WorldSBK: Top Riders Expect More Challengers At Misano

David Swarts

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June 9, 2022

WorldSBK: Top Riders Expect More Challengers At Misano

Talking tough ahead of Misano: “More riders fighting for victory… we need luck!”

From looking back in anger to coming up with a Misano masterplan, the WorldSBK stars have their say ahead of Round 4 in Italy

The fight is on again this weekend as the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s fourth round promises to be an explosive one, with the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” readying for action. Ahead of the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, we caught up with all of the stars from up and down the grid, as they preview their weekend ahead and lay down the gauntlet, with all eyes on more battles from the titanic trio, as well as on a Honda rider who came back from testing for the Suzuka 8 Hour.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I think there’ll be more riders fighting for the victory”

“If I can have fun on the bike, I can be competitive. It will be nice if I can win all three races for the fans so just trying to enjoy it together. It’s a track that’s very short, so we saw in the past fighting in the races. Here, my teammate Rinaldi won two races here last year. He was second in Race 2 so he will be competitive. I don’t think this round will only be three riders fighting for the victory, we are also talking about Michael to fight for the victory. It’s a track that’s very technical and the differences are very small compared to other tracks. I think there will be more riders fighting for victory and for the podium; it’ll be more exciting for everybody watching the races.”

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “I expect a lot more to join the party at Misano”

“Last year, our biggest nemesis was the SCX tyre. We could only really work that tyre in the real hot conditions. Estoril was mid-20s, we would be scared of that last year. Race 2 showed us that we could be convinced that we can use that tyre now. All our work in the offseason has paid off. I feel like at the end of the race, we had the better tyre and was able to go forward and catch Alvaro and spring a pass on the last lap. That gives us some confidence that these summer races can be even better. I’m just enjoying racing, enjoying riding the bike and the battle right now at the front with Toprak and Alvaro, two very different characters on the track, is really fun but I expect a lot more to join that party at Misano.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK): “A very positive test… we need luck!”

“After Estoril, we had a one-day test and we tried many new parts, especially with rear grip. At Estoril, my big problem was spinning on the exit of the final corner. It was a very positive test, and we improved the rear grip. Last year, I won for the first time at Misano and after Estoril, I feel like we are fighting for the win again. I like the track and I love Italy! Sometimes we need luck, especially in Race 1 at Estoril when Bautista passed me easily on the straight, and then in the Superpole Race, I almost won but I made a very small mistake, although maybe it’s not small as I nearly crashed! I’m smiling after the race weekend but this round, we’re fighting to win again as I’ve been training a lot in Turkey and the team have been working hard. Last year, Rinaldi was very fast at this track so maybe he will come strong again this year. I just focus on my job and try to enjoy it.”

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “We had to sacrifice the result for the future”

“I feel super happy to be here and to race at home, a track that I like. It’s a track where my friends and fans can come, and this is great! I think I can be in the battle and I will try to win, and I will push my 120%. After Assen, we changed our way of working and we knew at Estoril that we wouldn’t have the result. Last year, we were really, really strong or really, really bad, never constant. We started this year at Aragon when I was fast with the top guys but then I went back, and it was the same at Assen. Like this, maybe I would win some races but not be there in all of them, so I needed to find something different. The team agreed so at Estoril, we were in a phase where we had to sacrifice the result for the future. We are still working but I think Misano can help us to get to the top set up. I’m working hard with the team and I hope the work pays off.”

Iker Lecuona (Team HRC): “Very happy with this season so far… test at Suzuka was amazing!”

“I’m very happy with this season so far. This track I know very well. I like it, it’s not my best track but normally I go quite fast. It’s my first time here with Honda and the Superbike so I know that normally, in the first part of the weekend we struggle a lot, so we need to work but we can be there. The test at Suzuka was an amazing experience. It’s a very beautiful track, a difficult and fun track. It’s true the bike is not very different, but some parts are different like tyres for example. I need to learn a lot quickly to feel fine on the bike, but this helped us to get the feeling with the bike. For me, it’s nice if we go to the eight-hour race, but it’s still not confirmed.”

Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team): “The past is no indicator of what the future holds”

“I’m happy to be here and happy that the doctor said I was good to go. I would say I’m 100% for the most part, it hurts a little bit but I can bend my knee. My approach is to take it one thing at a time; on Friday morning, it might be raining a little bit so that might be a nice way to ease my way into things. We tested here earlier this year so I have a good idea about where we’ll start with everything, so hopefully we can have the same feeling right away. I felt like my pace was good here last year and my times were competitive. The past is no indicator of what the future holds; everyone is going fast this year so it will be a matter of trying to stay close to the top. I think we’re going in the right way.”

