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MotoAmerica: Jigalov Racing Honda In Stock 1000

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Jigalov Racing Honda In Stock 1000

American Damian Jigalov is preparing to race a Honda CBR1000RR SP2 in the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 class after he turns 17 later this year, according to a press release issued by his father Adrian Jigalov.

Damian Jigalov raced in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup in 2019, finishing seventh in the Championship with one podium appearance and six top-five race results. But when the Illinois resident moved to the European Talent Cup (ETC) in 2020, he did not find the same level of success and recorded a best race finish of 22nd.

Having grown significantly in physical size over the last season, Jigalov has decided to move up from riding a 250cc Moto3 racebike in ETC to a 1000cc motorcycle and has done a deal with DSPHonda.com to race a Honda CBR1000RR SP2.

Jigalov will first race in WERA National Challenge Series events, according to the press release, until he turns 17 on June 28 and is old enough to also compete in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 races.

“I’m happy to announce that I’ll be racing a Honda CBR1000 SP2 in the WERA National Championship! Big thank you to DSP Honda for making this possible!” Jigalov posted on his social media feeds. “I’d also like to thank sponsors Podium Motorsports Pirelli, @onex_usa, @shoeihelmetsusa, WERA, @popshadowdecals, and @archmotorcycle. I can’t wait to get this season started with the first national race of the year being March 20-21 at Roebling Road Raceway. Thanks to my Mom and Dad! I’m looking forward to traveling the country again with my dad, if it wasn’t for him none of this would be possible!”

 

 

Moto2: Italtrans Racing Introduces Dalla Porta & Roberts (Video)

David Swarts
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0
Moto2: Italtrans Racing Introduces Dalla Porta & Roberts (Video)

Editorial Note: Most of the video presentation is in Italian, but the interview with Joe Roberts, which begins about 41:58, is done in English.

 

 

 

The 2021 Italtrans Racing Team presented online
 

The 2021 season of Italtrans Racing Team officially begins.

The presentation took place today, Friday 26th February at 6pm, with an online event streamed on Italtrans Racing Team official Facebook and Instagram pages.

An event full of emotions, conducted by the popular Italian reporter Paolo Beltramo, with the special presence of the World Champion Enea Bastianini and his manager Carlo Pernat: an occasion to celebrate the success achieved in 2020 before starting a new season in which Italtrans Racing Team will be the reference team in the intermediate class.

After the extraordinary title got together with Enea, the team is preparing to take part in the MotoGP World Championship for the 12th consecutive season.

Lorenzo Dalla Porta is ready to face his second season in Moto2 after a good debut and the experience gained as Moto3 World Champion in 2019. The Tuscan rider continues his growth and gets on track aiming to be one of the best riders in the category.

Alongside him there is the new entry, the American Joe Roberts. Originally from Malibu, California, the 23-year-old is at his fourth season in Moto2 after the excellent results achieved in 2020 with three pole positions and one podium.

In a few days, exactly on March 2nd-3rd, the team will be in Portimao for two days of testing. Then it will move to Losail for the official test from 19th to 21st. On March 28th will officially start the new season with the Grand Prix of Qatar.

Everything is ready for a new season full of challenges and emotions.

 

The Italtrans Racing team reveals its 2021 Kalex racebikes in Italy while a photo cutout stands in for American Joe Roberts. Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.
The Italtrans Racing team reveals its 2021 Kalex racebikes in Italy while a photo cutout stands in for American Joe Roberts. Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.

 

Laura Bertulessi, Italtrans:

“We are getting ready to live this new 2021 after a 2020 marked by the Covid-19 pandemic: despite the many difficulties we had great emotions with the amazing World Title with Enea. We are aware of being in the spotlight because we are World Champions, but for this reason the team is even more motivated: the technical staff led by Giovanni Sandi, together with Lorenzo and Joe, will show all our qualities once again. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors who have supported us in a difficult year like 2020 and continue to believe in our project also in this new season: I wish us all a highly competitive and satisfying season”.

Giovanni Sandi, Technical Director:

“After last year’s success we are ready for this new season. We are very determined and the goal is to repeat the excellent results. I’m confident in Lorenzo’s growth as he has taken a further step forward in the latest test. Joe has already shown he has the right skills and now he has to aim for something more. The team is ready to work hard with either”.

Lorenzo Dalla Porta #19:

“I’m very happy to continue my experience in Moto2 with Italtrans Racing Team. My season as rookie has been with ups and downs, but the team always supported me. I have been preparing for this new season and I’m ready to start even more motivated. Now let’s focus on Portimao’s test: I’m confident and I want to do well, showing that I’m a top rider. Thanks to the whole team and to the Bellina family for their trust”.

Joe Roberts #16:

“I’m so excited and can’t wait to start the season. The feeling with the team and the bike has been so good so far since the first test. I want to thank the Bellina family for trusting in me to represent the team this year. It’s going to be an incredible season: I hope to get some amazing results and learn some Italian too!”.

Franco Brugnara, Crew Chief:

“We start the season with all eyes on us as World Champions. We have to show our potential again. Last year was the first one for Lorenzo in Moto2: this year we will definitely have more fun. There are two new guys in the team and we know we can work and grow further. We hope for a positive season despite the Covid-19 restrictions”.

