Ducati Reports Record Sales In Q3

David Swarts

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October 19, 2021

Record third quarter for Ducati, which leads to already higher deliveries in the first nine months of 2021 than entire 2020

Borgo Panigale, Bologna, 19 October 2021 – An extremely positive third quarter has ended for Ducati with 49,693 motorcycles delivered to enthusiasts all over the world. At the end of the first nine months of 2021, the company has already exceeded the sales volumes obtained in the whole 2020 (year total 2020: 48,042).

The third quarter of 2021 is confirmed as the best in Ducati’s history, with a growth of +3% over the same period of 2020 and +25% compared to 2019.

At the end of September, the biggest market for motorcycles delivered remains the Italian one (7,954), followed by the United States (7,475) and Germany (5,627).

Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales: “Ducati closed the first nine months of the year with sales volumes that are already higher than the full year 2020, both for the bikes and for after-sales products like clothing, accessories and spare parts. The growth we are experiencing is practically widespread on all the main markets in which Ducati is present and extends across the product families. We are very satisfied with the results obtained: the community of Ducatisti is growing all over the world and the most influential magazines in the motorcycling sector are awarding important prizes to Ducati bikes. This is a source of pride and satisfaction for us here in Borgo Panigale and in all Ducati subsidiaries worldwide. The brand is now more solid and appreciated than ever and we are already focusing on next year. In fact, in these weeks, we are presenting to the world the new products for the coming year, through the web series Ducati World Première 2022”.

Confirming the appreciation of Ducati motorcycles, throughout the year all the product families of the Bologna-based manufacturer have been growing across the board. In particular, the most delivered bikes are the Multistrada V4, which has remained in first place throughout 2021, followed by the Ducati Scrambler 800 family, the Streetfighter V4 and, immediately after, by the Monster.

Ducati has already started to present the new products of the 2022 range. The first episodes of the Ducati World Première was dedicated to the new Multistrada V2, a comfortable, fun to ride, versatile and technologically advanced twin-cylinder bike that represents the new gateway to the Multistrada universe.

Also the new models of the Ducati Scrambler world have been unveiled, with the arrival of the new Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO which was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the air-cooled twin-cylinder engine on a Ducati and which incorporates some stylistic elements typical of the 1970s era. On the other hand, the 800 family is joined by the Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard, a motorcycle created to experience the city environment by making itself noticed through a combination of style, sportiness and fun.

A section dedicated to the Ducati World Première is available on the official Ducati website to discover the calendar and not miss a single episode of the presentation of the 2022 range.

World Supersport: More From The Races In Argentina

David Swarts

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October 19, 2021

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World Supersport: More From The Races In Argentina

Chicken Hawk Racing-supported rider Dominique Aegerter wins FIM Supersport World Championship!

This is the 12th World Championship where the rider/driver used Chicken Hawk Racing Tire Warmers, and the 2nd FIM Supersport World Championship (the first one with Cal Crutchlow also aboard a Yamaha) for Chicken Hawk Racing (CHR).

Dominique and CHR have worked together previously when Dominique was competing in the FIM Moto2 World Championship. CHR has worked with the Ten Kate Racing Team since the late Nicky Hayden joined the team to race in World Superbike and has been proud to be a part of the team’s efforts.

On race day, Aegerter had a good start, but had to brake hard in the first corner to avoid a crash in front of him in which title rival Steven Odendaal was also involved. Aegerter moved up quickly from ninth place with a strong pace. On the seventh lap, the Swiss rider arrived in third place and managed to hold on to this position until the finish. This 14th podium finish of the season was more than enough to secure the world title.

Dominique Aegerter: “I am a little bit lost for words. We had a fantastic season with more than 10 wins and 14 podiums. It’s great to become world champion as a rookie in this class. I want to thank the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha team because they have done a fantastic job this season. Today, the bike was better than yesterday. I had a bit of luck in the first corner, but I am happy to finish on the podium. I also want to thank all my sponsors, because without them I wouldn’t be here. Tonight, it’s time to celebrate!”

Chicken Hawk Racing founder David Podolsky said: “We are really excited for Dominique and the Ten Kate Racing Team. They are an excellent team and provide us with very complete data about tire temperatures, wheel temperatures, and tire pressures, which helps us to advance our product and assist our customers worldwide. Congratulations to Dominique and the entire Ten Kate Racing Team.”

