Precision Track Day Gears Up For 2025 With New Programs

John Ulrich

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January 28, 2025

Precision Track Day Gears Up For 2025 With New Programs

Precision Track Day Season: Exciting Events, Coaching, and Community Awaits You

Precision Track Day, the Southeast’s premier motorcycle track day provider, is turning up the throttle this season with a packed calendar of events, personalized coaching, and innovative programs aimed at making riders faster, safer, and smarter. Whether you’re new to the track or chasing your next personal best, there’s something here for everyone—and we can’t wait to welcome you.

Highlights of the Season

Yamaha Champions Racer School Comes to CMP – Feb 22, 23, 24
Join the world-renowned Yamaha Champions Racer School (YCRS) at Carolina Motorsports Park (CMP) and learn from the best. Designed to improve riders of all skill levels, this program delivers life-saving, game-changing and performance-enhancing lessons taught by top-notch instructors.

1-on-1 Coaching
We’re all about building better riders. That’s why we’re offering 1-on-1 coaching tailored to your goals—whether it’s improving lap times, mastering body positioning, or building confidence. Our coaches are here to help you make real progress, one turn at a time.

Yamaha Demo Rides + BBQ Dinner

● Demo Rides: Try Yamaha’s latest bikes at CMP and feel the cutting-edge technology firsthand.

● BBQ Dinner: After a day on the track, connect with fellow riders over a delicious BBQ and share the stories that bring us all together.

Mini Bikes at AMP: A Game-Changer for Rider Development

This season, we’re introducing mini bike sessions at Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP)—and they’re not just for fun. Mini bikes are one of the best tools to refine core skills, like throttle control and braking, in a safe and approachable way. Whether you’re riding minis exclusively or splitting time with your full-sized bike, you’ll see improvements that carry over to every ride.

Over 60 Track Days This Season

With 60+ events on the schedule, there’s always an opportunity to ride. From novice programs to advanced sessions, we’ve created experiences tailored to every level.

● Yamaha Champions Racer School Info: Learn More at https://precisiontrackday.org/race-certification-school/champschool-racer/

● Full Track Day Schedule: View at https://precisiontrackday.org/upcoming-track-days/

Why Riders Love Precision Track Day

● Arrive and Ride: Effortless track days with rentals from Lean Machines and Track Bike Rentals.

● Skill-Level Grouping: 4 groups, 20 minute sessions, to match your pace and keep you safe.

● Relaxed Novice Program: Step-by-step guidance for beginners to build confidence.

● Professional Coaching: Learn from accomplished individual who are as approachable as they are skilled

● Catered Meals: Free meals at select events—because riding takes fuel.

Safety Meets Fun

At Precision Track Day, your safety is our top priority. With professional instruction, comprehensive protocols, and a welcoming community, every track day is an opportunity to grow as a rider and create lasting memories.

Join the Action

Whether you’re here for the thrill, the learning, or the camaraderie, Precision Track Day is your place to ride, improve, and connect.

Contact:
Fahad Khan
[email protected]
+1 770 313 6797
See you at the track!

World Superbike: Razgatlioglu Tops Portimao Testing

Michael Gougis

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January 28, 2025

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World Superbike: Razgatlioglu Tops Portimao Testing

The second private test of the season is underway at Portimao, following last week’s session in Jerez. This two-day event serves as the final opportunity for teams to fine-tune their setups ahead of the season opener in Australia. Wet conditions and the lack of a dry racing line prompted many teams to delay testing until midday when the weather improved.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) is back on track, testing BMW’s new bike after missing the Jerez test due to a training injury. The Turkish rider injured his right index finger three weeks ago but is now eager to make up for lost time. “It is important to me that we find a setup before Phillip Island,” Razgatlioglu said, underlining the significance of this final pre-season test. He smashed the fastest time of the day with just 10 minutes left in the session, while teammate Michael van der Mark continued his work with the new BMW M1000RR, finishing P10.

