More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Razgatlioglu remains fastest at Mandalika as Rea blasts to second in FP2
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The #WorldSBKFinale is well and truly alive, and the two heavyweights of the title race were duking it out from the start
The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship fired into life for the Pirelli Indonesia Round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, with the #WorldSBKFinale lighting up from the start. After day one at the all-new track, it was Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) who set the benchmark in both FP1 and FP2, the Turk looking to build on a successful Friday to clinch the Championship and defeat Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK). Both riders are in the fight for the title, and it could be the battle we’ve been hoping for.
RAZGATLIOGLU VS REA: day one to the blue corner
Razgatlioglu got down to a strong pace straight away, despite being a little bit late to his pit box at the start of the session. However, he was unflappable and unstoppable, taking to the circuit and going quicker than his morning time, before concluding the day on top with a 1’34.230. On fine form at a brand-new track, Razgatlioglu stole a march and is the firm favourite going into the remainder of the weekend, just under two tenths clear having sported a 1.5s advantage in the morning. On the other side of the garage and aiming to end his rookie season well, Andrea Locatelli did many laps with Razgatlioglu as he set about learning the circuit and was inside the top three for most of the session before finishing eighth overall.
Jonathan Rea (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
After losing more than 20 minutes in the pits in FP1 during the morning, Jonathan Rea was out to make amends in FP2 and the afternoon session. The Ulsterman, fighting for a seventh successive title but 30 points down on Championship leader Razgatlioglu in the standings, had a much stronger FP2 session and led sporadically in the opening stages. However, he was demoted soon after but remained a solid feature inside the top three, chipping away in each sector and making incremental improvements to finish second overall. Back in action and returning from injury, teammate Alex Lowes finished day in seventh despite an early fall at Turn 2 and hopes to help his teammate out throughout the weekend.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
INDEPENDENT RESURGENCE: Gerloff gets his form back
The battle for top Independent is to be fought this weekend and currently leading the fight by 14 points, Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was back to his old self, inside the top three throughout the day and finishing third come the chequered flag at the end of the afternoon. However, Gerloff hasn’t got the battle won just yet, as Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) had a strong opening day. The rookie Italian is in good form and finished the day in tenth overall. Come the races, it promises to be an intriguing battle.
Alvaro Bautista (19). Photo courtesy Dorna.
STRONG START: Honda on form, Ducati top five
It was a strong session for Honda as Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) blasted up the order in the closing stages of FP2 to go fourth, having been sixth in FP1. It wasn’t the most straightforward day for the Spaniard though, as he had technical problems at the start. He was in fine form though, with a strong time at the end of FP2 putting him as one of the front-runners. Teammate Leon Haslam reiterated Honda’s strengths, finishing in sixth overall. Both riders will leave the team after the weekend, with Bautista heading back to the factory Ducati team, whilst Haslam’s future is to be confirmed.
Scott Redding (45). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fifth place went to Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), with the British rider having a solid but unassuming start to his Pirelli Indonesian Round. Redding was outside of the top ten going into the final stint of the session but put together some strong times to elevate himself up the order. He leads Ducati’s charge this weekend, as the Italian manufacturer are just 16 points behind Yamaha in the manufacturers’ Championship standings. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was 11th overall and will aim to find something to put himself back into the mix for the rest of the round.
SOLID DEBUT: BMW hoping for more but show potential
Top BMW honours went to Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with the Dutchman coming to what is a second-home round, with him having Indonesian heritage. Van der Mark took ninth overall and was a feature inside the top ten at various points, something that shows good signs on Friday for someone who hasn’t always been in the top half of the leaderboard after day one. Teammate Tom Sykes returns for his final weekend of racing in the team, with his future also unconfirmed. The 2013 World Champion took 13th overall as he bedded himself back in, although he did suffer a crash at Turn 6 in FP1. Both BMWs hope to end their season strongly, with it being the M 1000 RR’s first in WorldSBK.
BEST OF THE REST: noteworthy surprises behind
One of the bigger surprises during Indonesia’s opening day was Isaac Viñales (Orelac Racing VerdNatura), with the Spaniard coming on strongly and even featuring inside the top three at points through FP1. Finishing 12th overall, he was the best Independent Kawasaki, less than three quarters of a second behind Razgatlioglu’s top time. Next Independent was Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) who was likewise looking good, ahead of Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven). The Welshman is in his swansong weekend and was 15th on day one, ahead of Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team), Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport Yamaha) and Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing). Samuele Cavalieri (Barni Racing Team) and Oliver Konig (OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing) brought up the rear, with Konig finding more than four seconds compared to his FP1 time, following a crash at Turn 2.
KTM CELEBRATES PROGRESS OF ALL-NEW $50 MILLION NORTH AMERICAN GROUP HEADQUARTERS WITH EXCLUSIVE EVENT IN MURRIETA
November 18, 2021
MURRIETA, Calif. – KTM North America, Inc., a leading producer of high-performance street and offroad motorcycles, celebrated progress of its all-new $50 million North American Group Headquarters project on Wednesday with an exclusive event held at the new building site in Murrieta.
With local and regional dignitaries on-site, along with members of the press and global racing athletes from KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GASGAS, attendees were treated to an exclusive first-look at the project’s 150,000 square foot plans, which include amenities for over 300 world-class employees. The three-building campus is set to include corporate offices, state-of-the-art technical and warehouse spaces, and the company’s world-renown racing departments for all three brands.
Additionally, the very first brick laying ceremony was conducted by KTM’s Global and North America Board of Directors, a significant moment in the history of Murrieta and U.S. motorcycling, as KTM AG CEO, Stefan Pierer, was in attendance.
KTM AG CEO Stefan Pierer. Photo courtesy KTM North America.
“It’s a very exciting and emotional day for me. Exactly 30 years ago, I started on a very small scale in the U.S. with a total of 12 people and now we are by far the biggest European motorcycle producer and we are employing 5,000 people. The key success factor behind it, I can tell you, is racing. Racing is basically the driving force that we created throughout the 30 years and it brings us to this – the biggest single investment I ever did – with a $50 million dollar project here in the U.S. It’s also a new target for everybody and it’s really a great moment. Now, let’s look ahead and let’s set up new targets for the future,” commented Stefan Pierer during his welcome speech.
John Hinz, CEO, KTM North America, Inc. added, “Our group of brands have an incredibly storied history here in the U.S. and in North America, and we are honored to carry this legacy forward into the next generation. This celebration marks another incredible milestone in our history with this new campus, which is an incredible tool for us to deliver our service to our dealers as they truly are the lifeblood of our company. To commit to an investment like this requires bravery, and I want to thank Mr. Pierer and the Board of Directors for their continued commitment to the business here in the U.S. and in North America. Our goal is to grow the sport of motorcycling and the sport of bicycling, and these new buildings are going to be an incredible asset to continue delivering that service to our dealers across America.”
With global headquarters based in Mattighofen, Austria, KTM is Europe’s leading high-performance street and offroad sport motorcycle manufacturer that has been an active player in the ever-growing North American market since 1967. Since the acquisition of further brands such as Husqvarna Motorcycles in 2013 and GASGAS Motorcycles in 2020, KTM has witnessed a significant increase in demand for two-wheelers across the globe and now with PIERER Mobility’s incorporation of the fast growing E-bike sector, the company looks ahead to a bright future in sustainable two-wheel transportation.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING SIGNS SHAYNA TEXTER-BAUMAN TO 2022 AMERICAN FLAT TRACK SUPERTWINS FACTORY RACE TEAM
AFT Singles’ Most Winning Rider Joins Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew Alongside Reigning Champion Jared Mees & Two-Time Champion Briar Bauman
MINNEAPOLIS (November 18, 2021) – Following an exhilarating 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) season, the reigning five-time Manufacturers Champion, Indian Motorcycle Racing, today announced the signing of Shayna Texter-Bauman to its 2022 SuperTwins factory race team. With the signing, Indian Motorcycle will welcome the AFT Singles most winningest rider as the third member of the Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew – joining her husband and two-time SuperTwins Champion Briar Bauman and reigning 2021 AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees.
Piloting the Indian FTR750, Texter-Bauman will pit under the factory trailer as Dave Zanotti will serve as Crew Chief for both riders. Former AFT Champion Jake Johnson will serve as her mechanic.
“The entire Indian Motorcycle Racing team and I are beyond excited to welcome Shayna to the Wrecking Crew, as she’s truly a remarkable racer with a relentless drive to succeed,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology. “Shayna has no bounds that she cannot face, and we’re honored to have her join our team and represent our brand.”
“This announcement marks a key moment in my journey as a racer. I’m humbled to be joining the Wrecking Crew and cannot wait to get out on the track on the incredible FTR750,” said Texter-Bauman. “I’ve been at this for a while now and have always had the desire to finish my career on a Twin. I’m beyond appreciative of everyone that has supported me along the way. I still have that fire to race and have some lofty goals that I would like to accomplish before I’m finished racing. I’m definitely looking forward to this next chapter racing SuperTwins.”