Team manager Kervin Bos said: “What an incredible feeling! The 10th World Supersport title for Ten Kate Racing and the 11th in total. It has been an emotional period, but we made a fantastic comeback with Yamaha. In our comeback season in World Supersport we immediately became world champion. That deserves a very big compliment to the whole team, all our partners and of course Dominique! From the beginning of our adventure, we had an excellent feeling with him. His mentality fits Ten Kate Racing perfectly and we have shown that this season together!”

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Ginger Molloy: The Life Of A Grand Prix Racer 50 Years Ago, In The October Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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October 18, 2021

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Ginger Molloy: The Life Of A Grand Prix Racer 50 Years Ago, In The October Issue

Featured In the October 2021 issue of Roadracing World:

When Ginger Molloy decided to become a Grand Prix racer he gave his Matchless G50 a polish, packed a suitcase, filled a toolbox and got a lift to the local train station. It was January, 1963, and Molloy was a tough youngster from Huntly, New Zealand, where he worked down in the coal mines to make money to go motorcycle road racing.

After a 10-hour train ride he arrived at Wellington station, from where he pushed the G50, with toolbox and suitcase perched on the seat, the mile and a bit to the Wellington docks, where he boarded a boat to Southampton, England, a six-week voyage away. When Molloy finally returned home almost a decade later, he was a 500cc World Championship runner-up, a Grand Prix race winner, and he was married, with three kids.

The adventures he had along the way—living on the road like a gypsy, cheating death and ducking and diving to put enough gas in his bikes and food in his mouth—would sound as likely to a modern-day MotoGP rider as would tales of racing on Mars. It is said that history is another country. In this case it’s another planet…

—MotoGP Analysis: The Life Of A Grand Prix Racer 50 Years Ago, by Mat Oxley

When Ginger Molloy finished second in the 1970 500cc World Championship, he lived a very, very different life than today’s MotoGP stars. MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley looks at the difference between top-level racing today and the way it was a half-century ago in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

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

PREVIEW the October 2021 Issue of Roadracing World!

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49th Annual WERA GNF Is Next Weekend At Barber Motorsports Park

David Swarts

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October 18, 2021

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49th Annual WERA GNF Is Next Weekend At Barber Motorsports Park

49TH ANNUAL WERA GRAND NATIONAL FINALS – OCTOBER 21-24 AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

It is that time of year when the best racers in the country come to Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama to see if they can get a coveted #1 National plate at the 49th WERA Grand National Finals. Credential sales will begin at 3pm on Wednesday ($40.00 for Rider/Crew) and Paddock Access will begin around 5pm.

Thursday will be a practice day for riders who have never been to Barber Motorsports Park and those who want to make sure their machines can take a Championship.

Friday will have the WERA Vintage Series take to the track for the last round in their 2021 Series and after these races the 2021 National Champions will be known! Also on Friday will be individual class qualifiers for all the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Races to be held on Sunday. Each Pirelli/WERA National Class will have a qualifying session to set the grids for Sunday. If you can’t make it for Qualifying no worries you will still be on Sunday’s grids.

On Saturday, the riders from around the country who have run one of our Sportsman Series races will line up with competitors from all WERA Regions to see who takes the win in the classes to claim the WERA Sportsman National Championship in their class. These races are exciting and bring the best together for one final shootout.

On Sunday, the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge will take to the track for their final round of the 2021 Series and Champions will be known for 2021! The Pirelli/WERA National Series features the Michelin WERA Superbike Class and winning a Championship in this Series gives you a taste of what the next level is all about!

Camping is available. Stickboy Racing (Dunlop/Bridgestone Vendors) will have their annual Halloween Party Friday night, and join Stick for his beer swap on Thursday evening. Make sure to make time to visit the Barber Museum while you are there. Come on out and see if you can pick the stars for 2022.

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro Riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing with a co-sanction by the AMA and they go coast to coast offering entry-level racing with the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series which is the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series. WERA also offers Vintage racing and hosts the Concours de ’Competition and Concours d’ Elegance in July at Barber Motorsports Park. Endurance Racing is also on the menu with our partner N2 and runs 4-5 events a year with a Big Bike Endurance and an Ultralightweight Endurance. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the year.

For more information on WERA Motorcycle Roadracing please check out our web site at wera.com.

ASRA/CCS Recognizes Roadracing World Action Fund With Award

David Swarts

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October 18, 2021

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ASRA/CCS Recognizes Roadracing World Action Fund With Award

The American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) and Championship Cup Series (CCS) have recognized the efforts of the Roadracing World Action Fund by presenting the non-profit organization with an award at the annual ASRA/CCS National Awards Ceremony, held Sunday, October 17 at Daytona International Speedway.

