R.I.P. Former Pro Racer, Racing Business Owner Brett Ray

David Swarts

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May 9, 2022

R.I.P. Former Pro Racer, Racing Business Owner Brett Ray

Former pro road racer and racing business owner Brett Ray died of a heart attack at his home in Marion, Illinois, on May 6. He was 59.

Ray grew up racing motorcycles in motocross, flat track, drag racing and even did some car racing, but he loved motorcycle road racing most of all. Through the 1990s and early 2000s he competed in AMA Pro Superbike, usually under the R & R Racing banner.

He later shifted to the AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-ST/Moto-GT endurance series, where he and Paul Schwemmer co-rode an Aprilia Tuono RSV1000 to third place overall in the race at VIRginia International Raceway.

He later came back to participate in the 75^th Daytona 200 in 2016, qualified 38^th in the field of 54, but DNF the race.

Away from the track, Ray turned his passion for racing into a business, also called R & R Racing. Ray started R & R Racing in 1991 and produced rear subframes, front fairing brackets, and bike stands, among other products.

Later in life Ray switched to pursuing a career in video and film production and worked on many commercial and film projects.

He is survived by wife Lana Ray; mother and father, Deanna and Lecil Ray; sister, Ellen Denise Sumrall; son, Brandon Ray; three stepdaughters, Morgan Thomas, Ashley Waldrop, and Makenzie Johnston; stepson, Taylor Wicks; six grandchildren; and a large extended family.

A visitation has been scheduled from 4:00-7:00 p.m. (Central Time) on May 11 at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, Illinois, (618) 993-2131, www.wilsonmcreynolds.com. The visitation will be immediately followed by a memorial service, which will be streamed live on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

“Summer Track Day Circus” Coming To Utah Motorsports Campus July 1-2

David Swarts

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May 9, 2022

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“Summer Track Day Circus” Coming To Utah Motorsports Campus July 1-2

“Summer Track Day Circus” Returns July 1st-2nd At Utah Motorsports Campus

The Summer Track Day Circus returning to UMC Summer 2022

[Grantsville, UT] Three prominent track day providers are returning to create another unique event for the summer of 2022. With the goal of creating an experience that delivers more than just track time, Apex Assassins, Legion Moto, and TrackDaz are back to bring riders The Summer Track Day Circus – a two-day event that will be held at Utah Motorsports Campus on July 1st and 2nd.

Center stage will be the 3+ mile long UMC outercourse. With its famously long and high speed straight and technical sections like the infamous “Attitudes,” this is enough to challenge and entertain any track day junkie.

In an effort to be the “The Greatest Trackday on Earth,” the event promises to have plenty of off-track entertainment and activities. Details include stunt shows, a mini bike mayhem course, slow drags, two up rides, a bike show, roll racing, raffles, a BBQ dinner, beer garden, ax throwing, go kart racing, demos, more shenanigans, games, and a bearded lady.

“Last year was absolutely amazing and this year we are going bigger. We have a ton more events going on for the whole family. We really want to bring more spectators out this year and include the local riding community,” says Legion Moto’s Matt Cooper. “If you are a motorcycle enthusiast of any kind, then this is the place you are going to want to be at for Independence Day Weekend”

You can learn more at

https://www.trackdaycircus.com

CRA: Miest Breaks Lap Record, Wins Multiple Races

David Swarts

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May 9, 2022

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CRA: Miest Breaks Lap Record, Wins Multiple Races

Justin Miest Breaks Lap Record and Wins Multiple CRA Races At Brainerd

Brainerd, MN – Brainerd International Raceway hosted the first round of the Central Roadracing Association’s 2022 season on the Donnybrooke Course May 6-8. The weekend was action-packed with mixed conditions and featured 18-lap trophy dashes, sprint races, and the 30th annual running Framstad Cup race.

The club’s 2021 #1 Expert Christian Schmidt picked right up where he left off last season aboard his Kramer motorcycle putting down stunning lap times in the 1:51’s and sweeping the Welterweight class.

A surprise to the Welterweight and Lightweight grids this weekend was Aaron Anderson aboard a loaned Aprilia RS 660. Aaron, also a seasoned vet proves that he can not only race a big bike, but can also be at the sharp end of the smaller bike classes as he took home multiple wins over the weekend in the Trophy Dash and Welterweight races.

When mother nature decided to downpour and the fair-weather riders packed up, experts Kyle Franz and Ike Messmore stepped up to the opportunity and had great battles for the win in Lightweight SB.