Federico Sandi, Crew Chief:

“This year I will have a different role with more responsibility and I can’t wait to get started. I could count on the experience and help of two key figures like my father Giovanni and Franco. We are a very united team that works hard and we have two strong riders, who can do well and aim for good results. Thanks to the support of Claudio, Germano and Laura we can confirm that we are the best Moto2 team”.

MotoAmerica: Motul Renews Mini Cup Sponsorship (With Video)

David Swarts
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MotoAmerica: Motul Renews Mini Cup Sponsorship (With Video)

Motul Returns To Support Future Stars As Presenting Sponsor Of MotoAmerica Mini Cup

After Highly Successful Debut Season, Mini Cup By Motul Is Back For Year Two With Four-Round Series Featuring Six- To 14-Year-Old Motorcycle Road Racers
 

IRVINE, CA (February 26, 2021) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Motul is back as the presenting sponsor of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup youth racing series. The Mini Cup by Motul championship has expanded to four rounds and will again feature three classes of racing: 110cc, 160cc and 190cc. The motorcycles will be based on spec rules centered around the Ohvale GP-0 mini road racer.

“We were extremely pleased with the first season of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Senior Sponsorship Manager. “There were a lot of entries, great racing and a family atmosphere that was a wonderful addition to the MotoAmerica paddock. We are thrilled to announce that Motul will be back as the presenting sponsor of the series this year. They are a great partner for us, we had a lot of fun in 2020, and the 2021 season promises even more.”

All four rounds of the Mini Cup by Motul will be held in conjunction with the 2021 MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike Championship. The Mini Cup by Motul series is set to begin at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, June 11-13, followed two weeks later by round two at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington, June 25-27. After a two-month break in the action, the series resumes with round three at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania, August 13-15, and then the championship will conclude with the first-ever Mini Cup by Motul event at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, September 17-19.

New for 2021 is a change in format. Mini Cup by Motul racers will now get the chance to race twice on each event weekend, which translates into the championship now consisting of eight races in each class. Practice will be held on Friday, and Saturday will have practice and qualifying, along with two main events.

“The first year of the Mini Cup by Motul was a huge success,” said Motul’s Marketing Manager Nolan Browning. “It was great to see the young racers battle and it’s impossible to not be impressed by the skills they show at such a young age. We’re happy to support the series again in 2021 and can’t wait to get started with the first round at Road America in June.”

 

 

2021 MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul Schedule

 

June 11-12                  Road America                                     Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

June 25-26                  Ridge Motorsports Park                     Shelton, Washington

August 13-14              Pittsburgh Int’l Race Complex            Wampum, Pennsylvania

September 17-18        Barber Motorsports Park                    Birmingham, Alabama

 

For the complete 2021 MotoAmerica Series schedule, click HERE

To purchase tickets to any of the 2021 series rounds, click HERE

For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica Series, click HERE

 

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes 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 on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Energica Continues Strong Sales, Adds Dealer In New England

David Swarts
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Energica Continues Strong Sales, Adds Dealer In New England

Energica orders growth continues: 49.7% of the entire 2020 turnover to date (30% of orders from the US).

Energica reaches over Euro 2.9 million, equal to 49.7% of the entire 2020 preliminary turnover (see press release dated 19.01.2021).

Thanks to the strong acceleration coming from the US market, which now has 12 dealers, the Californian Energica headquarters moved to a new 330 sqm location in South San Francisco. This is a significant extension compared to the 110 sqm of the previous Redwood headquarters.

New dealer in New England.

Energica continues its expansion in the United States market with a new commercial agreement with Energica of New England.  This new dealer is based in Gardner, Massachusetts, in the affluent western part of Greater Boston (11th largest metro in the U.S. with 4.9 million residents) and will service that state as well as Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

MotoGP: Fausto Gresini Funeral To Be Streamed Live On Saturday

David Swarts
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MotoGP: Fausto Gresini Funeral To Be Streamed Live On Saturday

THE LAST GOODBYE TO FAUSTO

The last goodbye to Fausto Gresini will take place tomorrow at Imola, privately. He passed away last 23 February at 60 years of age.

Unfortunately, it will not be the type of send-off ceremony we all wished for our beloved Fausto, given the current restrictions caused by the ongoing pandemic.

As Gresini Racing, and after agreeing with the family, we decided however to stream live the ceremony, to allow everybody to take part in this last farewell.

You can follow the live streaming at Facebook/GresiniRacing this Saturday from 10:00am.

MotoAmerica: Aprilia RS 660 Homologated For Twins Cup (Updated)

David Swarts
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0
MotoAmerica: Aprilia RS 660 Homologated For Twins Cup (Updated)

2021 Aprilia RS 660 Approved For MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship

The Italian Company’s Middleweight Class Entry Meets Homologation
Requirements And Will Join The Grid In 2021

IRVINE, CA (February 26, 2021) – MotoAmerica, the premier motorcycle road racing series in North America, is pleased to announce that the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 has met the AMA’s homologation requirements and is approved to compete in the 2021 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship.

“We are excited to have Aprilia race in our Twins Cup series with its new RS 660,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Our tech department has worked hard with Aprilia to make this happen while ensuring that the Twins Cup class continues to have parity between the manufacturers. We can’t wait to get to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and see how it all stacks up on the racetrack. This is going to be an exciting season in all our classes and the addition of the Aprilia in Twins Cup will be fun to watch.”