Texter-Bauman enters AFT SuperTwins with a drive to blaze new trails for female racers. For 2022, Texter-Bauman looks [to] become the first female rider to reach an AFT Twins or SuperTwins podium and win an AFT event within the sport’s premier class.
Indian Motorcycle Racing holds five consecutive American Flat Track manufacturers championships. Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees ended the 2021 season with his seventh career Grand National Championship, while Bauman is a two-time Grand National Champion. Collectively, Mees and Bauman own the last five AFT SuperTwins championships. For 2022, Michelle Disalvo will continue to handle mechanic duties for Briar Bauman, while Mees’ set up will continue to be supported by longtime Crew Chief Kenny Tolbert, and mechanics Bubba Bently and Jimmy Wood.
The Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew is excited to welcome back Progressive Motorcycle Insurance as presenting sponsor, as well as support from S&S Cycle, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Mission Foods, J&P Cycles, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Alpinestars and Bell Helmets.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Day One Best Test Times (all using Michelin tires):
Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 1:37.313
Johann Zarco, France (Ducati), 1:37.356
Enea Bastianini, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.402
Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.415
Maverick Vinales, Spain (Aprilia), 1:37.674
Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:37.810
Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:37.884
Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:38.002
Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:38.020
Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:38.086
Luca Marini, Italy (Ducati), 1:38.149
Jorge Martin, Spain (Ducati), 1:38.152
Pol Espargaro, Spain (Honda), 1:38.165
Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:38.194
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:38.207
Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:38.288
Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:38.312
Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Yamaha), 1:38.598
Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 1:39.083
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 1:39.276*
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 1:39.496*
Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Ducati), 1:39.628
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 1:39.727*
Remy Gardner, Australia (KTM), 1:40.170
Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (Ducati), 1:40.732
Takuya Tsuda, Japan (Suzuki), 1:40.936
Darryn Binder, South Africa (Yamaha), 1:41.749
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), no time recorded*
Stefan Bradl, Germany (Honda), no time recorded*
*=test rider
More, from a press release issued by Gresini Racing:
#JEREZTEST: POSITIVE DEBUT FOR TEAM GRESINI RACING MOTOGP
The first day of off-season testing ahead of the 2022 season has undoubtedly been a successful one for Team Gresini Racing MotoGP, as the Faenza-based squad is back in the premier class as an independent team for the first time after seven years. On one side there was Enea Bastianini’s debut aboard the Desmosedici GP21 for Enea Bastianini, while on the other Fabio Di Giannantonio had his maiden experience aboard a MotoGP motorcycle (he is also riding a GP21 machine).
It was an ‘instant match’ between Enea Bastianini and the new bike: “tamer but more powerful” as he described it. The rider #23 spent most of the testing time in the lead before finishing third quickest – with plenty of laps completed and great confidence with both the bike and the new team.
For Fabio Di Giannantonio it was all about getting a first contact with the new reality and things surely went the right way. The Italian managed to improve his feeling lap by lap and that was shown by his personal quickest time – which came at the 48th lap, his last for the day.
The second and last opportunity for 2021 to gather further experience will be tomorrow, with the wind that could play a bigger role at Jerez de la Frontera.
“The first impressions are good. I’m happy with the bike and with how the guys worked as a team. Let’s say it is what I was expecting: an easier bike to ride, and I felt like it had been mine for a long time already. Lap-times came quick and despite the wind I was able to set competitive times throughout the whole day. There will be work to do and issues will arise, but at the moment I’m happy. The bike is much tamer, and a lot quicker; last year’s bike had great potential, but it was really difficult to ride.”
Fabio Di Giannantonio (D). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
22nd – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 (1’39.628 – 48 laps)
“The best day of my life. The bike is simply fantastic as it has all the things I’ve always looked for in a motorcycle: the way of braking, the rideability inside the corner, the mid-corner and corner exit feeling, the power… everything is there. We have plenty of work to do to bridge the gap to the leaders, but I’m in awe right now. I need to understand tyres better and how to work with the electronics; there are many things I need to focus on, but the base is not a bad one.”
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
Pol Espargaro back on track with Repsol Honda Team at Jerez Test
After his heavy fall in Valencia, Espargaro was reunited with his Honda RC213V for the final test of calendar 2021.
Still in some discomfort, Pol Espargaro was nevertheless back on track as preparations for the 2022 MotoGP World Championship season begin in Jerez. Thursday after the last Grand Prix of the year was the first of two days at the Andalusian circuit before the winter testing ban begins. Espargaro’s running was concentrated over two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Today’s program focused on getting Espargaro comfortable and confident again after his crash in Valencia. Friday will see Espargaro focus more on future developments that Honda HRC have been preparing for the 2022 season.
Completing a total of 45 laps, the #44 worked through a number of testing items alongside Alex Marquez and Takaaki Nakagami. A best time of 1’38.165 put Espargaro 13th overall, but lap times were not an area of focus.
Takaaki Nakagami ended the opening day of the test as the leading Honda and the fastest rider of Thursday. Nakagami set a 1’37.313 as he assessed options for the 2022 Honda RC213V.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Pol Espargaro
1’38.165
“I feel pretty well used today, there’s some pain in my ribs and in my wrist and I was struggling to ride a little bit today because of it. But it is really important for the team, and also me, to make some laps with the new bike and get as much information as possible. Today was spent getting comfortable after our huge crash. Tomorrow we have another day of testing which will hopefully be a bit better. The plan for tomorrow is to work more for the future and based on what we have seen today, that looks promising. New parts and bikes are like lollipops for kids to us, a lot of motivation!”
More, from a press release issued by Tech3 KTM Factory Racing:
Moto2 World Champion and runner up both make official their debuts as MotoGP riders
Moto2 sensation Raul Fernandez was excited to feel the power of a MotoGP bike today with his new team, Tech3 KTM Factory Racing, after an outstanding rookie season in the intermediate class this year. The Spanish rider is focused on adapting the bike’s settings to his needs in order to feel as comfortable as possible to start working properly on lap times tomorrow. After a hard-working day in the office with a total of 57 laps, Raul finished the day 19th, with a best lap-time of 1:39.083.
The newly crowned Moto2 World Champion Remy Gardner also made his official debuts in the Premier Class under his new colours. Today was all about discovery and learning on his new KTM RC16 at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, under sunny but windy conditions. Unfortunately, the Australian rookie hurt his rib in a change of direction early in the day, which caused him pain to ride his bike, but he still managed to complete 52 laps and finished the day in P24.
“It felt like being a true MotoGP rider. When we did the test earlier in Misano, it was just a little candy from KTM and Tech3 for us and our incredible season. Overall, it was a fantastic day. I’m just living my dream, because I am here in the MotoGP class. I obviously need to learn more things about the bike and the category, especially the breaks and about the power and the tyres. Everything is new. We started in a good way and I’m very happy that step by step and we understood everything. I guess this is the most important. We will continue like this and I want to continue enjoying riding on the bike like a little kid.”
“Today was a fun day. In the morning, I started to feel really good on the bike and was improving a little bit. At some point, I had a fast change of direction and I felt one of my ribs cracking and it started to really hurt when I came back to the box. It might be broken again. In the end, I took some pain killers and just tried to finish off the day in a smoother way. Overall, it has been a pretty painful day riding a MotoGP bike!”
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#2022Loading: Nakagami puts Honda on top on Day 1 in Jerez
The Japanese rider opens action fastest, but there are plenty more headlines throughout the pack as pre-season testing begins
Takaaki Nakagami (30). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Thursday, 18 November 2021
2022 is loading, and on first glimpse it’s already shaping up to be a thriller. On Day 1 at the Jerez Test it was Honda on top thanks to a 1:37.313 from Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), with the Japanese rider just denying Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco by half a tenth. Now-sophomore Enea Bastianini (Team Gresini Racing MotoGP) started the season completing the top three, getting a taste of the 2021 Ducati and settling into his new team.
As we saw earlier in the year, Honda have a seemingly brand-new bike for 2022. Arguably the most important news for HRC on Day 1 though was the presence of Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) after his huge Valencia GP crash. The Spaniard was fit to ride at the Jerez Test, vital with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) absent, as we got to see HRC’s radically new RC213V in action again. It’s the only machine at the test that looks completely new, with every other manufacturer having variations and adaptations from what we saw in 2021. Engine, chassis, aero, air intake… you name it. HRC have been working tirelessly to bring a new bike to the party.
Both Nakagami and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) were testing the new bike on Day 1. Both riders were riding both the 2021 and 2022 machines, important to compare how the two feel and how new components feel in comparison. Both were also incredibly busy: Marquez completed 75 laps with fastest man Nakagami lapping 68 times. Pol Espargaro managed to get 45 laps under his belt, finishing P13 on the timesheets, and Marquez ended the day in P16.
