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MotoGP: Rins Breaks Arm, Will Miss Catalunya Race (Updated)

David Swarts
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MotoGP: Rins Breaks Arm, Will Miss Catalunya Race (Updated)

INJURED ALEX RINS TO MISS FORTHCOMING CATALAN GP
Alex Rins has been ruled out of his home GP after a cycling accident. The Team Suzuki Ecstar rider will unfortunately have to sit out the Grand Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya due to an unfortunate accident he suffered while training this morning with his bicycle on track.

The Spaniard fell during a training lap and as a result he suffered damage to his right arm, with a large contused area and a lot of pain. He was quickly taken to Barcelona’s Universitari Dexeus Hospital for further examination and medical checks revealed a fracture in the radius bone. The fracture was immobilised and tomorrow morning he will undergo surgery to fix it.

More information to be given in future updates.

 

 

More, from another press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:

Alex Rins has been ruled out of his home GP after a cycling accident. The Team Suzuki Ecstar rider will unfortunately have to sit out the Grand Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya due to an unfortunate accident he suffered while training this morning with his bicycle on track.

The Spaniard fell during a training lap and as a result he suffered damage to his right arm, with a large contused area and a lot of pain. He was quickly taken to Barcelona’s Universitari Dexeus Hospital for further examination and medical checks revealed a fracture in the radius bone. The fracture was immobilised and tomorrow morning Rins will undergo surgery to fix it.

Furthermore, he also had a cranial impact during the crash so he was checked with a CT Scan upon his arrival in hospital – the test revealed nothing of concern.

Doctor Xavier Mir, Director of the Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Unit in the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery at the Universitari Dexeus Hospital reported: “Alex Rins has suffered an articular fracture of the right distal radius with a small displacement and high inflammation. We have two options; one is to immobilise the fracture with plaster, but the recovery would take around 4-6 weeks. Or, as an alternative, we propose an operation, which we consider is the best option. Tomorrow morning we will intervene and affix two screws to the injured bone”.

Racer-Turned-Mechanic Perry Melneciuc Adds Indy 500 Victory To Resume

David Swarts
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Racer-Turned-Mechanic Perry Melneciuc Adds Indy 500 Victory To Resume

Perry Melneciuc has finished on the AMA Pro 250cc Grand Prix podium as a rider, he has worked as a factory mechanic for several manufacturers involved in AMA Pro Superbike racing, and as a team owner he has won the Daytona 200 – America’s most famous motorcycle road race.

Now, as of Sunday, May 30, Melneciuc can add Indianapolis 500 race winner to his resume as he was part of the pit crew that helped Helio Castroneves drive his AutoNation/Sirius XM Honda-powered car to victory in the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500.

“Everything went fantastic,” Melneciuc told Roadracingworld.com. “No drama in the pit stops. The strategy was perfect. Helio was the absolute master of knowing where to be when, and he was probably the best at maintaining the lap time that they wanted him to do as well as conserving fuel at the same time, which is really important to do. It saves time during the pit stops, because you’re adding less fuel, and at the end, you can use a different map that uses more fuel when other guys can’t do that.”

After a career racing in the AMA Pro 250cc Grand Prix class, including some visits to the podium, Melneciuc transitioned to being a professional mechanic and worked for some of the top factory AMA Superbike programs with Ducati, Honda, and Kawasaki.

Melneciuc then started his own race team called Project 1 Atlanta (P1A), got pole position for the 2011 Daytona 200 with Jake Zemke, and won the 2012 Daytona 200 with Joey Pascarella riding a P1A Yamaha.

During this same time period, Melneciuc kept having more and more contact with race teams located in Atlanta, Georgia, wanting his services, and he eventually joined Panoz Racing to work on the Panoz DeltaWing prototype in the American Le Mans Series.

After four years at Panoz, Melneciuc joined Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) as a fly-in mechanic working on its sports car program primarily as a mechanic and driver change assistant, a person who goes over the wall during pit stops to help with driver changes during long endurance races. In that role, Melneciuc helped MSR win the IMSA GT Daytona (GTD) Championships in 2019 and 2020 while also helping with the team’s growing IndyCar program.

In 2021, Melneciuc is working on Castroneves’ six-race IndyCar program as well as MSR’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship #60 Acura ARX-05 program.

During the 2021 Indianapolis 500, Melneciuc was part of the over-the-wall pit crew servicing Castroneves’ car during pit stops.

“My job was tear-offs,” said Melneciuc. “They came up with this new canopy for the cars to protect the drivers. There’s two windscreens, a left and a right, and there’s tear-offs on those. My job was to do the tear-offs.

“The car comes in, I take one step, lean over and grab the tear-offs, left and right, step back, don’t move, and it’s usually a five- to five-and-a-half-second pit stop for fuel and tires. The biggest thing was not to be in the way of the front tire changer or the fueler. It’s pretty tight because there’s three of us in that small area, but I’m really lucky with long legs and long arms.”

Asked which gave him a better feeling, winning the Indy 500 or winning the Daytona 200, Melneciuc said, “I have such a smaller part in the outcome in the IndyCar thing because there’s just so many people [18 crew members] for one car. So, I have to say the Daytona 200 win because I was more in control of steering the ship, if that makes sense.

“Here, I had a job, and I executed my job just like everyone else. But doing the Daytona 200, Kellee [Melneciuc’s wife] and I were more in charge of all the little pieces and making sure that they all fit.

“I hate to say it, because they say the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world, but for me winning the Daytona 200 was more special.

“You guys know my heart’s in two wheels. I love it. I dig it. I wish I could still ride. I’m too old now. I wish I could still be involved. But this is the next best thing.”

For those wanting to follow Melneciuc, he said he will be in action again this coming weekend during the IMSA races in Detroit and his next IndyCar race with Castroneves will be in Nashville, Tennessee, in August.

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 128

David Swarts
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0
Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 128

Greg’s Garage Pod with Co-Host Jason Pridmore p/b ARAI – A motorcycle racing Pod about MotoGP, MotoAmerica, and World Superbike, Pro Motocross, American Flat Track, Supercross, and more. If you’d like to support the channel here is our Patreon link:

https://www.patreon.com/gregsgaragetv

In this episode, Co-Hosts Greg White and Jason Pridmore talk:

MotoGP – Round 6 is in the books. With what looked like a Ducati slam dunk in Italy did not turn out like that. The boys break it down.

WorldSBK – Steve English joins us to talk Round 2 from Estoril. Jonathan Rea is Jonathan Rea. Gerloff gets disciplined for his actions, and more.

AFT – Results from Joliet, IL. JD Beach losses the title lead.

Pro Motocross – Results from California with a rookie leading the 450 class points.

Race Calendar/Next Week – MotoGP in Catalunya, MotoAmerica’s Round 3 Road America preview… yay!… Pro Moto is in Colorado. Also racing for GNCC in Mount Morris, PA and AMA Pro Hillclimb is in Spring Grove, PA.

ASRA/CCS: Mesa Breaks Lap Record, Wins At Summit Point

David Swarts
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0
ASRA/CCS: Mesa Breaks Lap Record, Wins At Summit Point
Mesa Breaks Own Record
Championship Series Atlantic & Mid-Atlantic Regions Featuring The AMA Sanctioned ASRA Series Presented by Pirelli Tire
Summit Point Motorsports Park – Summit Point, WV
May 30-31, 2021
by Lisa Theobald
Stefano Mesa claimed his second lap record of the year during the Memorial Day weekend Cyclefest event at Summit Point Motorsports Park.  Mesa broke his own, nearly two-year standing record during the Unlimited Grand Prix race on the two-mile-long Summit Point Circuit. The new record pace was set during lap three of the race with a lap time 1:10.551. The previous record was set on August 19, 2018 with a lap time of 1:10.728.
Mesa was not only the fastest, but winningest racer in an event filled with packed grids in all classes. Mesa claimed a whopping total of nine victories, finishing the weekend undefeated. Day one of racing was overshadowed by rain and cooling temperatures, but did not put a damper on the level of competition. Mesa had to work his was through traffic to get to the front in all of his classes before taking victories in the 25 minute-long GTO, 25 minute-long GTU, and Unlimited Superbike races.
On day two, the air was clear, the sun came out, and Mesa was back on board both his Pirelli-shod Kawasaki ZX-6R and ZX-10R machines to win another six classes. He wrapped up the weekend with wins in the Unlimited Supersport, Middleweight Supersport, Middleweight Superbike, and Unlimited Grand Prix sprint races, as well as the ASRA Sportbike and ASRA Superstock races. In true privateer fashion, Mesa’s biggest supporters in the pits are his mom and dad, Karen and Mauricio Mesa. Pirelli, KWS Motorsports, Thermosman Suspension and a handful of other industry leaders also help support the Mesa37Racing team’s efforts.
Luigi Mora was the second-winningest racer of the event, with a total of five victories. On Sunday, he won the GT 500, Moto 3, and Superbike 300 races. And, on Monday, he won the GP 300 and Supersport 300 classes. Mora is supported by Luigi Motorsport, Sinister Racing Hustle Hard Racing, Spear Racing, and Vortex.
The Championship Cup Series Mid-Atlantic region is scheduled to race again at Summit Point Motorsports Park June 12-13th, along with the Southeast Region in a Twin Sprints event.
The CCS Atlantic Region is scheduled to compete next at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for a Twin Sprints weekend along with the Northeast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) Loudon Classic June 18-19th.
Race results, lap times, points standings, and information for the entire 2021 season for ASRA and all regions of CCS are available online at:   www.ccsracing.us.
Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all pages of the race results.
053121 SPR CCS Results

UtahSBA: Hicks Rides New Kawasaki ZX-10R To Victory

David Swarts
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0
UtahSBA: Hicks Rides New Kawasaki ZX-10R To Victory

The Utah Sport Bike Association resumed the Utah Motorcycle Law Masters of the Mountains Race Series on May 29th. Round 2 of the series was held on the Utah Motorsports Campus’ West Track. Road racers from all over the western United States traveled to Grantsville to enjoy great temperatures and even better racing.

