The Shakedown is underway and Friday welcomed a mix of new faces and veteran test riders to the track in Malaysia. From MotoGP Legends Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso to headline-grabbing performance from rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), it was an intriguing return to action for MotoGP.
The Shakedown, which is for factory test riders and rookies, also allows manufacturers with concessions to field their race riders. For Friday though, Red Bull KTM test rider Pol Espargaro was fastest, ahead of a stunner from Ogura with a 1:59.862 as his best. Honda HRC development rider Takaaki Nakagami completed the top three, with Dani Pedrosa slotting into fourth having led for much of the day for Red Bull KTM.
The fastest rookie – and second overall – was Ogura, but the Japanese rider was actually only a couple of tenths clear of Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP) as the Spaniard gets to grips with his Ducati GP24. He slotted in behind Pedrosa. Thai rider Somkiat Chantra didn’t head out to actually ride his new MotoGP machine at IDEMITSU LCR Honda on Friday, taking it as a prep day before he’ll roll out tomorrow.
As well as Pol Espargaro and Pedrosa at KTM and Nakagami’s first outing in his new role with Honda, Dovizioso was out for Yamaha, putting three machines through their paces. Ducati were repped by longtime test rider Michele Pirro and Aprilia by Lorenzo Savadori. The latter took every Aprilia on site for a spin, truly shaking them down on Day 1.
Saturday brings the anticipated arrival of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, and Prima Pramac Yamaha’s new line-up of Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. They were in the centre of Kuala Lumpur on Friday presenting their new colours for 2025, but are expected on track on Saturday.
We’re also waiting to see when more of the Honda contingent might head out, including newly arrived test rider Aleix Espargaro. Honda HRC race riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini are in Jakarta at the moment, preparing to take the covers off their 2025 machines in their team presentation tomorrow.
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is excited to announce that SC-Project, a high-performance Italian exhaust manufacturer, is now the title sponsor of the 2025 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship.
Headquartered in Milan, Italy, since 2006, SC-Project manufactures exhaust systems for 18 different motorcycle companies from Aprilia to Harley-Davidson and virtually every brand in between.
“With multiple MotoAmerica Championships secured by teams using SC-Project exhausts, we wanted to show increased support for the MotoAmerica organization,” said Nate Seyer, of SC-Project’s North American division. “We are grateful for the amazing job that MotoAmerica has done to nurture American motorcycle racing. Racing is a universal language that knows no boundaries, and we feel this partnership can do great things to benefit the motorcycle racing community.”
With the simple goal of producing high-quality exhaust systems, SC-Project’s hand-made systems have been racing and winning around the world – from the Dakar Rally to MotoGP.
“We welcome SC-Project as the title sponsor for MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup class,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “SC-Project’s exhaust systems are a popular choice among many of the race teams in our paddock. They have a proven record of success around the globe with a high-quality product made 100 percent in Italy. The SC-Project Twins Cup promises to once again deliver some of our closest competition, and we look forward to the first round at Daytona, March 6-8.”
2025 SC-Project Twins Cup Series
March 6-8 Daytona Int’l Speedway | Daytona Beach, FL
April 4-6 Barber Motorsports Park | Birmingham, AL
June 27-29 Ridge Motorsports Park | Shelton, WA
July 11-13 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca | Monterey, CA
Aug. 1-3 VIRginia International Raceway | Alton, VA
Sept. 26-28 New Jersey Motorsports Park | Millville, NJ
The long-term partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports, promoter of the FIM Endurance World Championship, and tyre manufacturer Dunlop is continuing – and expanding.
From 2025, Dunlop will become the exclusive tyre supplier to the all-new FIM Production World Trophy, the first step on the EWC’s pathway to the top of endurance racing.
As a result, Dunlop will provide its tyres, expertise and support to every team competing in the new FIM Production World Trophy and the Superstock-based FIM Endurance World Cup, which it has supplied on an exclusive basis since 2022.
Dunlop will also continue to work with teams fighting for the overall victory in the Formula EWC category, which remains an open tyre competition. Meanwhile, the commercial partnership between WBD Sports and Dunlop, which began in 2016, continues on a multi-year basis.
Since becoming the exclusive Superstock tyre supplier in 2022, the category has grown each year with lap times decreasing and the quality of racing constantly improving. Five teams entered the 2024 season finale in contention for the title, underlining the sheer competitiveness of this class.
This has created space for the new entry level FIM Production World Trophy. Competitors will be on track at the same time as the Formula EWC and Superstock riders. They will race 1000cc motorcycles that closely resemble their roadgoing counterparts but with only basic modifications allowed to limit running costs and ensure the new class is accessible both financially and in performance terms.
As the exclusive tyre supplier, Dunlop will share its expertise with every team in the new category and give them access to the same range of Dunlop KR racing slicks as their counterparts in Superstock.
Jean-Baptiste Ley, Motorsport Events Director, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports: “Having supplied the Superstock-based FIM Endurance World Cup on an exclusive basis since 2022 to a very high standard, we know we can count on Dunlop as a tried and tested partner. It was therefore an obvious step to expand our alliance with Dunlop for it to become the exclusive tyre supplier to the all-new FIM Production World Trophy, a very exciting addition to the EWC Pyramid from 2025. Furthermore, we are delighted to be extending our multi-year commercial partnership with Dunlop, which began in 2016 and has helped to strengthen the EWC year on year.”
Wim Van Achter, Motorsport Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe: “We’re delighted to continue and expand our partnership with the FIM Endurance World Championship. Working with Warner Bros Discovery Sports as one of the championship’s Official Partners, we’re excited to introduce the Production World Trophy in order to allow more teams to compete in an accessible and rewarding environment and create an even more thrilling spectacle for fans with bigger grids and more action.”
The 2025 EWC season gets under way with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France from 17-20 April. It continues with the 8 Hours of Spa Motos (6-7 June), 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race (1-3 August) and the Circuit Paul Ricard, France-based Bol d’Or 24-hour finale (18-21 September).
Vance & Hines Motorsports is excited to announce that former MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim and teammate Rocco Landers will return to lead the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team for the 2025 season.
Gillim, who clinched the 2023 championship with a dominant performance, will once again pilot the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide in his pursuit of a second King of the Baggers title. His consistency and determination saw him finish the 2024 season with three victories and 10 podiums, and he remains a cornerstone of the team’s success.
“Racing with the Vance & Hines Motorsports team is like being with family,” Gillim said. “The hard work everyone puts in shows in our results. The competition in the King of the Baggers class is getting stronger every year, but I know we have what it takes to stay on top. Daytona can’t come soon enough!”