“If it were not for the Roadracing World Action Fund we would not be able to race at some of the tracks we currently race at,” said ASRA/CCS President Kevin Elliott. “The cost of bringing in haybales would be prohibitive, and the level of safety would not nearly be the same. Hauling, setting up, and tearing down Airfence is a big burden on the ASRA/CCS Safety Crew, but if only one rider benefits from it then it was all worth the effort. We’re lucky and grateful to have the Roadracing World Action Fund working with us and we’re happy to acknowledge their effort with this award.”

The award reads: “Roadracing World Action Fund. In appreciation for your continued support of our series and to motorcycle road racing. ASRA 2021.”

The Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping prevent rider injuries at racetracks, road race and dirt track, nationwide by purchasing and deploying soft barriers, like Airfence. Since its founding in 2001, the Roadracing World Action Fund has raised over $2.2 million for this purpose through donations and fund-raising efforts by racing and track day organizations.

For more information about the Roadracing World Action Fund, go to https://www.roadracingworld.com/actionfund/.

For more information about ASRA and CCS, go to www.asraracing.com and www.ccsracing.us.

MotoGP: World Championship Returns To Misano Next Weekend

David Swarts

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October 18, 2021

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MotoGP: World Championship Returns To Misano Next Weekend

#MatchPoint Quartararo & the Doctor’s last dance: MotoGP™ returns to Misano

It’s a key weekend in Emilia-Romagna as the Frenchman gets his first shot at the crown and Rossi races on home turf for the final time

Monday, 18 October 2021

The COTA confetti is still falling in the wake of Marc Marquez’ (Repsol Honda Team) triumphant return to the top step in Texas, but now we change gear again as the paddock heads back to Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the Gran Premio Nolan del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna. It’s a big weekend and for two big reasons: first, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) could lift the crown and become the first French premier class World Champion, and second, it’s the final dance on home turf for Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) as the icon prepares to hang up his racing leathers at the end of the season. That does guarantee one thing already, however: it’s going to be another weekend that lives long in the memory.

First, the title fight. Quartararo is now 52 points clear after pipping Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to second in Austin and the Frenchman also, in doing so, halted what had been some serious momentum for Pecco after back to back wins for the Italian. But now it’s the turf that saw the two so closely matched on our last visit, it could be a hard-fought duel for the race and, potentially, the crown. Fireworks? There may well be plenty, and the magic number is 50: if Quartararo is that far ahead – or more – by the flag, he is the 2021 MotoGP™ World Champion.

If he wins, he’s Champion. If he’s second and Bagnaia behind him, he’s champion. From there the gaps in the points awarded get smaller and the possibilities more varied, although it would seem unlikely they’d both finish and finish far from the podium. On the other side of the coin, if Bagnaia is far enough ahead and gets the gap to below 50 again, he stays in the game and the battle rages on to the Algarve GP. Does that guarantee a gloves off tussle for glory? It could be quite the showdown.

The other players who could play a big role in the race will likely come out guns blazing too, with the countdown on for a number of key battles this season. That includes Rookie of the Year, and given it’s Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) ahead and Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) on his tail, the latter of whom had race-winning pace on our last visit and took his first premier class podium, it could be a pivotal weekend there too as they’re split by just 11 points. With no pressure like that endured by those who beat him on home turf last time, can the Beast once again blast through for glory, get even further forward and/or cut that gap?

It also seems likely, comparing the first GP we had at Misano and then Texas, that Marquez will feature in the fight for the top five once again as a minimum, even as he continues to get back to his full form. And reigning Champion – at the last Grand Prix this year where that phrase may be true – Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) has shown he’s pretty handy at the track too. And what of Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team)? Last time out he looked to have searing pace before a tougher Sunday, and he’ll likely be playing the teammate game to perfection once again as Bagnaia faces what may be his final stand. One to watch, especially if he’s racing for red and not solely his own race result…

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is also on a solid, somewhat stealthy run of points. The South African is now sixth overall and has only one 0 on his scorecard in 2021, which is from way back at Jerez. He’s only 10 points behind Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), who is currently the rider in fifth, so the pressure is now on for the Frenchman a little, at least overall. In the fight for top Independent Team rider, however, Zarco has some good breathing space with 141 points to Aleix Espargaro’s (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) 104. That could therefore potentially be decided this weekend, with 50 points left in play after Emilia-Romagna.

Then, as well as Pecco leading the home turf charge on track, there are the more veteran Italians. Andrea Dovizioso (Petronas Yamaha SRT) has been making marked steps forward on his return to the Iwata marque and, as he now does actually have recent experience at Misano on the Yamaha, there may well be even more coming. And Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), despite still pushing to get back to full fitness, could feel the benefit of racing for the second time at the same track as he settles in on the 2021 M1. What can they do on home soil?