Of the 32 MotoAmerica Twins Cup races held in the three-year history of the class, Suzuki has won 20, Yamaha 10 and Ducati two. Suzuki has captured the title in all three seasons with Chris Parrish (2018), Alex Dumas (2019) and Rocco Landers (2020).

The Aprilia RS 660 will be required to meet balancing requirements set forth by MotoAmerica and the AMA from and including the opening round of the series at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 30-May 2. Those requirements are as follows:

Cylinders must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification

Pistons must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification

Piston Rings must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification. All piston rings must be fitted

Piston Pins and Clips must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification

Connecting Rods must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification.

Rod bolts are free

Cylinder Liner is free

“The RS 660 represents a new era of motorcycles for us at Aprilia,” said Mario Di Maria, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. “Today, we are very happy to offer the opportunity to American teams to race in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup with this incredible machine. The racetrack is and always will be the home of Aprilia, and the RS 660 reflects very well the origins of the brand, capable of winning 54 World titles while building motorcycles for very passionate riders. We look forward to starting this new adventure, giving a unique opportunity to a new generation of racers and hopefully champions too.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:

APRILIA RS 660 TO JOIN THE MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

THE CLASS CONTENDER MEETS HOMOLOGATION REQUIREMENTS AND BALANCING SET BY MOTOAMERICA, NOW APPROVED FOR THE STARTING GRID IN APRIL

NEW YORK, NY – 26 FEBRUARY, 2021 – Piaggio Group Americas is pleased to confirm the approval of the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 to race in the Twins Cup Championship in MotoAmerica, North America’s premiere road racing series.

The RS 660 offers a brand-new 100-bhp 660cc parallel-twin engine, which launches a new generation of lightweight, performance-dedicated motorcycles, featuring sophisticated design, with modern technology. Aprilia’s competition experience provides an exceptional chassis and rider geometry, as well as leading electronics for the twins-class category. Aimed to provide the perfect blend of performance and pleasure on the street for owners, the RS 660 is now ready to compete with MotoAmerica’s best racers.

Mario Di Maria, President and CEO, Piaggio Group Americas

“The RS 660 represents a new era of motorcycles for us at Aprilia. Today, we are very happy to offer the opportunity to American teams to race MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup with this incredible machine. The racetrack is and always will be the home of Aprilia, and the RS 660 reflects very well the origins of the brand, capable of winning 54 World Titles while building motorcycles for very passionate riders. We look forward to starting this new adventure, giving a unique opportunity to a new generation of racers and hopefully champions too.”

Wayne Rainey, MotoAmerica President

“We are excited to have Aprilia race in our Twins Cup series with its new RS 660. Our tech department has worked hard with Aprilia to make this happen while ensuring that the Twins Cup class continues to have parity between the manufacturers. We can’t wait to get to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and see how it all stacks up on the racetrack. This is going to be an exciting season in all our classes and the addition of the Aprilia in Twins Cup will be fun to watch.”

Aprilia Racing

Aprilia boasts 54 World Titles (38 in MotoGP, 7 in World Superbike and 9 in off-road disciplines) making it one of the most victorious brands on a global level in motorcycle racing and the most successful among the European brands.

MotoAmerica: Rodio Returning In SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup

David Swarts
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0
MotoAmerica: Rodio Returning In SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup

Rodio Racing commits to SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup for 2021

For the third year in a row, Gus Rodio (#96) will be contesting all nine rounds of the SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup aboard his Kawasaki Ninja 400.

2020 was cut short for Gus as he suffered a broken femur at The Ridge.

“For sure, that didn’t go the way I wanted, but it made me even hungrier,” Gus said.  Once his leg healed and he received Doctor’s approval, Gus immediately started training again.

“We’ve made multiple trips down south this off-season training on motards, minis and a bit of motocross,” he said.  “I’m feeling 100% and confident going into this season.”

Rodio Racing knows road racing is a team sport, so the team is reassembling for 2021.

Crew Chief Artie Meeker commented, “I’m really impressed with all the seat time Kevin (team owner) is providing for Gus. The kid is working real hard both on and off track too!”  Artie has been with the team since their first season.  “It’s definitely going to be a great season for Gus.   He deserves to be pushing toward the front again and I’m going to guarantee a spot on the box this year.”

Also returning to the team this year are Frank Angel (data tech) and Mike Marthaler (wheel man and lifter of heavy things).

“We’re all enthusiastic for the coming season,” Frank said.  “We know Gus has been putting in the work and we’ll give him the best bike we can.”

“I know we’ll be busy this season but me especially given the switch to white wheels,” Mike joked.  “Gus likes to stand out, and with the eyes up front and those fresh white hoops, we’ll be able to pick him out for sure!”

The MotoAmerica season kicks off on 4/30 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.

Rodio Racing is sponsored by: HJC Helmets, Dunlop, N2 Racing, EvolveGT Track Days, Spears Racing, K-Tech Suspension, NJMiniGP, Vortex Racing,  Spellcaster Productions, Kathedral Event Center, Category 5 Racing and Jonco Collision.

MotoGP Analysis: Suzuki GSX-RR Development, 2015 – 2020

Trudy Ulrich
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0
MotoGP Analysis: Suzuki GSX-RR Development, 2015 – 2020

Featured In the February 2021 issue of Roadracing World:  

         Last November the GSX-RR became the first Suzuki four-stroke to win a Grand Prix World Championship. This was a huge achievement for the Hamamatsu factory, which had endured mostly grim failure with the bike’s predecessor.

