Former AMA Pro Superbike racer and current riding instructor Hawk Mazzotta married Dr. Nina Akana on September 25 at their residence, Wildheart Ranch, in Cottonwood, California.
Wildheart Ranch is home to the Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp, an instructional motorcycle camp teaching all ages and skill levels in different disciplines of riding and racing, and home to Akana Veterinary Services, Nina’s large- and small-animal veterinary service.
NO TOLERANCE
Misano (Italy), 19th October 2021
From Avintia Esponsorama Racing we show our total conformity with all the measures taken by Dorna and Irta that, as well as our team policy and code of conduct to which all its members adhere, including mechanics, technicians, family members, sponsors, or any other person close to the team, we are obliged to take specific disciplinary measures and close all relations with our team member, who yesterday, thanks to the great work being done by Dorna and IRTA, unsuccessfully falsified a PCR test to get the access to the paddock of the Misano circuit for the next Grand Prix.
Being the team indirectly responsible for assuming all the costs derived from the exceptional measures by the COVID-19 protocols to all its workers, with this type of actions we are aware that they have wanted to obtain their own benefit putting at risk the rest of the people who make up the team and the championship. These behaviours not only damage the image of the team, but also the rest of the paddock and the championship as a whole.
We would like to clarify that it is the responsibility of each team member to enter their access and PCR test for the organisation, on an online platform for each circuit according to the guidelines that, for COVID-19 reasons, are currently in force for access to the paddock.
Avintia Esponsorama Racing would like to apologise and thank DORNA and IRTA for all the efforts made to keep everyone in the MotoGP paddock safe, allowing the championship to run properly.
Rodio Wraps Up 4 National Titles at Daytona
Gus Rodio added four National Championships to his already impressive racer resume at Daytona International Speedway.
The feat is more impressive given it was the premiere weekend on his 2021 Aprilia RS 660. After picking the bike up two weeks ago, it hadn’t even been dyno-tuned or broken-in before hitting the high banks. In fact, the KTech fork cartridges were actually delivered and installed at the track and the HSBK Race ECU was dropped in and away we went!
“Our Rodio Racing Aprilia was awesome, and I’m absolutely loving learning this new bike,” Gus said during the weekend’s interviews.
With wins in Lightweight Supersport, Lightweight Superbike, Lightweight Grand Prix and Thunderbike, a fresh set of slicks were fitted thanks to Cori Maynard and the crew at Dunlop, and Gus pulled off another win in the ASRA Thunderbike race by just over 29 seconds.
“For some reason all weekend I was really focused on the ASRA race. I wanted that one badly and ran my fastest lap of the weekend during that race,” Gus added. “Having raced Dunlops exclusively in MotoAmerica and CCS for the past few seasons made me instantly comfortable on the new bike.”
Adding the new platform, obtaining parts, assembly, paint, tuning and tweaking the setup kept team owner Kevin Rodio busy all weekend.
“We haven’t really run two bikes (referring to the new Aprilia and the trusty Ninja 400 Gus piloted all season long) since the MiniGP days, so it’s been a bit busier than usual, but the rider kept everything upright which makes it all a bit easier. Not to mention, Muscle Mike came along for the ride and the extra set of hands (and mind) was a welcome safety net,” Kevin said, reflecting on the weekend.
“Gus took to the Aprilia quite quickly, but surprised isn’t the word I would use for the results. We know how strong of a rider he is, and we have a great group of partners making sure he’s on the best equipment possible.”
Rodio Racing will spend the winter training as usual in preparation for the 2022 season. As always, thanks go out to: Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, HJC Helmets, Orient Express/K-Tech Suspension USA, Spears Racing, HSBK Racing.com, Evolve GT Track Days, Liqui Moly, N2 Track Days, Red Mist Racing, Moto-Liberty, REB Graphics, MAR Contractors, VNM Sport.
Energica to conclude era as single MotoE™ manufacturer after 2022
Tuesday, 19 October 2021
Dorna Sports can now announce the departure of Energica Motor Company as the single manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, with 2022 confirmed as the marque’s final season.
Energica has been the sole supplier to MotoE™ since the Cup’s inception in 2019, with 2022 now set to mark the last chapter of a four-year journey full of evolution, excitement and adrenaline. Energica has been a key part of making MotoE™ a must-watch showcase for both electric mobility and close competition, with the Cup racing at some of the world’s most iconic circuits.
The Energica Ego Corsa has proved to be fast, extremely reliable and well-appreciated by the riders who have taken part in the Cup, and will doubtless continue to impress next season before the collaboration between Energica and MotoE™ then concludes. The work done both at the track and at company headquarters has seen constant innovation and new solutions drive MotoE™ to the incredible level it is at now, with Energica showing an ability to react quickly to challenges and different technical requests in record time. The joint effort between all parties has been key developing a competition that will now move into a new era built on a foundation all involved can take immense pride in having constructed together.
Dorna Sports would like to thank Energica for their immeasurable contribution to the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup and wishes the company the best of success in their future endeavours after 2022.
Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company: “We are extremely happy at Energica to have provided our invaluable contribution to make MotoE the success it is today. We’re confident that our initiative and efforts have generated plenty of interest from the big OEMs to follow the path we started a decade ago. Being pioneers of electric mobility on two wheels, we have opened up the way to a whole new strata of sustainable and exciting motorcycle racing and – as we have always done – we now aim at testing ourselves with new challenges. This is why we are looking forward to the next big thing to come! We would like to thank Dorna Sports for the great opportunity to showcase our technology and we are looking forward to wrapping up our journey together in style.”
Nicolas Goubert, Executive Director of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup: “The first three seasons of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup have delivered an incredible show despite all the unforeseen external challenges that have been thrown at us. It wasn’t an easy task to undertake and one very new in many aspects, but we did it and this was thanks to a joint effort between all parties involved. From the very beginning, Energica has brought its know-how to the track in a way we couldn’t be happier with, delivering a package that has proved to be extremely competitive, showing impressive maximum speed (exceeding 260km/h in Barcelona in 2021), and lap-times that on some occasion were in line with other classes – despite the much shorter history of electric motorcycles.
“Maybe even more impressive than the on-track performance was the bike reliability, as none of the 18 riders ever encountered any mechanical failure during any of the races we enjoyed in the three seasons. Their ability to respond quickly and effectively to our requests and the ones coming from the riders and teams are proof of all the expertise and passion they brought to the series. All sides are committed to continuing giving their maximum effort into 2022, for what will be another spectacular year of racing. I would really like to thank Energica for the quality of their innovative products and their engagement in the MotoE series.”
More, from a press release issued by Energica Motor Company, S.p.A.:
ENERGICA PREPARES FOR FINAL MotoE™ SEASON AS SINGLE MANUFACTURER
Modena, 19 October 2021 – Energica Motor Company, the worldwide leader in high-performing, all-electric motorcycles, is working hard to prepare for the brand’s last season as the single manufacturer of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup.
2022 will mark the last chapter of a four-year journey that has been full of excitement and adrenaline around some of the most iconic circuits in the world. But it has also been one of unexpected challenges and adversities, which the Modena-based company was able to overcome in style and against all odds, as the series quickly became a must-watch in the global spectacle of the MotoGP World Championship.
