South Florida MiniGP Hosting Three Mini Cup Qualifiers In 2025

John Ulrich

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December 30, 2024

South Florida MiniGP Hosting Three Mini Cup Qualifiers In 2025

Three Different Racetracks In Florida To Offer Young Racers The Chance To Qualify For Mission Mini Cup National Final

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that South Florida MiniGP (a.k.a. SFLminiGP) will play host to three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers at three different racetracks in 2025.
Young road racers of all ages can now attempt to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Final via three qualifying races in Florida with South Florida MiniGP.

South Florida MiniGP will organize and host qualifying races for the Mission Mini Cup National Final that will be held for a second successive year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10. The three qualifiers will be held at T4 Kartplex in Palmetto, Florida (March 15-16); Bushnell Motorsports Park in Bushnell, Florida (April 12-13); and Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida (May 3-4).

Qualifiers at the three South Florida MiniGP races will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8); Stock 110 (ages 8-12); GP 110 (ages 8-12); GP 160 (ages 10-14); GP 190 (ages 10-14); and Street GP (ages 14 and up).

“We’re thrilled that South Florida MiniGP will host three of our Qualifiers in 2025,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “With its rich history in mini road racing, and its role in introducing many riders to the sport, South Florida MiniGP is a valued partner. We deeply appreciate the dedication of owner Michael Correa and the entire club and are excited to welcome them to our Mini Cup program.”

In 2025, South Florida MiniGP will be celebrating its 10th anniversary of running MiniGP races with the club having a long list of alumni, including MotoAmerica racers like Avery Dreher and his sister Ella, Isaac Woodworth, Logan Cunnison, and more.

“Hold on tight because South Florida MiniGP is turning up the heat in 2025 with three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers,” said Michael Correa, owner of South Florida MiniGP. “We’re talking about the fastest kids on two wheels, all vying for a chance to compete at the legendary Road America. This is more than just racing, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of motorcycle champions. And it all goes down right here in sunny Florida.”

The three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers will be part of South Florida MiniGP’s eight-round sprint-race series. The club will also host two endurance rounds, including the Aaron Dreher Classic at Bushnell Motorsports Park, August 9.

For more information on South Florida MiniGP, visit https://www.sflminigp.com/

For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected] .

2025 South Florida MiniGP Schedule

February 8-9 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL

*March 15-16 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL

*April 12-13 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

*May 3-4 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL

June 7-8 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

August 30-31 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL

October 11-12 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

November 9-10 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

*MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers

About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

MotoGP: Ducati’s Luigi “Gigi” Dall’Igna Says 2025 Is “A Completely New Book …”

Michael Gougis

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December 30, 2024

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MotoGP: Ducati’s Luigi “Gigi” Dall’Igna Says 2025 Is “A Completely New Book …”

By Michael Gougis

The night before the 2024 season-ending test at Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya, Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi “Gigi” Dall’Igna met with members of the international media covering MotoGP. The architect of the fastest road racing motorcycles in history (see footnote), Dall’Igna talked about the 2025 season’s machinery, challenges and riders.

Dall’Igna said that while the GP24’s performance was a significant step forward from the prior year’s model, he did not anticipate a similar jump between the GP24 and the GP25, nor would such a leap forward be necessary.

In prior seasons, the new factory Ducatis could take some time to fine-tune to the point where they were consistently better than the Desmosedici of the year before. In 2024, it was clear from the start that the GP24 was a lot faster.

Enea Bastianini, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia won 10 of the first 11 races on the GP24. It took the talents of eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez to wrestle the GP23 onto the top of the podium, and no other GP23 rider won a race.

“Honestly speaking, the 2025 at this time is not the same step forward. The level of the GP24 at the moment is quite high and if you introduce a lot of differences between the two bikes, you have to take some risks. At the moment, I think it’s not necessary,” Dall’Igna said.

“I think that we have to improve a little bit the speed of the bike on the straight, because some of our competitors I think (are) a bit stronger than us on that point. And I would like to improve a little bit the speed in the middle of the corner.”

Ducati test rider and Superbike racer Michele Pirro (51) on the Desmosedici GP25 at Barcelona. Photo by Michael Gougis. — Ducati test rider and Superbike racer Michele Pirro (51) on the Desmosedici GP25 at Barcelona. Note the multi-element front wheel/brake disc cover/vents/vanes. Photo by Michael Gougis.

One of the areas where the GP24 excelled was in using the new-for-2024 Michelin rear slick to its ultimate performance capability. Riders on other brands said Ducati riders were fast on new tires and could conserve the tire more during a race. Dall’Igna, not surprisingly, said his team’s efforts were not focused on improvements in that area.

