Video: Petrucci Helps Launch Ducati DesertX In Sardinia

David Swarts

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May 4, 2022

Video: Petrucci Helps Launch Ducati DesertX In Sardinia

Ducati and Audi together in Sardinia with DesertX and RS Q e-tron for a special event

International debut for DesertX and RS Q e-tron, together in off-road with Danilo Petrucci and the official Audi drivers including Stéphane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz

To celebrate this partnership, the Centro Stile Ducati has created a special livery for the DesertX inspired by that of the Audi RS Q e-tron

The new DesertX will be available in European dealerships starting from the end of May, also in a depowered version for A2 license holders

Olbia / Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), 4 May 2022 – The most highly anticipated motorcycle of 2022 and the most surprising rally prototype met in Sardinia for a special event organized in partnership by Ducati and Audi. The new Ducati DesertX and the Audi RS Q e-tron took centre-stage in the first test reserved for the international media, which could also count on the presence of Danilo Petrucci, winner of a stage of the Dakar 2022, and the official Audi drivers/co-drivers Emil Bergkvist, Stéphane Peterhansel, Edouard Boulanger, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz.

To celebrate this event, the Centro Stile Ducati has created an exclusive livery for the DesertX inspired by that of the RS Q e-tron. This special bike was ridden by Petrucci, who put on a show together with the Sainz/Cruz pairing on a technical off-road track.

Andrea Ferraresi, Centro Stile Ducati Director: “When we saw the RS Q e-tron for the first time, we couldn’t help but imagine it in action among the dunes and rocks together with the DesertX. This event gave us the opportunity to do so and so we decided to create an exclusive livery, inspired by the colours and graphics of the Audi prototype. Seeing cars and motorcycles together off-road is truly a great show. The collaboration between the two brands and between their respective Design Centers is strong and important”.

The DesertX is the model with which the Borgo Panigale motorcycle manufacturer enters the mid-displacement enduro segment. The bike is designed to tackle the most demanding off-road and for this reason it is equipped with a 21″ front wheel, 18″ rear wheel, long suspension travel and ample ground clearance. Powered by the 11° Testastretta engine , DesertX guarantees a comfortable, easy and safe ride on every type of journey thanks to the attention paid to ergonomics, careful aerodynamic study and advanced technological equipment.

The safety and performance of the new Ducati model are also guaranteed by the electronic systems, which represent the state of the art in terms of riding assistance. There are 6 Riding Modes available on DesertX (two of which are intended for off-road use: Enduro and Rally), and they work in combination with the 4 Power Modes that modify the power and responsiveness of the engine.

The RS Q e-tron is Audi’s rally prototype to tackle the desert and embodies the purest efficiency. The innovative electric drive with high voltage batteries and energy converter pushes the limits of what is possible. The RS Q e-tron made its debut in the 2022 Dakar Rally last January and impressed with four stage victories, while in March it achieved his first overall victory at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Audi factory driver driver Carlos Sainz underlined the importance of the model for the motorsport program of the German manufacturer: “What Audi has achieved with this concept is technically unique and a real benefit for us drivers. The event in Sardinia was great to communicate the benefits of the electric drive. All the media were impressed throughout”.

Sainz, Petrucci and all the Audi drivers were greeted enthusiastically by the press during this event which confirmed the great bond and constant collaboration between Ducati and Audi.

The new DesertX, which since its presentation has met with remarkable success, will be available in all European dealerships in the Ducati network from the end of May. The new model is also available in a 35kW depowered version for A2 license holders.

The time has come for bikers to make their wildest travel dreams come true.

#DesertX #DreamWilder

NEMRR: Doucette, Franco, Greenwood Star In Season Opener

David Swarts

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May 4, 2022

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NEMRR: Doucette, Franco, Greenwood Star In Season Opener

2022 NEMRR Round One Wrap-Up

The NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) series round one was held under blustery cold conditions for much of the weekend of April 30-May 1 at the freshly improved New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). The sun came out on Sunday afternoon and gave riders the opportunity to experience the revitalized racetrack surface at full pace for the first time.

NEMRR president John Grush worked with the staff at NHMS over the off season and coordinated a plan to make some significant improvements to the track in several areas. Together with several NEMRR veteran riders, Grush helped NHMS to use the budget to the fullest and the crew smoothed out critical bumps in Turn 1, Turn 8, two places in Turn 10, Turn 11 and Turn 12. The feedback from the paddock was universally positive. The track is safer and more enjoyable to ride and the series may see faster lap times as the series holds its next few events.

