Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 26th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 11 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (11 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2022 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Julian Correa. Photo courtesy Michael Correa.
Julian Correa
Age: 13
Current home: Jupiter, Florida.
Current height/weight: 5’3”/104 pounds.
Current school grade level: 8th grade.
Began riding at age: 5 years.
First road race: 2013, Millville, New Jersey, NJminiGP, Spec50, 10th place.
Current racebike: Honda NSF250R.
Current tuners/mechanics: Tim Cassesse, David Buchman/DBPrepared.
Primary race series: British Talent Cup, PanAmerican Superbike.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2021 season, competed as a wild card in 4 British Talent Cup (best race finish was 10th), won 7 WERA Sportsman Regional Novice Class Championships, won 2 FMRRA Amateur Class Championships, won multiple SFLminiGP Class Championships.
2022 racing goal: Finish in top 5 in British Talent Cup Championship.
Racing career goal: Win Moto3, Moto2, and then MotoGP Championships.
Current WorldSBK Race Lap Record: 1:49.620, J. Rea (Kaw), 2020
Current WorldSBK All-Time Lap Record: 1:48.458, J. Rea (Kaw), 2021
FIM Superbike World Championship
MotorLand Aragon
Alcaniz, Spain
April 5, 2022
Provisional Day Two Best Lap Times (all on Pirelli tires):
Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw), 1:48.714
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Turkey (Yam), 1:49.068
Alvaro Bautista, Spain (Duc), 1:49.094
Garrett Gerloff, USA (Yam), 1:49.235
Loris Baz, France (BMW), 1:49.383
Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Yam), 1:49.831
Michael Rinaldi, Italy (Duc), 1:49.863
Iker Lecuona, Spain (Hon), 1:49.971
Xavi Vierge, Spain (Hon), 1:50.010
Philipp Oettl, Germany (Duc), 1:50.086
Scott Redding, UK (BMW), 1:50.104
Alex Lowes, UK (Kaw), 1:50.112
Eugene Laverty, UK (BMW), 1:50.446
Ilya Mikhalchik, Ukraine (BMW), 1:50.498
Roberto Tamburini, Italy (Yam), 1:50.656
Kohta Nozane, Japan (Yam), 1:50.683
Axel Bassani, Italy (Duc), 1:50.856
Lucas Mahias, France (Kaw), 1:51.038
Luca Bernardi, San Marino (Duc), 1:51.738
Gabriele Ruiu, Italy (BMW), 1:52.003
Christophe Ponsson, Belgium (Yam), 1:52.143
Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (Hon), 1:52.312
Oliver Konig, Czech Republic (Kaw), 1:52.729
Leandro Mercado, Argentina (Hon), 1:53.046
Loris Cresson, Belgium (Kaw), 1:53.534
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Jonathan Rea tops the timesheets after a two-day Supported Test at MotorLand Aragon
Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Titles contenders Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu were just split by three tenths before heading into the Pirelli Aragon Round
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) concluded the Supported Test on top of the timesheets, with a best time of 1’48.714 on Day 2. He was the only rider to lap in the 1’48s bracket: “Step by step we are building the package. I felt the conditions, particularly in the afternoon, FP5 & 6 were much better than yesterday and the morning. We were able to get a meaningful work done… We confirmed our bike.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The 2021 WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) ended the two days of testing in second place, finishing 0.354s behind Jonathan Rea. He made the most of the sessions to further test the electronics on his Yamaha YZF R1. “The test was great. We improved the bike. We used some new parts and we are happy with them.”
Alvaro Bautista (19). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) was third 0.380s adrift from the leader. The Spanish rider tackled the test with this weekend’s Aragon Round in mind. “Today has been very positive. The feeling with the bike improved. Yesterday, we only used the SC0 tyre and today we could compare it with some other tyres. We found some improvements and the feeling with the bike improved,” he said.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
American rider Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) finished in fourth as he tried new components previously tested by the Pata Yamaha squad, using the full 2022 bike for the first time. Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) was the first BMW rider in fifth as he posted a 1’49.383 in FP5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) completed the top six as he finished 1.117s behind Jonathan Rea, and just 0.032s in front of Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati). Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was the first Honda rider in eighth, with his teammate Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) finishing 0.039s behind him in ninth.
Loris Baz (76). Photo courtesy Dorna.
WorldSBK Combined Times
1. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’48.714s
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +0.354s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.380s
6. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +1.117s
Jules Cluzel (16). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Cluzel fastest in final WorldSSP Pre-Season outing
The Frenchman claimed the fastest lap by just 0.057s, with just 0.240s covering the top five
Despite a crash at Turn 2 in the opening session of Day 2, Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) set the fastest time of the Supported Test in the final session. His lap time 1’53.407 was faster than the race lap record set by Andrea Locatelli in 2020 by 0.5s. “These two days were not so easy because we started with really cold conditions. We stayed calm and I really tried to stayed focussed on my plan. I tried to get the pace and went step by step to finish well” explained Cluzel. “This season will be really tight, with strong riders with strong bikes, but we know that if we do it well, we can do like at the end of last season,” he added.
Italian Rookie Lorenzo Baldassari (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) finished in second just 0.057s behind Cluzel; “It was a good test for us because it confirmed we are doing well. Our speed is quite good and I am happy to be fast again after last year.” Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) wrapped up the two-day test in third, finishing +0.057s from the fastest rider. “Today we made some race simulations, and we are quite strong. I am really comfortable as I am able to do my laps alone,” he commented.
Two other Italian Rookies are in the top six, with Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) in fourth and Yari Montella (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in fifth. Reigning WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) finished the test in fifth place, 0.240s behind Cluzel.
WorldSSP Combined Times
1. Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) 1’53.407s
2. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +0.057s
3. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +0.135s
4. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +0.214s
5. Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.240s
6. Yari Montella (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +0.681s
Teammates Steeman and Okaya go head-to-head for WorldSSP300 top spot at Aragon test
Steeman joined MTM Kawasaki for the 2022 campaign and has put down a marker as he edged out teammate Okaya
Victor Steeman (MTM Kawasaki) finished on top of the timesheets having set a fastest time of 2’06.509. “Yesterday we didn’t had a good day. I crashed at the beginning of the day. But after all we had a lot of information from were was the limit. And this morning we started to think to prepare race day. It’s always important to get how the tyres are going. In the last session, I just putted the new tyre and I just looked for a good lap time.”
Teammate Yuta Okaya (MTM Kawasaki) ended the Supported Test in second just 0.036s behind, despite a crash in Turn 5 has put an early end to his testing program. Fastest on the opening day of action, Samuel Di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo) finished the two-day test in third place just 0.166s behind Victor Steeman.
WorldSSP300 Combined Times
1. Victor Steeman (MTM Kawasaki) 2’06.509
2. Yuta Okaya (MTM Kawasaki) +0.036s
3. Samuel Di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo) +0.166s
4. Marc Garcia (Yamaha MS Racing) +0.401s
5. Kevin Sabatucci (Kawasaki GP Project) +0.598s
6. Bruno Ieraci (Prodina Racing WorldSSP300) +0.672s
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
WorldSBK pre-season comes to an end for Lecuona and Vierge with productive final tests at Aragón
WorldSBK new-entries Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge have once again demonstrated their potential, placing eighth and ninth at the end of this final pre-season test. Quickly adapting to what is a new track for them with the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE, they posted competitive lap times despite limited track time, cold conditions and, in Xavi’s case, recent injury.
The DWO Supported test sessions that mark the end of the pre-season testing period have drawn to a close today at Motorland Aragón in Spain. With the 2022 Superbike World Championship season-opener set to take place this very weekend at the same circuit, Team HRC and riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge are pleased with the progress made over the winter, having worked hard to make final preparations ahead of the all-important first race weekend.
The test kicked off yesterday morning in surprisingly cold conditions. Team HRC therefore decided to sit out the opening session, considering it risky, particularly for Vierge who is still recovering after having fractured his twelfth rib during the last test at Barcelona. Later in the day, as the track and air temperatures rose, both Lecuona and Vierge headed out, working hard with their technicians to begin to adapt their CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADES to what is a new track for them both.
Today’s sessions ran in dry conditions, although both Lecuona and Vierge remained in the garage during the first of the three phases, the conditions similarly cold to yesterday. During the subsequent sessions, Team HRC continued to work on set-up and, by the end of the day, Lecuona had set a fastest overall time of 1’49.971 and Vierge a 1’50.010. Both riders now look forward to the opening round of the 2022 championship, which will get underway this coming Friday.
Iker Lecuona (7). Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Iker Lecuona 7
“During these two days here at Aragón conditions were very cold early on, so we decided not to ride in the morning sessions. On day one, I worked with the hard tyre and felt good, considering this is the first time I’m riding at Aragón. There’s lots to learn of course but things went quite well. On day two we continued working on the bike set-up and, overall, the test has been OK though not as good as the rest of the pre-season. To be honest, I expected something more because I know we have the potential to be faster with this bike but here we struggled with the soft tyre and also suffered a crash at turn 2 the first time we attempted a flying lap. I was unhurt luckily, so no problem there, but it’s true that we need to take another step at this track, so over the next couple of days we’ll check all the data to prepare for the weekend. I’m really looking forward to starting the season, improving on the bike, getting to grips with the new championship and enjoying this new racing season.”
Xavi Vierge. Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Xavi Vierge 97
“It’s been great to get back on the bike for this test. It was an important one in terms of preparing for the upcoming race weekend of course, and it was also my first time back on the bike since I hurt myself at Barcelona. Conditions haven’t been ideal, as it’s been colder than it probably will be for the races, but we’ve got the work done. I’m really happy especially with our second day; we continued as we did yesterday, not making too many laps but just enough to understand what and where we need to improve, and to adjust the electronics ahead of the weekend. We took a step forward which I’m really happy about, and we have the information we need to start the weekend with a good base. Physically, it’s been a bit painful for me of course, but it was also important to ride to understand how I need to adapt my riding style to do the best I can. So now I have the information from these two days and then it’s also important to continue with my therapy and physio so I’m as fit as I can be for the race weekend. I want to thank the team for their hard work and for supporting me; I’m very happy to be here and back on my bike.”
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
The Aragon test ends with Bautista third and Rinaldi seventh. Bulega finishes fourth in WorldSSP
The last winter tests of 2022 ended today at the Motorland Circuit of Aragon (Spain), which from Friday will host the first round of the new WorldSBK season.
As yesterday, the day started with extremely low temperatures, but track conditions improved significantly during the afternoon.
The two riders of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team worked on the final details ahead of the first official free practice of the Pirelli Aragon Round scheduled for Friday at 10.30 am.
In today’s three sessions, Alvaro Bautista completed 48 laps, setting in FP3 his best time of 1’49.094 to eventually finish third, three tenths behind Rea (Kawasaki) and just 26 thousandths of a second behind Razgatlioglu (Yamaha).
For Michael Rinaldi 44 laps completed and the seventh position in the combined standings thanks to a time of 1’49.863 set in the early afternoon session.
Alvaro Bautista (19). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“It was a positive test, even though the low temperature this morning didn’t allow us to get the most out of every session. Anyway, we did a good job: today we focused on adjusting the set-up with the goal of improving the race pace with the harder tire and the results were positive. We collected a lot of data to work on and this is very important. I’m really happy because the feeling is very good”.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“Without a doubt, I expected more from these tests, but even in the difficult times, we can still find data that can help us. We’ve understood what we’re missing to be competitive and I hope that in these two days, after carefully analyzing the data, we’ll be able to find a solution that allows us to improve. In any case, we arrive at the start of the season with a great desire to do well”.
WorldSSP
Due to the low temperature, Nicolò Bulega and the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team only took to the track in the afternoon but had to deal with a small issue that stopped the Italian rider after 8 laps. In the last session, however, Bulega lapped steadily (18 laps completed) finishing in fourth place (1’53.621) but only 240 thousandths of a second behind the best time of Cluzel (Yamaha).
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP #11)
“I’m happy because during all the winter tests we did a really good job. The feeling with the bike is very positive even if sometimes we struggle to find the right setup on a new machine that lacks experience. Anyway, we are always able to find positive solutions and that gives us great confidence. We are ready to start the season”.
More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:
GERLOFF AND NOZANE LOOKING FORWARD TO FIRST RACE WEEKEND AFTER FINAL TEST
The 2022 pre-season is officially over. With the last DWO Supported Test sustained at MotorLand Aragòn on 4th-5th April, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team finished its preparations with Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff for the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship, which will start on 8th-10th April in Aragòn.