“I think we can improve (tire conservation) a little bit, but it is not a real problem at the moment. I think we have an advantage in comparison to the others. It’s not something we are looking for,” Dall’Igna said. When asked why the GP24 was so much better at using the new rear tire than the GP23, Dall’Igna giggled, not about to divulge a performance secret to his competitors. “It’s difficult to explain, you know. Actually, it’s not difficult, but I can’t,” he said, then started laughing out loud.

Ducati is focused on improving braking performance with the GP25, Dall’Igna said.

“The braking point and the braking stability of the bike is one of the keys, because to overtake the others is really difficult. So you need to have this on the bike,” he said. After the test, Bagnaia said the GP25’s braking is not yet to the level of the braking performance of the GP24, but that the GP25 was much better at this stage of development than any Ducati he had tested in the past.

In 2025, Ducati will drop from eight to six bikes on the grid and from four to three of the latest specification machines. Ducati has profited from having so many bikes on the track, as the company can gather more data to fine-tune all aspects of the motorcycles. It’s so critical that at the Sachsenring round, when rumors spread that Ducati was likely to have only three GP25s on the grid, Bagnaia said it was a concern and that he would be happier with four of the latest factory-spec machines in the field. Bagnaia’s comments indicate just how critical data collection has become in MotoGP – when is the last time a racer on a title-winning bike wanted to share that equipment with more riders, not fewer?

Is the reduction in machines a worry for Ducati?

“Honestly speaking, no,” Dall’Igna said. “The real problem (in 2025) is that the other manufacturers have, I think, better riders. Because in the past, you see some bikes, for example, Aprilia, make a step from two bikes to four. The results were more or less the same. So I don’t think to have only six bikes on the grid with six riders will be a real problem for us. The real problem is (2024 MotoGP World Champion Jorge) Martin is leaving for another company, and same for Enea (Bastianini, a seven-time race winner). I think this is the difference between 2024 and 2025.

“From a money point of view, this is the best solution. With three (GP25) bikes, it’s simply better from the economics point of view. On the technical point of view, it’s not any real advantage to have four factory bikes instead of three.”

Dall’Igna said he and other Ducati managers knew that there was every chance that they would lose Martin after 2024, and that there was every chance that he would take the title with him elsewhere, if they didn’t give him a spot on the factory team. After all, Martin had been overlooked before for the factory Ducati ride – Bastianini got the spot, not him. And other teams were approaching Martin with offers. But Ducati still promoted Marquez to the factory team, setting off a chain reaction that saw Martin sign with Aprilia, Bastianini switch to KTM and Ducati’s satellite Pramac Racing team switch to Yamaha.

After a year of working with Marquez, Dall’Igna said promoting the eight-time World Champion to the factory Ducati team was the best move Ducati could make.

“When I took this decision, for sure we thought quite a lot. Also, we thought that Martin could win the Championship this year. This is something that we had to evaluate, and we took the decision. I don’t change my idea at the moment, and I’m convinced that we have the best possible solution,” Dall’Igna says.

Marc Marquez (93) on the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP25 at Barcelona. Photo by Michael Gougis.

At the beginning of 2024, Ducati signed Moto2 standout Fermin Aldeguer to a MotoGP contract for 2025, and later assigned him a place on the Gresini Racing Team. Aldeguer then suffered through an underwhelming Moto2 season, crashing frequently, winning only three races and finishing fifth in the overall standings. Dall’Igna said he still stands by the decision to sign Aldeguer, but admitted the young rider has some work to do.

“He is one of the young talents of the MotoGP. I’m really happy to have him in one of our teams. He has a lot of really good things – and some things that he has to develop and understand better. I think we can help him to do this,” Dall’Igna said. “I’m convinced that in a couple of years he will be in a fight for the Championship.”

Fermin Aldeguer (54) testing a Ducati GP24 at Barcelona. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Lastly, Dall’Igna reminded everyone that past results are no guarantee of future performance. After a year like 2024, with 19 wins in 20 starts, Ducati is justified in looking for small performance gains that do not come at the expense of performance losses elsewhere. But to win in MotoGP, you must always look for more performance, he said.

“The new season is a completely new book. The manufacturer who is in trouble can make a jump in front. You never know. You have to be focused on the problems that you have to solve and to try to develop the bike as much as possible. This is our job and this is what we have to do,” he said.

Footnote: KTM’s RC16 has clocked a 0.501 mph higher top speed at Mugello, 227.483 mph to the Ducati Desmosedici’s 226.676 mph. However, of the 18 circuits listed on the MotoGP.com website with lap record information, Ducati’s Desmosedici GP24 holds the outright lap record at 12 of them – and the GP23 holds the outright lap record at another.

Ramming Speed Releases 2025 Schedule

John Ulrich

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December 29, 2024

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This is the perfect time to release the 2025 Ramming Speed calendar…so check it out!

