Vance & Hines and Mission Foods Partner With Suzuki In NHRA Drag Racing

David Swarts

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February 1, 2022

Vance & Hines and Mission Foods Partner With Suzuki In NHRA Drag Racing

Editorial Note: Vance & Hines is also the official supplier of Harley-Davidson XG750R flat track production racebikes, fields Harley-Davidsons in the MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers racing series, and is a sponsor of the Yamaha YZF-R7 raced by Hayden Schultz in MotoAmerica Twins Cup.

Vance & Hines, Suzuki Motor USA, and Mission Foods Partner to Create Powerhouse NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Team

Angelle Sampey on a Vance & Hines-built Suzuki during the 2021 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle series. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines.

Santa Fe Springs, CA – February 1, 2022 – Vance & Hines today announced a partnership that brings three legendary brands together in a quest for the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle (PSM) Championship. This triumvirate of performance-focused, industry-leading companies make the Vance & Hines/Mission Foods/Suzuki Factory Pro Stock Motorcycle Team an early favorite for the top spot.

Suzuki, a global leader in motorcycle performance, plans to add to its NHRA PSM legacy in 2022 when it dubs Vance & Hines as its “premier drag race team.” The two companies have a storied relationship dating back to 1978 with the launch of the GS 1000. That year, Vance & Hines began operating Suzuki’s factory drag racing team, with racing programs under several sanctioning bodies. In the years that followed, they earned numerous victories and championships with company co-founders Terry Vance as rider and Byron Hines as tuner. Ultimately, the collaboration established Suzuki as the fastest and winningest brand on the drag strip. Their success paved the way for the emergence of PSM racing as a professional sport.

When the NHRA, established the PSM class as full-fledged national championship in 1987, Vance won its inaugural race in Gainesville on a Suzuki GS 1150E, and later in that season set a Pro Stock milestone as the first motorcycle to run a 7-second ET. Since that time, Vance & Hines-built Suzuki powerplants have won five NHRA national titles, including three consecutive championships on bikes piloted by Byron’s son, Matt Hines.

The Vance & Hines/Suzuki partnership is a multi-year program which will allow racing fans to see the performance of a 6.3 second, 200+ MPH Hayabusa model in the world’s premier form of motorcycle drag racing. Additionally, fans will be able to experience a Suzuki presence at many of the national NHRA PSM events and V&H/Suzuki team members will meet with fans in the paddock area at every race.

Mission Foods continues its sponsorship of the team in 2022 and has become a significant presence in racing, with partnerships and sponsorships in IndyCar and several racing organizations in powersports. Mission Foods, the largest manufacturer of tortillas in the US and a worldwide leader in Mexican foods, joined the Vance & Hines NHRA PSM effort in 2021.

“Suzuki has a tradition of competing at the highest levels in motorcycle racing,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motor USA, LLC Vice President, Motorcycle/ATV Sales and Marketing. “Given our history and success in drag racing it’s fitting that we take a high-profile role in NHRA PSM.” Graeber added that “one of the specific goals of this program is to showcase Suzuki’s all-new, third generation Hayabusa sport bike and Vance & Hines is without a doubt the best partner for this initiative. We’re thrilled to be reuniting with Vance & Hines in NHRA to show the extraordinary capabilities of the Hayabusa.”

“We’re happy to expand our partnership with Vance & Hines for NHRA racing and are overjoyed to have Suzuki on board. This is a great expression of our #2FAST2TASTY campaign,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “NHRA with Vance & Hines and Suzuki, IndyCar with Arrow McLaren SP and our sponsorships in American Flat Track will make 2022 an exciting year for all race fans.”

“Vance & Hines was born on a racetrack and has a passion for high performance,” said Mike Kennedy, President of Vance & Hines. “That’s why partnering with organizations with equally strong cultures of winning is perfect for us. We are overjoyed to have Mission Foods return to our program, and to begin a long and successful strategic partnership with Suzuki. This is already a great start to the 2022 racing season.”

Additional details of the Vance & Hines/Mission Foods/Suzuki racing program will be released in February as the team prepares for the first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle race of the season in Gainesville, Florida. The season includes 15 PSM races and its finale takes place in November in Pomona, California at NHRA’s Auto Club Finals.

