C’est magnifique: all square as WorldSBK’s intense title fight heads for France
Level on points heading to Magny-Cours, the top two in the Championship are set for another showdown…
The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is into the second half of the year and heads to the iconic Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours for round eight and the Motul French Round. Usually, there’s a Championship on the line but not this time and in fact, the title race couldn’t be any different. It’s all square between Championship leader Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), as both have 311 points each – Toprak leading the standings by virtue of more full-length race wins (5 vs 4). However, with Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) making big gains in the last two rounds, it’s a three-horse race.
NOTHING BETWEEN THEM: Razgatlioglu and Rea are neck and neck
For the first time in WorldSBK history after 21 races, the top two in the Championship are level on points and we’re heading to a track that Razgatlioglu relishes. He took his first ever win at Magny-Cours back in 2014 in the STK600 class, of which he’d be Champion in 2015. Then, he took a first STK1000 podium there in 2016 with second, before in 2019, his first WorldSBK win in a final lap shoot-out with Jonathan Rea came from 16th on the grid. He doubled up in the Superpole Race but with it being wet in 2020, he’s yet to show his strengths at the track on a Yamaha. Teammate Andrea Locatelli hopes be back on the podium, having established himself as a solid front-runner. He took a WorldSSP win at Magny-Cours in 2020, can he convert that into strong pace in WorldSBK though?
However, if Toprak’s ready for the challenge then so is his title rival Jonathan Rea – he’s won eight races at Magny-Cours, all of them for Kawasaki and apart from 2016, it has been every year. Add on to that the fact he’s been on the podium in all but one race at Magny-Cours on a Kawasaki (Race 2, 2017), then you’d be hard-pushed to find someone with a better track record. However, Rea’s coming into France on the backfoot, having relinquished his Championship lead and, in the last six races, handed 37 points to Razgatlioglu. Both enjoy the track and have already had final lap battles there before. Rea’s teammate Alex Lowes aims to fight for the podium despite a persistent injury, but he was on the podium twice at Magny-Cours for Kawasaki in 2020, so the pace is there.
EYES ON THE PRIZE: Redding and Ducati are back in the race
Edging closer with each round is Scott Redding, as the Ducati star is now 38 points behind the top two in the title race, having been 81 back just six races ago. Redding’s been in top form lately; seven straight podiums and all of them within the top two positions. It’s a devastating run of form which neither Razgatlioglu nor Rea have matched so far this year. Redding’s in the best form of his career and with a win at Magny-Cours in 2020 to keep his title hopes alive, he’s one of the favourites. In stark contrast, teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi had a subdued weekend at Navarra where he took 15 points, but a return to the top six will be welcome at Magny-Cours, as he did in 2020.
BMW AND HONDA: revelation achieved, resurgence required
It was an impressive weekend for BMW at Navarra, as they seemingly found form in the hotter conditions in comparison to where they had come from in the past couple of seasons. Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) achieved his tenth front row for BMW at Navarra and capitalised on that with two top six finishes in Race 1 and the Superpole Race, before taking fifth in Race 2. He was on the front row at Magny-Cours in 2020 as part of BMW’s first ever Superpole 1-2, when Eugene Laverty took pole. On the other side of the garage, Michael van der Mark didn’t have the same weekend as Sykes, with seventh, eighth and ninth being the Dutchman’s results at Navarra. However, six Magny-Cours podiums could propel van der Mark back to the sharp end.
Over at Honda, it was another difficult round endured by Team HRC as Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam worked hard to break into the top ten once again. For Bautista, there was just one point-scoring ride across the weekend with eighth in Race 2, whilst Leon Haslam’s only points came in Race 1 with 13th. Both lie outside the top ten in the Championship but could break into it it this weekend, with Bautista level on points with ex-teammate Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven). However, with no top ten coming in the wet of Magny-Cours in 2020, both Bautista and Haslam aim to get back into the fight for the leading positions in France.
THE INDEPENDENTS: tightening at the top
The Independent battle is as fierce as ever and whilst Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) has taken a slight dip in form across the last two rounds, he’s comfortably clear of the next-best Independent rider Chaz Davies by 43 points. However, closing in on Davies is Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing), who is now just five points behind the Brit and has leapfrogged Leon Haslam in the standings. For Gerloff, he was fast in the rain of Magny-Cours in 2020, whilst Chaz Davies took a double win back in 2016 and won again in 2017. Axel Bassani’s form is somewhat unknown in WorldSBK, but back in World Supersport, he took his best ever finish with fourth in 2016.
The rest of the Independent battle is being fought further down, with Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in 14th place, but going to his home-round full of confidence after two wins in the last three races held at the track in WorldSSP. Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) tackles Magny-Cours for the first time and is three points behind Mahias, whilst Yamaha’s Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) will also go to Magny-Cours for the first time, after what seemed like a bit of a breakthrough at Navarra.
Isaac Viñales (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) returns to action after a positive COVID-19 test prior to Navarra, with Jonas Folger (Bonovo MGM Racing) next up, just five points back. Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport Yamaha) heads for his home round and will hope to impress, whilst Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) aims for points once more. Loris Cresson (OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing) and teammate Jayson Uribe also aim for points, particularly Uribe who is yet to score. Eugene Laverty (RC Squadra Corse) is on the entry list, but he will not be present on track.
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Moor vs Luciano: spectacular Spielberg duel rounds out the season in style
The fight for second overall went all the way to the wire, with the Hungarian coming out on top on track but a penalty then adding some post-race drama
Sunday, 29 August 2021
The 2021 Northern Talent Cup concluded with a spectacular and sunny final chapter in Spielberg. With Rossi Moor (FAIRIUM Next Generation Riders Team) and Lorenz Luciano (Junior Black Knights Team) fighting for second overall in the standings, there was plenty on the line and their duel didn’t disappoint. Pulling away from the pack in the latter stages, the two went toe-to-toe in a fabulous final decider – with Moor just taking it by thousandths. But then there was drama as he got a penalty for his riding after the flag – dropping him to fourth in the race . That means Luciano wins and takes second overall, Kevin Farkas (Agria Racing Team) is second in the race and Jacopo Hosciuc (Hos Racing Team) slots into third to round out the year.
As the lights went out, Moor took the holeshot from pole but 2021 Cup winner Jakub Gurecky (JRT Brno Circuit) made an early move through. Luciano then got back in the mix, with Farkas another name starting to stand out. Still, it was a huge freight train at the front for much of the first half of the race.
By Lap 10, however, simply being at the head of the train had started to turn into a gap for Moor. The number 92 was pushing to break away, but Luciano was on the case. The Belgian tagged onto the back of the Hungarian and went with him, the two carving out some space for a duel to decide the runner up for 2021.
From thereon out, it was war. Clean, aggressive and a real thriller to end the season, the penultimate lap was already a showstopper. Luciano was ahead over the line, Moor attacked at Turn 1, the 81 responded, the 92 found another answer. The last lap started the same, with Luciano ahead, but Moor struck again at Turn 1. But this time the Belgian shoved it up the inside at Turn 3, and after that Moor seemed to hold off.
The Hungarian stayed glued to the back of the Junior Black Knights Team machine ahead, but waited for his moment: Turn 9. Getting it done and able to keep it around the final corner, it came down to the drag to the line and Luciano pulled out to try and slipstream past but the metres ran out. Moor stayed just millimetres ahead to take the final win of the year, or so he thought. But then he was awarded the penalty, seeing the Belgian take the 25 points.
Behind, what had been a few tenths of gap for Farkas became another freight train but he held on to third over the line and second in the end, with Hosciuc close behind as the Romanian got back in the mix after his Long Laps on Saturday. Moor was classified fourth, and Jonas Kocourek (JRT Brno Circuit) took fifth. Loris Veneman (Kahuna Racing) and Cup winner Gurecky came home in P6 and P7 respectively.
