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Bagger Racing League Now An AMA-Sanctioned Amateur Series

Bagger Racing League Sanctions with American Motorcyclist Association

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 13, 2022) – Bagger Racing League (BRL) is proud to announce that they will now be sanctioned with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) for the 2022 series.

“Having the Bagger Racing League recognized as an AMA-Sanctioned Series is a very big honor and has given us a great deal of pride for the 2022 season,” said Rob Buydos, owner and founder of BRL.

Bagger Racing League is excited to embody the principles of fairness, responsibility and competitiveness that characterize AMA-sanctioned events. AMA sanctioning provides the opportunity for racers access to AMA rulebooks to provide clear and precise guidelines for racing events. Additionally, a multitude of resources for racing organizers and racers alike are provided by the AMA.

“We’re pleased to welcome the Bagger Racing League as an AMA-Sanctioned amateur series for the 2022 season,” said Mike Pelletier, [AMA] Director of Racing. “Racers will be provided with a competitive opportunity where they can showcase their talents on three demanding racetracks across the country. The BRL provides a great pathway for athletes to advance their skills before moving into the professional ranks.”

Suzuki Committed To Racing In U.S.

Suzuki is committed to the American powersports market and its racing activities in the United States.

That’s the message Suzuki Motor USA, LLC sent to its U.S. dealers today via an internal bulletin, which was made available to Roadracingworld.com by one of those dealers.

All of this comes in the wake of Suzuki Motor Corporation’s (Japan) announcement that it is pulling out of the MotoGP World Championship.

That announcement, made May 12, read in part: “Unfortunately, the current economical situation and the need to concentrate its effort on the big changes that the Automotive world is facing in these years, are forcing Suzuki to shift costs and human resources to develop new technologies.”

 

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. headquarters in Brea, California.
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC headquarters in Brea, California. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Today’s message from Suzuki Motor USA echoes that message and adds: “As a means to market and develop its products, Suzuki plans to continue with its racing programs and promotions in MotoAmerica Road Racing, AMA Supercross/Motocross, and NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing.”

The bulletin also tells the dealers: “Thanks to you and your hard work, Suzuki Motor USA will continue to build on the recent successful launches of the new Suzuki Hayabusa, the GSX-S1000, and GSX-S1000GT/GT+ models. Additionally, Suzuki is excited to continue this pattern of success and will present several more new models in the near future. Despite extreme challenges over the past two years related to the global pandemic, we have carefully managed our business, are in good financial health, and are poised for a return to growth.”

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/german-prosecutors-mount-raids-over-suzuki-cars-alleged-test-dodging-2022-04-27/

MotoGP: Dorna Boss Ezpeleta Comments On Suzuki’s Withdrawal

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta on Suzuki

At the SHARK Grand Prix de France, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta made a statement regarding Suzuki.

“We were surprised by the news we received in Jerez, regarding the communication from Suzuki with the team, and I was advised by Livio Suppo that the decision was not to continue after this season. The first thing we said is that we could understand, but we need to talk to know the situation because we have an agreement with Suzuki signed just last year. We need to understand exactly where is the problem. Regarding that, we will have a meeting with Suzuki representatives next week, with members of the Board.

“For me it’s important to say that we obviously are not happy with Suzuki leaving, but the most important thing is that the Championship is in very good health. Immediately after we saw the news about the situation, we received a lot of demands from manufacturers or individual teams, and then we need to decide. For us to have a Championship with five manufacturers and six private teams is exactly the same we had last year, and it’s ok for us. Depending on how the proposals look, we will decide if we want to replace Suzuki or we will continue with the situation as it is without Suzuki.”

MotoE: Casadei Captures Pole Position At Le Mans (Updated)

MotoE Q2
MotoE Q1

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

0.001 sees Casadei convert Q1 into MotoE™ pole

Just 0.021 splits the front row as the Italian pips Aegerter and Zannoni in Le Mans

Friday, 13 May 2022

Pons Racing 40’s Mattia Casadei created a little bit of history in qualifying for Round 2 of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup at the SHARK Grand Prix de France, and by a single thousandth. In just the second running of the Q1-Q2 format for the electric series, Casadei became the first rider to go through Q1 and convert it into pole, joined on the front row by Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) and Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse)… and all three are covered by just 0.021.