JAN 11-12: Biltwell’s Parts & Labor Show Brady Walker & his dad will be manning the Ramming Speed booth next to Buchanan’s in order to spread the word on vintage bikes, events & sell some moto gear.
https://www.biltwellinc.com/pages/parts-labor-about

JAN 27 – FEB 1: Mecum Vegas Moto Auctions If you don’t know, get in the know! It’s more motorcycles than a museum and you’ll see all your friends to boot. Come check out Brady Walker in his fancy blue Mecum shirt, making bikes roll & presentable for the auction block.
https://www.mecum.com/auctions/las-vegas-motorcycles-2025/

MARCH 1st: The Californian Classic Motorcycle Show Note date change. All you Quail lovers may now come see what the Cali is all about!
www.thecalifornian.us

CLASSIC TRACK DAY Take note, we are heading north late next year on a road trip to Thunderhill! Join us on the caravan! Start spreading the news, all of my NorCal friends.

MAR 8: Big Willow (Willow Springs GP Test & Tune)

MAY 31: Streets of Willow

AUG 23: Streets of Willow

SEPT 20: Big Willow

NOV 15: Thunderhill West

www.classictrackday.com

WILLOW SPRINGS ROUNDUP Two days of flat track racing at the historical Walt James Stadium!

MAR 22-23: Spring Roundup

SEPT 13-14: Fall Roundup

www.bradywalker.com

AHRMA Returns to Willow!

APRIL 18-20: Willow Springs Grand Prix AHRMA returns! Practice Friday, Road Race all weekend
www.bradywalker.com
www.ahrma.org

AHRMA races at Inde

APRIL 25-27: AHRMA Road Racing INDE Motorsports Park, Arizona. Join us for back to back road racing!

Willow Springs Superbike Showdown

OCTOBER 4-5: Willow Springs Superbike Showdown A new road racing weekend focusing on modern bikes with vintage & sidecar support. Help us get this first year event off the ground!
www.bradywalker.com

Hansen Dam Rally

NOVEMBER 2: SoCal Norton Club presents the Hansen Dam Rally. Come see the largest vintage rally on the west coast…the best damn rally at a dam site! https://socalnorton.com/calendar

Are you a moto-centric business or sympathetic rider or racer who would like to see your logo or name on any of these event materials? Contact Brady now to get noticed at Ramming Speed’s 2025 events!

Monki Moto Podcast

Lastly, if you would like to know more about Brady Walker than anyone should know, check out Tara Miracle’s Monki Moto Podcast and listen to Brady rattle on about classic bikes & events. He touches base on literally everything in a very candid way. Find Monki Moto podcast on all platforms. Apple link is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/monki-moto-pod/id1775307979

Thank you for participating in Ramming Speed events and allowing us to continue to bring classic motorcycling fun to y’all! Happy New Year and see y’all soon!

Brady Walker
RAMMING SPEED
CLASSIC TRACK DAY
THE CALIFORNIAN

www.bradywalker.com
310-980-7129

American Kristian Daniel Jr. Returning To Red Bull Rookies Cup

John Ulrich

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December 28, 2024

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American Kristian Daniel Jr. Returning To Red Bull Rookies Cup

Next year, a grid of 26 talented and hopeful riders from 19 countries will compete in the 2025 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, which will be the 19th consecutive race season for the spec series.

Among those 26 riders, American Kristian Daniel Jr. will compete for the second year in a row. Daniel Jr., who turns 16 in February, finished just outside the top 10 in the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, and his best result was a fifth-place finish at Aragón.

Kristian Daniel, Jr. at Jerez in 2024, where his Red Bull Rookies Cup adventure began. Red Bull Photo.

Daniel Jr. also raced in the FIM JuniorGP European Talent Cup at Aragón, notching his best-ever qualifying result. He was fastest in his qualifying group, which put him second on the grid for Sunday’s two races, and he ultimately finished seventh in Race 1 and eighth in Race 2.

Finally, as a Moto3 wildcard entry in the Campionato Italiano Velocità (CIV) at Imola, Italy, at the end of the season, Daniel Jr. scored a podium finish with his third-place result in Race 2.

“My best race of 2024 was in Aragón,” Daniel Jr. said. “I crashed out of running in P5, which was a huge bummer but I ended up remounting in P17 and raced back up to P5 in less than 15 laps to get my first top-five result in the RBRC.

“My best moment of 2024 was when I was called back to show my skills once more in the RBRC and really show (how much) I’ve improved this year and put all my efforts into next year’s championship.”

Kristian Daniel Jr. (70) led Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Race 2 at Assen this past June. Red Bull photo.

