Thanks for running an obit on Bob. He was the very best friend and business partner anyone could wish for. A total enthusiast who put a huge amount of effort into supporting so many riders. He had tremendous success racing in the U.S. with Rich Schlachter, Kork Ballington, Wayne Rainey etc. before we started the World Championship Motorsports (WCM) 500cc Grand Prix team.
Then he enabled us to do fantastic things as WCM, becoming the best privateer 500cc team with riders that included Peter Goddard, Niall Mackenzie, Neil Hodgson, Andrew Stroud, Mark Willis and Kirk McCarthy which gained us Yamaha’s respect so that they offered us the factory bikes in 1997. Then, with riders such as Luca Cadalora, Troy Corser, Simon Crafar, Regis Laconi, Garry McCoy, John Hopkins, Jean-Michel Bayle and Alex Hofmann we won GPs and competed for the 500cc World Championship.
WCM co-owner Bob MacLean receives the team trophy after rider Simon Crafar won a 500cc Grand Prix on one of the team’s Red Bull Yamaha YZR500s at Donington Park, 1998. Lou Martin photo/courtesy WCM.
When the class switched to MotoGP and Yamaha could not supply us with bikes, we built the WCM MotoGP machines and ran Chris Burns, David de Gea, James Ellison, Franco Battaini and Youichi Ui.
Bob did all of this and built a huge population of friends around the world, far beyond the riders involved: The team members all looked up to Bob and appreciated his wonderful drive and good humor as well as unwavering support. Bob MacLean was unique and very special. May he rest in peace…
WCM co-owners Bob MacLean (left) and Peter Clifford (right), circa 1997. Lou Martin photo/courtesy WCM.
More, from the November 2018 issue of Roadracing World:
On the Front Cover: Fabio Di Giannantonio’s MotoGP career looked like it was over at the end of 2023 and again at the end of 2024. Now he’s one of only three riders with a contract to race a Ducati GP25. Gigi Soldano/DPPI Media Photo.
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JANUARY 2025 ISSUE
FEATURES
Inside Info: KTM Vows To Continue Racing, Ducati Introduces Panigale
V4 Tricolore, FIM Sanctions Bagger Racing In Europe, and more…
Intro: Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and Speed Twin 1200 RS
Shops: The Renaissance Of Fantic And Minarelli
RACING
Racer Profile: Garrett Gerloff’s World Superbike Adventure
Racing History: Shooting Star Johnny Cecotto
MotoGP Analysis: Marc Marquez Tells (Almost) All
MotoGP Analysis: Fabio Di Giannantonio Is A Survivor
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: R.I.P. Bob MacLean; 98cc 111-mph 1950s Streamliner;
Outing Cherohala Skyway; Aero In The USA, Back In The Day
10 Years Ago, January 2015: Racing Editor Chris Ulrich rides the 2015 BMW S 1000;
Yamaha introduces the limited-edition YZF-R1M ; Shops Visits Sportbike Track Gear; Marc Marquez wins MotoGP races; Sylvain Guintoli’s Superbike World Champ on an Aprilia; and BEi Racing beats AOD to win the WERA Endurance Championship by 0.66-point!
The Crash Page: Marc Marquez Crashed Less In 2024!
2025 Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride
Classified Ads/Advertiser Index
High Performance Parts & Services Directory
Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: On Track With Van
The following track days, riding schools, and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States during January and February 2025.
This list includes 36 opportunities (days) to ride at races, schools, and track days during the months of January and February in North America.
(To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Event Calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by emailing to [email protected] or to [email protected].)
1/2-3-4 SFLminiGP Championship Series Bushnell Motorsports Park, Bushnell, FL (3-day camp)
1/4-5 Race Pace No Sessions Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
Italtrans, leading company in road transport for large-scale distribution, and Prometheon Tire Group, a manufacturer of tires for trucks, buses and agricultural machinery, announce the renewal of their partnership in view of the Dakar 2025. Thanks to an exclusive agreement, Prometeon brings “Petrux” to compete again in the Dakar, this time not on a motorbike but on a truck, alternating driving with Claudio Bellina, lead driver in his 17th Dakar, and navigator Marco Arnoletti with Italtrans Racing Team – Rally Division with truck number 608.
The Bellina family continues with passion its adventure in the Dakar, a commitment that has lasted 16 years. Also this year it confirms its participation in the competition, strong of the results obtained in the last edition, concluded with a prestigious 7th place overall, one step away from the top five.
Danilo Petrucci is an important presence: born in Terni in 1990, Petrucci is considered “the man of the four worlds”: he is in fact the only rider to have won at least one race in MotoGP, MotoAmerica, Superbike and the Dakar. This will be his second experience in the most famous rally in the world, after his participation in 2022 on a motorbike with which he achieved a splendid stage victory.
The transition from two to four wheels represents an unprecedented challenge for “petrux”, where he will be able to count on the experience and technological innovation of Italtrans vehicles, Bellina and his team, as well as on the reliable performance of Prometeon tyres, specifically designed for heavy vehicles in off-road competitions.
There is a common thread that links Petrucci to the world of four wheels, his father, in fact, was a truck driver and also a truck for MotoGP. Thanks to Prometeon and the renewal of the partnership between the two companies, Petrucci will drive a rally truck in one of the most difficult competitions in Motorsport and this marks another important step in his career.
“I am very happy to join the Italtrans crew and I can’t wait to get on board with Claudio Bellina” said Danilo Petrucci. “I would also like to thank Prometeon for making this unique opportunity possible. The Dakar is a fascinating challenge and I am excited to experience it for the second time. I will have a lot to learn and I will give my all to help achieve a good result”.
Claudio Bellina said: “After the emotions of 2024, we are preparing to experience those of 2025. Last year was a beautiful edition, because it was done with a different truck than in previous years. The Dakar is a tough challenge, it is not a walk in the park, but we had fun and at the same time we brought home a good result, almost reaching the top five. In the next edition, Marco Arnoletti will still be with me with his great expertise, and the new entry Danilo Petrucci, who with his experience as a driver will add value to our team. We will have our eyes focused and we will give our all to have fun and bring home a good result. I want to thank all the sponsors, first and foremost Prometeon and Bosch, for their support in this great adventure”.
“We are thrilled to have brought Danilo Petrucci into this new adventure” said Roberto Righi, CEO of Prometeon. “Together with Claudio Bellina and Marco Arnoletti they form an extraordinary team that combines passion, talent and competence, essential qualities to face a difficult challenge like the Dakar, where the unexpected is always around the corner. In this type of competition, to excel, high-level performance, team spirit and technological innovation are necessary: values that Prometeon shares and fully supports”.
Arnoletti: “This will be my eighth Dakar, the second with Italtrans Racing Team. Last year was a wonderful experience, because with Claudio’s team I found everything an enthusiast could want: a professional team, excellent people, a super competitive vehicle, but above all a real family with whom I share a great passion for rallies. Claudio is an exceptional driver, who makes the difference, and this year Danilo will be with us: he is a unique driver, who has won in all the championships in which he has raced. Being part of this team is a source of great pride for me. I can’t wait to leave for this new great adventure”.