        Suzuki’s V4 GSV-R raced from 2002 to 2011, scoring just one race win. When Suzuki withdrew from MotoGP at the end of the 2011 season, many thought the company would never return, considering how much it spent over 10 seasons for so little return. In fact, Suzuki engineers started work on the GSX-RR almost immediately. This time they built an Inline Four, because that’s what the company sells to street riders… 

—Balanced Winner: Suzuki GSX-RR Development 2015-2020, by Mat Oxley

Suzuki’s GSX-RR is the best bike in MotoGP right now, not because it’s the fastest motorcycle, but because it’s the most balanced motorcycle. This has been Suzuki’s goal ever since the Inline Four replaced the much less successful V4 GSV-R. And all that hard work paid off in 2020 with the MotoGP World Championship for Joan Mir. MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley details how the company climbed the highest peak in road racing in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

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

PREVIEW the February 2021 Issue of Roadracing World!

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Moto2: Federal Oil Gresini Team Tests At Valencia

David Swarts
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0
Moto2: Federal Oil Gresini Team Tests At Valencia

It was all about work and think about the rest the least possible, and that is what happened. The debut of the new Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 team has surely been a positive one, at least on the sporting side.

There was a lot of interest on the debut of Fabio Di Giannantonio on the Kalex, with the Italian rider who was positively surprised with a bike he thought it was more difficult to ride. He already set a promising time (1’35.9secs) and plenty of data gathered ahead of the Portimao test. He also crashed – unhurt – at turn 11 on day one.

Good feeling also on the other side of the garage with Nicolò Bulega who finished the two-day test with 56 laps overall and a personal best lap of 1’36.3. The Italian was happy especially with the feeling with the team, who will join very soon (2-3 March).

FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #21 (1’35.9)

“I’m super happy with how we started the on-track work with the team. To be honest, I was expecting a slightly different bike, a more complicated one… while instead the initial feelings are excellent, even though I will have to work on my riding style to get used to it. We haven’t lapped a lot but the work was so important ahead of Portimao. I think getting on track was the best thing also to deal with the different emotions we are currently facing. I feel that to work hard and stay focused on the goals will be the best way to say goodbye to Fausto. Our goal was to win and to a great job, so we’ll try to do that for him.”

 

Nicolò Bulega (11) in action at Valencia. Photo courtesy Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team.
Nicolò Bulega (11) in action at Valencia. Photo courtesy Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team.

NICOLÒ BULEGA #11 (1’36.3)

“Unfortunately we haven’t lapped as much as we’d hoped, but the feeling in general is very good, both on the bike and with the team. The team is excellent and we can improve so much together. About Fausto, I really don’t know what to say… this situation has really hurt us, we have lost him in a matter of few days and the pain is huge. Maybe we still haven’t fully realized what happened, but we took to the track to honour him and pushed to the maximum as he would have liked us to.”

#CiaoFausto

World Supersport 300: Ana Carrasco Happy With First Test

David Swarts
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0
World Supersport 300: Ana Carrasco Happy With First Test

Carrasco and Lascorz combine forces at comeback test

Returning to the track as the next step in her journey to complete fitness, former WorldSSP300 Champion, Ana Carrasco, surprised even herself across two days of testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 24 and 25 February.

With thoughts of her surgery and resultant injuries now fading in her memory, the 23 year old Spanish rider was interested in not simply lap times on her Ninja 400 race machine but also endurance in terms of the sheer number of laps completed.

Offering track-side help and advice at the test was former WorldSBK rider, Joan Lascorz, who was able to channel Carrasco’s energy into completing 40 laps on the opening day then 44 laps on the second day of testing – a satisfactory total for any rider in Winter testing and especially impressive given this was Ana’s track return after five months of recuperation following spinal surgery.

 

Ana Carrasco (left) working with former World Superbike racer Joan Lascorz (right). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Ana Carrasco (left) working with former World Superbike racer Joan Lascorz (right). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Understandably feeling some localised discomfort as she adapted back to her racing machine, Carrasco achieved her target times at the circuit and impressed Lascorz with her physical and mental approach.

With the next test set for March 16 and 17 at Navarra, both rider and team feel the foundations have been laid for further progress to be made.

Ana commented:

“I’m very happy with these two days. My overall feelings about riding my Ninja 400 were really good and the results were actually much better than I anticipated before I started riding.

I’m very confident with the bike and the lap times match our target pace so I’m really happy. Also to get back to work with my team and to get valuable input from Joan was really motivating.

For sure, I’m still not fully recovered from my back injury and I still have some pain but that is to be expected. We will keep working hard to improve every day and to be race ready as soon as possible.”

MotoAmerica: Jigalov Racing Honda In Stock 1000

DSP Honda General Manager John Lawson (right) and Parts Associate Gary Landow (center) with racer Damian Jigalov (left). Photo by Adrian Jigalov.
Racer Damian Jigalov (left) with DSP Honda General Manager John Lawson (right) and Parts Associate Gary Landow (center). Photo by Adrian Jigalov.

American Damian Jigalov is preparing to race a Honda CBR1000RR SP2 in the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 class after he turns 17 later this year, according to a press release issued by his father Adrian Jigalov.