Daniel Jr. was born in Los Angeles, California, and started riding motorcycles at age five. In 2018, at age nine, he and his family moved to Barcelona, Spain, where he started racing 110cc, four-stroke MiniGP bikes. When he was 11, Daniel Jr. raced on his first MotoGP track at Circuit Ricardo Tormo when he competed in the Cuna de Campeones Moto5 series.

Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, the Red Bull Rookies Cup has been an important part of Dorna’s Road to MotoGP™ program. How important?

Of the Red Bull Rookies who have graduated from the Cup, more than 50% have made a start in the World Championship and of those, 30% have won at least one GP race. Eleven former Red Bull Rookies have won 15 World Championships including 2024 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martín, who was part of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup class of 2014. Ai Ogura, Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup class of 2017, won this past season’s Moto2 title, and David Alonso, Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup class of 2021, won the 2024 Moto3 World Championship. Five of this past season’s Red Bull Rookies will race in the Moto3 World Championship led by 2024 champion Álvaro Carpe. He is joined by Valentin Perrone, Màximo Quiles, Ruche Moodley, and Guido Pini.

2025 Red Bull Rookies Cup Provisional Calendar

– TEST: March 26-27-28, Jerez, Spain
– Round 1: April 26-27, Jerez, Spain
– Round 2: May 10-11, Le Mans, France
– Round 3: June 7-8, Aragon, Spain
– Round 4: June 21-22, Mugello, Italy
– Round 5: July 12-13, Sachsenring, Germany
– Round 6: August 16-17, Spielberg, Austria
– Round 7: September 13-14, Misano, Italy

Sportbike Track Time Previews 2025 Schedule

John Ulrich

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December 28, 2024

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Sportbike Track Time Previews 2025 Schedule

2025 STT Tentative SCHEDULE

February 15 & 16 – NCM Motorsports Park

February 21 – Talladega GP

March 15 & 16 – Talladega GP

March 29, 30 & 31 – Barber Motorsports Park

April 7 – Barber Motorsports Park

April 11 – Talladega GP

April 19 & 20 – Barber Motorsports Park

April 19 & 20 – Grattan Raceway

April 25 – GingerMan Raceway Bike Night

May 10 & 11 – Talladega GP

May 10 & 11 – Grattan Raceway

May 16 – Grattan Raceway

May 17 & 18 – Barber Motorsports Park

May 17 & 18 – Putnam Park

May 24, 25 & 26 – Autobahn Country Club

May 30 – GingerMan Raceway Bike Night

May 31 & June 1 – GingerMan Raceway

May 31 & June 1 – Talladega GP

June 14 & 15 – Road America

June 21 & 22 – Barber Motorsports Park

June 21 & 22 – Grattan Raceway

June 28 & 29 – Autobahn Country Club

June 28 & 29 – Road Atlanta

July 4, 5 & 6 – Grattan Raceway

July 11 – Grattan Raceway

July 19 & 20 – Talladega GP

July 19 & 20 – Putnam Park

July 26 & 27 – Autobahn Country Club

August 1 – GingerMan Raceway Bike Night

August 1 – Talladega GP

August 2 & 3 – Grattan Raceway

August 9 & 10 – Putnam Park

August 9 & 10 – Barber Motorsports Park

August 11 & 12 – Road America

August 15, 16 & 17 – GingerMan Raceway

August 30, 31 & September 1 – Autobahn Country Club

August 30, 31 & September 1 – Barber Motorsports Park

September 6 & 7 – Blackhawk Farms

September 12 – GingerMan Raceway Bike Night

September 20 & 21 – Talladega GP

September 20 & 21 – Grattan Raceway

September 27 & 28 – Autobahn Country Club

October 3 – GingerMan Raceway Bike Night

October 4 & 5 – Putnam Park

October 11 & 12 – Grattan Raceway

October 11, 12 & 13 – Barber Motorsports Park

November 1, 2, & 3 – Barber Motorsports Park

November 29 & 30 – Talladega GP

December 13 & 14 – Jennings GP

ASK STT:

Got a question? Feel free to drop a line to [email protected].

Sportbike Track Time | PO Box 366, Clinton MI 49236

RIP: Osamu Suzuki, Who Led Suzuki Motor For Decades, Dead at 94

John Ulrich

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December 27, 2024

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RIP: Osamu Suzuki, Who Led Suzuki Motor For Decades, Dead at 94

Osamu Suzuki, who led the Japanese motorcycle and car manufacturer for nearly five decades, died in Japan on December 25th, at the age of 94. The cause of death was lymphoma. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Suzuki Motos do Brazil issued this statement, and more information will be posted when it becomes available:

Former Suzuki Global President Osamu Suzuki Dies

It is with deep sorrow that we receive the news of the passing of Suzuki Motor Corporation Senior Advisor Osamu Suzuki at the age of 94.

To respect the wishes of deceased, funeral services were held only for family members. The company plans to hold a farewell meeting at a later date.