Cold conditions awaited both riders on the first day, which forced the team to not push too much in the morning (11:35-12:20) apart from making shakedown laps. In the following afternoon sessions, both Gerloff and Nozane bounced back on track with good progress made throughout FP2 (14:25-15:10) and FP3 (16:55-17:40).
Indeed, the American rider managed to finish the day fourth fastest on combined times, with a personal best of 1.50.120 and 36 laps completed. On the other side of the box, the Japanese ace gained confidence each session and ended eighth fastest with 1.50.520 and 37 laps in total.
Afterwards, the day after the GYRT GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team encountered once again cold conditions during the morning. Luckily, this time Nozane and Gerloff managed to complete more laps followed by many more in the afternoon stages. The sessions were planned from 10:55 to 11:40, 13:45 to 14:30 and 16:15 to 17:00.
Both riders tried to find pace and improved their feeling, finishing 16th, with the Japanese having a 1.50.683 as personal best over 41 laps, and 4th fastest as the American scored a 1.49.235 as his best with 49 laps in total on Day 2. Counting both days, Gerloff concluded in 4th position (85 laps done) while Nozane put himself into 15th (78 laps completed).
As the pre-season is officially over, it’s time for the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team to move on into the first round of the 2022 season of FIM Superbike World Championship. That will take place at MotorLand Aragòn once again from 8th to 10th April with three races during the weekend and many more activities expected to be held at the Teruel venue.
P15 – Kohta Nozane (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +1.806
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.
Garrett Gerloff: “Overall it wasn’t too bad. On Day 2, we fixed some things that I was complaining on the first day and the temperature went higher. That’s important as for the weekend weather conditions should be warmer. We did use the SCQ tyre as well, it felt good. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to make a one-shot lap, so I need to work on this area. Anyway, finally the pre-season is over and it’s time to focus on the first round of the year. I’ll enjoy two days of rest before being fully focused on the race weekend, but I cannot wait to bounce back on track for the first free practice of the season.”
Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.
Kohta Nozane: “Having the last DWO Supported Test was important as we’re gearing up for the upcoming season. On the first day I improved my performance each session and managed to finish 8th, while on the second one we tried to keep that feeling but we had to make some work on race pace as well. That’s why we did a long run and settled up things on that aspect. We have a good base and I can start from Friday to prepare in the best way possible for the first round of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship. Now we’ll have two days to rest a little bit and then it will be time to switch into racing mode. I cannot wait for this new beginning!”
More, from a press release issued by Pata Yamaha by Brixx WorldSBK:
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK Complete Aragon Checklist Ahead of WorldSBK Opening Round
Toprak Razgatlioglu (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK riders Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli completed two days of testing at the FIM Superbike World Championship Supported Test at MotorLand Aragon today, ahead of the opening round of the 2022 season starting later this week.
Defending WorldSBK Champion Razgatlıoğlu ticked off 91 laps across six 45-minute Free Practice sessions with a fastest lap time of 1’49.068 placing him second overall, while teammate Locatelli finished sixth-fastest with a best time of 1’49.831, having also completed 91 laps.
Despite frigid cold temperatures across both days, the team and Yamaha Motor Research & Development Europe’s engineers took a calculated approach to manage the track time available and found positive results as they worked on set up and new test items to prepare for the weekend. Satisfied with the data collected, feedback from both Razgatlıoğlu and Locatelli will help fine-tune the R1 WorldSBK package for the considerably warmer conditions forecast in the Teruel region.
The 5.077 km MotorLand Aragon circuit has played host to some fantastic race battles in recent years for the WorldSBK class, and 2022 looks set to provide another thrilling start to the championship. But first, the Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK team will return to work on Thursday for the customary WorldSBK “class photos”, before Friday morning’s track action of Free Practice 1 and 2, starting at 10:30 local time (UTC+2) and 15:00 respectively.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: P2 (1’49.068) – 91 laps
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“Today we tried a new set up and we improved my bike a little bit from yesterday. The weather was cold but I am very happy with these two test days, because we use different set ups to get more data and find the best package. Now, the feeling is we are ready to race and I’m very excited for the season start. But we will see Friday! I’m waiting to ride my R1 on Friday – we will see what will happen this weekend!”
Andrea Locatelli: P6 (1’49.831) – 91 laps
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“We concluded today in P6, but this is not important! The most important part is the job that we do and I’m happy in the second day for the rhythm when we tried the long run. This good for us, but for sure we need to understand the qualifying tyre to start more in front. But in general, it was a good two days of testing with no mistakes and we have a lot of data, with two days to analyse everything and prepare the bike for the weekend. The guys do a great job and the feeling with the bike is not bad, so now we will continue to work a little more to try to improve during the weekend. We will see but I think we are now ready to start.”
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Rea Fastest On Eve Of New Season
A two day official pre-season test at Motorland Aragon saw Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes make their final on-track preparations for the opening round of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship, with Rea setting the overall leading pace in the final session.
On the first day the dry but very cold morning conditions kept most of the riders in the pit garages until the track temperatures improved all around the 5.077km long Motorland Aragon circuit. Ninja ZX-10RR riders Rea and Lowes then joined the full WorldSBK line-up on track, riding in what were increasingly good conditions.
Day two was also cool in the morning but consistently dry weather allowed the official KRT WorldSBK duo to work through their final test plans and make meaningful preparations for the first points scoring races of the 2022 season.
Rea set his best single lap time of 1’48.714 on the final minutes of the tests and was the only rider to get into the 1’48 bracket. He was 0.354 seconds faster than the next rider, Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Lowes could not quite find the one fast lap he desired but in term of his overall race pace he was more satisfied with the final sessions before the new season starts for real in just a few days.
A final change in set-up, to make the most of this final pre-season testing opportunity, meant Alex was unable to move up the combined timesheets and he finished 12th fastest of the 25 riders at this test. Now he looks to make use of his good race pace when the first championship points become available.
With the pre-season action now complete the 2022 WorldSBK campaign will begin in earnest at Motorland Aragon, between 8-10 April. Once again there will be three races on the weekend schedule, with the first on Saturday 9 April.
Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “Step-by-step we have built the package at this test. The afternoon sessions were much better than the first morning. We got meaningful work done and we confirmed our bike set-up. On the last runs I was really able to clarify the package we will start the race weekend with. We also ticked a lot of boxes with tyres. We used the SCQ qualifying tyre, which is new for us. We had to understand it before we use it in Superpole qualifying on Saturday. Today I enjoyed riding the bike; I had a lot of fun and got a lot of feedback. When that happens we are able to go quite fast. I am as ready as I will ever be to start racing. You can always do more, but you have to start somewhere and if we were to go racing tomorrow I am happy enough to start. We will have the usual ‘class of 2022’ photos on Thursday and then go racing on Friday.”
Alex Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes, stated: “The test was OK but I wasn’t fast enough. We tried a few things with the bike in that last session today, in the good track temperatures. I tried something big and it didn’t really feel that good. Then we did not have enough time to change it back in the final session. We have a couple of days of practice now to put everything we have together. I guess track conditions will be a little bit different on Friday. I feel good in myself and I have had an issue-free pre-season. The bike has been reliable and I have been solid, so the target for this year is to be consistent every weekend. My race pace is OK but over one lap I am not fast – so we need to understand that. Apart from that, it was not too bad and we have a couple of days to make a good plan to start free practice on Friday.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “The test was positive and Johnny is confident with the bike. This two day test is different compared to the race weekend because the temperature is going to be completely different. Now it is around 12-13°C air temperature and it will be around 25°C on the weekend. So the track surface itself will be much hotter and this affects the tyre choice, the set-up – everything. But we have been confirming all we have done in the previous winter tests, to confirm the base bike we want to start with. Johnny is talking quite deeply with the bike and at the end of the day that is the most important thing. Now we will have a chance to relax and then restart for the first race.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We used these two days quite well. The first sessions on each day were very cold so we knew we were not going to learn anything. We didn’t go out on track except to make some practice starts. But during each day we reached some acceptable track temperatures and we went through our test programme. From a lap time point of view we are not where we would like to be but this is testing and our season still needs to start. We gathered valuable information and we will start from the correct point on Friday.”
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was 18th overall at the Motorland tests, with fellow Kawasaki Independent riders Oliver König (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) 23rd and Loris Cresson (TPR Team Pedercini Racing) 25th.
More, from a press release issued by Team Go Eleven:
ALMOST DONE YESTERDAY, DONE TODAY; OETTL CLOSES THE ARAGON TEST IN TOP TEN!
Philipp Oettl (5). Photo courtesy Team Go Eleven.
The long WorldSBK winter is finally over! Last day of testing in Aragon behind us, now there are two days left for the official start of the Championship.
Day 2 at Motorland was very similar to day 1 in terms of temperatures; a first session in critical conditions, with about five degrees in the air and about ten on the asphalt, then with the passing of the hours the sky opened, warming up riders, motorcycles and technicians. FP 5 and FP 6 were two decisive sessions for the Go Eleven team; in the first, Philipp made a consistent long run, to evaluate the drop of the tyres and the behavior of his Ducati V4-RS on this particular track, made up of ups and downs, very technical corners and long straights. In the second, the work was concentrated on the qualifying tyres, which from this year allow for at least a couple of laps in good conditions. On the race pace, the German rider seemed to be well on the Ducati, setting a good pace on 51 and battling with some opponents as well. But it was in the last session that he showed the best things: with the SCX he was able to improve even more, placing himself in the top eight, then at the end all the protagonists tried the time attack. Oettl was able to exploit the Q well, lowering his personal reference by six tenths, returning and finishing the two days in the Top Ten.
DAY 2 – COMBINED RESULTS:
P 1 J. Rea 1.48.714
P 2 T. Razgatlioglu + 0.354
P 3 A. Bautista + 0.380
P 4 G. Gerloff + 0.521
P 5 L. Baz + 0.669
…
P 12 P. Oettl + 1.372
There will now be a two-day break before seeing the Superbikes in action at Motorland again, when the 2022 season will kick off on Friday. Go Eleven and the rider Philipp Oettl can’t wait to hit the track for the times “that matter”, and evaluate the real potential when there are no more masks and everyone will push 100%.
Philipp Oettl (Rider):
“Today it started again a little bit cold, cause we started earlier than yesterday. In the second session we did a long run, to understand the tyres and the electronics settings, trying to adapt my style to the tyre drop. In the last session we tried mainly the qualifying tyre, to understand its feedback. I think we did a good job because I can’t use the first two Q, then I found out how to use the last one. We are going in the right direction for the race weekend, especially the last session was really good. That was important because it was the last one and everyone tried to push. We did a good job in these two days, overall all the tests we had were good and in improvement. I am happy with the team, they are working very well. Now I have two days of relax, while the guys will prepare the bike, and we can’t wait to be on track again!”
Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“We are also very happy with this last day of testing. This morning the temperatures were as low as yesterday, however, as we already faced yesterday, the track has a lot of grip and we could run right from the start. We carried out and completed our program without any particular problems, making both a long run with a view to the race and some attempts with the new qualifying tyres. Both have been very positive and I am happy with the work of the team and with Philipp’s approach; he faces the session as a long-time rider, despite being a rookie. Throughout the winter we had no particular difficulties, managing to complete all the prefixed work, with good results. Now there is still a lot to work on and grow on, we are not satisfied with what we have done so far, we still want to improve and look forward. We will do our best to be competitive from the start and to collect the good things done in the winter!”
Travis Wyman switches to Bilmola USA helmets for 2022 MotoAmerica season
Replica of MotoAmerica veteran’s special edition helmet to be sold nationwide, abroad
When you see Travis Wyman competing in MotoAmerica Superbike, Stock 1000 and King of the Baggers this year, he’ll be racing in his own edition of Bilmola USA’s flagship helmet. The Harley-Davidson factory racer and 2021 runner-up in the Superbike Cup and Stock 1000 classes will be among the first American road racers to don a Bilmola RC-1 in pro competition, and his special edition helmet features his pet golden retriever, Buddy.
Founded in Thailand in 2010, the Bilmola parent company started out as a design and production firm for other brands before developing its own product line. The company’s product development division, Bilmola USA, opened in California in 2020. Bilmola USA will have support personnel at all remaining MotoAmerica rounds – beginning this weekend with the MotoGP/MotoAmerica round at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
The full face Bilmola RC-1 model was developed by Bilmola USA and is expected to go on sale in the U.S. market later this year. The RC-1 is DOT and ECE approved and features a forged-composite shell that is lighter and stronger than carbon fiber.
