the organizer to ensure the event is still happening and what the health and safety protocols require.

12/3 2 Wheels Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/3 Penguin Riding School, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

12/3 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (Private Training Day)

12/4-5 Apex Assassins Track Days, Las Vegas Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV

12/4-5 CCS Florida Roadracing Championship Series, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

12/4-5 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (Babes In The Dirt)

12/4-5 Sportbike Track Time Track Days, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

12/4-5 Track Day Winner Track Days, NOLA Motorsports Park, Avondale, LA

12/5 Superbike-Coach Corp. (Schools), The New Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, CA

12/5 XCEL Trackdays Track Days, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, AZ

12/7-8 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (POST Motorcycle Officer Update Course)

12/8-9 Racers Edge Track Days and Private Coaching Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/10 Apex Assassins Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/10-11 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

12/11-12 CVMA Winter Series, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/11-12 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (Fun Camp)

12/11-13 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

12/12 Florida Trackdays, Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, FL

12/12 John Long’s Longevity Racing School, Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, FL

12/12 Superbike-Coach Corp. (Schools), The New Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, CA

12/12-13 TrackDaz Track Days, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA

12/13 Superbike-Coach Corp. (Schools), WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA

12/14-15 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Inde Motorsports Ranch, Willcox, AZ

12/18 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (Learn To Ride Off-Road)

12/18-19 JP43 Training School, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/18-19 Racers Edge Track Days and Private Coaching Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/18-19 SoCal Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

12/19 DRRO Track Days And Road Race School, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, AZ

12/19 Ed Bargy Advanced Riding and Racing School, Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, CA

12/19 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Prather, CA (Off-Road Challenge Course)

Isle Of Man TT: New Safety Management Program Designed

David Swarts

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November 29, 2021

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Isle Of Man TT: New Safety Management Program Designed

TT RACES RETURN WITH NEW SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DESIGNED TO DRIVE SAFETY PERFORMANCE

The Isle of Man TT Races will return in six months’ time and, ahead of the resumption of racing on the world-famous TT Mountain Course, event organisers have unveiled the first details of a new Safety Management System (SMS), designed to drive safety performance, and thus safeguard the future sustainability of the iconic event.

The SMS ushers in a new, systematic approach to managing risk, encompassing: organisational structure and policies; hazard identification and mitigation; third party assurance; and the promotion and communication of standards.

All areas of the event have been subjected to careful review under this new process, which is designed to ensure unnecessary risks are mitigated. To fans watching worldwide the SMS won’t always be noticeable, but to teams, riders and those working on the event its introduction marks the beginning of a significant change in culture.

A range of new initiatives resulting from the SMS will be rolled out in time for TT 2022. Changes will be delivered across much of the organisational structure, bringing numerous benefits and further investment to a number of areas, including race management; regulations and standards; accident response and investigation; marshalling; medical provision; and paddock infrastructure.

TT Production Manager, Nige Crennell, has led the SMS project. Nige joined the TT organisation in 2018 after a career in the RAF, first as a Tornado pilot and more latterly in aviation risk management. Working with a range of stakeholders across Isle of Man Government and the wider TT organisational network, Nige took full advantage of the two-year hiatus to start the journey and ensure that when the TT resumes in 2022, it does so from a much stronger position.

“For the TT to be sustainable in the long term we have to be able to manage effectively the risks associated with the event and protect against reputational damage. This isn’t about making sure that everyone is wearing the right kind of hi-vis jacket. It’s about clearly defining roles and responsibilities. We want to be confident that everyone involved is doing their job to the best of their ability and has all of the tools and training required to do so.”

Fellow Manxman, Doctor Gareth Davies, has also played a significant role. Doctor Davies is one of the Chief Medical Officers for the TT and, until very recently, was head of London’s Air Ambulance, leading teams in the response to London’s major incidents: the Paddington, Southall and Potters Bar rail disasters, the 7/7 bombings, and the terrorist attacks at Westminster and London Bridge. Whilst Doctor Davies will continue with the TT’s own Air-Med provision, his decades working in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) have helped to shape much of the project.

“It’s been an incredible process and one I’m proud to be part of. There may be some mourning for some of the more outdated and makeshift elements of the TT, but you can’t apply professional excellence without making changes – and that’s the business we’re in. There’ll be new generations of TT fan who will embrace what we’re doing and will support it wholeheartedly. I’ll be proud to hand over this new version of the TT to the next custodians, which is all we are.”