Rocco Landers, who impressed in his 2024 debut season in the King of the Baggers series with two wins and seven podiums, will return to the team alongside Gillim. Landers brings youth and energy to the grid and is looking to build on his success from last year. Riding the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide, he aims to solidify himself as one of the top riders in the class while balancing his transition to the MotoAmerica Stock1000 class.
“Getting back on the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson for another year is a dream come true,” Landers said. “I learned so much in my first season, and with Hayden as a teammate and mentor, I’ve been able to develop my skills on the Bagger. I can’t wait to push even harder this season and aim for more wins. Let’s get to work!”
Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports, expressed excitement for the 2025 season: “Having both Hayden and Rocco back on the team is a huge win for us. Hayden is a proven champion and the anchor of our King of the Baggers program, while Rocco brings incredible talent and a fresh perspective. With RevZilla, Motul, and Harley-Davidson behind us, we’re looking forward to another fantastic year.”
The 2025 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6-8.
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC reaffirms its commitment to professional road racing with the announcement of two exceptional riders set to compete in the 2025 MotoAmerica season. Multi-time champion Rocco Landers and rising star Matthew Chapin will showcase their talents aboard Suzuki machinery in the highly competitive Stock 1000 and Twins Cup classes, respectively.
Rocco Landers is set to pilot the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-R1000R as he takes the next step in his racing career.
Three-time MotoAmerica Champion Rocco Landers is set to step up to the Stock 1000 class in 2025, piloting the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Landers has consistently proven himself as one of the most versatile and accomplished riders in the MotoAmerica paddock, amassing 54 career wins and 81 podiums across multiple classes, including Junior Cup, Twins Cup, Supersport, and King of the Baggers.
Following an impressive 2024 season, where he took the all-new GSX-8R to second overall in the Twins Cup Championship with four national event wins, Landers is eager to take on the challenge of Stock 1000 competition.
“I’m incredibly excited to step up to the Stock 1000 class with Vance & Hines Motorsports,” said Landers. “The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is an amazing machine, and I’m confident in the team around me. This is an important step in my career, and I’m ready to give it my all. I can’t wait to get started and see what we can accomplish in 2025.”
Matthew Chapin. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines/Suzuki.
Defending MotoAmerica Junior Cup National Champion Matthew Chapin will make his debut in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup aboard the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-8R. Chapin’s dominance in the 2024 Junior Cup season, where he secured seven wins and nine podiums, has established him as one of the brightest young talents in American road racing. As he transitions to the Twins Cup, he will bring his race-winning pedigree and relentless determination to this fiercely competitive category.
“I’m beyond excited to join Vance & Hines Motorsports and take on this new challenge in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup,” said Chapin. “I know the competition will be tough, but I’m ready to push myself, learn, and give it everything I have. I can’t wait to start testing and prepare for Daytona.”
Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports, shared his excitement about the team’s 2025 lineup:
“We have always been committed to developing young talent, and both Matthew and Rocco have proven themselves as top competitors. Watching Matthew’s performance in the Junior Cup, we knew he had what it takes to succeed at the next level, and we’re excited to see him step up to the Twins Cup. Rocco has consistently shown his ability to win across multiple classes, and we have no doubt he will be a force in Stock 1000. The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is a proven championship-winning platform, and with Rocco’s talent and work ethic, we expect to see great results this season.”
Suzuki Motor USA remains dedicated to racing excellence and the continued development of elite riders through its collaboration with Vance & Hines Motorsports. With Chapin and Landers leading the charge in their respective classes, Suzuki is poised for an exciting and competitive 2025 MotoAmerica season.
More, from a press release issued by Vance & Hines Motorsports:
Rocco Landers Set to Tackle Stock1000 Class in 2025 MotoAmerica Season
Vance & Hines Motorsports is proud to announce that three-time MotoAmerica Champion Rocco Landers will step up to the Stock1000 class for the 2025 season, riding the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team’s 2025 Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
Rocco’s impressive career trajectory has seen him excel across multiple MotoAmerica classes, including a standout performance in the 2024 season, where he earned four national event wins in the Twins Cup Championship and finished 2nd overall aboard the Suzuki GSX-8R. With 54 career wins and 81 podiums across MotoAmerica’s Junior Cup, Twins Cup, Supersport, and King of the Baggers classes, Rocco is eager to bring his talent and determination to one of the most competitive series in the MotoAmerica lineup.
“I’m incredibly excited to make the jump to the Stock1000 class with Vance & Hines Motorsports,” said Landers. “The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is an incredible machine, and the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team has given me everything I need to be competitive. This is a big step forward in my career, and I’m ready to give it my all. I can’t wait to get started and see what we can achieve in 2025.”
Rocco’s promotion to Stock1000 comes on the heels of his success in the Twins Cup, where he was a consistent race winner and brought excitement to the grid. Known for his fearless riding style and vibrant personality, Landers is expected to make an immediate impact in the Stock1000 class.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Rocco to take this next step,” said Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports. “He’s proven time and again that he’s a winner, and we believe the Stock1000 class will give him the opportunity to show just how far his talent can take him. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 R is a powerhouse, and with Rocco’s skills and determination, Vance & Hines Motorsports expects great results.”
The 2025 MotoAmerica Stock1000 season kicks off at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Atlanta, May 2-4.
Chapin Set to Lead Vance & Hines Motorsports in MotoAmerica Twins Cup
Vance & Hines Motorsports is excited to announce that Matthew Chapin will race for the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team aboard the Suzuki GSX-8R in the 2025 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season—a machine that has proven to be a strong contender in this highly competitive class.
Chapin, an honor roll student and the reigning MotoAmerica Junior Cup National Champion, brings an impressive racing pedigree to the team. In 2024, Chapin dominated the Junior Cup with 7 wins and 9 podiums, showcasing his consistency, discipline, and raw talent. His progression through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable, and the Vance & Hines Motorsports team is excited to support his continued growth as he steps up to the Twins Cup.
“I’m beyond excited to join Vance & Hines Motorsports and take on this new challenge in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup,” said Chapin. “I’ve been watching this series closely, and I know the competition is fierce, but I’m ready to learn, adapt, and give it everything I’ve got. I can’t wait to start testing and prepare for Daytona.”
Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports. “We’re excited to bring Matthew into the fold. We love young talent and after watching his performance in the Junior Cup Series, we’re looking forward to seeing what he can achieve in the Twins Cup. This season is shaping up to be a memorable one for Vance & Hines Motorsports.”