Q1

Casadei topped the session with a pretty commanding performance, bouncing back from a crash earlier in the day at Turn 1. He had another moment there in Q1, but it didn’t put paid to his progress. Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE™) also progressed, with both adding some extra juice to their Energica Ego Corsas before getting ready to head back out. Two surprises out in Q1 were Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) and Hector Garzo (Tech3 E-Racing), with both starting down the order and ones to watch when the lights go out.

Q2

Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) was an early pace-setter in Q2 before Casadei clocked a 1:43.559 to go top in the 10th and final minute, slotting in the lap just before the chequered flag. Aegerter and Casadei’s teammate Jordi Torres then looked like threats to snatch pole as red sectors flew in, but neither could quite do it – the former within a single thousandth.

Torres may well have lost precious time in passing Zannoni on his final hot lap too, with a 1:43.682 putting the reigning Cup winner fourth and then fifth once Aegerter came through. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team), who won both races at Jerez, takes fourth to head the front row.

The Grid

Casadei, Aegerter and Zannoni head the front row ahead of Granado, who’ll be looking for a good launch from fourth. Torres is fifth ahead of Okubo, with the Japanese rider showing some good speed at Le Mans for a second row start.

Row 3 sees Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) line up ahead of Niccolo Canepa (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™), with Xavi Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) P9 on his return and rookie Xavi Fores (Octo Pramac MotoE) taking a key step forward into tenth.

That’s the grid for both races this weekend, so tune in for the first on Saturday at 16:25 (GMT +2), before Race 2 on Sunday at 15:30!

Mattia Casadei: “I’m feeling very good. This pole position is for my team, because at the start of FP2, I made a mistake and I crashed in the fastest corner in the track. They did a massive job to recover the bike and this is a P1 and it’s fantastic.”

MotoGP: Another Engine Added To 2022 Allocation

FIM Grand Prix World Championship

Decisions of the Grand Prix Commission

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Biense Bierma (MSMA), assisted by Carlos Ezpeleta (Dorna), Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting) and Corrado Cecchinelli (Director of Technology), in an electronic meeting held on 8 May 2022, made the following decision:

Technical Regulations

ENGINE USE MOTOGP CLASS – EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Currently, MotoGP regulations permit manufacturers in the MotoGP class to use a maximum of seven engines during the season. (Nine engines for manufacturers with concessions).

This regulation was established when the calendar comprised less than 20 races.

Because the 2022 calendar foresees 21 races it has been agreed to allow the use of one further engine providing that, ultimately, there are 19 races or more. The extra engine may only be used for the 19th. or subsequent races.

The regulations have been updated as follows:

Less than 21 races published on the official calendar that is issued by the FIM prior to the start of the first race:

• Manufacturers will have a maximum engine allocation of 7 engines (9 for manufacturers
with concessions).

21 or 22 races published on the calendar that is issued by the FIM prior to the start of the first race:

• Manufacturers will have a maximum engine allocation of 8 engines (10 for manufacturers
with concessions).

The use of this 8th (or 10th) engine will only be allowed starting from the 19th event

Moto2: Acosta Breaks Lap Record, Beaubier P9 In FP3 At Le Mans

Pedro Acosta (51). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo.
Pedro Acosta (51). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo.
Moto2 FP3

MotoGP: Zarco Lowers Lap Record In FP3 At Le Mans

Johann Zarco (5). Photo courtesy Pramac Racing.
Johann Zarco (5). Photo courtesy Pramac Racing.
MotoGP FP3

Moto3: Foggia Still On Top In FP3 At Le Mans

Dennis Foggia (7). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Dennis Foggia (7). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto3 FP3

Bagger Racing League Now An AMA-Sanctioned Amateur Series

Action from the Bagger GP race at the second and final round of the 2021 Bagger Racing League (BRL)season, at Sonoma Raceway. Photo courtesy BRL.
Shane Narbonne (86) leading the Bagger GP race at the second and final round of the 2021 Bagger Racing League (BRL) season, at Sonoma Raceway. Photo courtesy BRL.