The SMS is a comprehensive process without an end point. Below is an overview of the most notable changes planned for TT 2022 and their benefits:

Organisational Structure

At a Glance: Greater clarity between Promoter, Race Organiser and Governing Body

Greater clarity around all roles and responsibilities

Greater oversight throughout the new structure

Greater consultation and collaboration across the entirety of ‘Team TT’

Establishing more effective communication channels between all parties and volunteers

Up-scaling the organisational team to mitigate key person risks

Course Oversight

At a Glance: Race Control redesigned and rebuilt for TT 2022

Installation of electronic red flag system, partnering with F1 and MotoGP supplier

Bespoke GPS tracking system (Tested at TT 2022, mandatory for TT 2023)

Installation of CCTV, giving race control more oversight of the TT Course

Marshalling the Mountain

At a Glance: Root-and-branch review conducted of role and scope of marshal organisation

Closer working relationship with the Race Organiser

Ensuring common standards with assets in the UK and Isle of Man

New-look marshal training designed and created with key personnel

Investment in marshal training, including two new online modules

Investment in IMC training tools, including two sidecar fabrications

Largest-ever marshal training programme to roll out ahead TT 2022

Equipment for Marshals and Medics

At a Glance: Investment in Air-Med provision, fitting out helicopters with latest equipment

Investment in Air-Med welfare, with provision of new welfare unit

Investment in medical response with acquisition of a fast-response vehicle

Investment in 60+ marshalling posts, upgrading and replacing equipment

Investment in marshal PPE, including essential fire safety gear

Accident Response

At a Glance: Race Control to gain complete oversight of TT Course

Digital red flag system and GPS tracking to aid accident response

Air-Med helicopters fitted out for improved medical fit

Availability of a fast-response vehicle

New common standards applied for marshals training

Accident investigation

At a Glance: Comprehensive change in culture to accident investigation

Improved response to any external enquiry

Introduction of a proactive accident reporting process

Introduction of an incident lessons timeline (6hrs / 12hrs / 24hrs)

Inclusion of pre-accident factors in investigations

Analysis of accident timeline and chain of events to drive decision-making

Analysis of accident and near-miss data to drive decision-making

Collected organisational intelligence to drive decision-making

Use of CCTV, in-car cameras and body cams to supplement evidence

Rider PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)

At a Glance: Increased PPE standards for leathers, boots, gloves and body armour

Introduction of FIM helmet homologation standard for TT racing

Creation of a technical team, trained for oversight of standards

Race Regulations

At a Glance: Reduction of starters in each race (50 in 1000cc classes, 60 elsewhere)

More exclusive field to drive higher standards and professionalism

Change to single start (no longer pairs) for Qualifying

Longer afternoon session to open Qualifying, easing pressure on teams

Final qualifying moved to the afternoon, ensuring longer preparation and recovery time

Single-lap warm-up on race days to give riders feel for course conditions

On-Site Care

At a Glance: Acquisition of a new, state-of-the-art, medical centre to be located on-site

Beginning the journey to establish an event-specific medical code

New drug and alcohol protocols (zero tolerance) and testing programme

Sports-science research project initiated with University College Isle of Man

Rider Welfare

At a Glance: New protocols to care for the mental health of riders

Introduction of ‘chill-out’ zone, gifting riders time and space

Access to trained occupational therapists

Pit-lane Operation

At a Glance: Larger pit boxes, accommodating four-person crew

Fire safety cover for all teams

Alterations to pit entry and exit with wireless timing system

New railings to assist with the filling of fuel dispensers

Paddock Infrastructure

At a Glance: Extensive maintenance programme

Parc Ferme doubles in size

Digital information screens

New time-keepers’ units

Redesigned winners’ enclosure

To find out more about the SMS the following articles provide further information:

1. SMS to Drive Safety Performance

2. Better Safe Than Sorry

KTM Factory Racing Previews The Dakar Rally

David Swarts

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November 29, 2021

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KTM Factory Racing Previews The Dakar Rally

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING READY FOR DAKAR 2022

With just over one month to go before the highly anticipated start of the 2022 Dakar Rally, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are currently completing their final period of testing before packing their bags and heading to the start of the famous race, early in January 2022. Matthias, Toby, and Kevin will all compete on the latest version of the KTM 450 RALLY – a bike developed in close cooperation between KTM Technologies, KTM’s R&D department, KISKA, and KTM Motorsports over the last two years.