“My Bilmola RC-1 is the best-fitting helmet I’ve worn in my 14-year pro racing career,” Wyman said. “I had a good first outing with the helmet at the MotoAmerica round at Daytona, where I nearly claimed my first King of the Baggers win. Bilmola USA’s support has been top-notch, and the RC-1’s visibility and ventilation have been outstanding. I’m looking forward to working with the company for the rest of the 2022 season and beyond.”
Replicas of Wyman’s special edition RC-1 are expected to go on sale in Asia later in 2022, as well as in the United States in the first quarter of 2023. Bilmola also plans to feature Wyman on a billboard advertisement in Bangkok, Thailand, later this year.
Wyman makes his debut with the Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW team this weekend. He’ll compete for the first time aboard an Alpha Racing-built BMW M 1000 RR in the two MotoAmerica Superbike races on April 8-10 at Circuit of the Americas.
For more information about Bilmola USA, visit www.bilmolausa.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
KTM’s RC 390 has always served as a solid and rapid platform for an ultralightweight racebike. For its 2022 update, the company put the revisions into the hands of Shaun Anderson, an engineer who also races in the Isle of Man TT events. So it’s not surprising that the bike is even more track-ready than before, and offers features simply not found elsewhere in this market segment.
KTM introduced the new model to North America media in the best possible way: It rented a racetrack, brought along former AMA Pro Racing National Champion Chris Fillmore (now KTM Road Racing and Flat Track Manager) to supervise, and turned journalists loose on a fleet of the new little sportbikes.
Several hours of ripping around at the (mostly) repaved 1.8-mile Streets of Willow circuit revealed a motorcycle that has all of the qualities that made the prior generation RC 390 so much fun at the track, as well as improvements that really have moved the goalposts in the category.
Tech Overview:
The 89mm bore by 60mm stroke single-cylinder engine remains essentially unchanged from the previous model, but an airbox that moves 40% more air means the torque output is slightly higher. The 373cc engine still makes a claimed 44 horsepower and redlines at an indicated 10,000 rpm.
The chassis has been changed significantly to increase lateral flex and feel on the track, as well as to reduce weight. The company claims the new steel trellis chassis weighs 3.3 pounds less than the previous model’s frame, and now features a bolt-on subframe that can be replaced for track use. Weight savings continue with the wheel assemblies (wheels, front axle, brakes) losing a combined whopping 7.5 pounds of unsprung mass.
A 2022-model KTM RC 390 at rest at the mostly repaved Streets of Willow course in Rosamond, California. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The inverted 43mm WP Apex cartridge forks now feature adjustable compression and rebound at the front, although preload is not adjustable. A single WP Apex split-piston shock offers rebound damping and preload adjustment at the rear.
Electronics take a big step forward, with a 3-axis IMU providing cornering and deceleration data sufficient to operate a simple on/off traction control system and ABS, and both are lean angle sensitive. The ABS operates either front and rear brakes simultaneously or the rear can be switched off in Supermoto mode. In addition, the RC390 offers clutchless up- and down-shift operation, although that feature comes at an additional cost. The six-speed gearbox transmits power through a power-assisted slipper clutch.
Handlebars are slightly higher than on the prior model, but these can be adjusted downward on the fork tubes for a racier riding position. The bodywork is larger for better aerodynamic performance and is easier to get on and off, because racers are constantly fiddling with their bikes!
Little things have changed to make the bike easier to live with. The tank is nearly a gallon larger than the tank on the older model, meaning fewer stops for fuel. The shifter and brake pedals fold in case of a tip-over. The larger windscreen provides better protection for the rider. The levers are adjustable.
And as always, KTM has a pile of performance parts available. Some of the test bikes were equipped with billet, folding levers; solid-mount racing rear-set controls; and lightweight sprockets. One machine was equipped with a kit WP shock with more adjustments and a fork kit with adjustable preload.
It’s safe to say that this machine changes the ultralightweight sportbike market segment. It’s the most sophisticated machine in the class, and it’s priced competitively with the others it races against in Junior Cup classes around the world.
But how race-ready is it?
Riding On The Racetrack
Throw a leg over–and I do mean throw, since the seat height is raised to 32.4 inches–and it’s an easy reach to the flat clip-on handlebars. There’s a reasonable amount of legroom, even with the racing rearsets. Thumb the starter and the bike settles into an easy idle, with little in the way of vibration. The Thin-Film Transistor dash is easy to read and adjusting the electronics is simple and intuitive.
The clutch pull is light. The quickshifter required deliberate motion at the foot, but if I was solid with my shifts it worked, and together with the slipper clutch it made corner entries significantly easier. Just sit up, brake and start stomping down on the shift lever. And if you’re in a little too hot, the ABS gives you the confidence to simply hang onto the lever a little longer, even after you’ve tipped the bike in and you’re angling toward the apex. Nothing like a little electronic safety net when you’re refining a skill like trail braking!
The revised bodywork and windscreen did their jobs. It was easy to tuck in and stay out of the wind, all the way up to the indicated 100 mph that I saw at the end of the back straight. The flat angle of the bars made hanging off a bit uncomfortable, but there was room for my 5′ 10” frame to tuck all the way in.
For a 373cc Single, there’s reasonable power, and the bike pulls cleanly from the bottom and spins to redline quickly in the first three gears. It starts to feel a bit breathless at the top end in fifth, and I didn’t spend much time in sixth.
The light weight and especially the lighter rims make the machine very easy to flick. It did take me a while to get used to how much or little effort was needed on the handlebars and through the pegs to put the bike where I wanted it to go. But whatever I wanted, the bike delivered it quickly. The famous Willow breeze was out in full force, making it a bit harder to be really precise with selecting lines, so I rode with a bit of the track in reserve. Still fun, and the bike stayed nimble as I picked up the pace.
The suspension was surprisingly well sorted, the forks rigid and well damped, easily well enough to play around at Streets, and a bit of vagueness at the rear was cured by adding damping and preload. I’d read some of the overseas reviews in which the test rider praised the shock’s behavior and was a bit skeptical. It’s not a race shock, but it really was noticeably better than I expected on an ultralightweight. Once the bike was set and loaded in a corner, it was dead stable.
My legs were sore–like, more than I expected them to be–the next day. Looking back, I think it’s because I took full advantage of a beautiful day, an open track, and a bike that was really, really fun on this particular circuit. The core of KTM’s little sportbike remains entertaining, and the electronics upgrades add to the usability of the package, especially for younger riders and those learning the ropes of track riding. I’ve got a test unit in the garage, and I don’t think it’s seen the last of its time on the track with me aboard!
Suggested retail starts at $5,799 and the RC390 should be in dealer showrooms by the end of May.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 26th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 11 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (11 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2022 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Torin Collins. Photo by Rupert Collins.
Torin Collins
Age: 16.
Current home: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Current height/weight: 5’9”/142 pounds.
Current school grade level: 11th grade.
Began riding at age: 5 years.
First road race: 2012, Calgary, Alberta, Alberta Mini Road Racing Association, Youth 6-9, 3rd place.
Current racebike: KTM RC250GP.
Current tuner/mechanic: AGR Racing Team.
Primary race series: FIM Junior GP Moto3 Junior World Championship.
Top sponsors: Bickle Racing, Novalda Coaching, Calgary Cycle Works, Blackfoot Motorsports, Taylor Racing, Kabuto Helmets, Mithos Leathers, Fusport Boots.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2021 season, tied for 30th in the FIM European Talent Cup Championship (best race finish was 14th at Jerez); 2020 season, raced in European Talent Cup (best race finish was 16th); 2019 season, finished 15th in British Talent Cup (best race finish was 7th); 2018 season, won EMRA Lightweight Superbike and Lightweight Open Championships (11 wins, set 2 class lap records), multiple race wins in 2018/2019 CVMA Winter Series, won UtahSBA Moto3 race at Utah Motorsports Campus; 2017 season, won 7 CMA Mini Road Racing National Championships, won 2 FIM Mini Road Racing Championships, won 8 races and set 2 class lap records during 2017/2018 CVMA Winter Series.
2022 racing goal: Finish in the top 15 in Moto3 Junior World Championship races.
Racing career goal: Race in the Superbike or MotoGP World Championship.
Racing hero: Jack Miller.
Favorite track: Estoril.
Hobbies: Riding motocross, ice riding, gaming.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Riding on the ice or a motocross track.
AHRMA Brings Vintage and Modern Bikes back to Thunderhill Raceway
ELORA, TN – After almost 20 years, the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is returning to a West Coast venue that’s perfect for vintage and modern race bikes.
Two rounds of the 2022 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing Series will be held at Thunderhill Raceway Park, in Willows, CA, from April 28 to May 1, 2022.
“Thunderhill is a great track for all of the road race machines that run in AHRMA,” said Brian Larrabure, 2022 Chair of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “The long straights give our vintage, and modern, big-bore bikes a chance to stretch their legs while the technical turns, like ‘the Cyclone,’ make it interesting and fun for our smaller bikes. Plus, the weather should be perfect for racing.”
A wide range of classes for both Vintage and Modern motorcycles and even sidecars will be competing on the 3-mile “East” Thunderhill circuit. The track’s elevation changes will challenge the racers and create great viewing for spectators.
“AHRMA got a taste of Thunderhill during the NorCal Classic in 2004 and we’ve been wanting to come back for years,” Larrabure said. “We can’t wait to show West Coast racing fans what makes AHRMA so good, right in their backyard.”
Whether you race or would like to enjoy a day of watching great racing, you won’t want to miss this event. The event will be a doubleheader weekend with racing on both Saturday and Sunday. On Friday there will be an AHRMA Academy of Road Racing (AAR) school available for new racers. Students who pass the school on Friday will be eligible to race Saturday and Sunday.
AHRMA is the largest historic motorcycle racing organization in the United States. It promotes national events at iconic venues including Daytona International Speedway, Heartland Motorsports Park, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and Barber Motorsports Park. For the best racing at the best venues, AHRMA is the place to be.
More details on the event & racing registration can be found at www.ahrma.org
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association is a member-owned nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the sport of historic motorcycle racing. Since 1989, AHRMA has provided an appropriate environment to showcase vintage and alternative modern racing motorcycles in the disciplines of road racing, motocross, dirt track, trials, and cross country. With more than 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and is one of the world’s leading vintage motorcycle organizations.
Buell® Current and Future Products Get Standing Ovation at Daytona
Grand Rapids, MI – The Buell is Back mantra was reaffirmed and reinforced after a strong showing and enthusiastic response from consumers at Daytona Bike Week 2022.
“Thank You, Thank You, Thank You and now it’s back to work,” said Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycle Co. “We were humbled by the wildly enthusiastic response from both the media and consumers at Daytona on our current and future models. Their encouragement and insistence to keep expanding the Buell brand into new segments while pushing the power envelope was clearly heard…so as it pertains to new product development – you ain’t seen nothing yet!”
Buell showcased the Hammerhead and 1190 SX models currently in production while unveiling two new prototypes, the Baja DR and SuperTouring, announcing their entry into the off-road and touring segments while maintaining the brand’s coveted DNA customers expect.
The Baja DR will boast the world’s fastest production dirt bike with a 175hp liquid-cooled, 72-degree V-twin engine with 101 ft-lbs. of torque. Add to this the trellis frame, adjustable swing arm for a 66-72” wheelbase, industry-standard 37” seat height with 26.75-degree rake and you’ve got the makings for an unmatched top-of-the-market speed and performance dirt bike. Production is planned for early 2023.
The Buell DR Baja prototype. Photo courtesy Buell.
The new SuperTouring model will possess the fastest touring bike in the marketplace producing an industry-leading 185hp. It retains Buell’s famous Fuel in Frame handling but will exhibit a more upright riding position, variable mounting points for hard or soft bags and room for rider customization with aftermarket touring accessories. Production is planned for winter 2022.
Opportunities to reserve a production slot for the Hammerhead, 1190 SX, Baja DR, and SuperTouring models are available now by placing a $25 reservation at www.BuellMotorcycle.com. You’ll receive a limited-edition Buell hat too!