And then, of course, there’s Rossi. There may be three races left for the number 46 to shine the sun and moon in the premier class of Grand Prix racing, but the third to last event of the Doctor’s tenure will be extra special in its own way. Home turf, at a venue likely no one on Earth knows better or has raced more, and in front of his final home crowd in gloriously uproarious yellow, it’s its own occasion. The end of an era for an area that has become defined first by what was the new kid on the block searing through the ranks with such charisma and style, and then the icon who has created one of the most successful academies in motorcycle racing, based just up the road. His ranch adds some significant acreage to his home village of Tavullia, just as his presence and legacy have added so much to the region and the sport. Emotional doesn’t quite explain it; it’s a point of no return for all those who’ve raced, watched and loved one of global sport’s biggest icons. On track, at least.

By definition, all those lining up for the Emilia-Romagna GP are at least one of those three, and it will mark a moment in time for Rossi and, potentially, for a new World Champion too. Make sure you don’t miss a minute as MotoGP™ returns to Misano, with the lights out for Quartararo’s first #MatchPoint and the Doctor’s last dance at 14:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday.

MotoGP™ Championship top five:

1 Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 254

2 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 202

3 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – 175

4 Jack Miller – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 149

5 Johann Zarco* – Pramac Racing – Ducati – 141

*Independent Team rider

Game on, gloves off: Misano awaits for Moto2™

The gap is smaller than ever, the rookie is on a roll… and last time at Misano, it got close

After an earthquake in the standings at the Americas GP, it’s time for Moto2™ to get back on track at Misano. The gap, after another stunner from Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in Texas and a first real mistake of the season from teammate and Championship leader Remy Gardner, is now just nine points… and the rollercoaster seems likely to continue in the Gran Premio Nolan del Made In Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna.

Looking back on the San Marino GP as a guide to what may await us on take two, it’s a tantalising possibility. Until the latter half of the very last lap, it was almost nothing between Fernandez and Gardner as the Aussie gained huge chunks of time right before the flag, one solitary wobble putting paid to a last gasp lunge. So the two could be closely matched once again, and if Gardner has less work to do in the early stages from a slightly better qualifying, it could be a serious treat. Added to that, there’s no playing it safe now, with the margin having been cut by 25 points in one fell swoop.

If the two do duel it out, they could have some company. Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team) impressed on our first visit to Misano to complete the podium and run at the front, and he’ll want to repeat that as he slips out of the top five overall. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will want more too, the Brit coming under pressure from the same rider who’s leapfrogged Canet: his Elf Marc VDS teammate Augusto Fernandez. Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) has his final, final stand to stay in contention for the crown too, 65 points off Gardner with 75 left in play.

For some serious final fireworks at the San Marino GP, one more lap could have seen everything change. Now, we have another 25 to enjoy in the Gran Premio Nolan del Made In Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna… so can Gardner bounce back and come out swinging? Or will Raul Fernandez find another ace on the Rimini Riviera? Find out on Sunday at 12:20 (GMT +2) as Moto2™ take the gloves off for another race round Misano.

Moto2™ Championship top five:

1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 271

2 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 262

3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 206

4 Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 140

5 Augusto Fernandez – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 131

The rookie who could be king: Acosta takes aim at the crown

It’s crunch time in Moto3™, but Foggia has a few stats in his favour as Acosta aims to make history at Misano

Three races remain in the 2021 Moto3™ season and there are 30 points splitting Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) from the closest rider on the chase, Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing). That makes two things true: one, Acosta mathematically has his first shot at the crown as the paddock returns to Misano for the Gran Premio Nolan del Made In Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna, and two: Foggia really is now close enough to stop that happening…

With 75 points left in play ahead of lights out, Acosta’s shot is a real but longer one this weekend. If the rookie sensation can take that gap from 30 up to more than 50 points – and it has to be more than 50 as Foggia has four wins to Acosta’s five – he’ll take the crown and become the youngest World Champion ever. So he needs to win and Foggia either not score at all or take a maximum of four points for 12th, but last time out at Misano speaks to a closing gap being distinctly more likely.

It was Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team), now out of contention for the crown, who shot off into the lead with some incredible speed at the San Marino GP initially, and he could be a threat again if he can avoid a repeat of his crash. But Foggia was in the perfect position and kept it nice and tidy to take over at the front, and from there the Leopard rider couldn’t be stopped. He took a composed and assured win ahead of compatriots Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) and Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), and there’s no reason to believe the tricolore trio, plus Fenati, can’t be the key threats again. Acosta, meanwhile, came seventh as he put in a solid race but couldn’t find quite the same pace. So will history repeat itself? Or can take two see the Spaniard take a step forward and threaten for the throne?