Energica’s contribution to the all-electric class of MotoGP was undoubtedly an invaluable one, with their Energica Ego Corsa machines that have proved to be fast, extremely reliable, and very much appreciated by the many riders who have taken part in the series and those who will continue to do so next season. The work done both at the track and at the company headquarters – which is unprecedented especially considering the timeframe available prior to the inception of the series – has brought constant innovation and new solutions that have benefitted the World Cup and helped it get to the elevated level where it is now.
The joint effort between all parties involved has been key in developing a series that has now a very solid basis heading into the future – something Energica is incredibly proud of and which will serve the company incredibly well heading into possible future scenarios related to two-wheeled racing.
While thanking all the parties involved in this amazing journey – first and foremost the series promoter Dorna Sports, but also the MotoE official Sponsors Enel X, Michelin, DHL and Allianz – Energica will continue giving the maximum effort and support heading into 2022 to wrap up this incredible journey in fine fashion.
Livia Cevolini – CEO, Energica Motor Company: “We are extremely happy at Energica to have provided our invaluable contribution to make MotoE the success it is today” says. “We’re confident that our initiative and efforts have generated plenty of interest from the big OEMs to follow the path we started a decade ago. Being pioneers of electric mobility on two wheels, we have opened up the way to a whole new strata of sustainable and exciting motorcycle racing and – as we have always done – we now aim at testing ourselves with new challenges. This is why we are looking forward to the next big thing to come!” We would like to thank Dorna Sports for the great opportunity to showcase our technology and we are looking forward to wrapping up our journey together in style.”
Nicolás Goubert – Executive Director, FIM Enel MotoE World Cup: “The first three seasons of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup have delivered an incredible show despite all the unforeseen external challenges that have been thrown at us. It wasn’t an easy task to undertake and one very new in many aspects, but we did it and this was thanks to a joint effort between all parties involved. From the very beginning, Energica has brought its know-how to the track in a way we couldn’t be happier with, delivering a package that has proved to be extremely competitive, showing impressive maximum speed (exceeding 260km/h in Barcelona in 2021), and lap-times that on some occasions were in line with other classes – despite the much shorter history of electric motorcycles.
“Maybe even more impressive than the on-track performance, was the bike reliability, as none of the 18 riders ever encountered any mechanical failure during any of the races we enjoyed in the three seasons. Their ability to respond quickly and effectively to our requests and the ones coming from the riders and teams are proof of all the expertise and passion they brought to the series. All sides are committed to continuing giving their maximum effort into 2022, for what will be another spectacular year of racing. I would really like to thank Energica for the quality of their innovative products and their engagement in the MotoE series.”
ABOUT ENERGICA MOTOR COMPANY S.p.A
Energica Motor Company is the first Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycles. Energica Motorcycles are on sale worldwide.
Record third quarter for Ducati, which leads to already higher deliveries in the first nine months of 2021 than entire 2020
Borgo Panigale, Bologna, 19 October 2021 – An extremely positive third quarter has ended for Ducati with 49,693 motorcycles delivered to enthusiasts all over the world. At the end of the first nine months of 2021, the company has already exceeded the sales volumes obtained in the whole 2020 (year total 2020: 48,042).
The third quarter of 2021 is confirmed as the best in Ducati’s history, with a growth of +3% over the same period of 2020 and +25% compared to 2019.
At the end of September, the biggest market for motorcycles delivered remains the Italian one (7,954), followed by the United States (7,475) and Germany (5,627).
Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales: “Ducati closed the first nine months of the year with sales volumes that are already higher than the full year 2020, both for the bikes and for after-sales products like clothing, accessories and spare parts. The growth we are experiencing is practically widespread on all the main markets in which Ducati is present and extends across the product families. We are very satisfied with the results obtained: the community of Ducatisti is growing all over the world and the most influential magazines in the motorcycling sector are awarding important prizes to Ducati bikes. This is a source of pride and satisfaction for us here in Borgo Panigale and in all Ducati subsidiaries worldwide. The brand is now more solid and appreciated than ever and we are already focusing on next year. In fact, in these weeks, we are presenting to the world the new products for the coming year, through the web series Ducati World Première 2022”.
Confirming the appreciation of Ducati motorcycles, throughout the year all the product families of the Bologna-based manufacturer have been growing across the board. In particular, the most delivered bikes are the Multistrada V4, which has remained in first place throughout 2021, followed by the Ducati Scrambler 800 family, the Streetfighter V4 and, immediately after, by the Monster.
Ducati has already started to present the new products of the 2022 range. The first episodes of the Ducati World Première was dedicated to the new Multistrada V2, a comfortable, fun to ride, versatile and technologically advanced twin-cylinder bike that represents the new gateway to the Multistrada universe.
Also the new models of the Ducati Scrambler world have been unveiled, with the arrival of the new Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO which was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the air-cooled twin-cylinder engine on a Ducati and which incorporates some stylistic elements typical of the 1970s era. On the other hand, the 800 family is joined by the Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard, a motorcycle created to experience the city environment by making itself noticed through a combination of style, sportiness and fun.
A section dedicated to the Ducati World Première is available on the official Ducati website to discover the calendar and not miss a single episode of the presentation of the 2022 range.
Chicken Hawk Racing-supported rider Dominique Aegerter wins FIM Supersport World Championship!
This is the 12th World Championship where the rider/driver used Chicken Hawk Racing Tire Warmers, and the 2nd FIM Supersport World Championship (the first one with Cal Crutchlow also aboard a Yamaha) for Chicken Hawk Racing (CHR).
Dominique and CHR have worked together previously when Dominique was competing in the FIM Moto2 World Championship. CHR has worked with the Ten Kate Racing Team since the late Nicky Hayden joined the team to race in World Superbike and has been proud to be a part of the team’s efforts.
On race day, Aegerter had a good start, but had to brake hard in the first corner to avoid a crash in front of him in which title rival Steven Odendaal was also involved. Aegerter moved up quickly from ninth place with a strong pace. On the seventh lap, the Swiss rider arrived in third place and managed to hold on to this position until the finish. This 14th podium finish of the season was more than enough to secure the world title.
Dominique Aegerter: “I am a little bit lost for words. We had a fantastic season with more than 10 wins and 14 podiums. It’s great to become world champion as a rookie in this class. I want to thank the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha team because they have done a fantastic job this season. Today, the bike was better than yesterday. I had a bit of luck in the first corner, but I am happy to finish on the podium. I also want to thank all my sponsors, because without them I wouldn’t be here. Tonight, it’s time to celebrate!”
Chicken Hawk Racing founder David Podolsky said: “We are really excited for Dominique and the Ten Kate Racing Team. They are an excellent team and provide us with very complete data about tire temperatures, wheel temperatures, and tire pressures, which helps us to advance our product and assist our customers worldwide. Congratulations to Dominique and the entire Ten Kate Racing Team.”