The morning was off to an early start, after racers got their leathers on and warmed up their slicks it was time for Moto Station/Pirelli and Trackstar/Dunlop King of the Mountain Qualifying. Jerry Hicks started the session motoring his brand new Kawasaki ZX-10R to an early 1:33. Hicks’ previous Kawasaki was totaled during Round 1 in a practice day mishap that left him racing a borrowed bike and scrambling to build a new one between rounds. Hicks put the new build to work and was able to drop his time to a 1.32.091 to take the pole position. Michael Bradshaw was on the charge and laid down a 1.32.361 which was enough for P2 on the grid. Close behind was Anthony Norton who went third on the grid with a 1.32.667. Fourth went to Eric Jones who had a 1.33.006, and Genaro Lopez took fifth with 1.33.743 rounding out the top spots.

The morning’s racing heated up as riders took to the grid for the Karl Malone Powersports Moto 2 race. Brian Childree sat on pole and as the lights went out Childree surged his Kawasaki into the lead at turn one and began his stretch away from the rest of the group. Nicholas Schmit got a good start off the grid where he was in P4 and came out of turn one in second place followed closely by Cole Phillips and Peter Hofpointner. Hofpointner was all over the rear tire of Phillips and found a way past in the first turn on lap three. Hofpointner then shifted his attention to Schmit in lap four attempting a turn 1 pass but Schmitt swatted him away. Undeterred, Hofpointner finally made the turn 1 pass stick at the start of lap 5. In the final lap, disaster struck for Hofpointner as he became entangled in lapped traffic and failed to make the passes necessary to keep Schmitt and Phillips at bay with both riders overtaking him in the fray. In the final turn Hofpointner managed to sneak his way back past Phillips into third place. As the checkered flag flew it was Childree with a substantial lead followed by Schmitt and Hofpointner close behind.

As the afternoon sun started to bake the track, riders in the KOM race took their grid positions. As the lights went out Lopez lifted the front wheel of his BMW all the way from the line into turn 1, holeshotting Bradshaw and Hicks. Bradshaw quickly made a move on Lopez in turn five to lead the race, not long after, Lopez lost a spot to Hicks and dropped back to third. Jones was the next to make a move on Lopez, but Lopez was determined to hold onto a podium spot and on lap eight he found a way through Jones in turn one. Hicks, now tailing Bradshaw,  was biding his time and feeling out the new Pirelli SCX tire he was riding for the first time. By lap 10 Hicks had worked himself into striking distance of Bradshaw, overtaking the leader in turn 3. Bradshaw wasn’t done and continued pushing Hicks until the start of lap 12 when a false neutral sent him into the gravel in turn 1, Bradshaw quickly collected himself and got back on track to maintain his lead over Lopez. When talking to Bradshaw after the race he said “I thought I might have been able to make a move on Jerry near the end but maybe next time”. As the checkered flag waved Hicks was the first to cross the line and take KOM gold, followed by Bradshaw in second and Lopez in third.

In a post race interview Hicks was ecstatic about the success of his racing during Round 2. Hicks was exceptionally grateful for the efforts of the UtahSBA community who helped him recover from the complete loss of his race bike during Round 1 and enabled him to build a new ZX-10 prior to Round 2. He wanted to extend a special thanks to Barry Ketmany and Moto United South Valley for sourcing a replacement ZX-10 “within a few days” and “saved his race season.” He also wanted to thank his friend James Peterec at Moto Station who Hicks said “pulled some very late nights with me building the new bike up. I doubt it would have been finished in time without his help.” Hicks also wanted to thank his sponsors Moto Station and Pirelli tires for their continued support both on and off the track. Finally he wanted to thank his wife Carrie for her support and enthusiasm over the years. Hicks is excited to be on the new Kawasaki, telling us that, “I have not been a fan of big bikes in the past—but this thing may truly be my favorite bike I’ve ever ridden.”

The Harrison Eurosport Combined GTO race was next and racers flocked to the pit to get on track for their sighting lap. This race start was not without drama as the pole position rider, John Tran, was late to the grid forcing him to start from the hot pit lane. Track Marshalls cleared the grid and the lights went out, Andrew Skov led the race off the line, put his head down, and got to work. As the racers made their way into the first turn Tran was released from the hot pit. On lap three Rick Squires who started P20 on the grid was up and into second place where he would remain for most of the race. Meanwhile, Tran was bound and determined to make up for his late start, powering through riders, advancing into sixth place on his third lap, then moved up to third by his fifth lap. That wasn’t going to be it for Tran who found a way to overtake Squires on the final lap. The race came to a close and Skov took home the win, Tran finished in second, and Squires took third.

The rest of the race day was filled with competitive races that left riders climbing for the top spot. Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 GTO saw Jones and Bradshaw dice it up for 1st place honors with Bradshaw ultimately prevailing with a smooth turn 5 pass. In Brighton Peak Financial Novice GTU Chayce Lance had a dream start moving from P10 on the grid into second, eventually taking the lead during lap 3. But Lance was not alone as Joshua Fisher kept pace eventually passing Lance to take the win. Norton and Hicks had an awesome back and forth in Vortex Open Superbike where Norton led the majority of the race but ultimately, Hicks took the win.  When asked about the battle with Norton, Hicks said “we were going two-wide through three or four corners. I really like when riders have the skill and patience to have close battles like that. The guy is fast, so I’m sure there will be plenty more opportunities for that!”

The UtahSBA will be back June 18th  with our New Racer Certification School (NRC) and Advanced Racer Course (ARC) with both being conducted during the Friday track day preceding Round 3. The NRC is for anyone who has a track day prepped bike and is wanting to learn about racing and see if they have what it takes to become a licensed racer. The ARC, which is taught by current KOM champion Jerry Hicks and former KOM Champion Brian Childree, focuses on more technical methods to help racers get around the track both faster and safer. Then on Saturday June 19th the UtahSBA will be hosting Round 3 on Utah Utah Motorsports Campus’ East Track as well as its longstanding Advanced Rider Training(ART) school which will take to the track at the conclusion of the race day. The ART uses Yamaha Champions Riding School techniques to teach riders skills to make them safer and more proficient no matter where they ride. We hope to see you out at the Utah Motorsports Campus for our schools and some awesome racing.

The Utah Sport Bike Association is a Utah Non-Profit dedicated to promoting education, safe riding, and competition in the Intermountain West. You can find more information about the USBA, upcoming events, and schools at www.utahsba.com or find us on Facebook.

Results:

Motostation/Trackstar KOM Overall:

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW ZX-10R)

2. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSX-R1000)

3. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

4. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)

5. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

Motostation KOM GTO:

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

3. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

4. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

5. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

Trackstar KOM GTU:

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Miles McElhany (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

AZ Riding Academy Combined GTO

1. Andrew Skov (SUZ GSXR-1000)

2. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

3. Rick Squires (SUZ GSXR1000)

4. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

5. Marshall Miller (BMW S1000RR)

6. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

C&R Coatings Combined GTU

1. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

2. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

4. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Expert

1. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

2. Braden Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

3. Tyler Bengford (KAW ZX-10)

4. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)

5. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Tyler Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Novice

1. David Behrend (YAM YZF-R1)

2. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

3. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

4. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)

5. Omar Carrillo (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Sam Corser (YAM YZF-R6)

Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTO

1. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

3. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

4. Andrew Skov (SUZ GSXR-1000)

5. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Steven Marco (YAM YZF-R1)

Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTU

1. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

2. Raymond Clark (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

3. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

4. Victor Arias (SUZ GSX-R600)

5. Daniel Egbert (SUZ SV650)

6. Dustin Lance (YAM YZF-R6)

Bingham Cyclery Lightweight Superbike

1. James Snow (SUZ SV650)

2. Daniel Egbert (SUZ SV650)

3. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

4. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Chris Cramer (KTM 690-SMCR)

6. Sean Groenstein (HON NSF250R)

Blud Racing Lubricants Middleweight Superbike

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

Toxic Moto Racing Middleweight Superstock

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

5. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX-6R)

6. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTO

1. Kevin Dolan (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Marshall Miller (BMW S1000RR)

3. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)

4. Barry Ketmany (YAM YZF-R1)

5. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTU

1. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

2. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

3. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

4. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6)

5. Victor Arias (SUZ GSX-R600)

6. Kevin Caputo (YAM YZF-R6)

Karl Malone Powersports  Moto 2

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

3. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

5. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

6. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

Redline Realty Moto 3

1. Rider Disqualified

2. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

3. Chris Cramer (KTM 690-SMCR)

4. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Brian Gerwe (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Sean Groenstein (HON NSF250R)