There are also the likes of new winner Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) heading in on a high, and his teammate – and still Championship challenger – Sergio Garcia will be aiming to bounce back. John McPhee (Petronas Yamaha SRT) arrives from a podium and he and teammate Darryn Binder could be up there too. As ever, there are plenty of fast threats for victory in Moto3™.

Acosta has more experience at the venue now, but returning to turf where you’ve won only a few weeks prior, having cut down what seemed like an insurmountable gap and with another podium in your pocket from last time out is a serious preface for Foggia. Tune in to see what awaits on take two at Misano on Sunday the 24th of October at 11:00 (GMT +2)… will there be a Champion or another twist in the tale?

Moto3™ Championship top five:

1 Pedro Acosta – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM – 218

2 Dennis Foggia – Leopard Racing – Honda – 188

3 Sergio Garcia – Gaviota GASGAS Aspar – GASGAS – 168

4 Romano Fenati – Sterilgarda Max Racing Team – Husqvarna – 138

5 Jaume Masia – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM – 135

World Superbike: More On Kawasaki’s Special Liveries In Argentina

David Swarts

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October 18, 2021

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World Superbike: More On Kawasaki’s Special Liveries In Argentina

Kawasaki Racing Team goes Back to the Future

Celebrating 125 years of the founding of the Kawasaki company – as well as highlighting the recent global adoption of the River Mark as an identity symbol and the founding of a new company concentrating even more on motorcycles – the Kawasaki Racing team riders, Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes competed in one of the Argentinian round races on specially liveried Ninja ZX-10RR machines.

Abandoning their using colour schemes with the generous permission of all team sponsors, each rider chose the livery of an iconic machine from Kawasaki’s past and these designs were transferred to their Ninja ZX-10RR race machines along with River Mark logos. The riders also wore special leathers and even heritage style sunglasses were provided by a team eyewear sponsor.

For Jonathan, the decision was easy, an adapted version of the distinctive look and feel of the iconic ZXR750-H model from the early 90’s resplendent in white, blue and green. And for Alex it simply had to be a modern interpretation of the livery of the game-changing GPz900R launched in 1984 which, in the USA, was the first machine to carry the Ninja name.

Jonathan Rea's Kawasaki ZX-10RR (1) was painted to resemble an early-1990s ZX-7RR. Photo courtesy Kawasaki. — Jonathan Rea’s Kawasaki ZX-10RR (1) was painted to resemble an early-1990s ZXR750. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Some 125 Years ago Kawasaki embarked on an adventure. Since then, Kawasaki has been improving people’s lives worldwide delivering exciting products and engineering masterpieces that bring joy and create a sense of wonder.

Alex Lowes' Kawasaki ZX-10RR Superbike was painted to resemble a 1984 Kawasaki Ninja GPz900R. Photo courtesy Kawasaki. — Alex Lowes’ Kawasaki ZX-10RR Superbike was painted to resemble a 1984 Kawasaki Ninja GPz900R. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Now Kawasaki Motors Ltd – a new company concentrating even more on motorcycles – has been launched: This new company focuses on traditional Kawasaki River Mark logo as a worldwide symbol of quality together with the tagline “Let the Good Times Roll”.

Why? Because the ultimate mission is to deliver the greatest range of Powersports products on the planet. Street motorcycle, off-road two and four-wheeler or JetSki personal watercraft, Kawasaki has a single minded passion – to be the best.

Lucky KTM RC 8C Owners Take Delivery At Jerez (With Video)

David Swarts

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October 18, 2021

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Lucky KTM RC 8C Owners Take Delivery At Jerez (With Video)

25 LUCKY KTM RC 8C OWNERS TAKE DELIVERY AT JEREZ

It took a mere 4 minutes and 32 seconds for all 100 ultra-exclusive KTM RC 8C track bikes to sell out via KTM’s digital sales platform, with 25 of those buyers opting to take delivery under the watchful eye of Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio at Jerez.

Unlike anything before it, the KTM RC 8C is a hand built, lightweight racing prototype that uses the familiar 889 parallel-twin engine from the KTM 890 DUKE R in a bespoke, track-ready chassis, bristling with high-end racing componentry.

A KTM RC 8C track-only motorcycle. Photo by Rudi Schedl, courtesy KTM.

