World Endurance: Veteran Nigon Joins VRD Igol Experiences Team

David Swarts

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January 8, 2022

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World Endurance: Veteran Nigon Joins VRD Igol Experiences Team

Big boost: VRD Igol Experiences recruits former champion Nigon for EWC

*Frenchman joins Alt and Odendaal in Yamaha-powered privateer squad

*Nigon’s strong record includes 24 Heures Motos victory double

*France-based team banking on blending youth and experience in EWC

VRD Igol Expériences has recruited 2019 FIM Endurance World Championship winner Erwan Nigon to strengthen its bid for EWC glory.

The French squad placed fourth in last year’s EWC Teams’ standings having held second position heading into the season finale.

But it’s aiming even higher in 2022 with the experienced Nigon joining existing team members, Germany’s Florian Alt, plus new South African recruit Steven Odendaal to form a potent line-up on the #333 Dunlop-equipped Yamaha YZF-R1.

“The team VRD Igol Expériences is in constant evolution and these last years, I fought against it several times,” said Nigon, who rode for the rival Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar team in last season’s EWC. “I could then gauge its performances and its big ambitions. It is also a team which knows how to federate and to put forward the team spirit. Its functioning is quite atypical. The team is very well structured, a bit like a rugby team, where special links are forged between all the members of the team, based on sharing and mutual aid. These values are very important.”

Nigon, 38, continued: “In endurance racing, it’s not a rider who wins but a team. It also made me curious and motivated. Joining this team will give a new impetus to my career. And it’s a team from Auvergne, like me. I can’t wait to ride the Yamaha, which is the most versatile machine on the grid, and of course to meet my partners. I am delighted to team up with them but also flattered to share the handlebars with Steven Odendaal. The arrival of the 2021 Supersport vice-world champion in Endurance can only boost our discipline.”

Yannick Lucot, Team Manager of VRD Igol Experiences, said: “We have a good line-up of speed and experience with the hope of finishing in the top five as the top privateer. But with three 24-hour races on the calendar we have to aim even higher.”

Nigon pedigree a big boost for 333

A two-time winner of the 24 Heures Motos, Erwan Nigon started his international career in the European 250 Championship in 1999 before he switched to 250cc grand prix racing. As well as claiming the French Superbike crown in 2010 and the German IDM Superbike crown in 2012, Nigon has a strong record in endurance racing dating back to 2006.

2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR, In The January Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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January 7, 2022

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2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR, In The January Issue

Featured In the January 2022 issue of Roadracing World:

San Pedro De Alcantara To Ronda Road—A397. This windy, dramatic, potentially dangerous road climbs up from the Costa del Sol to the historic mountain town, offering spectacular views down to the coast.

It was as if Triumph engineers ran this 31-mile stretch of fast, windy pavement in the south of Spain over and over, trying to burn into their brains what the ultimate sporting street ride should be like, and then aimed the new 2022 Speed Triple RR at the rider who thinks riding a road like this is the pinnacle of sportbike riding. At least, that was how it felt while I was hauling up and down the road to Ronda during the international intro of the latest addition to Triumph’s sporting lineup…

—Intro: 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200RR, by Michael Gougis

The new Speed Triple RR is built on the platform of the very capable 2022 hyper-naked Speed Triple 1200 RS. The changes Triumph made to transform it to the RR model—half fairing, clip-ons and rearsets, and computer-controlled semi-active suspension—give the new bike a unique personality, one that delivers a streetbike sporting experience accessible to all. Read the details and riding impressions in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2022 Nominations Due Today

David Swarts

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January 7, 2022

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2022 Nominations Due Today

We are now accepting nominations for the 26th Annual Roadracing World Young Guns feature, highlighting up-and-coming young road racers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

To be considered for the Young Guns feature, a racer must be between the ages of 11 and 18 years old at the start of the 2022 season; have finished in the top three in a sanctioned Expert-level road race or Championship and reside within the United States, Canada or Mexico.

Amateurs/Novices with extraordinary road racing accomplishments will also be considered.

Riders can nominate themselves. Race sanctioning bodies, sponsors and race teams are encouraged to nominate young riders, but riders or their parents must request and then submit completed applications and provide photos suitable for publication by our deadline to be considered.

Riders who have previously been recognized as a Young Gun should call David Swarts at 909-654-4779 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) Monday through Friday to quickly update their profile information and arrange submission of up-to-date photos.

For new candidates who wish to be considered for the next Young Guns feature, obtain, fill out and return a 2022 Young Guns questionnaire to Roadracing World by January 7, 2022. Requests for questionnaires should be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

Questionnaires must be filled out completely in English and be returned as a Word document. Completed questionnaires should be returned to the same e-mail address. We will also accept completed questionnaires filled out by hand and submitted via U.S. mail or submitted via overnight delivery service (see addresses listed below).

In addition to completed questionnaires, candidates must also submit an action photo and a head shot (a photo clearly showing the rider’s face without sunglasses) suitable for magazine reproduction. Each submitted photo must include written permission (an e-mail is acceptable) from the photographer (even if the photographer is a parent) specifically giving Roadracing World Publishing the right to publish that photo(s) free of charge in the Young Guns feature and on www.roadracingworld.com.

Digital images must be high-resolution, or 3000 pixels wide or tall at 4 inches. All photos must be accompanied by the name of the rider and the name of the photographer along with when and where the photo was taken, including the name of the racetrack. Photos should not have any watermarks or graphics added, and photo editing should be kept to a minimum. Digital photos are preferred, but hard copies of photos will be scanned and returned if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included.

The mailing address is: Roadracing World, Attn: Young Guns, P.O. Box 1428, Lake Elsinore, CA 92531-1428.

The overnight delivery address is: Roadracing World, Attn: Young Guns, 581-C Birch St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.

Late and incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Young Guns features to date have appeared in the November 1997, March 1999, February 2000, March 2001, February 2002, April 2003, April 2004, May 2005, June 2006, April 2007, April 2008, April 2009, April 2010, April 2011, April 2012, March 2013, April 2014, April 2015, April 2016, April 2017, April 2018, April 2019, April 2020, April 2021 issues of Roadracing World. The Young Guns Classes of 2019, 2020, and 2021 were also featured individually on www.roadracingworld.com.

Please familiarize yourself with our previously published Young Guns features before contacting us to ask questions.

If you still have questions, call 909-654-4779 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak to David Swarts or e-mail [email protected].

The Roadracing World Young Guns series started as an answer to critics who said North America lacked up-and-coming young riders. Current or former Roadracing World Young Guns have: Raced in all classes of the MotoGP World Championship (including the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series) and FIM Superbike and Supersport World Championships, winning races and capturing World Championships; competed in European Championships and well as British, Canadian, Chinese, Czech Republic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Mexican, and Spanish National series; raced in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Championships (winning many races and Championships in all classes, including multiple Superbike titles); finished on the podium at the Suzuki GSX-R World Cup and the KTM RC Cup World Finals; won Superbike Shootout races in the Superbike and Pro Sportbike classes and won the 2014 Dynojet Pro Sportbike Championship; won Suzuki Cup Championships in the U.S.; earned WERA National Challenge, National Endurance and Sportsman National Championships; won ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships; collected USGPRU titles; and won many local and regional Championships.

Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar;

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Stock 1000 & Superbike Cup race winner Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion and two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion J.D. Beach;

five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and current Moto2 World Championship racer Cameron Beaubier;

MotoAmerica KTM RC 390 Cup and Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;

former Canadian Sport Bike Champion and current Canadian Superbike competitor Tomas Casas;

three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion and 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion and 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Twins Cup front-runner Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up and 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner and multi-time Loudon Classic winner Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and 2021 Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Bryce Prince;

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, and 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship pole position winner and podium finisher Joe Roberts;

former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion and MotoGP race winner Ben Spies;

multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;

and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

Dakar Rally: Sanders Wins Shortened Stage 6, Petrucci Crashes

David Swarts

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January 7, 2022

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Dakar Rally: Sanders Wins Shortened Stage 6, Petrucci Crashes

GASGAS FACTORY RACING DOMINATE STAGE SIX AT THE DAKAR RALLY

HARD CHARGING AUSSIE DANIEL SANDERS CLAIMS VICTORY WITH PROVISIONAL LEADER SAM SUNDERLAND RIGHT BEHIND IN SECOND PLACE

One-two in today’s shortened stage and one-three in the provisional overall, not a bad first week’s work for GASGAS Factory Racing’s Sam Sunderland and Daniel Sanders! At the end of a wild opening six days of desert racing at the 2022 Dakar Rally, Sam holds onto the top spot of the provisional overall leaderboard while Daniel claimed his second stage win of the race, moving up to third in the overall provisional classification. Shortened due to safety concerns, stage six saw riders head back to the bivouac early, where they’ll remain for tomorrow’s official rest day.

Sam Sunderland continues to lead the 2022 Dakar Rally

Daniel Sanders wins stage six and moves into third overall

GASGAS Factory Racing ready to enjoy the event’s rest day

Daniel Sanders: “It was going really well for me today and I guess it ended well actually with another stage win. I started off strong, a bit like I have all week, but it was soon pretty clear that the stage was pretty chewed up from yesterday after the trucks had raced through it. So, then it was a case of trying to focus on the dangers in the roadbook but because of how the stage was, there were plenty of additional dangers to keep an eye out for. I’m a little disappointed that today was cut short, though. There was a long day ahead where it would have been possible to make up some time but I’m happy to have taken another stage win and I’m looking forward to next week.”

Rounding out a strong and consistent week of racing, Sam Sunderland finished as runner-up on stage six, just a couple of minutes behind Daniel. Able to accurately read the challenging terrain, the Brit applied a cautious approach throughout the abbreviated special. Safely bringing his GASGAS RC 450F Rally home on the shortened, 100-kilometer stage without any issues, Sam importantly maintains his lead in the provisional standings.

Sam Sunderland: “Ahead of today there were quite a few riders concerned about how the stage would be after the trucks had raced it yesterday, and it was unbelievable out there. So many rocks and square edges where trucks spin up the dirt and leave the rocks behind. So, on a bike, you’re basically coming up to half meter high walls of rock everywhere. You then start going offline to find smooth lines but then your roadbook isn’t quite right as you’ve ridden away from the correct line. For me it was the right decision for it to be shortened today and I’m happy to reach the halfway point still in the lead. I’m looking forward to the rest day tomorrow and a chance to recharge my batteries ahead of next week.”

Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2022, stage 6

1. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 0:51:43

2. Sam Sunderland (GASGAS) 0:54:09

3. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 0:54:19

Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 6)

1. Sam Sunderland (GASGAS) 19:55:59

2. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 19:58:38

3. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 20:01:34

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

THIRD-PLACE RESULT FOR MATTHIAS WALKNER ON SHORTENED DAKAR STAGE SIX

Dakar Rally 2022 – Stage Six

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Matthias Walkner remains in second place in the provisional overall Dakar Rally standings after finishing third on a significantly shortened stage six of the event. Toby Price finished ninth after close to one hour of racing against the clock, with Kevin Benavides just over one minute behind him in 15th. Stage five winner Danilo Petrucci completed the 100-kilometer section in 40th following a small crash.

The initially planned 404-kilometer special on today’s stage six was set to see the bike class competitors repeat the route used by the cars and trucks yesterday. With the terrain heavily cut up by the passing of the previous day’s vehicles, the organizers decided to cut the stage short on safety grounds and take the day’s results from the first refueling point, at just over the 100-kilometer mark.

Matthias Walkner came into today’s stage knowing that the rough terrain would pose a huge challenge to all riders and the chance of some unexpected dangers was very high. As such, the experienced Austrian took extra care on the heavily rutted ground and aimed for a safe finish to the stage. Despite his caution, Walkner was third fastest to the refueling point at kilometer 100, where the stage was eventually stopped. Matthias now sits second overall at the close of the first week of racing, trailing the current rally leader by under three minutes.

Matthias Walkner: “Obviously it was a short day today and the tracks were really rough. You had to focus a lot and really take care – it was also very physical with the ground being cut up so badly. I’m a little disappointed that they let us race the stage only to cancel it at 100 kilometers, but I suppose it was the same for everyone. Thankfully it all went ok, and I reached the finish safely. We have a rest day tomorrow that I’m really looking forward to, so I’ll try and recharge my batteries and then attack once again next week for the final six stages.”

As the fifth rider to enter the stage, Toby Price also soon realized that extra care was needed to avoid a crash. Despite a couple of close calls, the two-time Dakar champion safely arrived at the end of the special in eighth place. Lying 12th in the provisional overall standings, Toby trails the leader by just under 40 mins. However, with the toughest, most technical six days of the event left to race, the Australian star is confident of being able to close that deficit.

Toby Price: “It was quite a short stage today. The cars and trucks had all passed through there yesterday, so we were on their stage today. I think we all went into the stage with a bit of a feeling that it wasn’t going to work and yeah, a lot of the dangers were worse than listed on the roadbook and there were a few extra hazards out there too. I think they made the right call to stop it at 100 kilometers – I had a couple of scary moments myself out there. I’m happy to reach the rest day safely, not quite the overall position I would have liked, but there’s still a long way to go, so I’ll give my all and see what I can do next week.”

Similarly to his teammates, Kevin Benavides took a measured approach to today’s stage, ultimately completing the 100 kilometers in 15th place, less than six minutes down on the eventual winner. The reigning Dakar Champion still sits inside the top 10 overall going into week two, and with the expected rougher terrain and more technical navigation suiting the Argentinian’s strengths, he’s looking forward to delivering a strong ride on the final six days in Saudi.

Kevin Benavides: “I started off really well today but then came across Ross Branch who had had a crash early on, so I thought maybe it would be a good idea to ease off a little. We arrived at the refueling and after that I tried my best to push on but then they stopped the stage early and took the results from 100 kilometers. I think it was the right decision as the tracks were really rough and quite dangerous for us. Finishing 15th today gives me a good position to start the second week, so I’m happy.”

Following on from his outstanding stage win on day six – the first ever for a former MotoGP rider – Tech3 KTM Factory Rcinag’s Danilo Petrucci was given the unenviable task of opening today’s heavily damaged special. The likeable Italian did an extremely good job, even after a crash in the opening few kilometers resulted in a few cuts and bruises. Arriving at the finish in 40th place, just under 13 minutes down, Danilo was pleased with how he had handled the all-new experience and now looks forward to a well-earned day off the bike.

Danilo Petrucci: “Today was the first time in my career that I have opened a stage, and I think it was on one of the toughest stages of this year’s rally because it was used for the cars and trucks yesterday. The team did a good job of warning me about the dangers, but I was still surprised to find a big step in the middle of the track. I had quite a heavy crash and the rider behind me crashed too, but luckily, I was able to continue. I think they made the right decision and now I’m looking forward to having one day of rest before continuing on Sunday.”