Both Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) and Axel Bassani are experiencing the Portuguese circuit aboard the KB998 for the first time. Bassani impressed by claiming the second-fastest time on Tuesday.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) was the fastest Ducati rider on Tuesday, securing the third-fastest time overall. Teammate Alvaro Bautista tested a new Ducati exhaust and recorded a best lap of 1’42.141s, despite a minor slide at Turn 7 during the afternoon session. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) also performed well, finishing within the top 10.

Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was the lead Yamaha rider, finishing fourth and becoming the last rider to clock a lap within the 1’40s. Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) followed closely in fifth, as Yamaha continues to refine its package for Phillip Island.

Continuing his strong work from Jerez, Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) concluded Day 1 in seventh place. His teammate, Iker Lecuona, made his 2025 debut at Portimao after recovering from an injury, marking an important step in his pre-season preparation.

Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) was the fastest rookie, finishing in P15, with Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) not far behind in P17 and P18, respectively.

In WorldSSP, Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) set the pace, followed by Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team), Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing), and Michael Rinaldi (GMT94 Yamaha), as the trio continued adapting to their new respective teams.

Test_Day_FEEL_RACING_TEST_28_01_2025_Results

World Superbike: Injured Razgatlioglu Returns To Action

Michael Gougis

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January 28, 2025

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World Superbike: Injured Razgatlioglu Returns To Action

As the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship prepares for a second January test, this time at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) is aiming for his first day on the bike in 2025. A finger injury sustained in training meant he missed the Jerez test last week but ‘El Turco’ is on site in Portugal and hoping to test at Portimao on the new M 1000 RR.

The first signs of Razgatlioglu’s injury came during the BMW launch in Berlin and the #1 spoke ahead of the Portimao test about how his hand is feeling. He stated: “It’s not bad, getting better every day but a little slowly. After the big injury, I had an operation and only 20 or 21 days ago, but it’s still new. I need to ride the bike because I need to try the new bike and we need to improve. In general, I’m very happy to come back to the circuit again. I’m still not 100% but I hope I’m feeling good on the bike and riding like real Toprak. The most important thing is how I’m feeling on the brakes because I’m always hard braking. We’ll see how it’s feeling with the broken finger. The team’s very happy when I come back, and I hope we start strongly. The doctors say after three months, you’ll be feeling like normal, but my biggest target at Phillip Island is to move my feeling almost 90%, because this is very important. Now, the feeling doesn’t move like the old style and if I’m like it’s moving a lot, this is perfect for me.”

A custon Dainese glove to allow Toprak Razgatlioglu to ride with a finger injury. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

With Razgatlioglu carrying an injury, his BMW team have brought two different gloves to Portimao that will help assist him under braking. One puts two fingers together in one in the glove, while the other keeps them all separate but is slightly bigger for the injured finger. Discussing his approach for the test and the gloves, Razgatlioglu said: “Before Phillip Island, this is the last test. I need to ride the bike to understand the balance as it’s a new bike. Mickey’s also riding the new bike, but I need to ride, the team are also waiting for my comments. I hope I’m not feeling any pain on the bike. This is good as we’ll start the test on the bike, and this is important for me to find some setup maybe or improve for Phillip Island. Everyone is here which is good, but I don’t need the risk; I just need to understand the bike because my finger still isn’t 100%. I don’t need to crash; this is the important thing! I have two different special gloves. In the morning I’ll start to try, and I hope they help. One glove is for two fingers together for braking, one is like normal just one finger is big.”

With a bit of time between the Portimao test and the Official Test at Phillip Island, the two-time WorldSBK Champion provided some details about his recovery plan to be as close to full fitness as possible for Australia – including how he’ll have a 130 kilometre drive every day to go to physio. He said: “After the test, I’ll go back to Turkey and immediately go to the physio. The physio is Istanbul, I live in Sakarya. It’s 130km every day I go to Istanbul! It’s for my finger and it’s a very important finger, the braking finger. Every day, I go to Istanbul and go back home.”

Intro: 2025 Husqvarna 801 Vitpilen

Michael Gougis

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January 28, 2025

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The Roadster, Swedish-Style

By Michael Gougis

When the Husqvarna rep told us that the 2025 Vitpilen 801 was based on a “shared platform” with the KTM 790 Duke, I smiled a little inside. I’m a huge fan of the Duke. So yeah, when I learned that I’d be spending the day riding a bike a lot like a Duke, I was happy.