President of Suzuki Motos do Brazil, Joao Toledo mourned the death of the former president, who he had the honor of meeting on a few occasions during the more than three decades in which he has represented the brand in Brazil. “We are deeply sorry for the loss of Osamu Suzuki. His contribution and legacy will always be remembered with fondness and respect. May his soul rest in peace and may his family find comfort in this time of sorrow.”

Married to the granddaughter of the company founder, Osamu Suzuki joined Suzuki Motor in April 1958. In 1963 he was appointed director. In June 1978 he took over the company’s presidency, a position he held until 2016, when he handed over the position to his son, Toshiro Suzuki. In 2021, at the age of 91, he was appointed Senior Advisor.

More, From The Japan Times:

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2024/12/27/companies/osamu-suzuki-obituary/

More, From Kyodo News:

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/97880bcb8497-update1-suzuki-motors-former-longtime-leader-osamu-suzuki-dies-at-94.html

MotoGP: Will Lewis Hamilton Rescue KTM, And At What Cost?

Michael Gougis

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December 27, 2024

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MotoGP: Will Lewis Hamilton Rescue KTM, And At What Cost?

First Person/Opinion

By Michael Gougis

“I can only say that we have had very interesting conversations with his management. It is no secret that Lewis Hamilton is interested in MotoGP and is thinking about his own team. Here, too, there are concrete discussions.” Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, in an interview published by Speedweek.com on December 24th, 2024.

Rumors have been floated for months that seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton wants to purchase a MotoGP team. Until now, there were never credible sources attached to the rumors. Beirer’s comments are the most solid–and perhaps the first credible–indications that Hamilton may actually be actively seeking an ownership role in the MotoGP paddock.

KTM’s financial difficulties are well-known at this point, and while the company says it is going Grand Prix racing in 2025, an agency representing the company’s creditors says the plan is to pull out of “MotoGP Moto2/Moto3.” There is no timeline and no other details surrounding that assertion by the creditor agency.

Racing requires money, and KTM is actively seeking investors to help the company’s racing efforts. Beirer specifically chose the words “partner” and “investor” in the Speedweek article, because he views them differently than he does a sponsor. “An investor is something different than a sponsor,” he said. “When you have partners at the table to give you money for such a great project, then they get involved. Thus, it is clear that such people will have a certain say.”

This row of tractor semi-trailers is lined up to transport the main beams of the Red Bull/KTM hospitality building erected in the paddock at the MotoGP season finale in Barcelona. We counted at least 10 of these rigs in the paddock on Tuesday as the building was being disassembled. Point is, KTM and Red Bull spend a lot of money on Grand Prix racing, and with the company in financial trouble, creditors will be looking at all expenses. Photo by Michael Gougis.

So, what would Hamilton bring to the KTM racing project? And is Hamilton the suitor who will rescue KTM’s road racing efforts? Hamilton loves performance bikes. He’s ridden Valentino Rossi’s factory Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP machine and Yamaha factory-spec World Superbike YZF-R1s on the track. He owns a collection of fast Italian two-wheelers.

Start with the basics. Hamilton has the money. According to a list of wealthy Brits published earlier in December by The Mirror, Hamilton’s net worth is approximately $375 million. That’s enough to fund KTM’s Grand Prix road racing efforts for the foreseeable future. The annual interest on that amount–if it was in a certificate at my credit union– would generate significantly more than the reported $11 million or so Red Bull kicks in to the KTM MotoGP effort.

But at the levels of finance Hamilton operates in, the game doesn’t work like that. Hamilton will have personal sponsors who throw money at any project he gets involved with. When basketball legend Michael Jordan ran an AMA Pro Superbike team, much of the funding came not from him but from his personal sponsors and others who wanted the attention that he would attract–the U.S. National Guard being one of them. And when I researched an article on the Target/Ganassi IndyCar program for a business newspaper, I found that Target provided virtually nothing in the way of sponsorship. All of the companies with logos on the Target racing cars paid the bills as part of their overall business interaction with the retail giant.

The point is, Hamilton wouldn’t serve as just some rich businessman throwing personal money at a pet project on an impulse. If he got involved, it would be a complex project involving several large multinational corporations. KTM could end up with all of the money it reasonably needed to compete in MotoGP.

But it would come at the cost of having bosses to report to–bosses who are powerful financial figures who want results.

And one of those bosses would be one of history’s most famous and successful racers. Hamilton is a lot like Marc Marquez, in that the record books are littered with their names. Watching Hamilton drive at his best is just like watching Marquez ride–you know you are watching something otherworldly, something genius. (If you need proof, go watch the 2008 British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone. In changing, mixed, treacherous conditions, Hamilton won by 68 seconds.)