Team manager Kervin Bos said: “What an incredible feeling! The 10th World Supersport title for Ten Kate Racing and the 11th in total. It has been an emotional period, but we made a fantastic comeback with Yamaha. In our comeback season in World Supersport we immediately became world champion. That deserves a very big compliment to the whole team, all our partners and of course Dominique! From the beginning of our adventure, we had an excellent feeling with him. His mentality fits Ten Kate Racing perfectly and we have shown that this season together!”
TIME TO CELEBRATE!
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Offers are valid until 10-29-2021 and able to be redeemed through www.chickenhawkracing.com or calling 845-758-0700
Featured In the October 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
When Ginger Molloy decided to become a Grand Prix racer he gave his Matchless G50 a polish, packed a suitcase, filled a toolbox and got a lift to the local train station. It was January, 1963, and Molloy was a tough youngster from Huntly, New Zealand, where he worked down in the coal mines to make money to go motorcycle road racing.
After a 10-hour train ride he arrived at Wellington station, from where he pushed the G50, with toolbox and suitcase perched on the seat, the mile and a bit to the Wellington docks, where he boarded a boat to Southampton, England, a six-week voyage away. When Molloy finally returned home almost a decade later, he was a 500cc World Championship runner-up, a Grand Prix race winner, and he was married, with three kids.
The adventures he had along the way—living on the road like a gypsy, cheating death and ducking and diving to put enough gas in his bikes and food in his mouth—would sound as likely to a modern-day MotoGP rider as would tales of racing on Mars. It is said that history is another country. In this case it’s another planet…
—MotoGP Analysis: The Life Of A Grand Prix Racer 50 Years Ago, by Mat Oxley
When Ginger Molloy finished second in the 1970 500cc World Championship, he lived a very, very different life than today’s MotoGP stars. MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley looks at the difference between top-level racing today and the way it was a half-century ago in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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49TH ANNUAL WERA GRAND NATIONAL FINALS – OCTOBER 21-24 AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
It is that time of year when the best racers in the country come to Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama to see if they can get a coveted #1 National plate at the 49th WERA Grand National Finals. Credential sales will begin at 3pm on Wednesday ($40.00 for Rider/Crew) and Paddock Access will begin around 5pm.
Thursday will be a practice day for riders who have never been to Barber Motorsports Park and those who want to make sure their machines can take a Championship.
Friday will have the WERA Vintage Series take to the track for the last round in their 2021 Series and after these races the 2021 National Champions will be known! Also on Friday will be individual class qualifiers for all the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Races to be held on Sunday. Each Pirelli/WERA National Class will have a qualifying session to set the grids for Sunday. If you can’t make it for Qualifying no worries you will still be on Sunday’s grids.
On Saturday, the riders from around the country who have run one of our Sportsman Series races will line up with competitors from all WERA Regions to see who takes the win in the classes to claim the WERA Sportsman National Championship in their class. These races are exciting and bring the best together for one final shootout.
On Sunday, the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge will take to the track for their final round of the 2021 Series and Champions will be known for 2021! The Pirelli/WERA National Series features the Michelin WERA Superbike Class and winning a Championship in this Series gives you a taste of what the next level is all about!
Camping is available. Stickboy Racing (Dunlop/Bridgestone Vendors) will have their annual Halloween Party Friday night, and join Stick for his beer swap on Thursday evening. Make sure to make time to visit the Barber Museum while you are there. Come on out and see if you can pick the stars for 2022.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro Riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing with a co-sanction by the AMA and they go coast to coast offering entry-level racing with the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series which is the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series. WERA also offers Vintage racing and hosts the Concours de ’Competition and Concours d’ Elegance in July at Barber Motorsports Park. Endurance Racing is also on the menu with our partner N2 and runs 4-5 events a year with a Big Bike Endurance and an Ultralightweight Endurance. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the year.
For more information on WERA Motorcycle Roadracing please check out our web site at wera.com.
The American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) and Championship Cup Series (CCS) have recognized the efforts of the Roadracing World Action Fund by presenting the non-profit organization with an award at the annual ASRA/CCS National Awards Ceremony, held Sunday, October 17 at Daytona International Speedway.
“If it were not for the Roadracing World Action Fund we would not be able to race at some of the tracks we currently race at,” said ASRA/CCS President Kevin Elliott. “The cost of bringing in haybales would be prohibitive, and the level of safety would not nearly be the same. Hauling, setting up, and tearing down Airfence is a big burden on the ASRA/CCS Safety Crew, but if only one rider benefits from it then it was all worth the effort. We’re lucky and grateful to have the Roadracing World Action Fund working with us and we’re happy to acknowledge their effort with this award.”
The award reads: “Roadracing World Action Fund. In appreciation for your continued support of our series and to motorcycle road racing. ASRA 2021.”
The Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping prevent rider injuries at racetracks, road race and dirt track, nationwide by purchasing and deploying soft barriers, like Airfence. Since its founding in 2001, the Roadracing World Action Fund has raised over $2.2 million for this purpose through donations and fund-raising efforts by racing and track day organizations.
For more information about the Roadracing World Action Fund, go to https://www.roadracingworld.com/actionfund/.
For more information about ASRA and CCS, go to www.asraracing.com and www.ccsracing.us.
#MatchPoint Quartararo & the Doctor’s last dance: MotoGP™ returns to Misano
It’s a key weekend in Emilia-Romagna as the Frenchman gets his first shot at the crown and Rossi races on home turf for the final time
Monday, 18 October 2021
The COTA confetti is still falling in the wake of Marc Marquez’ (Repsol Honda Team) triumphant return to the top step in Texas, but now we change gear again as the paddock heads back to Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the Gran Premio Nolan del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna. It’s a big weekend and for two big reasons: first, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) could lift the crown and become the first French premier class World Champion, and second, it’s the final dance on home turf for Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) as the icon prepares to hang up his racing leathers at the end of the season. That does guarantee one thing already, however: it’s going to be another weekend that lives long in the memory.
First, the title fight. Quartararo is now 52 points clear after pipping Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to second in Austin and the Frenchman also, in doing so, halted what had been some serious momentum for Pecco after back to back wins for the Italian. But now it’s the turf that saw the two so closely matched on our last visit, it could be a hard-fought duel for the race and, potentially, the crown. Fireworks? There may well be plenty, and the magic number is 50: if Quartararo is that far ahead – or more – by the flag, he is the 2021 MotoGP™ World Champion.
If he wins, he’s Champion. If he’s second and Bagnaia behind him, he’s champion. From there the gaps in the points awarded get smaller and the possibilities more varied, although it would seem unlikely they’d both finish and finish far from the podium. On the other side of the coin, if Bagnaia is far enough ahead and gets the gap to below 50 again, he stays in the game and the battle rages on to the Algarve GP. Does that guarantee a gloves off tussle for glory? It could be quite the showdown.
The other players who could play a big role in the race will likely come out guns blazing too, with the countdown on for a number of key battles this season. That includes Rookie of the Year, and given it’s Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) ahead and Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) on his tail, the latter of whom had race-winning pace on our last visit and took his first premier class podium, it could be a pivotal weekend there too as they’re split by just 11 points. With no pressure like that endured by those who beat him on home turf last time, can the Beast once again blast through for glory, get even further forward and/or cut that gap?