The 2025 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6-8.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 have revealed the 2025 KTM RC16s for the manufacturer’s ninth year in the series and will enter the fray with its strongest line-up to-date.
KTM are aiming to boost their figures of seven GP wins and two Sprint wins. They will be represented by Italian, Spanish and South African talent in 2025. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 will boast talent that have secured five world championships and a total of 72 wins across the categories. All four riders have won in Grand Prix.
The KTM GP Academy will continue to develop and help young racers making their way through the ranks from the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup to Moto3™, Moto2™ and to the premier class of MotoGP.
Brad Binder (29, from Potchefstroom with 17 wins, 2 in MotoGP) and Pedro Acosta (20, from Murcia with 16 wins) will team-up for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Enea Bastianini (27, from Rimini with 13 wins, 7 in MotoGP) Maverick Viñales (30, from Roses with 26 wins, 10 in MotoGP) are the charges for Red Bull KTM Tech3 this year and all 22 rounds of the championship that will visit 18 countries.
Binder approaches his sixth campaign in MotoGP and has classified in the top six for the previous four seasons in a row and in the top five for the last two. 2025 will be his sixth as part of the Red Bull KTM crew in MotoGP. The South African will be joined by Pedro Acosta, the youngest rider on the grid, for his second term and after an impressive rookie year in 2024 where he finished 6th in the championship and with five podium results. Like Binder, Acosta has sailed through the Grand Prix ‘pyramid’ in Red Bull colors and through the KTM GP Academy at every step.
Bastianini and Viñales are new recruits for the family but bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and potential into the camp. Bastianini stood on the box nine times (twice from the top step) last season as he finished P4 in the standings. The Italian has grabbed a podium trophy at least once in all four of his years in the MotoGP class so far. Viñales has enormous pedigree and has toasted success in the premier class with three different manufacturers; the last coming at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas in 2024. Maverick was 7th best last year, meaning that KTM will assist four racers from the first seven places in the rankings going into the new contest.
Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “It is crazy to think that this is my sixth season in MotoGP already. To be honest 2024 was the year where I probably learnt the most. Coming into 2025 I feel that it has made me a much better rider. My goal for the season is to take what I learnt and make that step forward to fight with the guys at the front. We are not far. We finished 2nd in the Constructors championship so we have one left in front of us. When I see how hard people are working at the factory and how much energy there is behind the scenes it is clear we are going to get there.”
Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “For sure, 2024 was a good year, and we still have some goals that we keep in the pocket. I learned how to control a race, and how to adapt to MotoGP. It was a dream come true coming to the factory team after being in Moto3 and Moto2. Also having Brad as a teammate and helping develop the bike will be a very good point. It will help that he has a lot of experience in the class and I think we will make a good match together. The two main important points for 2025 will be the qualifying and then the first few laps of the race. Last year we saw that we had pace to fight for podiums or wins but we were struggling during qualifying. So, these two points will be the most important things to improve during this season.”
Enea Bastianini, Red Bull KTM Tech3: “I’m very curious for this season.We have to stay calm at the start because it’s important to understand the bike and the team. But I’m motivated and I think that about the third or fourth race we can be competitive. When I tried the bike I understood all the potential and it’s impressive how you can go on the edge of the corner and how the gearbox is faster, it’s so fast. So, yeah, I’m very impressed.”
Maverick Viñales, Red Bull KTM Tech3: “To wear the Red Bull KTM colors feels very good. Since I’ve been a kid I’ve seen them on motocross, on racing…so, it’s a dream team for me. My first thought of the KTM RC16 was: “wow, this is a beast, it’s fast!”. I remember in Montmelo it was very fast, and this is important in the new MotoGP era, as most of the race are the first five-six laps. The first year when you go to a new bike, you need to be always concentrated, always open to new experiences. Every time you go to a new track it’s a completely different experience from the previous years so you have to have an open mentality and be very focused, so my objective is to be focused and to be able to perform at my maximum. The good thing is that as soon as I jump on the KTM it feels like home. It’s a bike that I like, that suits my riding style, entering the corner. So, this is a very important thing.”
Aki Ajo, Team Manager, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “We are enthusiastic about the season ahead of us. We have been working hard during the winter to develop our project and the RC16 to be even faster and better than last season. Our aim is high, but we are prepared to keep working hard, and it is a joy to have such skilled and dedicated people in the project, and in the company. Our motivation is high, and I believe that we have made some important progress to enhance our performance. We have also strong and experienced riders, and we are all very motivated and look forward to the action of the new 2025 season. Thank you to all the staff, partners and the management and all the people at KTM that have shown big support MotoGP project. We are ready to race.”
Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager, Red Bull KTM Tech3: “The wait is finally over, and we are all really excited to launch our 2025 MotoGP season. We are back to Red Bull KTM colours, with two amazing talents, who we are all really thrilled to welcome amongst our ranks. Maverick and Enea are both extremely experienced riders, cumulating between the two of them 17 wins and over 50 podiums in MotoGP, and they will form the strongest line up Tech3 has ever had. We believe they will both be a great fit in our project, and strong assets for the brand. We are thankful to Red Bull KTM for trusting us with two brilliant riders, and we will do everything we can to take the MotoGP project to the next level.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “There have been many questions but we have been clear since the last day of the 2024 season: we are here to race and we are very serious about success in this fantastic championship that spreads motorcycling and motorcycle racing to many corners of the world. 2025 has started strongly for us with the important Dakar victory and also winning in AMA Supercross, now it is a real pleasure to present our MotoGP teams and see our bike ready to race for the ninth year in a row. Competition is such a big part of KTM’s DNA and we are committed. For the coming season and with Brad, Pedro, Enea and Maverick as well as all the experience and knowledge in the pitboxes there is a lot of positivity and adrenaline to get started. This season could be massive for us, and I hope it will be.”
Team LRP Poland has announced its return to the FIM Endurance World Championship with “a strong, international line-up and a key new partner” for the upcoming season after a year of preparation at national level.
Isle of Man TT legend Michael Dunlop took part in the 2024 24 Heures Motos. Photo courtesy EWC.
One of the EWC’s leading independent outfits, Team LRP Poland has recruited Frenchman Enzo Boulom, Isle of Man TT legend Michael Dunlop from Northern Ireland, Englishman Danny Webb and Pole Marek Szkopek to share its latest-specification BMW M 1000 RR run on Dunlop tyres.
Bartłomiej Lewandowski’s team has also strengthened its long-standing collaboration with the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, which will serve as the squad’s base with students and graduates once again forming a strong part of the pit crew during all EWC races. Technical Director Marcin Kolanowski continues to oversee the preparation of the Team LRP Poland BMW motorcycles.