Lewis Hamilton at Valencia to ride Valentino Rossi’s factory Yamaha MotoGP racebike in 2019. Photo courtesy AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

Hamilton knows how to win under pressure that is difficult to imagine for motorcycle road racers. The money involved in F1 dwarfs that in MotoGP. The pressure and publicity that goes along with winning multiple titles in F1 makes the public life of Valentino Rossi look like the life of a supporting actor on a moderately successful TV sitcom of the 1990s.

When Team Rahal announced that it was going Supersport racing in MotoAmerica, I wrote that the squad would bring a level of professionalism and publicity to the series because it was a racing organization with a history of success in a very popular and high-profile international racing series. If you think of a potential Hamilton/KTM collaboration, it would be most accurate to see Hamilton’s organization upping the already insanely impressive KTM/Red Bull level. This could be good, because Hamilton and company know what it takes to win. Trackhouse Racing Team Principal Davide Brivio has said that having Justin Marks, a NASCAR race winner, as head of Trackhouse is good because Marks understands what it takes to win. So does Hamilton.

Someone like Hamilton is not going to get involved just for fun. Again, when Jordan got involved in AMA Pro Superbike racing, the team was reasonably successful but wasn’t able to consistently challenge the riders on the factory Yoshimura Suzukis. Jordan said that one of his biggest frustrations was not being able to get factory-spec parts from Suzuki for his team’s bikes. Jordan didn’t want to just be good, he wanted to win. If Hamilton gets involved with KTM, it will be at the factory level. Hamilton will want results, and the factory team will have to develop a bike and attract and retain riders who can beat competitors on the all-conquering Ducatis.

That, ultimately, is the downside of having Hamilton’s organization involved with a racing program. KTM’s progress in recent years has stalled, the team going longer without a race win in MotoGP than even struggling Honda. The RC16 may be as good as anything other than the latest-spec Ducati Desmosedici on any given Sunday. But Hamilton’s interest in the sport isn’t just to be “pretty good,” and it’s definitely not for the ROI. He needs no additional publicity. And there are far better ways to invest money than in MotoGP racing, unless one anticipates a dramatic increase in the value of a MotoGP team under the ownership of Liberty Media. And even that takeover has now been delayed.

No, Hamilton will come to the game to win. And the challenge of working with Aliens is that they want Alien-like results. Again, we can draw a comparison with Marc Marquez, who walked away from an incredibly lucrative contract with Honda because there was no longer any chance of winning on the RC213V. Marquez took a solid financial hit and went to the satellite Gresini team because he missed the taste of victory champagne. Standing on the top of the podium–or at least showing up at the track with a realistic chance of winning–is what motivates Aliens like Marquez and Hamilton. And if KTM can’t deliver that, there could be uncomfortable discussions between the team and its angel investor(s).

Bagger Racing League Expands To Europe For 2025

Michael Gougis

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December 26, 2024

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Bagger Racing League Expands To Europe For 2025

The races dedicated to BAGGER motorcycles (Harley Davidson, Indian, etc) have always been viewed with curiosity by the European motorcycling world. Curiosity that will be satisfied from 2025, when the Bagger Racing European Cup will be at the starting line, born from the will of one of the icons of motorcycling of the 2000s: Ruben Xaus.

Ruben has inflamed the crowds of the unpredictable and volcanic SBK World Championship on the track as he is today off it. In 2024 he returned to the saddle in the States in this category, winning the Bagger Racing League title at the first attempt. His entrepreneurial instinct led him to sign an agreement to obtain the rights for Europe, which he will organize supported by the Andorran Federation, in the person of President Natalia Gallego, under the aegis of FIM Europe.

The Cup will be open to all brands that offer motorcycles that can be equipped with bags on the market, thus allowing manufacturers and customizers to compete on a terrain that has never before been the subject of competition in Europe. Here is the list of bikes admitted to the Cup:

Harley Davidson Street Glide

Harley Davidson Road Glide

Harley Davidson Road King

Harley Davidson Ultra

BMW R18

Honda Goldwing

Kawasaki VN Voyager

Suzuki Intruder

Yamaha Star Cruiser

Moto Guzzi MGX 21

Moto Guzzi California

Triumph Rocket

Ducati Diavel V2

WYCHE Motorcycle

Great satisfaction for Ruben Xaus who has dedicated much of the last year to this project: “I found fertile ground for this project in FIM Europe, which immediately embraced it with enthusiasm. I am convinced that this championship can be an added value for the events in which it will be hosted, raising the level of entertainment and interest of the same. We are in the process of defining the calendar, which will be made official within a few days, but will include the main European countries. The regulation will also be simple and open to all. We want the riders registered for the championship to have fun and have fun”.