MotoGP: Vinales Tops Day Two Of Shakedown Test At Sepang

David Swarts

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February 1, 2022

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FIM MotoGP World Championship

Shakedown Test

February 1, 2022

Unofficial Day Two Lap Times (all on Michelin tires):

Maverick Vinales, Spain (Aprilia), 1:59.833
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 2:00.565*
Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (Ducati), 2:00.734
Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 2:00.819
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 2:01.102*
Remy Gardner, Australia (KTM), 2:01.177
Darryn Binder, South Africa (Yamaha), 2:01.297
Stefan Bradl, Germany (Honda), 2:01.361*
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 2:01.923*
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 2:02.043*
Kohta Nozane, Japan (Yamaha), 2:02.870*
Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Japan (Yamaha), 2:03.000*
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), no time recorded*

*=test rider

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Day 2 of the #SepangShakedown saw Stefan Bradl and Honda join the fray, as well as Maverick Viñales for Aprilia Racing. The Noale factory’s concessions allow their race riders, Viñales and teammate Aleix Espargaro, to take part in the Shakedown.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was sidelined with illness on Tuesday but aims to be back out on track for Day 3.

Michele Pirro's (51) test agenda apparently included Jack Miller-style wheelies. Photo courtesy Dorna. — Michele Pirro’s (51) test agenda apparently included Jack Miller-style wheelies. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Marco Bezzecchi (72) lowered his lap time significantly on Day Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.

MotoGP Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Sylvain Guintoli (50) continued testing for Suzuki on Day Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Remy Gardner (87) improved his best time on Day Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Darryn Binder (40) in action at Sepang. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Stefan Bradl began Honda's testing program on Tuesday. Photo courtesy Dorna. — Stefan Bradl began Honda’s testing program on Tuesday. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Mika Kallio (82) continued testing for KTM on Day Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori (32). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Yamaha MotoGP test rider/World Superbike racer Kohta Nozane (T1). Photo courtesy Dorna.

2021 Japanese Superbike Champion and Yamaha MotoGP test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga (T2). Photo courtesy Dorna.

For a second day KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa (26) was on track at Sepang, but for a second day his name did not appear on the timing monitors. Photo courtesy Dorna.

AFT: All 2022 Rounds To Be Live Streamed On Facebook

David Swarts

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February 1, 2022

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AFT: All 2022 Rounds To Be Live Streamed On Facebook

Progressive AFT to Livestream All Rounds on Facebook in 2022

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 1, 2022) – Following the announcement of an all-new television broadcast agreement with FOX Sports, Progressive American Flat Track is excited to announce that fans will be able to watch all 18 rounds of action live on Facebook during the 2022 season.

Livestreaming coverage on Progressive American Flat Track’s Facebook page will be free of charge up until Opening Ceremonies, allowing fans around the world to watch the drama unfold during Practice and Qualifying at no cost. Fans can then purchase access to watch Opening Ceremonies, Semis, Main Events and podium celebrations via Facebook Paid Online Events for $3.99 if purchased 24 hours or more in advance, or $4.99 if purchased on the day of the event.

Viewers can watch livestream coverage in the Facebook mobile app, Facebook desktop site or on the Facebook Watch mobile app. To watch the livestream on TV, fans can download the Facebook Watch TV app, or cast to a TV from the Facebook mobile app. Facebook Watch is available through Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Xbox One.

Additional information on how to watch Progressive AFT on Facebook will be posted to https://www.americanflattrack.com prior to the start of the season.

Click the following links to sign up today:

March 10, 2022 – Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile I

March 11, 2022 – Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile II

March 19, 2022 – Mission Foods Texas Half-Mile

April 23, 2022 – I-70 Half-Mile

May 28, 2022 – Mission Foods Red Mile I presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington

May 29, 2022 – Mission Foods Red Mile II presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington

June 11, 2022 – Laconia Short Track

June 25, 2022 – Lima Half-Mile

July 2, 2022 – Mission Foods New York Short Track

July 16, 2022 – Mission Foods Port Royal Half-Mile

July 30, 2022 – Peoria TT

August 6, 2022 – Black Hills Half-Mile

August 13, 2022 – Castle Rock TT

August 20, 2022 – Law Tigers Sacramento Mile

September 3, 2022 – Springfield Mile I

September 4, 2022 – Springfield Mile II

September 24, 2022 – Cedar Lake Short Track

October 15, 2022 – Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile III

Progressive AFT will kick off the 2022 season with a Daytona Bike Week doubleheader on Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11 at Volusia Speedway Park. To purchase tickets to events or to learn more about America’s Original Extreme Sport, please visit https://www.americanflattrack.com. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit the official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