“We are thrilled to return to action in the most demanding motorcycle racing series in the world,” said Lewandowski, Team Principal of Team LRP Poland and the highest ranked Polish rider in EWC history. “The past year gave us the opportunity to prepare thoroughly for the 2025 season. We’re coming back with a new, fast, and experienced line-up that we’re incredibly proud of, as well as new partners.
“We’re strengthening our collaboration with the Wrocław University of Science and Technology and welcoming Dunlop onboard as our tyre supplier. Their support means a lot to us, providing not only access to prototype tyres but also the expertise of their top technicians.
“At the same time, we’re excited to welcome our new, yet highly experienced, riders. Danny brings a wealth of experience from grand prix racing and the FIM EWC, while Michael is a true legend and an extraordinary athlete whose determination inspires everyone. I’m confident we will leverage our collective experience and have a highly successful season together.”
Team LRP Poland will enter Boulom, Dunlop and Webb for the EWC season-opening 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France from 17-20 April with Szkopek replacing Dunlop for the 8 Hours of Spa Motos from 6-7 June due to Dunlop’s planned participation in the Isle of Man TT Races.
Dunlop returned to the EWC during last season’s 24 Heures Motos and joins Boulom and Webb in graduating from the Superstock category to Formula EWC. Szkopek, an EWC regular in the past, joined Team LRP Poland from fellow Polish outfit Wójcik Racing Team in 2023 and has several Polish Superbike titles to his name as well as significant international experience.
FIM Endurance World Championship calendar 2025
Round 1: 24 Heures Motos, Le Mans, France: 17-20 April
Ticket sales: https://ticket.24h-motos.com/content
Round 2: 8 Hours of Spa Motos, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: 6-7 June
Ticket sales: https://www.spamotos.com/en/ticketing/
Round 3: 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, Suzuka Circuit, Japan: 1-3 August
Ticket sales: Information coming soon
Round 4: Bol d’Or, Circuit Paul Ricard, France: 18-21 September
Ticket sales: https://boldor.com/billetterie/
The 2025 season is just around the corner, and as we finalize our schedule, we’re excited to invite you to Iron Steed in Vacaville for the Pro-Rider Series. Join us on Saturday, February 8, to see our very own Shawn Reilly and gain expert advice on sharpening your riding skills—whether you’re gearing up for track days or simply looking to improve your everyday street riding. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours today!
Here’s what you want to know: The 2025 track day schedule. Keep in mind that dates CAN and DO change so while we’re 98% sure this schedule will be final, anything’s possible. These are all the details we have for now! More information like when signups will become available or Laguna sound info will be coming soon.
▪ 5/12 Monday Sonoma
▪ 5/24-25 Saturday/Sunday Thunderhill West
▪ 6/9 Monday Sonoma
▪ 6/28-29 Saturday/Sunday Thunderhill 5-mile, East
Rahal Ducati Moto has decided to skip the upcoming Daytona 200, according to a report published on MotoAmerica.com.
In a letter to sponsors and partners, Rahal said the race’s non-points status with MotoAmerica meant that the additional expenses associated with racing the event could not be justified.
Roadracing World has reached out to Rahal for comment.
The 83rd running of the Daytona 200 is set for Daytona International Speedway on March 6-8, 2025.
The full report on the MotoAmerica website can be found here.
Xavi Forés will swap chasing FIM Endurance World Championship success on track to off it as Uwe Reinhardt’s ERC Endurance squad returns to the EWC in 2025.
Ex-World Superbike racer Forés, who rode for ERC Endurance in the EWC between 2022 and 2023, has been appointed Team Manager for the Germany-based outfit, which is making its comeback to the championship following a one-year break.
After almost four full seasons running Ducati motorcycles, ERC will count on BMW power once again. It will compete under the ERC BMW Endurance Team banner and use Dunlop tyres.
Long-term ERC rider David Checa, from Spain, will be joined on the #6 BMW M 1000 RR by Kenny Foray (France) and Illya Mykhalchyk (Ukraine). Germany’s Julian Puffe has been named as the team’s reserve rider.
Although Checa, 44, a four-time EWC champion, is new to BMW power, Mykhalchyk, 28, joins ERC from the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, which he helped to two EWC race wins.
Foray, 40, steps up from the Superstock-based FIM Endurance World Cup having competed for Tecmas MRP BMW Racing Team for the past two seasons. A French Superbike champion on four occasions, Foray was team-mate to Checa at GMT94 Yamaha when it won the 2014 FIM Endurance World Championship for Teams.
Twenty-nine-year-old Puffe, meanwhile, rode a BMW for Team LRP Poland in the EWC most recently as 2023.
Forés, 39, explained his new role and ERC BMW Endurance Team’s objectives for the upcoming EWC season: “Uwe Reinhardt needed somebody by his side during the race weeks and he offered me the option to be the Team Manager. After many years of racing, it was the right time to move forward and start a new chapter, so I decided to accept this role and to start to work for my future.
“For sure if I use my experience in racing in the EWC and in different championships and from my experience from the past of being a rider in this team, putting everything together it could be something positive for the team. I am also supported by David Checa who has a lot of experience in endurance. Together we are pushing hard to make this project strong. Also, we have support from BMW and Dunlop.
“Hopefully we can be fighting for the top four, top five in every single race, starting with Le Mans. To be honest we were fighting for wins in the past with the Ducati so if we can manage everything well, then we can be in the mix.”
ERC BMW Endurance Team will enjoy factory support from BMW Motorrad and Dunlop during the upcoming EWC season, which begins with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France from 17-20 April. The calendar also includes the 8 Hours of Spa Motos (6-7 June), the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race (1-3 August) and the Bol d’Or (18-21 September).
Operating from Karlsruhe in Germany, ERC BMW Endurance Team will continue to carry the colours of Prokasro, a German robotics company headed by Uwe Reinhardt, a former endurance motorcycle racer. ERC stands for Equipe Reinhardt Competition.
Pol Espargaro (44) in a wildcard outing at Mugello in 2024. Photo by Rob Gray/Polarity Photo, courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
The Shakedown is underway and Friday welcomed a mix of new faces and veteran test riders to the track in Malaysia. From MotoGP Legends Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso to headline-grabbing performance from rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), it was an intriguing return to action for MotoGP.