Francesco Bagnaia (63). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Reigning Constructors’ Champions Ducati, meanwhile, now have eight Desmosedicis in their arsenal in MotoGP™ as Team Gresini Racing MotoGP debuted with Bastianini and rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio and VR46 Racing Team began their premier class adventure with Luca Marini and rookie Marco Bezzecchi. Marini was the first rider to head out of pitlane, as both he and fellow Italian Bastianini got to grips with the GP21 Ducati – as did Diggia, with Bezzecchi lapping on a GP19 at first.
Engines are a big priority for the Bologna factory in Jerez, as they are for every manufacturer ahead of the winter. Factory duo Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati Lenovo Team teammate Jack Miller had one new engine each to try according to Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna, while Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco and 2021 Rookie of the Year Jorge Martin had one to try between them.
Ducati debuted a new, longer exhaust on Day 1 in the factory ranks, with Martin testing some smaller, more intricate parts, including aero covers on the front fork. Bastianini had some downwash ducts – the bottom inlets on the side fairings – on his GP21 machine, with teammate Di Giannantonio circulating without them. In addition, the Bologna brand had different aero, a new air intake and, seemingly, a new holeshot device. Plenty of stuff in the Ducati ranks.
Zarco, Bastianini and Bagnaia finished inside the top four on Day 1, as Zarco completed the second-most laps of anyone on Thursday – 78. Pecco was happy with how his day went, the 2021 silver medallist admitted he and the team have found something to be more competitive on used tyres… so the rest beware. Miller, Marini and Martin finished under a second away from Nakagami’s time, but that’s not what anyone will be concentrating on during the test. It’s all about testing, testing and more testing, and for the rookies, these two days are about getting comfy on their new MotoGP™ machinery. Di Giannantonio finished 2.3s down on Nakagami’s time, whereas Bezzecchi was 3.4s away from P1.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The Aprilia contingent was led by Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) on the timesheets as the Noale manufacturer begins a new era as a factory team for 2022. The Spaniard did 72 laps, having also already tested at Jerez this week thanks to Aprilia’s concessions, and was working with the bike from the Valencia GP earlier in the day. Setup was a key focus, including changing fork springs, as the number 12 continues to settle in.
Teammate Aleix Espargaro also started out on the bike from the Valencia GP, and when the number 41 did head out on the new bike later in the day he suffered a crashed at Turn 3, bringing out the Red Flag but rider ok. Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori had the new bike from the Noale factory in his box, the Italian putting in 34 laps despite a crash at Turn 1. All riders were testing the smaller wings that Savadori has been using, and both Viñales and Aleix Espargaro tried in Misano. There was also a new exhaust spotted on Noale machinery, although reportedly none of the riders tried the 2022 engine just yet.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Dorna.
At Suzuki, Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins was the lead Hamamatsu machine on Day 1 after 76 laps, ending the day in P6 as teammate and 2020 Champion Joan Mir put in 71 for P14. Test riders Sylvain Guintoli and Takuya Tsuda were also out on track as the factory prepare for 2022.
Guintoli, who did 49 laps, was spotted testing a new fuel tank cover, but there wasn’t too much on show – with efforts more concentrated on putting their 2022 engine through its paces, and reportedly a new chassis. There was also a new swingarm for the Hamamatsu factory. On Friday, there will reportedly be some new aero on track as confirmed by Rins.
For Yamaha, Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was the lead Iwata marque machine in seventh, with teammate and reigning Champion Fabio Quartararo down in P9. The Italian did 56 laps and the Frenchman a serious haul of 73.
Quartararo said they tested the same bike as seen at the Misano Test, a new swingarm and new anti-wheelie electronics, doing some back-to-back testing with the 2021 bike too. A new chassis was also on show.
Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team) did another half century of laps as he gets his teeth into the 2021 Yamaha, having so far been on the 2019 machine on his return to the premier class. New teammate Darryn Binder, meanwhile, was concentrating on settling in – having now officially made the leap from Moto3™ to MotoGP™. The South African rookie did 49 laps, and it was solely about settling in and getting to grips with the huge step up from the lightweight class.
The main leg work for KTM in terms of development is down to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s now more veteran duo of Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira as Tech 3 welcomes the all-rookie line-up of Moto2™ World Champion Remy Gardner and Marquez-beating Rookie of the Year Raul Fernandez. Binder was the top Austrian machine on the timesheets in tenth, putting in 56 laps, with Oliveira down in 17th after 74 laps. Test rider Mika Kallio was also present, after MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa was hard at work before the official test got underway.
The aero debuted at the Misano Test was out on track for much longer this time around, with both Brad Binder and Oliveira.
On rookie watch, Raul Fernandez was the fastest of the Tech3 duo and the rookies overall after 57 laps, ending the day just 1.7 seconds off the top. Teammate Remy Gardner did 52 laps and was 2.8 off the top, but the Australian remains riding through the pain barrier after cracking his ribs in that Algarve GP Friday crash.
That’s a wrap on Day 1, with more track action coming on Friday. Come back then for more, and catch up on everything with After the Flag LIVE from 17:30 (GMT+1) on motogp.com!
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA START 2022 CAMPAIGN AT JEREZ TEST
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo returned to the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto today to kick off their 2022 testing programme. They took seventh and ninth place respectively in today‘s final results.
LOCAL TIME: 18:00 GMT+2
AIR TEMPERATURE: 20°C
TRACK TEMPERATURE: 16°C
WEATHER: SUNNY / HUMIDITY 50%
7th FRANCO MORBIDELLI 1’37.884 / 56 LAPS
9th FABIO QUARTARARO 1’38.020 / 73 LAPS
After a three-day break, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team opened a new racing season at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto today, kicking off the pre-season with the 2022 prototype Yamaha YZR-M1. Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo concluded the first day of the Jerez MotoGP Official Test in seventh and ninth place respectively.
Morbidelli followed up a positive Valencia GP weekend with a good first day of testing. It was an important track day for him because he started working directly with his new Crew Chief Patrick Primmer. He entered the track at half past 11, leaving him, in theory, with six and a half hours of testing time. The Italian used this opportunity to make his first kilometres with the 2022 prototype YZR-M1. The Yamaha-man suffered a small crash due to his leg injury but was unhurt and achieved competitive results. His best time, a 1‘37.884s, set on lap 46/56, earned him seventh place, 0.571s from first.
Quartararo also commenced his time on track a little after 11 o‘clock. Knowing how crucial the pre-season testing is to a good start of the championship, the Frenchman used the available hours to try to get reacquainted with the 2022 prototype bike that he had already tried at the Misano Test in September. His main goal for today was to improve turning. He posted a best time of 1‘38.020s on lap 34/73, which put him in ninth position, 0.707s from the top.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
I like the 2022 spec. I don‘t have a lot of experience on the 2021 bike, but when I jumped on the 2022 bike, I felt the improvements. I had a good feeling on it, and I kept working on it for some time. There were some good improvements, so I‘m happy. I had a small crash in Turn 13. On the left-handers I still struggle to get into the right position early enough. Luckily the leg and everything else is okay. It was just a small crash. I‘m having a bit of trouble with the leg here and also in Valencia. With two races and a test in a row, I don‘t have enough time to recover. Right now, we need to see this not as a handicap but as a boost to set up the bike really well to allow me to ride it almost effortlessly so I have the chance to be faster even in the condition I‘m in now. I think we made the right steps in Valencia and here, so I‘m pretty happy with the job we‘ve done. I‘m not happy with my physical condition with the leg, but I need to take it as an opportunity to improve.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FABIO QUARTARARO
We tried the same prototype bike as we had at the Misano Test earlier this year. We also tried some other things: a new swingarm and anti-wheelie electronics. It was very similar to Misano. We need to do some more work; this is just the first step. Tomorrow we have another day of testing. We will try some more items and get everything prepared and ready, and then I hope we can make a big step in terms of speed in Sepang. Jerez is a good track to improve turning in low-speed corners and try out a chassis, not so much an engine, because the straights are too short. The 2021 base was really good, but we were just missing top speed and some aerodynamics. We have almost three months to work on this before Sepang.
More, from a press release issued by VR46 Racing Team:
DEBUT IN JEREZ ON THE DUCATI DESMOSEDICI GP21 FOR LUCA MARINI AND MARCO BEZZECCHI
The 2022 season kicks off for the riders of the VR46 Racing Team who have closed the first day of testing respectively with the 11th and 25th lap time
Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), November 18th 2021 – A preview the 2022 for Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi today on the track in Jerez de la Frontera for the first day of the official MotoGP testing session. Just fifty laps per rider for the VR46 Racing Team debut on the Ducati Desmosedici GP21.
Enthusiastic about the atmosphere in the garage and the feeling with the bike, Luca Marini finished 11th in the combined standings with a best lap time of 1.38.149 and a gap of just eight tenths from the very first guys (Nakagami, 1.37.313).