“We were blown away by the reception of our future models and listened closely to our customers regarding their likes and dislikes,” said Dean Guard, Chief Product Engineer at Buell Motorcycle Co. “They took the time to evaluate our products and provide us with insights, and we can’t thank them enough for their passionate feedback and input. We will take this information back to our leadership team and make the necessary changes to continue to deliver products that exceed their expectations.”
Buell is headed back more energized than ever to deliver more Hammerhead and SX models, make improvements and prepare to launch their new Baja DR and SuperTouring models and explore opportunities to expand into new product segments as well.
Daytona Bike Week only reaffirmed that Buell is back and delivering excitement at every turn.
For future Buell updates, follow our news page on our website and our social media pages.
Current WorldSBK Race Lap Record: 1:49.620, J. Rea (Kaw), 2020
Current WorldSBK All-Time Lap Record: 1:48.458, J. Rea (Kaw), 2021
FIM Superbike World Championship
MotorLand Aragon
Alcaniz, Spain
April 4, 2022
Provisional Day One Best Lap Times (all on Pirelli tires):
Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw), 1:49.394
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Turkey (Yam), 1:49.628
Alvaro Bautista, Spain (Duc), 1:50.025
Garrett Gerloff, USA (Yam), 1:50.120
Alex Lowes, UK (Kaw), 1:50.423
Loris Baz, France (BMW), 1:50.446
Kohta Nozane, Japan (Yam), 1:50.520
Iker Lecuona, Spain (Hon), 1:50.586
Eugene Laverty, UK (BMW), 1:50.600
Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Yam), 1:50.612
Philipp Oettl, Germany (Duc), 1:50.713
Scott Redding, UK (BMW), 1:50.734
Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Italy (Duc), 1:50.829
Lucas Mahias, France (Kaw), 1:51.151
Ilya Mikhalchik, Ukraine (BMW), 1:51.438
Xavi Vierge, Spain (Hon), 1:51.446
Roberto Tamburini, Italy (Yam), 1:51.737
Axel Bassani, Italy (Duc), 1:51.890
Christophe Ponsson, Belgium (Yam), 1:52.785
Luca Bernardi, San Marino (Duc), 1:52.937
Leandro Mercado, Argentina (Hon), 1:53.100
Oliver Konig, Czech Republic (Kaw), 1:53.421
Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (Hon), 1:53.945
Loris Cresson, Belgium (Kaw), 1:54.691
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Rea under race lap record pace on Day 1 at Aragon as he tops the WorldSBK timesheets
The six-time World Champion topped the times by just 0.016s ahead of nearest rival Toprak Razgatlioglu on the opening day of testing at MotorLand Aragon
Despite colder conditions impacting on Day 1 of the Supported Test at MotorLand Aragon, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was able to lap faster than the race lap record for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship venue as he topped the timesheets on Day 1 of testing. The six-time World Champion left it late to go top on Day 1 in the combined classification, beating his nearest rival by just 0.016s.
THREE MANUFACTURERS IN THE TOP THREE
Rea claimed top spot on the opening day of action with a lap late in the third and final session of track action as he posted a 1’49.394s, to go under his own race lap record at MotorLand Aragon by two tenths of a second. Rea, who was hoping to start finetuning his ZX-10RR machine ahead of the Pirelli Aragon Round beat Razgatlioglu’s best time of 1’49.410s, set in FP2, in the final minutes of Day 1.
Like Rea, Razgatlioglu was under the race lap record set the six-time World Champion in last year’s Superpole Race, although the 2021 Champion’s day ended a few minutes early when he suffered a technical issue at Turn 15 in the closing stages of the session. Razgatlioglu used new electronics throughout the test as well as working on the race setup of his Yamaha YZF R1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed third spot despite a crash on his Panigale V4 R machine at Turn 6 in FP3, ending the day six tenths down on Rea’s best time as his focus was on the start of the season in just a few days.
ALL FIVE MANUFACTURERS FEATURE IN A TIGHTLY PACKED TOP TEN
Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) finished the day in fourth place as the American lapped around seven tenths slower than Rea, although Gerloff was fastest in the third sector of the lap. Gerloff’s R1 machine was fitted with the 2022 engine and a new exhaust seen on Razgatlioglu’s bike during testing as he claimed a top four finish on Day 1. Teammate Kohta Nozane ensured but GRT Yamaha riders were inside the top ten with eighth place, just four tenths off Gerloff’s pace on Day 1.
The American rider finished three tenths clear of Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) as Lowes had a couple of items to try throughout the test, on the suspension and chassis side, although did not want to change the bike too much due to colder conditions than are expected at the Aragon Round.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) claimed sixth spot as he, like teammate Razgatlioglu, did not improve in the final session of the day. His best time was a 1’50.433s, just over a second off Rea’s time but 0.010s away from Lowes. Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) was the highest-placed BMW rider as he claimed a top seven finish on his M 1000 RR, with teammate Eugene Laverty in tenth. Laverty’s best time was a 1’50.600s as he worked on the rear grip of his machine.
All five manufacturers were inside the top ten as Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) went ninth fastest on his CBR1000RR-R machine, posting a best time of 1’50.586s as he prepares for his rookie WorldSBK campaign. Lecuona’s plan was to do as many laps as possible but cold conditions in the morning and a Turn 7 crash in FP3 meant his running was disrupted, although he was okay following the crash.
TO NOTE…
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was 11th, just 0.032s outside a place inside the top ten on his Panigale V4 R as he looked to test a new swingarm as well as different setup choices. Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed 13th spot for the factory BMW squad, three tenths down on the fastest time record by Baz, the fastest BMW rider.
Last year’s breakthrough star, Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) was 18th on the opening day of test with a time of 1’51.890s, over a tenth slower than debutant Roberto Tamburini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) who received a late call-up to the 2022 Championship. Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) was 19th fastest after he had a Turn 2 crash in FP3, with the Frenchman okay after the incident.
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
The first day of testing at Aragon (Spain) ends with Bautista and Rinaldi in third and eleventh position respectively. Bulega tops WorldSSP
The first of two days of testing at the Motorland circuit in Aragon (Spain) ended with Alvaro Bautista in third place and Michael Rinaldi in 11th.
It was a very peculiar day, characterized by extremely cold temperatures that prevented the riders from being able to take advantage of the first of the three daily sessions.
In the early afternoon, the track conditions improved, and the two Aruba.it Racing – Ducati riders were able to work more effectively with their Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Alvaro Bautista ended with the third fastest time (1’50.025), recorded on SC0 tyres. A crash – without particular consequences – on the last run forced him to postpone the time attack attempt until tomorrow.
After a good fifth place in the second session, Michael Rinaldi – also due to some issues – was unable to make an impact in FP3 closing with the 11th fastest time in the combined standings (1’50.632).
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“We’ve been working a lot on the setup and electronics and we have been able to get some very interesting data. I’m really sorry for the crash on the last run. I went out for the first time with the second bike and, if I’m honest, I don’t know what happened. We will have to check the data to understand it better. Luckily there were no consequences. Anyway, I am confident about the pace we had with the SC0. Tomorrow we’ll also try the softer tires”.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“I can’t be satisfied with the way things went today. We weren’t able to find continuity on the track and that’s something we’ll talk about with the team to be able to do better tomorrow. Anyway, the feeling with the bike isn’t bad and that gives me confidence. Of course, we will have to work harder to be ready for the first round of the season”. WorldSSP
After being forced to skip the FP1 due to low temperatures, Nicolò Bulega showed to be at ease on the Ducati Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP Team. The Italian rider completed 37 laps in the two-afternoon sessions, finishing in first place with the fastest time of 1’53.818.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP Team #11)
“It was a very complicated day because of the weather conditions. Luckily in the afternoon, we were able to work steadily, also because it was my first time on this circuit with the Ducati Panigale V2. We’re still a long way from the fastest times of this category at Aragon, but the feeling with the bike is growing and that’s positive”.
More, from a press release issued by Team Go Eleven:
DAY 1 – ARAGON – SUPPORTED TEST; PHILIPP FINISHES CLOSE TO THE TOP TEN!
Finally the first week of racing has come! WorldSBK toes on track for a two-day Supported Test at Aragon, the same track on which, next weekend, the protagonists will kick off the WorldSBK.
The temperatures certainly did not help teams and riders, since the freezing cold, with temperatures around 0 ° C, forced most of the teams to make a few timed laps. From the second session onwards, the sun showed up at Motorland, warming the track and air, thus giving the riders the opportunity to push. Philipp used race tyres, the harder compound, looking for the right references of lines and brakings, different from those used with the smaller bikes. Right from the start he felt at ease, constantly improving lap times. A two-hour break after FP2 allowed the riders to carry out a quick debrief with the technicians to improve feeling and set-up ahead of the last session of Day 1. The last 45 minutes, FP3, proved to be the faster session for many riders. The asphalt temperatures reached 25 degrees, thus giving greater confidence especially on the front. The German homeowner Go Eleven set excellent times on both hard and soft tyres, dropping below 51. With the best time of 1.50.713 he finished close to the Top ten, 3 tenths from fourth place.
DAY 1 – COMBINED RESULTS:
P 1 J. Rea 1.49.394
P 2 T. Razgatlioglu + 0.016
P 3 A. Bautista + 0.631
P 4 G. Gerloff + 0.726
P 5 A. Lowes + 1.029
…
P 12 P. Oettl + 1.319
There is still a lot of work to do to get ready for the first Friday of the year, but the start is cpositive and Oettl’s feelings are good. In the evening today the Go Eleven technicians will work to fix the corner entrance and the T 2, the two most critical points found during today’s tests.
Philipp Oettl (Rider):
“Today it was a new day on a new track with the Superbike, I am happy by the moment, we made some good steps in the right direction. If we continue like this also tomorrow, I think it would be great. I still have to adapt my riding style to Aragon with the Ducati V4-RS. It’s not easy to learn fast, but we are on the right way, but we need to keep working!”
Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“This morning when we woke up it was really very cold, I thought it was a lost day; in reality then in the afternoon the temperature warmed up a bit and we were able to get out on the track in good conditions. There was even more grip than during last year race. We managed to work well, both in the tyre comparison and on the electronics settings. We collected a lot of data that will help us face the race weekend in the best possible way. Philipp’s adaptation is proceeding well, he manages to be fast on all tyres. I’m happy with both the team’s work and Philipp’s, even though it will probably be much warmer at the weekend than today’s conditions. “
Editorial Note: John Denning is the father of Paul Denning, principal of the Pata Yamaha by Brixx World Superbike team.
JOHN DENNING – 30TH MAY 1940 TO 2ND APRIL 2022
It is with great sadness that Crescent Motorcycle Co and the Crescent Yamaha WorldSBK team announces, following a short illness, the passing of Crescent’s modern-day founder, father-figure and constant guide, John Denning. [He was 81.]
John began working in the Bournemouth-based motorcycle and bicycle shop with his father straight from school in the 1950s, and leaves behind him a legacy of 65 years of service to Crescent’s customers and of guidance and care to Crescent’s staff. Operating the business in a prudent professional manner and gaining a reputation for customer service as his first priority, John was pivotal to Crescent’s growth and longer-term success as he supported his son, Paul, in expanding Crescent’s activities in the mid-1990s. This included the move into professional circuit racing in 1997, and John took great pleasure in all stages of the team’s growth, culminating with his huge pride in the ultimate accolade of World Championship victory in 2021. John played an important part in Crescent’s business to the end and was a constant source of encouragement and guidance.
John’s final “official” professional engagement was the recent presentation of the Torrens Trophy to Crescent at the Royal Automobile Club in London, where despite being weakened by his illness, the event was greatly enjoyed.
A keen sportsman and enthusiastic participant in four-wheeled machinery in addition to his passion for motorcycles, John Denning was an energetic, humble and deeply generous gentleman with an irreverent sense of fun, who will be greatly missed by all at Crescent, by his wife Angela, his family and his many friends and colleagues from all over the world.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 26th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 11 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (11 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2022 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Julian Correa. Photo courtesy Michael Correa.
Julian Correa
Age: 13
Current home: Jupiter, Florida.
Current height/weight: 5’3”/104 pounds.
Current school grade level: 8th grade.
Began riding at age: 5 years.
First road race: 2013, Millville, New Jersey, NJminiGP, Spec50, 10th place.
Current racebike: Honda NSF250R.
Current tuners/mechanics: Tim Cassesse, David Buchman/DBPrepared.