American Flat Track: A Preview Of This Weekend’s Laconia Short Track

David Swarts

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June 9, 2022

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American Flat Track: A Preview Of This Weekend’s Laconia Short Track

Bullring Brawl Awaits Progressive AFT at Laconia Short Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season will go straight from the high-speed drafting wars of its first Miles to the intense, bar-to-bar battles of its first Short Track with the Progressive Laconia Short Track presented by MOMS Motorsports at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, on Saturday, June 11.

The round will mark just the second occasion in which Progressive AFT has served as a premiere attraction of the fabled Laconia Motorcycle Week. The historic rally began as a gypsy tour in 1916 and is celebrating its 99th running this year with a huge number of motorcycle-themed activities featured all throughout the surrounding areas from June 11 to June 19.

Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) enters the weekend as both the reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champion and its current points leader.

Mees was presented with a mighty challenge at the Red Mile and still ended up on the top of the podium. It’s not likely to get any easier at the mentally and physically demanding 0.25-mile Progressive Laconia Short Track. Mees could only muster 15th-place when the series visited back in 2019 due to mechanical issues, a result he has yet to do worse than ever since.

While he’ll be looking to make amends in his second opportunity at the venue, there will be no shortage of adversaries hoping to chip away at his early-season points lead. That group is headlined by two-time premier-class champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), who is in need of a bounce-back effort following a relatively quiet weekend in Kentucky.

And there’s no reason to think the Estenson Yamahas of Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) won’t be in the mix once again. The teammates have established themselves as constant presences near the front of the pack as they rapidly develop into both podium regulars and genuine championship contenders.

It’s safe to say no rider looks back as fondly on the ‘19 visit to New Hampshire as Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), who took a hard-earned maiden victory on that occasion. Bauman has flashed the strength and speed to vie for top positions early in ‘22 and will do everything in his power to return Harley-Davidson to the top of the box this weekend.

A number of privateer Indians could factor into the fight as well, most notably Davis Fisher (No. 67 Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750). And it’s becoming less and less of a surprise whenever a rider from the support class charges into contention via the Mission Production Twins Challenge.

Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines

Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) has pulled off a successful career reinvention. Once regarded primarily as a TT specialist in singles competition, the Wisconsin native is now rightly viewed as a week-to-week threat and serious title fighter in the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class.

Ever since getting the call by Vance & Hines to fill in as an injury sub during the middle of last season, Janisch has been on point. And that form has only continued to improve to the point where he enters the Progressive Laconia Short Track as the winner of two of the last three rounds and the new championship leader.

However, only one point separates him from defending class champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), who continues to salvage strong results on his bad days. One expects more good days are coming soon as Texter attempts to close out a decorated career by adding a third Mission Production Twins title to his name.

And despite encountering some misfortune last time out, Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Competitive Racing Frames/Lessley Brothers Yamaha MT-07) continues to show staying power. Armstrong remains well within striking distance in what’s taking shape as a three-rider championship chase.

Several others still have the potential to have their say, both week-to-week and over the long haul, chief among Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07), Ryan Varnes (No. 68 Schaeffer’s Motorsports/Rausch Fuel & Oil KTM 890 Duke), and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650).

One other rider to watch out for this weekend is Dan Bromley (No. 62 Vinson Construction/Viper Air Yamaha MT-07), who finished third in the championship a year ago and finished as runner-up in his only outing to date this season.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

The ‘22 Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER season is living up to its advance billing as a titanic showdown between the factory-backed KTM and American Honda outfits. Collectively, they’ve combined to score all five wins and 14 of a possible 15 podium positions.

That has done nothing to lessen the class’ renowned drama or unpredictability, however, as Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) have all stood atop the podium.

As is the nature of the class, another dozen or so riders are more than capable of springing a surprise on any given weekend, led by the likes of Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), and Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Voodoo Ranger Honda CRF450R).

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained off the track as well, including numerous vendors, food trucks, beverage options, the Kids Zone, and the live music of the acoustic rock duo D-Comp, featuring Demetri Papanicolau on vocals and Nate Comp on guitar.

Visit https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3692/ to reserve your tickets today. General Admission – Standing Room Only tickets are available for $40 (kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult), while General Admission Grandstand tickets are available for just $10 more.

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

Gates will open for fans at 12:30 p.m. local time with practice starting at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT ahead of the day’s Main Event program. You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities on FansChoice.tv. FansChoice.tv provides free-to-view livestreaming of Practice and Qualifying. FansChoice.tv subscribers will then be able to watch the drama unfold from Opening Ceremonies through the Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations. FansChoice.tv offers two subscription options, granting unlimited access to premium AFT content. Monthly subscriptions start at just $7.99, while a six-month subscription is available for $44.99.

The Progressive Laconia Short Track presented by MOMS will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, June 18, at 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m, PT, including exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://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.

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.