Provisional Results Stage Six (overall) – 2022 Dakar Rally

1. Daniel Sanders (AUS), GASGAS, 51:43

2. Sam Sunderland (GBR), GASGAS, 54:09 +2:26

3. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 54:19 +2:36

4. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Honda, 54:58 +3:15

5. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 55:02 +3:19

Other KTM

9. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 55:59 +4:16

15. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 57:14 +5:31

40. Danilo Petrucci (ITA), KTM, 1:04:27 +12:44

Provisional Standings – 2022 Dakar Rally after 6 of 12 stages

1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), GASGAS, 19:55:59

2. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 19:58:38 +2:39

3. Daniel Sanders (AUS), GASGAS, 20:01:34 +5:35

4. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 20:03:42 +7:43

5. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Honda, 20:13:43 +17:44

Other KTM

8. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 20:20:55 +24:56

12. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 20:35:08 +39:09

More, from a press release issued by Husqvarna Factory Racing:

LUCIANO BENAVIDES 11TH FASTEST ON STAGE SIX AT 2022 DAKAR RALLY

HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING RIDER LIES 17TH OVERALL AT THE CLOSE OF WEEK ONE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Luciano Benavides has delivered a solid but cautious performance on the much-shortened timed special on day six of the 2022 Dakar Rally, to complete the stage in 11th place. With the planned route following that of the trucks and cars from the day before, the tracks were notably damaged with many new dangers appearing, which weren’t included on the riders’ roadbooks. Realising the situation, Benavides used his experience to carefully navigate his way through the stage, ensuring a safe finish.

Originally planned to cover 404 kilometres, stage six was ultimately cut short by the organisers after it was found that the terrain was far more treacherous than first anticipated, due to the passing of the four-wheeled competitors the day before. Reduced to a quarter of its length, stage times were taken from the first refuel point.

Showing especially strong form over the previous couple of stages, Luciano Benavides came into day six looking to move further up the overall ranking ahead of Saturday’s rest day. As the 10th rider into the special it was immediately obvious to him that the tracks were heavily damaged, and caution was required in order to minimise any mistakes or crashes on the unpredictable terrain.

A solid but safe ride saw the Argentinian arrive at the refuelling point in 11th place, where he learned that the stage would be cut short. Frustrated not to have been able to make up more time on his rivals, but happy to come away from the stage without damaging himself or his bike, Luciano now looks forward to the rest day, and ahead to the second week of racing at this year’s Dakar.

Luciano Benavides: “Honestly, I think the organisers made the right decision today. We knew the stage would be cut up quite badly – it always is when we follow the trucks and cars. This one seemed quite bad, and it was very easy to make a mistake, especially as a lot of the dangers weren’t listed in the roadbook. I’m happy with how I rode the stage – I chose not to push too hard, to use my brain and bring the bike home safely. Finishing 11th is ok, and it gives me a good start position for Sunday. Now, I’m looking forward to having some rest tomorrow. I feel pretty good, I think I was definitely very well prepared for this year’s race physically, but the final week is always tough and I want to be as strong as I can be to do my best.”

2022 Dakar Rally – Stage 6 Provisional Classification

1. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 0:51:43

2. Sam Sunderland (GASGAS) 0:54:09

3. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 0:54:19

4. Pablo Quintanilla (Honda) 0:54:58

5. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 0:55:02

6. Mason Klein (KTM) 0:55:16

…

11. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 0:56:29

2022 Dakar Rally – Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 6)

1. Sam Sunderland (GASGAS) 19:55:59

2. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 19:58:38

3. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 20:01:34

4. Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) 20:03:42

5. Pablo Quintanilla (Honda) 20:13:43

6. Lorenzo Santolino (Sherco) 20:14:21

…

17. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 20:59:35

More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Honda Team:

Stage 6 of the Dakar stopped at kilometre 101

Today’s stage was cut short due to poor conditions. Race organisers called a halt to the special stage with 101 kilometres completed, a quarter of the scheduled total.

As had previously been predicted, today’s stage was held amid dismal track conditions, given that the cars, SSVs and trucks had competed over the same route a day earlier. Riders set out well-aware that they would have their work cut out on this tough, physical stage. However, the race organisers quickly realised just how treacherous the route was for most riders: “The deterioration of the track due to the passage of cars and trucks yesterday, combined with recent torrential rains, has made the route impassable,” announced the ASO mid-stage. Furthermore, the organisers’ communiqué stated that “the classification for the sixth stage will be established at kilometre 101”. Therefore, the final stage length was approximately a quarter of the originally scheduled total.

José Ignacio Cornejo and Ricky Brabec found themselves opening the way after the two riders ahead crashed in a dangerous, deeply rutted position after yesterday’s traffic of four-wheelers and trucks. On reaching the refuelling point, the riders were instructed to continue, however, the race direction helicopter subsequently informed them that the special had been shortened to the refuelling point, and from there, competitors were directed back to the bivouac in Riyadh. Pablo Quintanilla, who had been in pursuit, also managed to reach the end of the special at kilometre 101 and later accompanied the other riders to the bivouac.

The shortened stage proved to be a blessing for Joan Barreda, who this morning started still visibly in pain after yesterday’s fall where he injured his shoulder. The Monster Energy Honda Team rider was able to complete today’s partial stage and will be grateful to have reached the rest day. Stage seven gets the rally underway again the following day.

Tomorrow’s stage

There will be no stage tomorrow. After six days of tough racing, the competitors have earned a well-deserved rest day. After arriving at the bivouac today, the riders will have the entire day to relax and prepare both physically and mentally for the second week of competition, set to recommence the day after tomorrow, on Sunday, with the seventh stage: Riyadh-Al Dawadimi.

Ricky Brabec 2

STAGE: 5TH OVERALL: 14TH

This is the day before rest day. It was supposed to be a little over 400 km. The day was strange. The organisation is trying to do different things with different ideas, I understand that, but I don’t agree with what they did today, which was yesterday to start where the cars passed yesterday; this is not normal. It’s a big safety issue. We’re holding a lot of fuel. They are big and heavy. It’s dangerous out there. A couple of riders have fallen hard. This shouldn’t be part of the rally. The cars and tyres are getting bigger and they are creating bigger ruts. It’s more dangerous. We made it to the rest day and we’re happy. Then we are going to attack the final seven days of the Dakar.

Pablo Quintanilla 7

STAGE: 4TH OVERALL: 5TH

The organisation decided to stop the stage because of the danger of the terrain. The ruts were very deep and there were many more dangers than there were in the roadbook and the organisation decided to stop the race. I think it was a good decision because it was very dangerous. We will wait to see today’s times, to see where the times are taken. Anyway, I have arrived at the rest day, so it’s time to get the energy back and rest well because the second week of the rally will be tough. We have to stay focused and work on the race day by day.

José Ignacio Cornejo 11

STAGE: 19TH OVERALL: 12TH

I’m happy to be back in the bivouac. Today’s stage was very dangerous. We’re coming to the rest day after an intense first week of racing. We will have to take advantage of the rest day to recover both body and mind and then give it everything for the remaining six days of racing. Today’s stage was dangerous and was stopped at the refuelling point. Unfortunately, several riders crashed and were out of the race. It could have happened to anyone because it was very dangerous after the cars and trucks passed yesterday. I’m happy to be here in one piece, with no injuries. Let’s get ready for the rest of the Dakar.