It also seems likely, comparing the first GP we had at Misano and then Texas, that Marquez will feature in the fight for the top five once again as a minimum, even as he continues to get back to his full form. And reigning Champion – at the last Grand Prix this year where that phrase may be true – Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) has shown he’s pretty handy at the track too. And what of Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team)? Last time out he looked to have searing pace before a tougher Sunday, and he’ll likely be playing the teammate game to perfection once again as Bagnaia faces what may be his final stand. One to watch, especially if he’s racing for red and not solely his own race result…
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is also on a solid, somewhat stealthy run of points. The South African is now sixth overall and has only one 0 on his scorecard in 2021, which is from way back at Jerez. He’s only 10 points behind Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), who is currently the rider in fifth, so the pressure is now on for the Frenchman a little, at least overall. In the fight for top Independent Team rider, however, Zarco has some good breathing space with 141 points to Aleix Espargaro’s (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) 104. That could therefore potentially be decided this weekend, with 50 points left in play after Emilia-Romagna.
Then, as well as Pecco leading the home turf charge on track, there are the more veteran Italians. Andrea Dovizioso (Petronas Yamaha SRT) has been making marked steps forward on his return to the Iwata marque and, as he now does actually have recent experience at Misano on the Yamaha, there may well be even more coming. And Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), despite still pushing to get back to full fitness, could feel the benefit of racing for the second time at the same track as he settles in on the 2021 M1. What can they do on home soil?
And then, of course, there’s Rossi. There may be three races left for the number 46 to shine the sun and moon in the premier class of Grand Prix racing, but the third to last event of the Doctor’s tenure will be extra special in its own way. Home turf, at a venue likely no one on Earth knows better or has raced more, and in front of his final home crowd in gloriously uproarious yellow, it’s its own occasion. The end of an era for an area that has become defined first by what was the new kid on the block searing through the ranks with such charisma and style, and then the icon who has created one of the most successful academies in motorcycle racing, based just up the road. His ranch adds some significant acreage to his home village of Tavullia, just as his presence and legacy have added so much to the region and the sport. Emotional doesn’t quite explain it; it’s a point of no return for all those who’ve raced, watched and loved one of global sport’s biggest icons. On track, at least.
By definition, all those lining up for the Emilia-Romagna GP are at least one of those three, and it will mark a moment in time for Rossi and, potentially, for a new World Champion too. Make sure you don’t miss a minute as MotoGP™ returns to Misano, with the lights out for Quartararo’s first #MatchPoint and the Doctor’s last dance at 14:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday.
MotoGP™ Championship top five:
1 Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 254
2 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 202
3 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – 175
4 Jack Miller – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 149
5 Johann Zarco* – Pramac Racing – Ducati – 141
*Independent Team rider
Game on, gloves off: Misano awaits for Moto2™
The gap is smaller than ever, the rookie is on a roll… and last time at Misano, it got close
After an earthquake in the standings at the Americas GP, it’s time for Moto2™ to get back on track at Misano. The gap, after another stunner from Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in Texas and a first real mistake of the season from teammate and Championship leader Remy Gardner, is now just nine points… and the rollercoaster seems likely to continue in the Gran Premio Nolan del Made In Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna.
Looking back on the San Marino GP as a guide to what may await us on take two, it’s a tantalising possibility. Until the latter half of the very last lap, it was almost nothing between Fernandez and Gardner as the Aussie gained huge chunks of time right before the flag, one solitary wobble putting paid to a last gasp lunge. So the two could be closely matched once again, and if Gardner has less work to do in the early stages from a slightly better qualifying, it could be a serious treat. Added to that, there’s no playing it safe now, with the margin having been cut by 25 points in one fell swoop.
If the two do duel it out, they could have some company. Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team) impressed on our first visit to Misano to complete the podium and run at the front, and he’ll want to repeat that as he slips out of the top five overall. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will want more too, the Brit coming under pressure from the same rider who’s leapfrogged Canet: his Elf Marc VDS teammate Augusto Fernandez. Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) has his final, final stand to stay in contention for the crown too, 65 points off Gardner with 75 left in play.
For some serious final fireworks at the San Marino GP, one more lap could have seen everything change. Now, we have another 25 to enjoy in the Gran Premio Nolan del Made In Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna… so can Gardner bounce back and come out swinging? Or will Raul Fernandez find another ace on the Rimini Riviera? Find out on Sunday at 12:20 (GMT +2) as Moto2™ take the gloves off for another race round Misano.
Moto2™ Championship top five:
1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 271
2 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 262
3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 206
4 Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 140
5 Augusto Fernandez – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 131
The rookie who could be king: Acosta takes aim at the crown
It’s crunch time in Moto3™, but Foggia has a few stats in his favour as Acosta aims to make history at Misano
Three races remain in the 2021 Moto3™ season and there are 30 points splitting Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) from the closest rider on the chase, Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing). That makes two things true: one, Acosta mathematically has his first shot at the crown as the paddock returns to Misano for the Gran Premio Nolan del Made In Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna, and two: Foggia really is now close enough to stop that happening…
With 75 points left in play ahead of lights out, Acosta’s shot is a real but longer one this weekend. If the rookie sensation can take that gap from 30 up to more than 50 points – and it has to be more than 50 as Foggia has four wins to Acosta’s five – he’ll take the crown and become the youngest World Champion ever. So he needs to win and Foggia either not score at all or take a maximum of four points for 12th, but last time out at Misano speaks to a closing gap being distinctly more likely.
It was Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team), now out of contention for the crown, who shot off into the lead with some incredible speed at the San Marino GP initially, and he could be a threat again if he can avoid a repeat of his crash. But Foggia was in the perfect position and kept it nice and tidy to take over at the front, and from there the Leopard rider couldn’t be stopped. He took a composed and assured win ahead of compatriots Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) and Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), and there’s no reason to believe the tricolore trio, plus Fenati, can’t be the key threats again. Acosta, meanwhile, came seventh as he put in a solid race but couldn’t find quite the same pace. So will history repeat itself? Or can take two see the Spaniard take a step forward and threaten for the throne?
There are also the likes of new winner Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) heading in on a high, and his teammate – and still Championship challenger – Sergio Garcia will be aiming to bounce back. John McPhee (Petronas Yamaha SRT) arrives from a podium and he and teammate Darryn Binder could be up there too. As ever, there are plenty of fast threats for victory in Moto3™.
Acosta has more experience at the venue now, but returning to turf where you’ve won only a few weeks prior, having cut down what seemed like an insurmountable gap and with another podium in your pocket from last time out is a serious preface for Foggia. Tune in to see what awaits on take two at Misano on Sunday the 24th of October at 11:00 (GMT +2)… will there be a Champion or another twist in the tale?
Moto3™ Championship top five:
1 Pedro Acosta – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM – 218
2 Dennis Foggia – Leopard Racing – Honda – 188
3 Sergio Garcia – Gaviota GASGAS Aspar – GASGAS – 168
4 Romano Fenati – Sterilgarda Max Racing Team – Husqvarna – 138
5 Jaume Masia – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM – 135
Former AMA Pro Superbike racer and current riding instructor Hawk Mazzotta married Dr. Nina Akana on September 25 at their residence, Wildheart Ranch, in Cottonwood, California.