Matthias Walkner has enjoyed an exceptional 2021 season, ultimately becoming FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion. Finishing as runner-up at the high-speed Rally Kazakhstan, the 35-year-old then topped the Silk Way Rally before solidifying his position as the man on form by claiming another runner-up finish at the Rallye du Maroc and wrapping up the world title. At the final race of the year – the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – Walkner brought his 2021 season to a winning close, underlining his impressive form ahead of next January’s Dakar Rally. Now, with time to focus on his next big challenge, Matthias goes into the Dakar fully fit and carrying a huge amount of confidence ahead of the two-week race. Winner of the event in 2018, he’ll undoubtedly be looking to double his title count in January.

Matthias Walkner: “2021 has been a really, really good year for me, starting with my performance at the Dakar and then throughout the world championship. Luck wasn’t on my side in January, I had an issue early on that cost me too much time to get a top result. My speed was definitely good though and I was able to carry that into the rest of the season. It’s been a difficult couple of years for everyone but it’s always good when all your hard work and training pays off with some strong results. To finish inside the top two in all of the four races we entered during the year, and to take two wins shows my passion for racing is still as strong as ever. Morocco is one of the most important races leading up to the Dakar due to the terrain and with all of the top riders competing, I finished second there, less than two minutes down and that was definitely a big boost for my confidence. I’m feeling good, I’m really comfortable on the bike, and with just a few weeks to go before Dakar, I’m ready to race!”

Toby Price showed impressive pace at the 2021 Dakar Rally, but was frustratingly forced to retire following a crash on stage nine, which caused a year of disruption for the Aussie. Following three separate surgeries, Price has largely stayed away from competition, spending time on his bike at home in Australia during the second half of the season, before joining the team later in the year to test and develop the new KTM 450 RALLY. Contesting the Rallye du Maroc in October, he put in five solid days of racing, also taking the time to further improve the set-up of the new machine through the Moroccan dunes in preparation for the Dakar. Happy with his own performance, and that of the bike, Toby will be looking to make amends for his 2021 Dakar disappointment and claim his third title at the 2022 event.

Toby Price: “I’m really looking forward to Dakar 2022. This year’s race didn’t go too well for me, crashing out on stage nine. I was sitting in a good place, so it was tough to have to retire. The plan for the next one is similar to those I’ve had in the past to be honest – make it safely to the rest day in a solid position, stay in contention, and try to let the days come to me. On the days that we need to push, we’ll really go for it. It’s easy to make a plan, but the rally is always changing day-by-day, you have to be able to adapt. I’m feeling really good now, and the work on the new bike is definitely going in the right direction. All being well we should be in the mix, and I can’t wait to go racing again with the Red Bull KTM team!”

Ready to make his Dakar Rally debut for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 2021 event winner Kevin Benavides is fired up to get back racing following an injury-hit season. Due to make his competitive debut for the team at Rally Kazakhstan, Benavides’ participation was ruled out following a practice crash that resulted in an injured shoulder. Like teammate Price, Benavides endured a period of time off his bike before restarting his full training regime later in the summer. At the Rallye du Maroc – his first time riding the KTM 450 RALLY in competition – Kevin placed a solid seventh overall, showing exceptional skill and speed on the tricky-to-navigate sand stages. The reigning Dakar Champion will now complete his intense training regime to build his strength ahead of the 44th edition of the event, before heading out to the Middle East late in December with the goal of making it two in a row.

Kevin Benavides: “Well, the big race is just around the corner now – it’s amazing how fast this year has gone. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and taking on the Dakar riding for Red Bull KTM. The year has been tough for me, soon after signing for the team I hurt my shoulder in a practice crash and that meant I had to spend three months off the bike right at the time I needed to ride as much as possible. After that, the testing and training program has been intense – the team came out to America where we did a lot of work on the new bike, then we travelled to Morocco to race the Rallye du Maroc. The goal there was to make further steps with the bike and really get to know the team in a racing environment. It all went really well, and I’m very pleased with the steps we’ve made with the new KTM 450 RALLY. Now, with only a month to go until the big race, I’m trying to get as much training done as possible, as well as time on the new bike. I’ll then fly into the Middle East and be ready to defend my Dakar title. It’s always difficult to plan a set strategy, but once the first week is done, if everything is okay after the rest day, I will be trying my best to make it back-to-back wins!”