A day of ripping the new Vitpilen along the coast and up one of Southern California’s most well-known mountain roads delivered pretty much exactly what I’d expected. If you’re on a light, torquey, good-handling bike on a twisty back road in good weather and you’re not having fun, well, it’s not the bike!

In short: The Vitpilen is the biggest naked roadster in the Husqvarna lineup, and its first Twin. They say it’s designed for an urban environment, much like its redesigned smaller sibling, the 401 Vitpilen. But it’s more powerful, has a much better power-to-weight ratio, and is designed to deliver more performance in a broader range of uses while still remaining accessible and friendly.

Vitpilen Tech

Husqvarna’s Vitpilen 801 (and the scrambler-esque-styled Svartpilen 801) share the LC8c 799cc four-stroke, DOHC Parallel Twin engine with the 790 Duke. The company claims 105 bhp and 64.2 lbs.-ft. of torque for the Husqvarnas, right in line with the output of the last 790 Duke we had on the dyno. A pair of 46mm throttle bodies handles intake duties; a 2-1 stainless steel exhaust system gets rid of the burned gasses.

Standard, the bike comes with three ride modes, Sport, Street and Rain, each with a pre-set throttle response and traction control setting. Cornering ABS is standard, and the rider can engage Supermoto mode, which deactivates ABS at the rear wheel. The optional, extra-cost Dynamic Mode on the bike I rode makes the throttle response sharper and more responsive, and includes 10-position traction control; five-position wheelie control; and electronic engine braking. A clutchless up-and-down-shift system is available as an additional, separate option, and was also on the bike I rode. An assisted slipper clutch comes standard.

The steel twin-spar frame is shared with the Duke, with a nearly flat handlebar and a 32.9-inch seat height. Four-piston, radial-mount J.Juan calipers clamp a pair of 300mm discs in the front, with a single-piston J.Juan caliper and a 240mm disc handling rear braking. With no fuel but with all other fluids, the bike weighs a claimed 396.8 pounds.

The biggest functional difference between the Vitpilen and the Duke is the suspension. The Vitpilen’s inverted WP forks add adjustable rebound and compression damping, and the WP monoshock has adjustable rebound damping and preload. The adjustments are simple and broad. Moving the adjusters one click makes a significant difference in suspension behavior.

Oh yes, the styling. Remember that Husqvarna’s roots are deeply Swedish, as is its name; Vitpilen translates into White Arrow (and Svartpilen into Black Arrow). The Vitpilen manages to look unique and attractive in its own way, with a minimalist, solid visage that conveys the emotional concept the designers sought to project. It looks mechanical, bulbous, and sleek all at once, with the silver (not white) color scheme, I think, emphasizing the feeling of something mechanized. I’ve seen this in neo-dystopian films. It can make a rider want to wear all-black leather gear to complete the look, and Mad Max-ish apparel wouldn’t appear out of place. But yes, I like it very much, thank you.

Riding The Vitpilen

Light weight and a narrow inseam make the Vitpilen confidence-inspiring for the newer rider coming off a stoplight. The throttle pull is light and the engine responsive (I rode in Dynamic Mode and Sport Mode all day), and the clutch lever is equally easy to operate when leaving a stop. The clutchless shifting system was enabled on our test units, and it operated well over a wide range of riding situations, so clutching is minimal anyway. My only complaint was that the clutchless shifting was a little clunky for low-rpm shifts.

The solution, of course, is to avoid low rpm situations (ahem). The compact Twin spins happily, with real thrust all the way through the rev range, and it’s one of those sweet spot motors that encourages getting aggressive with the throttle without worrying about overdoing it. Like I said, I thoroughly enjoy this engine. It pulled hard out of corners, quickly whipped up to redline, the electronic shifts smooth and seamless.