Noel Willemsen (MCA Racing Team) took eighth, with Race 1 winner Jordan Bartucca (Allesauto Racing) shuffled down to P9. Ferre Fleerackers (B.art Racing) completed the top ten.
That’s it for 2021 in the Northern Talent Cup. Over seven rounds we’ve seen some incredible races and performances, as well as some impressive progress throughout the field. What will 2022 bring? Time will tell, but for now: congratulations to the class of 2021 on an impressive learning curve and entertaining season of competition!
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 30, 2021) – The crown jewel of the 2021 season awaits as Progressive American Flat Track prepares for a monumental Labor Day Weekend double-doubleheader at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, on September 3-5.
The weekend will kick off on Friday evening with the Springfield Short Track Doubleheader, which packs two complete rounds of the tightly fought AFT Singles championship into a single evening. And then Saturday and Sunday will see the big twins head over to the “World’s Fastest Mile” for the Memphis Shades Springfield Mile I & II presented by Law Tigers.
An epic by any measure, this year’s Progressive AFT weekend in Springfield has a bit of added meaning as it represents the end of an era on two fronts.
First, it will mark the final time the “Mile Master,” Bryan Smith (No. 4 Crosley/Howerton Motorsports Indian FTR750) competes at the Springfield Mile after recently announcing his intention to retire at the end of the season. Smith is currently tied with the legendary Bubba Shobert for third all-time in Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Mile victories at 25, nine of which have come at the Springfield Mile. Few could script a better ending to his history with the venue than by going out on top.
Perhaps the single biggest obstacle standing in the way of that sort of storybook ending is long-time rival Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750). Mees has developed into a Mile ace himself in recent seasons, now boasting 18 Mile victories of his own, including three of the last four in Springfield.
Mees, coincidentally, also factors heavily into the other aforementioned era-defining shift. This year’s edition marks the final time that the race will be promoted by Kiesow Racing and IMDA. Kiesow Racing and IMDA resurrected the Springfield Mile in 1981 following a 15-year layoff and, over the past four decades, built it into arguably the most fabled motorcycle dirt track race anywhere in the world. Starting in 2022, Jared and his wife, Nichole, will promote the race, building on the massive success Mees Promotions has enjoyed doing the same for the Lima Half-Mile.
Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) has a leg up on securing a third consecutive Grand National Championship as he powers into Springfield with a 25-point cushion over Mees. While he has two career Mile wins to his name, the champ is still looking for his first Springfield Mile win.
That’s not the case for third-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), who doubled at the venue back in 2013, nor Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750), who was victorious in last year’s Springfield Mile I.
DPR Racing/Brian Bigelow Racing will field a pair of heavy-hitting wild cards in Jeffrey Carver, Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing/DPC Racing/Bryan Bigelow Indian FTR750) and Henry Wiles (No. 17 DPC Racing/Bryan Bigelow Indian FTR750).
Home track hero Carver was the star of one of the more memorable Springfield Miles in recent years when he defeated Mees and Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. to score a hugely popular win in 2018.
Wiles, meanwhile, will make a welcome one-off return to Mission SuperTwins action this weekend as well. The AFT Singles regular needs just one premier-class Mile win to complete the career Grand Slam. He’s come close in the past, including twice finishing as a Mile runner-up during his second-ranked ‘18 season.
Hayden Gillim (No. 59 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R Rev X) is another intriguing wild card. The versatile Gillim is fresh off an impressive fourth-place performance in the AFT Production Twins class at the Peoria TT. He was rewarded for that effort with a shot at the premier-class on a Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R in Springfield.
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines returns to the venue where the class was originally introduced to the world at speed in 2018.
The Memphis Shades Babe DeMay Challenge — a four-lap dash similar to the Mission SuperTwins Mission Challenge — will underline that important historical tie by providing class competitors an opportunity to win an additional $5000 on both Saturday and Sunday.
As always, Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) remains the rider in the crosshairs. While the heavy title favorite is still seeking his first-ever Progressive AFT win at the Springfield Mile, he did enjoy a career highlight here by finishing on the box in the premier class back in 2016.
Reigning AFT Singles champion Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) will look to keep his perfect class podium record intact while providing another glimpse of his future and immense potential on a twin.
‘18 AFT Singles champ Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), meanwhile, comes in riding high after earning his maiden AFT Production Twins victory last weekend in Peoria.
Others to watch include Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/Rausch Fuel Kawasaki Ninja 650) who won at Springfield a year ago, Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), who podiumed the race in 2018 and also comes in hot following a strong effort in Peoria, and Chad Cose (No. 49 Voodoo Ranger/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), who finished second and third in last year’s Springfield Mile I & II.
Speaking of Cose, the Vance & Hines-backed pilot will be joined this weekend by a pair of talented wild cards in Jesse Janisch (No. 96 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson XG750R).
AFT Singles
An already wild AFT Singles title fight has the potential for another titanic shift with two full points-paying rounds taking place in a single night during Friday’s Springfield Short Track Doubleheader.
Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) have traded haymakers as the two rising stars have battled for 450cc supremacy all season long.
Daniels is coming off the roughest weekend of his young professional career, with a pair of crashes in the Peoria TT Main Event. The Springfield ST could serve as a “get-right” evening for the Illinois native, considering he’s finished first, third, and fifth in his only three previous attempts at the race.
Aussie Whale is no slouch on the tight oval either, having earned third- and fourth-place results a year ago.
Henry Wiles (No. 17 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), meanwhile, is among the greatest Short Track riders in the history of the sport. He added to his legend by racking up a pair of Springfield ST second-place results a year ago. His young teammate, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), meanwhile, earned his maiden Progressive AFT win here last year and has threatened to add to his victory tally on more than one occasion this season.
Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Mission Roof Systems KTM 450 SX-F) was the other rider to land on the podium at last year’s Springfield ST. It would come as a surprise to absolutely no one if he manages to do so again next weekend, as that’s something he’s done more than any other rider in the class thus far in 2021.
Four-time premier-class race winner Johnny “Showtime” Murphree will serve as the weekend’s Grand Marshal. Additionally, the Fan Walk will return, with fencing in place to provide safe social distancing while still allowing fans to talk with riders and crew members and get a closeup view of the racebikes.
Tickets for the weekend are available at https://www.springfieldmile.org/Tabs/Events/EventList.aspx. Included among the ticket packages is an option to purchase a Premier Pass for Saturday and/or Sunday that includes a ticket, t-shirt, program, pit pass, along with catered food & beverages.
Friday’s Opening Ceremonies will start at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT ahead of two full Main Event programs. On Saturday and Sunday, gates will open for fans at 9:00 a.m. local time with Opening Ceremonies slated to begin at 2:10 p.m. ET/11:10 a.m. PT. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
The Memphis Shades Springfield Mile I & II presented by Law Tigers will premiere back-to-back on NBCSN on Sunday, September 12, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The Springfield Short Track Doubleheader will air one week later on NBCSN, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Both broadcasts will feature exclusive features and cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON PAN AMERICA 1250 SPECIAL BECOMES THE #1 SELLING ADVENTURE TOURING MOTORCYCLE IN NORTH AMERICA
Built to Endure, Designed to Explore, and Engineered for Adventure
MILWAUKEE (August 30, 2021) – Since launching in February 2021, the Pan America™ 1250 Special adventure touring motorcycle has taken the motorcycling world by storm. In creating the Pan America™, Harley-Davidson leveraged its cutting-edge design and engineering capabilities to create both the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special. Today, we are pleased to announce that the Pan America 1250 Special has become the #1 selling adventure touring motorcycle in North America.
Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, CEO and President, Harley-Davidson:
“Taking inspiration from our heritage, we wanted to create a motorcycle that redefined the adventure touring category and most importantly was designed and built in America. With the Pan America Special now the #1 selling ADV motorcycle model in North America, we targeted a selective expansion into adventure touring as part of the Hardwire Strategy with the goal to reach new and existing Harley-Davidson customers. Pan America is squarely built on our mission to deliver a timeless pursuit of adventure for our riders. Those who now own or have tested one of our Pan America’s absolutely love this bike – having sold out of our 2021 allocation, we are excited about what the future has in store for Pan America and for the Adventure Touring category at Harley-Davidson.”
Quartararo wins, Rins second as Aleix Espargaro makes history at Silverstone
The gap at the top increases, Rins gets back on form and Aprilia take a first MotoGP™ podium as six factories finish in the top six for the first time since 1972
Winner Fabio Quartararo (center), runner-up Alex Rins (left), and third-place finisher Aleix Espargaro (right) on the podium at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 29 August 2021
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) unleashed some serious speed at Silverstone on Sunday, the Frenchman on fine form to fight his way through to the lead and then put the hammer down to win the Monster Energy British Grand Prix. Behind, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) stormed through for second place and a podium to bounce back from a tougher season so far, and in third place some history was made: Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) held off Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) to take Aprilia’s first ever podium in the MotoGP™ era.
Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) took the holeshot from pole, with Quartararo initially up into second. But Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was on the move, past Aleix Espargaro into third and then attacking El Diablo. Drama struck just off that fight too as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) came together once with Martin up the inside, and then the eight-time World Champion tried to take it back. With Martin reacting to those ahead to have opened a small gap, the number 93 made it just ahead but then collected the rookie. He apologised and it was deemed a racing incident.
That early race action was still led by Pol Espargaro, with Bagnaia in second and Aleix Espargaro shadowing. The Aprilia then went for the lead but headed wide, and not long after that Quartararo started to make his moves. By 16 to go the Yamaha had worked his way to the front, and from there the hammer went down.
The battle behind raged on, with Pol and Aleix Espargaro ahead of Bagnaia and reigning Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar). Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) was in the mix too, but the rider starting to make serious progress was Rins.
By 13 to go, Rins was into third with Quartararo gone out front and Aleix Espargaro holding strong in second. Pol Espargaro was starting to fade slightly, but the big change was Bagnaia as the number 63 sunk to the back of the group, struggling to stay with them.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), meanwhile, was doing the opposite. The South African was on an absolute Sunday charge once again, and was past Mir and homing in on Pol Espargaro. Bagnaia had dropped well back and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) had moved well forward, as a change up ahead then ultimately decided the podium. Aleix Espargaro headed wide, and Rins needed no second invitation as he moved into second.
Quartararo was gone, and by the final lap the key battle was focused on Aprilia, on the verge of making history. Rins was just out of reach although still tantalisingly close, but Miller was on the march. The Australian struck to momentarily break a thousand Noale hearts, but Aleix Espargaro hit straight back and made it stick. A few apexes were all that remained between the number 41 and history, and he kept ahead for that mythical first podium.
Quartararo made the masterclass look easy but far from it, Rins got back on the box after a tougher 2021 so far, and Aleix Espargaro ended a long, long wait for a podium – for man and machine. Not since 2014 has he been on the box, and Aprilia never have in the MotoGP™ era.
Miller was denied but came home top Ducati, with Pol Espargaro taking fifth and a great result from pole. And sixth went to Binder, the South African raising more eyebrows on race day and adding the final piece in a history-making race: Yamaha, Suzuki, Aprilia, Ducati, Honda and KTM in the top six makes it the first time since 1972 six factories have been in the top six.
Iker Lecuona (Tech 3 KTM Factory Racing) also put in a Sunday stunner to take seventh, not so far from Binder either as the Spaniard leapfrogged compatriot Alex Marquez, who took eighth. In the latter stages Mir faded to ninth, and he was only just ahead of another charging KTM as Tech 3 KTM Factory Racing’s Danilo Petrucci completed the top ten. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) was close behind too in P11, before a slightly bigger gap back to Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama), Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and then Bagnaia, who took P14 in the end. Luca Marini (Avintia VR46) picked up the final point.
After a monster weekend for Quartararo that sees him now sit 65 points clear of Mir in the Championship, the Frenchman seems to be holding most of the cards in 2021. But next up it’s Aragon and good hunting ground for his rivals. Can they fight back next time out? We’ll find out in two weeks!
2 Alex Rins – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – +2.663
3 Aleix Espargaro* – Aprilia Racing Team Gresini – Aprilia – +4.105
*Independent Team rider
Fabio Quartararo: “It feels so good because it has been a tough qualifying. Yesterday I lost confidence, but we knew in FP4 our pace was strong with the medium, I felt great. I will be short, I want to thank the fans, it’s the first time we have them, a lot I mean. Also, it’s the Monster Energy GP it is great to win for all of them and my family and team. Also, my mechanic, who couldn’t come, Daniele, so that one was for him, and I can’t wait to be with the crew and celebrate!”
Gardner wins big in the British GP
The Australian gets back on the top step as he defeats Bezzecchi, with Raul Fernandez crashing out
Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took what could be a crucial victory in the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, the Australian holding off Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) as the Italian was forced to settle for second. Lightech Speed Up’s Jorge Navarro back on the podium in third position to show some more serious speed at Silverstone.
Bezzecchi took the holeshot initially, but home hero Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) was quick to pounce and lead his home race. Navarro was sitting ahead of Gardner and Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on the opening lap but soon, the number 87 was up to P3 as Bezzecchi passed Lowes for the lead.
Gardner then found a way past Lowes for second, with the top five – Bezzecchi, Gardner, Lowes, Navarro and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) – split by less than a second. Raul Fernandez was a second back of the group in P6 as teammate Gardner hit the front. Not for long though. Bezzecchi pounced back half a lap later but on the exit of Turn 14, the Italian was out of the seat and it caused Gardner to sit up but handed him the race lead, with the top five still locked together.
Just after Gardner had set the fastest lap of the race, Bezzecchi scooped up some slipstream and made a pass for the lead stick at Stowe. Bezzecchi, Gardner and Lowes had a 0.8s lead over fourth place Navarro with nine laps to go and Gardner, again at Turn 13, dived up the inside of Bezzecchi. The Aussie was back in the lead.
With four laps to go, huge drama in the Championship chase unfolded. Raul Fernandez suffered a huge crash at Turn 12 and was out of the race, thankfully the Spaniard was back up on his feet. But with Gardner leading and Bezzecchi a close second, the rookie sensation’s title hopes took a big dent.
At the front, Gardner and Bezzecchi were locked together with two laps to go, with Navarro was also getting the better of Lowes for P3. It was close as Bezzecchi set his fastest lap of the race on the penultimate lap, and Navarro setting the fastest lap of the race overall. Stowe and Vale – two big passing places – passed by for Bezzecchi, and pushing hard, he was slightly wide at Turn 13.
In the end, Gardner held on with a fantastic last lap and a fantastic race in general to take a crucial 25 points, with Bezzecchi 0.4s away from the win after pushing the Australian all the way. Navarro claimed a first podium since the 2019 Valencia GP, the Spaniard beating Lowes by 0.3s to deny the latter a home GP podium.
Di Giannantonio faded slightly and just held off 2019 winner Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in the duel to complete the top five, with Aron Canet (Kipin Energy Aspar Team) coming home seventh in some clear air. Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) beat rookie Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) to eighth by mere thousandths, with American Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) completing the top ten for a solid haul of points after a weekend further up the field.
That’s a wrap on Silverstone. Next stop: Aragon! and we don’t have to wait long, as the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon fires up in a fortnight… with Raul Fernandez looking to fight back and on home turf.