Looking at the Novice smaller bike classes, Sam Fisk of Fisk Bros Racing was unstoppable taking home 10 wins across Featherweight, Welterweight and Lightweight classes and showing the grids that he’s making an early charge for the #1 novice plate.

In the Middleweight Superport Expert race, Matt Warnert and Brian Hebeisen couldn’t hold off the likes of Kyle Ohnsorg aboard his Adrenaline Engineering Yamaha R6. Ohnsorg proved that he can still race a 600 as he gapped Matt and Brian by almost a full second and put down a best lap of 1:44.522.

Aside from Kyle’s awesome performance on Saturday, the most action in the Middleweight and Heavyweight Expert races was between Matt on his Nielsen Racing Yamaha R6 and Brian on his Fisk Bros Racing Yamaha R6. These two are used to racing each other as close as it can get which makes for pure entertainment on track! Both riders managed consistent lap times in the 1:45’s in their battles.

In the Novice ranks new rider Judah Wimbley took his very first win in his first sprint race with the CRA [rookie] putting forth a valiant effort to hold off 2nd year Novice Ryan Largent in Middleweight Supersport Novice. The two were basically swapping paint coming through each corner as they matched lap times in the 1:50’s. Ryan, aboard his Nielsen Racing Yamaha R6, went on to also take his very first win in Middleweight GP, with an additional podium in Middleweight SB.

In the Unlimited Expert class, it was all about Justin Miest. Justin dominated Unlimited Supersport, holding off Ohnsorg and putting down a lap time of 1:38.514 on his Nielsen Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R and breaking the track record previously held by Kyle. Justin now holds track records for both Brainerd International Raceway’s Competition and Donnybrooke configurations on Michelin tires.

We also saw great battles between friends Shane Keaveny and Zach Hughes for the final podium position in Unlimited Supersport. Both riders swapped lap times in the 1:42’s and 1:43’s and were entertaining to watch in every corner.

The CRA would like to thank all the volunteers for all their hard work and dedication.

The 2nd round of the CRA season which is a combined event with CCS is set to take place on Brainerd International Raceway’s Competition Course, June 17-19.

Progressive IMS Outdoors Suspends 2022 Tour

David Swarts

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May 9, 2022

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Progressive IMS Outdoors Suspends 2022 Tour

IMS Outdoors has just posted the following to their social media accounts:

TO OUR IMS FANS:

After 40 years of producing IMS, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the IMS events in 2022. Our goal is always to provide the best experience possible for fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, and due to circumstances beyond our control, we wouldn’t have been able to produce an event series that would have met your, and our, expectations this year. We hope to bring the tour back at some point in the future, but for now, we say goodbye and thank you for your attendance over the years.

Any tickets or custom bike registrations purchased for 2022 events will be refunded within the next 7 days.

MotoGP: Raul Fernandez Says He Is 100% Ready For Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 9, 2022

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MotoGP: Raul Fernandez Says He Is 100% Ready For Le Mans

Home Grand Prix Time for Tech3 KTM Factory Racing

Tech3 KTM Factory Racing enters a new race week, and a special one, as the whole crew is getting ready for the team’s home race in Le Mans, where the SHARK Grand Prix de France, the seventh round of the season, will take place from May 13-15. It is expected to be an exciting weekend for the French motorcycle fans as the Bugatti circuit will welcome back the public at full capacity for the first time since 2019. The crowd will be eager to see La Crème de la Crème battle it out for the victory on Sunday on the 4.2km layout.

Australian Remy Gardner was on the podium last season in Le Mans as he finished second of the Moto2 race, behind teammate Raul Fernandez who was the 2021 Moto2 winner. This year, Remy will have high hopes to do a good weekend, after a tough Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, followed by a test day which had to be stopped due to a crash, without any major consequences fortunately. The rookie has already finished in the points two times this year, and will aim to do it for a third time on a layout that should fit the KTM RC16 well. Out for both the Portuguese and Spanish Grand Prix, Raul Fernandez is expected to be back on track this week, having followed an intense recovery process on his right hand over the last couple of days. The Spaniard will be motivated to do well and give his best for his team’s home race.

The action will start as usual on Friday at 9:55 (GMT+2) with the first free practice session, followed by the second one at 14:10, both of forty-five minutes each. On Saturday, the action will resume with the third free practice at 9:55, at the end of which qualifying entries will be determined. There will be a final chance to practice at 13:30 with FP4, before the qualifying sessions start at 14:10. The SHARK Grand Prix de France is scheduled on Sunday, May 15, at 14:00 local time, for twenty-seven laps.