February 2022

Magazine Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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January 31, 2022

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On the Front Cover: Josh Herrin rails through the infield at Daytona International Speedway during an AHRMA event in January, riding the 955cc Ducati Panigale V2 he’ll race against 600cc-750cc four-cylinder and 675cc-798cc three-cylinder bikes in the new-look, March 2022 Daytona 200. Herrin won the Daytona 200 on a Yamaha YZF-R6. Photo by etechphoto.com.

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW. Or call (909) 654-4779 to subscribe, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

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In This Issue:

FEATURES

Inside Info: Damon Electric Hyperbike, Ducati V4 S, LiveWire IPO, New-Look Daytona 200

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1973 Seeley Suzuki TR500

Product Review: Stay Frosty Race-Ready Coolant

Intro: 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak

Quick Look: 2022 KTM 890 Duke Is A Bigger Scapel

MotoGP Analysis: MotoGP’s Latest Technical Battle: Stop, Turn, Go!

MotoGP Analysis: Danilo Petrucci: From Grand Prix To Dakar Rally

Hanging With: MotoAmerica Racer David “Aussie Dave” Anthony

PRO RACING

Army of Darkness Endurance 2021 Part One: “Never Swim Against The Tide”

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: Looking Back To RW’s Start

10 Years Ago, February 2012: On the cover, Chris Ulrich wheelies the 2012 CBR1000RR at Infineon Raceway (now Sonoma Raceway)

Number & Trivia: Danilo Petrucci’s Road Racing Career

The Kids’ Page: Reese Frankenfield

The Crash Page: Danilo Petrucci and Alex Marquez plow gravel in Germany, and Pol Espargaro flies in France

New Products: Yamaha Generators, Michelin Road 6 Tires

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

ASRA/CCS Newsletter

High-Performance Parts & Services

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: Test Bikes of 2021 Review

MotoGP: Fernandez Quickest On Day One Of Shakedown Test At Sepang (Updated)

David Swarts

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January 31, 2022

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MotoGP: Fernandez Quickest On Day One Of Shakedown Test At Sepang (Updated)

Five rookies and seven test riders were in action Monday, the first day of the MotoGP “shakedown test” preceding the official pre-season test later this week, at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia.

Michele Pirro (51) at speed on his Ducati Desmosedici prototype. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Rookies Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP), Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing), and Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) shared the track with test riders Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki), Mika Kallio (KTM), Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha), Kohta Nozane (Yamaha), Dani Pedrosa (KTM), Michele Pirro (Ducati), and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia).

KTM test rider Mika Kallio (82). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Cal Crutchlow did not ride although he has renewed his contract as a Yamaha test rider, and Honda tester Stefan Bradl was not on track Monday. Pedrosa rode for KTM on Monday, but his name did not appear on timing and scoring monitors.

Unofficially, Fernandez was quickest on Monday with a lap time of 2:00.898, which fell short of Fabio Quartararo’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:58.303 and Valentino Rossi’s Race Lap Record of 1:59.661, but was impressive for a rookie.

Rookie Remy Gardner (87) rode in spite of still recovering from a broken wrist. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Both records were set in 2019, the last time MotoGP raced at Sepang.

Rookie Marco Bezzecchi (72) on his Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati. Photo courtesy Dorna.

FIM MotoGP World Championship

Shakedown Test

January 31, 2022

Unofficial Day One Lap Times (all on Michelin tires):

Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 2:00.898
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 2:01.042*
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 2:01.250*
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 2:01.676*
Remy Gardner, Australia (KTM), 2:01.852
Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (Ducati), 2:02.012
Darryn Binder, South Africa (Yamaha), 2:02.146
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 2:02.181*
Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Ducati), 2:02.596
Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Japan (Yamaha), 2:03.442*
Kohta Nozane, Japan (Yamaha), 2:03.616*
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), no time recorded

*=test rider

Rookie Darryn Binder (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Yamaha test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga (T2). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Yamaha test rider Kohta Nozane (T1). Photo courtesy Dorna.

KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa (26). Photo courtesy Dorna.

More, from a press release issued by Mooney VR46 Racing Team:

THE 2022 PRE SEASON BEGINS FOR MARCO BEZZECCHI AT SEPANG

Riding the Ducati Desmosedici GP, the rookie of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team completes the Day1 of the MotoGP Shakedown test with 38 laps

Sepang (Malaysia), January 31st 2022 – Day1 of the shakedown test reserved to the MotoGP rookies at the end at Sepang International circuit for Marco Bezzecchi on the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team.

Among the very first guys on the track with the special pre season helmet with a big P on the top as in Italy we use for indicated the beginners in driving (L as learner in the most of the countries), Marco inaugurates the 2022 by completing 38 laps to continue to become familiar with the power of the new bike and being ready for the first official MotoGP test. At work in the morning and in the second half of the afternoon to make the most of the more favorable temperatures on the track, he sets a best lap time of 02.02.012 and is in P6 in the combined standings.

As scheduled, Marco and the Mooney VR46 Racing Team will return at work to complete the other two days of shakedown testing session tomorrow and Wednesday.

Marco Bezzecchi

An exciting first day: it was strange arrive at the garage and found two bikes there. Irony aside, a good Day1: we started gradually, also to keep energies for the official testing session and test my condition well. I have continued to try the material we used at Jerez and I felt comfortable. At the moment, it is difficult to compare my performance with the other guys, I will continue to follow my plan with the Team in the upcoming days. They are helping me a lot and doing an amazing job.

Pablo Nieto

Team Manager

The wait is over and I am very happy to have finished the first day of testing here in Sepang. Marco and the whole Team are ready, they did a great job today and in recent days. This is the first real test for us, we spent the entire winter preparing for the new season and for the first time we are on track at 100%. A good Day1, Marco trained a lot, he is physically fit and today he started to find the feeling with the bike, the power of the Ducati and all the automatisms of the new category. I’m satisfied.

AFT: Tickets On Sale For Red Mile Doubleheader

David Swarts

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January 31, 2022

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AFT: Tickets On Sale For Red Mile Doubleheader

Ticket Sales Launched for Progressive AFT Memorial Day Weekend Red Mile Doubleheader

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 31, 2022) – Tickets for Progressive American Flat Track’s Memorial Day Weekend doubleheader at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 28-29 are now available for purchase.

The Mission Foods® Red Mile I & II presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington marks Progressive AFT’s first stop at the historic venue since 2019. Primarily known as a horse racing facility since it opened in 1875, the beautiful Red Mile has shown itself to be equally suited to races featuring a hundred times the horsepower ever since Progressive AFT made its first visit in 2017.

Widely praised for lush accommodations, incredible views from the grandstands, and availability of its track-side food and entertainment, the Red Mile stands out even among a schedule loaded with destination events.

A range of ticket options are available for purchase. General Admission – Standing Room Only, which provides ticket holders an excellent view of the track right along the front stretch, are available for just $25, with kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Other options include Reserved Grandstand tickets that provide outstanding views of the entire racetrack, a limited number of Mid-Level Box Seats, and the exclusive Turn 1 Hospitality Suite – VIP Experience.

Paddock Access Upgrades are available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the paddock where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Reserve your seats for the Mission Foods Red Mile I & II presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington today by visiting Progressive American Flat Track’s website at https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3722/.

For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.

Ana Carrasco Leaving World Supersport 300 For Moto3

David Swarts

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January 31, 2022

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Ana Carrasco Leaving World Supersport 300 For Moto3

Kawasaki Says Goodbye To Champion Ana Carrasco

After five glorious years with Kawasaki, during which she won the 2018 WSSP300 Championship, Ana Carrasco is moving from the environment of WorldSBK to the MotoGP paddock to ride in the Moto3 Championship. Thank you for everything, Ana!

Not only a highly successful racer in her own right, Carrasco has also been a role model for women globally combining her racing with law studies at home in Murcia, Spain and a gruelling public relations programme promoting the role of woman in sport.

The 2018 WSSP300 Champion guided her Ninja 400 to success in a year that saw her become the first FIM sanctioned female to win a road race Championship. The Murcian rider achieved seven race wins on Kawasaki machinery climbing the podium no less than 12 times equaling that with 12 fastest laps and three pole positions in what is generally recognised as one of the most competitive and hard-fought racing classes in the WorldSBK paddock.