Even with the upgraded forks, the suspension still feels unsophisticated. It’s either compliant or controlled, but never both, and with the damping dialed up to keep the chassis stable, response (at the rear in particular) can be a bit jarring. On smooth pavement, the stiff-enough chassis, swingarm, and forks allowed me to flick the bike around, confidently and almost effortlessly making mid-corner corrections when the road caught me off-guard. I could rip this thing around a tight, twisty circuit all day and be ready to do it again tomorrow. The brakes did everything I wanted them to on the street, and the chassis, suspension and geometry allowed me to trail-brake into corners without upsetting the bike.

It’s not uncommon for motorcycle manufacturers to offer similar platforms in a variety of styles. I’ve always liked the Duke platform the Vitpilen is based on. In restyling the machine into a Husqvarna, the designers have lost nothing of its functionality and fun, and created an entirely different aesthetic attractive to a different set of existing and potential riders. That’s a win on every front.

Suggested retail is $10,499.

Canadian Superbike: Champ Ben Young joins Honda Canada

John Ulrich

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January 28, 2025

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Reigning Canadian Superbike Champ Ben Young joins Honda Canada for 2025 National Racing Campaign

In an exciting move sure to shake up the Canadian Superbike championship, Honda Canada has signed 2024 Bridgestone CSBK National Superbike champion Ben Young of Collingwood, Ontario. Ben will proudly sport the Number One plate on his 2025 Honda CBR1000RR-SP in the five-round CSBK National Championship this season.

Four-time Canadian National Pro Superbike Champion Young, the Scottish-born, most successful racer of the current era, will have a pair of the top Honda sports machines to support his effort to continue to control the CSBK National Championship tour.

Young has agreed to represent Honda Canada for two years, for the 2025 and 2026 Championship series. Also representing Honda on the Pro Superbike Feature class grid is David McKay on the Snow City Cycle Marine CBR1000RR-SP, the former Pro Sport Bike middle weight National Champ heading into his second year aboard a liter-bike Honda.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to represent Honda, and it will be a great challenge for our team and of course for me as a rider to make the most of the CBR as soon as possible,” smiles Young, who last raced for the famed manufacturer on a Honda RS125 pure race single-cylinder two-stroke machine more than a decade ago.

“Prior to the opening National round at Shannonville Motorsport Park May 17 and 18, we will be working flat out to get our two machines ready and then head on track to start developing our new Honda equipment, ideally on circuits in both eastern and western Canada.”

The 2025 Series will feature five rounds with two races per event, with a total of ten races offering Championship points in the series sanctioned by the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) and CMA (Canadian Motorcycle Association) and organized by CSBK. The Championship first took place in 1980, and this year’s races will be televised on both The Sports Network – TSN and affiliate Reseau des Sports – RDS in French.

Ben Young’s new Hondas will be prepared by his existing technical team, the same duo that have supported the 31-year-old since his switch to the Canadian series aboard the 1000cc, production-based Superbike machines back in 2016. Alberta’s Willie Vass and Ontario-based Scott Cartier are already involved with the build program for their CBR1000RR-SP machinery.

“We are absolutely ecstatic to be able to bring a champion like Ben Young on board to represent Honda Canada in CSBK action this season,” explains Larry Lamanna, Honda Canada’s Manager, Sales and Field Operations, Motorcycles. “In off-road, we have Dylan Wright and Ryan McNabb who are leading the Honda Canada/Gopher Dunes Racing/Fox program in the Triple Crown Series Canadian Nationals, so we have potential Champions representing Honda in both major disciplines of two wheeled action in Canada. We are always racing to win and couldn’t be more excited to start the season.”

The most recent success for Honda in the Canadian National Superbike Championship came with Jodi Christie, who earned the title on an Accelerated Tech CBR1000RR in 2014. Prior to that, the series’ most successful pilot, Jordan Szoke, had the first ever perfect season to take the Number One plate for the Fast Company CBR squad in 2010. Canadian legend Steve Crevier also earned the National crown for Honda Canada back in 2000 and 2001 aboard the legendary Honda RC51 V-Twin.

Van Dolder’s Home Team, a long-time supporter of Young’s career, will continue as the title sponsor of the new Honda superbike effort, with additional, ongoing backing from Parts Canada, Scot Build, Hindle Exhausts, Clearlite, Bickle Racing and DP Brakes and Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals.