Primary race series: British Talent Cup, PanAmerican Superbike.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2021 season, competed as a wild card in 4 British Talent Cup (best race finish was 10th), won 7 WERA Sportsman Regional Novice Class Championships, won 2 FMRRA Amateur Class Championships, won multiple SFLminiGP Class Championships.
2022 racing goal: Finish in top 5 in British Talent Cup Championship.
Racing career goal: Win Moto3, Moto2, and then MotoGP Championships.
Current WorldSBK Race Lap Record: 1:49.620, J. Rea (Kaw), 2020
Current WorldSBK All-Time Lap Record: 1:48.458, J. Rea (Kaw), 2021
FIM Superbike World Championship
MotorLand Aragon
Alcaniz, Spain
April 5, 2022
Provisional Day Two Best Lap Times (all on Pirelli tires):
Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw), 1:48.714
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Turkey (Yam), 1:49.068
Alvaro Bautista, Spain (Duc), 1:49.094
Garrett Gerloff, USA (Yam), 1:49.235
Loris Baz, France (BMW), 1:49.383
Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Yam), 1:49.831
Michael Rinaldi, Italy (Duc), 1:49.863
Iker Lecuona, Spain (Hon), 1:49.971
Xavi Vierge, Spain (Hon), 1:50.010
Philipp Oettl, Germany (Duc), 1:50.086
Scott Redding, UK (BMW), 1:50.104
Alex Lowes, UK (Kaw), 1:50.112
Eugene Laverty, UK (BMW), 1:50.446
Ilya Mikhalchik, Ukraine (BMW), 1:50.498
Roberto Tamburini, Italy (Yam), 1:50.656
Kohta Nozane, Japan (Yam), 1:50.683
Axel Bassani, Italy (Duc), 1:50.856
Lucas Mahias, France (Kaw), 1:51.038
Luca Bernardi, San Marino (Duc), 1:51.738
Gabriele Ruiu, Italy (BMW), 1:52.003
Christophe Ponsson, Belgium (Yam), 1:52.143
Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (Hon), 1:52.312
Oliver Konig, Czech Republic (Kaw), 1:52.729
Leandro Mercado, Argentina (Hon), 1:53.046
Loris Cresson, Belgium (Kaw), 1:53.534
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Jonathan Rea tops the timesheets after a two-day Supported Test at MotorLand Aragon
Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Titles contenders Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu were just split by three tenths before heading into the Pirelli Aragon Round
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) concluded the Supported Test on top of the timesheets, with a best time of 1’48.714 on Day 2. He was the only rider to lap in the 1’48s bracket: “Step by step we are building the package. I felt the conditions, particularly in the afternoon, FP5 & 6 were much better than yesterday and the morning. We were able to get a meaningful work done… We confirmed our bike.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The 2021 WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) ended the two days of testing in second place, finishing 0.354s behind Jonathan Rea. He made the most of the sessions to further test the electronics on his Yamaha YZF R1. “The test was great. We improved the bike. We used some new parts and we are happy with them.”
Alvaro Bautista (19). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) was third 0.380s adrift from the leader. The Spanish rider tackled the test with this weekend’s Aragon Round in mind. “Today has been very positive. The feeling with the bike improved. Yesterday, we only used the SC0 tyre and today we could compare it with some other tyres. We found some improvements and the feeling with the bike improved,” he said.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
American rider Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) finished in fourth as he tried new components previously tested by the Pata Yamaha squad, using the full 2022 bike for the first time. Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) was the first BMW rider in fifth as he posted a 1’49.383 in FP5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) completed the top six as he finished 1.117s behind Jonathan Rea, and just 0.032s in front of Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati). Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was the first Honda rider in eighth, with his teammate Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) finishing 0.039s behind him in ninth.
Loris Baz (76). Photo courtesy Dorna.
WorldSBK Combined Times
1. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’48.714s
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +0.354s
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.380s
6. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +1.117s
Jules Cluzel (16). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Cluzel fastest in final WorldSSP Pre-Season outing
The Frenchman claimed the fastest lap by just 0.057s, with just 0.240s covering the top five
Despite a crash at Turn 2 in the opening session of Day 2, Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) set the fastest time of the Supported Test in the final session. His lap time 1’53.407 was faster than the race lap record set by Andrea Locatelli in 2020 by 0.5s. “These two days were not so easy because we started with really cold conditions. We stayed calm and I really tried to stayed focussed on my plan. I tried to get the pace and went step by step to finish well” explained Cluzel. “This season will be really tight, with strong riders with strong bikes, but we know that if we do it well, we can do like at the end of last season,” he added.
Italian Rookie Lorenzo Baldassari (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) finished in second just 0.057s behind Cluzel; “It was a good test for us because it confirmed we are doing well. Our speed is quite good and I am happy to be fast again after last year.” Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) wrapped up the two-day test in third, finishing +0.057s from the fastest rider. “Today we made some race simulations, and we are quite strong. I am really comfortable as I am able to do my laps alone,” he commented.
Two other Italian Rookies are in the top six, with Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) in fourth and Yari Montella (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in fifth. Reigning WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) finished the test in fifth place, 0.240s behind Cluzel.
WorldSSP Combined Times
1. Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) 1’53.407s
2. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +0.057s
3. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +0.135s
4. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +0.214s
5. Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.240s
6. Yari Montella (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +0.681s
Teammates Steeman and Okaya go head-to-head for WorldSSP300 top spot at Aragon test
Steeman joined MTM Kawasaki for the 2022 campaign and has put down a marker as he edged out teammate Okaya
Victor Steeman (MTM Kawasaki) finished on top of the timesheets having set a fastest time of 2’06.509. “Yesterday we didn’t had a good day. I crashed at the beginning of the day. But after all we had a lot of information from were was the limit. And this morning we started to think to prepare race day. It’s always important to get how the tyres are going. In the last session, I just putted the new tyre and I just looked for a good lap time.”
Teammate Yuta Okaya (MTM Kawasaki) ended the Supported Test in second just 0.036s behind, despite a crash in Turn 5 has put an early end to his testing program. Fastest on the opening day of action, Samuel Di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo) finished the two-day test in third place just 0.166s behind Victor Steeman.
WorldSSP300 Combined Times
1. Victor Steeman (MTM Kawasaki) 2’06.509
2. Yuta Okaya (MTM Kawasaki) +0.036s
3. Samuel Di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo) +0.166s
4. Marc Garcia (Yamaha MS Racing) +0.401s
5. Kevin Sabatucci (Kawasaki GP Project) +0.598s
6. Bruno Ieraci (Prodina Racing WorldSSP300) +0.672s
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
WorldSBK pre-season comes to an end for Lecuona and Vierge with productive final tests at Aragón
WorldSBK new-entries Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge have once again demonstrated their potential, placing eighth and ninth at the end of this final pre-season test. Quickly adapting to what is a new track for them with the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE, they posted competitive lap times despite limited track time, cold conditions and, in Xavi’s case, recent injury.
The DWO Supported test sessions that mark the end of the pre-season testing period have drawn to a close today at Motorland Aragón in Spain. With the 2022 Superbike World Championship season-opener set to take place this very weekend at the same circuit, Team HRC and riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge are pleased with the progress made over the winter, having worked hard to make final preparations ahead of the all-important first race weekend.
The test kicked off yesterday morning in surprisingly cold conditions. Team HRC therefore decided to sit out the opening session, considering it risky, particularly for Vierge who is still recovering after having fractured his twelfth rib during the last test at Barcelona. Later in the day, as the track and air temperatures rose, both Lecuona and Vierge headed out, working hard with their technicians to begin to adapt their CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADES to what is a new track for them both.
Today’s sessions ran in dry conditions, although both Lecuona and Vierge remained in the garage during the first of the three phases, the conditions similarly cold to yesterday. During the subsequent sessions, Team HRC continued to work on set-up and, by the end of the day, Lecuona had set a fastest overall time of 1’49.971 and Vierge a 1’50.010. Both riders now look forward to the opening round of the 2022 championship, which will get underway this coming Friday.
Iker Lecuona (7). Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Iker Lecuona 7
“During these two days here at Aragón conditions were very cold early on, so we decided not to ride in the morning sessions. On day one, I worked with the hard tyre and felt good, considering this is the first time I’m riding at Aragón. There’s lots to learn of course but things went quite well. On day two we continued working on the bike set-up and, overall, the test has been OK though not as good as the rest of the pre-season. To be honest, I expected something more because I know we have the potential to be faster with this bike but here we struggled with the soft tyre and also suffered a crash at turn 2 the first time we attempted a flying lap. I was unhurt luckily, so no problem there, but it’s true that we need to take another step at this track, so over the next couple of days we’ll check all the data to prepare for the weekend. I’m really looking forward to starting the season, improving on the bike, getting to grips with the new championship and enjoying this new racing season.”
Xavi Vierge. Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Xavi Vierge 97
“It’s been great to get back on the bike for this test. It was an important one in terms of preparing for the upcoming race weekend of course, and it was also my first time back on the bike since I hurt myself at Barcelona. Conditions haven’t been ideal, as it’s been colder than it probably will be for the races, but we’ve got the work done. I’m really happy especially with our second day; we continued as we did yesterday, not making too many laps but just enough to understand what and where we need to improve, and to adjust the electronics ahead of the weekend. We took a step forward which I’m really happy about, and we have the information we need to start the weekend with a good base. Physically, it’s been a bit painful for me of course, but it was also important to ride to understand how I need to adapt my riding style to do the best I can. So now I have the information from these two days and then it’s also important to continue with my therapy and physio so I’m as fit as I can be for the race weekend. I want to thank the team for their hard work and for supporting me; I’m very happy to be here and back on my bike.”
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
The Aragon test ends with Bautista third and Rinaldi seventh. Bulega finishes fourth in WorldSSP
The last winter tests of 2022 ended today at the Motorland Circuit of Aragon (Spain), which from Friday will host the first round of the new WorldSBK season.
As yesterday, the day started with extremely low temperatures, but track conditions improved significantly during the afternoon.
The two riders of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team worked on the final details ahead of the first official free practice of the Pirelli Aragon Round scheduled for Friday at 10.30 am.
In today’s three sessions, Alvaro Bautista completed 48 laps, setting in FP3 his best time of 1’49.094 to eventually finish third, three tenths behind Rea (Kawasaki) and just 26 thousandths of a second behind Razgatlioglu (Yamaha).
For Michael Rinaldi 44 laps completed and the seventh position in the combined standings thanks to a time of 1’49.863 set in the early afternoon session.
Alvaro Bautista (19). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“It was a positive test, even though the low temperature this morning didn’t allow us to get the most out of every session. Anyway, we did a good job: today we focused on adjusting the set-up with the goal of improving the race pace with the harder tire and the results were positive. We collected a lot of data to work on and this is very important. I’m really happy because the feeling is very good”.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“Without a doubt, I expected more from these tests, but even in the difficult times, we can still find data that can help us. We’ve understood what we’re missing to be competitive and I hope that in these two days, after carefully analyzing the data, we’ll be able to find a solution that allows us to improve. In any case, we arrive at the start of the season with a great desire to do well”.
WorldSSP
Due to the low temperature, Nicolò Bulega and the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team only took to the track in the afternoon but had to deal with a small issue that stopped the Italian rider after 8 laps. In the last session, however, Bulega lapped steadily (18 laps completed) finishing in fourth place (1’53.621) but only 240 thousandths of a second behind the best time of Cluzel (Yamaha).
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP #11)
“I’m happy because during all the winter tests we did a really good job. The feeling with the bike is very positive even if sometimes we struggle to find the right setup on a new machine that lacks experience. Anyway, we are always able to find positive solutions and that gives us great confidence. We are ready to start the season”.
More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:
GERLOFF AND NOZANE LOOKING FORWARD TO FIRST RACE WEEKEND AFTER FINAL TEST
The 2022 pre-season is officially over. With the last DWO Supported Test sustained at MotorLand Aragòn on 4th-5th April, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team finished its preparations with Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff for the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship, which will start on 8th-10th April in Aragòn.
Cold conditions awaited both riders on the first day, which forced the team to not push too much in the morning (11:35-12:20) apart from making shakedown laps. In the following afternoon sessions, both Gerloff and Nozane bounced back on track with good progress made throughout FP2 (14:25-15:10) and FP3 (16:55-17:40).
Indeed, the American rider managed to finish the day fourth fastest on combined times, with a personal best of 1.50.120 and 36 laps completed. On the other side of the box, the Japanese ace gained confidence each session and ended eighth fastest with 1.50.520 and 37 laps in total.