An emotional day also for Marco Bezzecchi, at his MotoGP debut after finishing the Moto2 Championship in third place. For Marco 53 laps today and a best lap time of 1.40.732.
Tomorrow both will be back on track for the second and final day of IRTA official test.
Luca Marini (10). Photo courtesy VR46 Racing Team.
Luca Marini:
It was a great day: the Ducati GP21 is fantastic! Nice to handling, a lot of positive feelings and feedbacks. It is a pleasure to be able to race for this Team: a great group, the atmosphere is special, positive vibes and we are all motivated to do our best. I’m also happy because I pushed so much to have each of them in the crew. It will be a challenge for everyone, I already know some people from Moto2, others guys are new. We didn’t work too much on the bike today, we have just started to understanding how is the bike and what differences there are compared to the one we used in 2020. Tomorrow, however, the goal is to improve the lap time and the pace.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy VR46 Racing Team.
Marco Bezzecchi:
What a day! The Ducati Desmosedici GP21 is really fast! I started step by step, to better understand the bike. It was thrilling, it is impressive and very special. It is the first testing session, we don’t have strange goals just to find the best position and start to get familiar with power, engine brake and chassis. A special thanks to the whole Team: they did a really great job to get here ready and they have supported me as much as possible.
Pablo Nieto, Team Manager:
An exciting day for everyone: a sort of first day of school for Luca and Marco and all the guys in the Team who made their debut today in the Top class. Luca was on track with the Ducati Desmosedici GP21 the bike that Pecco used in Valencia last week. A very different bike from the one we had in 2020 and we need time to adapt to it. An equally important day for Marco who took his first steps in MotoGP. They are not new to each other; they have a good relationship and they have already shared the garage in Moto2. There is a lot to do, many aspects to work on such as the electronics, the position on the bike and the Michelin tires, completely new for Marco, but we need to take our time. A new adventure, a new Team where many young technicians are coming from Moto2 and we have not to be in such a rush to arrive there.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. 2022
Royal Enfield welcomes women to apply for Flat Track and Road Racing BTR programs now through December 1, 2021.
Milwaukee, WI (Thursday, November 18, 2021) – Royal Enfield’s unique and inspiring BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. program, established in 2019, is prepared to go bigger than ever in the 2022 racing season. Build. Train. Race. (BTR) will be expanding its platform in both Flat Track and Road Racing, turning even more women motorcyclists into builders and racers, and Royal Enfield is currently welcoming applications.
For the 2022 season, Royal Enfield is seeking riders with some level of experience in motorcycle racing. In the past, BTR has sought out complete beginners, but since there will be riders returning to the program in 2022, the applications are now open to riders with experience in the discipline they are applying for. If you aren’t sure if you have the appropriate level of experience, just apply anyway!
Applications are currently being accepted at BuildTrainRace.com. Apply by December 1, 2021 to be considered for the 2022 season.
Royal Enfield BTR was proud to be a part of the 2021 MotoAmerica Road Racing Championship, where they were welcomed into the pits as revered members of the racing community. BTR Road Race participants included 2021 champion CJ Lukacs, Becky Goebel, Trisha Dahl, Michaela Trumbull, Alyssa Bridges, Kayla Thiesler and Scarlett Grosselanghorst. For the first time, several past program participants will be welcomed back for the new season, which will also expand to host an even larger field of racers.
Under the tutelage of professional road racer and renowned team manager Melissa Paris, the BTR Road Racing women built their own race bikes from Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 motorcycles and put together unique sponsorship programs. From there, each went through road race training courses before taking on the racing portion of the program at select MotoAmerica Superbike Championship rounds. Along with a larger grid of riders for 2022, The Royal Enfield BTR program will also race at more rounds of the MotoAmerica Championship.
Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. flat track participants during the Train. portion of their program. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
BTR FLAT TRACK
American Flat Track entered into the Build. Train. Race. program in 2020, and the 2021 program was the best yet, with nine racers taking on four rounds of the AFT Championship aboard custom-built Royal Enfield INT 650 motorcycles.
Jillian Deschenes, Lanakila MacNaughton, Erin Ferris, Malary Lee, Sarah Dixon, Gabrielle Hughes, Nean Kiskela, Bridgett Leber and Jaycee Jones highlighted the field as they wowed crowds at each round with their increasing speed and skill. The Flat Track BTR program will be expanding to include more racers, including a number of past program participants, and additional rounds, as well.
“The 2021 season was truly amazing for the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. programs, both Road Racing and Flat Track,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing & Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “This all-women initiative, teaching women to build and race their own motorcycles, is not only unique and inspiring, but the growth and the accomplishments that come out of this women is just awe-inspiring. It leaves us wanting more, and the support we’re receiving from the race promoters, the sponsors, and most importantly the fans, is growing with each season. Next year is going to be our biggest yet, and we’re looking forward to seeing our future stars step forward.”
Apply now to be considered for the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Road Racing and Flat Track programs, or forward to an incredible lady rider who is looking for a racing opportunity of a lifetime. Applications will be accepted through December 1, 2021.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 140 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
World Ducati Week: the countdown begins for the 2022 edition!
The long-awaited World Ducati Week is finally back from 22 to 24 July 2022
The Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” and the Adriatic Riviera will once again welcome Ducatisti and fans of the world of two wheels
Already confirmed for the new edition is the “Race of Champions” in which the Ducati riders of yesterday and today will race against each other on the track
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 18 November 2021 – World Ducati Week is finally back in 2022, the long-awaited and much-desired event by the whole Ducati family that sees thousands of enthusiasts gather to celebrate the passion for the world of two wheels and for the red bikes of Borgo Panigale.
On Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” is ready to welcome the Ducatisti and enthusiastic motorcyclists for an unmissable event in the Adriatic Riviera that will be the perfect mix of fun, bikes, riding experiences, parades, riders and shows for Ducatisti and enthusiasts of all ages.
The program for 2022 is still under construction, but the intention is clear: to make it the most memorable edition ever. As a result, already confirmed is the “Race of Champions” , the most electrifying and adrenaline-filled moment of the event in which Ducati riders of yesterday and today take to the track to challenge each other on special bikes. A unique opportunity for all fans to see their legends and heroes from the world of motorsport in action.
There are still uncertainties related to the pandemic in the organization of the events. Ducati is constantly monitoring the situation and will make every effort to organize the eleventh edition of WDW in compliance with all the rules that will be necessary to ensure the safety of the participants.
To stay updated on all the news about WDW2022 the dedicated section of the Ducati website is available.
Team Hammer, Inc. is excited to announce the signing of Richie Escalante to compete in the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Series.
The 26-year-old Escalante joins forces with M4 ECSTAR Suzuki after spending the previous two seasons as the team’s most fierce competitor in the battle for the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship. Escalante became the first Mexican to win an AMA Pro/MotoAmerica National road racing championship in 2020 with a stunning 13-win, 16-podium Supersport campaign. He backed that up with a strong three-win, 14-podium effort in his title defense, ultimately finishing as 2021 runner-up to his great rival, Sean Dylan Kelly, who won 12 races and 17 podiums and is graduating into the Moto2 World Championship in 2022.
A native of Tizayuca, Mexico, Escalante will slot into SDK’s place aboard a Team Hammer-prepared Suzuki GSX-R with the expectation of continuing the championship-winning ways of both himself and the squad.
“First off, I am very happy to work with Team Hammer, so thanks to (team owners) John and Chris Ulrich for this opportunity,” said Escalante. “My goal is to get the Number One plate back and I am ready to start working towards our goal. I learned a lot this past season and I think that will help me be even more competitive this year. I am also ready to see how my aggressive style works on the Suzuki. I like to push hard and slide under braking and the Suzuki seems like a great bike. The Daytona 200 has also been a goal of mine so I am really looking forward to getting started and winning the most races possible this coming year.”
Prior to his emergence as a Supersport superstar, Escalante established himself as a race winner and title contender in Superstock 600 competition. He continued his rapid development as a professional racer with a pair of podium-winning seasons in 2018 and 2019, in which he finished the season ranked sixth, and fifth, respectively, before his historic 2020 campaign. Escalante has repeatedly shown himself to be a determined and relentless racer, equally capable of running away at the front or launching late-race assaults for the checkered flag.
“We’ve seen what Richie can do on the racetrack and we’ve always had a lot of respect for his abilities,” said Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich. “He was so dominant in 2020 en route to his championship that our team had to step up our technical program. Richie has always been on our radar as a racer we’d like to work with. Now the time is right. We know how good Richie is and we think he can be even better with our technical package.”
About Team Hammer
The 2021 season marked Team Hammer’s 41st consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 128 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 332 times and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Razgatlioglu remains fastest at Mandalika as Rea blasts to second in FP2
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The #WorldSBKFinale is well and truly alive, and the two heavyweights of the title race were duking it out from the start
The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship fired into life for the Pirelli Indonesia Round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, with the #WorldSBKFinale lighting up from the start. After day one at the all-new track, it was Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) who set the benchmark in both FP1 and FP2, the Turk looking to build on a successful Friday to clinch the Championship and defeat Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK). Both riders are in the fight for the title, and it could be the battle we’ve been hoping for.