Joining the team in Saudi Arabia, former MotoGP™ star Danilo Petrucci will be riding for KTM Factory Racing and making his competitive rally debut at the Dakar. Swapping his KTM RC16 for a KTM 450 RALLY, the likeable Italian will take on the world’s toughest rally hoping to complete the event at his first attempt. Danilo has already had time to test his Tech3 KTM Factory Racing rally bike alongside the team and has undergone intense road book training, under the watchful eye of KTM’s Rally Sport Manager Jordi Viladoms, in order to be ready to face the incredibly challenging navigation required for rally racing.

Norbert Stadlbauer – Rally Team Manager: “It’s going to be my first year attending the Dakar as Rally Team Manager and definitely something I’ve been looking forward to since taking the position. It’s a hugely important race for KTM, and the whole team have put in a massive effort for this main event, with their training, preparation, and with the new bike. In terms of the riders, Matthias has made a big improvement in his speed and consistency over the last year, and that has allowed him to claim the world championship – he can deliver when he needs to. Kevin is the reigning Dakar champion and knows exactly what is needed to be on top at the end of the final stage. He’s spent a lot of time training and working on the new bike this year and we can’t wait to see him perform on the KTM. Thankfully Toby is almost back to 100% now and you can never rule him out of a Dakar win – he seems to be able to just push a button and be right up front. Finally, it’s great to have Danilo join the rally program from MotoGP™. He’s shown great skill on the bike already in what is a big and exciting new challenge for him. His goal this year is just to finish the race, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how he progresses through the event.”

The 2022 Dakar Rally will commence on Saturday, January 1, with a short Prologue to decide the start order for stage one. In total, the event consists of 12 full stages, covering a distance of around 8,000km. The race is set to start in Ha’il, from where riders will travel south, stopping at the rest day in Riyadh before heading on to the finish at Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, on January 14. Competitors will also face the challenge of two marathon stages during the rally, where no outside assistance is allowed.

MV Agusta Superveloce Ago Voted Best Bike Of Show At EICMA

David Swarts

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November 29, 2021

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MV Agusta Superveloce Ago Voted Best Bike Of Show At EICMA

MV AGUSTA SUPERVELOCE AGO VOTED BEST BIKE OF THE SHOW

AT THE 2021 EDITION OF EICMA, THE WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT TRADE FAIR IN THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY

Varese – At this year’s EICMA, the MV Agusta Superveloce Ago wins the title of “Best bike of the show”. The contest, organised by Motociclismo magazine and powered by Garmin, saw the Superveloce Ago taking a head start right from the opening of the 2021 edition of the fair and maintaining a solid lead through the entire week: the new three cylinders from Schiranna collected 47.2% of the votes given by 12,567 attendees. The second place went to the Aprilia Tuareg with 19%, while the Moto Morini X-Cape took third place with 7.9%. The latest addition to the MV Agusta family is an unprecedented piece of artwork and has literally thrilled the public of the show.

The presentation of the award took place Sunday afternoon, on the last day of EICMA, at the Motociclismo booth, in the presence of Timur Sardarov CEO, Filippo Bassoli Marketing Director and Alessandro Malaspina Senior Designer of MV Agusta, Pietro Meda and Paolo Magri respectively President and Managing Director of EICMA, along with Marco Riccardi, hononary director, Federico Aliverti editor-in-chief and Paolo Patruno Managing Director of Motociclismo.

Since its first appearance last month at the Misano race track, the Superveloce Ago has been ranking high on the wish list of motorcycle enthusiasts around the world. The model dedicated to the champion from Bergamo has been produced by hand in a 311 units series, the same number of Agostini’s career wins, while the first fifteen are dedicated to his world championships titles. Every one of them features a carbon fibre plaque commemorating the exact year of each of the titles. Every bike is signed by Agostini, personally, making it a sought-after and prestigious collector piece. Many parts of the fairings are in Carbon fibre, while the Öhlins suspensions are entirely adjustable. The Superveloce’s kit is quite unique and includes an amazing Arrow asymmetrical exhaust system, with two tail pipes on the left and one on the right hand side of the machine. The silver/grey colouring of the fairing is dedicated to the brand’s racing legacy, and is complemented by a bright metallic red, called Rosso Ago, for a stunning livery.