Bagger Racing League Sanctions with American Motorcyclist Association

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 13, 2022) – Bagger Racing League (BRL) is proud to announce that they will now be sanctioned with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) for the 2022 series.

“Having the Bagger Racing League recognized as an AMA-Sanctioned Series is a very big honor and has given us a great deal of pride for the 2022 season,” said Rob Buydos, owner and founder of BRL.

Bagger Racing League is excited to embody the principles of fairness, responsibility and competitiveness that characterize AMA-sanctioned events. AMA sanctioning provides the opportunity for racers access to AMA rulebooks to provide clear and precise guidelines for racing events. Additionally, a multitude of resources for racing organizers and racers alike are provided by the AMA.

“We’re pleased to welcome the Bagger Racing League as an AMA-Sanctioned amateur series for the 2022 season,” said Mike Pelletier, [AMA] Director of Racing. “Racers will be provided with a competitive opportunity where they can showcase their talents on three demanding racetracks across the country. The BRL provides a great pathway for athletes to advance their skills before moving into the professional ranks.”

Suzuki Committed To Racing In U.S.

Jake Lewis (85) on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R MotoAmerica Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Jake Lewis (85) on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R MotoAmerica Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Suzuki is committed to the American powersports market and its racing activities in the United States.

That’s the message Suzuki Motor USA, LLC sent to its U.S. dealers today via an internal bulletin, which was made available to Roadracingworld.com by one of those dealers.

All of this comes in the wake of Suzuki Motor Corporation’s (Japan) announcement that it is pulling out of the MotoGP World Championship.

That announcement, made May 12, read in part: “Unfortunately, the current economical situation and the need to concentrate its effort on the big changes that the Automotive world is facing in these years, are forcing Suzuki to shift costs and human resources to develop new technologies.”

 

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. headquarters in Brea, California.
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC headquarters in Brea, California. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

 

Today’s message from Suzuki Motor USA echoes that message and adds: “As a means to market and develop its products, Suzuki plans to continue with its racing programs and promotions in MotoAmerica Road Racing, AMA Supercross/Motocross, and NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing.”

The bulletin also tells the dealers: “Thanks to you and your hard work, Suzuki Motor USA will continue to build on the recent successful launches of the new Suzuki Hayabusa, the GSX-S1000, and GSX-S1000GT/GT+ models. Additionally, Suzuki is excited to continue this pattern of success and will present several more new models in the near future. Despite extreme challenges over the past two years related to the global pandemic, we have carefully managed our business, are in good financial health, and are poised for a return to growth.”

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/german-prosecutors-mount-raids-over-suzuki-cars-alleged-test-dodging-2022-04-27/

Northern Talent Cup: Rossi Moor Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole At Le Mans

Rossi Moor (92) in action Friday at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Northern Talent Cup.
Rossi Moor (92) in action Friday at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Northern Talent Cup.
Session for FRA NTC QP

MotoGP: Dorna Boss Ezpeleta Comments On Suzuki’s Withdrawal

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta (left) and MotoGP Legend Jorge Lorenzo (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta (left) with Jorge Lorenzo (right) during Lorenzo's induction into the MotoGP Legends at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta on Suzuki

At the SHARK Grand Prix de France, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta made a statement regarding Suzuki.

“We were surprised by the news we received in Jerez, regarding the communication from Suzuki with the team, and I was advised by Livio Suppo that the decision was not to continue after this season. The first thing we said is that we could understand, but we need to talk to know the situation because we have an agreement with Suzuki signed just last year. We need to understand exactly where is the problem. Regarding that, we will have a meeting with Suzuki representatives next week, with members of the Board.

“For me it’s important to say that we obviously are not happy with Suzuki leaving, but the most important thing is that the Championship is in very good health. Immediately after we saw the news about the situation, we received a lot of demands from manufacturers or individual teams, and then we need to decide. For us to have a Championship with five manufacturers and six private teams is exactly the same we had last year, and it’s ok for us. Depending on how the proposals look, we will decide if we want to replace Suzuki or we will continue with the situation as it is without Suzuki.”