Legion of Speed Novice GTO

1. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

2. David Behrend (YAM YZF-R1)

3. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

4. Pratt Wellman (APR RSV4-RR)

5. Omar Carrillo (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Barry Ketmany (YAM YZF-R1)

Brighton Peak Financial Novice GTU

1. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

2. Chayce Lance (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Raymond Clark (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

4. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

5. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6)

6. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)

Vortex Open Superbike

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

3. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

4. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

MotoUnited Open Superstock

1. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

4. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. Tyler Bengford (KAW ZX10)

Karl Malone Powersports Open Twins

1. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

2. Donald Rothfuss (DUC 848-EVO)

3. Raymond Clark (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

4. Daniel Egbert (DUC 1199S)

5. Tyler Donaworth (TRI DAYTONA-675)

6. James Snow (SUZ SV650)

Velosio Production 500

1. Brian Childree (KAW NINJA-400)

2. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

3. Brian Gerwe (KAW NINJA-400)

4. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Alex Hatfield (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Stephen Webster (YAM YZF-R3)

Monarch Powersports Sportsman

1. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

2. Alex Hatfield (KAW NINJA-400)

3. John Tillotson (YAM YZF-R1)

4. Russell Carpenter (YAM YZF-R6)

5. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Moe Fareed (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

Napa Auto Parts Tooele Stock 1000

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

4. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

5. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

6. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)

Carbonsmith Super Street Bike

1. Victor Arias (HON CBR1000RR-SP)

MotoGP: Can Anyone Stop Quartararo At Catalunya?

David Swarts
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MotoGP: Can Anyone Stop Quartararo At Catalunya?

Can anyone stop Quartararo at Catalunya?

Barcelona has been happy hunting ground for the Frenchman, but the grid are reset and reloaded to try and derail his roll

Wednesday, 02 June 2021

Not since 2016 have Yamaha won at Mugello, but Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) put in a stunner last time out to take back to the top step and make it four Yamaha wins in the first six for the first time since that very same year. Joining him on the podium, for the first time since 2014 at the Italian track, there was no Ducati. The form book took a twist and instead it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Miguel Oliveira putting the cherry on top of an impressive weekend for the Austrian factory, and reigning Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) getting back on the rostrum. Now, as the paddock heads for Catalunya – and a new Turn 10 – what can we expect?

As ever… Quartararo. The Frenchman won last year at the venue despite a late charge from a Suzuki train headed by Mir, and it’s where he was on pole as a rookie and took his first premier class podium. Now recovered from arm pump surgery and back to his best, the Frenchman must surely arrive as favourite. But teammate Maverick Viñales, who said they lost their way with the bike somewhat on his side of the garage after his stunner in Qatar, will be aiming to stem the flow of momentum and get back alongside el Diablo at the front, and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) will be looking for a less dramatic start to his race to claw back his impressive earlier form in 2021 too. And can Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) get further into that top ten?

2020 at the track plus a podium last time out teases that the biggest threat may be Mir, however. Both he and Team Suzuki Ecstar teammate Alex Rins had some serious speed at Mugello, and the reigning Champion and his teammate completed the podium in Barcelona last year. Are we now on to the promised better venues Mir cited earlier in the season? And are we about to see that same metronomic brilliance at slicing through to the front appear week in week out?

Rins, meanwhile, is more a man looking for redemption. After speed and progress to the front in the last few, crashes have then ended the Spaniard’s races and he’s left with a mountain to climb. Having shown how fast he is in the latter stages of 2020, if Rins can stay on he’ll be another name to automatically add to the podium fight… and that added to his rostrum at the venue last year.

At KTM though, the trajectory is already back on the up after an incredibly impressive charge in Italy. The Austrian factory didn’t come out the blocks swinging with the same armoury as 2020 earlier this year, but it surely would only have been a matter of time… and Mugello says yes. It was not only another podium, but also another top five for the second KTM across the line as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) equalled his best of the year so far despite never having ridden Mugello in MotoGP™ before. A new chassis and some serious juice were on show as Binder even equalled the top speed record too… where will they shuffle into the fight in Barcelona? Can that form continue?

Ducati, meanwhile, arrive from a slightly more muted weekend. It was supposed to be their turf at Mugello, but with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) crashing out early on after having been the fastest Borge Panigale machine, it was left to Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) to pick up the baton. And he put on a real show duelling Quartararo early on, before then just slipping from the podium places into fourth. He’s second in the standings, however, and is always a threat. His teammate Jorge Martin also returns from injury this weekend, so that’ll be something to keep an eye on in the Pramac garage.

So what of Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team)? The Queenslander can’t be counted out either, despite a more solid Italian GP compared to his stunners preceding it. But he was happy with good points and being near the front to the finish, with a record at Mugello that hadn’t been kind. Will Barcelona see Miller bring it back to the fight for the podium?

At Honda, that fight for the podium remains the goal. After some impressive pace at times, it’s not fully come together yet in 2021, although Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) has been fourth, equalling his best. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) remains under the microscope as the eight-time World Champion continues his return, teammate Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) is still finding his feet and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) hasn’t quite had the form shown last year yet. For all three though, it’s familiar and true home turf… and they’ve got some impressive CVs at the venue. Can they reset and impress once again at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya?

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, meanwhile, continue their roll in 2021, with Aleix Espargaro leading the charge. And last time out may have been home turf for the factory, but this time it’s home turf for him as he hails from right next to the track. With a good record there and continued momentum, what can the Noale factory do in Barcelona?

The gap for Quartararo in the points is now more substantial, but it’s not yet a whole race win. So one Grand Prix is all that that could turn it on its head. Will that happen in Barcelona or will the Frenchman continue his catch me if you can? We’ll find out in the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, with lights out for the MotoGP™ race at the earlier time of 13:00 (GMT +2).

MotoGP™ Championship top five:

1 Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 105

2 Johann Zarco* – Pramac Racing – Ducati – 81

3 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 79

4 Jack Miller – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 74

5 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – 65

*Independent Team rider
 

Gardner vs Fernandez: another clash of the Titans at Catalunya?

The Australian took his first win of the year in wily style at Mugello. But now we head onto home turf for the rookie… who remains the closest challenger

Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was already a Grand Prix winner heading into Mugello, but he’d not yet been on the top step in 2021. The Australian has ironed out his form to almost perfection this season, although the cherry missing from the top was that win. Now, after defeating his teammate on the last lap in one of the closest Moto2™ finishes of all time, it’s mission accomplished.

For Gardner, the pressure has certainly eased. With a new KTM MotoGP™ deal already signed and that win ticked off, he can concentrate fully on keeping that consistent record. Will he ease off though? And what about teammate Raul Fernandez? The rookie keeps on impressing and he may have ultimately lost at Mugello, but it was another tour de force. And the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is more of a known quantity, so Fernandez and Gardner will be tough to beat. For the rest, and each other.

Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) remains third thanks to his consistency, and the Italian – who has made a habit of such clean last laps that he’s now gained from a couple of high profile late penalties for riders ahead of him – but he’s still looking for that step to bridge the gap to those ahead. For Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), on the losing side of that penalty, Mugello was the opposite. He may not have stood on the podium but the American took a leap forward that he’ll want to continue in Catalunya, and get some revenge for the rostrum lost. Can he keep that form?

Both Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) had been two of those often just up the road in 2021, but now consistency is biting a little harder as both suffered a DNF at Mugello. For Lowes, it was from second when chasing for the lead and Diggia a little further back, but both will have a clear focus: finish. Finish well. And pick up some more big points as Roberts homes in…

The rookie battle, behind Raul Fernandez, is also heating up as Tony Arbolino (Liqui Moly Intact GP) continues his storming of the front, and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) remains an impressive performer. Can they keep their roll going and make life harder for the riders who, so far, have just had the edge?

After one of the best Moto2™ duels ever, Barcelona is poised to let battle recommence. The intermediate class go racing at the slightly later time of 14:30 (GMT +2) at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, so make sure to tune in!

Moto2™ Championship top five:

1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 114

2 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 108

3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 88

4 Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 66

5 Fabio Di Giannantonio – Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 – Kalex – 60
 

Familiar turf calls for Acosta

Can the Championship leader hit back at Catalunya?

His advantage remains impressive at the top, but Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has been more of a top ten points scorer in the last two races. The rookie continues to impress and he did just take his first front row though… and now we return to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, aka much more familiar turf. Even for a rookie. So can he get back on the roll that saw him previously enjoy the biggest leading margin in the Championship… ever?

The pressure does remain less than some of the whirlwind around the number 37 would suggest, however. He can DNF twice and his teammate would have to win both races for his lead to be cut to nearly nothing… and it would still be his lead. Aforementioned teammate Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will be keen for the deck to shuffle his way though, and after another podium to put some bad luck to bed he’ll likely be a threat again. Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) likewise, who took his very first podium at the venue in 2018 and arrives off the back of his second taken in Mugello. And can Sergio Garcia (Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team get back in the mix?

Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) has had speed before his victory too, and he’ll be aiming for more consistency after taking his second win last weekend. Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) is another looking to get back in the groove at the front as he was earlier in the season, and the South African also took his first Grand Prix win at the venue last year, so it’s good turf for him.

One rider with exceptional consistency, however, is Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech3). The Japanese rider put in an incredibly impressive ride on Sunday and is now third overall. Showcasing some metronomic ability to run at the front in 2021, the number 71 is converting flashes of speed into a sustained campaign so far. He already has a pole position and podium, just not this season… and the standings say it may be only a matter of time.