Amassing a total of 420 points in over 50 race starts, the rider who was guided in every one of her Kawasaki race seasons by former Superbike rider, David Salom, came under the wing of the Provec racing enterprise in 2019.

Team Manager of KRT WorldSBK and co-owner of Provec, Guim Roda, is sad to see Ana move on but understands that the opportunity is too good to pass up. Commenting on Ana’s time at Kawasaki he said:

“Ana’s move to Moto3 is a fitting end to a journey we started together in 2018.
We are so proud to be part of the history now, and a Kawasaki Ninja will forever be recognised as the first ever bike that powered a woman to an FIM Motorcycle Open Championship.

In 2018 she won the Championship which was magical year, but I think 2019 and 2020 were when she performed the best. In 2019 she fought every race just losing second position in Championship on the last lap of the last race. In 2020 she pushed for the title again before her big crash in Estoril that was very nearly life changing – but Ana fought back to health as only she can. Across all this time David Salom was at her side as Team Manager guiding and advising her and he should be singled out for special praise. In 2021 she came back with no time to make winter testing properly due to her recovery process and was able to win in Misano showing she had lost none of her speed.

Moto 3 opens the door to new challenges and motivations. We are sure she will recover the winning edge she showed many times. On behalf of in all in the Kawasaki family we wish Ana all the best and hope she can continue making history motivating women and demonstrating that they deserve the same opportunities in life as men.”

Echoing Guim Roda’s comments, Steve Guttridge (Race Planning Manager, Kawasaki Motors Europe) said:

“Ana has flown-the-flag not just for Kawasaki in the tough, male dominated World Superport 300 racing arena but also for the positive perception of women in motorcycle sport in general. Ana has set the highest standards and is a model athlete for all other riders to aspire to. We wish her well in her new endeavours, even if this is tinged with sadness at her leaving the Kawasaki family. Good luck Ana and thank you for all you have achieved in your career with us racing on our Ninja400.”

Finally, from Ana herself:

“Racing is tough, not just on track where people see but also at times like this when you have to make tough decisions. My ambition is always to grow as a rider, to set myself new goals that other’s see as impossible and to achieve them.

When my parents bought me my first minibike and then I started racing of course my dream was like any rider “one day I want to be a World Champion”. This I achieved in 2018 and even today that feeling is magical; but anyone that understands racing will know that every racer needs to push, to be ambitious and to test themselves again and again.

This opportunity to ride in Moto3 is a logical step in my mind even if the emotional step is hard. I would like to thank everyone at Kawasaki who truly made me feel part of a racing family, of course to my pit crews and team staffs across these years who gave me the best machinery to compete on plus Provec who created a professional environment that was just incredible.

Finally, I must say a special thanks to Eliseo Escámez, Alvar Garriga, the Roda Brothers and all Provec team members, who were always there for me with friendly help and advice and truly believed in me and, of course, my parents who started this amazing journey. I thank all of you and hope you understand you all played a part in making me the rider and person I am. I hope I can repay your kindness with a second World Championship. Thank you.”

Moto2: Gresini Racing Introduces Moto2 Team

David Swarts

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January 30, 2022

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Moto2: Gresini Racing Introduces Moto2 Team

THE GRESINI RACING Moto2 TEAM BACK ON THE GRID ALSO IN 2022

Faenza. After the unforgettable presentation of the new MotoGP team, it is now time to unveil Gresini Racing’s Moto2 liveries. The “middleweight” category, so sought after by Fausto Gresini to give young riders the opportunity to showcase their talent – a springboard to their future. For 2022, Nadia Padovani Gresini wanted to reconfirm this project, which is be led by her son Luca.

A new livery, a new identifying color for the Gresini Family and two new riders: Alessandro Zaccone and Filip Salač. The former had a great season in MotoE last year, leading the standings until the final round of the season; he is not new to the Moto2 class as he raced previously in the same category albeit in the CEV championship. Filip moves up from Moto3, where he proved to be rider but his growth in terms of height ended up preventing him to fully express his talent.

The #12 (Filip) and #61 (Alessandro) bikes will be back on track for the first time this year in February for the Jerez test, which will allow the boys to familiarize with their Kalex machine and get to know better the team they will tackle the season with.