Afterwards, the day after the GYRT GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team encountered once again cold conditions during the morning. Luckily, this time Nozane and Gerloff managed to complete more laps followed by many more in the afternoon stages. The sessions were planned from 10:55 to 11:40, 13:45 to 14:30 and 16:15 to 17:00.
Both riders tried to find pace and improved their feeling, finishing 16th, with the Japanese having a 1.50.683 as personal best over 41 laps, and 4th fastest as the American scored a 1.49.235 as his best with 49 laps in total on Day 2. Counting both days, Gerloff concluded in 4th position (85 laps done) while Nozane put himself into 15th (78 laps completed).
As the pre-season is officially over, it’s time for the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team to move on into the first round of the 2022 season of FIM Superbike World Championship. That will take place at MotorLand Aragòn once again from 8th to 10th April with three races during the weekend and many more activities expected to be held at the Teruel venue.
P15 – Kohta Nozane (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +1.806
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.
Garrett Gerloff: “Overall it wasn’t too bad. On Day 2, we fixed some things that I was complaining on the first day and the temperature went higher. That’s important as for the weekend weather conditions should be warmer. We did use the SCQ tyre as well, it felt good. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to make a one-shot lap, so I need to work on this area. Anyway, finally the pre-season is over and it’s time to focus on the first round of the year. I’ll enjoy two days of rest before being fully focused on the race weekend, but I cannot wait to bounce back on track for the first free practice of the season.”
Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.
Kohta Nozane: “Having the last DWO Supported Test was important as we’re gearing up for the upcoming season. On the first day I improved my performance each session and managed to finish 8th, while on the second one we tried to keep that feeling but we had to make some work on race pace as well. That’s why we did a long run and settled up things on that aspect. We have a good base and I can start from Friday to prepare in the best way possible for the first round of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship. Now we’ll have two days to rest a little bit and then it will be time to switch into racing mode. I cannot wait for this new beginning!”
More, from a press release issued by Pata Yamaha by Brixx WorldSBK:
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK Complete Aragon Checklist Ahead of WorldSBK Opening Round
Toprak Razgatlioglu (1). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK riders Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli completed two days of testing at the FIM Superbike World Championship Supported Test at MotorLand Aragon today, ahead of the opening round of the 2022 season starting later this week.
Defending WorldSBK Champion Razgatlıoğlu ticked off 91 laps across six 45-minute Free Practice sessions with a fastest lap time of 1’49.068 placing him second overall, while teammate Locatelli finished sixth-fastest with a best time of 1’49.831, having also completed 91 laps.
Despite frigid cold temperatures across both days, the team and Yamaha Motor Research & Development Europe’s engineers took a calculated approach to manage the track time available and found positive results as they worked on set up and new test items to prepare for the weekend. Satisfied with the data collected, feedback from both Razgatlıoğlu and Locatelli will help fine-tune the R1 WorldSBK package for the considerably warmer conditions forecast in the Teruel region.
The 5.077 km MotorLand Aragon circuit has played host to some fantastic race battles in recent years for the WorldSBK class, and 2022 looks set to provide another thrilling start to the championship. But first, the Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK team will return to work on Thursday for the customary WorldSBK “class photos”, before Friday morning’s track action of Free Practice 1 and 2, starting at 10:30 local time (UTC+2) and 15:00 respectively.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: P2 (1’49.068) – 91 laps
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“Today we tried a new set up and we improved my bike a little bit from yesterday. The weather was cold but I am very happy with these two test days, because we use different set ups to get more data and find the best package. Now, the feeling is we are ready to race and I’m very excited for the season start. But we will see Friday! I’m waiting to ride my R1 on Friday – we will see what will happen this weekend!”
Andrea Locatelli: P6 (1’49.831) – 91 laps
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“We concluded today in P6, but this is not important! The most important part is the job that we do and I’m happy in the second day for the rhythm when we tried the long run. This good for us, but for sure we need to understand the qualifying tyre to start more in front. But in general, it was a good two days of testing with no mistakes and we have a lot of data, with two days to analyse everything and prepare the bike for the weekend. The guys do a great job and the feeling with the bike is not bad, so now we will continue to work a little more to try to improve during the weekend. We will see but I think we are now ready to start.”
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Rea Fastest On Eve Of New Season
A two day official pre-season test at Motorland Aragon saw Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes make their final on-track preparations for the opening round of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship, with Rea setting the overall leading pace in the final session.
On the first day the dry but very cold morning conditions kept most of the riders in the pit garages until the track temperatures improved all around the 5.077km long Motorland Aragon circuit. Ninja ZX-10RR riders Rea and Lowes then joined the full WorldSBK line-up on track, riding in what were increasingly good conditions.
Day two was also cool in the morning but consistently dry weather allowed the official KRT WorldSBK duo to work through their final test plans and make meaningful preparations for the first points scoring races of the 2022 season.
Rea set his best single lap time of 1’48.714 on the final minutes of the tests and was the only rider to get into the 1’48 bracket. He was 0.354 seconds faster than the next rider, Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Lowes could not quite find the one fast lap he desired but in term of his overall race pace he was more satisfied with the final sessions before the new season starts for real in just a few days.
A final change in set-up, to make the most of this final pre-season testing opportunity, meant Alex was unable to move up the combined timesheets and he finished 12th fastest of the 25 riders at this test. Now he looks to make use of his good race pace when the first championship points become available.
With the pre-season action now complete the 2022 WorldSBK campaign will begin in earnest at Motorland Aragon, between 8-10 April. Once again there will be three races on the weekend schedule, with the first on Saturday 9 April.
Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “Step-by-step we have built the package at this test. The afternoon sessions were much better than the first morning. We got meaningful work done and we confirmed our bike set-up. On the last runs I was really able to clarify the package we will start the race weekend with. We also ticked a lot of boxes with tyres. We used the SCQ qualifying tyre, which is new for us. We had to understand it before we use it in Superpole qualifying on Saturday. Today I enjoyed riding the bike; I had a lot of fun and got a lot of feedback. When that happens we are able to go quite fast. I am as ready as I will ever be to start racing. You can always do more, but you have to start somewhere and if we were to go racing tomorrow I am happy enough to start. We will have the usual ‘class of 2022’ photos on Thursday and then go racing on Friday.”
Alex Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes, stated: “The test was OK but I wasn’t fast enough. We tried a few things with the bike in that last session today, in the good track temperatures. I tried something big and it didn’t really feel that good. Then we did not have enough time to change it back in the final session. We have a couple of days of practice now to put everything we have together. I guess track conditions will be a little bit different on Friday. I feel good in myself and I have had an issue-free pre-season. The bike has been reliable and I have been solid, so the target for this year is to be consistent every weekend. My race pace is OK but over one lap I am not fast – so we need to understand that. Apart from that, it was not too bad and we have a couple of days to make a good plan to start free practice on Friday.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “The test was positive and Johnny is confident with the bike. This two day test is different compared to the race weekend because the temperature is going to be completely different. Now it is around 12-13°C air temperature and it will be around 25°C on the weekend. So the track surface itself will be much hotter and this affects the tyre choice, the set-up – everything. But we have been confirming all we have done in the previous winter tests, to confirm the base bike we want to start with. Johnny is talking quite deeply with the bike and at the end of the day that is the most important thing. Now we will have a chance to relax and then restart for the first race.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We used these two days quite well. The first sessions on each day were very cold so we knew we were not going to learn anything. We didn’t go out on track except to make some practice starts. But during each day we reached some acceptable track temperatures and we went through our test programme. From a lap time point of view we are not where we would like to be but this is testing and our season still needs to start. We gathered valuable information and we will start from the correct point on Friday.”
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was 18th overall at the Motorland tests, with fellow Kawasaki Independent riders Oliver König (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) 23rd and Loris Cresson (TPR Team Pedercini Racing) 25th.
More, from a press release issued by Team Go Eleven:
ALMOST DONE YESTERDAY, DONE TODAY; OETTL CLOSES THE ARAGON TEST IN TOP TEN!
Philipp Oettl (5). Photo courtesy Team Go Eleven.
The long WorldSBK winter is finally over! Last day of testing in Aragon behind us, now there are two days left for the official start of the Championship.
Day 2 at Motorland was very similar to day 1 in terms of temperatures; a first session in critical conditions, with about five degrees in the air and about ten on the asphalt, then with the passing of the hours the sky opened, warming up riders, motorcycles and technicians. FP 5 and FP 6 were two decisive sessions for the Go Eleven team; in the first, Philipp made a consistent long run, to evaluate the drop of the tyres and the behavior of his Ducati V4-RS on this particular track, made up of ups and downs, very technical corners and long straights. In the second, the work was concentrated on the qualifying tyres, which from this year allow for at least a couple of laps in good conditions. On the race pace, the German rider seemed to be well on the Ducati, setting a good pace on 51 and battling with some opponents as well. But it was in the last session that he showed the best things: with the SCX he was able to improve even more, placing himself in the top eight, then at the end all the protagonists tried the time attack. Oettl was able to exploit the Q well, lowering his personal reference by six tenths, returning and finishing the two days in the Top Ten.
DAY 2 – COMBINED RESULTS:
P 1 J. Rea 1.48.714
P 2 T. Razgatlioglu + 0.354
P 3 A. Bautista + 0.380
P 4 G. Gerloff + 0.521
P 5 L. Baz + 0.669
…
P 12 P. Oettl + 1.372
There will now be a two-day break before seeing the Superbikes in action at Motorland again, when the 2022 season will kick off on Friday. Go Eleven and the rider Philipp Oettl can’t wait to hit the track for the times “that matter”, and evaluate the real potential when there are no more masks and everyone will push 100%.
Philipp Oettl (Rider):
“Today it started again a little bit cold, cause we started earlier than yesterday. In the second session we did a long run, to understand the tyres and the electronics settings, trying to adapt my style to the tyre drop. In the last session we tried mainly the qualifying tyre, to understand its feedback. I think we did a good job because I can’t use the first two Q, then I found out how to use the last one. We are going in the right direction for the race weekend, especially the last session was really good. That was important because it was the last one and everyone tried to push. We did a good job in these two days, overall all the tests we had were good and in improvement. I am happy with the team, they are working very well. Now I have two days of relax, while the guys will prepare the bike, and we can’t wait to be on track again!”
Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“We are also very happy with this last day of testing. This morning the temperatures were as low as yesterday, however, as we already faced yesterday, the track has a lot of grip and we could run right from the start. We carried out and completed our program without any particular problems, making both a long run with a view to the race and some attempts with the new qualifying tyres. Both have been very positive and I am happy with the work of the team and with Philipp’s approach; he faces the session as a long-time rider, despite being a rookie. Throughout the winter we had no particular difficulties, managing to complete all the prefixed work, with good results. Now there is still a lot to work on and grow on, we are not satisfied with what we have done so far, we still want to improve and look forward. We will do our best to be competitive from the start and to collect the good things done in the winter!”
Travis Wyman switches to Bilmola USA helmets for 2022 MotoAmerica season
Replica of MotoAmerica veteran’s special edition helmet to be sold nationwide, abroad
When you see Travis Wyman competing in MotoAmerica Superbike, Stock 1000 and King of the Baggers this year, he’ll be racing in his own edition of Bilmola USA’s flagship helmet. The Harley-Davidson factory racer and 2021 runner-up in the Superbike Cup and Stock 1000 classes will be among the first American road racers to don a Bilmola RC-1 in pro competition, and his special edition helmet features his pet golden retriever, Buddy.
Founded in Thailand in 2010, the Bilmola parent company started out as a design and production firm for other brands before developing its own product line. The company’s product development division, Bilmola USA, opened in California in 2020. Bilmola USA will have support personnel at all remaining MotoAmerica rounds – beginning this weekend with the MotoGP/MotoAmerica round at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
The full face Bilmola RC-1 model was developed by Bilmola USA and is expected to go on sale in the U.S. market later this year. The RC-1 is DOT and ECE approved and features a forged-composite shell that is lighter and stronger than carbon fiber.
“My Bilmola RC-1 is the best-fitting helmet I’ve worn in my 14-year pro racing career,” Wyman said. “I had a good first outing with the helmet at the MotoAmerica round at Daytona, where I nearly claimed my first King of the Baggers win. Bilmola USA’s support has been top-notch, and the RC-1’s visibility and ventilation have been outstanding. I’m looking forward to working with the company for the rest of the 2022 season and beyond.”