While practice times were off due to the cold and windy conditions on Saturday morning, there was a mix of familiar faces and some new winners as the sun came out and the races unfolded during the day.

NEMRR #1 plate holder Rick Doucette led off the weekend in the GTL by #74 class with a win on his Plaistow Powersports Yamaha R5 over a hard-charging Eli Block on his Built by Block motard bike.

A special congratulations went out to 18-year-old Renee Franco on her Penguin Racing Ninja 400 as she scored her first ever Expert class victory over Souhegan Valley Motorsports’ Shane Lewis in the FirstTrax GT500 Class.

Renee Franco (194). Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.

Perennial NEMRR champion Scott Greenwood dominated the Adrenaline Performance GTO and Dunlop Tires GTU classes on his Argo Cycles Yamaha R6, running times in the low 1:13 range in spite of the sub-50 degree temperatures!

The feature Saturday was again the Michelin Motorace $1500 challenge, which features many of the strongest riders in NEMRR on the popular middleweight class machines. This was an all-Yamaha affair at the front as 2021 Champion Greenwood grabbed the holeshot and used a steady stream of 1:13 laps to separate himself form the field. The real battle was between veteran riders Rick Doucette and Tony’s Track Days’ Paul Duval. Duval got the jump off the line but Doucette got aggressive early and took over the second spot for a few laps. Duval struck back as the two approached the halfway point and ran some defensive lines on the final lap to secure his runner-up position.

2022 also marked the launch of a new era of lightweight class racing with NEMRR with the advent of the Dunlop Talent Cup. Corey Maynard, Tony Romo and Chad Geer of Dunlop Tires were all in attendance to show their support of this new class, which was designed to support young riders on MotoAmerica Junior Cup-level machinery. Dunlop is offering both special weekend Dunlop contingency awarded to the top 5 Dunlop finishers and championship bonus cash at the end of the year.

NEMRR and Dunlop are excited to provide this opportunity for these promising young riders, and the series is excited to continue to have more riders follow in the footsteps of successful NEMRR riders like Ben Gloddy, Teagg Hobbs, and Eli Block at the MotoAmerica level.

Renee Franco continued her breakout weekend by grabbing the early lead and making her way though traffic with confidence as the race progressed. She was followed by her Penguin Racing teammate Brianna McHugh and Shane Lewis to round out the podium.

NEMRR Round 2 is May 21-22 and the 99th running of the Loudon Classic is June 18-19.

For more information on NEMRR event visit www.nemrr.com

AHRMA Race Results From Thunderhill Raceway Park

David Swarts

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May 4, 2022

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AHRMA Race Results From Thunderhill Raceway Park

Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all pages of the race results.

RRW 2022 Thunderhill Raceway Park - Weekend Results

Americans Racing In Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo This Weekend At Vallelunga

David Swarts

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May 4, 2022

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Americans Racing In Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo This Weekend At Vallelunga

First round of the Aprilia Racing RS 660 Trofeo, May 6-8 at Valleunga, Italy

The Aprilia Racing RS 660 Trofeo kicks off the 2022 season with the first round May 6-8 at the Vallelunga Circuit, Campagnano di Roma, Italy, in conjunction with the Italian CIV Championship.

In a partnership between BK Corse and Robem Engineering, Robem Engineering MotoAmerica Twins Cup riders Ben Gloddy and Teagg Hobbs will compete against the European competition, as well as fellow Americans Max Toth and Kaleb De Keyrel.

The Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo allows riders to showcase their individual talent on equivalent machinery, identically prepared by Aprilia Racing.

With its arrival in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup series, the Aprilia RS 660 has shown its capability to elevate the competition, proving victorious in the 2021 championship. With the RS 660 Trofeo, Aprilia Racing extends its collaboration with the US to create opportunities for its most talented riders.

The live timing and streaming links can be found here: https://www.civ.tv

Robem Engineering’s partners for 2022 include Aprilia Racing, Piaggio Group Americas, BK Corse, Synchrony, The Center for Plastic Surgery, Velocity Calibrations, Bitubo Suspension, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag, Vesrah, Sprint Filter, DID, Magura USA, Sara Chappell Photos, NGK/NTK, Blud Lubricants, Millennium Technologies, Motovation USA and SC-Project.