RAZGATLIOGLU VS REA: day one to the blue corner
Razgatlioglu got down to a strong pace straight away, despite being a little bit late to his pit box at the start of the session. However, he was unflappable and unstoppable, taking to the circuit and going quicker than his morning time, before concluding the day on top with a 1’34.230. On fine form at a brand-new track, Razgatlioglu stole a march and is the firm favourite going into the remainder of the weekend, just under two tenths clear having sported a 1.5s advantage in the morning. On the other side of the garage and aiming to end his rookie season well, Andrea Locatelli did many laps with Razgatlioglu as he set about learning the circuit and was inside the top three for most of the session before finishing eighth overall.
Jonathan Rea (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
After losing more than 20 minutes in the pits in FP1 during the morning, Jonathan Rea was out to make amends in FP2 and the afternoon session. The Ulsterman, fighting for a seventh successive title but 30 points down on Championship leader Razgatlioglu in the standings, had a much stronger FP2 session and led sporadically in the opening stages. However, he was demoted soon after but remained a solid feature inside the top three, chipping away in each sector and making incremental improvements to finish second overall. Back in action and returning from injury, teammate Alex Lowes finished day in seventh despite an early fall at Turn 2 and hopes to help his teammate out throughout the weekend.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
INDEPENDENT RESURGENCE: Gerloff gets his form back
The battle for top Independent is to be fought this weekend and currently leading the fight by 14 points, Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was back to his old self, inside the top three throughout the day and finishing third come the chequered flag at the end of the afternoon. However, Gerloff hasn’t got the battle won just yet, as Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) had a strong opening day. The rookie Italian is in good form and finished the day in tenth overall. Come the races, it promises to be an intriguing battle.
Alvaro Bautista (19). Photo courtesy Dorna.
STRONG START: Honda on form, Ducati top five
It was a strong session for Honda as Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) blasted up the order in the closing stages of FP2 to go fourth, having been sixth in FP1. It wasn’t the most straightforward day for the Spaniard though, as he had technical problems at the start. He was in fine form though, with a strong time at the end of FP2 putting him as one of the front-runners. Teammate Leon Haslam reiterated Honda’s strengths, finishing in sixth overall. Both riders will leave the team after the weekend, with Bautista heading back to the factory Ducati team, whilst Haslam’s future is to be confirmed.
Scott Redding (45). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fifth place went to Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), with the British rider having a solid but unassuming start to his Pirelli Indonesian Round. Redding was outside of the top ten going into the final stint of the session but put together some strong times to elevate himself up the order. He leads Ducati’s charge this weekend, as the Italian manufacturer are just 16 points behind Yamaha in the manufacturers’ Championship standings. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was 11th overall and will aim to find something to put himself back into the mix for the rest of the round.
SOLID DEBUT: BMW hoping for more but show potential
Top BMW honours went to Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with the Dutchman coming to what is a second-home round, with him having Indonesian heritage. Van der Mark took ninth overall and was a feature inside the top ten at various points, something that shows good signs on Friday for someone who hasn’t always been in the top half of the leaderboard after day one. Teammate Tom Sykes returns for his final weekend of racing in the team, with his future also unconfirmed. The 2013 World Champion took 13th overall as he bedded himself back in, although he did suffer a crash at Turn 6 in FP1. Both BMWs hope to end their season strongly, with it being the M 1000 RR’s first in WorldSBK.
BEST OF THE REST: noteworthy surprises behind
One of the bigger surprises during Indonesia’s opening day was Isaac Viñales (Orelac Racing VerdNatura), with the Spaniard coming on strongly and even featuring inside the top three at points through FP1. Finishing 12th overall, he was the best Independent Kawasaki, less than three quarters of a second behind Razgatlioglu’s top time. Next Independent was Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) who was likewise looking good, ahead of Chaz Davies (Team GoEleven). The Welshman is in his swansong weekend and was 15th on day one, ahead of Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team), Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport Yamaha) and Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing). Samuele Cavalieri (Barni Racing Team) and Oliver Konig (OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini Racing) brought up the rear, with Konig finding more than four seconds compared to his FP1 time, following a crash at Turn 2.
A rendering of KTM North America's new $50 million headquarters facility in Murrieta, California. Image courtesy KTM North America.
KTM CELEBRATES PROGRESS OF ALL-NEW $50 MILLION NORTH AMERICAN GROUP HEADQUARTERS WITH EXCLUSIVE EVENT IN MURRIETA
November 18, 2021
MURRIETA, Calif. – KTM North America, Inc., a leading producer of high-performance street and offroad motorcycles, celebrated progress of its all-new $50 million North American Group Headquarters project on Wednesday with an exclusive event held at the new building site in Murrieta.
With local and regional dignitaries on-site, along with members of the press and global racing athletes from KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GASGAS, attendees were treated to an exclusive first-look at the project’s 150,000 square foot plans, which include amenities for over 300 world-class employees. The three-building campus is set to include corporate offices, state-of-the-art technical and warehouse spaces, and the company’s world-renown racing departments for all three brands.
Additionally, the very first brick laying ceremony was conducted by KTM’s Global and North America Board of Directors, a significant moment in the history of Murrieta and U.S. motorcycling, as KTM AG CEO, Stefan Pierer, was in attendance.
KTM AG CEO Stefan Pierer. Photo courtesy KTM North America.
“It’s a very exciting and emotional day for me. Exactly 30 years ago, I started on a very small scale in the U.S. with a total of 12 people and now we are by far the biggest European motorcycle producer and we are employing 5,000 people. The key success factor behind it, I can tell you, is racing. Racing is basically the driving force that we created throughout the 30 years and it brings us to this – the biggest single investment I ever did – with a $50 million dollar project here in the U.S. It’s also a new target for everybody and it’s really a great moment. Now, let’s look ahead and let’s set up new targets for the future,” commented Stefan Pierer during his welcome speech.
John Hinz, CEO, KTM North America, Inc. added, “Our group of brands have an incredibly storied history here in the U.S. and in North America, and we are honored to carry this legacy forward into the next generation. This celebration marks another incredible milestone in our history with this new campus, which is an incredible tool for us to deliver our service to our dealers as they truly are the lifeblood of our company. To commit to an investment like this requires bravery, and I want to thank Mr. Pierer and the Board of Directors for their continued commitment to the business here in the U.S. and in North America. Our goal is to grow the sport of motorcycling and the sport of bicycling, and these new buildings are going to be an incredible asset to continue delivering that service to our dealers across America.”
With global headquarters based in Mattighofen, Austria, KTM is Europe’s leading high-performance street and offroad sport motorcycle manufacturer that has been an active player in the ever-growing North American market since 1967. Since the acquisition of further brands such as Husqvarna Motorcycles in 2013 and GASGAS Motorcycles in 2020, KTM has witnessed a significant increase in demand for two-wheelers across the globe and now with PIERER Mobility’s incorporation of the fast growing E-bike sector, the company looks ahead to a bright future in sustainable two-wheel transportation.
Shayna Texter-Bauman. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING SIGNS SHAYNA TEXTER-BAUMAN TO 2022 AMERICAN FLAT TRACK SUPERTWINS FACTORY RACE TEAM
AFT Singles’ Most Winning Rider Joins Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew Alongside Reigning Champion Jared Mees & Two-Time Champion Briar Bauman
MINNEAPOLIS (November 18, 2021) – Following an exhilarating 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) season, the reigning five-time Manufacturers Champion, Indian Motorcycle Racing, today announced the signing of Shayna Texter-Bauman to its 2022 SuperTwins factory race team. With the signing, Indian Motorcycle will welcome the AFT Singles most winningest rider as the third member of the Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew – joining her husband and two-time SuperTwins Champion Briar Bauman and reigning 2021 AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees.
Piloting the Indian FTR750, Texter-Bauman will pit under the factory trailer as Dave Zanotti will serve as Crew Chief for both riders. Former AFT Champion Jake Johnson will serve as her mechanic.
“The entire Indian Motorcycle Racing team and I are beyond excited to welcome Shayna to the Wrecking Crew, as she’s truly a remarkable racer with a relentless drive to succeed,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology. “Shayna has no bounds that she cannot face, and we’re honored to have her join our team and represent our brand.”
“This announcement marks a key moment in my journey as a racer. I’m humbled to be joining the Wrecking Crew and cannot wait to get out on the track on the incredible FTR750,” said Texter-Bauman. “I’ve been at this for a while now and have always had the desire to finish my career on a Twin. I’m beyond appreciative of everyone that has supported me along the way. I still have that fire to race and have some lofty goals that I would like to accomplish before I’m finished racing. I’m definitely looking forward to this next chapter racing SuperTwins.”