The collaboration between Italtrans and Prometeon aims to enhance the resistance of Prometeon tires, designed to withstand the most extreme conditions such as those offered by the Dakar. After the excellent performance of the last edition, which saw the Prometeon Serie 02 tires for the first time on Iveco Italtrans trucks, the mix of experience in competitions by Petrucci and Bellina represents a further step to further test the reliability and the already high performance of both these tires and the trucks on rough terrain such as those of the Dakar.
The next appointment with the Dakar Rally is for January 3, 2025 when the lights will go out in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, for the 47th edition of the toughest race in the world.
Robert John MacLean (Bob), devoted husband, father, and educator passed away peacefully at his home in Wilson, Wyoming on December 14, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on February 18, 1937, in Coronado, California to Robert John MacLean and Mary Witty MacLean. Bob led a life marked by deep commitment to education, sports, and community.
A graduate of Bronxville High School (Class of 1955), Bob earned a BA in English from Colby College in 1960. After Colby, Bob served three years in the United States Army National Guard. His love of teaching led him to a distinguished career as an educator, beginning with The Allen Stevenson School in New York City. He later joined Rye Country Day School, where he taught English, and spearheaded the construction and operation of the Gerald LaGrange Field House, an ice hockey rink and tennis complex. Bob was the head coach of the Varsity Hockey and Lacrosse teams and served as an assistant Varsity Football coach. In addition, he shared his love of hockey with the Wildcat Hockey Camp, which he founded and ran for multiple years. Bob’s dedication to the sport was further exemplified by his participation in the Master Coaches Clinic, with Fred Shero as headmaster. He served as Chairman of the Hockey Committee for the Hickory Hill Skating Rink in Katonah, NY. He was President of the Southern New England Interscholastic Ice Hockey Coaches Association and was a member of the American Hockey Coaches’ Association.
After many years of racing motorcycles himself, Bob founded World Championship Motorsports in 1991, of which he was the co-owner/ operator until 2005. WCM competed at the highest level of International Motorsports in the FIM Grand Prix Motorcycle series. His entrepreneurial spirit, like his commitment to education and athletics, was a testament to his talent as a leader.
Bob was deeply involved in the community, notably serving on the Board of South Kent School from 1990 to 1999, including as President from 1995 to 1999, where his leadership and generosity helped shape the school’s future. Bob was also an active board member of the Teton County Sheriff’s Auxiliary for over two decades and served on the New York Board of the Shakespeare Globe.
In Wilson, Wyoming, Bob found peace and fulfillment in his love of fly fishing and spending time on his ranch. A supporter of local causes, he contributed to organizations such as the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, reflecting his deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the region.
Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Anna (Marna) MacLean. They raised three sons in Waccabuc, NY and later split their time between Lost Tree Village, Florida and their home in Wilson, Wyoming. Bob is also survived by his three sons, Chris MacLean (Cathryn Kishbaugh), Ian MacLean and Mark MacLean (Marsha Yamaykina) and his five grandchildren.
Bob’s love of life, his sense of humor, and positive outlook will be remembered by his friends and family.
Bob MacLean (right) and Peter Clifford in 1997; they started World Championship Motorsports (WCM) in 1992.
Bob MacLean at Daytona in 1987, when his team raced Hondas in AMA Formula 1. Photo by John Ulrich.
Bob MacLean (center) with Garry McCoy and Mick Doohan on a 500cc Grand Prix grid with mechanics in 2001.
Bob MacLean (center), rider Rich Schlachter and mechanic Donnie Dove with a TZ250 Yamaha at the 1981 British Grand Prix. Photo by Ian MacLean.Bob MacLean in retirement, at home in Wyoming in 2018.
While the long-term outlook for KTM is generally positive, the company will not participate in Grand Prix-level motorcycle road racing in 2026, saving an estimated $47.8 million per year, according to a report from one of Austria’s most prominent national newspapers.
The report, published by Der Standard, says that the company will not withdraw prior to 2026 because it fears “significant PR damage” if it withdraws from Grand Prix racing any earlier.
KTM is undergoing a financial restructuring, layoffs, and a production halt after incurring at least $1.87 billion in debt as well as accumulating excessive unsold inventory. A report from the agency representing the company’s creditors says the company “plans” to withdraw from “MotoGP Moto2/Moto3” racing. The Der Standard report quotes an internal document prepared by the Boston Consulting Group for the restructuring administrator; that document outlines the timeline for the departure and the expected annual savings.
The company spent approximately $208 million on R&D in 2023, with overall motorsports activity spending at approximately $98.8 million, a figure the restructuring administrator called “exceptionally high,” according to the Der Standard report.
Withdrawing at the end of 2025 may require the company to negotiate an end to several contracts. KTM’s 2024 announcement of the signing of Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini to the Tech3 squad, which is slated to have full factory equipment in 2025, said the pair was signed as part of a “multi-year agreement.” Brad Binder’s contract runs through 2026, according to the KTM press center, and the contract Pedro Acosta signed with the company in 2024 also is a “multi-year” agreement, according to KTM’s announcement of the deal. And KTM has a contract with MotoGP series organizer Dorna to put bikes on the grid.
Anticipated growth in the off-road market is expected to help pull KTM out of its current financial difficulties, the report indicates. That segment of the market is expected to grow 3.5 annually in the near future, and KTM’s share of that market hovers between 40 and 60%, the report indicates.
The next court hearing for KTM is set for January 24th.
What Is KTM?
The company at the center of the insolvency is KTM AG, according to a report issued by the agency representing creditors owed money. But it is part of a complex arrangement of companies and subsidiaries–the report says that KTM alone has more than 60 subsidiaries. A review of the company’s financial reports shows that most of these are distribution and supply entities that depend on KTM AG’s activities, and several of these are expected to go through insolvency proceedings as well.
KTM is one of five operating divisions of Pierer Mobility AG. Under the KTM umbrella is Husqvarna, GASGAS, and MV Agusta, although KTM’s 51% ownership stake in the Italian sportbike company is expected to be spun off as part of the restructuring. KTM also has an ownership interest in the Chinese manufacturer CFMOTO and its electric vehicle sub-brand Zeeho.
Pierer Mobility’s other divisions include the Husqvarna, GASGAS and Felt bicycle division; the design and R&D division, headed by Kiska, KTM F&E and Cero; an IT division that includes Pierer Innovation, Avocado, LX Media and KTM Informatics and “operate(s) within various technology fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain and Business Modeling,” according to the company website; and its Motorsport Factory Racing division.
Pierer Bajaj AG is the majority owner of Pierer Mobility. The Bajaj Group is a massive Indian conglomeration with interests in motorcycles, cars, home appliances, lighting, iron and steel, insurance, travel and finance, according to Wikipedia. The Bajaj family is worth $23.4 billion, according to Forbes.