WorldSBK: SBK22 Video Game To Launch Sept. 15 (Includes Video)

David Swarts

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June 9, 2022

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WorldSBK: SBK22 Video Game To Launch Sept. 15 (Includes Video)

SBK™22 is here! The historical franchise returns with a next-generation two-wheels lifelike gameplay experience

Milestone and Dorna WSBK Organization are proud to announce SBK™22, a brand-new chapter of one of the most iconic and celebrated franchises in the racing game landscape. Coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam SBK™22 is set to launch on September 15, 2022.

SBK™22 brings back the authentic world of the SBK® Championship, 10 years after the last historical release of SBK Generations, tenth game of the glorious series developed by Milestone and started in the 1999 with Superbike World Championship. The game recreates the experience of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship thanks to the charm of its simulative gameplay and lifelike environments, riders and bikes, finally making the dream of the community and sports fan a reality. SBK™22 features the Official 2022 WorldSBK Championship, an immersive and fascinating Career Mode and the real SBK® weekend with practices, Superpoles and Races.

The Official Game of the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is the perfect replica of what happens in the real-life, featuring the event calendar, official roster and teams’ pit environments with absolutely photorealistic effects and animated character models. Players will test their skills racing in the boots of the best riders, stepping in all the competitive WorldSBK Official tracks meaning unpredictable and adrenaline challenges.

SBK™22 aims to recreate a truly and peculiar WorldSBK experience, thanks to its advanced physics developed with the help of real riders, aiming to reach an extreme level of simulation in terms of bike and rider behaviour.

The immersive Career Mode offers many ways to work around rider and bike performances, from managing a staff building an Advanced Setup in which players have full control of bike’s settings evolving the Development Trees. Staff management means hiring different professionals, from Personal Manager through Chief Engineer, without forgetting the fundamental Data Analyst.

The Development Tree is structured in different areas, each one requiring a specific amount of research points to be unlocked. Those points are gained passively by the Engineers or actively by players, performing specific tasks in the round.

SBK™22 also boasts enhanced realistic features, tyres and development tyres selecting a wide range of Pirelli tires for dry and wet tracks, and fuel management to balance bike’s weight.

A.N.N.A System, the revolutionary AI system based on neural networks and machine learning, guarantees a tailored gameplay experience, smartly controlling the opponents depending on their actual personalities and training them as they gather data and experience. At the top level, riding behaviours are considered such as human-level of skills.

The various number of editors allow players to customise several aspects of their unique experience. Sticker Editor, Helmet Editor and Number and Butt Patch are those dedicated to the riders and bikes, Fiction Team instead is fully focused on creating a completely fictional team with customizable livery and style.

SBK™22 is even made for epic multiplayer races for up to 12 players that can create online lobbies where competitions reach another level. The Multiplayer flow is customisable by choosing whether to add or not the typical Tissot-Superpole session from SBK before the race, for a fully online experience, with of course the possibility to customize each race with settings and rules. SBK™22 will be released on September 15, 2022 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

How videogames can be useful for riders?

Nowadays, videogames are more realistic than ever. They are developed to offer a complete immersion for fans. Simulation games are first and foremost a hobby, but the fun aspect can be explored by professionals. The authenticity in the replication of the different atmospheres is such that it allows riders to find valid points of reference once they experience the real track environment.

WorldSBK rider Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) explained: “All the tricks that we can use to learn the track faster are welcome. Even if I already know the track, I like to see videos of the race before the race. But of course, when we arrive to a new track like in Estoril, the week before the race I like to play the videogames – especially this year, I like to use videogames as they’re always getting closer to the real thing, it helps me a lot to be ready to start the weekend.”

WorldSSP rookies Lorenzo Baldassarri (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) and Oli Bayliss (Barni Spark Racing Team) also uses videogames ahead of visiting a new circuit.

Baldassarri explained: “I’m playing videogames to learn the new tracks we’ll go to this season. It’s very useful to train our mind and because the games are quite close to the reality, except sometimes regarding the undulations.”

Bayliss commented about this habit: “For me the best way to learn a track is to ride it but if I can’t do that, I will do as many laps as possible on the game; I find this helps me a little bit but just to know elevation and how the turns are, it definitely doesn’t help the lap time come easier. I can use videogames to help me learn the tracks by doing a lot of laps and making sure I understand every corner, for a track like Portimao, it would help a lot because there is a lot of blind corners, and you would get an idea on the lines to do.”

More, from a press release issued by Milestone:

SBK™22 is here! The historical franchise returns with a next-generation two-wheels lifelike gameplay experience

Milan, Italy, June 9, 2022 – Milestone and Dorna WSBK Organization S.r.l are proud to announce SBK™22, a brand new chapter of one of the most iconic and celebrated franchises in the racing game landscape. Coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam SBK™22 is set to launch on September 15, 2022.