The flotilla of home heroes, the veteran Italians up in the mix and the likes of John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) will be keen to make sure they’re in the freight train fight too though, so who will come out on top in Catalunya? Acosta? Masia? Another previous winner? Or for some, will the aim remain the long game?

We’ll find out at 11:20 (GMT +2) on Sunday as Moto3™ rev up in Montmelo.

Moto3™ Championship top five:

1 Pedro Acosta – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM –  111

2 Jaume Masia – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM –  59

3 Ayumu Sasaki – Red Bull KTM Tech3 – KTM –  57

4 Sergio Garcia – Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team – GASGAS – 56

MotoAmerica: Clark Joins Travis Wyman Racing For Mini Cup

David Swarts
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0
MotoAmerica: Clark Joins Travis Wyman Racing For Mini Cup

Chris Clark joins Travis Wyman Racing for 2021 MotoAmerica season

14-year-old Virginian to compete in all four MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul rounds

Travis Wyman Racing will be a two-rider team for the remainder of the 2021 season. The team welcomes to its ranks Chris Clark, 14, of Fairfax, Va., who will compete at all four of this year’s MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul rounds in the Ohvale 160 and Ohvale 190 classes.

Clark is both an accomplished mini road racer and an established social media influencer. He kicked off his mini road racing career at age 12; has amassed more than 15 wins and more than 35 podiums in about 50 race starts; and has more than 220,000 followers on TikTok. Clark competed in the 2020 MotoAmerica Mini Cup Series, finishing 18th in the 160 Class standings.

“I’m happy to have Chris on board as a member of the Travis Wyman Racing team,” Travis Wyman said. “I think Chris has a very bright future ahead of him in road racing, and I’m looking forward to working with Chris and his family at MotoAmerica’s Mini Cup rounds this year.”

The MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul gets underway at the next MotoAmerica round, which takes place June 11-13 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. The remaining three rounds are scheduled for June 25-27 at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash.; Aug. 13-15 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pa.; and Sept. 17-19 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

 

Chris Clark. Photo courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.
Chris Clark. Photo courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.

“I’m so excited to be joining Travis Wyman Racing for the 2021 season,” Clark said. “I think racing alongside Travis will make me a better rider, and I can’t wait for the Mini Cup season to get started.”

Clark’s Ohvales will run a similar paint scheme to Wyman’s 2020 BMW S 1000 RR, and Clark’s leathers are patterned after Wyman’s. In addition to competing in the Mini Cup, Clark plans to continue racing in his local mini road racing series, which include DMV MiniGP, NJ MiniGP and the Sandy Hook Speedway Mini Moto Series.

Clark’s sponsors for the 2021 season include Bison Leathers, Karn’s Performance, Bimola Helmets, TechSpec Tank Grips, MoTool, Factory Effex, GoPro and Slick Products.

For more information about Chris Clark, visit his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chris.clark.racing24), Instagram account (@chris.clark.racing), or TikTok feeds (@cclark24 or @gp0racer).

MotoGP: Gardner To Tech3 KTM Factory Racing In 2022

David Swarts
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0
MotoGP: Gardner To Tech3 KTM Factory Racing In 2022

GARDNER CONFIRMED FOR 2022 TECH3 KTM FACTORY RACING MOTOGP™ SADDLE

2021 MotoGP news

Grand Prix winning Moto2™ star Remy Gardner will move into the MotoGP class next season and steer one of the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing RC16s as he continues his upward trajectory at world championship level.

Gardner, the current Moto2 championship leader, Italian Grand Prix victor and owner of five podiums from six events this season as part of Aki Ajo’s Red Bull KTM Ajo squad, has signed a contract to make his MotoGP debut next year and completes the final step on the KTM GP Academy career ‘ladder’ by joining his former team.

The 23-year-old’s potential has been evident through an education that involved one term in Moto3 and five in Moto2. He was finally snared by KTM to round-off advanced phases of his development under Ajo’s watchful eye and in the crew that has pushed both the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing athletes – Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira – to triumph in MotoGP.

Remy made his GP debut in San Marino in 2014. He first stood on the Moto2 podium in 2019 at the Grand Prix of Argentina and has progressed to be one of the main protagonists of the division. After his success at Mugello last weekend he now holds two Moto2 winner’s trophies and fronts the standings by six points.

Gardner will fire-up the Tech3 KTM RC16 for the first round of the 2022 season, almost three decades after his father, Wayne, retired from the premier class of Grand Prix racing in 1992.

Remy Gardner: “I’m extremely happy that KTM have given me this opportunity. It’s a dream come true for me and what we have worked for up until this point. It’s an incredible chance for me and I cannot wait to ride the bike. I just want to thank KTM for believing in me. Right now we need to focus on finishing 2021 in a strong way. I want to thank also everyone who has supported me to reach MotoGP. We’re just getting started.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director: “It’s a real pleasure for us to bring Remy to MotoGP next season because we knew about his speed and ability for Moto2 and he has confirmed that potential. We believe there is much more to come from him and it’s important he has this opportunity to keep growing. Remy is a typical racer. He’s super-determined and never gives up. He’s exciting to watch and we’re looking forward to working with him in this next step. Again, we’re also showing that the KTM GP Academy can give the right opportunity for riders that want to go all the way.”

Hervé Poncharal, Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team Principal: “We are very proud, happy and confident to welcome Remy. We believe he will be a strong asset to the KTM MotoGP line up and I think having taken this decision is now going to help Remy to focus 100% on his Moto2 World Championship and will also help us, the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team to focus on our 2021 season. So, welcome back, Remy, keep on pushing and come to join us for your MotoGP adventure in 2022!”

June 2021

Trudy Ulrich
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0
June 2021

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

 

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW. Or call (909) 654-4779 to subscribe, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

 

Log in HERE to read the June 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription.

 

On the Front Cover: Jack Miller (43) on the latest version of Ducati’s be-winged MotoGP racebike. Ducati is in with a chance to win its second premier-class Rider World Championship in 50 years. Photo by DPPI.

In This Issue:

FEATURES

Inside Info: Electric And Euro5 Bikes To The Fore, and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1972 Seeley Norton

Quick Look: The Raucous Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Demands Full Attention

Intro: The Aprilia RSV4 Factory Delivers Raw Power, With Confidence

Quick Look: Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Stellar Is Easy To Ride

MotoGP Analysis: Ducati’s MotoGP Journey Started 50 Years Ago, And Saved The Company

Army Of Darkness: Racing In The Time Of Covid, Part 3

Editor’s Scrapbook: Four Generations Of Riders

Hanging With MotoGP And World Superbike Refugee Loris Baz

PROFESSIONAL RACING

MotoAmerica Superbikes At Road Atlanta: Scholtz And Gagne Win!

MotoAmerica Superbikes At VIRginia: Gagne Dominates!

World Superbike At Aragon And Estoril: It’s Rea vs. Redding, Again!

MotoGP At Jerez, Le Mans, And Mugello: Quartararo Pulls Clear

Trivia & Numbers: Comparing MotoGP Championships Won By Active Brands

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: MotoGP TV; Zero Electric Interest

10 Years Ago, June 2011: John Hopkins’ Redemption

New Products: Yamaha Water Pipe Protector; Alpinestars Supertech R Boot

The Crash Page: Crashing Out Of Moto3, On The Last Lap

Professional Services Directory: Racers Helping Racers

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar

ASRA/CCS Newsletter

High-Performance Parts & Services

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: Press Launches And Podiums

AHRMA: Full Race Results From Classic MotoFest In The Heartland

David Swarts
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AHRMA: Full Race Results From Classic MotoFest In The Heartland

Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all pages of the race results.

2021 HMP Final Race Results - ALL

MotoGP: Rins Breaks Arm, Will Miss Catalunya Race (Updated)

Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Team Suzuki ECSTAR.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Team Suzuki ECSTAR.

INJURED ALEX RINS TO MISS FORTHCOMING CATALAN GP
Alex Rins has been ruled out of his home GP after a cycling accident. The Team Suzuki Ecstar rider will unfortunately have to sit out the Grand Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya due to an unfortunate accident he suffered while training this morning with his bicycle on track.

The Spaniard fell during a training lap and as a result he suffered damage to his right arm, with a large contused area and a lot of pain. He was quickly taken to Barcelona’s Universitari Dexeus Hospital for further examination and medical checks revealed a fracture in the radius bone. The fracture was immobilised and tomorrow morning he will undergo surgery to fix it.

More information to be given in future updates.

 

 

More, from another press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:

Alex Rins has been ruled out of his home GP after a cycling accident. The Team Suzuki Ecstar rider will unfortunately have to sit out the Grand Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya due to an unfortunate accident he suffered while training this morning with his bicycle on track.

The Spaniard fell during a training lap and as a result he suffered damage to his right arm, with a large contused area and a lot of pain. He was quickly taken to Barcelona’s Universitari Dexeus Hospital for further examination and medical checks revealed a fracture in the radius bone. The fracture was immobilised and tomorrow morning Rins will undergo surgery to fix it.

Furthermore, he also had a cranial impact during the crash so he was checked with a CT Scan upon his arrival in hospital – the test revealed nothing of concern.