Wildheart Ranch is home to the Hawk Mazzotta Moto Camp, an instructional motorcycle camp teaching all ages and skill levels in different disciplines of riding and racing, and home to Akana Veterinary Services, Nina’s large- and small-animal veterinary service.
NO TOLERANCE
Misano (Italy), 19th October 2021
From Avintia Esponsorama Racing we show our total conformity with all the measures taken by Dorna and Irta that, as well as our team policy and code of conduct to which all its members adhere, including mechanics, technicians, family members, sponsors, or any other person close to the team, we are obliged to take specific disciplinary measures and close all relations with our team member, who yesterday, thanks to the great work being done by Dorna and IRTA, unsuccessfully falsified a PCR test to get the access to the paddock of the Misano circuit for the next Grand Prix.
Being the team indirectly responsible for assuming all the costs derived from the exceptional measures by the COVID-19 protocols to all its workers, with this type of actions we are aware that they have wanted to obtain their own benefit putting at risk the rest of the people who make up the team and the championship. These behaviours not only damage the image of the team, but also the rest of the paddock and the championship as a whole.
We would like to clarify that it is the responsibility of each team member to enter their access and PCR test for the organisation, on an online platform for each circuit according to the guidelines that, for COVID-19 reasons, are currently in force for access to the paddock.
Avintia Esponsorama Racing would like to apologise and thank DORNA and IRTA for all the efforts made to keep everyone in the MotoGP paddock safe, allowing the championship to run properly.
Rodio Wraps Up 4 National Titles at Daytona
Gus Rodio added four National Championships to his already impressive racer resume at Daytona International Speedway.
The feat is more impressive given it was the premiere weekend on his 2021 Aprilia RS 660. After picking the bike up two weeks ago, it hadn’t even been dyno-tuned or broken-in before hitting the high banks. In fact, the KTech fork cartridges were actually delivered and installed at the track and the HSBK Race ECU was dropped in and away we went!
“Our Rodio Racing Aprilia was awesome, and I’m absolutely loving learning this new bike,” Gus said during the weekend’s interviews.
With wins in Lightweight Supersport, Lightweight Superbike, Lightweight Grand Prix and Thunderbike, a fresh set of slicks were fitted thanks to Cori Maynard and the crew at Dunlop, and Gus pulled off another win in the ASRA Thunderbike race by just over 29 seconds.
“For some reason all weekend I was really focused on the ASRA race. I wanted that one badly and ran my fastest lap of the weekend during that race,” Gus added. “Having raced Dunlops exclusively in MotoAmerica and CCS for the past few seasons made me instantly comfortable on the new bike.”
Adding the new platform, obtaining parts, assembly, paint, tuning and tweaking the setup kept team owner Kevin Rodio busy all weekend.
“We haven’t really run two bikes (referring to the new Aprilia and the trusty Ninja 400 Gus piloted all season long) since the MiniGP days, so it’s been a bit busier than usual, but the rider kept everything upright which makes it all a bit easier. Not to mention, Muscle Mike came along for the ride and the extra set of hands (and mind) was a welcome safety net,” Kevin said, reflecting on the weekend.
“Gus took to the Aprilia quite quickly, but surprised isn’t the word I would use for the results. We know how strong of a rider he is, and we have a great group of partners making sure he’s on the best equipment possible.”
Rodio Racing will spend the winter training as usual in preparation for the 2022 season. As always, thanks go out to: Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, HJC Helmets, Orient Express/K-Tech Suspension USA, Spears Racing, HSBK Racing.com, Evolve GT Track Days, Liqui Moly, N2 Track Days, Red Mist Racing, Moto-Liberty, REB Graphics, MAR Contractors, VNM Sport.
Energica to conclude era as single MotoE™ manufacturer after 2022
Tuesday, 19 October 2021
Dorna Sports can now announce the departure of Energica Motor Company as the single manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, with 2022 confirmed as the marque’s final season.
Energica has been the sole supplier to MotoE™ since the Cup’s inception in 2019, with 2022 now set to mark the last chapter of a four-year journey full of evolution, excitement and adrenaline. Energica has been a key part of making MotoE™ a must-watch showcase for both electric mobility and close competition, with the Cup racing at some of the world’s most iconic circuits.
The Energica Ego Corsa has proved to be fast, extremely reliable and well-appreciated by the riders who have taken part in the Cup, and will doubtless continue to impress next season before the collaboration between Energica and MotoE™ then concludes. The work done both at the track and at company headquarters has seen constant innovation and new solutions drive MotoE™ to the incredible level it is at now, with Energica showing an ability to react quickly to challenges and different technical requests in record time. The joint effort between all parties has been key developing a competition that will now move into a new era built on a foundation all involved can take immense pride in having constructed together.
Dorna Sports would like to thank Energica for their immeasurable contribution to the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup and wishes the company the best of success in their future endeavours after 2022.
Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company: “We are extremely happy at Energica to have provided our invaluable contribution to make MotoE the success it is today. We’re confident that our initiative and efforts have generated plenty of interest from the big OEMs to follow the path we started a decade ago. Being pioneers of electric mobility on two wheels, we have opened up the way to a whole new strata of sustainable and exciting motorcycle racing and – as we have always done – we now aim at testing ourselves with new challenges. This is why we are looking forward to the next big thing to come! We would like to thank Dorna Sports for the great opportunity to showcase our technology and we are looking forward to wrapping up our journey together in style.”
Nicolas Goubert, Executive Director of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup: “The first three seasons of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup have delivered an incredible show despite all the unforeseen external challenges that have been thrown at us. It wasn’t an easy task to undertake and one very new in many aspects, but we did it and this was thanks to a joint effort between all parties involved. From the very beginning, Energica has brought its know-how to the track in a way we couldn’t be happier with, delivering a package that has proved to be extremely competitive, showing impressive maximum speed (exceeding 260km/h in Barcelona in 2021), and lap-times that on some occasion were in line with other classes – despite the much shorter history of electric motorcycles.
“Maybe even more impressive than the on-track performance was the bike reliability, as none of the 18 riders ever encountered any mechanical failure during any of the races we enjoyed in the three seasons. Their ability to respond quickly and effectively to our requests and the ones coming from the riders and teams are proof of all the expertise and passion they brought to the series. All sides are committed to continuing giving their maximum effort into 2022, for what will be another spectacular year of racing. I would really like to thank Energica for the quality of their innovative products and their engagement in the MotoE series.”
More, from a press release issued by Energica Motor Company, S.p.A.:
ENERGICA PREPARES FOR FINAL MotoE™ SEASON AS SINGLE MANUFACTURER
Modena, 19 October 2021 – Energica Motor Company, the worldwide leader in high-performing, all-electric motorcycles, is working hard to prepare for the brand’s last season as the single manufacturer of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup.
2022 will mark the last chapter of a four-year journey that has been full of excitement and adrenaline around some of the most iconic circuits in the world. But it has also been one of unexpected challenges and adversities, which the Modena-based company was able to overcome in style and against all odds, as the series quickly became a must-watch in the global spectacle of the MotoGP World Championship.