Remy Gardner

Championship: 22nd

Points: 3

“We are heading to Le Mans for the French Grand Prix with a few points to improve following the test day in Jerez. I am hoping that the layout will suit the bike better, so if we manage to take some steps, there is room for a good result. I am really looking forward to getting back to the action on Friday in France, my team’s home Grand Prix.”

Raul Fernandez

Championship: 23rd

Points: 0

“Before everything, I would like to say a big thank you to all the team at Clinica Luis Banos who helped me with my hand. They did a great job to allow me to be ready at 100% for the French Grand Prix. I feel so much better, I am optimistic and ready to get back to racing after two weekends out. In addition, Le Mans is the home Grand Prix for my team, so I really want to race there. I have good memories from the past season, so let’s see what we can do!”

Hervé Poncharal

Team Manager

“After a tough Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez for the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing team, we are now all very excited to be heading to known lands in Le Mans for the French Grand Prix, our home race. Remy Gardner is coming from a challenging race during which he had to manage a bike with only one wing, and he provided a great effort despite the difficulty. Unfortunately, Raul Fernandez had to miss out on a second race due to his right hand injury sustained in Portimao. I am certain that both rookies will be fit and motivated for the weekend ahead of us in Le Mans. The Bugatti circuit offers a layout that could fit well both the KTM RC16 and the riding styles of our riders.

The weather always spices things up in Le Mans, but this time, it looks like we are set for a sunny week, which will help our rookies to continue their progress in the MotoGP category. Although we don’t have any French riders this year, this Grand Prix is always special to us because it is also the home race for some of our partners who have been supporting us for a while, including Elf. There will be a lot of local and national media interest this week, especially that we now have a French champion in the name of Fabio Quartararo. Johann Zarco is also greatly appreciated by the French fans. I hope that we will have a great show for all of these people who come support us every year.”

MotoGP: Bastianini Looking To Regain Lost Feeling

David Swarts

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May 9, 2022

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MotoGP: Bastianini Looking To Regain Lost Feeling

MOTOGP ROUND 7: HERE COMES LE MANS

Le Mans preview. MotoGP make its return to French soil, for what has become through the years a classic in the series. Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio will be racing at the home track of current championship leader Quartararo with very different goals, albeit both with ambitious goals.

The rider #23 wants to return to the time of form shown in the extra-European races earlier this year, even though the main goal is to find back that feeling with his Ducati machine that he was never able to get at Jerez a fortnight ago. The post-race Spanish test gave him some fresh confidence, with the Italian star eager to fly again – hopefully with some favourable weather.

For Di Giannantonio it is time to raise the bar and score his first MotoGP points. The base set-up he found with the team at Jerez may be a good starting point to well-perform in France already.

Historical recurrences: Le Mans is among the most challenging tracks on the MotoGP calendar, but Gresini Racing was able to secure several podium finishes at this track throughout the years. Two wins and a second for Sete Gibernau (in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively) and a win and a second place for Marco Melandri in 2006 and 2007, but not only.

Both Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio have had their ‘podium taste’ with the Faenza-based team before: ‘Bestia’ managed to do so in 2015 as he finished second in the Moto3 class, while Diggia did the same two years later. This is their best career result in France, at least so far.

ENEA BASTIANINI #23 (3º in the championship standings with 69 points)

“Le Mans is quite an unusual track, but a very good one nonetheless. Usually the track, and therefore track conditions, are a key variable, but let’s hope it will be different this time. I would like to find back that feeling with the bike that we kind of lost a bit at Jerez: let’s say being back to the one we had in Portimao, where only the result was unkind to us.”

FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49

“Le Mans is a tough track, temperature and weather wise. We always had very unique conditions, but we’re coming from a positive test in which we found a good direction to follow in terms of set-up, so I’m curious to see if it’ll work at this track.”

Michael Dunlop Riding Hawk Racing Suzuki In NW 200 & IOM TT

David Swarts

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May 9, 2022

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Michael Dunlop Riding Hawk Racing Suzuki In NW 200 & IOM TT

MICHAEL DUNLOP IN ELEVENTH HOUR DEAL WITH HAWK RACING SUZUKI FOR fonaCAB AND NICHOLL OILS NORTH WEST 200 SUPERBIKE RACES

Michael Dunlop has dramatically unveiled the machine he will race in the Superbike races at this year’s fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 on the eve of the opening practice session.

Dunlop has turned to his old friends, Stuart and Steve Hicken of Hawk Racing, who have produced a superbike-spec GSX-R1000R Suzuki for the Ballymoney man at the 11th hour after his split with the PBM Ducati team.