Doctor Xavier Mir, Director of the Hand Surgery and Microsurgery Unit in the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery at the Universitari Dexeus Hospital reported: “Alex Rins has suffered an articular fracture of the right distal radius with a small displacement and high inflammation. We have two options; one is to immobilise the fracture with plaster, but the recovery would take around 4-6 weeks. Or, as an alternative, we propose an operation, which we consider is the best option. Tomorrow morning we will intervene and affix two screws to the injured bone”.

Racer-Turned-Mechanic Perry Melneciuc Adds Indy 500 Victory To Resume

Former motorcycle road racer Perry Melneciuc (right) with 2021 Indy 500 race winner Helio Castroneves (left) and the Meyer Shank Racing #06 car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway the day after the race. Photo courtesy Meyer Shank Racing.
Former motorcycle road racer Perry Melneciuc (right) with 2021 Indy 500 race winner Helio Castroneves (left) and the Meyer Shank Racing #06 car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway the day after the race. Photo courtesy Meyer Shank Racing.

Perry Melneciuc has finished on the AMA Pro 250cc Grand Prix podium as a rider, he has worked as a factory mechanic for several manufacturers involved in AMA Pro Superbike racing, and as a team owner he has won the Daytona 200 – America’s most famous motorcycle road race.

Now, as of Sunday, May 30, Melneciuc can add Indianapolis 500 race winner to his resume as he was part of the pit crew that helped Helio Castroneves drive his AutoNation/Sirius XM Honda-powered car to victory in the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500.

“Everything went fantastic,” Melneciuc told Roadracingworld.com. “No drama in the pit stops. The strategy was perfect. Helio was the absolute master of knowing where to be when, and he was probably the best at maintaining the lap time that they wanted him to do as well as conserving fuel at the same time, which is really important to do. It saves time during the pit stops, because you’re adding less fuel, and at the end, you can use a different map that uses more fuel when other guys can’t do that.”

After a career racing in the AMA Pro 250cc Grand Prix class, including some visits to the podium, Melneciuc transitioned to being a professional mechanic and worked for some of the top factory AMA Superbike programs with Ducati, Honda, and Kawasaki.

Melneciuc then started his own race team called Project 1 Atlanta (P1A), got pole position for the 2011 Daytona 200 with Jake Zemke, and won the 2012 Daytona 200 with Joey Pascarella riding a P1A Yamaha.

During this same time period, Melneciuc kept having more and more contact with race teams located in Atlanta, Georgia, wanting his services, and he eventually joined Panoz Racing to work on the Panoz DeltaWing prototype in the American Le Mans Series.

After four years at Panoz, Melneciuc joined Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) as a fly-in mechanic working on its sports car program primarily as a mechanic and driver change assistant, a person who goes over the wall during pit stops to help with driver changes during long endurance races. In that role, Melneciuc helped MSR win the IMSA GT Daytona (GTD) Championships in 2019 and 2020 while also helping with the team’s growing IndyCar program.

In 2021, Melneciuc is working on Castroneves’ six-race IndyCar program as well as MSR’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship #60 Acura ARX-05 program.

During the 2021 Indianapolis 500, Melneciuc was part of the over-the-wall pit crew servicing Castroneves’ car during pit stops.

“My job was tear-offs,” said Melneciuc. “They came up with this new canopy for the cars to protect the drivers. There’s two windscreens, a left and a right, and there’s tear-offs on those. My job was to do the tear-offs.

“The car comes in, I take one step, lean over and grab the tear-offs, left and right, step back, don’t move, and it’s usually a five- to five-and-a-half-second pit stop for fuel and tires. The biggest thing was not to be in the way of the front tire changer or the fueler. It’s pretty tight because there’s three of us in that small area, but I’m really lucky with long legs and long arms.”

Asked which gave him a better feeling, winning the Indy 500 or winning the Daytona 200, Melneciuc said, “I have such a smaller part in the outcome in the IndyCar thing because there’s just so many people [18 crew members] for one car. So, I have to say the Daytona 200 win because I was more in control of steering the ship, if that makes sense.

“Here, I had a job, and I executed my job just like everyone else. But doing the Daytona 200, Kellee [Melneciuc’s wife] and I were more in charge of all the little pieces and making sure that they all fit.

“I hate to say it, because they say the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world, but for me winning the Daytona 200 was more special.

“You guys know my heart’s in two wheels. I love it. I dig it. I wish I could still ride. I’m too old now. I wish I could still be involved. But this is the next best thing.”

For those wanting to follow Melneciuc, he said he will be in action again this coming weekend during the IMSA races in Detroit and his next IndyCar race with Castroneves will be in Nashville, Tennessee, in August.

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 128

Image courtesy Greg's Garage Pod.
Image courtesy Greg's Garage Pod.

Greg’s Garage Pod with Co-Host Jason Pridmore p/b ARAI – A motorcycle racing Pod about MotoGP, MotoAmerica, and World Superbike, Pro Motocross, American Flat Track, Supercross, and more. If you’d like to support the channel here is our Patreon link:

https://www.patreon.com/gregsgaragetv

In this episode, Co-Hosts Greg White and Jason Pridmore talk:

MotoGP – Round 6 is in the books. With what looked like a Ducati slam dunk in Italy did not turn out like that. The boys break it down.

WorldSBK – Steve English joins us to talk Round 2 from Estoril. Jonathan Rea is Jonathan Rea. Gerloff gets disciplined for his actions, and more.

AFT – Results from Joliet, IL. JD Beach losses the title lead.

Pro Motocross – Results from California with a rookie leading the 450 class points.

Race Calendar/Next Week – MotoGP in Catalunya, MotoAmerica’s Round 3 Road America preview… yay!… Pro Moto is in Colorado. Also racing for GNCC in Mount Morris, PA and AMA Pro Hillclimb is in Spring Grove, PA.

ASRA/CCS: Mesa Breaks Lap Record, Wins At Summit Point

Stefano Mesa (37) in action at Summit Point Motorsports Park. Photo by Lisa Theobald, courtesy ASRA CCS.
Stefano Mesa (37) in action at Summit Point Motorsports Park. Photo by Lisa Theobald, courtesy ASRA/CCS.
Mesa Breaks Own Record
Championship Series Atlantic & Mid-Atlantic Regions Featuring The AMA Sanctioned ASRA Series Presented by Pirelli Tire
Summit Point Motorsports Park – Summit Point, WV
May 30-31, 2021
by Lisa Theobald
Stefano Mesa claimed his second lap record of the year during the Memorial Day weekend Cyclefest event at Summit Point Motorsports Park.  Mesa broke his own, nearly two-year standing record during the Unlimited Grand Prix race on the two-mile-long Summit Point Circuit. The new record pace was set during lap three of the race with a lap time 1:10.551. The previous record was set on August 19, 2018 with a lap time of 1:10.728.
Mesa was not only the fastest, but winningest racer in an event filled with packed grids in all classes. Mesa claimed a whopping total of nine victories, finishing the weekend undefeated. Day one of racing was overshadowed by rain and cooling temperatures, but did not put a damper on the level of competition. Mesa had to work his was through traffic to get to the front in all of his classes before taking victories in the 25 minute-long GTO, 25 minute-long GTU, and Unlimited Superbike races.
On day two, the air was clear, the sun came out, and Mesa was back on board both his Pirelli-shod Kawasaki ZX-6R and ZX-10R machines to win another six classes. He wrapped up the weekend with wins in the Unlimited Supersport, Middleweight Supersport, Middleweight Superbike, and Unlimited Grand Prix sprint races, as well as the ASRA Sportbike and ASRA Superstock races. In true privateer fashion, Mesa’s biggest supporters in the pits are his mom and dad, Karen and Mauricio Mesa. Pirelli, KWS Motorsports, Thermosman Suspension and a handful of other industry leaders also help support the Mesa37Racing team’s efforts.
Luigi Mora was the second-winningest racer of the event, with a total of five victories. On Sunday, he won the GT 500, Moto 3, and Superbike 300 races. And, on Monday, he won the GP 300 and Supersport 300 classes. Mora is supported by Luigi Motorsport, Sinister Racing Hustle Hard Racing, Spear Racing, and Vortex.
The Championship Cup Series Mid-Atlantic region is scheduled to race again at Summit Point Motorsports Park June 12-13th, along with the Southeast Region in a Twin Sprints event.
The CCS Atlantic Region is scheduled to compete next at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for a Twin Sprints weekend along with the Northeast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) Loudon Classic June 18-19th.
Race results, lap times, points standings, and information for the entire 2021 season for ASRA and all regions of CCS are available online at:   www.ccsracing.us.
Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all pages of the race results.
053121 SPR CCS Results

UtahSBA: Hicks Rides New Kawasaki ZX-10R To Victory

Jerry Hicks (527) holds off Michael Bradshaw in Round 2 of the UtahSBA King of the Mountain race at the Utah Motorsports Campus' West Track. Photo by Steve Midgley, Courtesy UtahSBA.
Jerry Hicks (527) holds off Michael Bradshaw in Round 2 of the UtahSBA King of the Mountain race at Utah Motorsports Campus' West Track. Photo by Steve Midgley, courtesy UtahSBA.

The Utah Sport Bike Association resumed the Utah Motorcycle Law Masters of the Mountains Race Series on May 29th. Round 2 of the series was held on the Utah Motorsports Campus’ West Track. Road racers from all over the western United States traveled to Grantsville to enjoy great temperatures and even better racing.