Only 100 of these ultra-exclusive track weapons were made available to the public, with 25 exclusive handover packages offered, allowing 25 lucky customers to opt-in for a private KTM RC 8C Track Experience with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing test riders Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio, and individual race set up by master WP suspension technicians.

The 25 customers arrived at Jerez on 7 October 2021 and had the opportunity to watch an official Red Bull KTM Factory Racing test session from a VIP spectator box, followed by a private dinner with members of KTM Motorsport, as well as Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio.

KTM test rider Mika Kallio talks to new RC 8C owners. Photo by @francescmonterophoto, courtesy KTM. — KTM test rider Mika Kallio talks to new RC 8C owners. Photo by Francesc Montero, courtesy KTM.

October 8th was the day everyone was looking forward to, with the 25 KTM RC 8Cs already having been pre-run in, it was time to get the new owners accustomed to each of their own machines.

With Riaan Neveling and Markus Kramer giving each customer a concise and thorough breakdown of the KTM RC 8C, the riders were subject to a rider briefing by Dani and Mika, who set out the day’s proceedings.

One of our Orange Bleeders took this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, surrounded by KTM RC 8Cs and in the perfect setting, to propose to his girlfriend. Obviously, she said YES!

With 6 pit boxes pre-prepared, with the 25 KTM RC 8Cs lined up in the same order in which they were ordered online, the doors opened simultaneously, giving the 25 lucky owners the first eyeful of their new machines.

KTM RC 8C track-only motorcycles await their new owners in garages at Jerez. Photo by @francescmonterophoto, courtesy KTM. — KTM RC 8C track-only motorcycles await their new owners in garages at Jerez. Photo by Francesc Montero, courtesy KTM.

What followed was a few laps led by Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio, with a grid start in the same order. The riders spent the rest of the day on track getting to grips with their race bikes, with Dani and Mika providing one-on-one sessions to whoever needed them.

MotoGP Legend and KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa (26) leads RC 8C owners around Jerez. Photo by Francesc Montero, courtesy KTM.

The day ended with dinner, allowing everyone to share their stories and bringing a close to another successful, exclusive KTM experience.

See what transpired in Jerez and what the lucky 25 got up to below.

British Superbike: Race Two & Race Three Results From Brands Hatch

David Swarts

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October 17, 2021

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British Superbike: Race Two & Race Three Results From Brands Hatch

Editorial Note: American Brandon Paasch, riding a Dynavolt Triumph Street Triple 765 RS, finished 6th in British Supersport Race Two Sunday at Brands Hatch.

SBK Race 2
SBK Race Three

More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:

Mackenzie makes Bennetts BSB history by emulating Father’s success 25 years later

Tarran Mackenzie (95) and Tommy Bridewell (46) battled throughout the season finale at Brands Hatch. Photo by Barry Clay.

Tarran Mackenzie secured a dream title in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend, claiming the coveted crown for the first time, 25 years after his father Niall achieved the same feat for Yamaha, with a hat trick of victories at the season finale.

Mackenzie has delivered his strongest season to date this year with McAMS Yamaha, going head-to-head with his teammate Jason O’Halloran and the Ducatis of Christian Iddon and Tommy Bridewell all season long. At the final round on the iconic Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, Mackenzie won all three races in style to complete an iconic title win and add to his British Supersport crown of 2016.

Mackenzie scored his opening victory of the season during the first visit to Brands Hatch in the summer, before adding to his tally throughout the season with a total of ten wins and a further nine podiums.

Arriving at the title-deciding Showdown, Mackenzie trailed O’Halloran by 30 points. A win and podium finish at Oulton Park moved him to the top of the standings however, two points clear of McAMS Yamaha teammate O’Halloran, who suffered a double DNF.

A consistent weekend followed at Donington Park for the penultimate round where he won yet another race. Despite being hampered by a DNF following a technical issue, Mackenzie extended his lead to 10 points ahead of the season finale.

A victory in the opening race on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit yesterday put him 22 points ahead of the chasing pack with just two races left to run on the final day of the season. That put the fate of the title battle firmly in Mackenzie’s hands, and he duly delivered. The McAMS Yamaha rider sealed the crown in a stunning second race of the weekend, when be defeated Bridewell in an epic duel with a last gasp drag to the line.

At the start of the race, Mackenzie launched off the line to lead the pack into Paddock Hill Bend for the first time, but by the time they reached Surtees, Bridewell had forged ahead on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati.

Bridewell then held the lead, bidding to make a break but Mackenzie managed to pile on the pressure and it would ultimately go down to the chequered flag between the two title contenders.