SBK™22 brings back the authentic world of the SBK Championship, 10 years after the last historical release of SBK Generations,the tenth game of the glorious series developed by Milestone and started in 1999 with Superbike World Championship. The game recreates the experience of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship thanks to the charm of its simulation gameplay and lifelike environments, riders and bikes, finally making the dream of the community and sports fans a reality. SBK™22 features the Official 2022 WorldSBK Championship, an immersive and fascinating Career Mode and the real SBK weekend with practices, Superpoles and Races.

The Official 2022 Official WorldSBK Championship is the perfect replica of what happens in the real-life SBK season, featuring the event calendar, official roster and Team’s Pit Environments with absolutely photorealistic effects and animated character models. Players will test their skills racing in the boots of the best riders, stepping in all the competitive SBK Official tracks meaning unpredictable and adrenaline challenges.

SBK™22 aims to recreate a truly spectacular SBK experience, thanks to its advanced physics developed with the help of real riders, aiming to reach an extreme level of simulation in terms of bike and pilot behavior.

The immersive Career Mode offers many ways to work around riders and bike performances, from managing a staff building an Advanced Setup in which players have full control of the bike’s settings by evolving Development Trees. Staff management lets players hire different professionals, from Personal Managers to Chief Engineers, and the ever important Data Analysts.

The Development Tree is structured in different areas, each one requiring a specific amount of research points to be unlocked. Those points are gained passively by the Engineers or actively by players performing specific tasks in the race weekend.

SBK™22 also boasts enhanced realistic features, such as a wide range of Pirelli tires allowing for different levels of performance on dry and wet tracks, as well as fuel management to balance the bike’s weight.

A.N.N.A System, the revolutionary AI system based on neural networks and machine learning, guarantees a tailored gameplay experience, smartly controlling the opponents depending on their actual personalities and training them gathering data and experience. At the top level, riding behaviors are almost 1 to 1 with human players.

The various editors allow players to customize several aspects of their unique experience. Sticker Editor, Helmet Editor and Number and Butt Patch are those dedicated to the riders and bikes, Fiction Team instead is fully focused on creating a completely fictional team with customizable livery and style.

SBK™22 is even made for epic multiplayer races up to 12 players that can create online lobbies where competitions reach another level. The Multiplayer flow is customizable by choosing whether or not to add the typical Tissot-Superpole session from SBK before the race, for a fully online experience, with of course the possibility to customize each race with settings and rules.

SBK™22 will be released on September 15, 2022 on to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

About Milestone

Founded in Milan in 1996, Milestone S.r.l. is one of the leading and longest established racing game developers in the world. The 200+ people team is responsible for hit series like MotoGP™, MXGP and Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame, the acclaimed Hot Wheels™ Unleashed, as well as its own IPs RIDE and Gravel. For more information please visit www.milestone.it

About Koch Media

Koch Media is a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products (software, games and films). The company’s own publishing activities, marketing and distribution extend throughout Europe and the USA. The Koch Media group has more than 19 years of experience in the digital media business, and has risen to become the number one distributor in Europe. It has also formed strategic alliances with numerous games and software publishers: Bethesda, Capcom, Kaspersky Labs, NC SOFT, Sega, Square Enix and Tecmo-Koei, etc. in various European countries. With Headquarters in Planegg near Munich/Germany, Koch Media owns branches in Germany, England, France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Nordic regions, Benelux and the United States. www.kochmedia.com

MotoGP: Miller Says “It’s Been A Really Important Five Years For Me”

David Swarts

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June 9, 2022

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MotoGP: Miller Says “It’s Been A Really Important Five Years For Me”

Jack Miller and Ducati to part ways at the end of the 2022 season

After five seasons together, three with the Pramac Racing Team and the last two as an official rider of the Ducati Lenovo Team, Jack Miller and Ducati will part ways at the end of 2022.

From 2018 to date, Jack has achieved 16 podiums with the Desmosedici GP, including two thrilling wins with the factory team in the Spanish GP at Jerez and the French GP at Le Mans in 2021. It is also thanks to Jack’s results that Ducati won the Constructors’ World Championship in 2020 and 2021 and the title of Best Team in MotoGP last season with the Ducati Lenovo Team.

Miller and Ducati, as always, will work hard to obtain the best results for the Ducati Lenovo Team in all the remaining Grands Prix of the 2022 MotoGP Championship, starting with the German GP that will be held in ten days at the Sachsenring.

Luigi Dall’Igna (General Manager of Ducati Corse)

“Together with Jack, we have spent five wonderful seasons, during which we have achieved truly significant goals for us, such as the two Constructors’ World Titles obtained in 2020 and 2021 and last year’s Best Team Title. In addition, we should not forget the numerous podiums and the two stunning victories at Jerez and Le Mans. Miller is a very talented rider who has been able to understand our Desmosedici GP at its best. He is a fair and loyal person on whose full commitment we have always been able to count. I would therefore like to thank him on behalf of Ducati, the Ducati Lenovo Team, and all our partners for these five years spent together and wish him all the best for his near future!”