Pierer Industrie AG is the majority owner of Pierer Bajaj. As of November, Pierer Industrie operated three major divisions, including Abatec, a technology/electronics company; Pierer Bajaj AG; and Pankl AG, which operates in the racing, automotive and aerospace industries.
Pierer Industrie AG corporate structure chart as of November 2024.
KTM’s Racing Plans For 2025:
KTM’s racing activities fall into four main categories: Road Racing, Motocross/Supercross, Enduro/Off Road and Rally.
For 2025, the company plans to field six riders in the Motocross World Championship (MXGP) series on KTM 450 SX-F and 250 SX-F machines. In North America, KTM is slated to field four riders in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) series, which incorporates Supercross and Motocross events from January through the summer.
In the Enduro/Off Road category, KTM is slated to field eight factory riders in a variety of North American series. In addition, the company will field at least two factory riders in Europe, where the company’s factory racing teams compete in more than 100 enduro races each year.
In the Rally segment, KTM plans to field four riders for the Dakar rally.
In Grand Prix road racing, KTM has shelved its GASGAS and Husqvarna brands for 2025. The official provisional entry lists show two riders on the Red Bull KTM Ajo team and two on the CFMOTO Aspar team in Moto2; 16 riders on the company’s RC250GP machines in Moto3; and the two-rider factory Red Bull squad and the two-rider Tech3 team in MotoGP.
Three Different Racetracks In Florida To Offer Young Racers The Chance To Qualify For Mission Mini Cup National Final
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that South Florida MiniGP (a.k.a. SFLminiGP) will play host to three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers at three different racetracks in 2025.
Young road racers of all ages can now attempt to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Final via three qualifying races in Florida with South Florida MiniGP.
South Florida MiniGP will organize and host qualifying races for the Mission Mini Cup National Final that will be held for a second successive year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10. The three qualifiers will be held at T4 Kartplex in Palmetto, Florida (March 15-16); Bushnell Motorsports Park in Bushnell, Florida (April 12-13); and Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida (May 3-4).
Qualifiers at the three South Florida MiniGP races will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8); Stock 110 (ages 8-12); GP 110 (ages 8-12); GP 160 (ages 10-14); GP 190 (ages 10-14); and Street GP (ages 14 and up).
“We’re thrilled that South Florida MiniGP will host three of our Qualifiers in 2025,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “With its rich history in mini road racing, and its role in introducing many riders to the sport, South Florida MiniGP is a valued partner. We deeply appreciate the dedication of owner Michael Correa and the entire club and are excited to welcome them to our Mini Cup program.”
In 2025, South Florida MiniGP will be celebrating its 10th anniversary of running MiniGP races with the club having a long list of alumni, including MotoAmerica racers like Avery Dreher and his sister Ella, Isaac Woodworth, Logan Cunnison, and more.
“Hold on tight because South Florida MiniGP is turning up the heat in 2025 with three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers,” said Michael Correa, owner of South Florida MiniGP. “We’re talking about the fastest kids on two wheels, all vying for a chance to compete at the legendary Road America. This is more than just racing, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of motorcycle champions. And it all goes down right here in sunny Florida.”
The three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers will be part of South Florida MiniGP’s eight-round sprint-race series. The club will also host two endurance rounds, including the Aaron Dreher Classic at Bushnell Motorsports Park, August 9.
For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected] .
2025 South Florida MiniGP Schedule
February 8-9 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL
*March 15-16 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL
*April 12-13 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL
*May 3-4 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL
June 7-8 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL
August 30-31 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL
October 11-12 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL
November 9-10 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL
*MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including 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, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
The night before the 2024 season-ending test at Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya, Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi “Gigi” Dall’Igna met with members of the international media covering MotoGP. The architect of the fastest road racing motorcycles in history (see footnote), Dall’Igna talked about the 2025 season’s machinery, challenges and riders.
Dall’Igna said that while the GP24’s performance was a significant step forward from the prior year’s model, he did not anticipate a similar jump between the GP24 and the GP25, nor would such a leap forward be necessary.
In prior seasons, the new factory Ducatis could take some time to fine-tune to the point where they were consistently better than the Desmosedici of the year before. In 2024, it was clear from the start that the GP24 was a lot faster.
Enea Bastianini, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia won 10 of the first 11 races on the GP24. It took the talents of eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez to wrestle the GP23 onto the top of the podium, and no other GP23 rider won a race.
“Honestly speaking, the 2025 at this time is not the same step forward. The level of the GP24 at the moment is quite high and if you introduce a lot of differences between the two bikes, you have to take some risks. At the moment, I think it’s not necessary,” Dall’Igna said.
“I think that we have to improve a little bit the speed of the bike on the straight, because some of our competitors I think (are) a bit stronger than us on that point. And I would like to improve a little bit the speed in the middle of the corner.”
Ducati test rider and Superbike racer Michele Pirro (51) on the Desmosedici GP25 at Barcelona. Note the multi-element front wheel/brake disc cover/vents/vanes. Photo by Michael Gougis.
One of the areas where the GP24 excelled was in using the new-for-2024 Michelin rear slick to its ultimate performance capability. Riders on other brands said Ducati riders were fast on new tires and could conserve the tire more during a race. Dall’Igna, not surprisingly, said his team’s efforts were not focused on improvements in that area.
“I think we can improve (tire conservation) a little bit, but it is not a real problem at the moment. I think we have an advantage in comparison to the others. It’s not something we are looking for,” Dall’Igna said. When asked why the GP24 was so much better at using the new rear tire than the GP23, Dall’Igna giggled, not about to divulge a performance secret to his competitors. “It’s difficult to explain, you know. Actually, it’s not difficult, but I can’t,” he said, then started laughing out loud.
Ducati is focused on improving braking performance with the GP25, Dall’Igna said.
“The braking point and the braking stability of the bike is one of the keys, because to overtake the others is really difficult. So you need to have this on the bike,” he said. After the test, Bagnaia said the GP25’s braking is not yet to the level of the braking performance of the GP24, but that the GP25 was much better at this stage of development than any Ducati he had tested in the past.
In 2025, Ducati will drop from eight to six bikes on the grid and from four to three of the latest specification machines. Ducati has profited from having so many bikes on the track, as the company can gather more data to fine-tune all aspects of the motorcycles. It’s so critical that at the Sachsenring round, when rumors spread that Ducati was likely to have only three GP25s on the grid, Bagnaia said it was a concern and that he would be happier with four of the latest factory-spec machines in the field. Bagnaia’s comments indicate just how critical data collection has become in MotoGP – when is the last time a racer on a title-winning bike wanted to share that equipment with more riders, not fewer?
Is the reduction in machines a worry for Ducati?