The Shakedown, which is for factory test riders and rookies, also allows manufacturers with concessions to field their race riders. For Friday though, Red Bull KTM test rider Pol Espargaro was fastest, ahead of a stunner from Ogura with a 1:59.862 as his best. Honda HRC development rider Takaaki Nakagami completed the top three, with Dani Pedrosa slotting into fourth having led for much of the day for Red Bull KTM.
The fastest rookie – and second overall – was Ogura, but the Japanese rider was actually only a couple of tenths clear of Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP) as the Spaniard gets to grips with his Ducati GP24. He slotted in behind Pedrosa. Thai rider Somkiat Chantra didn’t head out to actually ride his new MotoGP machine at IDEMITSU LCR Honda on Friday, taking it as a prep day before he’ll roll out tomorrow.
As well as Pol Espargaro and Pedrosa at KTM and Nakagami’s first outing in his new role with Honda, Dovizioso was out for Yamaha, putting three machines through their paces. Ducati were repped by longtime test rider Michele Pirro and Aprilia by Lorenzo Savadori. The latter took every Aprilia on site for a spin, truly shaking them down on Day 1.
Saturday brings the anticipated arrival of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, and Prima Pramac Yamaha’s new line-up of Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller. They were in the centre of Kuala Lumpur on Friday presenting their new colours for 2025, but are expected on track on Saturday.
We’re also waiting to see when more of the Honda contingent might head out, including newly arrived test rider Aleix Espargaro. Honda HRC race riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini are in Jakarta at the moment, preparing to take the covers off their 2025 machines in their team presentation tomorrow.
SC-Project is the new title sponsor for MotoAmerica's Twins Cup class. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is excited to announce that SC-Project, a high-performance Italian exhaust manufacturer, is now the title sponsor of the 2025 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship.
Headquartered in Milan, Italy, since 2006, SC-Project manufactures exhaust systems for 18 different motorcycle companies from Aprilia to Harley-Davidson and virtually every brand in between.
“With multiple MotoAmerica Championships secured by teams using SC-Project exhausts, we wanted to show increased support for the MotoAmerica organization,” said Nate Seyer, of SC-Project’s North American division. “We are grateful for the amazing job that MotoAmerica has done to nurture American motorcycle racing. Racing is a universal language that knows no boundaries, and we feel this partnership can do great things to benefit the motorcycle racing community.”
With the simple goal of producing high-quality exhaust systems, SC-Project’s hand-made systems have been racing and winning around the world – from the Dakar Rally to MotoGP.
“We welcome SC-Project as the title sponsor for MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup class,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “SC-Project’s exhaust systems are a popular choice among many of the race teams in our paddock. They have a proven record of success around the globe with a high-quality product made 100 percent in Italy. The SC-Project Twins Cup promises to once again deliver some of our closest competition, and we look forward to the first round at Daytona, March 6-8.”
2025 SC-Project Twins Cup Series
March 6-8 Daytona Int’l Speedway | Daytona Beach, FL
April 4-6 Barber Motorsports Park | Birmingham, AL
June 27-29 Ridge Motorsports Park | Shelton, WA
July 11-13 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca | Monterey, CA
Aug. 1-3 VIRginia International Raceway | Alton, VA
Sept. 26-28 New Jersey Motorsports Park | Millville, NJ
Dunlop will be the sole tire supplier for the FIM EWC Production World Trophy class. Photo courtesy EWC.
The long-term partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports, promoter of the FIM Endurance World Championship, and tyre manufacturer Dunlop is continuing – and expanding.
From 2025, Dunlop will become the exclusive tyre supplier to the all-new FIM Production World Trophy, the first step on the EWC’s pathway to the top of endurance racing.
As a result, Dunlop will provide its tyres, expertise and support to every team competing in the new FIM Production World Trophy and the Superstock-based FIM Endurance World Cup, which it has supplied on an exclusive basis since 2022.
Dunlop will also continue to work with teams fighting for the overall victory in the Formula EWC category, which remains an open tyre competition. Meanwhile, the commercial partnership between WBD Sports and Dunlop, which began in 2016, continues on a multi-year basis.
Since becoming the exclusive Superstock tyre supplier in 2022, the category has grown each year with lap times decreasing and the quality of racing constantly improving. Five teams entered the 2024 season finale in contention for the title, underlining the sheer competitiveness of this class.
This has created space for the new entry level FIM Production World Trophy. Competitors will be on track at the same time as the Formula EWC and Superstock riders. They will race 1000cc motorcycles that closely resemble their roadgoing counterparts but with only basic modifications allowed to limit running costs and ensure the new class is accessible both financially and in performance terms.
As the exclusive tyre supplier, Dunlop will share its expertise with every team in the new category and give them access to the same range of Dunlop KR racing slicks as their counterparts in Superstock.
Jean-Baptiste Ley, Motorsport Events Director, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports: “Having supplied the Superstock-based FIM Endurance World Cup on an exclusive basis since 2022 to a very high standard, we know we can count on Dunlop as a tried and tested partner. It was therefore an obvious step to expand our alliance with Dunlop for it to become the exclusive tyre supplier to the all-new FIM Production World Trophy, a very exciting addition to the EWC Pyramid from 2025. Furthermore, we are delighted to be extending our multi-year commercial partnership with Dunlop, which began in 2016 and has helped to strengthen the EWC year on year.”
Wim Van Achter, Motorsport Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe: “We’re delighted to continue and expand our partnership with the FIM Endurance World Championship. Working with Warner Bros Discovery Sports as one of the championship’s Official Partners, we’re excited to introduce the Production World Trophy in order to allow more teams to compete in an accessible and rewarding environment and create an even more thrilling spectacle for fans with bigger grids and more action.”
The 2025 EWC season gets under way with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France from 17-20 April. It continues with the 8 Hours of Spa Motos (6-7 June), 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race (1-3 August) and the Circuit Paul Ricard, France-based Bol d’Or 24-hour finale (18-21 September).
Vance & Hines Motorsports is excited to announce that former MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim and teammate Rocco Landers will return to lead the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team for the 2025 season.
Gillim, who clinched the 2023 championship with a dominant performance, will once again pilot the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide in his pursuit of a second King of the Baggers title. His consistency and determination saw him finish the 2024 season with three victories and 10 podiums, and he remains a cornerstone of the team’s success.
“Racing with the Vance & Hines Motorsports team is like being with family,” Gillim said. “The hard work everyone puts in shows in our results. The competition in the King of the Baggers class is getting stronger every year, but I know we have what it takes to stay on top. Daytona can’t come soon enough!”