“It has been one of those situations where I have had to go back to someone I can trust,” the 33-year-old said. “Stuart has always said to call him if I needed anything. I made the call and they have built this Suzuki for me. Steve and Stuart might not have the biggest budget in the world but they always give 100% and that is all you can ask for.”

Dunlop won the Senior TT on a Hawk Racing-built Suzuki in 2017. He previously rode for the Hicken-owned team in 2014, 2015 and 2016 on BMW machinery.

“Everyone else has had three years to prepare for this week but we have had just three days,” Steve Hicken joked. “It is just another one of those deals that happens between Hawk and Michael but if you win five TTs with someone there is a respect so let’s see what we can do now.”

“Michael is a big favourite with the North West 200 fans and we wanted him here on a superbike,” NW200 race boss, Mervyn Whyte said. “It is a last-minute deal but Michael is vastly experienced at the North West and if anyone can produce the goods on the day it is him.”

Dunlop is now hoping he can find a sponsor for the Suzuki before Saturday’s races.

“The last time I rode the Suzuki it was a brand new bike and the team has had four years to develop it since then,” Dunlop said. “I’ve had the support of Gary Ryan, the Black Dub and H&S to get this deal sorted but it would be good to have someone behind us for the race.”

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

MICHAEL DUNLOP JOINS HAWK RACING FOR 2022 ISLE OF MAN TT RACES

The return of the Isle of Man TT Races will also see Michael Dunlop return to GSX-R1000R machinery for the Superbike classes, as he today confirmed that he joins Stuart and Steve Hicken’s Hawk Racing.

The announcement renews a long and illustrious partnership with the family-run team, which began in 2014 and included a Superbike and Senior TT double in their debut year.

Two more victories came at TT 2016 before the team switched to Suzuki power for the 2017 season. Despite the change, Dunlop was able to take the brand-new and unproven GSX-R L7 model to an impressive Senior TT – Suzuki’s first in 13 years.

19-time TT winner Dunlop commented: “After 3 years away from the roads and the Isle of Man, it’s important for me to be with a team I know and on a bike that I know. It’s been a big effort to get the bike ready so quickly, so I can’t thank Stuart [Hicken], Steve [Hicken], and the team, plus my own Street Sweep, H&S Contractors, and UGGLY&CO personal sponsors enough for all their efforts.”

Team Principal of Hawk Racing Steve Hicken added: “We’ve a great relationship with Michael and have enjoyed a lot of success over the years. Of course these aren’t ideal circumstances without any testing, but you can never rule Michael out and we’ll do everything we can to give him the bike he needs.”

MotoAmerica: “Rainey Ride To The Races” Returning To Laguna Seca

David Swarts

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May 9, 2022

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MotoAmerica: “Rainey Ride To The Races” Returning To Laguna Seca

Second Annual “Rainey Ride To The Races” Set For MotoAmerica’s WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Round

Join Motorcycle Racing Legends Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Bubba Shobert On July 8 For A Day On The Monterey Peninsula That You Won’t Forget

IRVINE, CA (May 9, 2022) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that the “Rainey Ride To The Races” is back and bigger than ever with three-time World Champion Kenny Roberts, four-time World Champion Eddie Lawson and three-time AMA Grand National Champion Bubba Shobert set to join three-time World Champion Wayne Rainey for his second-annual ride day on the Monterey Peninsula. The ride will take place on Friday, July 8 in conjunction with the GEICO MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, July 8-10.

The Rainey Ride To The Races will again benefit the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes motorcycle racing safety with the facilitation of soft air barrier systems at racing events.

The ride will begin at the Moto Talbott Motorcycle Museum at 4 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley, California, and will tour the best parts of the Monterey Peninsula, including in and around the Santa Lucia Mountain ranges, the Salinas Valley foothills, local wineries, and the stunning Steinbeck country. The ride will conclude at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with lunch and a Q&A session with legends Rainey, Roberts, Lawson and Shobert.

An added benefit for 2022 is that Rainey Ride To The Races participants will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take their motorcycles for two laps around the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca at the conclusion of the ride.

“Last year’s ride brought in close to $150,000 for the Roadracing World Action Fund and the 2022 ride promises to be even bigger and better,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Last year we had Eddie on the ride and this year we’ve added Kenny and Bubba. Hanging out with those guys for a day will be a treat for all of us. It’s also cool that this year we’re giving participants in the ride the opportunity to take two laps of the Laguna Seca track. It’s going to be a great day and a great weekend of racing, and I can’t wait to see everyone there.”

The ride will be limited to 35 riders who purchase the special $325 Premium Rainey Ride To The Races ticket.