Damian Jigalov raced in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup in 2019, finishing seventh in the Championship with one podium appearance and six top-five race results. But when the Illinois resident moved to the European Talent Cup (ETC) in 2020, he did not find the same level of success and recorded a best race finish of 22nd.

Having grown significantly in physical size over the last season, Jigalov has decided to move up from riding a 250cc Moto3 racebike in ETC to a 1000cc motorcycle and has done a deal with DSPHonda.com to race a Honda CBR1000RR SP2.

Jigalov will first race in WERA National Challenge Series events, according to the press release, until he turns 17 on June 28 and is old enough to also compete in MotoAmerica Stock 1000 races.

“I’m happy to announce that I’ll be racing a Honda CBR1000 SP2 in the WERA National Championship! Big thank you to DSP Honda for making this possible!” Jigalov posted on his social media feeds. “I’d also like to thank sponsors Podium Motorsports Pirelli, @onex_usa, @shoeihelmetsusa, WERA, @popshadowdecals, and @archmotorcycle. I can’t wait to get this season started with the first national race of the year being March 20-21 at Roebling Road Raceway. Thanks to my Mom and Dad! I’m looking forward to traveling the country again with my dad, if it wasn’t for him none of this would be possible!”

 

 

Moto2: Italtrans Racing Introduces Dalla Porta & Roberts (Video)

The Italtrans Racing Moto2 racebikes of Lorenzo Dalla Porta (19) and Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.
The Italtrans Racing Moto2 racebikes of Lorenzo Dalla Porta (19) and Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.

Editorial Note: Most of the video presentation is in Italian, but the interview with Joe Roberts, which begins about 41:58, is done in English.

 

 

 

The 2021 Italtrans Racing Team presented online
 

The 2021 season of Italtrans Racing Team officially begins.

The presentation took place today, Friday 26th February at 6pm, with an online event streamed on Italtrans Racing Team official Facebook and Instagram pages.

An event full of emotions, conducted by the popular Italian reporter Paolo Beltramo, with the special presence of the World Champion Enea Bastianini and his manager Carlo Pernat: an occasion to celebrate the success achieved in 2020 before starting a new season in which Italtrans Racing Team will be the reference team in the intermediate class.

After the extraordinary title got together with Enea, the team is preparing to take part in the MotoGP World Championship for the 12th consecutive season.

Lorenzo Dalla Porta is ready to face his second season in Moto2 after a good debut and the experience gained as Moto3 World Champion in 2019. The Tuscan rider continues his growth and gets on track aiming to be one of the best riders in the category.

Alongside him there is the new entry, the American Joe Roberts. Originally from Malibu, California, the 23-year-old is at his fourth season in Moto2 after the excellent results achieved in 2020 with three pole positions and one podium.

In a few days, exactly on March 2nd-3rd, the team will be in Portimao for two days of testing. Then it will move to Losail for the official test from 19th to 21st. On March 28th will officially start the new season with the Grand Prix of Qatar.

Everything is ready for a new season full of challenges and emotions.

 

The Italtrans Racing team reveals its 2021 Kalex racebikes in Italy while a photo cutout stands in for American Joe Roberts. Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.
The Italtrans Racing team reveals its 2021 Kalex racebikes in Italy while a photo cutout stands in for American Joe Roberts. Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.

 

Laura Bertulessi, Italtrans:

“We are getting ready to live this new 2021 after a 2020 marked by the Covid-19 pandemic: despite the many difficulties we had great emotions with the amazing World Title with Enea. We are aware of being in the spotlight because we are World Champions, but for this reason the team is even more motivated: the technical staff led by Giovanni Sandi, together with Lorenzo and Joe, will show all our qualities once again. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors who have supported us in a difficult year like 2020 and continue to believe in our project also in this new season: I wish us all a highly competitive and satisfying season”.

Giovanni Sandi, Technical Director:

“After last year’s success we are ready for this new season. We are very determined and the goal is to repeat the excellent results. I’m confident in Lorenzo’s growth as he has taken a further step forward in the latest test. Joe has already shown he has the right skills and now he has to aim for something more. The team is ready to work hard with either”.

Lorenzo Dalla Porta #19:

“I’m very happy to continue my experience in Moto2 with Italtrans Racing Team. My season as rookie has been with ups and downs, but the team always supported me. I have been preparing for this new season and I’m ready to start even more motivated. Now let’s focus on Portimao’s test: I’m confident and I want to do well, showing that I’m a top rider. Thanks to the whole team and to the Bellina family for their trust”.

Joe Roberts #16:

“I’m so excited and can’t wait to start the season. The feeling with the team and the bike has been so good so far since the first test. I want to thank the Bellina family for trusting in me to represent the team this year. It’s going to be an incredible season: I hope to get some amazing results and learn some Italian too!”.

Franco Brugnara, Crew Chief:

“We start the season with all eyes on us as World Champions. We have to show our potential again. Last year was the first one for Lorenzo in Moto2: this year we will definitely have more fun. There are two new guys in the team and we know we can work and grow further. We hope for a positive season despite the Covid-19 restrictions”.

Federico Sandi, Crew Chief:

“This year I will have a different role with more responsibility and I can’t wait to get started. I could count on the experience and help of two key figures like my father Giovanni and Franco. We are a very united team that works hard and we have two strong riders, who can do well and aim for good results. Thanks to the support of Claudio, Germano and Laura we can confirm that we are the best Moto2 team”.