Alessandro Sambuco, FIM Europe Secretary General

“I am always very satisfied when we manage to add a new title to our sporting offering. Adding a new title is an indicator of health for our world and also indicates that there is confidence in what FIM Europe can offer. And what we offer is what differentiates us from the rest of the sporting world, the one that lives outside the international sporting system: we offer sporting rules, safety in sporting practice, insurance coverage and organizations that are up to every situation. The Baggers will offer a wide range of riders, from young to older, the opportunity to compete in a safe and dynamic environment that, thanks to the new Promoter, will also offer attractive entertainment to accompany the race”.

The cup includes two races for each round, divided between Saturday and Sunday, preceded by free practice and official sessions that will define the starting grid.

The coordination on the track, the organizational secretariat and marketing will be handled by the Italian company Sh Service which will support Gestions A L Instant sl in the organization. Registrations will open in conjunction with the MBE in Verona, an event that links the world of custom and track motorcycling.

Brembo Brags On Its 2024 Success In MotoGP, World Superbike, And More

John Ulrich

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December 26, 2024

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Brembo Brags On Its 2024 Success In MotoGP, World Superbike, And More

BREMBO: 700 TIMES AT THE TOP, THE PASSION NEVER STOPS

From rugged roads to legendary circuits, Brembo continues to make Motorsport history

Brembo, leader in the production of braking systems, celebrates a successful 2024: with 69 titles won, the company confirms its undisputed leadership in the braking systems sector. A year full of triumphs, with some truly memorable moments. In particular, in Formula 1, Max Verstappen (Oracle Red Bull Racing) won his fourth consecutive world
championship, using Brembo calipers and discs.

Another view of a Brembo MotoGP caliper. Brembo photo.

Speaking of other championships, notable mentions include Jorge Martin’s (Prima Pramac Racing) success in MotoGP with the entire Brembo braking system and Marchesini wheels, and the WorldSBK championship in which Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WSBK Team) returned to triumph. Not to forget the victories of Ai Ogura (MT Helmets MSI) in Moto2 and David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) in Moto3.

Thierry Neuville’s first WRC World Championship (Hyundai Motorsport) highlights the reliability and performance of Brembo braking systems in asphalt and dirt competitions. The strength of the Italian company is also evident in Gen-7 Car, in which all drivers and teams use components from the Brembo Group, such as AP Racing, demonstrating their reliability at high speeds on oval tracks.

As a Solution Provider, Brembo leverages its many years of experience in motorsport competitions to develop innovative and sustainable technological solutions. Thanks to a constant process of research and development, Brembo is able to offer cutting-edge products to major car and motorcycle manufacturers, ensuring maximum performance and safety. The numerous victories achieved not only by Brembo but also by Group companies such as Marchesini, AP Racing, SBS Friction, and J.Juan confirm the Group’s technological leadership in the sector.

Brembo has once again dominated Formula 1: all 24 races of 2024 were won by cars equipped with its brakes. Since 1975, the Bergamo-based company has collected 531 victories out of 851 Grand Prix races, winning 30 drivers’ titles and 34 constructors’ titles together with the strongest teams in the Circus.

The undisputed dominance in MotoGP continues, with successes extending to Moto2, Moto3, and World Superbike (also with Marchesini). Since 1978, a remarkable 592 victories in the premier class (500 and MotoGP) testify to Brembo’s excellence. For the ninth consecutive year, all MotoGP riders have chosen the performance and safety of Brembo components. With 36 riders’ titles and 37 constructors’ titles won with top teams, Brembo is synonymous with innovation and victory in the world of two wheels.
2024 consolidates Brembo’s dominance in electric motorsport as well. For the sixth consecutive season, all 22 full electric Gen3 single-seaters of the FIA Formula E and the 18 electric Ducati of the FIM MotoE World Cup have relied on the excellence of Brembo braking systems. In addition to the already mentioned championships of Formula 1, Formula E, MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, and WSBK, it is also worth mentioning the WEC, GT, IMSA, EWC, Gen-7 Car, MXGP, Enduro, Trial, Formula 2, Formula 3, WRC, Super Formula, MotoAmerica, Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, and many others, for a total of over 700 world titles won from 1975 to today in various categories.

About Brembo

Brembo leads the world in the design and production of high-performance braking systems and components for top-flight manufacturers of cars, motorbikes and commercial vehicles. Founded in 1961 in Italy, Brembo has a long-standing reputation for providing innovative solutions for OEMs and aftermarket. Brembo also competes in the most challenging motorsport championships in the world and has won over 700 titles. Guided by its strategic vision – “Turning Energy into Inspiration” – Brembo’s ambition is to help shape the future of mobility through cutting-edge, digital and sustainable solutions. With over 16,000 people across 15 countries, 32 production and business sites, 9 R&D centers and with a turnover of € 3,849 million in 2023, Brembo is the trusted solution provider for everyone who demands the best driving experience.