“Honestly speaking, no,” Dall’Igna said. “The real problem (in 2025) is that the other manufacturers have, I think, better riders. Because in the past, you see some bikes, for example, Aprilia, make a step from two bikes to four. The results were more or less the same. So I don’t think to have only six bikes on the grid with six riders will be a real problem for us. The real problem is (2024 MotoGP World Champion Jorge) Martin is leaving for another company, and same for Enea (Bastianini, a seven-time race winner). I think this is the difference between 2024 and 2025.
“From a money point of view, this is the best solution. With three (GP25) bikes, it’s simply better from the economics point of view. On the technical point of view, it’s not any real advantage to have four factory bikes instead of three.”
Dall’Igna said he and other Ducati managers knew that there was every chance that they would lose Martin after 2024, and that there was every chance that he would take the title with him elsewhere, if they didn’t give him a spot on the factory team. After all, Martin had been overlooked before for the factory Ducati ride – Bastianini got the spot, not him. And other teams were approaching Martin with offers. But Ducati still promoted Marquez to the factory team, setting off a chain reaction that saw Martin sign with Aprilia, Bastianini switch to KTM and Ducati’s satellite Pramac Racing team switch to Yamaha.
After a year of working with Marquez, Dall’Igna said promoting the eight-time World Champion to the factory Ducati team was the best move Ducati could make.
“When I took this decision, for sure we thought quite a lot. Also, we thought that Martin could win the Championship this year. This is something that we had to evaluate, and we took the decision. I don’t change my idea at the moment, and I’m convinced that we have the best possible solution,” Dall’Igna says.
Marc Marquez (93) on the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP25 at Barcelona. Photo by Michael Gougis.
At the beginning of 2024, Ducati signed Moto2 standout Fermin Aldeguer to a MotoGP contract for 2025, and later assigned him a place on the Gresini Racing Team. Aldeguer then suffered through an underwhelming Moto2 season, crashing frequently, winning only three races and finishing fifth in the overall standings. Dall’Igna said he still stands by the decision to sign Aldeguer, but admitted the young rider has some work to do.
“He is one of the young talents of the MotoGP. I’m really happy to have him in one of our teams. He has a lot of really good things – and some things that he has to develop and understand better. I think we can help him to do this,” Dall’Igna said. “I’m convinced that in a couple of years he will be in a fight for the Championship.”
Fermin Aldeguer (54) testing a Ducati GP24 at Barcelona. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Lastly, Dall’Igna reminded everyone that past results are no guarantee of future performance. After a year like 2024, with 19 wins in 20 starts, Ducati is justified in looking for small performance gains that do not come at the expense of performance losses elsewhere. But to win in MotoGP, you must always look for more performance, he said.
“The new season is a completely new book. The manufacturer who is in trouble can make a jump in front. You never know. You have to be focused on the problems that you have to solve and to try to develop the bike as much as possible. This is our job and this is what we have to do,” he said.
Footnote: KTM’s RC16 has clocked a 0.501 mph higher top speed at Mugello, 227.483 mph to the Ducati Desmosedici’s 226.676 mph. However, of the 18 circuits listed on the MotoGP.com website with lap record information, Ducati’s Desmosedici GP24 holds the outright lap record at 12 of them – and the GP23 holds the outright lap record at another.
This is the perfect time to release the 2025 Ramming Speed calendar…so check it out!
JAN 11-12: Biltwell’s Parts & Labor Show Brady Walker & his dad will be manning the Ramming Speed booth next to Buchanan’s in order to spread the word on vintage bikes, events & sell some moto gear. https://www.biltwellinc.com/pages/parts-labor-about
JAN 27 – FEB 1: Mecum Vegas Moto Auctions If you don’t know, get in the know! It’s more motorcycles than a museum and you’ll see all your friends to boot. Come check out Brady Walker in his fancy blue Mecum shirt, making bikes roll & presentable for the auction block. https://www.mecum.com/auctions/las-vegas-motorcycles-2025/
MARCH 1st: The Californian Classic Motorcycle Show Note date change. All you Quail lovers may now come see what the Cali is all about!
www.thecalifornian.us
CLASSIC TRACK DAY Take note, we are heading north late next year on a road trip to Thunderhill! Join us on the caravan! Start spreading the news, all of my NorCal friends.
MAR 8: Big Willow (Willow Springs GP Test & Tune)
MAY 31: Streets of Willow
AUG 23: Streets of Willow
SEPT 20: Big Willow
NOV 15: Thunderhill West
www.classictrackday.com
WILLOW SPRINGS ROUNDUP Two days of flat track racing at the historical Walt James Stadium!
MAR 22-23: Spring Roundup
SEPT 13-14: Fall Roundup
www.bradywalker.com
AHRMA Returns to Willow!
APRIL 18-20: Willow Springs Grand Prix AHRMA returns! Practice Friday, Road Race all weekend
www.bradywalker.com
www.ahrma.org
AHRMA races at Inde
APRIL 25-27: AHRMA Road Racing INDE Motorsports Park, Arizona. Join us for back to back road racing!
Willow Springs Superbike Showdown
OCTOBER 4-5: Willow Springs Superbike Showdown A new road racing weekend focusing on modern bikes with vintage & sidecar support. Help us get this first year event off the ground!
www.bradywalker.com
Hansen Dam Rally
NOVEMBER 2: SoCal Norton Club presents the Hansen Dam Rally. Come see the largest vintage rally on the west coast…the best damn rally at a dam site! https://socalnorton.com/calendar
Are you a moto-centric business or sympathetic rider or racer who would like to see your logo or name on any of these event materials? Contact Brady now to get noticed at Ramming Speed’s 2025 events!
Monki Moto Podcast
Lastly, if you would like to know more about Brady Walker than anyone should know, check out Tara Miracle’s Monki Moto Podcast and listen to Brady rattle on about classic bikes & events. He touches base on literally everything in a very candid way. Find Monki Moto podcast on all platforms. Apple link is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/monki-moto-pod/id1775307979
Thank you for participating in Ramming Speed events and allowing us to continue to bring classic motorcycling fun to y’all! Happy New Year and see y’all soon!
Brady Walker
RAMMING SPEED
CLASSIC TRACK DAY
THE CALIFORNIAN
WCM team co-owners Peter Clifford (left) and Bob MacLean (right) cheer as Simon Crafar wins a 500cc Grand Prix on their Red Bull Yamaha YZR500 at Donington in 1998. Lou Martin photo/Courtesy WCM.
Remembering Bob MacLean
By Peter Clifford
Thanks for running an obit on Bob. He was the very best friend and business partner anyone could wish for. A total enthusiast who put a huge amount of effort into supporting so many riders. He had tremendous success racing in the U.S. with Rich Schlachter, Kork Ballington, Wayne Rainey etc. before we started the World Championship Motorsports (WCM) 500cc Grand Prix team.