Jack Miller (#43 Ducati Lenovo Team)

“It’s been a really important five years for me: together with Ducati, I’ve achieved several podiums, including two wins that I’ll never forget. In addition to the two Constructors’ World Titles and the Team Title, last year, I finished fourth in the Championship, and that was my best result ever in MotoGP. Together with the Pramac Racing Team and the Ducati Lenovo Team, I have grown a lot as a rider and year after year, I have always felt like the best version of myself. Next year I will take on a new challenge, but right now, I want to think only about finishing this last season with my team in the best possible way. I thank all of Ducati Corse, my team, Gigi, Paolo, Davide, and the people who have worked with me over these five seasons”.

MotoGP: Miller Signs Two-Year Deal With KTM

David Swarts

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June 9, 2022

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MotoGP: Miller Signs Two-Year Deal With KTM

JACK MILLER BACK IN RED BULL KTM ORANGE FOR 2023 AND 2024 MOTOGP™

2022 MotoGP news

MotoGP Grand Prix winner Jack Miller will return to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing family for the next two years. The Australian reignites several former alliances after he last starred with KTM machinery as Moto3™ world championship runner-up in 2014.

The 27-year-old lines-up next to Brad Binder and will run his ninth and tenth seasons in the premier class on the KTM RC16 after signing a contract that once again sees him in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors.

Miller turned 27 last January but already has more than a decade of Grand Prix experience, including nine victories and almost 30 podiums in both Moto3 and MotoGP classes. 2014 was the most prolific term of his career so far as a powerful union with Aki Ajo’s Red Bull KTM Ajo squad saw him snare 6 wins and only just miss out on the Moto3 title. He made a high-profile move straight into the MotoGP category for 2015, where he has gone on to establish a reputation for maximum effort, full-energy and a large personality.

Miller will link again with Francesco Guidotti having worked with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s current Team Manager for three of his eight years in MotoGP.

Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Having Jack alongside Brad in our team means we have another strong asset. I know him well, I know how he likes to work and what he can bring to the box. I believe his character and the way he will ride and push our KTM RC16 will help us a lot at this stage of our project. Like Brad, Jack is a pure racer: he will find the limits and the maximum of any condition and any package and still ‘go for it’ to get the result and that is quite a rare quality. The next two seasons will be exciting!”

Pit Beirer, Director KTM Motorsports: “Of course we’ve known Jack since he made a boom with Aki and our Moto3 program and it’s a big pleasure to bring a rider of his capabilities into our MotoGP structure. He left us with a positive impression, and we’ve stayed in contact. Jack’s approach and attitude to racing are very similar to ours. I am very proud that he comes back to Red Bull KTM again and he will be a great addition to our mission.”

Two-Time MotoAmerica Mini Cup Champ Matsudaira Racing In Spain

David Swarts

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June 8, 2022

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Two-Time MotoAmerica Mini Cup Champ Matsudaira Racing In Spain

American Kensei Matsudaira makes Moto5 Debut in Spanish Championship

On May 28, 11-year-old Japanese-American Kensei Matsudaira made his Moto5 debut in the Spanish Cuna de Campeones championship at the DR7 Circuit in Tarancón, Spain.

In his first race weekend on the Spanish-made 250cc MIR Racing Moto5 bike, Kensei qualified 8th out of 19 riders.

In race 1, Kensei got a great start and was running with the top group until a rider directly in front of him crashed, the rider’s bike touching Kensei’s and forcing him into the gravel. He was able to rejoin the race and fought his way through the second group, making a gap and finishing in 5th position. Unfortunately after the race he received a 10 second penalty, bringing his final result in the race to P8.

“Getting my first top 5 race finish in Spain almost felt like a win,” said Kensei after the race. “I started P8 and got a good start, and was staying with the top group until the rider in front of me lost his front as I was about to make a pass and hit my tire, forcing me into the dirt. I rode it out and rejoined the race, but lost a chunk of time and got caught by the second group. I had some battles but was able to make a gap by the end of the race, finishing +12 from P1. After the race, I was penalized 10 seconds for passing on yellow – I didn’t see it and no one on my team saw it either but there were quite a few crashes so it is what it is. In the end I was classified P8 but I know I had the pace to be with the top group.”

Race 2 saw Kensei lose several positions in the first corner, which he worked throughout the race to gain back, finishing the race in P8.

Round 2 of the Cuna de Campeones Moto5 championship will be held at Zuera International Circuit in Zaragoza, Spain on June 19, 2022.