Mackenzie made a pass at Paddock Hill Bend to regain the lead at the start of the twelfth lap before experiencing a huge moment at the exit of Stirlings two laps later. He saved the near highside, whilst Bridewell was forced to ease off and take evasive action.

A lap later and Bridewell snatched the lead back at the same corner, before trying to keep his title rival at bay over the closing stages. Bridewell led over the line by 0.127s onto the final lap before Mackenzie made a move up the inside at Druids. But as the pair reached Surtees Bridewell was back ahead and it wasn’t until Clearways when Mackenzie could retake the position, diving for the inside on the drag to the line to win by 0.087s.

Mackenzie and Bridewell then went head-to-head in the final race of the season, with an intense contest to end the year. The newly crowned champion led at the start from O’Halloran, but soon it was Bridewell into second position as the pair renewed their rivalry from earlier in the day.

Bridewell hit the front of the pack on the second lap and he was holding off the new champion, but in the closing stages, the McAMS Yamaha rider built towards another attack.

On lap 16, Mackenzie made a dive down the inside at Paddock Hill Bend to grab the lead, but Bridewell fought back instantly to regain the position heading into Sheene Curve.

Mackenzie was determined to claim his first hat trick of race wins in the championship though, and on the final lap he again snatched the lead heading into Paddock Hill Bend.

Bridewell fought hard, but was once again forced to cede victory to an opponent who once again defeated him by a narrow margin. Bridewell’s second place promoted to runner-up in the overall standings as he soared up the order this weekend.

There was drama for Iddon on the final lap as he was tagged by Danny Buchan at Paddock Hill Bend, sending the pair crashing out of the action.

Jason O’Halloran claimed the final podium position to seal third in the overall standings, holding off the next group of Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman who completed the top five.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 2 result:

1. Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha)

2. Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.087s

3. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +1.398s

4. Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +2.370s

5. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +5.874s

6. Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +8.437s

7. Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +9.430s

8. Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +15.298s

9. Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +18.297s

10. Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG BMW) +19.161s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 3 result:

1. Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha)

2. Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.126s

3. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +3.266s

4. Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +4.917s

5. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +5.099s

6. Lee Jackson (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +12.005s

7. Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +13.304s

8. Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +14.742s

9. Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +18.359s

10. Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +18.440s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship final standings:

1. Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 1202

2. Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 1166

3. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 1162

4. Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 1141

5. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) 1092

6. Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) 1079

7. Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) 1075

8. Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) 1055

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Tarran Mackenzie – McAMS Yamaha

2021 Bennetts BSB champion

“Honestly, I can’t believe it. It’s been a roller-coaster of a year!

“I’ve visualized coming round and seeing everyone there at Graham Hill Bend. When you watch BSB as a fan, you see Leon Haslam, Brookes and Shakey, and all those heroes over the years, pull up at Graham Hill to get their bib and gold helmet. As a rookie in 2018, that’s what I aspired to and I’ve made it happen!

“All credit to the McAMS Yamaha team and everyone involved. It’s just been an incredible four years for me, five including Supersport. The time, money and effort that’s gone in to try and win this just second to none from Steve Rogers and everyone. The team put in a lot of effort to get the bike where it is and now I’m sure we won’t remember much tonight! The whole team is staying, it is a bit of a party and hopefully we can all celebrate it.

“And to do it 25 years since dad won his title is amazing – it’s a bit of a fairytale. We never really talked about it all year until the Showdown. Going into the last round, a lot of people were talking about it but I just didn’t want to think about it really. I just wanted to get the job done and then we could talk about it. Dad won the first proper BSB championship when I wasn’t even one year old, so to do it 25 years on is great but also to do it on a Yamaha is just incredible.

“It’s nice to have all the fans back too, especially at Brands Hatch so I thank everyone that’s come out to support me over the years. I can’t believe it. It’s happened. And there are too many people to thank.”

World Superbike: Race Two Results From Argentina (Updated)

David Swarts

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October 17, 2021

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World Superbike: Race Two Results From Argentina (Updated)

SBK Race 2
SBK Points After Race 2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Redding takes Race 2 San Juan victory after thrilling three-way battle

The top three in the Championship battled it out for Race 2 honours in the final race of the Argentinean Round

Scott Redding is greeted by his team at the finish of Race Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Race 2 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Circuito San Juan Villicum as the Championship top three engaged in a hard-fought 21-lap battle during the Motul Argentinean Round as Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed his first victory since the Catalunya Round after withstanding a challenge from Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK), with Rea taking four points out of Razgatlioglu’s Championship lead.