Then he enabled us to do fantastic things as WCM, becoming the best privateer 500cc team with riders that included Peter Goddard, Niall Mackenzie, Neil Hodgson, Andrew Stroud, Mark Willis and Kirk McCarthy which gained us Yamaha’s respect so that they offered us the factory bikes in 1997. Then, with riders such as Luca Cadalora, Troy Corser, Simon Crafar, Regis Laconi, Garry McCoy, John Hopkins, Jean-Michel Bayle and Alex Hofmann we won GPs and competed for the 500cc World Championship.
WCM co-owner Bob MacLean receives the team trophy after rider Simon Crafar won a 500cc Grand Prix on one of the team’s Red Bull Yamaha YZR500s at Donington Park, 1998. Lou Martin photo/courtesy WCM.
When the class switched to MotoGP and Yamaha could not supply us with bikes, we built the WCM MotoGP machines and ran Chris Burns, David de Gea, James Ellison, Franco Battaini and Youichi Ui.
Bob did all of this and built a huge population of friends around the world, far beyond the riders involved: The team members all looked up to Bob and appreciated his wonderful drive and good humor as well as unwavering support. Bob MacLean was unique and very special. May he rest in peace…
WCM co-owners Bob MacLean (left) and Peter Clifford (right), circa 1997. Lou Martin photo/courtesy WCM.
More, from the November 2018 issue of Roadracing World:
On the Front Cover: Fabio Di Giannantonio’s MotoGP career looked like it was over at the end of 2023 and again at the end of 2024. Now he’s one of only three riders with a contract to race a Ducati GP25. Gigi Soldano/DPPI Media Photo.
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JANUARY 2025 ISSUE
FEATURES
Inside Info: KTM Vows To Continue Racing, Ducati Introduces Panigale
V4 Tricolore, FIM Sanctions Bagger Racing In Europe, and more…
Intro: Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and Speed Twin 1200 RS
Shops: The Renaissance Of Fantic And Minarelli
RACING
Racer Profile: Garrett Gerloff’s World Superbike Adventure
Racing History: Shooting Star Johnny Cecotto
MotoGP Analysis: Marc Marquez Tells (Almost) All
MotoGP Analysis: Fabio Di Giannantonio Is A Survivor
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: R.I.P. Bob MacLean; 98cc 111-mph 1950s Streamliner;
Outing Cherohala Skyway; Aero In The USA, Back In The Day
10 Years Ago, January 2015: Racing Editor Chris Ulrich rides the 2015 BMW S 1000;
Yamaha introduces the limited-edition YZF-R1M ; Shops Visits Sportbike Track Gear; Marc Marquez wins MotoGP races; Sylvain Guintoli’s Superbike World Champ on an Aprilia; and BEi Racing beats AOD to win the WERA Endurance Championship by 0.66-point!
The Crash Page: Marc Marquez Crashed Less In 2024!
2025 Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride
Classified Ads/Advertiser Index
High Performance Parts & Services Directory
Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: On Track With Van
Owen Williams (2) leads Alexander Enriquez (12), Brenden Ketelsen (144), Corey Alexander (1), and Jesus Villalobos (53) in a CVMA Middleweight Shootout race at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in 2024. CaliPhotography/CVMA.
The following track days, riding schools, and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States during January and February 2025.
This list includes 36 opportunities (days) to ride at races, schools, and track days during the months of January and February in North America.
(To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Event Calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by emailing to [email protected] or to [email protected].)
1/2-3-4 SFLminiGP Championship Series Bushnell Motorsports Park, Bushnell, FL (3-day camp)
1/4-5 Race Pace No Sessions Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
Danilo Petrucci with the Italtrans truck he will drive in the Dakar rally. Photo courtesy Italtrans.
Italtrans, leading company in road transport for large-scale distribution, and Prometheon Tire Group, a manufacturer of tires for trucks, buses and agricultural machinery, announce the renewal of their partnership in view of the Dakar 2025. Thanks to an exclusive agreement, Prometeon brings “Petrux” to compete again in the Dakar, this time not on a motorbike but on a truck, alternating driving with Claudio Bellina, lead driver in his 17th Dakar, and navigator Marco Arnoletti with Italtrans Racing Team – Rally Division with truck number 608.
The Bellina family continues with passion its adventure in the Dakar, a commitment that has lasted 16 years. Also this year it confirms its participation in the competition, strong of the results obtained in the last edition, concluded with a prestigious 7th place overall, one step away from the top five.
Danilo Petrucci is an important presence: born in Terni in 1990, Petrucci is considered “the man of the four worlds”: he is in fact the only rider to have won at least one race in MotoGP, MotoAmerica, Superbike and the Dakar. This will be his second experience in the most famous rally in the world, after his participation in 2022 on a motorbike with which he achieved a splendid stage victory.
The transition from two to four wheels represents an unprecedented challenge for “petrux”, where he will be able to count on the experience and technological innovation of Italtrans vehicles, Bellina and his team, as well as on the reliable performance of Prometeon tyres, specifically designed for heavy vehicles in off-road competitions.
There is a common thread that links Petrucci to the world of four wheels, his father, in fact, was a truck driver and also a truck for MotoGP. Thanks to Prometeon and the renewal of the partnership between the two companies, Petrucci will drive a rally truck in one of the most difficult competitions in Motorsport and this marks another important step in his career.
“I am very happy to join the Italtrans crew and I can’t wait to get on board with Claudio Bellina” said Danilo Petrucci. “I would also like to thank Prometeon for making this unique opportunity possible. The Dakar is a fascinating challenge and I am excited to experience it for the second time. I will have a lot to learn and I will give my all to help achieve a good result”.
Claudio Bellina said: “After the emotions of 2024, we are preparing to experience those of 2025. Last year was a beautiful edition, because it was done with a different truck than in previous years. The Dakar is a tough challenge, it is not a walk in the park, but we had fun and at the same time we brought home a good result, almost reaching the top five. In the next edition, Marco Arnoletti will still be with me with his great expertise, and the new entry Danilo Petrucci, who with his experience as a driver will add value to our team. We will have our eyes focused and we will give our all to have fun and bring home a good result. I want to thank all the sponsors, first and foremost Prometeon and Bosch, for their support in this great adventure”.
“We are thrilled to have brought Danilo Petrucci into this new adventure” said Roberto Righi, CEO of Prometeon. “Together with Claudio Bellina and Marco Arnoletti they form an extraordinary team that combines passion, talent and competence, essential qualities to face a difficult challenge like the Dakar, where the unexpected is always around the corner. In this type of competition, to excel, high-level performance, team spirit and technological innovation are necessary: values that Prometeon shares and fully supports”.
Arnoletti: “This will be my eighth Dakar, the second with Italtrans Racing Team. Last year was a wonderful experience, because with Claudio’s team I found everything an enthusiast could want: a professional team, excellent people, a super competitive vehicle, but above all a real family with whom I share a great passion for rallies. Claudio is an exceptional driver, who makes the difference, and this year Danilo will be with us: he is a unique driver, who has won in all the championships in which he has raced. Being part of this team is a source of great pride for me. I can’t wait to leave for this new great adventure”.