The morning was off to an early start, after racers got their leathers on and warmed up their slicks it was time for Moto Station/Pirelli and Trackstar/Dunlop King of the Mountain Qualifying. Jerry Hicks started the session motoring his brand new Kawasaki ZX-10R to an early 1:33. Hicks’ previous Kawasaki was totaled during Round 1 in a practice day mishap that left him racing a borrowed bike and scrambling to build a new one between rounds. Hicks put the new build to work and was able to drop his time to a 1.32.091 to take the pole position. Michael Bradshaw was on the charge and laid down a 1.32.361 which was enough for P2 on the grid. Close behind was Anthony Norton who went third on the grid with a 1.32.667. Fourth went to Eric Jones who had a 1.33.006, and Genaro Lopez took fifth with 1.33.743 rounding out the top spots.

The morning’s racing heated up as riders took to the grid for the Karl Malone Powersports Moto 2 race. Brian Childree sat on pole and as the lights went out Childree surged his Kawasaki into the lead at turn one and began his stretch away from the rest of the group. Nicholas Schmit got a good start off the grid where he was in P4 and came out of turn one in second place followed closely by Cole Phillips and Peter Hofpointner. Hofpointner was all over the rear tire of Phillips and found a way past in the first turn on lap three. Hofpointner then shifted his attention to Schmit in lap four attempting a turn 1 pass but Schmitt swatted him away. Undeterred, Hofpointner finally made the turn 1 pass stick at the start of lap 5. In the final lap, disaster struck for Hofpointner as he became entangled in lapped traffic and failed to make the passes necessary to keep Schmitt and Phillips at bay with both riders overtaking him in the fray. In the final turn Hofpointner managed to sneak his way back past Phillips into third place. As the checkered flag flew it was Childree with a substantial lead followed by Schmitt and Hofpointner close behind.

As the afternoon sun started to bake the track, riders in the KOM race took their grid positions. As the lights went out Lopez lifted the front wheel of his BMW all the way from the line into turn 1, holeshotting Bradshaw and Hicks. Bradshaw quickly made a move on Lopez in turn five to lead the race, not long after, Lopez lost a spot to Hicks and dropped back to third. Jones was the next to make a move on Lopez, but Lopez was determined to hold onto a podium spot and on lap eight he found a way through Jones in turn one. Hicks, now tailing Bradshaw,  was biding his time and feeling out the new Pirelli SCX tire he was riding for the first time. By lap 10 Hicks had worked himself into striking distance of Bradshaw, overtaking the leader in turn 3. Bradshaw wasn’t done and continued pushing Hicks until the start of lap 12 when a false neutral sent him into the gravel in turn 1, Bradshaw quickly collected himself and got back on track to maintain his lead over Lopez. When talking to Bradshaw after the race he said “I thought I might have been able to make a move on Jerry near the end but maybe next time”. As the checkered flag waved Hicks was the first to cross the line and take KOM gold, followed by Bradshaw in second and Lopez in third.

In a post race interview Hicks was ecstatic about the success of his racing during Round 2. Hicks was exceptionally grateful for the efforts of the UtahSBA community who helped him recover from the complete loss of his race bike during Round 1 and enabled him to build a new ZX-10 prior to Round 2. He wanted to extend a special thanks to Barry Ketmany and Moto United South Valley for sourcing a replacement ZX-10 “within a few days” and “saved his race season.” He also wanted to thank his friend James Peterec at Moto Station who Hicks said “pulled some very late nights with me building the new bike up. I doubt it would have been finished in time without his help.” Hicks also wanted to thank his sponsors Moto Station and Pirelli tires for their continued support both on and off the track. Finally he wanted to thank his wife Carrie for her support and enthusiasm over the years. Hicks is excited to be on the new Kawasaki, telling us that, “I have not been a fan of big bikes in the past—but this thing may truly be my favorite bike I’ve ever ridden.”

The Harrison Eurosport Combined GTO race was next and racers flocked to the pit to get on track for their sighting lap. This race start was not without drama as the pole position rider, John Tran, was late to the grid forcing him to start from the hot pit lane. Track Marshalls cleared the grid and the lights went out, Andrew Skov led the race off the line, put his head down, and got to work. As the racers made their way into the first turn Tran was released from the hot pit. On lap three Rick Squires who started P20 on the grid was up and into second place where he would remain for most of the race. Meanwhile, Tran was bound and determined to make up for his late start, powering through riders, advancing into sixth place on his third lap, then moved up to third by his fifth lap. That wasn’t going to be it for Tran who found a way to overtake Squires on the final lap. The race came to a close and Skov took home the win, Tran finished in second, and Squires took third.

The rest of the race day was filled with competitive races that left riders climbing for the top spot. Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 GTO saw Jones and Bradshaw dice it up for 1st place honors with Bradshaw ultimately prevailing with a smooth turn 5 pass. In Brighton Peak Financial Novice GTU Chayce Lance had a dream start moving from P10 on the grid into second, eventually taking the lead during lap 3. But Lance was not alone as Joshua Fisher kept pace eventually passing Lance to take the win. Norton and Hicks had an awesome back and forth in Vortex Open Superbike where Norton led the majority of the race but ultimately, Hicks took the win.  When asked about the battle with Norton, Hicks said “we were going two-wide through three or four corners. I really like when riders have the skill and patience to have close battles like that. The guy is fast, so I’m sure there will be plenty more opportunities for that!”

The UtahSBA will be back June 18th  with our New Racer Certification School (NRC) and Advanced Racer Course (ARC) with both being conducted during the Friday track day preceding Round 3. The NRC is for anyone who has a track day prepped bike and is wanting to learn about racing and see if they have what it takes to become a licensed racer. The ARC, which is taught by current KOM champion Jerry Hicks and former KOM Champion Brian Childree, focuses on more technical methods to help racers get around the track both faster and safer. Then on Saturday June 19th the UtahSBA will be hosting Round 3 on Utah Utah Motorsports Campus’ East Track as well as its longstanding Advanced Rider Training(ART) school which will take to the track at the conclusion of the race day. The ART uses Yamaha Champions Riding School techniques to teach riders skills to make them safer and more proficient no matter where they ride. We hope to see you out at the Utah Motorsports Campus for our schools and some awesome racing.

The Utah Sport Bike Association is a Utah Non-Profit dedicated to promoting education, safe riding, and competition in the Intermountain West. You can find more information about the USBA, upcoming events, and schools at www.utahsba.com or find us on Facebook.

Results:

Motostation/Trackstar KOM Overall:

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW ZX-10R)

2. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSX-R1000)

3. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

4. Anthony Norton (KAW ZX-10R)

5. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

Motostation KOM GTO:

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

3. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

4. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

5. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

Trackstar KOM GTU:

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Miles McElhany (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

AZ Riding Academy Combined GTO

1. Andrew Skov (SUZ GSXR-1000)

2. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

3. Rick Squires (SUZ GSXR1000)

4. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

5. Marshall Miller (BMW S1000RR)

6. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

C&R Coatings Combined GTU

1. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

2. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

4. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Expert

1. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

2. Braden Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

3. Tyler Bengford (KAW ZX-10)

4. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)

5. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Tyler Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

The Edge Powersports Deseret Dash – Novice

1. David Behrend (YAM YZF-R1)

2. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

3. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

4. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)

5. Omar Carrillo (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Sam Corser (YAM YZF-R6)

Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTO

1. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

3. Eric Jones (YAM YZF-R1)

4. Andrew Skov (SUZ GSXR-1000)

5. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Steven Marco (YAM YZF-R1)

Harrison Eurosports Formula 40 – GTU

1. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

2. Raymond Clark (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

3. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX6R)

4. Victor Arias (SUZ GSX-R600)

5. Daniel Egbert (SUZ SV650)

6. Dustin Lance (YAM YZF-R6)

Bingham Cyclery Lightweight Superbike

1. James Snow (SUZ SV650)

2. Daniel Egbert (SUZ SV650)

3. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

4. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Chris Cramer (KTM 690-SMCR)

6. Sean Groenstein (HON NSF250R)

Blud Racing Lubricants Middleweight Superbike

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

5. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

6. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

Toxic Moto Racing Middleweight Superstock

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

5. Brian Naylor (KAW ZX-6R)

6. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTO

1. Kevin Dolan (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Marshall Miller (BMW S1000RR)

3. Joshua Snow (YAM YZF-R1)

4. Barry Ketmany (YAM YZF-R1)

5. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

The Mechanic Modern Vintage – GTU

1. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

2. Richard Findlay (SUZ GSXR-600)

3. Braxton Young (HON CBR600RR)

4. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6)

5. Victor Arias (SUZ GSX-R600)

6. Kevin Caputo (YAM YZF-R6)

Karl Malone Powersports  Moto 2

1. Brian Childree (KAW ZX-6R)

2. Nicholas Schmit (SUZ GSXR-600)

3. Peter Hofpointner (YAM YZF-R6)

4. Cole Phillips (YAM YZF-R6)

5. Lee McNutt (YAM YZF-R6)

6. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

Redline Realty Moto 3

1. Rider Disqualified

2. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

3. Chris Cramer (KTM 690-SMCR)

4. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Brian Gerwe (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Sean Groenstein (HON NSF250R)