Moto2™ podium:
1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 37:31.642
2 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – +0.481
Remy Gardner: “I think it was a good day, we brought home the victory. That was a long race, I got the message on the dashboard that Marco was on the soft, and I could see it so I said I would wait and be patient. We were expecting him to drop off because that’s what we experience with the soft tyre but he was there the whole race. When he got back in front of me the last time, I said ok, I’m going to really put the head down and push, and I just managed to open a little gap and he couldn’t catch me and yeah, I brought home the points and yeah, it couldn’t have been a better day to do it. It’s incredible. Honestly, it’s my first podium or win with fans here so that’s something special. I’m just lost for words.”
The Italian Job: flawless Fenati untouchable at Silverstone
The Italian went in as the favourite and kept that mantle to the end for a stunning breakaway win at the British GP
It seemed hard to look past Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) for victory at Silverstone, and on race day the Italian more than proved why. Leading from lights out and initially shadowed by Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy), the number 55 was then able to pull away in the final few laps to take that rarest of prizes: a breakaway Moto3™ win. Antonelli, on return from injury and still riding through the pain barrier, held on for a stunning second, however, with Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) just coming out on top in a duel for third against rookie Izan Guevara (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) after a fabulous race from the Spaniard.
At lights out, Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) was just about able to get alongside Fenati, but the Italian held on round the outside and from there, he never looked back. Antonelli moved up into second to begin his charge, with Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) initially in third as the trio made an early break for it.
By 14 to go, Fenati, Antonelli and Migno were still stuck pretty close together, and the gap back to Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) at the head of the fight for fourth was already up to nearly a second and a half. But heartbreak would then hit for Migno as the Italian pulled off the track with an issue – leaving Fenati and Antonelli with even more space back to the chasing pack.
The chasing pack was then one group fighting for third ahead of a bigger gap back to the battle for tenth, which included Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and closest challenger Sergio Garcia (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team). After some early progress the two then watched the group ahead escape, making it a handful of points up for grabs in their battle at the top.
Back at the front, the Fenati-Antonelli duo pounded on. Over three seconds clear and pretty well matched on rhythm, there wasn’t much to choose between the two. But as the laps ticked on Antonelli, riding through the pain barrier, started to fade slightly – just as Foggia and Guevara managed to pull away from the group battle behind them.
Over the final two laps, Fenati really hammered home the advantage and crossed the line over a second and a half clear, putting in as close to perfect a Moto3™ race weekend as possible. Antonelli held on to second and although the gap was coming down rapidly on the last couple of laps, Foggia and Guevara had their own duel to focus on.
The rookie was able to strike and take over in third, but Foggia found an answer. And from there, the number 28 stayed glued to the rear tyre of the Leopard machine, but there was no way through. It went down to Woodcote and Guevara tried the inside line on the drag to the line, but it wasn’t quite enough. Foggia takes anther podium, but Guevara’s fourth is his best result so far and rounded out a fabulous race from the rookie.
The battle for fifth behind them was won by Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) as he pipped Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with Darryn Binder forced to settle for seventh. There was then another even bigger gap back to the battle for eighth, with Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) winning that ahead of front row starter Riccardo Rossi (BOE Owlride).
Another gap back to a crucial fight behind saw Carlos Tatay (Avintia Esponsorama Moto3) able to gain a bit of breathing space for tenth, with Acosta classified 11th after a one position penalty for John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing), the number 17 taking P12 despite some early drama that dropped him back. Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), Filip Salac (CarXpert PrüstelGP) and Rodrigo completed the points, with Garcia losing out late on and taking P16.
A different Moto3™ race with two riders in a class of their own brings the lightweight running to a close at Silverstone. It’s next stop Aragon, so come back for more in two weeks!
Moto3™ podium
1 Romano Fenati – Sterilgarda Max Racing Team – Husqvarna – 37:26.974
Romano Fenati: “I’m not happy! Haha. No, I’m REALLY happy, it’s amazing, every session first, my race was for sure fantastic, but also the work with my team, the team did an amazing job, so I’m not happy. I’m MUCH MORE than happy! Now we have to think about the next race, for sure it’s not easy to do another weekend like this, but for sure it’s the target. We have to do like this because we can do it, and I trust my team and my bike.”
The Swiss rider secures his first victory at the Red Bull Ring, with Gurecky taking tenth and that enough to wrap up the crown
Saturday, 28 August 2021
At a wet but sunny Red Bull Ring, Race 1 of the final round for the 2021 Northern Talent Cup delivered a thriller. Allesauto Racing’s Jordan Bartucca emerged to take a maiden win in some style, with the podium then decided at the flag as the field streamed out of the final corner a few riders wide. Loris Veneman (Kahuna Racing) held the upper hand and took second for his first podium, with Tibor Varga (Forty Racing Team) on the box for the first time this season in third, both decided by thousandths. A little off the lead, Jakub Gurecky (JRT Brno Circuit) wrapped up the crown with a solid ride to tenth, more than enough given his lead heading in.
Off the line it was Lorenz Luciano (Junior Black Knights Team) who got the best start from second to take the holeshot, getting ahead of polesitter Rossi Moor (FAIRIUM Next Generation Riders Team) as Gurecky took it steady and dropped back a few places early on – needing little to make sure he could take the Cup. Luciano immediately started making a gap, but Dustin Schneider (PrüstelGP Junior Team) was on the case and the German was soon through into the lead.
Bartucca, meanwhile, had already stormed through into second, leaving Luciano in third. And the Belgian had a Long Lap penalty to take, as did Moor, with both diving in at the start of Lap 2. Bartucca then struck for the lead too, taking over ahead of Schneider, with Varga in third as some favourites begun to emerge from the shuffle.
As the laps ticked on, a lead group of Bartucca, Schneider, Varga, Ferre Fleerackers (B.art Racing), Kevin Farkas (Agria Racing Team), Noel Willemsen (MCA Racing Team) and Kas Beekmans (Team KNMV) were breaking away, with Veneman on the chase. By Lap 9 Fleerackers crashed out, rider ok, but it remained seven in the group as Veneman had won the chase and was now on the case.
As steam rose from the wet track under the beaming sun, Bartucca remained ahead but Veneman was making moves. And as the pack streamed onto the final lap, it was the Dutchman leaving Turn 1 in the lead, with Varga right behind him. But Bartucca had other ideas and the Swiss rider slammed up the inside of both at Turn 3, pulling it off in style to take back over in front.
From there, he got the hammer down and was just able to keep some breathing space to the line. Behind there was none, however, with the podium decided on the line. Veneman took second, with Varga just 0.064 off, but it was Willemsen who really lost out in the shuffle, off the podium by just 0.006 and forced to settle for fourth.
Schneider completed the top five ahead of Farkas, with Beekmans at the back of the front group by the flag. Then there was a bigger gap back to Martin Vincze (Chrobák Motorsport Egyesület), with Luciano just behind the Hungarian after serving the Long Lap. And next up came Gurecky, keeping it steady to complete the top ten and complete an impressive season in the NTC, lifting the crown by some margin on Saturday.
Moor took 12th in the end, and the focus will now shift to the battle for second. The Hungarian is just two points behind Luciano going into Race 2, so who will be the 2021 runner up? We’ll find out at 11:10 (GMT +2) when the NTC race for the final time this season.
Jakub Gurecky, the 2021 Northern Talent Cup Champion. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Gurecky wins the 2021 Northern Talent Cup
Jakub Gurecky put together a stunning season in 2021, starting the year with four wins in the first six races and taking an early points lead. Some of his wet weather performances stood out as something extra special too, with the Czech rider routinely carving out his own postcode in the lead.
The second half of the season has seen Lorenz Luciano and Rossi Moor fight back in the standings, but Gurecky kept calm and carried on to take the Cup in the penultimate race of the season with 49 points in hand. Now there’s one more race to run, and the pressure is off.
The start of a World Superbike race at the Navarra Circuit, in Spain. Photo courtesy Dorna.