FILIP SALAČ #12

Everything will be new for me after a difficult year in Moto3, I was too tall for that bike. This winter I trained with a bike more similar to Moto2 and I can say that I feel much more comfortable. It will be a new adventure for me and I will have to gain a lot of experience, I will do everything possible to learn quickly and I will always give my best. I really miss the action on track, but I will have to hold on a little longer for the February tests, I can’t wait to work with the team again, I had a lot of fun with them in the first test! While waiting, I’m concentrating on training at the gym, I need to strengthen my muscles and adapt them to the Moto2 which has a different structure. But to be honest, I like this kind of training even more!

ALESSANDRO ZACCONE #61

It will be my first year in the Moto2 World Championship so the most important thing will be to try to learn the new tracks as quickly as possible: the first four ones are going to be a little bit tough for me, but I can’t wait to try! The winter break has always been a long suffering, but this year it really seemed never ending, perhaps because it was difficult to find a Moto2. It’s like a dream that is about to come true, we just have to wait for the tests. In the meantime, I’m training at the gym as well as doing some motocross and Supermoto riding, trying to get back to full fitness after last year’s injury. We are almost there, so I am confident!

LUCA GRESINI – TEAM MANAGER

I am really happy with the Moto2 2022 team, a young project in the hands of young riders. In fact, we chose two rookies in the world category, Zaccone had already competed in the same category but in the CEV with the Honda 600, where he showed he can go really fast and he confirmed his talent also in 2021 with the excellent results achieved in MotoE. Filip is also a very promising guy, he has grown a lot in the last years in Moto3, despite being hampered by his height. He did some good races proving he can compete with the leading group. With this light-blue bike on the track they will see us for sure, it is a strange color that over the season everyone will like more and more

Moto2: American Racing Team Building Training Facility In Texas

David Swarts

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January 29, 2022

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Moto2: American Racing Team Building Training Facility In Texas

The now all-American Racing Team unveils last week the 2022 livery during the presentation at the team estate in Hidden Hills, California, along with the start of an exciting new project.

In an event hosted by TV personality Barry Weiss, riders Cameron Beaubier and Sean Dylan Kelly revealed the brand-new graphics on their red, white and blue 2022 machines to a host of special guests, including family and friends of the team as well as sponsors and journalists.

To round off the week, Cameron, Sean, and the rest of the team took part in several days of filming across various famous locations in the ‘Sunshine State,’ including the Mulholland Highway and the Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, for promotional purposes as well as a new special feature – soon to be revealed.

Cameron Beaubier (6) and Sean Dylan Kelly (4) riding their Kalex Moto2 racebikes at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway while being chased by a drone (upper left). Photo courtesy American Racing Team.

The team is also proud to announce the beginning of a brand-new venture: a dedicated home & training facility of the American Racing Academy.

The American Racing Academy Farm is a 10-acre property located next to the iconic Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Once constructed, it will include oval and TT flat track circuits, a motocross track, as well as accommodation facilities.

This ambitious project will serve the Academy Riders in their training and be capable of hosting a number of Pro riders from across the globe for special training camps. Updates on its progress to follow.

Eitan Butbul – Team Owner

“After only three years, we have achieved our mission. In 2018, we started something special, sometimes I say sometime ‘by mistake’ because I didn’t plan to be in the position I am today as a team owner!

We didn’t call the team ‘American Racing’ just because we’re from the US. The purpose was to eventually have a team for American riders and build a platform that allows American talent to come into the World Championship, and this year, after many years, it’s finally happened – we have two American riders directly from MotoAmerica.

That’s why we decided to have an ‘unconventional and special’ team launch, let’s say, to celebrate properly, for the first time here in Los Angeles. This is our home and our life and it’s nice to combine what we are doing in our day-to-day life with racing.

Also, we are very exciting for our new project of building the home of the American Racing Academy in Austin, Texas. This is something we’ve been thinking to do since we start with the Academy and was a long shot but the opportunity came and we decided to move forward with the project.

The Farm will allow us to have a proper training facility, to have training camps for the Academy riders and the option to invite Pro racers to special events.”