Kensei made his international racing debut in 2019 with a wildcard entry in the Cuna de Campeones MiniGP 110 category at Circuito Kartpetania in Segovia, Spain where he scored his first top 10 finish in Spain. In 2021 he made his first full-time entry into the Spanish championship in the Cuna de Campeones MiniGP 110 category with a best finish of P8, while also racing in the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul championship in the US where he was crowned champion in the 110cc and 160cc categories. This year Kensei returns to the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul championship to race in the 160cc and 190cc categories while also moving up to the highly competitive Moto5 category in Spain.

Kensei would like to thank all of his sponsors for their support to help him race both at home and abroad:

American Racing Team & Academy
Fresh N Lean
Evike.com
Shoei Helmets
Dave Designs
AGV Sport
VNM Sport
D.I.D Chain
Galfer USA
Yoshimura R&D
Suspension Matters
TechSpec
The Starting Grid
Moto Tecnica
Mad Labs Minimoto
73 Moto Parts
Bickle Racing
Vortex Racing
Landers Racing
Boyko Racing
Apex Racing Center
Live 100 Moto
DRT Racing
Karen E. Ott Photography
Moto Survival School
California Superbike School
Toni Elias School USA

Results - DR7 (Moto 5 Races)

N2/WERA National Endurance: 2022 Purse & Sponsors Announced

David Swarts

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June 8, 2022

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N2/WERA National Endurance: 2022 Purse & Sponsors Announced

N2 / WERA National Endurance Series Announces 2022 Purse Structure and Sponsors

Media, PA (June 2022) – N2 Track Days, in association with WERA Motorcycle Road Racing, is proud to announce the purse and sponsors for the 2022 N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is proud to announce a lucrative contingency, bonus, and purse payout for all participating teams and riders. The combined purse and contingency this season is over $130,000 for all five rounds and the 4-Hour endurance class champion will even receive a new 2022 Yamaha EU2200is generator from Yamaha Power Products. The series will be officiated by WERA Motorcycle Road Racing and will be held in conjunction with WERA Sportsman Series events.

Team Yo! (41). Photo by Noiseless Productions, courtesy N2 Racing.

The 2022 N2/WERA Endurance Series by Dunlop will consist of five rounds starting on June 11th at Carolina Motorsports Park and ending on October 21st at the WERA Grand National Finals at Barber Motorsports Park. The N2 / WERA Endurance events will feature two endurance races. The first will be a 2-hour Endurance race for ultralightweight machines such as Yamaha YZF-R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM RC 390, and others. The main event will be a 4-hour endurance race for the traditional heavyweight, middleweight, and lightweight machines. 2022 will see the return of the super-popular Road Race Relay class that will race during the 4-hour main event.

An Ultralightweight Endurance race grid. Photo by Noiseless Productions, courtesy N2 Racing.

Road Race Relay class is designed to be an entry-level class for racers who would like to try endurance, but do not have dedicated endurance equipment like high-capacity tanks, dump cans, and quick-change wheel equipment. Teams will consist of a minimum of two riders on two separate motorcycles with a single electronic transponder. Instead of traditional pit stops in which the team changes tires and fuel on a single motorcycle, the Road Race Relay pit stop will consist of a transponder swap to a new rider with a new motorcycle. The goal is to use the resource of each team to travel as much distance as possible with the transponder in the fixed duration of the race. Contingency, bonuses, and purse will be available for successful teams.

Racing is expensive. The N2 National Endurance Series has partnered with some amazing sponsors to provide a substantial purse, contingency program, and bonus structure. Companies like Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, N2 Track Days, and Yamaha Motor USA have contributed substantial resources to provide a cash purse of over $115,000 for the five-round series. The result is one of the best purse structures for club racing in decades.

2022 Endurance Schedule:

June 11, 2022- Carolina Motorsports Park

July 16, 2022 – Roebling Road Raceway

August 13, 2022 – Pittsburgh International Race Complex

September 3, 2022 – Road Atlanta

October 21, 2022 – Barber Motorsports Park (WERA GNF)

Tentative per race purse payouts are as follows:

Heavyweight, Middleweight, Lightweight 4-hour Endurance Per Class Purse:

1st – $2500

2nd – $1500

3rd – $750

4th – $500

5th – $250

6th – $150

7th – $100

Ultralightweight Endurance 2-Hour Class Purse:

1st – $1500

2nd – $750

3rd – $500

4th – $250

5th – $150

6th – $100

7th – $50

Road Race Relay Class Purse:

1st – $750

2nd – $500

3rd – $250

4th – $150

5th – $100

In addition to cash purse opportunities, there are currently over $15,000 in bonuses and products available from companies like KYT Helmets, Yamaha Power Products, Innovative Motorsports, REB Graphics, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Millennium Technologies, Rise Moto, and Ghetto Customs.