C’est magnifique: all square as WorldSBK’s intense title fight heads for France
Level on points heading to Magny-Cours, the top two in the Championship are set for another showdown…
The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is into the second half of the year and heads to the iconic Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours for round eight and the Motul French Round. Usually, there’s a Championship on the line but not this time and in fact, the title race couldn’t be any different. It’s all square between Championship leader Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), as both have 311 points each – Toprak leading the standings by virtue of more full-length race wins (5 vs 4). However, with Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) making big gains in the last two rounds, it’s a three-horse race.
NOTHING BETWEEN THEM: Razgatlioglu and Rea are neck and neck
For the first time in WorldSBK history after 21 races, the top two in the Championship are level on points and we’re heading to a track that Razgatlioglu relishes. He took his first ever win at Magny-Cours back in 2014 in the STK600 class, of which he’d be Champion in 2015. Then, he took a first STK1000 podium there in 2016 with second, before in 2019, his first WorldSBK win in a final lap shoot-out with Jonathan Rea came from 16th on the grid. He doubled up in the Superpole Race but with it being wet in 2020, he’s yet to show his strengths at the track on a Yamaha. Teammate Andrea Locatelli hopes be back on the podium, having established himself as a solid front-runner. He took a WorldSSP win at Magny-Cours in 2020, can he convert that into strong pace in WorldSBK though?
However, if Toprak’s ready for the challenge then so is his title rival Jonathan Rea – he’s won eight races at Magny-Cours, all of them for Kawasaki and apart from 2016, it has been every year. Add on to that the fact he’s been on the podium in all but one race at Magny-Cours on a Kawasaki (Race 2, 2017), then you’d be hard-pushed to find someone with a better track record. However, Rea’s coming into France on the backfoot, having relinquished his Championship lead and, in the last six races, handed 37 points to Razgatlioglu. Both enjoy the track and have already had final lap battles there before. Rea’s teammate Alex Lowes aims to fight for the podium despite a persistent injury, but he was on the podium twice at Magny-Cours for Kawasaki in 2020, so the pace is there.
EYES ON THE PRIZE: Redding and Ducati are back in the race
Edging closer with each round is Scott Redding, as the Ducati star is now 38 points behind the top two in the title race, having been 81 back just six races ago. Redding’s been in top form lately; seven straight podiums and all of them within the top two positions. It’s a devastating run of form which neither Razgatlioglu nor Rea have matched so far this year. Redding’s in the best form of his career and with a win at Magny-Cours in 2020 to keep his title hopes alive, he’s one of the favourites. In stark contrast, teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi had a subdued weekend at Navarra where he took 15 points, but a return to the top six will be welcome at Magny-Cours, as he did in 2020.
BMW AND HONDA: revelation achieved, resurgence required
It was an impressive weekend for BMW at Navarra, as they seemingly found form in the hotter conditions in comparison to where they had come from in the past couple of seasons. Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) achieved his tenth front row for BMW at Navarra and capitalised on that with two top six finishes in Race 1 and the Superpole Race, before taking fifth in Race 2. He was on the front row at Magny-Cours in 2020 as part of BMW’s first ever Superpole 1-2, when Eugene Laverty took pole. On the other side of the garage, Michael van der Mark didn’t have the same weekend as Sykes, with seventh, eighth and ninth being the Dutchman’s results at Navarra. However, six Magny-Cours podiums could propel van der Mark back to the sharp end.
Over at Honda, it was another difficult round endured by Team HRC as Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam worked hard to break into the top ten once again. For Bautista, there was just one point-scoring ride across the weekend with eighth in Race 2, whilst Leon Haslam’s only points came in Race 1 with 13th. Both lie outside the top ten in the Championship but could break into it it this weekend, with Bautista level on points with ex-teammate Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven). However, with no top ten coming in the wet of Magny-Cours in 2020, both Bautista and Haslam aim to get back into the fight for the leading positions in France.
THE INDEPENDENTS: tightening at the top
The Independent battle is as fierce as ever and whilst Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) has taken a slight dip in form across the last two rounds, he’s comfortably clear of the next-best Independent rider Chaz Davies by 43 points. However, closing in on Davies is Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing), who is now just five points behind the Brit and has leapfrogged Leon Haslam in the standings. For Gerloff, he was fast in the rain of Magny-Cours in 2020, whilst Chaz Davies took a double win back in 2016 and won again in 2017. Axel Bassani’s form is somewhat unknown in WorldSBK, but back in World Supersport, he took his best ever finish with fourth in 2016.
The rest of the Independent battle is being fought further down, with Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in 14th place, but going to his home-round full of confidence after two wins in the last three races held at the track in WorldSSP. Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) tackles Magny-Cours for the first time and is three points behind Mahias, whilst Yamaha’s Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) will also go to Magny-Cours for the first time, after what seemed like a bit of a breakthrough at Navarra.
Isaac Viñales (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) returns to action after a positive COVID-19 test prior to Navarra, with Jonas Folger (Bonovo MGM Racing) next up, just five points back. Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport Yamaha) heads for his home round and will hope to impress, whilst Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) aims for points once more. Loris Cresson (OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing) and teammate Jayson Uribe also aim for points, particularly Uribe who is yet to score. Eugene Laverty (RC Squadra Corse) is on the entry list, but he will not be present on track.
Join the conversation across our social channels with #FRAWorldSBK and watch all the drama unfold with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Moor vs Luciano: spectacular Spielberg duel rounds out the season in style
The fight for second overall went all the way to the wire, with the Hungarian coming out on top on track but a penalty then adding some post-race drama
Sunday, 29 August 2021
The 2021 Northern Talent Cup concluded with a spectacular and sunny final chapter in Spielberg. With Rossi Moor (FAIRIUM Next Generation Riders Team) and Lorenz Luciano (Junior Black Knights Team) fighting for second overall in the standings, there was plenty on the line and their duel didn’t disappoint. Pulling away from the pack in the latter stages, the two went toe-to-toe in a fabulous final decider – with Moor just taking it by thousandths. But then there was drama as he got a penalty for his riding after the flag – dropping him to fourth in the race . That means Luciano wins and takes second overall, Kevin Farkas (Agria Racing Team) is second in the race and Jacopo Hosciuc (Hos Racing Team) slots into third to round out the year.
As the lights went out, Moor took the holeshot from pole but 2021 Cup winner Jakub Gurecky (JRT Brno Circuit) made an early move through. Luciano then got back in the mix, with Farkas another name starting to stand out. Still, it was a huge freight train at the front for much of the first half of the race.
By Lap 10, however, simply being at the head of the train had started to turn into a gap for Moor. The number 92 was pushing to break away, but Luciano was on the case. The Belgian tagged onto the back of the Hungarian and went with him, the two carving out some space for a duel to decide the runner up for 2021.
From thereon out, it was war. Clean, aggressive and a real thriller to end the season, the penultimate lap was already a showstopper. Luciano was ahead over the line, Moor attacked at Turn 1, the 81 responded, the 92 found another answer. The last lap started the same, with Luciano ahead, but Moor struck again at Turn 1. But this time the Belgian shoved it up the inside at Turn 3, and after that Moor seemed to hold off.
The Hungarian stayed glued to the back of the Junior Black Knights Team machine ahead, but waited for his moment: Turn 9. Getting it done and able to keep it around the final corner, it came down to the drag to the line and Luciano pulled out to try and slipstream past but the metres ran out. Moor stayed just millimetres ahead to take the final win of the year, or so he thought. But then he was awarded the penalty, seeing the Belgian take the 25 points.
Behind, what had been a few tenths of gap for Farkas became another freight train but he held on to third over the line and second in the end, with Hosciuc close behind as the Romanian got back in the mix after his Long Laps on Saturday. Moor was classified fourth, and Jonas Kocourek (JRT Brno Circuit) took fifth. Loris Veneman (Kahuna Racing) and Cup winner Gurecky came home in P6 and P7 respectively.