The new Honda squad will be presented for the first time at Moto Canada’s Toronto Motorcycle and Powersports Show at the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place, February 14-16.

Honda Canada Motorcycles
Honda Canada Inc. was established in 1969 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATV and side-by-sides in Canada. The Honda Canada Motorcycle Division is responsible for sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers.

2025 Loudon Classic Purse Sets A New Record At $400,000 (Updated)

John Ulrich

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January 27, 2025

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2025 Loudon Classic Purse Sets A New Record At $400,000 (Updated)

A New Record Purse For The 2025 Loudon Classic

$60,000 Goes To The Winner!

The purse for the Loudon Classic, Americas oldest motorcycle road race, will break yet another record in 2025. The landmark 100th Classic set a high water mark for American road racing in 2023 with a record $250,000 purse, followed up with an even more impressive $300,000 up for grabs in 2024. The 102nd Loudon Classic will now spread an incredible $400,000 purse among four classes during the June 13-15 event this year.

John Grush, Executive Director of NEMRR noted “We want to offer an opportunity to build our sport by offering a truly unique opportunity for both top professional and local racers. The record-breaking purse draws signficant attention from the media both in and out of our industry, and the money for riders and teams can help fund their overall racing efforts for the whole season. We’re incredibly proud to be able to offer such an opportunity for positive exposure for our riders and the sport as a whole.”

The four spotlight races are scheduled as Saturday features for the three-day event. The Classic Main event will pay out $285,000 and will feature the NEMRR premier Middleweight GP class and add in Moto America Supersport Gen 2 machines. The top 32 qualifiers will make the field and the 2025 Classic winner will take home a record-breaking $60,000!

The podium after the featured race at the 2024 Loudon Classic, with winner Hayden Gillim flanked by third-place Bobby Fong (left) and second-place Ty Scott (right). Photo courtesy NEMRR.

New for 2025 is the Streetfighter class, which will showcase naked twin and three-cylinder motorcycles and boast an impressive $100,000 total purse.

Included in the total purse for the Classic and Streetfighter classes are $25,000 and $10,000 respective bonus money for local riders.

NEMRR will also bring back the popular Pro Thunderbike and 500 Superbike classes for 2025, with each class posting a $7,500 purse.

Registration will open for all classes on February 1st, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. EST. The rules for each class are currently posted on the Loudon Classic section on the front page of the www.nemrr.com website.

There are QR codes at the end of the supplemental regulation sheet for each class that link to a registration page that will again open on February 1 – those links will be disabled until that time.

Entries are limited to 60 riders for the Loudon Classic and 48 riders for the Streetfighter class. For questions riders should contact NEMRR at 603-738-2190 or email [email protected].

2025 Loudon Classic Purse

Aprilia All Stars 2025 Set For Verona Expo

Michael Gougis

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January 27, 2025

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Aprilia All Stars 2025 Set For Verona Expo

Aprilia has announced the date of the Aprilia All Stars 2025 at the Verona Motor Bike Expo.

The big Aprilia party will be held on Sunday 1 June at the Misano World Circuit. The event,
which is totally free to attend, is set to be incredible, with visitors able to take a closer look at the magnificent Aprilia RS-GP bikes racing in the MotoGP world championship, as well as meeting the Aprilia Racing riders, both from the Factory Team and the Trackhouse Racing Team: MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, test rider Lorenzo Savadori and Trackhouse Team riders Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura.

These amazing riders will showcase their skills on the track, and alongside the great champions of Aprilia’s history, led by Max Biaggi, they will also step into the spotlight in the paddock: in true Aprilia All Stars tradition, they will join thousands of fans to celebrate Aprilia, the European manufacturer with the most victories in the motorcycle world championship – a grand total of 298 GP wins.

Elsewhere, there will be plenty of space dedicated to off-road bikes too, with the Aprilia Tuareg Rally, queen of the desert, which dominated in the recent Africa Eco Race, plus the entire offroad team, with riders Jacopo Cerutti, Francesco Montanari and Marco Menichini.