Rocco Landers, who impressed in his 2024 debut season in the King of the Baggers series with two wins and seven podiums, will return to the team alongside Gillim. Landers brings youth and energy to the grid and is looking to build on his success from last year. Riding the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide, he aims to solidify himself as one of the top riders in the class while balancing his transition to the MotoAmerica Stock1000 class.
“Getting back on the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson for another year is a dream come true,” Landers said. “I learned so much in my first season, and with Hayden as a teammate and mentor, I’ve been able to develop my skills on the Bagger. I can’t wait to push even harder this season and aim for more wins. Let’s get to work!”
Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports, expressed excitement for the 2025 season: “Having both Hayden and Rocco back on the team is a huge win for us. Hayden is a proven champion and the anchor of our King of the Baggers program, while Rocco brings incredible talent and a fresh perspective. With RevZilla, Motul, and Harley-Davidson behind us, we’re looking forward to another fantastic year.”
The 2025 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6-8.
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC reaffirms its commitment to professional road racing with the announcement of two exceptional riders set to compete in the 2025 MotoAmerica season. Multi-time champion Rocco Landers and rising star Matthew Chapin will showcase their talents aboard Suzuki machinery in the highly competitive Stock 1000 and Twins Cup classes, respectively.
Rocco Landers is set to pilot the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-R1000R as he takes the next step in his racing career.
Three-time MotoAmerica Champion Rocco Landers is set to step up to the Stock 1000 class in 2025, piloting the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Landers has consistently proven himself as one of the most versatile and accomplished riders in the MotoAmerica paddock, amassing 54 career wins and 81 podiums across multiple classes, including Junior Cup, Twins Cup, Supersport, and King of the Baggers.
Following an impressive 2024 season, where he took the all-new GSX-8R to second overall in the Twins Cup Championship with four national event wins, Landers is eager to take on the challenge of Stock 1000 competition.
“I’m incredibly excited to step up to the Stock 1000 class with Vance & Hines Motorsports,” said Landers. “The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is an amazing machine, and I’m confident in the team around me. This is an important step in my career, and I’m ready to give it my all. I can’t wait to get started and see what we can accomplish in 2025.”
Matthew Chapin. Photo courtesy Vance & Hines/Suzuki.
Defending MotoAmerica Junior Cup National Champion Matthew Chapin will make his debut in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup aboard the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki GSX-8R. Chapin’s dominance in the 2024 Junior Cup season, where he secured seven wins and nine podiums, has established him as one of the brightest young talents in American road racing. As he transitions to the Twins Cup, he will bring his race-winning pedigree and relentless determination to this fiercely competitive category.
“I’m beyond excited to join Vance & Hines Motorsports and take on this new challenge in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup,” said Chapin. “I know the competition will be tough, but I’m ready to push myself, learn, and give it everything I have. I can’t wait to start testing and prepare for Daytona.”
Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports, shared his excitement about the team’s 2025 lineup:
“We have always been committed to developing young talent, and both Matthew and Rocco have proven themselves as top competitors. Watching Matthew’s performance in the Junior Cup, we knew he had what it takes to succeed at the next level, and we’re excited to see him step up to the Twins Cup. Rocco has consistently shown his ability to win across multiple classes, and we have no doubt he will be a force in Stock 1000. The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is a proven championship-winning platform, and with Rocco’s talent and work ethic, we expect to see great results this season.”
Suzuki Motor USA remains dedicated to racing excellence and the continued development of elite riders through its collaboration with Vance & Hines Motorsports. With Chapin and Landers leading the charge in their respective classes, Suzuki is poised for an exciting and competitive 2025 MotoAmerica season.
More, from a press release issued by Vance & Hines Motorsports:
Rocco Landers Set to Tackle Stock1000 Class in 2025 MotoAmerica Season
Vance & Hines Motorsports is proud to announce that three-time MotoAmerica Champion Rocco Landers will step up to the Stock1000 class for the 2025 season, riding the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team’s 2025 Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
Rocco’s impressive career trajectory has seen him excel across multiple MotoAmerica classes, including a standout performance in the 2024 season, where he earned four national event wins in the Twins Cup Championship and finished 2nd overall aboard the Suzuki GSX-8R. With 54 career wins and 81 podiums across MotoAmerica’s Junior Cup, Twins Cup, Supersport, and King of the Baggers classes, Rocco is eager to bring his talent and determination to one of the most competitive series in the MotoAmerica lineup.
“I’m incredibly excited to make the jump to the Stock1000 class with Vance & Hines Motorsports,” said Landers. “The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is an incredible machine, and the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team has given me everything I need to be competitive. This is a big step forward in my career, and I’m ready to give it my all. I can’t wait to get started and see what we can achieve in 2025.”
Rocco’s promotion to Stock1000 comes on the heels of his success in the Twins Cup, where he was a consistent race winner and brought excitement to the grid. Known for his fearless riding style and vibrant personality, Landers is expected to make an immediate impact in the Stock1000 class.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Rocco to take this next step,” said Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports. “He’s proven time and again that he’s a winner, and we believe the Stock1000 class will give him the opportunity to show just how far his talent can take him. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 R is a powerhouse, and with Rocco’s skills and determination, Vance & Hines Motorsports expects great results.”
The 2025 MotoAmerica Stock1000 season kicks off at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Atlanta, May 2-4.
Chapin Set to Lead Vance & Hines Motorsports in MotoAmerica Twins Cup
Vance & Hines Motorsports is excited to announce that Matthew Chapin will race for the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team aboard the Suzuki GSX-8R in the 2025 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season—a machine that has proven to be a strong contender in this highly competitive class.
Chapin, an honor roll student and the reigning MotoAmerica Junior Cup National Champion, brings an impressive racing pedigree to the team. In 2024, Chapin dominated the Junior Cup with 7 wins and 9 podiums, showcasing his consistency, discipline, and raw talent. His progression through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable, and the Vance & Hines Motorsports team is excited to support his continued growth as he steps up to the Twins Cup.
“I’m beyond excited to join Vance & Hines Motorsports and take on this new challenge in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup,” said Chapin. “I’ve been watching this series closely, and I know the competition is fierce, but I’m ready to learn, adapt, and give it everything I’ve got. I can’t wait to start testing and prepare for Daytona.”
Terry Vance, owner of Vance & Hines Motorsports. “We’re excited to bring Matthew into the fold. We love young talent and after watching his performance in the Junior Cup Series, we’re looking forward to seeing what he can achieve in the Twins Cup. This season is shaping up to be a memorable one for Vance & Hines Motorsports.”
The 2025 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 6-8.