Noel Willemsen (MCA Racing Team) took eighth, with Race 1 winner Jordan Bartucca (Allesauto Racing) shuffled down to P9. Ferre Fleerackers (B.art Racing) completed the top ten.
That’s it for 2021 in the Northern Talent Cup. Over seven rounds we’ve seen some incredible races and performances, as well as some impressive progress throughout the field. What will 2022 bring? Time will tell, but for now: congratulations to the class of 2021 on an impressive learning curve and entertaining season of competition!
Jared Mees (9) leads Jeffrey Carver, Jr. (23), Brandon Robinson (44), and Briar Bauman (1) at the Springfield Mile in 2020. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy AFT.
Progressive AFT Bound for Springfield Spectacular
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 30, 2021) – The crown jewel of the 2021 season awaits as Progressive American Flat Track prepares for a monumental Labor Day Weekend double-doubleheader at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, on September 3-5.
The weekend will kick off on Friday evening with the Springfield Short Track Doubleheader, which packs two complete rounds of the tightly fought AFT Singles championship into a single evening. And then Saturday and Sunday will see the big twins head over to the “World’s Fastest Mile” for the Memphis Shades Springfield Mile I & II presented by Law Tigers.
An epic by any measure, this year’s Progressive AFT weekend in Springfield has a bit of added meaning as it represents the end of an era on two fronts.
First, it will mark the final time the “Mile Master,” Bryan Smith (No. 4 Crosley/Howerton Motorsports Indian FTR750) competes at the Springfield Mile after recently announcing his intention to retire at the end of the season. Smith is currently tied with the legendary Bubba Shobert for third all-time in Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Mile victories at 25, nine of which have come at the Springfield Mile. Few could script a better ending to his history with the venue than by going out on top.
Perhaps the single biggest obstacle standing in the way of that sort of storybook ending is long-time rival Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750). Mees has developed into a Mile ace himself in recent seasons, now boasting 18 Mile victories of his own, including three of the last four in Springfield.
Mees, coincidentally, also factors heavily into the other aforementioned era-defining shift. This year’s edition marks the final time that the race will be promoted by Kiesow Racing and IMDA. Kiesow Racing and IMDA resurrected the Springfield Mile in 1981 following a 15-year layoff and, over the past four decades, built it into arguably the most fabled motorcycle dirt track race anywhere in the world. Starting in 2022, Jared and his wife, Nichole, will promote the race, building on the massive success Mees Promotions has enjoyed doing the same for the Lima Half-Mile.
Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) has a leg up on securing a third consecutive Grand National Championship as he powers into Springfield with a 25-point cushion over Mees. While he has two career Mile wins to his name, the champ is still looking for his first Springfield Mile win.
That’s not the case for third-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), who doubled at the venue back in 2013, nor Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750), who was victorious in last year’s Springfield Mile I.
DPR Racing/Brian Bigelow Racing will field a pair of heavy-hitting wild cards in Jeffrey Carver, Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing/DPC Racing/Bryan Bigelow Indian FTR750) and Henry Wiles (No. 17 DPC Racing/Bryan Bigelow Indian FTR750).
Home track hero Carver was the star of one of the more memorable Springfield Miles in recent years when he defeated Mees and Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. to score a hugely popular win in 2018.
Wiles, meanwhile, will make a welcome one-off return to Mission SuperTwins action this weekend as well. The AFT Singles regular needs just one premier-class Mile win to complete the career Grand Slam. He’s come close in the past, including twice finishing as a Mile runner-up during his second-ranked ‘18 season.
Hayden Gillim (No. 59 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R Rev X) is another intriguing wild card. The versatile Gillim is fresh off an impressive fourth-place performance in the AFT Production Twins class at the Peoria TT. He was rewarded for that effort with a shot at the premier-class on a Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R in Springfield.
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines returns to the venue where the class was originally introduced to the world at speed in 2018.
The Memphis Shades Babe DeMay Challenge — a four-lap dash similar to the Mission SuperTwins Mission Challenge — will underline that important historical tie by providing class competitors an opportunity to win an additional $5000 on both Saturday and Sunday.
As always, Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) remains the rider in the crosshairs. While the heavy title favorite is still seeking his first-ever Progressive AFT win at the Springfield Mile, he did enjoy a career highlight here by finishing on the box in the premier class back in 2016.
Reigning AFT Singles champion Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) will look to keep his perfect class podium record intact while providing another glimpse of his future and immense potential on a twin.
‘18 AFT Singles champ Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), meanwhile, comes in riding high after earning his maiden AFT Production Twins victory last weekend in Peoria.
Others to watch include Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/Rausch Fuel Kawasaki Ninja 650) who won at Springfield a year ago, Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), who podiumed the race in 2018 and also comes in hot following a strong effort in Peoria, and Chad Cose (No. 49 Voodoo Ranger/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), who finished second and third in last year’s Springfield Mile I & II.
Speaking of Cose, the Vance & Hines-backed pilot will be joined this weekend by a pair of talented wild cards in Jesse Janisch (No. 96 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson XG750R).
AFT Singles
An already wild AFT Singles title fight has the potential for another titanic shift with two full points-paying rounds taking place in a single night during Friday’s Springfield Short Track Doubleheader.
Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) have traded haymakers as the two rising stars have battled for 450cc supremacy all season long.
Daniels is coming off the roughest weekend of his young professional career, with a pair of crashes in the Peoria TT Main Event. The Springfield ST could serve as a “get-right” evening for the Illinois native, considering he’s finished first, third, and fifth in his only three previous attempts at the race.
Aussie Whale is no slouch on the tight oval either, having earned third- and fourth-place results a year ago.
Henry Wiles (No. 17 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), meanwhile, is among the greatest Short Track riders in the history of the sport. He added to his legend by racking up a pair of Springfield ST second-place results a year ago. His young teammate, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), meanwhile, earned his maiden Progressive AFT win here last year and has threatened to add to his victory tally on more than one occasion this season.
Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Mission Roof Systems KTM 450 SX-F) was the other rider to land on the podium at last year’s Springfield ST. It would come as a surprise to absolutely no one if he manages to do so again next weekend, as that’s something he’s done more than any other rider in the class thus far in 2021.
Four-time premier-class race winner Johnny “Showtime” Murphree will serve as the weekend’s Grand Marshal. Additionally, the Fan Walk will return, with fencing in place to provide safe social distancing while still allowing fans to talk with riders and crew members and get a closeup view of the racebikes.
Tickets for the weekend are available at https://www.springfieldmile.org/Tabs/Events/EventList.aspx. Included among the ticket packages is an option to purchase a Premier Pass for Saturday and/or Sunday that includes a ticket, t-shirt, program, pit pass, along with catered food & beverages.
Friday’s Opening Ceremonies will start at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT ahead of two full Main Event programs. On Saturday and Sunday, gates will open for fans at 9:00 a.m. local time with Opening Ceremonies slated to begin at 2:10 p.m. ET/11:10 a.m. PT. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
The Memphis Shades Springfield Mile I & II presented by Law Tigers will premiere back-to-back on NBCSN on Sunday, September 12, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The Springfield Short Track Doubleheader will air one week later on NBCSN, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Both broadcasts will feature exclusive features and cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage.
A 2021-model Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON PAN AMERICA 1250 SPECIAL BECOMES THE #1 SELLING ADVENTURE TOURING MOTORCYCLE IN NORTH AMERICA
Built to Endure, Designed to Explore, and Engineered for Adventure
MILWAUKEE (August 30, 2021) – Since launching in February 2021, the Pan America™ 1250 Special adventure touring motorcycle has taken the motorcycling world by storm. In creating the Pan America™, Harley-Davidson leveraged its cutting-edge design and engineering capabilities to create both the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special. Today, we are pleased to announce that the Pan America 1250 Special has become the #1 selling adventure touring motorcycle in North America.
Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, CEO and President, Harley-Davidson:
“Taking inspiration from our heritage, we wanted to create a motorcycle that redefined the adventure touring category and most importantly was designed and built in America. With the Pan America Special now the #1 selling ADV motorcycle model in North America, we targeted a selective expansion into adventure touring as part of the Hardwire Strategy with the goal to reach new and existing Harley-Davidson customers. Pan America is squarely built on our mission to deliver a timeless pursuit of adventure for our riders. Those who now own or have tested one of our Pan America’s absolutely love this bike – having sold out of our 2021 allocation, we are excited about what the future has in store for Pan America and for the Adventure Touring category at Harley-Davidson.”
Quartararo wins, Rins second as Aleix Espargaro makes history at Silverstone
The gap at the top increases, Rins gets back on form and Aprilia take a first MotoGP™ podium as six factories finish in the top six for the first time since 1972
Winner Fabio Quartararo (center), runner-up Alex Rins (left), and third-place finisher Aleix Espargaro (right) on the podium at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 29 August 2021
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) unleashed some serious speed at Silverstone on Sunday, the Frenchman on fine form to fight his way through to the lead and then put the hammer down to win the Monster Energy British Grand Prix. Behind, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) stormed through for second place and a podium to bounce back from a tougher season so far, and in third place some history was made: Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) held off Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) to take Aprilia’s first ever podium in the MotoGP™ era.
Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) took the holeshot from pole, with Quartararo initially up into second. But Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was on the move, past Aleix Espargaro into third and then attacking El Diablo. Drama struck just off that fight too as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) came together once with Martin up the inside, and then the eight-time World Champion tried to take it back. With Martin reacting to those ahead to have opened a small gap, the number 93 made it just ahead but then collected the rookie. He apologised and it was deemed a racing incident.
That early race action was still led by Pol Espargaro, with Bagnaia in second and Aleix Espargaro shadowing. The Aprilia then went for the lead but headed wide, and not long after that Quartararo started to make his moves. By 16 to go the Yamaha had worked his way to the front, and from there the hammer went down.
The battle behind raged on, with Pol and Aleix Espargaro ahead of Bagnaia and reigning Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar). Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) was in the mix too, but the rider starting to make serious progress was Rins.
By 13 to go, Rins was into third with Quartararo gone out front and Aleix Espargaro holding strong in second. Pol Espargaro was starting to fade slightly, but the big change was Bagnaia as the number 63 sunk to the back of the group, struggling to stay with them.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), meanwhile, was doing the opposite. The South African was on an absolute Sunday charge once again, and was past Mir and homing in on Pol Espargaro. Bagnaia had dropped well back and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) had moved well forward, as a change up ahead then ultimately decided the podium. Aleix Espargaro headed wide, and Rins needed no second invitation as he moved into second.
Quartararo was gone, and by the final lap the key battle was focused on Aprilia, on the verge of making history. Rins was just out of reach although still tantalisingly close, but Miller was on the march. The Australian struck to momentarily break a thousand Noale hearts, but Aleix Espargaro hit straight back and made it stick. A few apexes were all that remained between the number 41 and history, and he kept ahead for that mythical first podium.
Quartararo made the masterclass look easy but far from it, Rins got back on the box after a tougher 2021 so far, and Aleix Espargaro ended a long, long wait for a podium – for man and machine. Not since 2014 has he been on the box, and Aprilia never have in the MotoGP™ era.
Miller was denied but came home top Ducati, with Pol Espargaro taking fifth and a great result from pole. And sixth went to Binder, the South African raising more eyebrows on race day and adding the final piece in a history-making race: Yamaha, Suzuki, Aprilia, Ducati, Honda and KTM in the top six makes it the first time since 1972 six factories have been in the top six.
Iker Lecuona (Tech 3 KTM Factory Racing) also put in a Sunday stunner to take seventh, not so far from Binder either as the Spaniard leapfrogged compatriot Alex Marquez, who took eighth. In the latter stages Mir faded to ninth, and he was only just ahead of another charging KTM as Tech 3 KTM Factory Racing’s Danilo Petrucci completed the top ten. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) was close behind too in P11, before a slightly bigger gap back to Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama), Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and then Bagnaia, who took P14 in the end. Luca Marini (Avintia VR46) picked up the final point.
After a monster weekend for Quartararo that sees him now sit 65 points clear of Mir in the Championship, the Frenchman seems to be holding most of the cards in 2021. But next up it’s Aragon and good hunting ground for his rivals. Can they fight back next time out? We’ll find out in two weeks!
2 Alex Rins – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – +2.663
3 Aleix Espargaro* – Aprilia Racing Team Gresini – Aprilia – +4.105
*Independent Team rider
Fabio Quartararo: “It feels so good because it has been a tough qualifying. Yesterday I lost confidence, but we knew in FP4 our pace was strong with the medium, I felt great. I will be short, I want to thank the fans, it’s the first time we have them, a lot I mean. Also, it’s the Monster Energy GP it is great to win for all of them and my family and team. Also, my mechanic, who couldn’t come, Daniele, so that one was for him, and I can’t wait to be with the crew and celebrate!”
Gardner wins big in the British GP
The Australian gets back on the top step as he defeats Bezzecchi, with Raul Fernandez crashing out
Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took what could be a crucial victory in the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, the Australian holding off Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) as the Italian was forced to settle for second. Lightech Speed Up’s Jorge Navarro back on the podium in third position to show some more serious speed at Silverstone.
Bezzecchi took the holeshot initially, but home hero Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) was quick to pounce and lead his home race. Navarro was sitting ahead of Gardner and Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on the opening lap but soon, the number 87 was up to P3 as Bezzecchi passed Lowes for the lead.
Gardner then found a way past Lowes for second, with the top five – Bezzecchi, Gardner, Lowes, Navarro and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) – split by less than a second. Raul Fernandez was a second back of the group in P6 as teammate Gardner hit the front. Not for long though. Bezzecchi pounced back half a lap later but on the exit of Turn 14, the Italian was out of the seat and it caused Gardner to sit up but handed him the race lead, with the top five still locked together.
Just after Gardner had set the fastest lap of the race, Bezzecchi scooped up some slipstream and made a pass for the lead stick at Stowe. Bezzecchi, Gardner and Lowes had a 0.8s lead over fourth place Navarro with nine laps to go and Gardner, again at Turn 13, dived up the inside of Bezzecchi. The Aussie was back in the lead.
With four laps to go, huge drama in the Championship chase unfolded. Raul Fernandez suffered a huge crash at Turn 12 and was out of the race, thankfully the Spaniard was back up on his feet. But with Gardner leading and Bezzecchi a close second, the rookie sensation’s title hopes took a big dent.
At the front, Gardner and Bezzecchi were locked together with two laps to go, with Navarro was also getting the better of Lowes for P3. It was close as Bezzecchi set his fastest lap of the race on the penultimate lap, and Navarro setting the fastest lap of the race overall. Stowe and Vale – two big passing places – passed by for Bezzecchi, and pushing hard, he was slightly wide at Turn 13.
In the end, Gardner held on with a fantastic last lap and a fantastic race in general to take a crucial 25 points, with Bezzecchi 0.4s away from the win after pushing the Australian all the way. Navarro claimed a first podium since the 2019 Valencia GP, the Spaniard beating Lowes by 0.3s to deny the latter a home GP podium.
Di Giannantonio faded slightly and just held off 2019 winner Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in the duel to complete the top five, with Aron Canet (Kipin Energy Aspar Team) coming home seventh in some clear air. Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) beat rookie Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) to eighth by mere thousandths, with American Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) completing the top ten for a solid haul of points after a weekend further up the field.
That’s a wrap on Silverstone. Next stop: Aragon! and we don’t have to wait long, as the Gran Premio TISSOT de Aragon fires up in a fortnight… with Raul Fernandez looking to fight back and on home turf.