Energica’s contribution to the all-electric class of MotoGP was undoubtedly an invaluable one, with their Energica Ego Corsa machines that have proved to be fast, extremely reliable, and very much appreciated by the many riders who have taken part in the series and those who will continue to do so next season. The work done both at the track and at the company headquarters – which is unprecedented especially considering the timeframe available prior to the inception of the series – has brought constant innovation and new solutions that have benefitted the World Cup and helped it get to the elevated level where it is now.
The joint effort between all parties involved has been key in developing a series that has now a very solid basis heading into the future – something Energica is incredibly proud of and which will serve the company incredibly well heading into possible future scenarios related to two-wheeled racing.
While thanking all the parties involved in this amazing journey – first and foremost the series promoter Dorna Sports, but also the MotoE official Sponsors Enel X, Michelin, DHL and Allianz – Energica will continue giving the maximum effort and support heading into 2022 to wrap up this incredible journey in fine fashion.
Livia Cevolini – CEO, Energica Motor Company: “We are extremely happy at Energica to have provided our invaluable contribution to make MotoE the success it is today” says. “We’re confident that our initiative and efforts have generated plenty of interest from the big OEMs to follow the path we started a decade ago. Being pioneers of electric mobility on two wheels, we have opened up the way to a whole new strata of sustainable and exciting motorcycle racing and – as we have always done – we now aim at testing ourselves with new challenges. This is why we are looking forward to the next big thing to come!” We would like to thank Dorna Sports for the great opportunity to showcase our technology and we are looking forward to wrapping up our journey together in style.”
Nicolás Goubert – Executive Director, FIM Enel MotoE World Cup: “The first three seasons of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup have delivered an incredible show despite all the unforeseen external challenges that have been thrown at us. It wasn’t an easy task to undertake and one very new in many aspects, but we did it and this was thanks to a joint effort between all parties involved. From the very beginning, Energica has brought its know-how to the track in a way we couldn’t be happier with, delivering a package that has proved to be extremely competitive, showing impressive maximum speed (exceeding 260km/h in Barcelona in 2021), and lap-times that on some occasions were in line with other classes – despite the much shorter history of electric motorcycles.
“Maybe even more impressive than the on-track performance, was the bike reliability, as none of the 18 riders ever encountered any mechanical failure during any of the races we enjoyed in the three seasons. Their ability to respond quickly and effectively to our requests and the ones coming from the riders and teams are proof of all the expertise and passion they brought to the series. All sides are committed to continuing giving their maximum effort into 2022, for what will be another spectacular year of racing. I would really like to thank Energica for the quality of their innovative products and their engagement in the MotoE series.”
ABOUT ENERGICA MOTOR COMPANY S.p.A
Energica Motor Company is the first Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycles. Energica Motorcycles are on sale worldwide.
Record third quarter for Ducati, which leads to already higher deliveries in the first nine months of 2021 than entire 2020
Borgo Panigale, Bologna, 19 October 2021 – An extremely positive third quarter has ended for Ducati with 49,693 motorcycles delivered to enthusiasts all over the world. At the end of the first nine months of 2021, the company has already exceeded the sales volumes obtained in the whole 2020 (year total 2020: 48,042).
The third quarter of 2021 is confirmed as the best in Ducati’s history, with a growth of +3% over the same period of 2020 and +25% compared to 2019.
At the end of September, the biggest market for motorcycles delivered remains the Italian one (7,954), followed by the United States (7,475) and Germany (5,627).
Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales: “Ducati closed the first nine months of the year with sales volumes that are already higher than the full year 2020, both for the bikes and for after-sales products like clothing, accessories and spare parts. The growth we are experiencing is practically widespread on all the main markets in which Ducati is present and extends across the product families. We are very satisfied with the results obtained: the community of Ducatisti is growing all over the world and the most influential magazines in the motorcycling sector are awarding important prizes to Ducati bikes. This is a source of pride and satisfaction for us here in Borgo Panigale and in all Ducati subsidiaries worldwide. The brand is now more solid and appreciated than ever and we are already focusing on next year. In fact, in these weeks, we are presenting to the world the new products for the coming year, through the web series Ducati World Première 2022”.
Confirming the appreciation of Ducati motorcycles, throughout the year all the product families of the Bologna-based manufacturer have been growing across the board. In particular, the most delivered bikes are the Multistrada V4, which has remained in first place throughout 2021, followed by the Ducati Scrambler 800 family, the Streetfighter V4 and, immediately after, by the Monster.
Ducati has already started to present the new products of the 2022 range. The first episodes of the Ducati World Première was dedicated to the new Multistrada V2, a comfortable, fun to ride, versatile and technologically advanced twin-cylinder bike that represents the new gateway to the Multistrada universe.
Also the new models of the Ducati Scrambler world have been unveiled, with the arrival of the new Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO which was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the air-cooled twin-cylinder engine on a Ducati and which incorporates some stylistic elements typical of the 1970s era. On the other hand, the 800 family is joined by the Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard, a motorcycle created to experience the city environment by making itself noticed through a combination of style, sportiness and fun.
A section dedicated to the Ducati World Première is available on the official Ducati website to discover the calendar and not miss a single episode of the presentation of the 2022 range.
Chicken Hawk Racing-supported rider Dominique Aegerter wins FIM Supersport World Championship!
This is the 12th World Championship where the rider/driver used Chicken Hawk Racing Tire Warmers, and the 2nd FIM Supersport World Championship (the first one with Cal Crutchlow also aboard a Yamaha) for Chicken Hawk Racing (CHR).
Dominique and CHR have worked together previously when Dominique was competing in the FIM Moto2 World Championship. CHR has worked with the Ten Kate Racing Team since the late Nicky Hayden joined the team to race in World Superbike and has been proud to be a part of the team’s efforts.
On race day, Aegerter had a good start, but had to brake hard in the first corner to avoid a crash in front of him in which title rival Steven Odendaal was also involved. Aegerter moved up quickly from ninth place with a strong pace. On the seventh lap, the Swiss rider arrived in third place and managed to hold on to this position until the finish. This 14th podium finish of the season was more than enough to secure the world title.
Dominique Aegerter: “I am a little bit lost for words. We had a fantastic season with more than 10 wins and 14 podiums. It’s great to become world champion as a rookie in this class. I want to thank the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha team because they have done a fantastic job this season. Today, the bike was better than yesterday. I had a bit of luck in the first corner, but I am happy to finish on the podium. I also want to thank all my sponsors, because without them I wouldn’t be here. Tonight, it’s time to celebrate!”
Chicken Hawk Racing founder David Podolsky said: “We are really excited for Dominique and the Ten Kate Racing Team. They are an excellent team and provide us with very complete data about tire temperatures, wheel temperatures, and tire pressures, which helps us to advance our product and assist our customers worldwide. Congratulations to Dominique and the entire Ten Kate Racing Team.”