Joan Barreda 88

STAGE: 12TH OVERALL: 9TH

The goal today was to try to continue in the race after yesterday’s fall. I was in a lot of pain over the 100 kilometres, especially on the rocky and sandy parts, where I had to brake to overcome the bumps and dangers; I really suffered. We’ll see how the injury evolves. The aim is that the injury doesn’t get any worse. If it continues like this, I hope to be able to manage the situation and continue in the race. The rally has been complicated since we made the mistake on the first day, because then you try to push to make up time, then in the end I crashed and I was unlucky to injured my shoulder. Now we’re going to try to reach the finish-line, which is the main objective.

Today I was able to finish the first 100 km, but I don’t know if continuing the stage would have been feasible. My shoulder hurt a lot during some movements on the bike. We’ll see how it goes in the second week.

Video: Inside The New Barber Advanced Design Center

David Swarts

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January 7, 2022

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Video: Inside The New Barber Advanced Design Center

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Looks Into the Future

New Advanced Design Center facilitates state-of-the-art design

Birmingham, AL – Traditional museums only peer backward in time, but the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is looking boldly into the future with the debut of its cutting-edge Advanced Design Center.

A view of the inside of the new Barber Advanced Design Center at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy Barber Motorsports Park.

George Barber created the stunning Barber Motorsports Park complex in Birmingham, Alabama, around the world’s biggest and best motorcycle museum. Echoes of the past will resound at the museum’s new Advanced Design Center, a state-of-art facility built to inspire new generations of creative thinkers.

George Barber (left), the founder of Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, speaks with Barber Advanced Design Center designer and director Brian Case (right). Photo courtesy Barber Motorsports Park.

The intention of the Barber Advanced Design Center (BADC) is to encourage and explore design via the latest computer-aided design (CAD) as well as old-school clay modeling, with the capacity to turn concepts into product reality.

“The Advanced Design Center was created to open the door to thinking,” Mr. Barber stated about his latest vision. “We need people to think beyond what’s happening today and see how we can improve on it, and not just motorcycle design.”

The new 11,000 square-foot facility is a high-tech workspace for Industrial Design exploration located on the top floor of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Inside are workstations, 3-D scanners, and 3-D printers that have dramatically streamlined design processes. These tools not only speed up design work, they also allow highly accurate reverse engineering of vintage components.

Words can’t adequately convey the scope of Mr. Barber’s latest vision, so we invite you to take a look at the video below, introduced by globally recognized journalist Neale Bayly from inside the fabulous museum. Then the video is passed over to the BADC’s designer, Brian Case, known in motorcycle circles as the designer of the exceptional Motus MST V-4.

Follow along as Case demonstrates the capabilities of the BADC and provides insight into how advanced design techniques have created the actual facility itself. You’ll also get a glimpse into development of the center’s radical and exotic Mono Project that will formally be introduced in the coming months.

We hope you will share this exciting news and the video above with your audiences. Interview opportunities can be arranged by emailing [email protected].

The BADC will be open by appointment for students and designers from around the world. Public access will be restricted except for weekend open houses to be announced.

To keep track of the latest developments at the BADC, please subscribe to our social media channels:

Facebook: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Instagram: @barbermuseum

Twitter: @BarberMuseum

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit Foundation located at the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama, dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, exhibition, and history of motorcycles, vintage vehicles, and motorsports. The museum is home to the world’s largest motorcycle collection and is widely known for its collection of vintage Lotus racecars and other rare vehicles. Each year it hosts vintage motorcycle and vintage racecar events, including the Barber Vintage Festival and Barber Historics. For more information, visit www.barbermuseum.org.

R.I.P. Former Yamaha Racing Manager Kenny Clark

David Swarts

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January 7, 2022

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R.I.P. Former Yamaha Racing Manager Kenny Clark

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news that former U.S. Yamaha Racing Manager Kenny Clark has passed away. His daughter Kim confirmed to me that he died at his home in Idaho in the last week of December. In addition to the sadness of losing a long time friend to so many of us–especially those in the Yamaha world–but as the president of the Trailblazers club, we were planning to honor him at our upcoming banquet in April with an induction to our Hall of Fame.

The list of his accomplishments in motorcycling is long. He raced at the pro level for a time in the 1960s, but then found his niche in the sport as a manager and organizer of both marketing and racing programs.

In his early years, he worked with Dick Mann and others on the development and creation of the legendary Yankee motorcycle.

In the early 1970s he joined Yamaha and spearheaded the factory level motocross team headed by Perre Karsmakers. Soon after Yamaha held national titles at both the 250cc and 500cc levels.

He left Yamaha for a few years in the mid-1970s to help Carroll Shelby develop a line of cast motorcycle wheels.

In 1977, Yamaha convinced him to return to run its entire U.S. racing program. From 1977 to 1989, he guided Yamaha to 21 national championships.

In 1978, thanks for Clark’s support and others, Kenny Roberts went to Europe to contest the world Gran Prix championship and he would win three world titles in his career. All together, 14 FIM world championships were achieved under Clark’s leadership.

In addition to Kenny Roberts world road racing title won in 1978, that same season saw Yamaha dominate both motocross and supercross racing the United States with Bob Hannah, Rick Burgett and Broc Glover.

One of America’s most successful racing managers is now gone, but not forgotten. As we did just last year after the passing of honoree Steve Johnson, the Trailblazers will continue with our plans to honor Kenny Clark at our 77th annual banquet in Carson on April 2nd.

Godspeed, Kenny Clark.

Where Are They Now: Wes Cooley (R.I.P.)

David Swarts

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January 7, 2022

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The following article was originally featured in the January 2018 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine. To read more articles like this please subscribe to Roadracing World.

Where Are They Now: Wes Cooley

“If I Won, That Meant I’d Done The Best I Could…”

By Michael Gougis

The list of injuries Wes Cooley suffered in the Sears Point crash that essentially ended his AMA Pro racing career was horrifying: Neck broken in two places, two broken femurs, broken hip, broken back, broken fingers. So little strength in his hands that he couldn’t zip up his own pants.

But what really hurt Cooley, two-time AMA Superbike Champion and two-time winner of the Suzuka 8-Hours, was the realization that he couldn’t perform at the level he rode at before the 1985 crash, even after he had recovered enough to ride a racebike again.

Wes Cooley (34) wheelies his Yoshimura Suzuki GS1000 and waves to the crowd after the finish of an AMA Formula One race at Road Atlanta in 1980. Photo by Mary Grothe.

“I tried to go back, but it was so hard to do. I couldn’t wrap my head around not being able to do it at the level that I had done it at. To me to sit and watch someone else do it, even on TV, was very difficult. It hurt,” Cooley explains. “So I decided that the best way for Wes, so I could feel OK again, was that I had to leave.”

Wes Cooley (right) talks to Gary Fisher (left) on the pre-grid during an AMA event weekend in 1976. Photo by John Ulrich. Copyright 2018, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Now, after decades away from the sport, Cooley is back. He’s spent the past 18 months appearing at races and motorcycling events, signing autographs, speaking to audiences and doing the occasional parade lap on the racetrack.

Today, it’s not about how well Cooley can ride. It’s that Cooley, a quiet, humble man in recent years, has finally realized that fans remember him, admire what he’s done for the sport and want to meet the man who, in many ways, represents the origin of American Superbike racing.