Texter-Bauman enters AFT SuperTwins with a drive to blaze new trails for female racers. For 2022, Texter-Bauman looks [to] become the first female rider to reach an AFT Twins or SuperTwins podium and win an AFT event within the sport’s premier class.
Indian Motorcycle Racing holds five consecutive American Flat Track manufacturers championships. Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees ended the 2021 season with his seventh career Grand National Championship, while Bauman is a two-time Grand National Champion. Collectively, Mees and Bauman own the last five AFT SuperTwins championships. For 2022, Michelle Disalvo will continue to handle mechanic duties for Briar Bauman, while Mees’ set up will continue to be supported by longtime Crew Chief Kenny Tolbert, and mechanics Bubba Bently and Jimmy Wood.
The Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew is excited to welcome back Progressive Motorcycle Insurance as presenting sponsor, as well as support from S&S Cycle, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Mission Foods, J&P Cycles, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Alpinestars and Bell Helmets.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Day One Best Test Times (all using Michelin tires):
Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 1:37.313
Johann Zarco, France (Ducati), 1:37.356
Enea Bastianini, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.402
Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:37.415
Maverick Vinales, Spain (Aprilia), 1:37.674
Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:37.810
Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:37.884
Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:38.002
Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:38.020
Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:38.086
Luca Marini, Italy (Ducati), 1:38.149
Jorge Martin, Spain (Ducati), 1:38.152
Pol Espargaro, Spain (Honda), 1:38.165
Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:38.194
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:38.207
Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:38.288
Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:38.312
Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Yamaha), 1:38.598
Raul Fernandez, Spain (KTM), 1:39.083
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 1:39.276*
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 1:39.496*
Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Ducati), 1:39.628
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 1:39.727*
Remy Gardner, Australia (KTM), 1:40.170
Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (Ducati), 1:40.732
Takuya Tsuda, Japan (Suzuki), 1:40.936
Darryn Binder, South Africa (Yamaha), 1:41.749
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), no time recorded*
Stefan Bradl, Germany (Honda), no time recorded*
*=test rider
More, from a press release issued by Gresini Racing:
#JEREZTEST: POSITIVE DEBUT FOR TEAM GRESINI RACING MOTOGP
The first day of off-season testing ahead of the 2022 season has undoubtedly been a successful one for Team Gresini Racing MotoGP, as the Faenza-based squad is back in the premier class as an independent team for the first time after seven years. On one side there was Enea Bastianini’s debut aboard the Desmosedici GP21 for Enea Bastianini, while on the other Fabio Di Giannantonio had his maiden experience aboard a MotoGP motorcycle (he is also riding a GP21 machine).
It was an ‘instant match’ between Enea Bastianini and the new bike: “tamer but more powerful” as he described it. The rider #23 spent most of the testing time in the lead before finishing third quickest – with plenty of laps completed and great confidence with both the bike and the new team.
For Fabio Di Giannantonio it was all about getting a first contact with the new reality and things surely went the right way. The Italian managed to improve his feeling lap by lap and that was shown by his personal quickest time – which came at the 48th lap, his last for the day.
The second and last opportunity for 2021 to gather further experience will be tomorrow, with the wind that could play a bigger role at Jerez de la Frontera.
“The first impressions are good. I’m happy with the bike and with how the guys worked as a team. Let’s say it is what I was expecting: an easier bike to ride, and I felt like it had been mine for a long time already. Lap-times came quick and despite the wind I was able to set competitive times throughout the whole day. There will be work to do and issues will arise, but at the moment I’m happy. The bike is much tamer, and a lot quicker; last year’s bike had great potential, but it was really difficult to ride.”
Fabio Di Giannantonio (D). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
22nd – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 (1’39.628 – 48 laps)
“The best day of my life. The bike is simply fantastic as it has all the things I’ve always looked for in a motorcycle: the way of braking, the rideability inside the corner, the mid-corner and corner exit feeling, the power… everything is there. We have plenty of work to do to bridge the gap to the leaders, but I’m in awe right now. I need to understand tyres better and how to work with the electronics; there are many things I need to focus on, but the base is not a bad one.”
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
Pol Espargaro back on track with Repsol Honda Team at Jerez Test
After his heavy fall in Valencia, Espargaro was reunited with his Honda RC213V for the final test of calendar 2021.
Still in some discomfort, Pol Espargaro was nevertheless back on track as preparations for the 2022 MotoGP World Championship season begin in Jerez. Thursday after the last Grand Prix of the year was the first of two days at the Andalusian circuit before the winter testing ban begins. Espargaro’s running was concentrated over two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Today’s program focused on getting Espargaro comfortable and confident again after his crash in Valencia. Friday will see Espargaro focus more on future developments that Honda HRC have been preparing for the 2022 season.
Completing a total of 45 laps, the #44 worked through a number of testing items alongside Alex Marquez and Takaaki Nakagami. A best time of 1’38.165 put Espargaro 13th overall, but lap times were not an area of focus.
Takaaki Nakagami ended the opening day of the test as the leading Honda and the fastest rider of Thursday. Nakagami set a 1’37.313 as he assessed options for the 2022 Honda RC213V.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Pol Espargaro
1’38.165
“I feel pretty well used today, there’s some pain in my ribs and in my wrist and I was struggling to ride a little bit today because of it. But it is really important for the team, and also me, to make some laps with the new bike and get as much information as possible. Today was spent getting comfortable after our huge crash. Tomorrow we have another day of testing which will hopefully be a bit better. The plan for tomorrow is to work more for the future and based on what we have seen today, that looks promising. New parts and bikes are like lollipops for kids to us, a lot of motivation!”
More, from a press release issued by Tech3 KTM Factory Racing:
Moto2 World Champion and runner up both make official their debuts as MotoGP riders
Moto2 sensation Raul Fernandez was excited to feel the power of a MotoGP bike today with his new team, Tech3 KTM Factory Racing, after an outstanding rookie season in the intermediate class this year. The Spanish rider is focused on adapting the bike’s settings to his needs in order to feel as comfortable as possible to start working properly on lap times tomorrow. After a hard-working day in the office with a total of 57 laps, Raul finished the day 19th, with a best lap-time of 1:39.083.
The newly crowned Moto2 World Champion Remy Gardner also made his official debuts in the Premier Class under his new colours. Today was all about discovery and learning on his new KTM RC16 at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, under sunny but windy conditions. Unfortunately, the Australian rookie hurt his rib in a change of direction early in the day, which caused him pain to ride his bike, but he still managed to complete 52 laps and finished the day in P24.
“It felt like being a true MotoGP rider. When we did the test earlier in Misano, it was just a little candy from KTM and Tech3 for us and our incredible season. Overall, it was a fantastic day. I’m just living my dream, because I am here in the MotoGP class. I obviously need to learn more things about the bike and the category, especially the breaks and about the power and the tyres. Everything is new. We started in a good way and I’m very happy that step by step and we understood everything. I guess this is the most important. We will continue like this and I want to continue enjoying riding on the bike like a little kid.”
“Today was a fun day. In the morning, I started to feel really good on the bike and was improving a little bit. At some point, I had a fast change of direction and I felt one of my ribs cracking and it started to really hurt when I came back to the box. It might be broken again. In the end, I took some pain killers and just tried to finish off the day in a smoother way. Overall, it has been a pretty painful day riding a MotoGP bike!”
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#2022Loading: Nakagami puts Honda on top on Day 1 in Jerez
The Japanese rider opens action fastest, but there are plenty more headlines throughout the pack as pre-season testing begins
Takaaki Nakagami (30). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Thursday, 18 November 2021
2022 is loading, and on first glimpse it’s already shaping up to be a thriller. On Day 1 at the Jerez Test it was Honda on top thanks to a 1:37.313 from Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), with the Japanese rider just denying Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco by half a tenth. Now-sophomore Enea Bastianini (Team Gresini Racing MotoGP) started the season completing the top three, getting a taste of the 2021 Ducati and settling into his new team.
As we saw earlier in the year, Honda have a seemingly brand-new bike for 2022. Arguably the most important news for HRC on Day 1 though was the presence of Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) after his huge Valencia GP crash. The Spaniard was fit to ride at the Jerez Test, vital with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) absent, as we got to see HRC’s radically new RC213V in action again. It’s the only machine at the test that looks completely new, with every other manufacturer having variations and adaptations from what we saw in 2021. Engine, chassis, aero, air intake… you name it. HRC have been working tirelessly to bring a new bike to the party.
Both Nakagami and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) were testing the new bike on Day 1. Both riders were riding both the 2021 and 2022 machines, important to compare how the two feel and how new components feel in comparison. Both were also incredibly busy: Marquez completed 75 laps with fastest man Nakagami lapping 68 times. Pol Espargaro managed to get 45 laps under his belt, finishing P13 on the timesheets, and Marquez ended the day in P16.