Legion of Speed Novice GTO

1. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

2. David Behrend (YAM YZF-R1)

3. Sam Arquit (HON CBR1000RR)

4. Pratt Wellman (APR RSV4-RR)

5. Omar Carrillo (YAM YZF-R1)

6. Barry Ketmany (YAM YZF-R1)

Brighton Peak Financial Novice GTU

1. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

2. Chayce Lance (YAM YZF-R6)

3. Raymond Clark (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

4. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

5. Kirk Doyle (KAW ZX-6)

6. Brian Gerwe (HON CBR600RR)

Vortex Open Superbike

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

3. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

4. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

MotoUnited Open Superstock

1. Michael JR Bradshaw (SUZ GSXR1000)

2. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

4. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

5. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

6. Tyler Bengford (KAW ZX10)

Karl Malone Powersports Open Twins

1. Joshua Fisher (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

2. Donald Rothfuss (DUC 848-EVO)

3. Raymond Clark (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

4. Daniel Egbert (DUC 1199S)

5. Tyler Donaworth (TRI DAYTONA-675)

6. James Snow (SUZ SV650)

Velosio Production 500

1. Brian Childree (KAW NINJA-400)

2. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

3. Brian Gerwe (KAW NINJA-400)

4. Rachel Kuns (KAW NINJA-400)

5. Alex Hatfield (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Stephen Webster (YAM YZF-R3)

Monarch Powersports Sportsman

1. Belisario Arango (KAW ZX6R)

2. Alex Hatfield (KAW NINJA-400)

3. John Tillotson (YAM YZF-R1)

4. Russell Carpenter (YAM YZF-R6)

5. Andrew Gawer (KAW NINJA-400)

6. Moe Fareed (TRI DAYTONA-675R)

Napa Auto Parts Tooele Stock 1000

1. Jerry Hicks (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

2. Genaro Lopez (BMW S1000RR)

3. Anthony Norton (KAW NINJA-ZX10)

4. Bill Davis (BMW S1000RR)

5. John Tran (YAM YZF-R1)

6. David Meyer (YAM YZF-R1)

Carbonsmith Super Street Bike

1. Victor Arias (HON CBR1000RR-SP)

MotoGP: Can Anyone Stop Quartararo At Catalunya?

Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.

Can anyone stop Quartararo at Catalunya?

Barcelona has been happy hunting ground for the Frenchman, but the grid are reset and reloaded to try and derail his roll

Wednesday, 02 June 2021

Not since 2016 have Yamaha won at Mugello, but Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) put in a stunner last time out to take back to the top step and make it four Yamaha wins in the first six for the first time since that very same year. Joining him on the podium, for the first time since 2014 at the Italian track, there was no Ducati. The form book took a twist and instead it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Miguel Oliveira putting the cherry on top of an impressive weekend for the Austrian factory, and reigning Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) getting back on the rostrum. Now, as the paddock heads for Catalunya – and a new Turn 10 – what can we expect?

As ever… Quartararo. The Frenchman won last year at the venue despite a late charge from a Suzuki train headed by Mir, and it’s where he was on pole as a rookie and took his first premier class podium. Now recovered from arm pump surgery and back to his best, the Frenchman must surely arrive as favourite. But teammate Maverick Viñales, who said they lost their way with the bike somewhat on his side of the garage after his stunner in Qatar, will be aiming to stem the flow of momentum and get back alongside el Diablo at the front, and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) will be looking for a less dramatic start to his race to claw back his impressive earlier form in 2021 too. And can Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) get further into that top ten?

2020 at the track plus a podium last time out teases that the biggest threat may be Mir, however. Both he and Team Suzuki Ecstar teammate Alex Rins had some serious speed at Mugello, and the reigning Champion and his teammate completed the podium in Barcelona last year. Are we now on to the promised better venues Mir cited earlier in the season? And are we about to see that same metronomic brilliance at slicing through to the front appear week in week out?

Rins, meanwhile, is more a man looking for redemption. After speed and progress to the front in the last few, crashes have then ended the Spaniard’s races and he’s left with a mountain to climb. Having shown how fast he is in the latter stages of 2020, if Rins can stay on he’ll be another name to automatically add to the podium fight… and that added to his rostrum at the venue last year.

At KTM though, the trajectory is already back on the up after an incredibly impressive charge in Italy. The Austrian factory didn’t come out the blocks swinging with the same armoury as 2020 earlier this year, but it surely would only have been a matter of time… and Mugello says yes. It was not only another podium, but also another top five for the second KTM across the line as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) equalled his best of the year so far despite never having ridden Mugello in MotoGP™ before. A new chassis and some serious juice were on show as Binder even equalled the top speed record too… where will they shuffle into the fight in Barcelona? Can that form continue?

Ducati, meanwhile, arrive from a slightly more muted weekend. It was supposed to be their turf at Mugello, but with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) crashing out early on after having been the fastest Borge Panigale machine, it was left to Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) to pick up the baton. And he put on a real show duelling Quartararo early on, before then just slipping from the podium places into fourth. He’s second in the standings, however, and is always a threat. His teammate Jorge Martin also returns from injury this weekend, so that’ll be something to keep an eye on in the Pramac garage.

So what of Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team)? The Queenslander can’t be counted out either, despite a more solid Italian GP compared to his stunners preceding it. But he was happy with good points and being near the front to the finish, with a record at Mugello that hadn’t been kind. Will Barcelona see Miller bring it back to the fight for the podium?

At Honda, that fight for the podium remains the goal. After some impressive pace at times, it’s not fully come together yet in 2021, although Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) has been fourth, equalling his best. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) remains under the microscope as the eight-time World Champion continues his return, teammate Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) is still finding his feet and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) hasn’t quite had the form shown last year yet. For all three though, it’s familiar and true home turf… and they’ve got some impressive CVs at the venue. Can they reset and impress once again at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya?

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, meanwhile, continue their roll in 2021, with Aleix Espargaro leading the charge. And last time out may have been home turf for the factory, but this time it’s home turf for him as he hails from right next to the track. With a good record there and continued momentum, what can the Noale factory do in Barcelona?

The gap for Quartararo in the points is now more substantial, but it’s not yet a whole race win. So one Grand Prix is all that that could turn it on its head. Will that happen in Barcelona or will the Frenchman continue his catch me if you can? We’ll find out in the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, with lights out for the MotoGP™ race at the earlier time of 13:00 (GMT +2).

MotoGP™ Championship top five:

1 Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 105

2 Johann Zarco* – Pramac Racing – Ducati – 81

3 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 79

4 Jack Miller – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 74

5 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – 65

*Independent Team rider
 

Gardner vs Fernandez: another clash of the Titans at Catalunya?

The Australian took his first win of the year in wily style at Mugello. But now we head onto home turf for the rookie… who remains the closest challenger

Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was already a Grand Prix winner heading into Mugello, but he’d not yet been on the top step in 2021. The Australian has ironed out his form to almost perfection this season, although the cherry missing from the top was that win. Now, after defeating his teammate on the last lap in one of the closest Moto2™ finishes of all time, it’s mission accomplished.

For Gardner, the pressure has certainly eased. With a new KTM MotoGP™ deal already signed and that win ticked off, he can concentrate fully on keeping that consistent record. Will he ease off though? And what about teammate Raul Fernandez? The rookie keeps on impressing and he may have ultimately lost at Mugello, but it was another tour de force. And the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is more of a known quantity, so Fernandez and Gardner will be tough to beat. For the rest, and each other.

Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) remains third thanks to his consistency, and the Italian – who has made a habit of such clean last laps that he’s now gained from a couple of high profile late penalties for riders ahead of him – but he’s still looking for that step to bridge the gap to those ahead. For Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), on the losing side of that penalty, Mugello was the opposite. He may not have stood on the podium but the American took a leap forward that he’ll want to continue in Catalunya, and get some revenge for the rostrum lost. Can he keep that form?

Both Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) had been two of those often just up the road in 2021, but now consistency is biting a little harder as both suffered a DNF at Mugello. For Lowes, it was from second when chasing for the lead and Diggia a little further back, but both will have a clear focus: finish. Finish well. And pick up some more big points as Roberts homes in…

The rookie battle, behind Raul Fernandez, is also heating up as Tony Arbolino (Liqui Moly Intact GP) continues his storming of the front, and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) remains an impressive performer. Can they keep their roll going and make life harder for the riders who, so far, have just had the edge?

After one of the best Moto2™ duels ever, Barcelona is poised to let battle recommence. The intermediate class go racing at the slightly later time of 14:30 (GMT +2) at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, so make sure to tune in!

Moto2™ Championship top five:

1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 114

2 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 108

3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 88

4 Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 66

5 Fabio Di Giannantonio – Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 – Kalex – 60
 

Familiar turf calls for Acosta

Can the Championship leader hit back at Catalunya?

His advantage remains impressive at the top, but Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has been more of a top ten points scorer in the last two races. The rookie continues to impress and he did just take his first front row though… and now we return to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, aka much more familiar turf. Even for a rookie. So can he get back on the roll that saw him previously enjoy the biggest leading margin in the Championship… ever?