Team manager Kervin Bos said: “What an incredible feeling! The 10th World Supersport title for Ten Kate Racing and the 11th in total. It has been an emotional period, but we made a fantastic comeback with Yamaha. In our comeback season in World Supersport we immediately became world champion. That deserves a very big compliment to the whole team, all our partners and of course Dominique! From the beginning of our adventure, we had an excellent feeling with him. His mentality fits Ten Kate Racing perfectly and we have shown that this season together!”
TIME TO CELEBRATE!
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Offers are valid until 10-29-2021 and able to be redeemed through www.chickenhawkracing.com or calling 845-758-0700
Featured In the October 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
When Ginger Molloy decided to become a Grand Prix racer he gave his Matchless G50 a polish, packed a suitcase, filled a toolbox and got a lift to the local train station. It was January, 1963, and Molloy was a tough youngster from Huntly, New Zealand, where he worked down in the coal mines to make money to go motorcycle road racing.
After a 10-hour train ride he arrived at Wellington station, from where he pushed the G50, with toolbox and suitcase perched on the seat, the mile and a bit to the Wellington docks, where he boarded a boat to Southampton, England, a six-week voyage away. When Molloy finally returned home almost a decade later, he was a 500cc World Championship runner-up, a Grand Prix race winner, and he was married, with three kids.
The adventures he had along the way—living on the road like a gypsy, cheating death and ducking and diving to put enough gas in his bikes and food in his mouth—would sound as likely to a modern-day MotoGP rider as would tales of racing on Mars. It is said that history is another country. In this case it’s another planet…
—MotoGP Analysis: The Life Of A Grand Prix Racer 50 Years Ago, by Mat Oxley
When Ginger Molloy finished second in the 1970 500cc World Championship, he lived a very, very different life than today’s MotoGP stars. MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley looks at the difference between top-level racing today and the way it was a half-century ago in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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49TH ANNUAL WERA GRAND NATIONAL FINALS – OCTOBER 21-24 AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
It is that time of year when the best racers in the country come to Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama to see if they can get a coveted #1 National plate at the 49th WERA Grand National Finals. Credential sales will begin at 3pm on Wednesday ($40.00 for Rider/Crew) and Paddock Access will begin around 5pm.
Thursday will be a practice day for riders who have never been to Barber Motorsports Park and those who want to make sure their machines can take a Championship.
Friday will have the WERA Vintage Series take to the track for the last round in their 2021 Series and after these races the 2021 National Champions will be known! Also on Friday will be individual class qualifiers for all the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Races to be held on Sunday. Each Pirelli/WERA National Class will have a qualifying session to set the grids for Sunday. If you can’t make it for Qualifying no worries you will still be on Sunday’s grids.
On Saturday, the riders from around the country who have run one of our Sportsman Series races will line up with competitors from all WERA Regions to see who takes the win in the classes to claim the WERA Sportsman National Championship in their class. These races are exciting and bring the best together for one final shootout.
On Sunday, the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge will take to the track for their final round of the 2021 Series and Champions will be known for 2021! The Pirelli/WERA National Series features the Michelin WERA Superbike Class and winning a Championship in this Series gives you a taste of what the next level is all about!
Camping is available. Stickboy Racing (Dunlop/Bridgestone Vendors) will have their annual Halloween Party Friday night, and join Stick for his beer swap on Thursday evening. Make sure to make time to visit the Barber Museum while you are there. Come on out and see if you can pick the stars for 2022.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro Riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing with a co-sanction by the AMA and they go coast to coast offering entry-level racing with the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series which is the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series. WERA also offers Vintage racing and hosts the Concours de ’Competition and Concours d’ Elegance in July at Barber Motorsports Park. Endurance Racing is also on the menu with our partner N2 and runs 4-5 events a year with a Big Bike Endurance and an Ultralightweight Endurance. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the year.
For more information on WERA Motorcycle Roadracing please check out our web site at wera.com.
The American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) and Championship Cup Series (CCS) have recognized the efforts of the Roadracing World Action Fund by presenting the non-profit organization with an award at the annual ASRA/CCS National Awards Ceremony, held Sunday, October 17 at Daytona International Speedway.
“If it were not for the Roadracing World Action Fund we would not be able to race at some of the tracks we currently race at,” said ASRA/CCS President Kevin Elliott. “The cost of bringing in haybales would be prohibitive, and the level of safety would not nearly be the same. Hauling, setting up, and tearing down Airfence is a big burden on the ASRA/CCS Safety Crew, but if only one rider benefits from it then it was all worth the effort. We’re lucky and grateful to have the Roadracing World Action Fund working with us and we’re happy to acknowledge their effort with this award.”
The award reads: “Roadracing World Action Fund. In appreciation for your continued support of our series and to motorcycle road racing. ASRA 2021.”
The Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping prevent rider injuries at racetracks, road race and dirt track, nationwide by purchasing and deploying soft barriers, like Airfence. Since its founding in 2001, the Roadracing World Action Fund has raised over $2.2 million for this purpose through donations and fund-raising efforts by racing and track day organizations.
For more information about the Roadracing World Action Fund, go to https://www.roadracingworld.com/actionfund/.
For more information about ASRA and CCS, go to www.asraracing.com and www.ccsracing.us.
#MatchPoint Quartararo & the Doctor’s last dance: MotoGP™ returns to Misano
It’s a key weekend in Emilia-Romagna as the Frenchman gets his first shot at the crown and Rossi races on home turf for the final time
Monday, 18 October 2021
The COTA confetti is still falling in the wake of Marc Marquez’ (Repsol Honda Team) triumphant return to the top step in Texas, but now we change gear again as the paddock heads back to Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the Gran Premio Nolan del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna. It’s a big weekend and for two big reasons: first, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) could lift the crown and become the first French premier class World Champion, and second, it’s the final dance on home turf for Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) as the icon prepares to hang up his racing leathers at the end of the season. That does guarantee one thing already, however: it’s going to be another weekend that lives long in the memory.
First, the title fight. Quartararo is now 52 points clear after pipping Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to second in Austin and the Frenchman also, in doing so, halted what had been some serious momentum for Pecco after back to back wins for the Italian. But now it’s the turf that saw the two so closely matched on our last visit, it could be a hard-fought duel for the race and, potentially, the crown. Fireworks? There may well be plenty, and the magic number is 50: if Quartararo is that far ahead – or more – by the flag, he is the 2021 MotoGP™ World Champion.
If he wins, he’s Champion. If he’s second and Bagnaia behind him, he’s champion. From there the gaps in the points awarded get smaller and the possibilities more varied, although it would seem unlikely they’d both finish and finish far from the podium. On the other side of the coin, if Bagnaia is far enough ahead and gets the gap to below 50 again, he stays in the game and the battle rages on to the Algarve GP. Does that guarantee a gloves off tussle for glory? It could be quite the showdown.
The other players who could play a big role in the race will likely come out guns blazing too, with the countdown on for a number of key battles this season. That includes Rookie of the Year, and given it’s Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) ahead and Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) on his tail, the latter of whom had race-winning pace on our last visit and took his first premier class podium, it could be a pivotal weekend there too as they’re split by just 11 points. With no pressure like that endured by those who beat him on home turf last time, can the Beast once again blast through for glory, get even further forward and/or cut that gap?