Francesco Bagnaia (63). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Reigning Constructors’ Champions Ducati, meanwhile, now have eight Desmosedicis in their arsenal in MotoGP™ as Team Gresini Racing MotoGP debuted with Bastianini and rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio and VR46 Racing Team began their premier class adventure with Luca Marini and rookie Marco Bezzecchi. Marini was the first rider to head out of pitlane, as both he and fellow Italian Bastianini got to grips with the GP21 Ducati – as did Diggia, with Bezzecchi lapping on a GP19 at first.
Engines are a big priority for the Bologna factory in Jerez, as they are for every manufacturer ahead of the winter. Factory duo Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati Lenovo Team teammate Jack Miller had one new engine each to try according to Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna, while Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco and 2021 Rookie of the Year Jorge Martin had one to try between them.
Ducati debuted a new, longer exhaust on Day 1 in the factory ranks, with Martin testing some smaller, more intricate parts, including aero covers on the front fork. Bastianini had some downwash ducts – the bottom inlets on the side fairings – on his GP21 machine, with teammate Di Giannantonio circulating without them. In addition, the Bologna brand had different aero, a new air intake and, seemingly, a new holeshot device. Plenty of stuff in the Ducati ranks.
Zarco, Bastianini and Bagnaia finished inside the top four on Day 1, as Zarco completed the second-most laps of anyone on Thursday – 78. Pecco was happy with how his day went, the 2021 silver medallist admitted he and the team have found something to be more competitive on used tyres… so the rest beware. Miller, Marini and Martin finished under a second away from Nakagami’s time, but that’s not what anyone will be concentrating on during the test. It’s all about testing, testing and more testing, and for the rookies, these two days are about getting comfy on their new MotoGP™ machinery. Di Giannantonio finished 2.3s down on Nakagami’s time, whereas Bezzecchi was 3.4s away from P1.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The Aprilia contingent was led by Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) on the timesheets as the Noale manufacturer begins a new era as a factory team for 2022. The Spaniard did 72 laps, having also already tested at Jerez this week thanks to Aprilia’s concessions, and was working with the bike from the Valencia GP earlier in the day. Setup was a key focus, including changing fork springs, as the number 12 continues to settle in.
Teammate Aleix Espargaro also started out on the bike from the Valencia GP, and when the number 41 did head out on the new bike later in the day he suffered a crashed at Turn 3, bringing out the Red Flag but rider ok. Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori had the new bike from the Noale factory in his box, the Italian putting in 34 laps despite a crash at Turn 1. All riders were testing the smaller wings that Savadori has been using, and both Viñales and Aleix Espargaro tried in Misano. There was also a new exhaust spotted on Noale machinery, although reportedly none of the riders tried the 2022 engine just yet.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Dorna.
At Suzuki, Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins was the lead Hamamatsu machine on Day 1 after 76 laps, ending the day in P6 as teammate and 2020 Champion Joan Mir put in 71 for P14. Test riders Sylvain Guintoli and Takuya Tsuda were also out on track as the factory prepare for 2022.
Guintoli, who did 49 laps, was spotted testing a new fuel tank cover, but there wasn’t too much on show – with efforts more concentrated on putting their 2022 engine through its paces, and reportedly a new chassis. There was also a new swingarm for the Hamamatsu factory. On Friday, there will reportedly be some new aero on track as confirmed by Rins.
For Yamaha, Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was the lead Iwata marque machine in seventh, with teammate and reigning Champion Fabio Quartararo down in P9. The Italian did 56 laps and the Frenchman a serious haul of 73.
Quartararo said they tested the same bike as seen at the Misano Test, a new swingarm and new anti-wheelie electronics, doing some back-to-back testing with the 2021 bike too. A new chassis was also on show.
Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team) did another half century of laps as he gets his teeth into the 2021 Yamaha, having so far been on the 2019 machine on his return to the premier class. New teammate Darryn Binder, meanwhile, was concentrating on settling in – having now officially made the leap from Moto3™ to MotoGP™. The South African rookie did 49 laps, and it was solely about settling in and getting to grips with the huge step up from the lightweight class.
The main leg work for KTM in terms of development is down to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s now more veteran duo of Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira as Tech 3 welcomes the all-rookie line-up of Moto2™ World Champion Remy Gardner and Marquez-beating Rookie of the Year Raul Fernandez. Binder was the top Austrian machine on the timesheets in tenth, putting in 56 laps, with Oliveira down in 17th after 74 laps. Test rider Mika Kallio was also present, after MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa was hard at work before the official test got underway.
The aero debuted at the Misano Test was out on track for much longer this time around, with both Brad Binder and Oliveira.
On rookie watch, Raul Fernandez was the fastest of the Tech3 duo and the rookies overall after 57 laps, ending the day just 1.7 seconds off the top. Teammate Remy Gardner did 52 laps and was 2.8 off the top, but the Australian remains riding through the pain barrier after cracking his ribs in that Algarve GP Friday crash.
That’s a wrap on Day 1, with more track action coming on Friday. Come back then for more, and catch up on everything with After the Flag LIVE from 17:30 (GMT+1) on motogp.com!
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA START 2022 CAMPAIGN AT JEREZ TEST
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo returned to the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto today to kick off their 2022 testing programme. They took seventh and ninth place respectively in today‘s final results.
LOCAL TIME: 18:00 GMT+2
AIR TEMPERATURE: 20°C
TRACK TEMPERATURE: 16°C
WEATHER: SUNNY / HUMIDITY 50%
7th FRANCO MORBIDELLI 1’37.884 / 56 LAPS
9th FABIO QUARTARARO 1’38.020 / 73 LAPS
After a three-day break, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team opened a new racing season at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto today, kicking off the pre-season with the 2022 prototype Yamaha YZR-M1. Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo concluded the first day of the Jerez MotoGP Official Test in seventh and ninth place respectively.
Morbidelli followed up a positive Valencia GP weekend with a good first day of testing. It was an important track day for him because he started working directly with his new Crew Chief Patrick Primmer. He entered the track at half past 11, leaving him, in theory, with six and a half hours of testing time. The Italian used this opportunity to make his first kilometres with the 2022 prototype YZR-M1. The Yamaha-man suffered a small crash due to his leg injury but was unhurt and achieved competitive results. His best time, a 1‘37.884s, set on lap 46/56, earned him seventh place, 0.571s from first.
Quartararo also commenced his time on track a little after 11 o‘clock. Knowing how crucial the pre-season testing is to a good start of the championship, the Frenchman used the available hours to try to get reacquainted with the 2022 prototype bike that he had already tried at the Misano Test in September. His main goal for today was to improve turning. He posted a best time of 1‘38.020s on lap 34/73, which put him in ninth position, 0.707s from the top.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
I like the 2022 spec. I don‘t have a lot of experience on the 2021 bike, but when I jumped on the 2022 bike, I felt the improvements. I had a good feeling on it, and I kept working on it for some time. There were some good improvements, so I‘m happy. I had a small crash in Turn 13. On the left-handers I still struggle to get into the right position early enough. Luckily the leg and everything else is okay. It was just a small crash. I‘m having a bit of trouble with the leg here and also in Valencia. With two races and a test in a row, I don‘t have enough time to recover. Right now, we need to see this not as a handicap but as a boost to set up the bike really well to allow me to ride it almost effortlessly so I have the chance to be faster even in the condition I‘m in now. I think we made the right steps in Valencia and here, so I‘m pretty happy with the job we‘ve done. I‘m not happy with my physical condition with the leg, but I need to take it as an opportunity to improve.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FABIO QUARTARARO
We tried the same prototype bike as we had at the Misano Test earlier this year. We also tried some other things: a new swingarm and anti-wheelie electronics. It was very similar to Misano. We need to do some more work; this is just the first step. Tomorrow we have another day of testing. We will try some more items and get everything prepared and ready, and then I hope we can make a big step in terms of speed in Sepang. Jerez is a good track to improve turning in low-speed corners and try out a chassis, not so much an engine, because the straights are too short. The 2021 base was really good, but we were just missing top speed and some aerodynamics. We have almost three months to work on this before Sepang.
More, from a press release issued by VR46 Racing Team:
DEBUT IN JEREZ ON THE DUCATI DESMOSEDICI GP21 FOR LUCA MARINI AND MARCO BEZZECCHI
The 2022 season kicks off for the riders of the VR46 Racing Team who have closed the first day of testing respectively with the 11th and 25th lap time
Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), November 18th 2021 – A preview the 2022 for Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi today on the track in Jerez de la Frontera for the first day of the official MotoGP testing session. Just fifty laps per rider for the VR46 Racing Team debut on the Ducati Desmosedici GP21.
Enthusiastic about the atmosphere in the garage and the feeling with the bike, Luca Marini finished 11th in the combined standings with a best lap time of 1.38.149 and a gap of just eight tenths from the very first guys (Nakagami, 1.37.313).