AHRMA: Adams Wins Vintage Cup Races At Thunderhill

David Swarts

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May 3, 2022

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AHRMA: Adams Wins Vintage Cup Races At Thunderhill

(Elora, Tennessee) – The 2022 Vintage Cup class sponsored by RoadracingWorld.com, featuring Vintage Superbike Heavyweight, kicked off both days of racing at Thunderhill Raceway Park, in Willows, California. Curtis Adams, from Riverside, California, won both races on a 1981 Honda CB750F.

Adams and Jesse Davis, of Long Beach, California, both entered the weekend with 2000 points. Current Vintage Cup class leader, Jeremy Maddrill, of Stiger, Illinois, did not make this West Coast event, thus presenting an opportunity for valuable points to be earned. A shootout between Adams and Davis was expected, but unfortunately for Davis, he highsided in Turn Five and his weekend ended early.

Adams put his head down and put in the laps. While challenged by Darrin Gauvin, of Camarillo, California, aboard his 1981 Honda CB900F, Adams was not to be overtaken as his lap times consistently improved and landed him with double-points and a jump to second place overall in this series.

“I worked control for this event and the corner workers could not say enough about this class as Adams laid down consistent laps. It is truly the sound of music each time they take to the track. I look forward to watching as the remainder of the season unfolds,” stated Dewanna Comer, AHRMA’s Road Race Director.

The 2022 Vintage Cup Trophy will be awarded to the Vintage Superbike Heavyweight class winner at select events including Heartland Park Motorsports Park, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, Ridge Motorsports Park, and Barber Motorsports Park. Our thanks to Roadracing World for their sponsorship of the Vintage Cup class, and to supporting AHRMA’s vision of “Keeping the Past Fast.” The Vintage Superbike Heavyweight class is sponsored by International CBS Owners Association (ICOA). Race dates and event registration links are available at: ahrma.org/schedules-results.

AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing Series Vintage Superbike Heavyweight Results – Saturday April 30, 2022

1. Curtis Adams, 1981 Honda CB750F, Riverside, CA

2. Darrin Gauvin, 1981 Honda CB900F, Camarillo, CA

3. David Crussell, 1978 Kawasaki Z1R, Pleasanton, CA

4. Jesse Davis, 1982 Yamaha XV920RJ, Long Beach, CA

AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing Series Vintage Superbike Heavyweight Results – Sunday, May 1, 2022

1. Curtis Adams, 1981 Honda CB750F, Riverside, CA

2. Darrin Gauvin, 1981 Honda CB900F, Camarillo, CA

3. David Crussell, 1978 Kawasaki Z1R, Pleasanton, CA

About AHRMA

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association is a member-owned nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the sport of historic motorcycle racing. Since 1989, AHRMA has provided an appropriate environment to showcase vintage and alternative modern racing motorcycles in the disciplines of road racing, motocross, dirt track, trials, and cross country. With more than 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and is one of the world’s leading vintage motorcycle organizations.

Moto2: Antonelli Undergoes Successful Arm Pump Surgery

David Swarts

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May 3, 2022

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Moto2: Antonelli Undergoes Successful Arm Pump Surgery

NICCOLÓ ANTONELLI: SUCCESSFUL SURGERY ON HIS RIGHT ARM

After further investigation, the rider of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team underwent surgery for arm pump this morning in Modena

Modena (Italy), May 3rd 2022 – Niccolò Antonelli underwent surgery this morning to reduce the arm pump diagnosed in his right arm after the Spanish GP of the last Sunday.

The investigations conducted after his return to Italy at Policlinico di Modena, after an abnormal pain in the second half of the race that had compromised the final result, confirmed the diagnosis. Niccolò underwent operation this morning by Prof. Luigi Tarallo and his crew and the surgery was successful without complications. He will miss the testing session scheduled for the weekend in Barcelona to immediately begin rehabilitation and be back on track as soon as possible to compete at the French GP at Le Mans next week (12.20 pm CET, Sunday May 15th).

Niccolo Antonelli

Sunday’s race was very difficult, especially the final laps, as the pain in my right arm became unbearable. I gave my best and I crossed the finishing line, but it was important to understand exactly what happened. I did all the necessary checks and a form of arm pump, that required a surgery in a short time, was found. I had the operation this morning and everything went well. I thank Dr. Tarallo and his crew for their support and great professionalism. I can’t wait to start the rehabilitation and get back on track as soon as possible.