Replicas of Wyman’s special edition RC-1 are expected to go on sale in Asia later in 2022, as well as in the United States in the first quarter of 2023. Bilmola also plans to feature Wyman on a billboard advertisement in Bangkok, Thailand, later this year.
Wyman makes his debut with the Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW team this weekend. He’ll compete for the first time aboard an Alpha Racing-built BMW M 1000 RR in the two MotoAmerica Superbike races on April 8-10 at Circuit of the Americas.
For more information about Bilmola USA, visit www.bilmolausa.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
The author at speed on a 2022-model KTM RC 390 at the mostly repaved Streets of Willow course. Photo courtesy KTM North America.
Copyright 2022, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By Michael Gougis
KTM’s RC 390 has always served as a solid and rapid platform for an ultralightweight racebike. For its 2022 update, the company put the revisions into the hands of Shaun Anderson, an engineer who also races in the Isle of Man TT events. So it’s not surprising that the bike is even more track-ready than before, and offers features simply not found elsewhere in this market segment.
KTM introduced the new model to North America media in the best possible way: It rented a racetrack, brought along former AMA Pro Racing National Champion Chris Fillmore (now KTM Road Racing and Flat Track Manager) to supervise, and turned journalists loose on a fleet of the new little sportbikes.
Several hours of ripping around at the (mostly) repaved 1.8-mile Streets of Willow circuit revealed a motorcycle that has all of the qualities that made the prior generation RC 390 so much fun at the track, as well as improvements that really have moved the goalposts in the category.
Tech Overview:
The 89mm bore by 60mm stroke single-cylinder engine remains essentially unchanged from the previous model, but an airbox that moves 40% more air means the torque output is slightly higher. The 373cc engine still makes a claimed 44 horsepower and redlines at an indicated 10,000 rpm.
The chassis has been changed significantly to increase lateral flex and feel on the track, as well as to reduce weight. The company claims the new steel trellis chassis weighs 3.3 pounds less than the previous model’s frame, and now features a bolt-on subframe that can be replaced for track use. Weight savings continue with the wheel assemblies (wheels, front axle, brakes) losing a combined whopping 7.5 pounds of unsprung mass.
A 2022-model KTM RC 390 at rest at the mostly repaved Streets of Willow course in Rosamond, California. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The inverted 43mm WP Apex cartridge forks now feature adjustable compression and rebound at the front, although preload is not adjustable. A single WP Apex split-piston shock offers rebound damping and preload adjustment at the rear.
Electronics take a big step forward, with a 3-axis IMU providing cornering and deceleration data sufficient to operate a simple on/off traction control system and ABS, and both are lean angle sensitive. The ABS operates either front and rear brakes simultaneously or the rear can be switched off in Supermoto mode. In addition, the RC390 offers clutchless up- and down-shift operation, although that feature comes at an additional cost. The six-speed gearbox transmits power through a power-assisted slipper clutch.
Handlebars are slightly higher than on the prior model, but these can be adjusted downward on the fork tubes for a racier riding position. The bodywork is larger for better aerodynamic performance and is easier to get on and off, because racers are constantly fiddling with their bikes!
Little things have changed to make the bike easier to live with. The tank is nearly a gallon larger than the tank on the older model, meaning fewer stops for fuel. The shifter and brake pedals fold in case of a tip-over. The larger windscreen provides better protection for the rider. The levers are adjustable.
And as always, KTM has a pile of performance parts available. Some of the test bikes were equipped with billet, folding levers; solid-mount racing rear-set controls; and lightweight sprockets. One machine was equipped with a kit WP shock with more adjustments and a fork kit with adjustable preload.
It’s safe to say that this machine changes the ultralightweight sportbike market segment. It’s the most sophisticated machine in the class, and it’s priced competitively with the others it races against in Junior Cup classes around the world.
But how race-ready is it?
Riding On The Racetrack
Throw a leg over–and I do mean throw, since the seat height is raised to 32.4 inches–and it’s an easy reach to the flat clip-on handlebars. There’s a reasonable amount of legroom, even with the racing rearsets. Thumb the starter and the bike settles into an easy idle, with little in the way of vibration. The Thin-Film Transistor dash is easy to read and adjusting the electronics is simple and intuitive.
The clutch pull is light. The quickshifter required deliberate motion at the foot, but if I was solid with my shifts it worked, and together with the slipper clutch it made corner entries significantly easier. Just sit up, brake and start stomping down on the shift lever. And if you’re in a little too hot, the ABS gives you the confidence to simply hang onto the lever a little longer, even after you’ve tipped the bike in and you’re angling toward the apex. Nothing like a little electronic safety net when you’re refining a skill like trail braking!
The revised bodywork and windscreen did their jobs. It was easy to tuck in and stay out of the wind, all the way up to the indicated 100 mph that I saw at the end of the back straight. The flat angle of the bars made hanging off a bit uncomfortable, but there was room for my 5′ 10” frame to tuck all the way in.
For a 373cc Single, there’s reasonable power, and the bike pulls cleanly from the bottom and spins to redline quickly in the first three gears. It starts to feel a bit breathless at the top end in fifth, and I didn’t spend much time in sixth.
The light weight and especially the lighter rims make the machine very easy to flick. It did take me a while to get used to how much or little effort was needed on the handlebars and through the pegs to put the bike where I wanted it to go. But whatever I wanted, the bike delivered it quickly. The famous Willow breeze was out in full force, making it a bit harder to be really precise with selecting lines, so I rode with a bit of the track in reserve. Still fun, and the bike stayed nimble as I picked up the pace.
The suspension was surprisingly well sorted, the forks rigid and well damped, easily well enough to play around at Streets, and a bit of vagueness at the rear was cured by adding damping and preload. I’d read some of the overseas reviews in which the test rider praised the shock’s behavior and was a bit skeptical. It’s not a race shock, but it really was noticeably better than I expected on an ultralightweight. Once the bike was set and loaded in a corner, it was dead stable.
My legs were sore–like, more than I expected them to be–the next day. Looking back, I think it’s because I took full advantage of a beautiful day, an open track, and a bike that was really, really fun on this particular circuit. The core of KTM’s little sportbike remains entertaining, and the electronics upgrades add to the usability of the package, especially for younger riders and those learning the ropes of track riding. I’ve got a test unit in the garage, and I don’t think it’s seen the last of its time on the track with me aboard!
Suggested retail starts at $5,799 and the RC390 should be in dealer showrooms by the end of May.
Torin Collins (17). Photo by Manuel Tormo (Manutormo), courtesy Torin Collins Racing.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 26th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 11 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (11 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2022 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Torin Collins. Photo by Rupert Collins.
Torin Collins
Age: 16.
Current home: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Current height/weight: 5’9”/142 pounds.
Current school grade level: 11th grade.
Began riding at age: 5 years.
First road race: 2012, Calgary, Alberta, Alberta Mini Road Racing Association, Youth 6-9, 3rd place.
Current racebike: KTM RC250GP.
Current tuner/mechanic: AGR Racing Team.
Primary race series: FIM Junior GP Moto3 Junior World Championship.
Top sponsors: Bickle Racing, Novalda Coaching, Calgary Cycle Works, Blackfoot Motorsports, Taylor Racing, Kabuto Helmets, Mithos Leathers, Fusport Boots.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2021 season, tied for 30th in the FIM European Talent Cup Championship (best race finish was 14th at Jerez); 2020 season, raced in European Talent Cup (best race finish was 16th); 2019 season, finished 15th in British Talent Cup (best race finish was 7th); 2018 season, won EMRA Lightweight Superbike and Lightweight Open Championships (11 wins, set 2 class lap records), multiple race wins in 2018/2019 CVMA Winter Series, won UtahSBA Moto3 race at Utah Motorsports Campus; 2017 season, won 7 CMA Mini Road Racing National Championships, won 2 FIM Mini Road Racing Championships, won 8 races and set 2 class lap records during 2017/2018 CVMA Winter Series.
2022 racing goal: Finish in the top 15 in Moto3 Junior World Championship races.
Racing career goal: Race in the Superbike or MotoGP World Championship.
Racing hero: Jack Miller.
Favorite track: Estoril.
Hobbies: Riding motocross, ice riding, gaming.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Riding on the ice or a motocross track.
AHRMA racers Tommy Ryan (811), Arch E. York (913), and Andrew Berkley (21B) in action in 2021. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
AHRMA Brings Vintage and Modern Bikes back to Thunderhill Raceway
ELORA, TN – After almost 20 years, the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is returning to a West Coast venue that’s perfect for vintage and modern race bikes.
Two rounds of the 2022 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing Series will be held at Thunderhill Raceway Park, in Willows, CA, from April 28 to May 1, 2022.
“Thunderhill is a great track for all of the road race machines that run in AHRMA,” said Brian Larrabure, 2022 Chair of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “The long straights give our vintage, and modern, big-bore bikes a chance to stretch their legs while the technical turns, like ‘the Cyclone,’ make it interesting and fun for our smaller bikes. Plus, the weather should be perfect for racing.”
A wide range of classes for both Vintage and Modern motorcycles and even sidecars will be competing on the 3-mile “East” Thunderhill circuit. The track’s elevation changes will challenge the racers and create great viewing for spectators.
“AHRMA got a taste of Thunderhill during the NorCal Classic in 2004 and we’ve been wanting to come back for years,” Larrabure said. “We can’t wait to show West Coast racing fans what makes AHRMA so good, right in their backyard.”
Whether you race or would like to enjoy a day of watching great racing, you won’t want to miss this event. The event will be a doubleheader weekend with racing on both Saturday and Sunday. On Friday there will be an AHRMA Academy of Road Racing (AAR) school available for new racers. Students who pass the school on Friday will be eligible to race Saturday and Sunday.
AHRMA is the largest historic motorcycle racing organization in the United States. It promotes national events at iconic venues including Daytona International Speedway, Heartland Motorsports Park, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and Barber Motorsports Park. For the best racing at the best venues, AHRMA is the place to be.
More details on the event & racing registration can be found at www.ahrma.org
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association is a member-owned nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the sport of historic motorcycle racing. Since 1989, AHRMA has provided an appropriate environment to showcase vintage and alternative modern racing motorcycles in the disciplines of road racing, motocross, dirt track, trials, and cross country. With more than 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and is one of the world’s leading vintage motorcycle organizations.
Katsuyuki Nakasuga (1) and Kazuki Watanabe (15) fight for the lead early in Race One at Motegi. Also seen are Kosuke Sakumoto (27), Sodo Hamahara (2), Akira Yanagawa (9), Yuda Kamei (6), Satoru Iwata (8), and the rest of the field. Photo courtesy MFJSuperbike.
2022 MFJ All JAPAN Road Race Series Round 1
Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan
April 2-3, 2022
Superbike Race One (April 2):
1. Katsuyuki NAKASUGA (Yam YZF-R1), 14 Laps, Total Race Time 25:27.438, Best Lap Time 1:48.248
The Buell SuperTouring prototype. Photo courtesy Buell.
Buell® Current and Future Products Get Standing Ovation at Daytona
Grand Rapids, MI – The Buell is Back mantra was reaffirmed and reinforced after a strong showing and enthusiastic response from consumers at Daytona Bike Week 2022.
“Thank You, Thank You, Thank You and now it’s back to work,” said Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycle Co. “We were humbled by the wildly enthusiastic response from both the media and consumers at Daytona on our current and future models. Their encouragement and insistence to keep expanding the Buell brand into new segments while pushing the power envelope was clearly heard…so as it pertains to new product development – you ain’t seen nothing yet!”
Buell showcased the Hammerhead and 1190 SX models currently in production while unveiling two new prototypes, the Baja DR and SuperTouring, announcing their entry into the off-road and touring segments while maintaining the brand’s coveted DNA customers expect.
The Baja DR will boast the world’s fastest production dirt bike with a 175hp liquid-cooled, 72-degree V-twin engine with 101 ft-lbs. of torque. Add to this the trellis frame, adjustable swing arm for a 66-72” wheelbase, industry-standard 37” seat height with 26.75-degree rake and you’ve got the makings for an unmatched top-of-the-market speed and performance dirt bike. Production is planned for early 2023.
The Buell DR Baja prototype. Photo courtesy Buell.