Timur Sardarov commented: “The best bike of show is another great award for us, and a further recognition of all the energy and the resources MV Agusta is consistently putting in the development of new products. Winning this award for the sixth time is a cause of great satisfaction for all of us. I would like to dedicate it to all MV Agusta employees, who put incredible passion in their everyday work.”

World Endurance: Dunlop Is Exclusive Tire Supplier For Superstock

David Swarts

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November 28, 2021

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World Endurance: Dunlop Is Exclusive Tire Supplier For Superstock

A FURTHER THREE YEARS OF DUNLOP AS OFFICIAL PARTNER IN THE FIM EWC

Dunlop remains loyal to the endurance championship and has renewed its agreement with Discovery Sports Events as official partner of the FIM EWC. To support the Superstock teams, from 2022 onwards Dunlop will be the exclusive supplier to the class. The Dunlop Superstock Trophy will be launched to shore up the participation of privateer teams.
Dunlop, a historic partner of the endurance championship, and Discovery Sports Events, promoter of the FIM EWC, have renewed their official partnership in the FIM Endurance World Championship for the next three years.

In order to support the privateer Superstock teams who make up the core of the field in world endurance and in agreement with the International Motorcycling Federation, Dunlop will be the sole tyre supplier for the Superstock class for the next three years.

Dunlop, a renowned manufacturer, already the tyre supplier to 85% of the Superstock teams this season, will hence strengthen its presence and above all its support of independent teams.

The level of performance in this class increases with each season. Every year, the rivalry between the teams makes for an exciting show and it is not unusual to see Superstock teams competing with EWC squads. The Superstock teams go out on track on machines that closely resemble production motorcycles, and the FIM Endurance world cup prepares the top Superstock teams to compete in Formula EWC.

Having Dunlop as the exclusive supplier in Superstock will enable teams to continue their progress in racing while keeping costs down. The cap on prices and the number of tyres authorized in qualifying is intended to create the fairest possible racing conditions for contenders in this very competitive class.

The successor to the EWC Dunlop Independent Trophy, the Dunlop Superstock Trophy will support this action. Tyres will be gifted to the fifteen best teams at the finish of each race. 345 sets of tyres will be provided in 2022 with tyres given at every race except the Suzuka 8 Hours. 95 sets of Dunlop tyres will be handed out at 24-hour races and 60 at 8-hour races.

Support for Superstocks on the track

Besides the tyre partnership, Discovery Sports Events and the FIM wish to support the Superstock class, confronted with a constant improvement in the performance of the leading teams in the EWC class. The FIM commission of circuit racing has therefore decided to adjust the minimum qualifying time of 108% by differentiating the categories. During qualifying, a Superstock rider must set a lap time that is 108% within the time of the fastest Superstock rider, not the fastest rider in his group as was previously the case. The goal is to encourage Superstock teams to compete for the FIM Endurance world cup.

Wim Van Achter, Dunlop Motorsport Manager

“For five seasons we have promoted independent riders with the Dunlop Independent Trophy initiative. With almost all of the championship’s independent teams racing in the Superstock class, it makes sense to replace the Trophy with a programme to support all teams in the class equally. This will encourage close competition, reduce testing costs and ensure every team can benefit from championship-winning level tyres and support.”

KTM Owner PIERER Mobility AG Acquires FELT Bicycles

David Swarts

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November 28, 2021

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KTM Owner PIERER Mobility AG Acquires FELT Bicycles

PIERER MOBILITY AG ACQUIRES FELT BICYCLES AND ENTERS THE NORTH AMERICAN BICYCLE MARKET

PIERER Mobility AG acquires FELT Bicycles and enters the North American bicycle market

As part of its strategy to assume a leading global role in the bicycle sector, PIERER Mobility AG is pleased to announce the acquisition and integration of FELT Bicycles into its division PIERER E-Bikes GmbH.