MotoAmerica: Yuasa Battery Sponsoring Stock 1000

David Swarts

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May 3, 2022

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MotoAmerica: Yuasa Battery Sponsoring Stock 1000

Yuasa Battery Named Title Sponsor Of MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 Series

The MotoAmerica Yuasa Stock 1000 Series Started At Road Atlanta With A Thriller

IRVINE, CA (May 3, 2022) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Yuasa Battery Inc., the largest American manufacturer and distributor of batteries for motorcycles, snowmobiles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and personal watercraft, is now the title sponsor of the MotoAmerica Yuasa Stock 1000 class for the 2022 racing season.

For over 40 years, Yuasa has been the industry standard for powersport batteries around the world while supplying powersports batteries to more OEMs than all its competitors combined. Later this year, Yuasa will also introduce its automotive batteries to the North American market with its YBX series.

“When you think of batteries in the powersports market, you think of Yuasa,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “They are number one and for good reason. We’re thrilled to have them as a sponsorship partner of MotoAmerica and as the title sponsor of the Yuasa Stock 1000 class. With a margin of victory of just .001 of a second in the opening round, there is no closer racing than in that class. We look forward to a thrilling season and we’re pleased to have Yuasa onboard for 2022.”

“Yuasa is very proud and honored to serve as the presenting sponsor of MotoAmerica in our 40-plus years as a leading manufacturer of powersports batteries in the U.S.,” said Yuuka Moriya, President and CEO of Yuasa Battery Inc. “As the primary sponsor for the Stock 1000 class, we are excited to share our passion for motorsports with MotoAmerica.“

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.

Kawasaki’s 2023-Model ZX-6R Arriving At Dealerships Soon

David Swarts

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May 3, 2022

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Kawasaki’s 2023-Model ZX-6R Arriving At Dealerships Soon

2023 KAWASAKI NINJA® AND KLX® STREET MOTORCYCLES

KAWASAKI BEGINS EARLY PRODUCTION OF 2023 STREET MOTORCYCLES
Over the course of the past several years, the powersports industry has witnessed a significant increase in popularity with novice and experienced riders alike, turning to motorcycles, ATVs, side-x-sides, and personal watercraft. To continue to meet this growing demand Kawasaki is moving up the production and introduction of its 2023 Ninja® ZX™-6R supersport, KLX®300SM supermoto and KLX®300 dual-sport motorcycles that will arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the late spring months so that more riders have a chance to “Let the good times roll®.”

SUPERSPORT

Ninja® ZX™-6R

A 2023-model Kawasaki ZX-6R at rest. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-6R supersport motorcycle boasts a potent 636cc engine, advanced electronics and a lightweight chassis. The 636cc engine has been optimized for the street and the track, offering an exhilarating experience in a wide range of riding situations, allowing you to rule the track and run the streets. The Ninja ZX-6R features a 636cc in-line four-cylinder DOHC engine, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), sophisticated instrumentation, styling with twin LED headlights and taillight, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), selectable power modes combined with Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), class-leading SHOWA suspension, SHOWA SFF-BP fork, Assist & Slipper Clutch, comfortable ergonomics with adjustable clutch lever, multi-function LCD screen, and a pressed-aluminum perimeter frame.

For 2023, the non-ABS Ninja ZX-6R is available in a Metallic Matte Twilight Blue / Metallic Diablo Black colorway with an MSRP of $10,699 and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Diablo Black with an MSRP of $10,999.

SUPERMOTO

KLX®300SM

The 2023 KLX®300SM takes the fun to the streets in full supermoto style. Developed alongside the KLX®300 dual-sport, the KLX300SM shares a similar engine and chassis with its dual-sport counterpart. Where the models differ is over styling and use, as the KLX300SM receives a host of supermoto inspired components. This includes 17” front and rear wheels paired with street tires, supermoto tuned suspension and aggressive styling. These differences establish the KLX300SM as the ultimate lightweight supermoto. The KLX300SM will be offered in Neon Green and Ebony colorways with an MSRP of $6,299.

DUAL-SPORT

KLX®300

The KLX300 is capable of being both a daily commuter and weekend play bike. The powerful 292cc fuel-injected, liquid-cooled four-stroke engine features an easy-to-use powerband, electric starter and cam profiles sourced from the KLX®300R off-road model. It comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, 21” wheel up front and 18” wheel in the back, and dual-sport tuned long-travel suspension for optimal ground clearance. The 2023 KLX300 can be found in both a Lime Green and Fragment Camo Gray colorway. The Lime Green has an MSRP of $5,899 and the Fragment Camo Gray an MSRP of $6,099.

ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com

MotoGP: Dorna Responds To Reports Of Suzuki Quitting

David Swarts

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May 3, 2022

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MotoGP: Dorna Responds To Reports Of Suzuki Quitting

Statement from Dorna Sports regarding Suzuki

Tuesday, 03 May 2022

Following recent rumours of Suzuki departing MotoGP™ at the end of 2022, Dorna Sports has officially contacted the factory in order to remind them that the conditions of their contract to race in MotoGP™ do not allow for them to take this decision unilaterally.

However, should Suzuki depart following an agreement between both parties, Dorna will decide on the ideal number of riders and teams racing in the MotoGP™ class from 2023.

Dorna continues to receive high levels of interest from a number of both official factories and Independent Teams looking to join the MotoGP™ grid as the sport continues to set a global example of close competition, innovation and entertainment, reaching hundreds of millions of fans around the world.

Interest from these parties has been re-confirmed in the past 24 hours.

More, from Editor-At-Large Michael Gougis:

Dorna: Other Companies Interested If Suzuki Leaves MotoGP

Dorna says Suzuki’s decision to leave MotoGP will come at a cost, as the company recently signed an agreement to race in the class until 2026.

However, Dorna also says it has other factories lined up to take Suzuki’s place starting in 2023, as well as independent teams that want the Japanese firm’s two grid slots.

Dorna issued a statement early today following widespread media reports – confirmed by Suzuki MotoGP team members – that the company has decided to shut down its racing operation at the end of the season. Team members were told of the decision at a meeting Monday, May 2 during the post-race tests at Jerez.

Companies contract with Dorna to race in MotoGP, but must commit to participating for a period of time as part of that contract. If a company wants to leave early, it can face significant financial penalties unless it brokers an exit strategy.

When Suzuki wanted to pull out of MotoGP in 2010, the company struck a deal with Dorna to run only a single bike for 2011 before leaving entirely for three years. Similarly, when Kawasaki withdrew from MotoGP racing, it reached an agreement with Dorna to run a single machine under the Hayate banner for a season before departing completely.

Currently, there are 24 grid slots available in MotoGP, with Suzuki – one of only two factories not to run a satellite team – occupying two of them. Dorna says if Suzuki leaves, it will decide on what to do with the final two spaces. Currently, the grid includes eight Ducatis, four Hondas, four KTMs, four Yamahas, two Aprilias and two Suzukis.

Dorna’s official statement reads as follows:

Following recent rumours of Suzuki departing MotoGP™ at the end of 2022, Dorna Sports has officially contacted the factory in order to remind them that the conditions of their contract to race in MotoGP™ do not allow for them to take this decision unilaterally.

However, should Suzuki depart following an agreement between both parties, Dorna will decide on the ideal number of riders and teams racing in the MotoGP™ class from 2023.

Dorna continues to receive high levels of interest from a number of both official factories and Independent Teams looking to join the MotoGP™ grid as the sport continues to set a global example of close competition, innovation and entertainment, reaching hundreds of millions of fans around the world.

Interest from these parties has been re-confirmed in the past 24 hours.

MotoGP: News Reports Say Suzuki Is Quitting

David Swarts

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May 2, 2022

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MotoGP: News Reports Say Suzuki Is Quitting

By Michael Gougis

Suzuki is set to end its involvement in MotoGP at the end of the season, multiple media outlets are reporting.

Team members were told of the decision today during the post-race test at Jerez, reports indicated.

The decision would leave 2020 MotoGP World Champion Joan Mir and Alex Rins without rides for next season, although Mir already has been linked to the Repsol Honda seat of Pol Espargaro.

Suzuki ran a single bike for Alvaro Bautista in 2011 and pulled out of MotoGP for three years afterward, returning in 2015 with Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro. In 2020, Mir won the rider’s title and Suzuki finished third in the manufacturers championship, as it did in 2021.

Video: Petrucci Helps Launch Ducati DesertX In Sardinia

May 4, 2022

MotoAmerica Superbike racer Danilo Petrucci demonstrates the capabilities of the new Ducati DesertX ahead of an Audi RS Q e-tron prototype rally racer on the Italian island of Sardinia. Photo courtesy Ducati.