The collaboration between Italtrans and Prometeon aims to enhance the resistance of Prometeon tires, designed to withstand the most extreme conditions such as those offered by the Dakar. After the excellent performance of the last edition, which saw the Prometeon Serie 02 tires for the first time on Iveco Italtrans trucks, the mix of experience in competitions by Petrucci and Bellina represents a further step to further test the reliability and the already high performance of both these tires and the trucks on rough terrain such as those of the Dakar.
The next appointment with the Dakar Rally is for January 3, 2025 when the lights will go out in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, for the 47th edition of the toughest race in the world.
Garry McCoy won the 500cc GP at Valencia in 2000, riding for Bob MacLean's WCM Red Bull Yamaha team. He also won in Portugal and South Africa that year. Photo by Yves Jamotte/DPPI Media.
Robert John MacLean
2/18/1937-12/14/2024
Robert John MacLean (Bob), devoted husband, father, and educator passed away peacefully at his home in Wilson, Wyoming on December 14, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on February 18, 1937, in Coronado, California to Robert John MacLean and Mary Witty MacLean. Bob led a life marked by deep commitment to education, sports, and community.
A graduate of Bronxville High School (Class of 1955), Bob earned a BA in English from Colby College in 1960. After Colby, Bob served three years in the United States Army National Guard. His love of teaching led him to a distinguished career as an educator, beginning with The Allen Stevenson School in New York City. He later joined Rye Country Day School, where he taught English, and spearheaded the construction and operation of the Gerald LaGrange Field House, an ice hockey rink and tennis complex. Bob was the head coach of the Varsity Hockey and Lacrosse teams and served as an assistant Varsity Football coach. In addition, he shared his love of hockey with the Wildcat Hockey Camp, which he founded and ran for multiple years. Bob’s dedication to the sport was further exemplified by his participation in the Master Coaches Clinic, with Fred Shero as headmaster. He served as Chairman of the Hockey Committee for the Hickory Hill Skating Rink in Katonah, NY. He was President of the Southern New England Interscholastic Ice Hockey Coaches Association and was a member of the American Hockey Coaches’ Association.
After many years of racing motorcycles himself, Bob founded World Championship Motorsports in 1991, of which he was the co-owner/ operator until 2005. WCM competed at the highest level of International Motorsports in the FIM Grand Prix Motorcycle series. His entrepreneurial spirit, like his commitment to education and athletics, was a testament to his talent as a leader.
Bob was deeply involved in the community, notably serving on the Board of South Kent School from 1990 to 1999, including as President from 1995 to 1999, where his leadership and generosity helped shape the school’s future. Bob was also an active board member of the Teton County Sheriff’s Auxiliary for over two decades and served on the New York Board of the Shakespeare Globe.
In Wilson, Wyoming, Bob found peace and fulfillment in his love of fly fishing and spending time on his ranch. A supporter of local causes, he contributed to organizations such as the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, reflecting his deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the region.
Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Anna (Marna) MacLean. They raised three sons in Waccabuc, NY and later split their time between Lost Tree Village, Florida and their home in Wilson, Wyoming. Bob is also survived by his three sons, Chris MacLean (Cathryn Kishbaugh), Ian MacLean and Mark MacLean (Marsha Yamaykina) and his five grandchildren.
Bob’s love of life, his sense of humor, and positive outlook will be remembered by his friends and family.
Bob MacLean (right) and Peter Clifford in 1997; they started World Championship Motorsports (WCM) in 1992.
Bob MacLean at Daytona in 1987, when his team raced Hondas in AMA Formula 1. Photo by John Ulrich.
Bob MacLean (center) with Garry McCoy and Mick Doohan on a 500cc Grand Prix grid with mechanics in 2001.
Bob MacLean (center), rider Rich Schlachter and mechanic Donnie Dove with a TZ250 Yamaha at the 1981 British Grand Prix. Photo by Ian MacLean.Bob MacLean in retirement, at home in Wyoming in 2018.
Pedro Acosta's factory RC16 outside the KTM garage at the Barcelona post-season MotoGP test. Photo by Michael Gougis.
By Michael Gougis
While the long-term outlook for KTM is generally positive, the company will not participate in Grand Prix-level motorcycle road racing in 2026, saving an estimated $47.8 million per year, according to a report from one of Austria’s most prominent national newspapers.
The report, published by Der Standard, says that the company will not withdraw prior to 2026 because it fears “significant PR damage” if it withdraws from Grand Prix racing any earlier.
KTM is undergoing a financial restructuring, layoffs, and a production halt after incurring at least $1.87 billion in debt as well as accumulating excessive unsold inventory. A report from the agency representing the company’s creditors says the company “plans” to withdraw from “MotoGP Moto2/Moto3” racing. The Der Standard report quotes an internal document prepared by the Boston Consulting Group for the restructuring administrator; that document outlines the timeline for the departure and the expected annual savings.
The company spent approximately $208 million on R&D in 2023, with overall motorsports activity spending at approximately $98.8 million, a figure the restructuring administrator called “exceptionally high,” according to the Der Standard report.
Withdrawing at the end of 2025 may require the company to negotiate an end to several contracts. KTM’s 2024 announcement of the signing of Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini to the Tech3 squad, which is slated to have full factory equipment in 2025, said the pair was signed as part of a “multi-year agreement.” Brad Binder’s contract runs through 2026, according to the KTM press center, and the contract Pedro Acosta signed with the company in 2024 also is a “multi-year” agreement, according to KTM’s announcement of the deal. And KTM has a contract with MotoGP series organizer Dorna to put bikes on the grid.
Anticipated growth in the off-road market is expected to help pull KTM out of its current financial difficulties, the report indicates. That segment of the market is expected to grow 3.5 annually in the near future, and KTM’s share of that market hovers between 40 and 60%, the report indicates.
The next court hearing for KTM is set for January 24th.
What Is KTM?
The company at the center of the insolvency is KTM AG, according to a report issued by the agency representing creditors owed money. But it is part of a complex arrangement of companies and subsidiaries–the report says that KTM alone has more than 60 subsidiaries. A review of the company’s financial reports shows that most of these are distribution and supply entities that depend on KTM AG’s activities, and several of these are expected to go through insolvency proceedings as well.
KTM is one of five operating divisions of Pierer Mobility AG. Under the KTM umbrella is Husqvarna, GASGAS, and MV Agusta, although KTM’s 51% ownership stake in the Italian sportbike company is expected to be spun off as part of the restructuring. KTM also has an ownership interest in the Chinese manufacturer CFMOTO and its electric vehicle sub-brand Zeeho.
Pierer Mobility’s other divisions include the Husqvarna, GASGAS and Felt bicycle division; the design and R&D division, headed by Kiska, KTM F&E and Cero; an IT division that includes Pierer Innovation, Avocado, LX Media and KTM Informatics and “operate(s) within various technology fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain and Business Modeling,” according to the company website; and its Motorsport Factory Racing division.