Monster Energy Supercross Previews 2025 Season: “Saturday Is Race Day”

John Ulrich

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December 26, 2024

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Monster Energy Supercross Previews 2025 Season: “Saturday Is Race Day”

In Advance of the 2025 Season, Monster Energy Supercross Boldly Proclaims “Saturday Is Race Day”

Monster Energy AMA Supercross, part of the SMX World Championship Series has unveiled a rebrand campaign that transforms Saturdays into the ultimate celebration of racing. With the launch of its “Saturday Is Race Day” campaign, Supercross is staking its claim as the ultimate form of motorsport competition while also embracing the global fandom that surrounds this storied American-born sport.

The campaign is a bold declaration that every Saturday—henceforth known as Race Day—belongs to Supercross fans. Featuring an electrifying new visual identity, a custom “Race Day” song, and an omnichannel ticketing initiative, the campaign is designed to immerse fans in the raw energy, excitement, and culture of Supercross events like never before. Across mobile, social, digital, and video—not to mention its own theme song—the campaign brings to life the experience beyond the race: a full-day, fan-first extravaganza packed with fun for the whole family.

“This campaign amplifies everything we love about Race Day and invites even more fans to join us in the experience,” said Dave Prater, Vice President – Supercross, Feld Motor Sports. “Supercross brings together the world’s best athletes at the pinnacle of off-road motorcycle racing, showcasing unmatched levels of skill, bravery, strength, and endurance. Seeing the sport up close and meeting these remarkable athletes at FanFest, while being part of the crowd takes the excitement to a whole new level. This campaign is an invitation to experience Supercross live and in person in an entirely new way.”

The new campaign is built around the momentum of Supercross’s record-breaking 2024 season, which marked the second year of the SMX World Championship. This groundbreaking series unified both disciplines of Supercross and Pro Motocross, culminating in the SMX World Championship Playoffs—a three-week postseason format—in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sept. 21. The event saw generational talents Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan both secure their second consecutive world championship titles in the 450 and 250 classes, respectively. With 2025 shaping up to be even bigger, the rebrand combines dynamic visuals with cutting-edge storytelling capturing the heart-pounding action and electric atmosphere of Supercross events.

“Supercross is all about community, energy, and the unforgettable feeling of being trackside,” said Sam Gomez, Senior Vice President of Digital Media and Communications at Feld Entertainment. “This campaign encapsulates the passion of our fans and the spirit of the sport while making it easier than ever for people to be part of the action. Thanks to Gupta Media’s storytelling and creative execution, we’re expanding our reach and delivering a campaign that lives up to the thrill of Supercross.”

Part of the crowd at a Supercross held in Charlotte. North Carolina last season. Feld photo.

Supercross FanFest typically draws NHL arena-sized audiences at each round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and is a big part of the overall Supercross experience.

“We knew that a campaign for Supercross had to match the intensity and passion of the sport itself,” said Gogi Gupta, Founder of Gupta Media, which developed the creative campaign in partnership with Feld Motor Sports. “Our team set out to create a campaign that not only drives ticket sales but also connects with fans on an emotional level, capturing the essence of what makes Supercross unforgettable.”

“Creating the ‘Saturday Is Race Day’ campaign was about capturing the raw energy and passion that make Supercross so special,” said Jen Perry, Executive Creative Director at Gupta Media. “We wanted to create something that not only resonates with fans but inspires them to engage and make it their own. Whether it’s through sharing their favorite Race Day moments with their families and friends or creating their own takes on the Race Day chant on social media, this is a rallying cry for the Supercross community to unite and amplify what they love about Race Day.”

A series ad featuring the new tag line, “Saturday Is Race Day.” The first Supercross of 2025 will be held at Angel Stadium on January 11th. Feld graphic.

Fans can expect to see the new Supercross campaign rolling out across digital channels, television, and social media in the coming weeks. Tickets for the upcoming Supercross season are available now at SupercrossLIVE.com. The 17-race Supercross schedule is poised to visit 16 cities across 13 states, from California and Arizona to Alabama and Pennsylvania, which includes four rounds in the Northeast as the SMX League continues to drive growth of the sport within the region. Additional stops include Tampa at Raymond James Stadium and East Rutherford, N.J. at MetLife Stadium. New to the schedule this season is a stop at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn, home to the six-time Superbowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers.

South Florida MiniGP Hosting Three Mini Cup Qualifiers In 2025

December 30, 2024

1224 SFMiniGP PR pic web 093cea0e-d9bf-3e93-360b-02e2cc28e73e — Willy Rodriguez (111) leads Artur Pinol (88) in SFLMiniGP action, at T4 Kartplex, 2024. Photo by Matt Dexter/SFLminiGP.