As ever, Aprilia All Stars will be a fabulous party: visitors to the paddock will be constantly
entertained by the brilliant test rides, enabling everyone to try out the range of Aprilia motorcycles on the roads of the Romagna region – once again free of charge.

The Racing Museum, which is home to the race bikes that shaped the legend of the celebrated Italian brand, will be a must-see for every enthusiast.

KTM Introduces 390 SMC R Supermoto

Mathilde Gasnier

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January 27, 2025

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For 2025, the supermoto segment receives a welcome addition in the shape of the KTM 390 SMC R.

This small-capacity SMC R model offers the accessibility and ease of use of a compact single-cylinder motorcycle while providing dynamic riding experiences with real-world usability – with true READY TO RACE attitude.

The KTM 390 SMC R brings supermoto thrills to a wider audience. Boasting long travel suspension, 17” wheels, grippy Michelin Power 6 tires, and a specifically curated selection of rider aids and tech, it provides sporty riding in an accessible, rider-friendly package.

A new 2-piece steel trellis frame design is based on the Gen 3 platform shared with the smaller-capacity DUKE models, but features a different steering head angle, triple clamps, subframe mounts, and rigidity profile, purposely engineered for improved handling, control and stability.

Its 43mm WP APEX open cartridge front fork, offering 230mm of travel, pairs perfectly with the off-center WP APEX shock absorber to deliver nothing less than effortless handling. Compression and rebound adjustability on the fork allow for quick tuning in convenient 5-click increments—no tools required—while the rear boasts adjustable rebound properties with 20 clicks.

Setting the benchmark for the smaller displacement supermoto segment, the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R features selectable Ride Modes. The default setting is STREET, while SPORT Mode is there to further connect the throttle to the rear wheel for committed supermoto cornering. And for riders looking for even more control, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) can also be turned off completely.

Powerful 320mm radial brakes on the front and 240mm single piston brakes on the back put supermoto stopping power at your fingertips. Dual channel ABS is standard thanks to the Bosch 10.3MB Modulator. If a rider selects SPORT Mode, he or she can choose between Road, Supermoto or Supermoto+ ABS.

The KTM 390 SMC R comes with a new 4.2-inch TFT dashboard with a unique UI specially designed for the compact screen size. Made from bonded glass, the TFT also features a polarization coating to reduce glare and improve readability on bright days. The new dashboard supports the standard connectivity function which enables a music player via the KTM Connect App, the ability to answer incoming calls, and turn-by-turn navigation.

The all-new 2025 KTM 390 SMC R will be hitting showroom floors in early 2025. For more information, visit ktm.com.

World Superbike: Yamaha Presents 2025 Riders, Livery

Michael Gougis

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January 27, 2025

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World Superbike: Yamaha Presents 2025 Riders, Livery

Yamaha Motor Europe has presented its rider line-up for the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship as anticipation builds for the season opener at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Australia next month.

An unchanged rider line-up for both the fresh look Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team and GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team again sees four world champions set to take on the 2025 campaign aboard the Yamaha R1.

2025 marks the tenth year of collaboration between Pata Snack, Yamaha Motor Europe and the Crescent Yamaha team on the WorldSBK project, which has seen a multitude of success over the past decade including victory in the 2021 rider, team and manufacturer championships.

Six-time world champion Jonathan Rea returns for a second season with the official Yamaha team. with a year of learning under his belt with the R1 and the wider team, 37-year-old Rea is determined to make a step forward in 2025, looking to return to the sharp end and add to a sterling record that has already secured his place in the record books as the most successful rider in WorldSBK history.

The Northern Irishman is once again joined in the team by 2020 Supersport world champion Andrea Locatelli, who will be looking to consolidate progress made in 2024 to search for further podium success. The 28-year-old secured five podium finishes in 2024, including coming tantalisingly close to a maiden WorldSBK victory in the season opener at Phillip Island.

Lining up with GYTR GRT Yamaha for the third consecutive year, Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter are fired up and raring to go as the new campaign gets underway. Gardner, who won the Moto2 World Championship in 2021, achieved his maiden WorldSBK podium in 2024 and will be looking to fight for rostrums more consistently in 2025.