From left, Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales. Photo courtesy KTM.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 have revealed the 2025 KTM RC16s for the manufacturer’s ninth year in the series and will enter the fray with its strongest line-up to-date.
KTM are aiming to boost their figures of seven GP wins and two Sprint wins. They will be represented by Italian, Spanish and South African talent in 2025. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 will boast talent that have secured five world championships and a total of 72 wins across the categories. All four riders have won in Grand Prix.
The KTM GP Academy will continue to develop and help young racers making their way through the ranks from the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup to Moto3™, Moto2™ and to the premier class of MotoGP.
Brad Binder (29, from Potchefstroom with 17 wins, 2 in MotoGP) and Pedro Acosta (20, from Murcia with 16 wins) will team-up for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Enea Bastianini (27, from Rimini with 13 wins, 7 in MotoGP) Maverick Viñales (30, from Roses with 26 wins, 10 in MotoGP) are the charges for Red Bull KTM Tech3 this year and all 22 rounds of the championship that will visit 18 countries.
Binder approaches his sixth campaign in MotoGP and has classified in the top six for the previous four seasons in a row and in the top five for the last two. 2025 will be his sixth as part of the Red Bull KTM crew in MotoGP. The South African will be joined by Pedro Acosta, the youngest rider on the grid, for his second term and after an impressive rookie year in 2024 where he finished 6th in the championship and with five podium results. Like Binder, Acosta has sailed through the Grand Prix ‘pyramid’ in Red Bull colors and through the KTM GP Academy at every step.
Bastianini and Viñales are new recruits for the family but bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and potential into the camp. Bastianini stood on the box nine times (twice from the top step) last season as he finished P4 in the standings. The Italian has grabbed a podium trophy at least once in all four of his years in the MotoGP class so far. Viñales has enormous pedigree and has toasted success in the premier class with three different manufacturers; the last coming at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas in 2024. Maverick was 7th best last year, meaning that KTM will assist four racers from the first seven places in the rankings going into the new contest.
Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “It is crazy to think that this is my sixth season in MotoGP already. To be honest 2024 was the year where I probably learnt the most. Coming into 2025 I feel that it has made me a much better rider. My goal for the season is to take what I learnt and make that step forward to fight with the guys at the front. We are not far. We finished 2nd in the Constructors championship so we have one left in front of us. When I see how hard people are working at the factory and how much energy there is behind the scenes it is clear we are going to get there.”
Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “For sure, 2024 was a good year, and we still have some goals that we keep in the pocket. I learned how to control a race, and how to adapt to MotoGP. It was a dream come true coming to the factory team after being in Moto3 and Moto2. Also having Brad as a teammate and helping develop the bike will be a very good point. It will help that he has a lot of experience in the class and I think we will make a good match together. The two main important points for 2025 will be the qualifying and then the first few laps of the race. Last year we saw that we had pace to fight for podiums or wins but we were struggling during qualifying. So, these two points will be the most important things to improve during this season.”
Enea Bastianini, Red Bull KTM Tech3: “I’m very curious for this season.We have to stay calm at the start because it’s important to understand the bike and the team. But I’m motivated and I think that about the third or fourth race we can be competitive. When I tried the bike I understood all the potential and it’s impressive how you can go on the edge of the corner and how the gearbox is faster, it’s so fast. So, yeah, I’m very impressed.”
Maverick Viñales, Red Bull KTM Tech3: “To wear the Red Bull KTM colors feels very good. Since I’ve been a kid I’ve seen them on motocross, on racing…so, it’s a dream team for me. My first thought of the KTM RC16 was: “wow, this is a beast, it’s fast!”. I remember in Montmelo it was very fast, and this is important in the new MotoGP era, as most of the race are the first five-six laps. The first year when you go to a new bike, you need to be always concentrated, always open to new experiences. Every time you go to a new track it’s a completely different experience from the previous years so you have to have an open mentality and be very focused, so my objective is to be focused and to be able to perform at my maximum. The good thing is that as soon as I jump on the KTM it feels like home. It’s a bike that I like, that suits my riding style, entering the corner. So, this is a very important thing.”
Aki Ajo, Team Manager, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “We are enthusiastic about the season ahead of us. We have been working hard during the winter to develop our project and the RC16 to be even faster and better than last season. Our aim is high, but we are prepared to keep working hard, and it is a joy to have such skilled and dedicated people in the project, and in the company. Our motivation is high, and I believe that we have made some important progress to enhance our performance. We have also strong and experienced riders, and we are all very motivated and look forward to the action of the new 2025 season. Thank you to all the staff, partners and the management and all the people at KTM that have shown big support MotoGP project. We are ready to race.”
Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager, Red Bull KTM Tech3: “The wait is finally over, and we are all really excited to launch our 2025 MotoGP season. We are back to Red Bull KTM colours, with two amazing talents, who we are all really thrilled to welcome amongst our ranks. Maverick and Enea are both extremely experienced riders, cumulating between the two of them 17 wins and over 50 podiums in MotoGP, and they will form the strongest line up Tech3 has ever had. We believe they will both be a great fit in our project, and strong assets for the brand. We are thankful to Red Bull KTM for trusting us with two brilliant riders, and we will do everything we can to take the MotoGP project to the next level.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “There have been many questions but we have been clear since the last day of the 2024 season: we are here to race and we are very serious about success in this fantastic championship that spreads motorcycling and motorcycle racing to many corners of the world. 2025 has started strongly for us with the important Dakar victory and also winning in AMA Supercross, now it is a real pleasure to present our MotoGP teams and see our bike ready to race for the ninth year in a row. Competition is such a big part of KTM’s DNA and we are committed. For the coming season and with Brad, Pedro, Enea and Maverick as well as all the experience and knowledge in the pitboxes there is a lot of positivity and adrenaline to get started. This season could be massive for us, and I hope it will be.”
Marek Szkopek and Bartlomiej Lewandowski will race in the Endurance World Championship in 2025 with Team LRP Poland. Photo courtesy EWC.
Team LRP Poland has announced its return to the FIM Endurance World Championship with “a strong, international line-up and a key new partner” for the upcoming season after a year of preparation at national level.
Isle of Man TT legend Michael Dunlop took part in the 2024 24 Heures Motos. Photo courtesy EWC.
One of the EWC’s leading independent outfits, Team LRP Poland has recruited Frenchman Enzo Boulom, Isle of Man TT legend Michael Dunlop from Northern Ireland, Englishman Danny Webb and Pole Marek Szkopek to share its latest-specification BMW M 1000 RR run on Dunlop tyres.