Founded in 1991 in California, USA, FELT Bicycles has an established reputation for producing high-performance, drop-bar road, triathlon, track, cyclocross, gravel, and adventure bikes. Always striving for innovation, during its 30-year history, FELT Bicycles has pioneered carbon fiber usage in bike design, set new standards in mountain bike suspension systems, and revolutionized aerodynamic development in the pursuit of the ultimate racing equipment. FELT bikes have been ridden to stage wins at Grand Tours, earned record-breaking triathlon world titles, Olympic gold medals, and world championships on various terrain.

Stefan Pierer, CEO PIERER Mobility AG: “The acquisition of FELT Bicycles fits perfectly with the overall strategy of PIERER E-Bikes – that of becoming a global player in the field of two-wheel mobility, with both electric and non-electric bikes, across all cycling categories. With FELT we are able to expand our bicycle portfolio and also strongly enter the North American market with an established, high-performance brand. The company is also heavily involved in competition, which brings an extra attraction for us.”

The acquisition of FELT Bicycles consists of three components: the purchase of the FELT brand assets, business assets in Europe and in North America as well as the integration of the global workforce into PIERER E-Bikes GmbH’s team structure.

PIERER Mobility AG – the group behind vastly successful powered-two-wheeler brands like KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GASGAS – established PIERER E-Bikes GmbH in 2019 with the focus to deliver innovation, advanced technology and leading design into the bicycle market. PIERER E-Bikes GmbH continues building a portfolio of premium bicycle brands, covering all categories, with FELT Bicycles now set to join Husqvarna E-Bicycles, GASGAS, and R Raymon.

About FELT Bicycles

FELT Bicycles is a California-based performance cycling brand founded in 1991. Innovation, speed, and fun feature in the FELT line-up of bikes across road, track, cyclocross, gravel, triathlon, and fitness pursuits. With a focus on going fast, FELT has supplied World Champions, Tour de France stage winners, Olympic Gold Medalists, and Ironman World Record Holders with world-leading, aerodynamically-optimized bikes guaranteed to perform. FELT Bicycles has been with Group Rossignol since 2017, a period during which the brand streamlined its product assortment, re-branded and focused its messaging on speed and performance and reconfigured a comprehensive dealer and distributor network to best serve the market and its target consumers.

About PIERER Mobility AG

The PIERER Mobility Group is Europe’s leading manufacturer of “powered two-wheelers”. With its premium motorcycle brands KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GASGAS, it is one of the European technology and market leaders. In addition to vehicles with combustion engines, the product portfolio also includes emission-free two-wheelers with electric drives (e-motorcycles, e-bicycles and e-scooters). As a pioneer in electromobility for two-wheelers, the Group and its strategic partner Bajaj have the prerequisites to assume a leading global role in the low-voltage range (48 volts). Entering into the e-bicycle segment with PIERER E-Bikes GmbH was another important step in intensifying activities in the field of bicycle electromobility. Bicycles are being driven forward under the brands Husqvarna E-Bicycles, R Raymon, GASGAS and FELT Bicycles in order to participate in the attractive market growth in this segment and to become a major international player in this field.

Riding KTM’s $38,999 RC 8C, In The November Issue

November 30, 2021

Racing Editor Chris Ulrich aboard the KTM RC 8C at Jerez. — Racing Editor Chris Ulrich aboard a KTM RC 8C at Jerez. Photo courtesy KTM.

Featured In the November 2021 issue of Roadracing World:

“The large group of riders gathered on pit lane at Jerez Circuit, anxiously waiting for the blue garage doors to roll up and unveil their new 2022 KTM RC 8C track bikes. When the garage doors finally opened, they revealed a fleet of 25 KTM RC 8C motorcycles, each with a custom number and all on stands and tire warmers, awaiting their new owners.

“The atmosphere in the pit box was electric and the excitement infectious. I snuck into the group unnoticed and claimed the only unmarked KTM RC 8C in the lot. I was happy to join the group for a day at Jerez, and tried to stay under the radar. A full day of riding on the track was ahead, including eight 20-minute sessions, with Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio mixing with the group on and off the racetrack…”

—Owners Track Intro: KTM RC 8C, by Chris Ulrich

Build a motorcycle that evokes passion for riding and it will sell—that was KTM’s plan for the track-only $38,999 RC 8C. Adding in a once-in-a-lifetime track day experience at Jerez with KTM MotoGP test riders Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio for $5,700 (race track equipment package and event fee) saw the 100 units available worldwide sell out in just 4 minutes and 32 seconds! But how does it work on the track? Racing Editor Chris Ulrich was on hand to test the sporting twin, and his review is in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

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MotoAmerica: MP13 Racing Fielding Ventura In Twins Cup

November 30, 2021

Cory Ventura (28) battling with Sean Dylan Kelly (40) and Richie Escalante (1) for the lead during MotoAmerica Supersport Race Two at Laguna Seca in 2021. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

MP13 Racing Back In Action For 2022

MP13 Racing and team principal Melissa Paris are pleased to announce the team’s return to the MotoAmerica Series for 2022.