Wes Cooley (34) leads Paul Ritter (96) during a race at Sears Point in 1978. Photo by John Ulrich. Copyright 2018, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Born into a racing family, Cooley got his break with Yoshimura, racing Production-class machinery for the company, then switching to Superbike. He won the 1978 Suzuka 8-Hours with Mike Baldwin, won the 1979 AMA Superbike title, then won both of them in 1980. His style was wild and spectacular, and he worked tirelessly to meet and greet fans when the day’s racing was done. His accomplishments, his style, and his approachability made him one of the icons of road racing.

Cooley knew that all three were critical to his success as a professional motorcycle road racer.

“Winning is everything. Finishing second is like kissing your sister – it doesn’t count,” Cooley says. “But in the long run, all the racers are promoting a product. If it’s (Marc) Marquez, he’s trying to sell Hondas.

“Winning is one way of doing that. But to me, another way of doing that was being sociable. You would walk away and say, ‘Hey, I just talked to Wes Cooley, he rides a Suzuki, I’m going to try one of those bikes, or the helmet he uses, or whatever.’ If they remembered me, they’d have a better chance of remembering the product. And that meant better sponsorship for me.”

Wes Cooley (34) on a Yoshimura Kawasaki Z1 Superbike at Daytona in 1979. Photo by John Ulrich. Copyright 2018, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

After that 1985 crash, Cooley attempted to race again – Mr. Editor Ulrich was one of those who provided a bike for him. But Cooley couldn’t wrestle one of the evil-handling Superbikes of the day around like he used to. He instructed at the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School for a while, but slowly came to the realization that he needed to be away from motorcycles completely. Cooley tried riding on the street, but that was just more frustration.

“Going 40 or 50 mph on a motorcycle–that’s not what you’re supposed to do. You’re supposed to be going 100 mph. I think street riding’s great, but it wasn’t for me,” he says.

A pre-med student before he became a racer, Cooley went back to school and became a medical assistant and nurse’s aide. He recognized that the price he paid as a road racer gave him a gift he could share with his patients.

“People coming in getting knees replaced, or who had broken their femurs or their shoulders, I could say, ‘I can relate! I’ve had that happen to me! I know exactly what you’re going through.’ This was right up my alley, because I’d broken a lot of bones!” Cooley says. “Nobody wants to be in the hospital. But I could make them laugh, make them feel like someone understood what they were going through. It was good for them, and it was good for me.”

Wes Cooley (2) and Fujio Yoshimura before demo laps during a 2017 weekend event celebrating the history of the Suzuka 8-Hours. Photo by Shigeo Kibiki. Copyright 2018, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

In 2016, Cooley was invited to make an appearance at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the World Superbike and MotoAmerica event, but the plans fell through. Then he was invited to serve as Grand Marshall for the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in July of that year. To sweeten the offer, collector Brian O’Shea offered to bring the 1980 Suzuki that Cooley had taken to the AMA Superbike title to the event and let Cooley ride it. “I’m still not very good with my hands, but I said I’d love to ride a couple of laps,” Cooley says.

Wes Cooley (2) on the winning 1978 Yoshimura Suzuki and Graeme Crosby on the winning 1980 Yoshimura Suzuki (12) before making night demo laps at Suzuka in 2017. Photo by Shigeo Kibiki. Copyright 2018, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The response Cooley got was beyond what he imagined. Cooley signed autographs. Cooley shook hands. Cooley signed pieces of old Suzuki GS bikes that fans had brought to the event. Photos of him got thousands of “likes” from excited fans on Facebook. “I didn’t realize that many people remembered who I was. I couldn’t believe it. It has just snowballed,” Cooley says.

Since then, he’s gone back to Suzuka to appear at the 40th anniversary of the event; served as Grand Marshall of an AHRMA event at Willow Springs; and has a series of appearances set for the future. He’s retired from his medical career, and is just enjoying re-immersing himself in the world of motorcycling and racing and saying “yes” to invitations to events: “I got my helmet. I got my leathers. I got my boots, I got my gloves–I’m ready!” Cooley laughs.

Wes Cooley at Suzuka in 2017. "I didn't realize that many people remembered who I was. I couldn't believe it," Cooley said. Photo by Shigeo Kibiki. — Wes Cooley at Suzuka in 2017. “I didn’t realize that many people remembered who I was. I couldn’t believe it,” Cooley said. Photo by Shigeo Kibiki. Copyright 2018, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

“It’s humbling. I just happened to do something that I excelled at. I just did something that was very, very pleasurable. Winning a race to me–the only thing it meant was that I was the best that day. It was a competition with myself to do the best I could. If I won, that meant I’d done the best I could on that day. When I found that everyone was calling these blue-and-white Suzuki GS1000s ‘Wes Cooley replicas,’ I was shocked! I was honored! It’s very cool, and I get to experience this…”

MotoAmerica: Robem Engineering Signs Gloddy, Hobbs For Twins Cup

David Swarts

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January 6, 2022

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MotoAmerica: Robem Engineering Signs Gloddy, Hobbs For Twins Cup

ROBEM ENGINEERING SIGNS BEN GLODDY AND TEAGG HOBBS FOR 2022

Hamilton, Ohio. – Robem Engineering is pleased to announce that Ben Gloddy and Teagg Hobbs will compete in the 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship. The “twin” New Hampshire natives bring a wealth of talent and MotoAmerica experience to the team to meet the elevated level of competition in the Twins Cup in 2022.

Robem Engineering along with partners Piaggio Group and Aprilia Racing are excited to replicate the success of the 2021 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship winning season on the Aprilia RS 660.

Teagg Hobbs began his racing career at age 14. From Manchester, New Hampshire, he will be starting his third MotoAmerica season and his second full Twins Cup season which included last year’s five podiums including 2 wins over the 10-race season despite being injured mid-season.

“I am excited to be involved on a new platform in 2022 with Robem Engineering and Aprilia. I know Ben and we will be an asset to each other as we hunt down the Twins Cup Championship,” said Teagg Hobbs.

Northfield, New Hampshire’s Ben Gloddy began riding at age 4 and road racing full time in 2018. He moves up to the Twins Cup after two successful Junior Cup seasons which included last year’s impressive 16 podiums and 4 wins over the 18-race season.

“I am very excited to be joining Robem Engineering aboard the Aprilia RS 660 in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup this year. Robem is a solid team and I look forward to growing with them in the hunt for the championship in 2022,” said Ben Gloddy.

The introduction of the Aprilia RS 660 and its homologation for MotoAmerica Twins Cup in 2021 resulted in a Championship-winning package in its first year of competition. A full year of development will help meet the challenge of increasing manufacturer involvement in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship.

Robem Engineering specializes in design and fabrication of racing parts for Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia lightweight twins and well as other bespoke racing parts in conjunction with industry partners.

www.robemengineering.com or follow us on FB or Instagram

Kawasaki Releases Z 50th Anniversary Models

David Swarts

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January 6, 2022

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Kawasaki Releases Z 50th Anniversary Models

Kawasaki Celebrates the Anniversary of Its Iconic Z Brand with the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Z900, Z650, Z900RS, and Z650RS Motorcycles

Kawasaki’s legacy of creating motorcycles that have unrivaled performance, excitement, and unmatched styling continues by welcoming four new special anniversary models to its 2022 motorcycle lineup with the Z 50th Anniversary Z900, Z650 Z900RS and Z650RS.