The new SuperTouring model will possess the fastest touring bike in the marketplace producing an industry-leading 185hp. It retains Buell’s famous Fuel in Frame handling but will exhibit a more upright riding position, variable mounting points for hard or soft bags and room for rider customization with aftermarket touring accessories. Production is planned for winter 2022.
Opportunities to reserve a production slot for the Hammerhead, 1190 SX, Baja DR, and SuperTouring models are available now by placing a $25 reservation at www.BuellMotorcycle.com. You’ll receive a limited-edition Buell hat too!
“We were blown away by the reception of our future models and listened closely to our customers regarding their likes and dislikes,” said Dean Guard, Chief Product Engineer at Buell Motorcycle Co. “They took the time to evaluate our products and provide us with insights, and we can’t thank them enough for their passionate feedback and input. We will take this information back to our leadership team and make the necessary changes to continue to deliver products that exceed their expectations.”
Buell is headed back more energized than ever to deliver more Hammerhead and SX models, make improvements and prepare to launch their new Baja DR and SuperTouring models and explore opportunities to expand into new product segments as well.
Daytona Bike Week only reaffirmed that Buell is back and delivering excitement at every turn.
For future Buell updates, follow our news page on our website and our social media pages.
Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Current WorldSBK Race Lap Record: 1:49.620, J. Rea (Kaw), 2020
Current WorldSBK All-Time Lap Record: 1:48.458, J. Rea (Kaw), 2021
FIM Superbike World Championship
MotorLand Aragon
Alcaniz, Spain
April 4, 2022
Provisional Day One Best Lap Times (all on Pirelli tires):
Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw), 1:49.394
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Turkey (Yam), 1:49.628
Alvaro Bautista, Spain (Duc), 1:50.025
Garrett Gerloff, USA (Yam), 1:50.120
Alex Lowes, UK (Kaw), 1:50.423
Loris Baz, France (BMW), 1:50.446
Kohta Nozane, Japan (Yam), 1:50.520
Iker Lecuona, Spain (Hon), 1:50.586
Eugene Laverty, UK (BMW), 1:50.600
Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Yam), 1:50.612
Philipp Oettl, Germany (Duc), 1:50.713
Scott Redding, UK (BMW), 1:50.734
Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Italy (Duc), 1:50.829
Lucas Mahias, France (Kaw), 1:51.151
Ilya Mikhalchik, Ukraine (BMW), 1:51.438
Xavi Vierge, Spain (Hon), 1:51.446
Roberto Tamburini, Italy (Yam), 1:51.737
Axel Bassani, Italy (Duc), 1:51.890
Christophe Ponsson, Belgium (Yam), 1:52.785
Luca Bernardi, San Marino (Duc), 1:52.937
Leandro Mercado, Argentina (Hon), 1:53.100
Oliver Konig, Czech Republic (Kaw), 1:53.421
Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (Hon), 1:53.945
Loris Cresson, Belgium (Kaw), 1:54.691
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Rea under race lap record pace on Day 1 at Aragon as he tops the WorldSBK timesheets
The six-time World Champion topped the times by just 0.016s ahead of nearest rival Toprak Razgatlioglu on the opening day of testing at MotorLand Aragon
Despite colder conditions impacting on Day 1 of the Supported Test at MotorLand Aragon, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was able to lap faster than the race lap record for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship venue as he topped the timesheets on Day 1 of testing. The six-time World Champion left it late to go top on Day 1 in the combined classification, beating his nearest rival by just 0.016s.
THREE MANUFACTURERS IN THE TOP THREE
Rea claimed top spot on the opening day of action with a lap late in the third and final session of track action as he posted a 1’49.394s, to go under his own race lap record at MotorLand Aragon by two tenths of a second. Rea, who was hoping to start finetuning his ZX-10RR machine ahead of the Pirelli Aragon Round beat Razgatlioglu’s best time of 1’49.410s, set in FP2, in the final minutes of Day 1.
Like Rea, Razgatlioglu was under the race lap record set the six-time World Champion in last year’s Superpole Race, although the 2021 Champion’s day ended a few minutes early when he suffered a technical issue at Turn 15 in the closing stages of the session. Razgatlioglu used new electronics throughout the test as well as working on the race setup of his Yamaha YZF R1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed third spot despite a crash on his Panigale V4 R machine at Turn 6 in FP3, ending the day six tenths down on Rea’s best time as his focus was on the start of the season in just a few days.
ALL FIVE MANUFACTURERS FEATURE IN A TIGHTLY PACKED TOP TEN
Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) finished the day in fourth place as the American lapped around seven tenths slower than Rea, although Gerloff was fastest in the third sector of the lap. Gerloff’s R1 machine was fitted with the 2022 engine and a new exhaust seen on Razgatlioglu’s bike during testing as he claimed a top four finish on Day 1. Teammate Kohta Nozane ensured but GRT Yamaha riders were inside the top ten with eighth place, just four tenths off Gerloff’s pace on Day 1.
The American rider finished three tenths clear of Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) as Lowes had a couple of items to try throughout the test, on the suspension and chassis side, although did not want to change the bike too much due to colder conditions than are expected at the Aragon Round.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) claimed sixth spot as he, like teammate Razgatlioglu, did not improve in the final session of the day. His best time was a 1’50.433s, just over a second off Rea’s time but 0.010s away from Lowes. Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) was the highest-placed BMW rider as he claimed a top seven finish on his M 1000 RR, with teammate Eugene Laverty in tenth. Laverty’s best time was a 1’50.600s as he worked on the rear grip of his machine.
All five manufacturers were inside the top ten as Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) went ninth fastest on his CBR1000RR-R machine, posting a best time of 1’50.586s as he prepares for his rookie WorldSBK campaign. Lecuona’s plan was to do as many laps as possible but cold conditions in the morning and a Turn 7 crash in FP3 meant his running was disrupted, although he was okay following the crash.
TO NOTE…
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was 11th, just 0.032s outside a place inside the top ten on his Panigale V4 R as he looked to test a new swingarm as well as different setup choices. Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed 13th spot for the factory BMW squad, three tenths down on the fastest time record by Baz, the fastest BMW rider.
Last year’s breakthrough star, Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) was 18th on the opening day of test with a time of 1’51.890s, over a tenth slower than debutant Roberto Tamburini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) who received a late call-up to the 2022 Championship. Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) was 19th fastest after he had a Turn 2 crash in FP3, with the Frenchman okay after the incident.
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
The first day of testing at Aragon (Spain) ends with Bautista and Rinaldi in third and eleventh position respectively. Bulega tops WorldSSP
The first of two days of testing at the Motorland circuit in Aragon (Spain) ended with Alvaro Bautista in third place and Michael Rinaldi in 11th.
It was a very peculiar day, characterized by extremely cold temperatures that prevented the riders from being able to take advantage of the first of the three daily sessions.
In the early afternoon, the track conditions improved, and the two Aruba.it Racing – Ducati riders were able to work more effectively with their Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Alvaro Bautista ended with the third fastest time (1’50.025), recorded on SC0 tyres. A crash – without particular consequences – on the last run forced him to postpone the time attack attempt until tomorrow.
After a good fifth place in the second session, Michael Rinaldi – also due to some issues – was unable to make an impact in FP3 closing with the 11th fastest time in the combined standings (1’50.632).
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“We’ve been working a lot on the setup and electronics and we have been able to get some very interesting data. I’m really sorry for the crash on the last run. I went out for the first time with the second bike and, if I’m honest, I don’t know what happened. We will have to check the data to understand it better. Luckily there were no consequences. Anyway, I am confident about the pace we had with the SC0. Tomorrow we’ll also try the softer tires”.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“I can’t be satisfied with the way things went today. We weren’t able to find continuity on the track and that’s something we’ll talk about with the team to be able to do better tomorrow. Anyway, the feeling with the bike isn’t bad and that gives me confidence. Of course, we will have to work harder to be ready for the first round of the season”. WorldSSP
After being forced to skip the FP1 due to low temperatures, Nicolò Bulega showed to be at ease on the Ducati Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP Team. The Italian rider completed 37 laps in the two-afternoon sessions, finishing in first place with the fastest time of 1’53.818.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP Team #11)
“It was a very complicated day because of the weather conditions. Luckily in the afternoon, we were able to work steadily, also because it was my first time on this circuit with the Ducati Panigale V2. We’re still a long way from the fastest times of this category at Aragon, but the feeling with the bike is growing and that’s positive”.
More, from a press release issued by Team Go Eleven:
DAY 1 – ARAGON – SUPPORTED TEST; PHILIPP FINISHES CLOSE TO THE TOP TEN!
Finally the first week of racing has come! WorldSBK toes on track for a two-day Supported Test at Aragon, the same track on which, next weekend, the protagonists will kick off the WorldSBK.
The temperatures certainly did not help teams and riders, since the freezing cold, with temperatures around 0 ° C, forced most of the teams to make a few timed laps. From the second session onwards, the sun showed up at Motorland, warming the track and air, thus giving the riders the opportunity to push. Philipp used race tyres, the harder compound, looking for the right references of lines and brakings, different from those used with the smaller bikes. Right from the start he felt at ease, constantly improving lap times. A two-hour break after FP2 allowed the riders to carry out a quick debrief with the technicians to improve feeling and set-up ahead of the last session of Day 1. The last 45 minutes, FP3, proved to be the faster session for many riders. The asphalt temperatures reached 25 degrees, thus giving greater confidence especially on the front. The German homeowner Go Eleven set excellent times on both hard and soft tyres, dropping below 51. With the best time of 1.50.713 he finished close to the Top ten, 3 tenths from fourth place.
DAY 1 – COMBINED RESULTS:
P 1 J. Rea 1.49.394
P 2 T. Razgatlioglu + 0.016
P 3 A. Bautista + 0.631
P 4 G. Gerloff + 0.726
P 5 A. Lowes + 1.029
…
P 12 P. Oettl + 1.319
There is still a lot of work to do to get ready for the first Friday of the year, but the start is cpositive and Oettl’s feelings are good. In the evening today the Go Eleven technicians will work to fix the corner entrance and the T 2, the two most critical points found during today’s tests.
Philipp Oettl (Rider):
“Today it was a new day on a new track with the Superbike, I am happy by the moment, we made some good steps in the right direction. If we continue like this also tomorrow, I think it would be great. I still have to adapt my riding style to Aragon with the Ducati V4-RS. It’s not easy to learn fast, but we are on the right way, but we need to keep working!”
Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“This morning when we woke up it was really very cold, I thought it was a lost day; in reality then in the afternoon the temperature warmed up a bit and we were able to get out on the track in good conditions. There was even more grip than during last year race. We managed to work well, both in the tyre comparison and on the electronics settings. We collected a lot of data that will help us face the race weekend in the best possible way. Philipp’s adaptation is proceeding well, he manages to be fast on all tyres. I’m happy with both the team’s work and Philipp’s, even though it will probably be much warmer at the weekend than today’s conditions. “
John Denning, R.I.P. Photo courtesy Crescent Motorcycle Co.
Editorial Note: John Denning is the father of Paul Denning, principal of the Pata Yamaha by Brixx World Superbike team.
JOHN DENNING – 30TH MAY 1940 TO 2ND APRIL 2022
It is with great sadness that Crescent Motorcycle Co and the Crescent Yamaha WorldSBK team announces, following a short illness, the passing of Crescent’s modern-day founder, father-figure and constant guide, John Denning. [He was 81.]
John began working in the Bournemouth-based motorcycle and bicycle shop with his father straight from school in the 1950s, and leaves behind him a legacy of 65 years of service to Crescent’s customers and of guidance and care to Crescent’s staff. Operating the business in a prudent professional manner and gaining a reputation for customer service as his first priority, John was pivotal to Crescent’s growth and longer-term success as he supported his son, Paul, in expanding Crescent’s activities in the mid-1990s. This included the move into professional circuit racing in 1997, and John took great pleasure in all stages of the team’s growth, culminating with his huge pride in the ultimate accolade of World Championship victory in 2021. John played an important part in Crescent’s business to the end and was a constant source of encouragement and guidance.
John’s final “official” professional engagement was the recent presentation of the Torrens Trophy to Crescent at the Royal Automobile Club in London, where despite being weakened by his illness, the event was greatly enjoyed.
A keen sportsman and enthusiastic participant in four-wheeled machinery in addition to his passion for motorcycles, John Denning was an energetic, humble and deeply generous gentleman with an irreverent sense of fun, who will be greatly missed by all at Crescent, by his wife Angela, his family and his many friends and colleagues from all over the world.
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