MotoAmerica: Motul Renews Mini Cup Sponsorship (With Video)

The start of a MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul race, featuring Ohvale spec motorcycles, at Road America in 2020. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The start of a MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul race at Road America in 2020. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Motul Returns To Support Future Stars As Presenting Sponsor Of MotoAmerica Mini Cup

After Highly Successful Debut Season, Mini Cup By Motul Is Back For Year Two With Four-Round Series Featuring Six- To 14-Year-Old Motorcycle Road Racers
 

IRVINE, CA (February 26, 2021) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Motul is back as the presenting sponsor of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup youth racing series. The Mini Cup by Motul championship has expanded to four rounds and will again feature three classes of racing: 110cc, 160cc and 190cc. The motorcycles will be based on spec rules centered around the Ohvale GP-0 mini road racer.

“We were extremely pleased with the first season of the MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Senior Sponsorship Manager. “There were a lot of entries, great racing and a family atmosphere that was a wonderful addition to the MotoAmerica paddock. We are thrilled to announce that Motul will be back as the presenting sponsor of the series this year. They are a great partner for us, we had a lot of fun in 2020, and the 2021 season promises even more.”

All four rounds of the Mini Cup by Motul will be held in conjunction with the 2021 MotoAmerica HONOS Superbike Championship. The Mini Cup by Motul series is set to begin at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, June 11-13, followed two weeks later by round two at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington, June 25-27. After a two-month break in the action, the series resumes with round three at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania, August 13-15, and then the championship will conclude with the first-ever Mini Cup by Motul event at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, September 17-19.

New for 2021 is a change in format. Mini Cup by Motul racers will now get the chance to race twice on each event weekend, which translates into the championship now consisting of eight races in each class. Practice will be held on Friday, and Saturday will have practice and qualifying, along with two main events.

“The first year of the Mini Cup by Motul was a huge success,” said Motul’s Marketing Manager Nolan Browning. “It was great to see the young racers battle and it’s impossible to not be impressed by the skills they show at such a young age. We’re happy to support the series again in 2021 and can’t wait to get started with the first round at Road America in June.”

 

 

2021 MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul Schedule

 

June 11-12                  Road America                                     Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

June 25-26                  Ridge Motorsports Park                     Shelton, Washington

August 13-14              Pittsburgh Int’l Race Complex            Wampum, Pennsylvania

September 17-18        Barber Motorsports Park                    Birmingham, Alabama

 

For the complete 2021 MotoAmerica Series schedule, click HERE

To purchase tickets to any of the 2021 series rounds, click HERE

For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica Series, click HERE

 

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes 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 on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Energica Continues Strong Sales, Adds Dealer In New England

Energica's 2021 model lineup (from left): Eva Ribelle RS, Ego Corsa+ RS, and Eva EsseEsse9+ RS. Photo by Lorenzo Concari, courtesy Energica.
Energica's 2021 model lineup (from left): Eva Ribelle RS, Ego Corsa+ RS, and Eva EsseEsse9+ RS. Photo by Lorenzo Concari, courtesy Energica.

Energica orders growth continues: 49.7% of the entire 2020 turnover to date (30% of orders from the US).

Energica reaches over Euro 2.9 million, equal to 49.7% of the entire 2020 preliminary turnover (see press release dated 19.01.2021).

Thanks to the strong acceleration coming from the US market, which now has 12 dealers, the Californian Energica headquarters moved to a new 330 sqm location in South San Francisco. This is a significant extension compared to the 110 sqm of the previous Redwood headquarters.

New dealer in New England.

Energica continues its expansion in the United States market with a new commercial agreement with Energica of New England.  This new dealer is based in Gardner, Massachusetts, in the affluent western part of Greater Boston (11th largest metro in the U.S. with 4.9 million residents) and will service that state as well as Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

MotoGP: Fausto Gresini Funeral To Be Streamed Live On Saturday

Fausto Gresini, R.I.P. Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.
Fausto Gresini, R.I.P. Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.

THE LAST GOODBYE TO FAUSTO

The last goodbye to Fausto Gresini will take place tomorrow at Imola, privately. He passed away last 23 February at 60 years of age.

Unfortunately, it will not be the type of send-off ceremony we all wished for our beloved Fausto, given the current restrictions caused by the ongoing pandemic.

As Gresini Racing, and after agreeing with the family, we decided however to stream live the ceremony, to allow everybody to take part in this last farewell.

You can follow the live streaming at Facebook/GresiniRacing this Saturday from 10:00am.

MotoAmerica: Aprilia RS 660 Homologated For Twins Cup (Updated)

The 2021 Aprilia RS 660 has met the AMA's homologation requirements and is approved to compete in the 2021 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship. Photo by CaliPhotography, courtesy MotoAmerica.
The 2021 Aprilia RS 660 has met the AMA's homologation requirements and is approved to compete in the 2021 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship. Photo by CaliPhotography, courtesy MotoAmerica.

2021 Aprilia RS 660 Approved For MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship

The Italian Company’s Middleweight Class Entry Meets Homologation
Requirements And Will Join The Grid In 2021

IRVINE, CA (February 26, 2021) – MotoAmerica, the premier motorcycle road racing series in North America, is pleased to announce that the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 has met the AMA’s homologation requirements and is approved to compete in the 2021 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship.