As the last letter in the alphabet, Z represents the ultimate – the reason why the legendary Kawasaki super4 900 was nicknamed the Z1 in 1972. Since then, the Z moniker has been inherited by several models in Kawasaki’s lineup that have been developed to stand out as the ultimate machines in their respective categories. Fast forward to 2014 and the next step in Z supernaked performance and design was taken with Sugomi styling incorporated into the Z1000. The Kawasaki Z family of motorcycles has grown into one of Kawasaki’s core motorcycle brands.

For 2022, the Z 50th Anniversary editions of the supernaked Z900 and Z650 can be found adorned in a “Firecracker Red” paint scheme, similar to that found on the dominant 1981 Z1100GP that pushed the limits of air-cooled high performance. The Z brand’s 50-year pursuit of the ultimate riding excitement, passed from generation to generation, now vividly adorns these Z supernaked models.

For the Z 50th Anniversary editions of the Z900RS and Z650RS, the iconic “Fireball” colorway of the 1972 Z1 was chosen. With elegant curves resplendent in the lustrous, rich red of the famous Fireball pattern, Z’s glorious past and brilliant future shines for all to see. An exquisite milestone to mark half a century of Z history.

Limited production will apply to each of these unique models and a special coffee table book commemorating the 50 years of the Z brand will be included as a premium gift for each customer who purchases a Z 50th Anniversary Edition model.

Z 50th ANNIVERSARY Z900 AND Z650

Z 50th Anniversary editions of the Z900 and Z650 supernakeds are clad in an eye-catching “Firecracker Red” that was found on dominant Kawasaki machines like the Z1100GP. This hue of red was Kawasaki’s signature color in the 1980s, and for these Z 50th Anniversary models, was specially blended, making their aggressive supernaked Z styling even more striking. Dark blue and silver highlights throughout complement the vivid red color and a gloss black frame contrasts the bright coloring. The Z emblem and Kawasaki logo are finished in gold and a commemorative Z 50th Anniversary logo has been added to the front fender, further distinguishing these models from their standard counterparts. The red wheels feature silver pinstripes, adding to the head turning styling and special seat that has a texture distinct from the standard model. Gold outer fork tubes can also be found on the Z 50th Anniversary Z900, providing a high-class touch.

The Z 50th Anniversary Z900 naked sportbike is equipped with a variety of advanced features and epitomizes Kawasaki’s belief of what the ideal supernaked should be. At 948cc with an ultra-lightweight chassis, every ride is met with exceptional power, responsiveness, and excitement. The Z900 features a 948cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine, fine-tuned front and rear suspension settings, Sugomi™-inspired Z styling, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Power Mode and Integrated Riding Modes selection, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, TFT Color Instrumentation, LED headlamp, position lamp & license plate lamp, and Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 Tires. The Z900 50th Anniversary is available with an MSRP of $9,499.

A 2022 Kawasaki Z650 50th Anniversary motorcycle. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

The Z 50th Anniversary Z650 supernaked boasts the ideal blend of sporty performance and everyday versatility. Featuring a strong 649cc engine, the Z650 naked sportbike is a compact middleweight without equal. The Z650 parallel-twin engine is paired with a lightweight trellis frame, Sugomi™-inspired Z styling, LED Headlights, TFT color instrumentation, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires, and increased passenger comfort. The Z650 50th Anniversary is available with an MSRP of $8,299.

Z 50th ANNIVERSARY Z900RS AND Z650RS

Reigniting the classic style of the original Z1 900 motorcycle, the Kawasaki Z 50th Anniversary Z900RS and Z650RS retro-sport motorcycles feature a “Fireball” colorway that honors the legendary Z1 and pursues the quality suitable for a 50-year milestone. A special painting process was developed specifically for these Z 50th anniversary models, which includes the candy colors being applied in layers using a special technique that brings out a deep, glossy texture to enhance the inherent beauty of these retro-sport models. The frame is finished in gloss black to complement the rich coloring, and gold colored wheels add to the old school retro styling. Additional special features found on these models include “Double Overhead Camshaft” side cover emblems like that found on the original Z1, a commemorative Z 50th Anniversary tank logo, revised seat material with a distinct texture and special color stitching, and a chrome grab bar.

Adding to the Z 50th Anniversary Z900RS’ design are timeless design elements with minimal bodywork and no fairing for a pure retro-style look. The 2022 Z900RS features a 948cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine, Assist & Slipper clutch, horizontal back-link rear suspension, authentic retro styling, iconic teardrop fuel tank, sound tuned stainless steel exhaust system, round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials. The Z900RS Z 50th Anniversary is available with an MSRP of $12,049.

A 2022 Kawasaki Z900 RS 50th Anniversary motorcycle. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. — A 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS 50th Anniversary motorcycle. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Just like its bigger Z900RS counterpart, the Z650RS tempts the eye with its timeless beauty. It distinguishes itself from its bigger sibling with a slimmer fuel tank and a shorter, more compact tail, which expresses its light handling and approachable character. It’s powered by a parallel-twin 649cc engine, Assist & Slipper clutch and held up by horizontal back-link rear suspension. The authentic retro styling includes an iconic teardrop fuel tank, tuned stainless steel exhaust system, round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials that feature dual-dial instrumentation with a multi-function LCD screen. The Z650RS Z 50th Anniversary is available with an MSRP of $9,249.

A 2022 Kawasaki Z650 RS 50th Anniversary motorcycle. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. — A 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary motorcycle. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

ABOUT KAWASAKI

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

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

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

Dakar Rally: Petrucci Wins Stage Five (Updated)

David Swarts

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January 6, 2022

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Dakar Rally: Petrucci Wins Stage Five (Updated)

Rookie Danilo Petrucci, riding his Tech3 KTM Factory Racing 450 Rally, won Stage Five Thursday at the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. This makes Petrucci the first MotoGP rider to ever win a stage at the Dakar Rally. We will post more information as it becomes available.

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

DANILO PETRUCCI WINS STAGE FIVE AT DAKAR 2022

Dakar Rally 2022 – Stage Five

Tech3 KTM Factory Racing’s Danilo Petrucci has won stage five of the Dakar Rally. Putting in a fast but measured performance, the former MotoGP™ star impressed once again by posting the fastest time on the 341-kilometer special. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Toby Price was initially quickest on the stage, but was later awarded a six-minute penalty, which dropped him down to fifth. Kevin Benavides brought his KTM 450 RALLY home in eighth, with Matthias Walkner claiming 11th.

In what has been a race of huge highs and lows for Danilo Petrucci, the Italian has proven his offroad credentials in no uncertain terms today, winning stage five of the 2022 Dakar in what is his first ever rally raid competition. Completing yesterday’s stage four as third fastest, Danilo was penalized 10 minutes for speeding, and was relegated to 15th. However, setting off with an advantageous start position into today’s special, and focusing on improving his roadbook skills, the MotoGP race winner was able to steadily move up through the field to ultimately take the win.

Friday’s stage six of the Dakar will see the bike class follow the same route that the cars took today, and as such Danilo will have some tracks already left in the sand ahead of him as he opens his first ever rally stage.