After a 2024 season blighted by illness and injury, two-times Supersport World Champion Aegerter will be keen to return to the form that saw him fighting regularly in the top six in 2023.

Ahead of the final European test in Portimão, the covers have come off the R1 machines Rea, Locatelli, Gardner and Aegerter will campaign in 2025.

Pata Snack returns as the title sponsor of Yamaha’s official WorldSBK squad for a tenth consecutive season, with their distinctive logo not only featuring prominently on the bikes of the official team, but also the R1s campaigned by the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. Pata’s valued partnership with Yamaha extends throughout the classes with the Italian snack manufacturer also the title sponsor of the Pata Yamaha Ten Kate WorldSSP Supported Team.

Harris MAXUS, a brand of the leading commercial vehicle distribution company in the UK and Ireland, the Harris Group, joins the Official Yamaha WorldSBK Team as co-title partner for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Elsewhere on the grid, a fifth world champion joins Yamaha’s ranks in WorldSBK for 2025 as the Yamaha MotoXRacing Team expand to a two-rider effort for the upcoming season, fielding 2014 Moto2 World Champion Esteve ‘Tito’ Rabat alongside Turkish young gun and former Yamaha BLU CRU Rider, Bahattin Sofuoğlu, who is set to make his WorldSBK debut in the coming season.

Pata Maxus Yamaha are joined on track at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve by GYTR GRT Yamaha and Yamaha MotoxRacing for a final European pre-season test (27-29 January) before flying to Australia next month. Once ‘down under’, teams will undergo one final pre-season test at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (17-18 February) before the season’s first races get underway between 21-23 February.

“2025 marks a significant milestone for Yamaha as we celebrate ten years since our return to the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2016, alongside a decade of invaluable partnership with Pata Snack. While our results in 2024 fell short of expectations, the dedication and collaborative effort from our engineers, the wider YME management team, our riders and our teams has been unwavering. Over the winter, everyone has been working hard to make a step forward for 2025 and encouraging progress in winter testing fuels our confidence as we prepare for another year of racing. The competition in WorldSBK is at a really high level, so we are excited for another year of close, thrilling battles on track.”

— Andrea Dosoli, Division Manager, Motorsport Division, Yamaha Motor Europe

“It is an impressive statistic to have five world champions on the R1 as we head into WorldSBK 2025. Jonathan’s career achievements speak for themselves as he is the most successful rider in WorldSBK history. While last season presented challenges for him, his determination and resilience are second to none and a year of experience with the R1 will undoubtedly prove important. Andrea enters his fifth season with Yamaha in WorldSBK, having already demonstrated his ability to compete at the front. We are confident he will continue to build on his impressive performances.

“Consistency is hugely important in racing, and with Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter continuing with the GYTR GRT Yamaha Team for a third consecutive season, the team is well-positioned to hit the ground running. Both riders have shown great promise in the last two years.

“We are also excited to see the Yamaha MotoxRacing Team expand to two bikes on the 2025 WorldSBK grid, featuring the experienced 2014 Moto2 World Champion Tito Rabat and the dynamic Turkish talent Bahattin Sofuoğlu.

“Thanks for the effort from all of our teams, we eagerly anticipate the start of what promises to be an exciting 2025 season!”

— Niccolò Canepa, Road Racing Sporting Manager, Motorsport Division, Yamaha Motor Europe

SportBike Track Time Opening Its 2025 Season At NCM

John Ulrich

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January 27, 2025

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SportBike Track Time Opening Its 2025 Season At NCM

IT’S ALMOST HERE!

We’re counting down the days until Sportbike Track Time’s first event of 2025, and we hope to see you there! Join both the northern and southern staff for this one of a kind event at NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16.

Registration is available at https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/tracktime/NCM021525 and at https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/NCM021625

Single day garages may be available on a first come, first serve basis at the Holley Tower upon arrival at the track. Reservations for single day garage rental are not accepted. Single day power/camping is first come, first serve and is paid to the track directly upon arrival.