THE TOP TWO BATTLE IT OUT ON THE OPENING LAPS

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) got a good start from third on the grid while Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) leading from pole position before the pair battled it out throughout the first three laps, with Rea taking the lead of the race briefly before being pushed down to third on the fourth lap of 21.

Redding moved up to second with a pass on Rea before passing Razgatlioglu into Turn 8 on Lap 5, while Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) continued his strong form as he battled the Championship’s top three for a podium position. Rea was able to respond to move into second and looked to move back into the lead, but the Turkish star was able to resist that challenge on Lap 6. At the start of Lap 9, Redding made a move on Rea into Turn 1 to move up into second place, with Razgatlioglu still out in front, although Redding did make a move into Turn 8 with Razgatlioglu responding instantly.

On Lap 10 at Turn 7, Redding was able to overtake Razgatlioglu to move into the lead of the race, with Rea almost able to pass the Turkish star into Turn 8 but Razgatlioglu responded to keep second place. The move allowed Redding to escape away at the front of the race after the thrilling battles, with the battle between Razgatlioglu, Rea and Bassani continuing. Rea cut back under Razgatlioglu into Turn 7 to briefly move into second place on Lap 14 but Razgatlioglu regained the position under braking into Turn 8. On Lap 16, Rea made the crucial overtake to move into Turn 1 but Razgatlioglu fought back until Turn 5 with the pair side-by-side throughout the sequence. After this, Rea was able to break away to claim second place ahead of Razgatlioglu, with Redding claiming his first victory since Catalunya Race 1.

SECURING A TOP TEN FINISH

Bassani dropped away from the lead trio in the closing stages but still recorded fourth place after another excellent race for the Italian rookie as he withstood a late challenge from Ducati stablemate Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by just half-a-second at the end of the 21-lap race. With the top four battling it out in the early stages, Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was running in the lead group with fifth place before he was passed by Rinaldi, eventually coming home in sixth place.

Yamaha stablemates Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) and Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) finished in seventh and eighth respectively with American star Gerloff missing out in seventh spot by just three tenths at the end of the race. Despite missing out on seventh place, Gerloff’s points, coupled with teammate Kohta Nozane finishing in 14th place, was enough for GRT Yamaha to claim the Best Independent Teams’ title in 2021.

Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven) and Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) battled it out for ninth place in the closing stages of the race with just eight tenths separating the duo as they crossed the line. Bautista, a race winner at San Juan for Ducati but making his first appearance on Honda machinery in Argentina, battled back from 15th place after missing out on a top-nine spot in the morning Tissot Superpole Race.

SECURING POINTS

Bautista’s Team HRC teammate, Leon Haslam, was 11th with both Team HRC riders taking points for the team’s first appearance at San Juan. Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) claimed 12th place ahead of Spanish compatriot Isaac Viñales (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) in 13th with Viñales showing strong pace throughout the weekend. Nozane came home in 14th place with home hero Leandro ‘Tati’ Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) came home with points despite running wide at Turn 1 late on in the race.

TO NOTE

Irish rider Eugene Laverty (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), still standing in for Tom Sykes, finishing in 16th place and half-a-second clear of Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) in 17th and Samuele Cavalieri (Barni Racing Team) in 18th. Two Argentinean riders finished in 19th and 20th with OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing duo Luciano Ribodino and Marco Solorza rounding out the field.

P1 Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

“The thing is I didn’t feel that great and, in the beginning, there was a lot of fighting and then Bassani came past. I didn’t want to go back more, I tried to come back. I got quite aggressive, I said I would show my aggressive side if that’s what it needs to be. I got to the front and gave it all back. I started to get the rhythm again, I saw they were fighting again and then I didn’t make a mistake. I knew once I got through the first two sectors, I was safe with my pace. I just got a really good rhythm, corner after corner, and that was it and the rest was history.”

P2 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)

“The position doesn’t really matter so much today. For me, it was all about the feeling on the bike and I want to thank my team so much, especially Pere because he never gave up investigating my problems. This weekend, and this race, we found something good. I could feel from the out lap I had a bike I could fight with today. Thanks to all the team. We won’t give up, we’ll keep working really, really hard. I enjoyed the race, I enjoyed it a lot. I enjoyed being here in Argentina, thank you to all the fans that came out.”

P3 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK)

“I am, again, very close to a triple win but I tried my best in the race. In the last three laps, I tried every lap, feeling the limit. Also, I tried for second position but after I settled for third position. I said this morning it wouldn’t be an easy Race 2 because everybody was very strong. I am happy. I am again on the podium.”

Ducati Reports Record Sales In Q3

October 19, 2021

A 2022 Ducati Multistrada V2 S. Photo courtesy Ducati.