It also seems likely, comparing the first GP we had at Misano and then Texas, that Marquez will feature in the fight for the top five once again as a minimum, even as he continues to get back to his full form. And reigning Champion – at the last Grand Prix this year where that phrase may be true – Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) has shown he’s pretty handy at the track too. And what of Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team)? Last time out he looked to have searing pace before a tougher Sunday, and he’ll likely be playing the teammate game to perfection once again as Bagnaia faces what may be his final stand. One to watch, especially if he’s racing for red and not solely his own race result…
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is also on a solid, somewhat stealthy run of points. The South African is now sixth overall and has only one 0 on his scorecard in 2021, which is from way back at Jerez. He’s only 10 points behind Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), who is currently the rider in fifth, so the pressure is now on for the Frenchman a little, at least overall. In the fight for top Independent Team rider, however, Zarco has some good breathing space with 141 points to Aleix Espargaro’s (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) 104. That could therefore potentially be decided this weekend, with 50 points left in play after Emilia-Romagna.
Then, as well as Pecco leading the home turf charge on track, there are the more veteran Italians. Andrea Dovizioso (Petronas Yamaha SRT) has been making marked steps forward on his return to the Iwata marque and, as he now does actually have recent experience at Misano on the Yamaha, there may well be even more coming. And Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), despite still pushing to get back to full fitness, could feel the benefit of racing for the second time at the same track as he settles in on the 2021 M1. What can they do on home soil?
And then, of course, there’s Rossi. There may be three races left for the number 46 to shine the sun and moon in the premier class of Grand Prix racing, but the third to last event of the Doctor’s tenure will be extra special in its own way. Home turf, at a venue likely no one on Earth knows better or has raced more, and in front of his final home crowd in gloriously uproarious yellow, it’s its own occasion. The end of an era for an area that has become defined first by what was the new kid on the block searing through the ranks with such charisma and style, and then the icon who has created one of the most successful academies in motorcycle racing, based just up the road. His ranch adds some significant acreage to his home village of Tavullia, just as his presence and legacy have added so much to the region and the sport. Emotional doesn’t quite explain it; it’s a point of no return for all those who’ve raced, watched and loved one of global sport’s biggest icons. On track, at least.
By definition, all those lining up for the Emilia-Romagna GP are at least one of those three, and it will mark a moment in time for Rossi and, potentially, for a new World Champion too. Make sure you don’t miss a minute as MotoGP™ returns to Misano, with the lights out for Quartararo’s first #MatchPoint and the Doctor’s last dance at 14:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday.
MotoGP™ Championship top five:
1 Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 254
2 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 202
3 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – 175
4 Jack Miller – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 149
5 Johann Zarco* – Pramac Racing – Ducati – 141
*Independent Team rider
Game on, gloves off: Misano awaits for Moto2™
The gap is smaller than ever, the rookie is on a roll… and last time at Misano, it got close
After an earthquake in the standings at the Americas GP, it’s time for Moto2™ to get back on track at Misano. The gap, after another stunner from Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in Texas and a first real mistake of the season from teammate and Championship leader Remy Gardner, is now just nine points… and the rollercoaster seems likely to continue in the Gran Premio Nolan del Made In Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna.
Looking back on the San Marino GP as a guide to what may await us on take two, it’s a tantalising possibility. Until the latter half of the very last lap, it was almost nothing between Fernandez and Gardner as the Aussie gained huge chunks of time right before the flag, one solitary wobble putting paid to a last gasp lunge. So the two could be closely matched once again, and if Gardner has less work to do in the early stages from a slightly better qualifying, it could be a serious treat. Added to that, there’s no playing it safe now, with the margin having been cut by 25 points in one fell swoop.
If the two do duel it out, they could have some company. Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team) impressed on our first visit to Misano to complete the podium and run at the front, and he’ll want to repeat that as he slips out of the top five overall. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will want more too, the Brit coming under pressure from the same rider who’s leapfrogged Canet: his Elf Marc VDS teammate Augusto Fernandez. Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) has his final, final stand to stay in contention for the crown too, 65 points off Gardner with 75 left in play.
For some serious final fireworks at the San Marino GP, one more lap could have seen everything change. Now, we have another 25 to enjoy in the Gran Premio Nolan del Made In Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna… so can Gardner bounce back and come out swinging? Or will Raul Fernandez find another ace on the Rimini Riviera? Find out on Sunday at 12:20 (GMT +2) as Moto2™ take the gloves off for another race round Misano.
Moto2™ Championship top five:
1 Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 271
2 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 262
3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 206
4 Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 140
5 Augusto Fernandez – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – 131
The rookie who could be king: Acosta takes aim at the crown
It’s crunch time in Moto3™, but Foggia has a few stats in his favour as Acosta aims to make history at Misano
Three races remain in the 2021 Moto3™ season and there are 30 points splitting Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) from the closest rider on the chase, Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing). That makes two things true: one, Acosta mathematically has his first shot at the crown as the paddock returns to Misano for the Gran Premio Nolan del Made In Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna, and two: Foggia really is now close enough to stop that happening…
With 75 points left in play ahead of lights out, Acosta’s shot is a real but longer one this weekend. If the rookie sensation can take that gap from 30 up to more than 50 points – and it has to be more than 50 as Foggia has four wins to Acosta’s five – he’ll take the crown and become the youngest World Champion ever. So he needs to win and Foggia either not score at all or take a maximum of four points for 12th, but last time out at Misano speaks to a closing gap being distinctly more likely.
It was Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team), now out of contention for the crown, who shot off into the lead with some incredible speed at the San Marino GP initially, and he could be a threat again if he can avoid a repeat of his crash. But Foggia was in the perfect position and kept it nice and tidy to take over at the front, and from there the Leopard rider couldn’t be stopped. He took a composed and assured win ahead of compatriots Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) and Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), and there’s no reason to believe the tricolore trio, plus Fenati, can’t be the key threats again. Acosta, meanwhile, came seventh as he put in a solid race but couldn’t find quite the same pace. So will history repeat itself? Or can take two see the Spaniard take a step forward and threaten for the throne?
There are also the likes of new winner Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) heading in on a high, and his teammate – and still Championship challenger – Sergio Garcia will be aiming to bounce back. John McPhee (Petronas Yamaha SRT) arrives from a podium and he and teammate Darryn Binder could be up there too. As ever, there are plenty of fast threats for victory in Moto3™.
Acosta has more experience at the venue now, but returning to turf where you’ve won only a few weeks prior, having cut down what seemed like an insurmountable gap and with another podium in your pocket from last time out is a serious preface for Foggia. Tune in to see what awaits on take two at Misano on Sunday the 24th of October at 11:00 (GMT +2)… will there be a Champion or another twist in the tale?
Moto3™ Championship top five:
1 Pedro Acosta – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM – 218
2 Dennis Foggia – Leopard Racing – Honda – 188
3 Sergio Garcia – Gaviota GASGAS Aspar – GASGAS – 168
4 Romano Fenati – Sterilgarda Max Racing Team – Husqvarna – 138
5 Jaume Masia – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM – 135