An emotional day also for Marco Bezzecchi, at his MotoGP debut after finishing the Moto2 Championship in third place. For Marco 53 laps today and a best lap time of 1.40.732.
Tomorrow both will be back on track for the second and final day of IRTA official test.
Luca Marini (10). Photo courtesy VR46 Racing Team.
Luca Marini:
It was a great day: the Ducati GP21 is fantastic! Nice to handling, a lot of positive feelings and feedbacks. It is a pleasure to be able to race for this Team: a great group, the atmosphere is special, positive vibes and we are all motivated to do our best. I’m also happy because I pushed so much to have each of them in the crew. It will be a challenge for everyone, I already know some people from Moto2, others guys are new. We didn’t work too much on the bike today, we have just started to understanding how is the bike and what differences there are compared to the one we used in 2020. Tomorrow, however, the goal is to improve the lap time and the pace.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy VR46 Racing Team.
Marco Bezzecchi:
What a day! The Ducati Desmosedici GP21 is really fast! I started step by step, to better understand the bike. It was thrilling, it is impressive and very special. It is the first testing session, we don’t have strange goals just to find the best position and start to get familiar with power, engine brake and chassis. A special thanks to the whole Team: they did a really great job to get here ready and they have supported me as much as possible.
Pablo Nieto, Team Manager:
An exciting day for everyone: a sort of first day of school for Luca and Marco and all the guys in the Team who made their debut today in the Top class. Luca was on track with the Ducati Desmosedici GP21 the bike that Pecco used in Valencia last week. A very different bike from the one we had in 2020 and we need time to adapt to it. An equally important day for Marco who took his first steps in MotoGP. They are not new to each other; they have a good relationship and they have already shared the garage in Moto2. There is a lot to do, many aspects to work on such as the electronics, the position on the bike and the Michelin tires, completely new for Marco, but we need to take our time. A new adventure, a new Team where many young technicians are coming from Moto2 and we have not to be in such a rush to arrive there.
CJ Lukacs (77) leads Trisha Dahl (144) and the rest of the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. field at PittRace in 2021. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. 2022
Royal Enfield welcomes women to apply for Flat Track and Road Racing BTR programs now through December 1, 2021.
Milwaukee, WI (Thursday, November 18, 2021) – Royal Enfield’s unique and inspiring BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. program, established in 2019, is prepared to go bigger than ever in the 2022 racing season. Build. Train. Race. (BTR) will be expanding its platform in both Flat Track and Road Racing, turning even more women motorcyclists into builders and racers, and Royal Enfield is currently welcoming applications.
For the 2022 season, Royal Enfield is seeking riders with some level of experience in motorcycle racing. In the past, BTR has sought out complete beginners, but since there will be riders returning to the program in 2022, the applications are now open to riders with experience in the discipline they are applying for. If you aren’t sure if you have the appropriate level of experience, just apply anyway!
Applications are currently being accepted at BuildTrainRace.com. Apply by December 1, 2021 to be considered for the 2022 season.
Royal Enfield BTR was proud to be a part of the 2021 MotoAmerica Road Racing Championship, where they were welcomed into the pits as revered members of the racing community. BTR Road Race participants included 2021 champion CJ Lukacs, Becky Goebel, Trisha Dahl, Michaela Trumbull, Alyssa Bridges, Kayla Thiesler and Scarlett Grosselanghorst. For the first time, several past program participants will be welcomed back for the new season, which will also expand to host an even larger field of racers.
Under the tutelage of professional road racer and renowned team manager Melissa Paris, the BTR Road Racing women built their own race bikes from Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 motorcycles and put together unique sponsorship programs. From there, each went through road race training courses before taking on the racing portion of the program at select MotoAmerica Superbike Championship rounds. Along with a larger grid of riders for 2022, The Royal Enfield BTR program will also race at more rounds of the MotoAmerica Championship.
Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. flat track participants during the Train. portion of their program. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
BTR FLAT TRACK
American Flat Track entered into the Build. Train. Race. program in 2020, and the 2021 program was the best yet, with nine racers taking on four rounds of the AFT Championship aboard custom-built Royal Enfield INT 650 motorcycles.
Jillian Deschenes, Lanakila MacNaughton, Erin Ferris, Malary Lee, Sarah Dixon, Gabrielle Hughes, Nean Kiskela, Bridgett Leber and Jaycee Jones highlighted the field as they wowed crowds at each round with their increasing speed and skill. The Flat Track BTR program will be expanding to include more racers, including a number of past program participants, and additional rounds, as well.
“The 2021 season was truly amazing for the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. programs, both Road Racing and Flat Track,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing & Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “This all-women initiative, teaching women to build and race their own motorcycles, is not only unique and inspiring, but the growth and the accomplishments that come out of this women is just awe-inspiring. It leaves us wanting more, and the support we’re receiving from the race promoters, the sponsors, and most importantly the fans, is growing with each season. Next year is going to be our biggest yet, and we’re looking forward to seeing our future stars step forward.”
Apply now to be considered for the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Road Racing and Flat Track programs, or forward to an incredible lady rider who is looking for a racing opportunity of a lifetime. Applications will be accepted through December 1, 2021.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 140 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the all-new Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT 650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
World Ducati Week will be held at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli July 22-24, 2022.
World Ducati Week: the countdown begins for the 2022 edition!
The long-awaited World Ducati Week is finally back from 22 to 24 July 2022
The Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” and the Adriatic Riviera will once again welcome Ducatisti and fans of the world of two wheels
Already confirmed for the new edition is the “Race of Champions” in which the Ducati riders of yesterday and today will race against each other on the track
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 18 November 2021 – World Ducati Week is finally back in 2022, the long-awaited and much-desired event by the whole Ducati family that sees thousands of enthusiasts gather to celebrate the passion for the world of two wheels and for the red bikes of Borgo Panigale.
On Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” is ready to welcome the Ducatisti and enthusiastic motorcyclists for an unmissable event in the Adriatic Riviera that will be the perfect mix of fun, bikes, riding experiences, parades, riders and shows for Ducatisti and enthusiasts of all ages.
The program for 2022 is still under construction, but the intention is clear: to make it the most memorable edition ever. As a result, already confirmed is the “Race of Champions” , the most electrifying and adrenaline-filled moment of the event in which Ducati riders of yesterday and today take to the track to challenge each other on special bikes. A unique opportunity for all fans to see their legends and heroes from the world of motorsport in action.
There are still uncertainties related to the pandemic in the organization of the events. Ducati is constantly monitoring the situation and will make every effort to organize the eleventh edition of WDW in compliance with all the rules that will be necessary to ensure the safety of the participants.
To stay updated on all the news about WDW2022 the dedicated section of the Ducati website is available.
Richie Escalante signs his new contract with Team Hammer. Photo courtesy Team Hammer
Team Hammer, Inc. is excited to announce the signing of Richie Escalante to compete in the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Series.
The 26-year-old Escalante joins forces with M4 ECSTAR Suzuki after spending the previous two seasons as the team’s most fierce competitor in the battle for the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship. Escalante became the first Mexican to win an AMA Pro/MotoAmerica National road racing championship in 2020 with a stunning 13-win, 16-podium Supersport campaign. He backed that up with a strong three-win, 14-podium effort in his title defense, ultimately finishing as 2021 runner-up to his great rival, Sean Dylan Kelly, who won 12 races and 17 podiums and is graduating into the Moto2 World Championship in 2022.
A native of Tizayuca, Mexico, Escalante will slot into SDK’s place aboard a Team Hammer-prepared Suzuki GSX-R with the expectation of continuing the championship-winning ways of both himself and the squad.
“First off, I am very happy to work with Team Hammer, so thanks to (team owners) John and Chris Ulrich for this opportunity,” said Escalante. “My goal is to get the Number One plate back and I am ready to start working towards our goal. I learned a lot this past season and I think that will help me be even more competitive this year. I am also ready to see how my aggressive style works on the Suzuki. I like to push hard and slide under braking and the Suzuki seems like a great bike. The Daytona 200 has also been a goal of mine so I am really looking forward to getting started and winning the most races possible this coming year.”
Prior to his emergence as a Supersport superstar, Escalante established himself as a race winner and title contender in Superstock 600 competition. He continued his rapid development as a professional racer with a pair of podium-winning seasons in 2018 and 2019, in which he finished the season ranked sixth, and fifth, respectively, before his historic 2020 campaign. Escalante has repeatedly shown himself to be a determined and relentless racer, equally capable of running away at the front or launching late-race assaults for the checkered flag.
“We’ve seen what Richie can do on the racetrack and we’ve always had a lot of respect for his abilities,” said Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich. “He was so dominant in 2020 en route to his championship that our team had to step up our technical program. Richie has always been on our radar as a racer we’d like to work with. Now the time is right. We know how good Richie is and we think he can be even better with our technical package.”
About Team Hammer
The 2021 season marked Team Hammer’s 41st consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 128 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 332 times and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
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descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