Pierer Bajaj AG is the majority owner of Pierer Mobility. The Bajaj Group is a massive Indian conglomeration with interests in motorcycles, cars, home appliances, lighting, iron and steel, insurance, travel and finance, according to Wikipedia. The Bajaj family is worth $23.4 billion, according to Forbes.
Pierer Industrie AG is the majority owner of Pierer Bajaj. As of November, Pierer Industrie operated three major divisions, including Abatec, a technology/electronics company; Pierer Bajaj AG; and Pankl AG, which operates in the racing, automotive and aerospace industries.
Pierer Industrie AG corporate structure chart as of November 2024.
KTM’s Racing Plans For 2025:
KTM’s racing activities fall into four main categories: Road Racing, Motocross/Supercross, Enduro/Off Road and Rally.
For 2025, the company plans to field six riders in the Motocross World Championship (MXGP) series on KTM 450 SX-F and 250 SX-F machines. In North America, KTM is slated to field four riders in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) series, which incorporates Supercross and Motocross events from January through the summer.
In the Enduro/Off Road category, KTM is slated to field eight factory riders in a variety of North American series. In addition, the company will field at least two factory riders in Europe, where the company’s factory racing teams compete in more than 100 enduro races each year.
In the Rally segment, KTM plans to field four riders for the Dakar rally.
In Grand Prix road racing, KTM has shelved its GASGAS and Husqvarna brands for 2025. The official provisional entry lists show two riders on the Red Bull KTM Ajo team and two on the CFMOTO Aspar team in Moto2; 16 riders on the company’s RC250GP machines in Moto3; and the two-rider factory Red Bull squad and the two-rider Tech3 team in MotoGP.
Willy Rodriguez (111) leads Artur Pinol (88) in SFLMiniGP action, at T4 Kartplex, 2024.
Photo by Matt Dexter/SFLminiGP.
Three Different Racetracks In Florida To Offer Young Racers The Chance To Qualify For Mission Mini Cup National Final
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that South Florida MiniGP (a.k.a. SFLminiGP) will play host to three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers at three different racetracks in 2025.
Young road racers of all ages can now attempt to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Final via three qualifying races in Florida with South Florida MiniGP.
South Florida MiniGP will organize and host qualifying races for the Mission Mini Cup National Final that will be held for a second successive year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10. The three qualifiers will be held at T4 Kartplex in Palmetto, Florida (March 15-16); Bushnell Motorsports Park in Bushnell, Florida (April 12-13); and Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida (May 3-4).
Qualifiers at the three South Florida MiniGP races will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8); Stock 110 (ages 8-12); GP 110 (ages 8-12); GP 160 (ages 10-14); GP 190 (ages 10-14); and Street GP (ages 14 and up).
“We’re thrilled that South Florida MiniGP will host three of our Qualifiers in 2025,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “With its rich history in mini road racing, and its role in introducing many riders to the sport, South Florida MiniGP is a valued partner. We deeply appreciate the dedication of owner Michael Correa and the entire club and are excited to welcome them to our Mini Cup program.”
In 2025, South Florida MiniGP will be celebrating its 10th anniversary of running MiniGP races with the club having a long list of alumni, including MotoAmerica racers like Avery Dreher and his sister Ella, Isaac Woodworth, Logan Cunnison, and more.
“Hold on tight because South Florida MiniGP is turning up the heat in 2025 with three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers,” said Michael Correa, owner of South Florida MiniGP. “We’re talking about the fastest kids on two wheels, all vying for a chance to compete at the legendary Road America. This is more than just racing, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of motorcycle champions. And it all goes down right here in sunny Florida.”
The three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers will be part of South Florida MiniGP’s eight-round sprint-race series. The club will also host two endurance rounds, including the Aaron Dreher Classic at Bushnell Motorsports Park, August 9.
For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected] .
2025 South Florida MiniGP Schedule
February 8-9 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL
*March 15-16 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL
*April 12-13 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL
*May 3-4 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL
June 7-8 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL
August 30-31 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL
October 11-12 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL
November 9-10 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL
*MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including 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, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
Luigi "Gigi" Dall'Igna in the media center at Circuit de Barcelona - Catalunya prior to the 2024 post-season test. Photo by Michael Gougis.
By Michael Gougis
The night before the 2024 season-ending test at Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya, Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi “Gigi” Dall’Igna met with members of the international media covering MotoGP. The architect of the fastest road racing motorcycles in history (see footnote), Dall’Igna talked about the 2025 season’s machinery, challenges and riders.
Dall’Igna said that while the GP24’s performance was a significant step forward from the prior year’s model, he did not anticipate a similar jump between the GP24 and the GP25, nor would such a leap forward be necessary.
In prior seasons, the new factory Ducatis could take some time to fine-tune to the point where they were consistently better than the Desmosedici of the year before. In 2024, it was clear from the start that the GP24 was a lot faster.
Enea Bastianini, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia won 10 of the first 11 races on the GP24. It took the talents of eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez to wrestle the GP23 onto the top of the podium, and no other GP23 rider won a race.
“Honestly speaking, the 2025 at this time is not the same step forward. The level of the GP24 at the moment is quite high and if you introduce a lot of differences between the two bikes, you have to take some risks. At the moment, I think it’s not necessary,” Dall’Igna said.
“I think that we have to improve a little bit the speed of the bike on the straight, because some of our competitors I think (are) a bit stronger than us on that point. And I would like to improve a little bit the speed in the middle of the corner.”
Ducati test rider and Superbike racer Michele Pirro (51) on the Desmosedici GP25 at Barcelona. Note the multi-element front wheel/brake disc cover/vents/vanes. Photo by Michael Gougis.
One of the areas where the GP24 excelled was in using the new-for-2024 Michelin rear slick to its ultimate performance capability. Riders on other brands said Ducati riders were fast on new tires and could conserve the tire more during a race. Dall’Igna, not surprisingly, said his team’s efforts were not focused on improvements in that area.
“I think we can improve (tire conservation) a little bit, but it is not a real problem at the moment. I think we have an advantage in comparison to the others. It’s not something we are looking for,” Dall’Igna said. When asked why the GP24 was so much better at using the new rear tire than the GP23, Dall’Igna giggled, not about to divulge a performance secret to his competitors. “It’s difficult to explain, you know. Actually, it’s not difficult, but I can’t,” he said, then started laughing out loud.
Ducati is focused on improving braking performance with the GP25, Dall’Igna said.
“The braking point and the braking stability of the bike is one of the keys, because to overtake the others is really difficult. So you need to have this on the bike,” he said. After the test, Bagnaia said the GP25’s braking is not yet to the level of the braking performance of the GP24, but that the GP25 was much better at this stage of development than any Ducati he had tested in the past.