Moto2™ podium:
1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 37:31.642
2 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – +0.481
Remy Gardner: “I think it was a good day, we brought home the victory. That was a long race, I got the message on the dashboard that Marco was on the soft, and I could see it so I said I would wait and be patient. We were expecting him to drop off because that’s what we experience with the soft tyre but he was there the whole race. When he got back in front of me the last time, I said ok, I’m going to really put the head down and push, and I just managed to open a little gap and he couldn’t catch me and yeah, I brought home the points and yeah, it couldn’t have been a better day to do it. It’s incredible. Honestly, it’s my first podium or win with fans here so that’s something special. I’m just lost for words.”
The Italian Job: flawless Fenati untouchable at Silverstone
The Italian went in as the favourite and kept that mantle to the end for a stunning breakaway win at the British GP
It seemed hard to look past Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) for victory at Silverstone, and on race day the Italian more than proved why. Leading from lights out and initially shadowed by Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy), the number 55 was then able to pull away in the final few laps to take that rarest of prizes: a breakaway Moto3™ win. Antonelli, on return from injury and still riding through the pain barrier, held on for a stunning second, however, with Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) just coming out on top in a duel for third against rookie Izan Guevara (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) after a fabulous race from the Spaniard.
At lights out, Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) was just about able to get alongside Fenati, but the Italian held on round the outside and from there, he never looked back. Antonelli moved up into second to begin his charge, with Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) initially in third as the trio made an early break for it.
By 14 to go, Fenati, Antonelli and Migno were still stuck pretty close together, and the gap back to Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) at the head of the fight for fourth was already up to nearly a second and a half. But heartbreak would then hit for Migno as the Italian pulled off the track with an issue – leaving Fenati and Antonelli with even more space back to the chasing pack.
The chasing pack was then one group fighting for third ahead of a bigger gap back to the battle for tenth, which included Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and closest challenger Sergio Garcia (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team). After some early progress the two then watched the group ahead escape, making it a handful of points up for grabs in their battle at the top.
Back at the front, the Fenati-Antonelli duo pounded on. Over three seconds clear and pretty well matched on rhythm, there wasn’t much to choose between the two. But as the laps ticked on Antonelli, riding through the pain barrier, started to fade slightly – just as Foggia and Guevara managed to pull away from the group battle behind them.
Over the final two laps, Fenati really hammered home the advantage and crossed the line over a second and a half clear, putting in as close to perfect a Moto3™ race weekend as possible. Antonelli held on to second and although the gap was coming down rapidly on the last couple of laps, Foggia and Guevara had their own duel to focus on.
The rookie was able to strike and take over in third, but Foggia found an answer. And from there, the number 28 stayed glued to the rear tyre of the Leopard machine, but there was no way through. It went down to Woodcote and Guevara tried the inside line on the drag to the line, but it wasn’t quite enough. Foggia takes anther podium, but Guevara’s fourth is his best result so far and rounded out a fabulous race from the rookie.
The battle for fifth behind them was won by Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) as he pipped Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with Darryn Binder forced to settle for seventh. There was then another even bigger gap back to the battle for eighth, with Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) winning that ahead of front row starter Riccardo Rossi (BOE Owlride).
Another gap back to a crucial fight behind saw Carlos Tatay (Avintia Esponsorama Moto3) able to gain a bit of breathing space for tenth, with Acosta classified 11th after a one position penalty for John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing), the number 17 taking P12 despite some early drama that dropped him back. Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), Filip Salac (CarXpert PrüstelGP) and Rodrigo completed the points, with Garcia losing out late on and taking P16.
A different Moto3™ race with two riders in a class of their own brings the lightweight running to a close at Silverstone. It’s next stop Aragon, so come back for more in two weeks!
Moto3™ podium
1 Romano Fenati – Sterilgarda Max Racing Team – Husqvarna – 37:26.974
Romano Fenati: “I’m not happy! Haha. No, I’m REALLY happy, it’s amazing, every session first, my race was for sure fantastic, but also the work with my team, the team did an amazing job, so I’m not happy. I’m MUCH MORE than happy! Now we have to think about the next race, for sure it’s not easy to do another weekend like this, but for sure it’s the target. We have to do like this because we can do it, and I trust my team and my bike.”
The Swiss rider secures his first victory at the Red Bull Ring, with Gurecky taking tenth and that enough to wrap up the crown
Saturday, 28 August 2021
At a wet but sunny Red Bull Ring, Race 1 of the final round for the 2021 Northern Talent Cup delivered a thriller. Allesauto Racing’s Jordan Bartucca emerged to take a maiden win in some style, with the podium then decided at the flag as the field streamed out of the final corner a few riders wide. Loris Veneman (Kahuna Racing) held the upper hand and took second for his first podium, with Tibor Varga (Forty Racing Team) on the box for the first time this season in third, both decided by thousandths. A little off the lead, Jakub Gurecky (JRT Brno Circuit) wrapped up the crown with a solid ride to tenth, more than enough given his lead heading in.
Off the line it was Lorenz Luciano (Junior Black Knights Team) who got the best start from second to take the holeshot, getting ahead of polesitter Rossi Moor (FAIRIUM Next Generation Riders Team) as Gurecky took it steady and dropped back a few places early on – needing little to make sure he could take the Cup. Luciano immediately started making a gap, but Dustin Schneider (PrüstelGP Junior Team) was on the case and the German was soon through into the lead.
Bartucca, meanwhile, had already stormed through into second, leaving Luciano in third. And the Belgian had a Long Lap penalty to take, as did Moor, with both diving in at the start of Lap 2. Bartucca then struck for the lead too, taking over ahead of Schneider, with Varga in third as some favourites begun to emerge from the shuffle.
As the laps ticked on, a lead group of Bartucca, Schneider, Varga, Ferre Fleerackers (B.art Racing), Kevin Farkas (Agria Racing Team), Noel Willemsen (MCA Racing Team) and Kas Beekmans (Team KNMV) were breaking away, with Veneman on the chase. By Lap 9 Fleerackers crashed out, rider ok, but it remained seven in the group as Veneman had won the chase and was now on the case.
As steam rose from the wet track under the beaming sun, Bartucca remained ahead but Veneman was making moves. And as the pack streamed onto the final lap, it was the Dutchman leaving Turn 1 in the lead, with Varga right behind him. But Bartucca had other ideas and the Swiss rider slammed up the inside of both at Turn 3, pulling it off in style to take back over in front.
From there, he got the hammer down and was just able to keep some breathing space to the line. Behind there was none, however, with the podium decided on the line. Veneman took second, with Varga just 0.064 off, but it was Willemsen who really lost out in the shuffle, off the podium by just 0.006 and forced to settle for fourth.
Schneider completed the top five ahead of Farkas, with Beekmans at the back of the front group by the flag. Then there was a bigger gap back to Martin Vincze (Chrobák Motorsport Egyesület), with Luciano just behind the Hungarian after serving the Long Lap. And next up came Gurecky, keeping it steady to complete the top ten and complete an impressive season in the NTC, lifting the crown by some margin on Saturday.
Moor took 12th in the end, and the focus will now shift to the battle for second. The Hungarian is just two points behind Luciano going into Race 2, so who will be the 2021 runner up? We’ll find out at 11:10 (GMT +2) when the NTC race for the final time this season.
Jakub Gurecky, the 2021 Northern Talent Cup Champion. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Gurecky wins the 2021 Northern Talent Cup
Jakub Gurecky put together a stunning season in 2021, starting the year with four wins in the first six races and taking an early points lead. Some of his wet weather performances stood out as something extra special too, with the Czech rider routinely carving out his own postcode in the lead.
The second half of the season has seen Lorenz Luciano and Rossi Moor fight back in the standings, but Gurecky kept calm and carried on to take the Cup in the penultimate race of the season with 49 points in hand. Now there’s one more race to run, and the pressure is off.
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