Danilo Petrucci: “Today was quite a long day. I set off this morning and decided I really wanted to learn and improve my navigation, so I didn’t push too hard at the beginning. After one corner there was a large dune with a group of camels on the other side. One big camel came into the track, and I had to avoid it, but ended up crashing after going across a lot of bumps and camel grass. That was my very first crash of this Dakar. After that I eased off a bit and Kevin caught up with me and we rode together towards the finish. After catching a few more riders we came across a waypoint that didn’t validate for everyone – I lost some time there. The last 60 kilometers were all dunes and so I was very careful there to make sure I didn’t hurt my ankle. So, it’s been an interesting and tough day, but I have really enjoyed it.”

Continuing to play catch up after losing a large chunk of time on the event’s opening stage, Toby Price rode a strong stage five, only to be penalized for speeding in a neutralization zone. The resulting six-minute penalty dropped the Aussie down to fifth place. Heading into the final stage before the rest day, Toby lies 14th overall and will be looking to gain even more time back tomorrow.

Toby Price: “Today has been a good stage, starting quite far back definitely makes things a bit easier, but today there was a bit of a dust storm, so everyone had to be on their game and focus on the roadbook. I made a couple of little errors and mistakes, but all-in-all it was a solid stage.”

After a strong start to stage five, Kevin Benavides was immediately in the hunt for the stage win, posting the fastest time to the checkpoint at kilometer 81. The reigning Dakar Champion maintained his top-four placing all the way to the final 60 kilometers, where a tricky-to-register waypoint ended up costing him, and others, some time. Despite the setback, Kevin was able to complete the stage safely in eighth place, and now also lies eighth in the provisional overall standings.

Kevin Benavides: “So day five at the Dakar went really well for me. I felt much better first thing this morning, so I was really motivated to attack. I pushed hard all day right up until the end where one waypoint proved really difficult to validate. I had arrived in a group of riders, and it worked for some, but not for the others. I lost quite a bit of time there trying to find it. After that I pushed as hard as I could over the last section of dunes to recover some time. Hopefully the organizers will look into the problem, and we get some time back.”

Another stage, and another consistently fast performance by Matthias Walkner saw the experienced Austrian claim an 11th place finish. In doing so he cemented his second-place position in the overall standings, closing the gap on the rally leader by another 30 seconds. Ready for tomorrow’s 644-kilometer stage, Walkner will be looking to complete the first week at the 2022 Dakar strongly.

Matthias Walkner: “It was a really nice day for me today. I caught Sam (Sunderland) around kilometer 90 and from there we rode together with me leading most of the way, but both of us were pushing quite hard and keeping up a good pace. There was a strange situation near the end with one waypoint that didn’t validate so easily for me. I think a few people struggled there, so the organizers will have to check the GPS. Overall, I’m happy I didn’t lose too much time and I’m becoming a lot more comfortable on the new bike. My navigation today has been good too on quite a tricky stage, so everything is going to plan.”

Provisional Results Stage Five (overall) – 2022 Dakar Rally

1. Danilo Petrucci (ITA), KTM, 3:23:46

2. Ross Branch (BWA), Yamaha, 3:23:48 +0:02

3. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (CHI), Honda, 3:23:51 +0:05

4. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 3:25:18 +1:32

5. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 3:25:32 +1:46

Other KTM

8. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 3:28:28 +8:56

11. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 3:31:18 +11:46

Provisional Standings – 2022 Dakar Rally after 5 of 12 stages

1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), GASGAS, 19:01:50

2. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 19:04:19 +2:29

3. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 19:07:49 +5:59

4. Daniel Sanders (AUS), GASGAS, 19:09:51 +8:01

5. Lorenzo Santolino (ESP), Sherco, 19:17:17 +15:27

Other KTM

8. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 19:23:41 +21:51

13. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 19:39:09 +37:19

More, from a press release issued by Husqvarna Factory Racing:

MIXED FORTUNES FOR HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING ON DAKAR STAGE FIVE

BENAVIDES CLAIMS 10TH WHILE HOWES IS FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM THE EVENT FOLLOWING A CRASH

Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has delivered a strong performance on a demanding stage five of the 2022 Dakar Rally to claim a 10th place finish. Continuing to put in strong, consistent stage results, the young Argentinian moves himself further up the rally standings to sit 18th overall with just one day to go ahead of the mid-race rest day. Showing great speed on the 341-kilometre special, Skyler Howes unfortunately suffered a crash towards the end of the stage. Although able to complete the special as the ninth fastest rider, he was then taken to hospital for medical checks. Sadly, the American rider will take no further part in the race.

Stage five of the Dakar challenged riders with 341 kilometres of mixed terrain and some extremely tricky navigation. Setting off fifth into the special, thanks to his solid result on Wednesday’s stage four, Luciano Benavides was immediately able to chase down and pass the two rivals ahead of him. With the pace high, the FR 450 Rally rider continued to push while also focusing on not making any small errors on the rocky tracks that made up the majority of the stage.

Improving his position as the stage went on, Luciano was able to successfully navigate through a particularly tricky section that caught out many of the other competitors. From there he entered the final section of rolling dunes and raced on towards the finish. Ultimately claiming 10th place, Benavides moves up to 18th in the provisional overall standings, just over one hour behind the race leader.

Skyler Howes had put in a superb performance on stage five, fighting his way through the field to post a time inside the top 10. However, a crash in the closing kilometres resulted in the American requiring medical checks at the local hospital. Although suffering no serious injuries, Skyler will play no further part in this year’s event.

Luciano Benavides: “I’ve finished stage five and it was a really tricky day on the whole with some difficult navigation and some small issues towards the end. I started in fifth position and soon managed to catch and pass the two Sherco riders in front. After that there were only two riders left in front of me, and with the sandstorm that blew up halfway through the special, it was difficult to make them out, so I think I did a good job of navigating through the stage. I’m really happy with how the rally is going so far, it is frustrating that I lost an hour on day one, but since then my pace and navigation have been good, so I’m pleased with my progress. I’ll give my best again tomorrow and then I can enjoy the rest day.”

2022 Dakar Rally – Stage 5 Provisional Classification

1. Danilo Petrucci (KTM) 3:23:46

2. Ross Branch (Yamaha) 3:23:48

3. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 3:23:51

4. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 3:25:18

5. Toby Price (KTM) 3:25:32

6. Mason Klein (KTM) 3:27:07

…

10. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 3:31:11

2022 Dakar Rally – Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 5)

1. Sam Sunderland (GASGAS) 19:01:50

2. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 19:04:19

3. Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) 19:07:49

4. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 19:09:51

5. Lorenzo Santolino (Sherco) 19:17:17

6. Pablo Quintanilla (Honda) 19:18:45

…

18. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 20:06:06

More, from a press release issued by GASGAS Factory Racing:

STRONG RIDES FROM SAM SUNDERLAND AND DANIEL SANDERS ON DAKAR RALLY STAGE FIVE

GASGAS FACTORY RACING’S RALLY STARS KEEP PUSHING HARD AS SUNDERLAND MAINTAINS THE OVERALL RALLY LEAD WHILE SANDERS STAYS FOURTH AFTER A TOUGH DAY OF RACING

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! Stage five of the 2022 Dakar Rally was anything but easy, featuring a true mix of terrain that challenged both Sam Sunderland and Daniel Sanders. Doing what they do, the GASGAS Factory Racing duo safely reached the end of the special to maintain their strong positions in the provisional overall classification. With five long and physically demanding stages now complete, Sam maintains his place at the top of the leaderboard thanks to a 12th place finish today while Daniel completed the special one spot behind in 13th to remain fourth in the general ranking.