Bartłomiej Lewandowski’s team has also strengthened its long-standing collaboration with the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, which will serve as the squad’s base with students and graduates once again forming a strong part of the pit crew during all EWC races. Technical Director Marcin Kolanowski continues to oversee the preparation of the Team LRP Poland BMW motorcycles.
“We are thrilled to return to action in the most demanding motorcycle racing series in the world,” said Lewandowski, Team Principal of Team LRP Poland and the highest ranked Polish rider in EWC history. “The past year gave us the opportunity to prepare thoroughly for the 2025 season. We’re coming back with a new, fast, and experienced line-up that we’re incredibly proud of, as well as new partners.
“We’re strengthening our collaboration with the Wrocław University of Science and Technology and welcoming Dunlop onboard as our tyre supplier. Their support means a lot to us, providing not only access to prototype tyres but also the expertise of their top technicians.
“At the same time, we’re excited to welcome our new, yet highly experienced, riders. Danny brings a wealth of experience from grand prix racing and the FIM EWC, while Michael is a true legend and an extraordinary athlete whose determination inspires everyone. I’m confident we will leverage our collective experience and have a highly successful season together.”
Team LRP Poland will enter Boulom, Dunlop and Webb for the EWC season-opening 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France from 17-20 April with Szkopek replacing Dunlop for the 8 Hours of Spa Motos from 6-7 June due to Dunlop’s planned participation in the Isle of Man TT Races.
Dunlop returned to the EWC during last season’s 24 Heures Motos and joins Boulom and Webb in graduating from the Superstock category to Formula EWC. Szkopek, an EWC regular in the past, joined Team LRP Poland from fellow Polish outfit Wójcik Racing Team in 2023 and has several Polish Superbike titles to his name as well as significant international experience.
FIM Endurance World Championship calendar 2025
Round 1: 24 Heures Motos, Le Mans, France: 17-20 April
Ticket sales: https://ticket.24h-motos.com/content
Round 2: 8 Hours of Spa Motos, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: 6-7 June
Ticket sales: https://www.spamotos.com/en/ticketing/
Round 3: 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, Suzuka Circuit, Japan: 1-3 August
Ticket sales: Information coming soon
Round 4: Bol d’Or, Circuit Paul Ricard, France: 18-21 September
Ticket sales: https://boldor.com/billetterie/
Z2 Track Days has issued its tentative 2025 schedule. Bikes like this one are welcome. Z2 photo.
The 2025 season is just around the corner, and as we finalize our schedule, we’re excited to invite you to Iron Steed in Vacaville for the Pro-Rider Series. Join us on Saturday, February 8, to see our very own Shawn Reilly and gain expert advice on sharpening your riding skills—whether you’re gearing up for track days or simply looking to improve your everyday street riding. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours today!
Here’s what you want to know: The 2025 track day schedule. Keep in mind that dates CAN and DO change so while we’re 98% sure this schedule will be final, anything’s possible. These are all the details we have for now! More information like when signups will become available or Laguna sound info will be coming soon.
▪ 5/12 Monday Sonoma
▪ 5/24-25 Saturday/Sunday Thunderhill West
▪ 6/9 Monday Sonoma
▪ 6/28-29 Saturday/Sunday Thunderhill 5-mile, East
Corey Alexander (23). Photo courtesy Rahal Ducati Moto/Stillhouse.
Rahal Ducati Moto has decided to skip the upcoming Daytona 200, according to a report published on MotoAmerica.com.
In a letter to sponsors and partners, Rahal said the race’s non-points status with MotoAmerica meant that the additional expenses associated with racing the event could not be justified.
Roadracing World has reached out to Rahal for comment.
The 83rd running of the Daytona 200 is set for Daytona International Speedway on March 6-8, 2025.
The full report on the MotoAmerica website can be found here.
Julian Puffe, Illya Mykhalchyk, David Checa and Kenny Foray are ERC BMW Endurance Team's 2025 EWC recruits. Photo courtesy EWC.
Xavi Forés will swap chasing FIM Endurance World Championship success on track to off it as Uwe Reinhardt’s ERC Endurance squad returns to the EWC in 2025.
Ex-World Superbike racer Forés, who rode for ERC Endurance in the EWC between 2022 and 2023, has been appointed Team Manager for the Germany-based outfit, which is making its comeback to the championship following a one-year break.
After almost four full seasons running Ducati motorcycles, ERC will count on BMW power once again. It will compete under the ERC BMW Endurance Team banner and use Dunlop tyres.
Long-term ERC rider David Checa, from Spain, will be joined on the #6 BMW M 1000 RR by Kenny Foray (France) and Illya Mykhalchyk (Ukraine). Germany’s Julian Puffe has been named as the team’s reserve rider.
Although Checa, 44, a four-time EWC champion, is new to BMW power, Mykhalchyk, 28, joins ERC from the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, which he helped to two EWC race wins.
Foray, 40, steps up from the Superstock-based FIM Endurance World Cup having competed for Tecmas MRP BMW Racing Team for the past two seasons. A French Superbike champion on four occasions, Foray was team-mate to Checa at GMT94 Yamaha when it won the 2014 FIM Endurance World Championship for Teams.
Twenty-nine-year-old Puffe, meanwhile, rode a BMW for Team LRP Poland in the EWC most recently as 2023.
Forés, 39, explained his new role and ERC BMW Endurance Team’s objectives for the upcoming EWC season: “Uwe Reinhardt needed somebody by his side during the race weeks and he offered me the option to be the Team Manager. After many years of racing, it was the right time to move forward and start a new chapter, so I decided to accept this role and to start to work for my future.
“For sure if I use my experience in racing in the EWC and in different championships and from my experience from the past of being a rider in this team, putting everything together it could be something positive for the team. I am also supported by David Checa who has a lot of experience in endurance. Together we are pushing hard to make this project strong. Also, we have support from BMW and Dunlop.
“Hopefully we can be fighting for the top four, top five in every single race, starting with Le Mans. To be honest we were fighting for wins in the past with the Ducati so if we can manage everything well, then we can be in the mix.”
ERC BMW Endurance Team will enjoy factory support from BMW Motorrad and Dunlop during the upcoming EWC season, which begins with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France from 17-20 April. The calendar also includes the 8 Hours of Spa Motos (6-7 June), the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race (1-3 August) and the Bol d’Or (18-21 September).
Operating from Karlsruhe in Germany, ERC BMW Endurance Team will continue to carry the colours of Prokasro, a German robotics company headed by Uwe Reinhardt, a former endurance motorcycle racer. ERC stands for Equipe Reinhardt Competition.
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Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