The Rainey Ride To The Races will be conducted at a relaxed, easy pace and no one will be left behind with Gordon McCall, a local motorcycle enthusiast and good friend of MotoAmerica, leading the ride. In addition, there will be a sweep, two rovers and, in the event of unforeseen mechanical issues, a sag wagon with a trailer that can transport motorcycles back to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The ride will take approximately two to two and a half hours from start to completion.

Funds raised from last year’s Rainey’s Ride To The Races helped in the purchase of 20 new Alpina soft barrier systems and 36 Airfence non-inflatable “dog box” sections that will be used for the first time at the VIRginia International Raceway round of the MotoAmerica series, May 20-22.

For more information or to purchase the Premium ticket, visit https://motoamerica.tixonlinenow.com/superbikeslaguna/?_ga=2.49901028.316319477.1652104127-622682377.1573599008

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Aprilia RS 660 Cup: Toth P2 In Photo Finish At Vallelunga

David Swarts

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May 8, 2022

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Aprilia RS 660 Cup: Toth P2 In Photo Finish At Vallelunga

race results

Francesco Mongiardo (49) edged out Max Toth (27) by 0.005 second at the finish of the Aprilia RS 660 Cup race at Vallelunga, in Italy. Photo courtesy BK Corse.

Aprilia All Stars Draw 10,000+ Fans

David Swarts

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May 8, 2022

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APRILIA ALL STARS MEETS ITS AUDIENCE AGAIN

OVER 10 THOUSAND PEOPLE AT MISANO TO CELEBRATE APRILIA, ITS CHAMPIONS AND ITS GREAT MOTOGP SEASON

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ, MAVERICK VIÑALES AND LORENZO SAVADORI PUT ON A SHOW ON THE TRACK TOGETHER WITH CHAMPIONS AND LEGENDS SUCH AS MAX BIAGGI, ROBERTO LOCATELLI, LORIS CAPIROSSI, ALEX GRAMIGNI, MATTIA PASINI AND ANDREA IANNONE

FANS WERE ABLE TO TRY OUT THE APRILIA RANGE IN FREE TEST RIDES WHILE THE MUSIC OF RADIO DEEJAY AND M2O WITH VIC AND VITTORIA HYDE AND THE EXTRAORDINARY LIVE PERFORMANCE OF ALBERTINO, LIVENED UP THE PADDOCK

Misano – More than 10 thousand enthusiasts came to Misano for Aprilia’s big party.

Aprilia All Stars 2022 finally met its audience, who had been crowding the paddock and grandstands since the morning to enjoy the spectacle on track.

Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia Racing’s factory and test riders, welcomed the great Aprilia legends such as world champions Max Biaggi, Roberto Locatelli, Loris Capirossi, Alex Gramigni and with them Mattia Pasini and Andrea Iannone. Together they put on a show, riding the unforgettable 250 2-stroke Grand Prix bikes or RSV4s, while Alex Gramigni celebrated 30 years of his 125 World Championship title, Aprilia’s first in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, taking his legendary 1992 RS 125 onto the track.

Maverick Vinales (12) and Aleix Espargaro (41) doing exhibition laps on their Aprilia RS-GP MotoGP racebikes. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

The highlight for MotoGP fans was of course the track parade of the RS-GP 2022, Aprilia’s MotoGP revelation of this first phase of the season. Aleix Espargaró, with a win and two other podiums, is one of the leading riders in the world championship, while Maverick Viñales continues to gain more and more confidence with the new bike.

For everyone, motorbike enthusiasts, groups of friends and even the many families who came along, it was a day of celebration and entertainment, ranging from the testing of the 2022 Aprilia bikes (RS 660, Tuono 660, Tuareg 660 and the 125 range) to the fantastic entertainment provided by the stars of Radio Deejay and M2O on the big stage throughout the day. There was also a live performance by Dj Albertino, who got the whole paddock dancing, and a prize draw for the lucky winner of a brand new Aprilia Tuono 660.

Max Biaggi with his World Championship-winning Aprilia 250cc Grand Prix racebike. Photo courtesy Aprilia.

The great and spectacular parade of Aprilia motorbikes, brought onto the track by the motorcyclists who flocked to Misano, and led by Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales riding RSV4s, closed the 2022 edition of Aprilia All Stars.

For all lovers of beautiful Italian motorbikes, the appointment is for the 2023 edition.

R.I.P. Former Pro Racer, Racing Business Owner Brett Ray

May 9, 2022

Brett Ray (left) with teammate John Ashmead (right) and Trevor Kemp, a Silkolene representative at the time, at Daytona International Speedway in 1994. Photo by etechphoto.com.