Sam and Daniel dig deep on demanding fifth stage

Both riders hold strong positions in the overall classification

One stage to go before the Dakar Rally rest day

Daniel Sanders: “Today started off really well and I was able to make up a lot of time before the fuel stop. Then at kilometer 270 I ended up passing the same waypoint twice, so I’m not sure if that was my mistake or not. After it happened I knew that I had to just push on to the end. Unfortunately, and also fortunately, I crashed and my shoulder popped out but luckily it went back in by itself and I was able to continue on to the finish. It was a crazy day and I’m glad to have reached the finish line.”

After his heavy fall yesterday, Sam Sunderland knew that he was in for a tough day of racing today. But knowing he needed to deliver a strong result to maintain his lead in the rally, the experienced Brit managed to ignore the neck and shoulder pain he was experiencing to bravely complete the fifth stage as the 12th fastest rider. Now, with just one stage to go before the event’s much needed rest day, Sam retains his place at the top of the overall timesheets.

Sam Sunderland: “I knew I was in for a tough day after my crash yesterday, so it was a case of survival mode for me today. It was difficult for sure but as the stage went on I felt better and better and had a nice, strong pace through the sand near the end. Besides my crash the race is going well so far. I’m still leading, which is great, but as we’ve seen there is some tricky navigation at times so it’s important to really focus on the roadbook and keep mistakes to a minimum.”

Results (provisional): Dakar Rally 2022, stage 5

1. Danilo Petrucci (KTM) 3:23:46

2. Ross Branch (Yamaha) 3:23:48

3. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 3:23:51

12. Sam Sunderland (GASGAS) 3:31:49

13. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 3:32:43

Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 5)

1. Sam Sunderland (GASGAS) 19:01:50

2. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 19:04:19

3. Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) 19:07:49

4. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 19:09:51

More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Honda Racing:

Cornejo and Brabec excel in stage five

With renewed vigour after yesterday’s gruelling stage, Monster Energy Honda Team riders once again went for broke on a tough stage. Nacho Cornejo and Ricky Brabec stood out at the end of the special, with Barreda and Quintanilla opening the track.

The first of the two looping routes in Riyadh got underway today, where – for the first time in Dakar history – the motorcycle riders rode the entire stage completely autonomously from the car and truck categories. The fifth stage of the rally was battled out over a 346-kilometre special stage, covering hard and stony ground and including, towards the end of the day, a 50-kilometre stretch of dunes.

José Ignacio Cornejo’s riding had significantly improved from the previous days and this was reflected in the results. An error-free stage, with speed and deft navigation saw the rider reach the end of the special with the day’s second best time for a RallyGP rider, at 0’03 from the stage winner and leapfrogging two positions up the general standings.

Behind the young Chilean, American rider Ricky Brabec also turned out a satisfactory showing. The Monster Energy Honda Team rider, third on the RallyGP day class, was able to claw back several minutes from his closest rivals and, furthermore, regain the good sensations. Brabec finished 1’30” behind the day’s winner and moves up one position in the rankings. Pablo Quintanilla and Joan Barreda were lumbered with the troublesome task of opening the track this morning in the middle of a sandstorm. At the end of the interrupted stage, race authorities are still weighing up different options on how to classify the riders who had finished and to decide what to do with the rest of the riders involved. Quintanilla and Barreda were, nonetheless, able to make it through to the end of the special. Quintanilla and Barreda both remain in contention for the overall race victory. However, Joan suffered a fall and the Spaniard is still unsure whether he will be 100% fit to battle for another stage win. In tomorrow’s stage, the Chilean and the Spaniard will start from behind and will attempt to make up the time dropped today.

Tomorrow’s stage

The final stage of this first week of the Dakar takes place tomorrow. A second loop to the capital of the country north-west of Riyadh will once again put the riders to the test with 402 kilometres of timed special stage. It will be physically demanding given that it is the same route completed by the car and truck drivers the previous day, so riders can expect churned up, rutted conditions with dust, sand and hidden stones. In the dunes, the many lines will force riders to be particularly attentive to the navigation. At the start, there will be several track crossings and, towards the middle of the special, some forty kilometres of dunes before the fast tracks that will wrap up the day. The bike odometers will be registering 618 kilometres by the time the bikers make it back to the bivouac in Riyadh.

Ricky Brabec 2

STAGE: 3RD OVERALL: 15TH

Day five. One day before the rest day. It was a good day. We started off a little bit slow this morning. We were a little bit cold. The navigation was really tricky in the morning. Not super tricky as far as technical goes, but a lot of quick notes and a lot of quick turns. We really didn’t start picking up the speed until kilometre 60. For me, to get going this morning was a little bit tough but I managed OK and made it to refuelling. After refuelling it started to open back up. There was a sandstorm. It was wild; you couldn’t see much. One more day to rest day. We’ll keep on fighting to the end.

Pablo Quintanilla 7

STAGE: 19TH OVERALL: 6TH

Today’s stage was very complicated in terms of navigation. In the morning there were a lot of changes of direction and the tracks were not very visible. It was very difficult to navigate in some sectors. I had a good pace until the refuelling. After refuelling I caught up with Joan and we kept pushing. We encountered a sandstorm with little visibility to find the tracks. Overall it went well, with no navigation errors. We knew that today we would lose some time when opening the track and that we would leave it to the guys behind us. It was also important not to make any mistakes with the navigation. I stopped around kilometre 250 to help Joan, who had fallen. Luckily, he was able to recover and finish the stage. In the dunes, the sun was high and we couldn’t see the depth of the dunes. We reached the end of the special stage. Tomorrow will be a new day with a new opportunity. We have some good pace, with speed, and we will have to think about the strategy a bit and reduce time in the general standings over the next few days. Anything can happen.

José Ignacio Cornejo 11

STAGE: 2ND OVERALL: 13TH

Finally I was able to ride a solid stage, without mistakes and with some good pace! I felt very good. It was quite a complete stage, with fast and technical sections, with rocks, and another part with dunes, which was fun. I had a great time. I was able to hold a strong pace, without making navigation mistakes and I’m happy about that. I was able to improve a bit in the general standings, but everyone is really fast. If we can have a few more days like today, I think we could make a lot of progress. Tomorrow is the final stage before the rest day, which will be good for the body and mind. But I’m motivated and for me, I’d keep going on days like today. We’re going to keep fighting.

Joan Barreda 88

STAGE: 22ND OVERALL: 10TH

I think I rode a good stage. We opened the track with some good pace all morning even though we didn’t have very good visibility. We encountered a sandstorm and it was difficult to find the reference points in the roadbook, we were almost blind. Even so, we managed to get to the refuelling point without losing too much time. After the refuelling, around kilometre 250, we entered a river and I think I hit my rear wheel on a stone and fell hard, hitting my left shoulder, in the collarbone area. My team-mate Pablo Quintanilla helped me to get back on my feet and keep going. It was very hard to get to the end, especially in the dunes, but I made it to the end.

World Endurance: Veteran Nigon Joins VRD Igol Experiences Team

January 8, 2022

Erwan Nigon (11) at speed on the Team Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar ZX-10RR during the 2021 FIM Endurance World Championship. Photo courtesy eam Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar. — Webike SRC Kawasaki France (1) becomes Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar for 2023 with increased backing from Kawasaki and a talented three-rider team. Photo courtesy Kawasaki. Photo courtesy Webike SRC Kawasaki France.