In 2025, Ducati will drop from eight to six bikes on the grid and from four to three of the latest specification machines. Ducati has profited from having so many bikes on the track, as the company can gather more data to fine-tune all aspects of the motorcycles. It’s so critical that at the Sachsenring round, when rumors spread that Ducati was likely to have only three GP25s on the grid, Bagnaia said it was a concern and that he would be happier with four of the latest factory-spec machines in the field. Bagnaia’s comments indicate just how critical data collection has become in MotoGP – when is the last time a racer on a title-winning bike wanted to share that equipment with more riders, not fewer?
Is the reduction in machines a worry for Ducati?
“Honestly speaking, no,” Dall’Igna said. “The real problem (in 2025) is that the other manufacturers have, I think, better riders. Because in the past, you see some bikes, for example, Aprilia, make a step from two bikes to four. The results were more or less the same. So I don’t think to have only six bikes on the grid with six riders will be a real problem for us. The real problem is (2024 MotoGP World Champion Jorge) Martin is leaving for another company, and same for Enea (Bastianini, a seven-time race winner). I think this is the difference between 2024 and 2025.
“From a money point of view, this is the best solution. With three (GP25) bikes, it’s simply better from the economics point of view. On the technical point of view, it’s not any real advantage to have four factory bikes instead of three.”
Dall’Igna said he and other Ducati managers knew that there was every chance that they would lose Martin after 2024, and that there was every chance that he would take the title with him elsewhere, if they didn’t give him a spot on the factory team. After all, Martin had been overlooked before for the factory Ducati ride – Bastianini got the spot, not him. And other teams were approaching Martin with offers. But Ducati still promoted Marquez to the factory team, setting off a chain reaction that saw Martin sign with Aprilia, Bastianini switch to KTM and Ducati’s satellite Pramac Racing team switch to Yamaha.
After a year of working with Marquez, Dall’Igna said promoting the eight-time World Champion to the factory Ducati team was the best move Ducati could make.
“When I took this decision, for sure we thought quite a lot. Also, we thought that Martin could win the Championship this year. This is something that we had to evaluate, and we took the decision. I don’t change my idea at the moment, and I’m convinced that we have the best possible solution,” Dall’Igna says.
Marc Marquez (93) on the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP25 at Barcelona. Photo by Michael Gougis.
At the beginning of 2024, Ducati signed Moto2 standout Fermin Aldeguer to a MotoGP contract for 2025, and later assigned him a place on the Gresini Racing Team. Aldeguer then suffered through an underwhelming Moto2 season, crashing frequently, winning only three races and finishing fifth in the overall standings. Dall’Igna said he still stands by the decision to sign Aldeguer, but admitted the young rider has some work to do.
“He is one of the young talents of the MotoGP. I’m really happy to have him in one of our teams. He has a lot of really good things – and some things that he has to develop and understand better. I think we can help him to do this,” Dall’Igna said. “I’m convinced that in a couple of years he will be in a fight for the Championship.”
Fermin Aldeguer (54) testing a Ducati GP24 at Barcelona. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Lastly, Dall’Igna reminded everyone that past results are no guarantee of future performance. After a year like 2024, with 19 wins in 20 starts, Ducati is justified in looking for small performance gains that do not come at the expense of performance losses elsewhere. But to win in MotoGP, you must always look for more performance, he said.
“The new season is a completely new book. The manufacturer who is in trouble can make a jump in front. You never know. You have to be focused on the problems that you have to solve and to try to develop the bike as much as possible. This is our job and this is what we have to do,” he said.
Footnote: KTM’s RC16 has clocked a 0.501 mph higher top speed at Mugello, 227.483 mph to the Ducati Desmosedici’s 226.676 mph. However, of the 18 circuits listed on the MotoGP.com website with lap record information, Ducati’s Desmosedici GP24 holds the outright lap record at 12 of them – and the GP23 holds the outright lap record at another.
Jason Reeves on his Honda V4 during a Ramming Speed Classic Track Day on the big track at Willow Springs Raceway. Photo by Seth Trench/Ramming Speed.
This is the perfect time to release the 2025 Ramming Speed calendar…so check it out!
JAN 11-12: Biltwell’s Parts & Labor Show Brady Walker & his dad will be manning the Ramming Speed booth next to Buchanan’s in order to spread the word on vintage bikes, events & sell some moto gear. https://www.biltwellinc.com/pages/parts-labor-about
JAN 27 – FEB 1: Mecum Vegas Moto Auctions If you don’t know, get in the know! It’s more motorcycles than a museum and you’ll see all your friends to boot. Come check out Brady Walker in his fancy blue Mecum shirt, making bikes roll & presentable for the auction block. https://www.mecum.com/auctions/las-vegas-motorcycles-2025/
MARCH 1st: The Californian Classic Motorcycle Show Note date change. All you Quail lovers may now come see what the Cali is all about!
www.thecalifornian.us
CLASSIC TRACK DAY Take note, we are heading north late next year on a road trip to Thunderhill! Join us on the caravan! Start spreading the news, all of my NorCal friends.
MAR 8: Big Willow (Willow Springs GP Test & Tune)
MAY 31: Streets of Willow
AUG 23: Streets of Willow
SEPT 20: Big Willow
NOV 15: Thunderhill West
www.classictrackday.com
WILLOW SPRINGS ROUNDUP Two days of flat track racing at the historical Walt James Stadium!
MAR 22-23: Spring Roundup
SEPT 13-14: Fall Roundup
www.bradywalker.com
AHRMA Returns to Willow!
APRIL 18-20: Willow Springs Grand Prix AHRMA returns! Practice Friday, Road Race all weekend
www.bradywalker.com
www.ahrma.org
AHRMA races at Inde
APRIL 25-27: AHRMA Road Racing INDE Motorsports Park, Arizona. Join us for back to back road racing!
Willow Springs Superbike Showdown
OCTOBER 4-5: Willow Springs Superbike Showdown A new road racing weekend focusing on modern bikes with vintage & sidecar support. Help us get this first year event off the ground!
www.bradywalker.com
Hansen Dam Rally
NOVEMBER 2: SoCal Norton Club presents the Hansen Dam Rally. Come see the largest vintage rally on the west coast…the best damn rally at a dam site! https://socalnorton.com/calendar
Are you a moto-centric business or sympathetic rider or racer who would like to see your logo or name on any of these event materials? Contact Brady now to get noticed at Ramming Speed’s 2025 events!
Monki Moto Podcast
Lastly, if you would like to know more about Brady Walker than anyone should know, check out Tara Miracle’s Monki Moto Podcast and listen to Brady rattle on about classic bikes & events. He touches base on literally everything in a very candid way. Find Monki Moto podcast on all platforms. Apple link is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/monki-moto-pod/id1775307979
Thank you for participating in Ramming Speed events and allowing us to continue to bring classic motorcycling fun to y’all! Happy New Year and see y’all soon!
Brady Walker
RAMMING SPEED
CLASSIC TRACK DAY
THE CALIFORNIAN
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www.roadracingworld.com
July 11, 2025
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Disability profiles supported in our website
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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.
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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.
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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