Registration for other events is available at https://www.sportbiketracktime.com/

UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS

NCM Motorsports Park
Saturday, February 15
Sunday, February 16

Talladega GP
Friday, February 21
Race Certificate Class available

Talladega GP
Saturday, March 15
Sunday, March 16 (Backwards)

Barber Motorsports Park
Saturday, March 29
1:1 Instruction available
Sunday, March 30
1:1 Instruction available
Monday, March 31

Barber Motorsports Park
Monday, April 7

Talladega GP
Friday, April 11
Race Certificate Class available

Barber Motorsports Park
Saturday, April 19
1:1 Instruction available
Sunday, April 20
1:1 Instruction available

Grattan Raceway
Saturday, April 19
Sunday, April 20
Race Certificate Class available

Precision Track Day Gears Up For 2025 With New Programs

January 28, 2025

0125 Precision TD PR IMG_7260 — Precision Track Day coaches and riders gear up for exciting laps around CMP. Photo by Joshua Barnett/Apex Photography.

Precision Track Day Season: Exciting Events, Coaching, and Community Awaits You

Precision Track Day, the Southeast’s premier motorcycle track day provider, is turning up the throttle this season with a packed calendar of events, personalized coaching, and innovative programs aimed at making riders faster, safer, and smarter. Whether you’re new to the track or chasing your next personal best, there’s something here for everyone—and we can’t wait to welcome you.

Highlights of the Season

Yamaha Champions Racer School Comes to CMP – Feb 22, 23, 24
Join the world-renowned Yamaha Champions Racer School (YCRS) at Carolina Motorsports Park (CMP) and learn from the best. Designed to improve riders of all skill levels, this program delivers life-saving, game-changing and performance-enhancing lessons taught by top-notch instructors.

1-on-1 Coaching
We’re all about building better riders. That’s why we’re offering 1-on-1 coaching tailored to your goals—whether it’s improving lap times, mastering body positioning, or building confidence. Our coaches are here to help you make real progress, one turn at a time.

Yamaha Demo Rides + BBQ Dinner

● Demo Rides: Try Yamaha’s latest bikes at CMP and feel the cutting-edge technology firsthand.

● BBQ Dinner: After a day on the track, connect with fellow riders over a delicious BBQ and share the stories that bring us all together.

Mini Bikes at AMP: A Game-Changer for Rider Development

This season, we’re introducing mini bike sessions at Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP)—and they’re not just for fun. Mini bikes are one of the best tools to refine core skills, like throttle control and braking, in a safe and approachable way. Whether you’re riding minis exclusively or splitting time with your full-sized bike, you’ll see improvements that carry over to every ride.

Over 60 Track Days This Season

With 60+ events on the schedule, there’s always an opportunity to ride. From novice programs to advanced sessions, we’ve created experiences tailored to every level.

● Yamaha Champions Racer School Info: Learn More at https://precisiontrackday.org/race-certification-school/champschool-racer/

● Full Track Day Schedule: View at https://precisiontrackday.org/upcoming-track-days/

Why Riders Love Precision Track Day

● Arrive and Ride: Effortless track days with rentals from Lean Machines and Track Bike Rentals.

● Skill-Level Grouping: 4 groups, 20 minute sessions, to match your pace and keep you safe.

● Relaxed Novice Program: Step-by-step guidance for beginners to build confidence.

● Professional Coaching: Learn from accomplished individual who are as approachable as they are skilled

● Catered Meals: Free meals at select events—because riding takes fuel.

Safety Meets Fun

At Precision Track Day, your safety is our top priority. With professional instruction, comprehensive protocols, and a welcoming community, every track day is an opportunity to grow as a rider and create lasting memories.

Join the Action

Whether you’re here for the thrill, the learning, or the camaraderie, Precision Track Day is your place to ride, improve, and connect.

Contact:
Fahad Khan
[email protected]
+1 770 313 6797
See you at the track!

World Superbike: Razgatlioglu Tops Portimao Testing

January 28, 2025

razgatlioglu portimao test day 1 114389dd-3170-2d65-66d0-5d555880b518 — Toprak Razgatlioglu (1) in testing at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.