MotoE: Casadei Captures Pole Position At Le Mans (Updated)

Mattia Casadei (27). Photo courtesy Pons Racing 40.
Mattia Casadei (27). Photo from earlier this season courtesy Pons Racing 40.
MotoE Q2
MotoE Q1

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

0.001 sees Casadei convert Q1 into MotoE™ pole

Just 0.021 splits the front row as the Italian pips Aegerter and Zannoni in Le Mans

Friday, 13 May 2022

Pons Racing 40’s Mattia Casadei created a little bit of history in qualifying for Round 2 of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup at the SHARK Grand Prix de France, and by a single thousandth. In just the second running of the Q1-Q2 format for the electric series, Casadei became the first rider to go through Q1 and convert it into pole, joined on the front row by Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) and Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse)… and all three are covered by just 0.021.

Q1

Casadei topped the session with a pretty commanding performance, bouncing back from a crash earlier in the day at Turn 1. He had another moment there in Q1, but it didn’t put paid to his progress. Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE™) also progressed, with both adding some extra juice to their Energica Ego Corsas before getting ready to head back out. Two surprises out in Q1 were Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) and Hector Garzo (Tech3 E-Racing), with both starting down the order and ones to watch when the lights go out.

Q2

Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) was an early pace-setter in Q2 before Casadei clocked a 1:43.559 to go top in the 10th and final minute, slotting in the lap just before the chequered flag. Aegerter and Casadei’s teammate Jordi Torres then looked like threats to snatch pole as red sectors flew in, but neither could quite do it – the former within a single thousandth.

Torres may well have lost precious time in passing Zannoni on his final hot lap too, with a 1:43.682 putting the reigning Cup winner fourth and then fifth once Aegerter came through. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team), who won both races at Jerez, takes fourth to head the front row.

The Grid

Casadei, Aegerter and Zannoni head the front row ahead of Granado, who’ll be looking for a good launch from fourth. Torres is fifth ahead of Okubo, with the Japanese rider showing some good speed at Le Mans for a second row start.

Row 3 sees Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) line up ahead of Niccolo Canepa (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™), with Xavi Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) P9 on his return and rookie Xavi Fores (Octo Pramac MotoE) taking a key step forward into tenth.

That’s the grid for both races this weekend, so tune in for the first on Saturday at 16:25 (GMT +2), before Race 2 on Sunday at 15:30!

Mattia Casadei: “I’m feeling very good. This pole position is for my team, because at the start of FP2, I made a mistake and I crashed in the fastest corner in the track. They did a massive job to recover the bike and this is a P1 and it’s fantastic.”

MotoGP: Another Engine Added To 2022 Allocation

Maverick Vinales, as seen during pre-season MotoGP testing at Sepang. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP riders, like Maverick Vinales seen here during pre-season testing at Sepang, will only have two rear tire compound options to choose from at 2023 races. Photo courtesy Dorna.

FIM Grand Prix World Championship

Decisions of the Grand Prix Commission

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Biense Bierma (MSMA), assisted by Carlos Ezpeleta (Dorna), Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting) and Corrado Cecchinelli (Director of Technology), in an electronic meeting held on 8 May 2022, made the following decision:

Technical Regulations

ENGINE USE MOTOGP CLASS – EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Currently, MotoGP regulations permit manufacturers in the MotoGP class to use a maximum of seven engines during the season. (Nine engines for manufacturers with concessions).

This regulation was established when the calendar comprised less than 20 races.

Because the 2022 calendar foresees 21 races it has been agreed to allow the use of one further engine providing that, ultimately, there are 19 races or more. The extra engine may only be used for the 19th. or subsequent races.

The regulations have been updated as follows:

Less than 21 races published on the official calendar that is issued by the FIM prior to the start of the first race:

• Manufacturers will have a maximum engine allocation of 7 engines (9 for manufacturers
with concessions).

21 or 22 races published on the calendar that is issued by the FIM prior to the start of the first race:

• Manufacturers will have a maximum engine allocation of 8 engines (10 for manufacturers
with concessions).

The use of this 8th (or 10th) engine will only be allowed starting from the 19th event

Moto2: Acosta Fastest, Roberts Top American In P12 During FP2

Pedro Acosta (51). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo.
Pedro Acosta (51). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo.
Moto2 FP2