Cameron Beaubier – Rider #6

“I’m definitely looking forward to the year. Last season, we had some really good moments but it was also really tough. We had a lot of crashes but a couple of top fives as well and a handful of top-10s. I’m pumped to have Sean on the team too and it to be two Americans, but I must admit that it feels a little weird because coming up in racing, I was always the young gun that had older teammates. But now, it’s reversed on me! I’d been teammates with Josh Hayes in the past and I had a chance to learn a lot from him, but now the roles are reversed. I’m so excited about the next year, and I hope to make everyone proud.”

Sean Dylan Kelly – Rider #4

“It’s a dream come true for me. This is something that felt really far away only a year ago. Right now, it still feels unreal for me to be looking at this beautiful bike with my new number four on it – even though I always raced with #40. We know how life and careers go up and down, and it felt like something hard to reach, but last year was unbelievable and I achieved one of my goals to be national champion. Then, shortly after, I signed with the team for Moto2™! My family and I, we dreamed of this since I was a kid starting out racing at five years old! I want to say a huge thanks to team owners, Eitan & Avner, and John Hopkins of course for everything, and I’m really excited to get going!”

World Endurance: ERC Endurance Ducati Bolsters Rider Lineup

David Swarts

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January 28, 2022

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World Endurance: ERC Endurance Ducati Bolsters Rider Lineup

Spanish gain: ERC Endurance Ducati adds Checa and Fores for EWC 2022

January 28 2022

*Ace Spaniards join Gines and Zanetti for Ducati-powered FIM EWC attack

*New recruits further increase experience and pedigree of rider line-up

*Team Manager Hoffmann: “We have four endurance specialists as quick as hell”

Spaniards David Checa and Xavi Fores will add further international flavour – and even more pace – to the ERC Endurance Ducati squad contesting the upcoming FIM Endurance World Championship season.

Joining Frenchman Mathieu Gines and Italian Lorenzo Zanetti, Checa and Fores will help to create a formidable line-up on the German team’s Ducati Panigale V4R.

Checa is one of the most successful and experienced riders in the history of endurance racing and is transferring from the factory Kawasaki outfit to the team from Karlsruhe. Winner of the EWC in 2004, 2014, 2016/17 and 2018/19, Checa also has experience in MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship. In addition, the 41-year-old has won the Bol d’Or twice and the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans on three occasions.

“Since first entering the EWC competition at Malaysia two years ago I was able to watch the Ducati very closely on track and from beside and from the beginning it was clear to see the potential of the Panigale V4R-EWC,” Checa said. “The team has had a strong first season, showing the Ducati can mix it up front. They also learned a lot already and I am happy to now be part of this project. I will use all my experience on every single point to help bringing it further ahead.”

Fores, 36, joins ERC Endurance Ducati from the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, which he helped to finish runner-up in the 2021 FIM EWC Teams’ ranking. With experience and pedigree in GP125, Moto2, MotoGP, World Superbike and World Supersport, Fores is also a title winner in the German IDM Superbike series.

He said: “I had some great success with Ducati already and I think the ERC Endurance Panigale V4R-EWC can not only win podiums and races, but also fight for championships. I am looking forward to the new season and I think we can build on the great potential the team showed last year already.”

Gines and Zanetti, meanwhile, helped EWC Endurance Ducati to ninth place in the battle to win the 2021 FIM EWC Teams’ title. A decision on which member of the team’s quartet will take the fourth rider role will be made a later date, along with the decision on the tyre partner.

EWC Endurance Ducati Team Manager Frank Hoffmann said: “With Mathieu Gines, Lorenzo Zanetti, David Checa and Xavi Fores we have four absolute endurance specialists that are quick as hell. For ERC Endurance it is a big honour to have four such high profile riders joining us after just one year as it shows we gained a lot of respect in our first season in the FIM Endurance World Championship. We were quick and our Panigale V4R was more than reliable with our mechanics doing a great job in the pits. Of course we had to learn a lot and we have to take the learned things to 2022 to even get better. But it is a fact that with this bike and those four riders we have all the tools to fight for podiums, wins and the sharp end in the overall standing of the 2022 FIM Endurance World Championship.”

ERC carries Ducati EWC hopes

EWC Endurance has signed a new two-year agreement with Ducati Corse, which brings engineering support, among several other benefits to its attack. The team is planning pre-season testing in Portimão in Portugal and Misano in Italy.

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Hayden Gillim (79) riding a Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson during the MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race at Road Atlanta in 2021. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.