“We are excited to have Aprilia race in our Twins Cup series with its new RS 660,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Our tech department has worked hard with Aprilia to make this happen while ensuring that the Twins Cup class continues to have parity between the manufacturers. We can’t wait to get to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and see how it all stacks up on the racetrack. This is going to be an exciting season in all our classes and the addition of the Aprilia in Twins Cup will be fun to watch.”

Of the 32 MotoAmerica Twins Cup races held in the three-year history of the class, Suzuki has won 20, Yamaha 10 and Ducati two. Suzuki has captured the title in all three seasons with Chris Parrish (2018), Alex Dumas (2019) and Rocco Landers (2020).

The Aprilia RS 660 will be required to meet balancing requirements set forth by MotoAmerica and the AMA from and including the opening round of the series at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 30-May 2. Those requirements are as follows:

Cylinders must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification

Pistons must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification

Piston Rings must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification. All piston rings must be fitted

Piston Pins and Clips must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification

Connecting Rods must be the originally fitted and homologated part with no modification.

Rod bolts are free

Cylinder Liner is free

“The RS 660 represents a new era of motorcycles for us at Aprilia,” said Mario Di Maria, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. “Today, we are very happy to offer the opportunity to American teams to race in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup with this incredible machine. The racetrack is and always will be the home of Aprilia, and the RS 660 reflects very well the origins of the brand, capable of winning 54 World titles while building motorcycles for very passionate riders. We look forward to starting this new adventure, giving a unique opportunity to a new generation of racers and hopefully champions too.”

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:

APRILIA RS 660 TO JOIN THE MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

THE CLASS CONTENDER MEETS HOMOLOGATION REQUIREMENTS AND BALANCING SET BY MOTOAMERICA, NOW APPROVED FOR THE STARTING GRID IN APRIL

NEW YORK, NY – 26 FEBRUARY, 2021 – Piaggio Group Americas is pleased to confirm the approval of the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 to race in the Twins Cup Championship in MotoAmerica, North America’s premiere road racing series.

The RS 660 offers a brand-new 100-bhp 660cc parallel-twin engine, which launches a new generation of lightweight, performance-dedicated motorcycles, featuring sophisticated design, with modern technology. Aprilia’s competition experience provides an exceptional chassis and rider geometry, as well as leading electronics for the twins-class category. Aimed to provide the perfect blend of performance and pleasure on the street for owners, the RS 660 is now ready to compete with MotoAmerica’s best racers.

Mario Di Maria, President and CEO, Piaggio Group Americas

“The RS 660 represents a new era of motorcycles for us at Aprilia. Today, we are very happy to offer the opportunity to American teams to race MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup with this incredible machine. The racetrack is and always will be the home of Aprilia, and the RS 660 reflects very well the origins of the brand, capable of winning 54 World Titles while building motorcycles for very passionate riders. We look forward to starting this new adventure, giving a unique opportunity to a new generation of racers and hopefully champions too.”

Wayne Rainey, MotoAmerica President

“We are excited to have Aprilia race in our Twins Cup series with its new RS 660. Our tech department has worked hard with Aprilia to make this happen while ensuring that the Twins Cup class continues to have parity between the manufacturers. We can’t wait to get to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and see how it all stacks up on the racetrack. This is going to be an exciting season in all our classes and the addition of the Aprilia in Twins Cup will be fun to watch.”

Aprilia Racing

Aprilia boasts 54 World Titles (38 in MotoGP, 7 in World Superbike and 9 in off-road disciplines) making it one of the most victorious brands on a global level in motorcycle racing and the most successful among the European brands.

MotoAmerica: Rodio Returning In SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup

Gus Rodio (96). Photo courtesy Rodio Racing.
Gus Rodio (96). Photo courtesy Rodio Racing.

Rodio Racing commits to SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup for 2021

For the third year in a row, Gus Rodio (#96) will be contesting all nine rounds of the SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup aboard his Kawasaki Ninja 400.

2020 was cut short for Gus as he suffered a broken femur at The Ridge.

“For sure, that didn’t go the way I wanted, but it made me even hungrier,” Gus said.  Once his leg healed and he received Doctor’s approval, Gus immediately started training again.

“We’ve made multiple trips down south this off-season training on motards, minis and a bit of motocross,” he said.  “I’m feeling 100% and confident going into this season.”

Rodio Racing knows road racing is a team sport, so the team is reassembling for 2021.

Crew Chief Artie Meeker commented, “I’m really impressed with all the seat time Kevin (team owner) is providing for Gus. The kid is working real hard both on and off track too!”  Artie has been with the team since their first season.  “It’s definitely going to be a great season for Gus.   He deserves to be pushing toward the front again and I’m going to guarantee a spot on the box this year.”

Also returning to the team this year are Frank Angel (data tech) and Mike Marthaler (wheel man and lifter of heavy things).

“We’re all enthusiastic for the coming season,” Frank said.  “We know Gus has been putting in the work and we’ll give him the best bike we can.”

“I know we’ll be busy this season but me especially given the switch to white wheels,” Mike joked.  “Gus likes to stand out, and with the eyes up front and those fresh white hoops, we’ll be able to pick him out for sure!”

The MotoAmerica season kicks off on 4/30 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia.