For more information on the N2 National Endurance Series by Dunlop as well as specifics on rules, classes, sponsors, contingency, and purse, please go to https://www.n2td.org/endurance/

If you are interested in becoming involved as a sponsor, please contact Chip Spalding at [email protected]

About N2:

N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

The N2 National Endurance Series is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, BobbleHeadMoto, WERA Road Racing, KYT Helmets America, Innovative Motorsports, R.E.B Graphics, Millennium Technologies, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

For More Information: www.n2td.org

Isle Of Man TT: Supertwin TT Race Results

David Swarts

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June 8, 2022

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Isle Of Man TT: Supertwin TT Race Results

Bennetts+Supertwin+TT+Race-Supertwin-result

More, from a press release issued by Isle of Man TT:

PETER HICKMAN WINS BENNETTS SUPERTWIN TT RACE

Peter Hickman (10), as seen during the Supertwin TT. Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.

Peter Hickman claimed his third win of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, and his eighth in total after taking victory in Wednesday afternoon’s Bennetts Supertwin TT Race, his first ever victory in the class.

Riding the VAS Engine Racing Paton, Hickman had been locked into battle with the similarly mounted Michael Dunlop for the first two laps but when the Ulsterman went out a third of the way into the final lap, he had a clear run to the end eventually winning by a clear 1 minute 40 seconds from Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing) with Paul Jordan (PreZ Racing by Prosper2) taking his first ever TT podium in third.

With bright sunshine at the Grandstand but damp patches remaining in the north of the Island, particularly Kerromoar, Glen Duff and the Ramsey Hairpin after heavy overnight rain, Dunlop led through Glen Helen on the opening lap with Hickman just 0.8 seconds behind.

Jamie Coward (KTS Racing powered by Steadplan) was only a further 0.9 seconds adrift and they were followed by a flying James Hind (Team ILR/Mark Coverdale), Johnston and Frenchman Pierre Yves Bian on the second VAS Engine Racing Paton.

Taking the jump at Ballaugh Bridge for the first time, Hickman had turned his deficit into a 0.8 second advantage and the two Patons had opened up a 5.2 second gap over Coward, who in turn had opened up a similar distance to Hind. Johnston and Bian remained in fifth and sixth but Gary Johnson (Dafabet Racing) was out having retired at the famous landmark.

At Ramsey Hairpin, Dunlop had cut Hickman’s lead down to half a second and it looked to be a two-horse race with Coward now 8.2 seconds in arrears. He was more than 11 seconds clear of Hind though with the latter coming under pressure from Johnston with just 1.3 seconds covering the two riders.

Dunlop edged ahead at the Bungalow by just 0.08 seconds and an opening lap of 120.303mph meant he led Hickman by 0.6 seconds as the riders made their mandatory pit stop at the end of lap one. Coward was now 13.7 seconds further back in third with Johnston having overhauled Hind for fourth and Bian holding station in a good sixth. Jordan, Rob Hodson, Michael Rutter and Stefano Bonetti occupied seventh to tenth.

Coward had the quickest pit stops of the leading contenders at 29.7s but whilst he continued to lead on the road, he was still in third at Glen Helen on lap two and he was now 16.9s behind second placed Dunlop with Hickman back in front albeit by only 0.8s. Further back, Bian had overtaken Hind to move up into fifth.

As the lap progressed, there remained nothing between Hickman and Dunlop and the latter led at Ballaugh by the tiny margin of 0.04 seconds, a gap that had stretched at Ramsey Hairpin but only up to 0.8 seconds. That was halved when both riders crossed the tramlines at the Bungalow for the second time.

However, Coward was out with the Kawasaki having expired just after the 11th Milestone and that promoted Johnston into third and the final podium position – albeit almost a minute behind the race leader – with Bian, Jordan and Hind now the running order behind him.

Back at the front and as the riders flashed along Glencrutchery Road to start their final lap, there’d been yet another leader change with Hickman back ahead of Dunlop, the gap between the two still only half a second. Johnston was now 1 minutes 10 seconds behind Dunlop but the Aprilia man was in a safe third being more than 20 seconds ahead of Bian. Jordan moved up to fifth and had closed to within 3.8 seconds of the Frenchman.

Drama soon came though with Dunlop slowing through Laurel Bank and Hickman’s lead at Glen Helen was a whopping 57 seconds, the Englishman having overtaken his rival on the road. Johnston and Bian were still in third and fourth but now had Dunlop firmly in their sights, on time at least.

Dunlop was then reported to have stopped to make adjustments only to be black flagged and whilst Hickman had a huge lead over Johnston, third place was still anyone’s with just a handful of seconds covering Bian, Jordan, Hind, Hodson and Rutter.

Hickman had no issues going up and down the Mountain for the final time and, with the fastest lap of the race, 121.293mph, cruised to his third win of the week, taking the chequered flag 1 minute 49 seconds clear of Johnston. A delighted Jordan took the third position from Ramsey, holding on until the end for a debut TT podium finish.