The pressure does remain less than some of the whirlwind around the number 37 would suggest, however. He can DNF twice and his teammate would have to win both races for his lead to be cut to nearly nothing… and it would still be his lead. Aforementioned teammate Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will be keen for the deck to shuffle his way though, and after another podium to put some bad luck to bed he’ll likely be a threat again. Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) likewise, who took his very first podium at the venue in 2018 and arrives off the back of his second taken in Mugello. And can Sergio Garcia (Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team get back in the mix?

Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) has had speed before his victory too, and he’ll be aiming for more consistency after taking his second win last weekend. Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) is another looking to get back in the groove at the front as he was earlier in the season, and the South African also took his first Grand Prix win at the venue last year, so it’s good turf for him.

One rider with exceptional consistency, however, is Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech3). The Japanese rider put in an incredibly impressive ride on Sunday and is now third overall. Showcasing some metronomic ability to run at the front in 2021, the number 71 is converting flashes of speed into a sustained campaign so far. He already has a pole position and podium, just not this season… and the standings say it may be only a matter of time.

The flotilla of home heroes, the veteran Italians up in the mix and the likes of John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) will be keen to make sure they’re in the freight train fight too though, so who will come out on top in Catalunya? Acosta? Masia? Another previous winner? Or for some, will the aim remain the long game?

We’ll find out at 11:20 (GMT +2) on Sunday as Moto3™ rev up in Montmelo.

Moto3™ Championship top five:

1 Pedro Acosta – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM –  111

2 Jaume Masia – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM –  59

3 Ayumu Sasaki – Red Bull KTM Tech3 – KTM –  57

4 Sergio Garcia – Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team – GASGAS – 56

MotoAmerica: Clark Joins Travis Wyman Racing For Mini Cup

Travis Wyman (left) and 14-year-old Chris Clark (right). Photo courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.
Travis Wyman (left) and 14-year-old Chris Clark (right). Photo courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.

Chris Clark joins Travis Wyman Racing for 2021 MotoAmerica season

14-year-old Virginian to compete in all four MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul rounds

Travis Wyman Racing will be a two-rider team for the remainder of the 2021 season. The team welcomes to its ranks Chris Clark, 14, of Fairfax, Va., who will compete at all four of this year’s MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul rounds in the Ohvale 160 and Ohvale 190 classes.

Clark is both an accomplished mini road racer and an established social media influencer. He kicked off his mini road racing career at age 12; has amassed more than 15 wins and more than 35 podiums in about 50 race starts; and has more than 220,000 followers on TikTok. Clark competed in the 2020 MotoAmerica Mini Cup Series, finishing 18th in the 160 Class standings.

“I’m happy to have Chris on board as a member of the Travis Wyman Racing team,” Travis Wyman said. “I think Chris has a very bright future ahead of him in road racing, and I’m looking forward to working with Chris and his family at MotoAmerica’s Mini Cup rounds this year.”

The MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul gets underway at the next MotoAmerica round, which takes place June 11-13 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. The remaining three rounds are scheduled for June 25-27 at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash.; Aug. 13-15 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pa.; and Sept. 17-19 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

 

Chris Clark. Photo courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.
Chris Clark. Photo courtesy Travis Wyman Racing.

“I’m so excited to be joining Travis Wyman Racing for the 2021 season,” Clark said. “I think racing alongside Travis will make me a better rider, and I can’t wait for the Mini Cup season to get started.”

Clark’s Ohvales will run a similar paint scheme to Wyman’s 2020 BMW S 1000 RR, and Clark’s leathers are patterned after Wyman’s. In addition to competing in the Mini Cup, Clark plans to continue racing in his local mini road racing series, which include DMV MiniGP, NJ MiniGP and the Sandy Hook Speedway Mini Moto Series.

Clark’s sponsors for the 2021 season include Bison Leathers, Karn’s Performance, Bimola Helmets, TechSpec Tank Grips, MoTool, Factory Effex, GoPro and Slick Products.

For more information about Chris Clark, visit his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chris.clark.racing24), Instagram account (@chris.clark.racing), or TikTok feeds (@cclark24 or @gp0racer).

MotoGP: Gardner To Tech3 KTM Factory Racing In 2022

(From left): Red Bull KTM Team Manager Mike Leitner, Tech3 Racing Team Owner Hervé Poncharal, KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer, and Remy Gardner. Photo by Polarity Photo, courtesy KTM.
(From left): Red Bull KTM Team Manager Mike Leitner, Tech3 Racing Team Owner Hervé Poncharal, KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer, and Remy Gardner. Photo by Polarity Photo, courtesy KTM.

GARDNER CONFIRMED FOR 2022 TECH3 KTM FACTORY RACING MOTOGP™ SADDLE

2021 MotoGP news

Grand Prix winning Moto2™ star Remy Gardner will move into the MotoGP class next season and steer one of the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing RC16s as he continues his upward trajectory at world championship level.

Gardner, the current Moto2 championship leader, Italian Grand Prix victor and owner of five podiums from six events this season as part of Aki Ajo’s Red Bull KTM Ajo squad, has signed a contract to make his MotoGP debut next year and completes the final step on the KTM GP Academy career ‘ladder’ by joining his former team.

The 23-year-old’s potential has been evident through an education that involved one term in Moto3 and five in Moto2. He was finally snared by KTM to round-off advanced phases of his development under Ajo’s watchful eye and in the crew that has pushed both the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing athletes – Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira – to triumph in MotoGP.

Remy made his GP debut in San Marino in 2014. He first stood on the Moto2 podium in 2019 at the Grand Prix of Argentina and has progressed to be one of the main protagonists of the division. After his success at Mugello last weekend he now holds two Moto2 winner’s trophies and fronts the standings by six points.

Gardner will fire-up the Tech3 KTM RC16 for the first round of the 2022 season, almost three decades after his father, Wayne, retired from the premier class of Grand Prix racing in 1992.

Remy Gardner: “I’m extremely happy that KTM have given me this opportunity. It’s a dream come true for me and what we have worked for up until this point. It’s an incredible chance for me and I cannot wait to ride the bike. I just want to thank KTM for believing in me. Right now we need to focus on finishing 2021 in a strong way. I want to thank also everyone who has supported me to reach MotoGP. We’re just getting started.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director: “It’s a real pleasure for us to bring Remy to MotoGP next season because we knew about his speed and ability for Moto2 and he has confirmed that potential. We believe there is much more to come from him and it’s important he has this opportunity to keep growing. Remy is a typical racer. He’s super-determined and never gives up. He’s exciting to watch and we’re looking forward to working with him in this next step. Again, we’re also showing that the KTM GP Academy can give the right opportunity for riders that want to go all the way.”

Hervé Poncharal, Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team Principal: “We are very proud, happy and confident to welcome Remy. We believe he will be a strong asset to the KTM MotoGP line up and I think having taken this decision is now going to help Remy to focus 100% on his Moto2 World Championship and will also help us, the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team to focus on our 2021 season. So, welcome back, Remy, keep on pushing and come to join us for your MotoGP adventure in 2022!”

June 2021

June 2021 Issue
June 2021 Issue

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On the Front Cover: Jack Miller (43) on the latest version of Ducati’s be-winged MotoGP racebike. Ducati is in with a chance to win its second premier-class Rider World Championship in 50 years. Photo by DPPI.

In This Issue:

FEATURES

Inside Info: Electric And Euro5 Bikes To The Fore, and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1972 Seeley Norton

Quick Look: The Raucous Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Demands Full Attention

Intro: The Aprilia RSV4 Factory Delivers Raw Power, With Confidence

Quick Look: Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Stellar Is Easy To Ride

MotoGP Analysis: Ducati’s MotoGP Journey Started 50 Years Ago, And Saved The Company

Army Of Darkness: Racing In The Time Of Covid, Part 3

Editor’s Scrapbook: Four Generations Of Riders

Hanging With MotoGP And World Superbike Refugee Loris Baz

PROFESSIONAL RACING

MotoAmerica Superbikes At Road Atlanta: Scholtz And Gagne Win!

MotoAmerica Superbikes At VIRginia: Gagne Dominates!

World Superbike At Aragon And Estoril: It’s Rea vs. Redding, Again!

MotoGP At Jerez, Le Mans, And Mugello: Quartararo Pulls Clear

Trivia & Numbers: Comparing MotoGP Championships Won By Active Brands

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: MotoGP TV; Zero Electric Interest

10 Years Ago, June 2011: John Hopkins’ Redemption

New Products: Yamaha Water Pipe Protector; Alpinestars Supertech R Boot

The Crash Page: Crashing Out Of Moto3, On The Last Lap

Professional Services Directory: Racers Helping Racers

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar

ASRA/CCS Newsletter

High-Performance Parts & Services

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: Press Launches And Podiums

AHRMA: Full Race Results From Classic MotoFest In The Heartland

AHRMA Sound of Singles competitor Ralph Staropoli (80), riding a Honda NSF250R, leads AHRMA Sound of Thunder competitor Chris Haesemeyer (1), and his Triumph Daytona 675, at Heartland Motorsports Park. Photo by etechphoto, courtesy AHRMA.
AHRMA Open Two-Stroke competitor Ralph Staropoli (80), riding a Honda RS250, leads AHRMA Sound of Thunder competitor Chris Haesemeyer (1), and his Triumph Daytona 675, at Heartland Motorsports Park. Photo by etechphoto, courtesy AHRMA.

Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all pages of the race results.

2021 HMP Final Race Results - ALL
1...1,1801,1811,182...7,584Page 1,181 of 7,584
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