Rodio Racing is sponsored by: HJC Helmets, Dunlop, N2 Racing, EvolveGT Track Days, Spears Racing, K-Tech Suspension, NJMiniGP, Vortex Racing,  Spellcaster Productions, Kathedral Event Center, Category 5 Racing and Jonco Collision.

MotoGP Analysis: Suzuki GSX-RR Development, 2015 – 2020

Jon Mir and the Suzuki GSX-RR, airborne on the way to MotoGP victory at Valencia #1, 2020.

Featured In the February 2021 issue of Roadracing World:  

         Last November the GSX-RR became the first Suzuki four-stroke to win a Grand Prix World Championship. This was a huge achievement for the Hamamatsu factory, which had endured mostly grim failure with the bike’s predecessor.

        Suzuki’s V4 GSV-R raced from 2002 to 2011, scoring just one race win. When Suzuki withdrew from MotoGP at the end of the 2011 season, many thought the company would never return, considering how much it spent over 10 seasons for so little return. In fact, Suzuki engineers started work on the GSX-RR almost immediately. This time they built an Inline Four, because that’s what the company sells to street riders… 

—Balanced Winner: Suzuki GSX-RR Development 2015-2020, by Mat Oxley

Suzuki’s GSX-RR is the best bike in MotoGP right now, not because it’s the fastest motorcycle, but because it’s the most balanced motorcycle. This has been Suzuki’s goal ever since the Inline Four replaced the much less successful V4 GSV-R. And all that hard work paid off in 2020 with the MotoGP World Championship for Joan Mir. MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley details how the company climbed the highest peak in road racing in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

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

PREVIEW the February 2021 Issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the February 2021 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE

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Moto2: Federal Oil Gresini Team Tests At Valencia

Fabio Di Giannantonio (21) in action at Valencia. Photo courtesy Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (21) in action at Valencia. Photo courtesy Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team.

It was all about work and think about the rest the least possible, and that is what happened. The debut of the new Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 team has surely been a positive one, at least on the sporting side.

There was a lot of interest on the debut of Fabio Di Giannantonio on the Kalex, with the Italian rider who was positively surprised with a bike he thought it was more difficult to ride. He already set a promising time (1’35.9secs) and plenty of data gathered ahead of the Portimao test. He also crashed – unhurt – at turn 11 on day one.

Good feeling also on the other side of the garage with Nicolò Bulega who finished the two-day test with 56 laps overall and a personal best lap of 1’36.3. The Italian was happy especially with the feeling with the team, who will join very soon (2-3 March).

FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #21 (1’35.9)

“I’m super happy with how we started the on-track work with the team. To be honest, I was expecting a slightly different bike, a more complicated one… while instead the initial feelings are excellent, even though I will have to work on my riding style to get used to it. We haven’t lapped a lot but the work was so important ahead of Portimao. I think getting on track was the best thing also to deal with the different emotions we are currently facing. I feel that to work hard and stay focused on the goals will be the best way to say goodbye to Fausto. Our goal was to win and to a great job, so we’ll try to do that for him.”

 

Nicolò Bulega (11) in action at Valencia. Photo courtesy Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team.
Nicolò Bulega (11) in action at Valencia. Photo courtesy Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team.

NICOLÒ BULEGA #11 (1’36.3)

“Unfortunately we haven’t lapped as much as we’d hoped, but the feeling in general is very good, both on the bike and with the team. The team is excellent and we can improve so much together. About Fausto, I really don’t know what to say… this situation has really hurt us, we have lost him in a matter of few days and the pain is huge. Maybe we still haven’t fully realized what happened, but we took to the track to honour him and pushed to the maximum as he would have liked us to.”

#CiaoFausto

World Supersport 300: Ana Carrasco Happy With First Test

Ana Carrasco (11) in action at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Ana Carrasco (11) in action at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Carrasco and Lascorz combine forces at comeback test

Returning to the track as the next step in her journey to complete fitness, former WorldSSP300 Champion, Ana Carrasco, surprised even herself across two days of testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 24 and 25 February.

With thoughts of her surgery and resultant injuries now fading in her memory, the 23 year old Spanish rider was interested in not simply lap times on her Ninja 400 race machine but also endurance in terms of the sheer number of laps completed.

Offering track-side help and advice at the test was former WorldSBK rider, Joan Lascorz, who was able to channel Carrasco’s energy into completing 40 laps on the opening day then 44 laps on the second day of testing – a satisfactory total for any rider in Winter testing and especially impressive given this was Ana’s track return after five months of recuperation following spinal surgery.

 

Ana Carrasco (left) working with former World Superbike racer Joan Lascorz (right). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Ana Carrasco (left) working with former World Superbike racer Joan Lascorz (right). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Understandably feeling some localised discomfort as she adapted back to her racing machine, Carrasco achieved her target times at the circuit and impressed Lascorz with her physical and mental approach.

With the next test set for March 16 and 17 at Navarra, both rider and team feel the foundations have been laid for further progress to be made.

Ana commented:

“I’m very happy with these two days. My overall feelings about riding my Ninja 400 were really good and the results were actually much better than I anticipated before I started riding.

I’m very confident with the bike and the lap times match our target pace so I’m really happy. Also to get back to work with my team and to get valuable input from Joan was really motivating.

For sure, I’m still not fully recovered from my back injury and I still have some pain but that is to be expected. We will keep working hard to improve every day and to be race ready as soon as possible.”

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