The Class: Twins Cup

The Equipment: 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7

The Rider: Cory Ventura

Oceanside, California (November 30, 2021) – It has been since the 2019 season that the MP13 Racing team has fielded a motorcycle on the grid for a MotoAmerica race. In that time, team principal Melissa Paris won a National Championship as a mechanic with Altus Motorsports and rider Cameron Petersen, and she also worked alongside the Westby Racing and HDR teams with rider Hunter Dunham. But, in the past two seasons, a re-launching of MP13 Racing has been in the back of Melissa’s mind, “It’s always been in my heart to run my own team…but, for the last two years, it has made sense to try to add to my skill set. Having the chance to work with both Cameron Petersen and Hunter Dunham over the past two seasons has been invaluable. I owe a debt of gratitude to both of them for the trust they placed in me. I’m also forever grateful to the Westby Racing team who, in the past season, supported my growth as a crew chief. With the new R7 coming out, it feels like the timing is right. and I’m so excited for next season.”

In 2021, the Twins Cup Championship had a total of 14 races with 7 different winners. It is easily one of the most competitive classes in MotoAmerica. A staple of Twins Cup has been the Yamaha MT-07 Hyper Naked Motorcycle converted into race trim. But, with the May 2021 announcement of the YZF-R7, things have gotten more interesting. The YZF-R7 has the same foundation as the MT-07 including frame and engine, but updated parts, frame bracing, and more aggressive looks make it more of a “sportbike” lending itself to be the perfect weapon for Twins Cup competition.

Further adding to the excitement of MP13 Racing’s plans is the signing of multi-time MotoAmerica podium finisher and current AFM #1 plate holder Cory Ventura. Cory rode for MP13 Racing in 2018, securing the first MotoAmerica win for the Yamaha YZF-R3 in Junior Cup. “I am extremely excited to be racing with MP13 Racing in 2022 on the Yamaha YZF-R7 in Twins Cup. Melissa and I have stayed pretty close since 2018 when we raced the R3 in Junior Cup, which was the most fun year for me on and off the race track. Since then, I have developed more as a racer especially after my last two years racing on the West Coast with AFM, as well as a couple of MotoAmerica wildcards. Melissa is putting a lot of time and effort into this, and it gives me a lot of confidence and motivation to race for her. I am so excited and more hungry than ever to come back into a full MotoAmerica season with MP13 Racing.”

MP13 Racing is also excited to announce that there will be exclusive content and lots of ways for fans to engage with team members via their participation on the Patreon platform (https://www.patreon.com/mp13racing).

Also, stay tuned for an announcement about the launch of the new MP13 Racing Fan Club.

Although it’s still early in the process of securing support for 2022, MP13 Racing would like to thank and acknowledge those partners already on board for the excitement ahead, including Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., Maxima, J4orce Training, O2 Creations, GHD Designs, One Cure, and All Kids Bike.

For more information: [email protected]

Video: Suzuki ECSTAR MotoGP Team Tests At Jerez

November 30, 2021

Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy Team Suzuki Press Office.

Join Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Joan Mir, Alex Rins, Sylvain Guintoli and Takuya Tsuda at the Jerez MotoGP test in November.

The new video from Suzuki Motor Corporation and produced by Dorna features some on-track and behind-the-scenes footage from Rins and Mir, plus interviews with the riders and also Technical Manager Ken Kawauchi as the team worked on testing new parts and settings for the 2022 season.

Australian Superbike: How To Watch The Season Finale Live

November 30, 2021

Action from an Australian Superbike race at The Bend in 2019. Photo by Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport, courtesy of Motorcycling Australia. — Action from an Australian Superbike race at The Bend Motorsports Park in 2019. Photo by Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport, courtesy of Motorcycling Australia.