Fourth was still a superb result for Bian in his first TT and Rutter and Hodson followed him home with Hind, Dominic Herbertson, Michael Evans and Xavier Denis completing the top ten. For the latter two, it was their best ever TT results.

WorldSBK: Gerloff Says “My Knee Feels Fine And I’m Good To Go”

David Swarts

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June 8, 2022

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MISANO AWAITS GYTR GRT YAMAHA WORLDSBK TEAM DUO

The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team is more than ready for the fourth round of the season at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’, with Garrett Gerloff and Kohta Nozane back in action after a three weeks’ break.

Previously in Estoril, Nozane scored his first points of the season and enjoyed a solid race weekend. The Japanese ace made it into the top 15 in both feature-length races, showing good speed and is eager to make further improvements on Italian soil.

On the other side of the box, Gerloff was unfortunately forced to miss out all three races due to an injury last time out. Following a crash in the FP3, the American suffered a deep wound on his left knee, which denied him the chance to race after a promising showing during Friday’s Free Practice sessions.

The 26-year old focused on his recovery during the break and is set to be ready to race in Misano, where he showed strong pace at the pre-season test.

Race 1 will get underway at 14:00 local time (GMT+2) on Saturday, while Race 2 has moved to 15:15 the following day. Between them, Sunday’s Superpole Race will start as usual at 11:00.

Garrett Gerloff #31

“My knee feels fine and I’m good to go! I’m looking forward to Misano and I cannot wait to be back out on the race track. In the pre-season test here, we enjoyed some positive running, proving to be very fast, so we’re eager to put in a good performance this weekend.”

Kohta Nozane #3

“I’m really looking forward to Misano! The winter test was a good one and things seem to be picking up after a strong Estoril round. It will not be easy to manage this weekend as I’m expecting high temperatures, but I’m confident we can be fast there.”

More, from another press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:

FORD TRUCKS ITALIA RACE ALONGSIDE THE GYTR GRT YAMAHA WORLDSBK TEAM

For the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team can count on the great support of Ford Trucks Italia, official partner of the ongoing season.

Placed as one of the main player in the vehicles industrial world, Ford Trucks is inside the market since over 50 years, offering his experience and developing skills on their products.

Starting from 2022, Ford Trucks Italia helps GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team with his vehicles; thereby, the team could reach relevant results starting from the departure to the circuits all over the world. The trucks will be two newfangled F-MAX, which has been awarded in 2019 as “International Trucks of the Year”.

The Ford Trucks branding will feature on both GRT Yamaha’s R1 bikes, as well as Gerloff and Nozane’s leathers, while it will also appear inside the team’s pit box.

LORENZO BOGHICH, CEO Ford Trucks Italia

“Finding a partner who shares our values and vision is always a big challenge. So, we’re really proud to announce a new parthership with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team and we cannot wait to support them in every round of the FIM Superbike World Championship with our F-MAX, Ford Trucks’ spearhead.”

FILIPPO CONTI, Team Manager GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

“We’re extremely happy to announce our partnership with Ford Trucks Italia. They will surely help us a lot throughout the whole season in every FIM World Superbike Championship round. Thanks to their F-MAX our equipment will travel safely to every circuit around the world. We’d like to thank the whole Ford Trucks staff for choosing us and for the massive support they’ll give to us during the season.”

Isle Of Man TT: Dead Sidecar Competitor Misidentified

David Swarts

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June 8, 2022

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Isle Of Man TT: Dead Sidecar Competitor Misidentified

STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES

On Saturday 4th June during the opening lap of the first Sidecar Race of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races, an accident at Ago’s Leap involving outfit number 21 of César Chanal and Olivier Lavorel resulted in the death of one of the competitors.

The race was stopped with the deployment of full-course red flags, and medical personnel, a Travelling Marshal, and the emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.

One of the competitors sustained injuries that would not support life and was sadly declared dead at the scene. The second competitor was unconscious with severe injuries.

The injured competitor was treated at the roadside before being transferred to Noble’s Hospital, and then airlifted to a specialist hospital in Liverpool to receive treatment.

An initial identification procedure was conducted using established procedures and would appear to have resulted in a mistaken identification.

We now believe it was César Chanal who died at the scene of the accident on Saturday 4th June. Olivier remains in a critical condition and continues to receive treatment.

Both competitors’ families have been informed.

A thorough review of the processes relating to the identification of competitors will take place in due course.

Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of both Olivier and César at this truly devastating time.

We ask that people do not speculate on social media.

WorldSBK: Top Riders Expect More Challengers At Misano

June 9, 2022

Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Ducati. — The top WorldSBK riders expect Michael Rinaldi (21) to factor into the mix at Misano. Photo courtesy Ducati.