Marc VDS Racing to withdraw from FIM Enel MotoE World Cup
The Marc VDS Racing Team has taken the difficult decision to withdraw its planned entry in the 2021 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup competition.
The Belgian team was a proud founder member of the innovative electric bike series and enjoyed great success with Mike di Meglio scoring one victory and four podiums in 2019 and 2020. The Frenchman finished fourth overall in 2020 and was fifth in the final standings in the inaugural series in 2019.
The main reason behind this decision is scheduling clashes that di Meglio will encounter during the 2021 season, with the Frenchman also committed to competing in the World Endurance Championship.
With little time to find a suitable replacement for the former 125cc World Champion, Marc van der Straten has reluctantly decided to end Marc VDS Racing’s involvement in the FIM Enel MotoE Cup with immediate effect.
Mike di Meglio (left) with Team Owner Marc van der Straten (right) pre-COVID-19 in 2019. Photo courtesy of Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS.
Marc van der Straten:
“Although I am saddened to leave this pioneering competition, I have to be true to the principles and competitive values of the team. We have invested time and effort over the last two years working with Mike di Meglio to be able to fight for great things with him. Having to give up our rider due to a calendar incompatibility has completely changed the project we have been betting on for some time. Given the short time available before the start of the competition to start a new project, we have decided to withdraw from the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. I want to thank all the friends and sponsors who have accompanied us in this beautiful adventure these last two years.”
Turner Racing to Represent Honda in American Flat Track
Henry Wiles, Cole Zabala, Trevor Brunner to campaign CRF450R race bikes
January 21, 2021 — TORRANCE, Calif.
American Honda today announced a new partnership with Turner Racing in Progressive American Flat Track. Turner Racing Honda will compete in the 2021 series in the AFT Singles division, with three riders—Henry Wiles, Cole Zabala and Trevor Brunner—aboard CRF450R race machines. The Georgia-based operation, which earned a win last year under the B&M Masonry brand, will also receive technical support from Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda, with Bryan Bigelow in the role of Team Manager and Mike Lozano serving as a technician.
This is Honda’s third season back in flat track racing after more than 25 years away, having earned a total of six AFT Singles wins in 2019 and 2020, while finishing those seasons second and third, respectively, in the rider points standings. For 2021, Honda hopes to build on that progress.
A veteran of the sport, Michigan native Wiles was the GNC1 Singles Champion in 2009 and 2010, and he finished third in the AFT Singles final standings last year, his first aboard Honda machinery. Zabala and Brunner are up-and-coming racers returning to Turner Racing, and both posted respectable results last season aboard Honda machinery—Zabala notching two podium finishes and Brunner winning the Springfield Short Track.
“We’re pleased to have a strong Honda effort in flat track racing,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Advertising and Motorcycle Sports at American Honda. “American Flat Track continues to be a great steward of the sport, honoring its legacy while also building a promising future, and we anticipate a fun season battling for the championship. Everyone at Honda thanks Richie Morris and his team for two great years together, and we look forward to a successful effort with Turner Racing.”
Turner Racing owner Mike Turner noted that he is excited to be working with Honda. “This truly is a dream come true for our team,” he said. “To follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest flat trackers of all time, like Bubba Shobert, Ricky Graham, Mike Kidd, Freddie Spencer, Terry Poovey, Hank Scott, Doug Chandler and Ted Booty is an honor. These guys were my heroes growing up, and this means the world to me as a team owner. To be a part of the Honda legacy in flat track is something we do not take lightly, and we plan to honor that legacy by working 24/7 on our program to make them proud.”
The 2021 American Flat Track series commences on March 12 in Barberville, Florida.
Kawasaki Racing Team riders Alex Lowes and Jonathan Rea were unable to take to the track for a planned two-day test at Jerez on 20-21 January, due to wet weather.
Needing a dry track surface to confirm the development programme of the exciting new Ninja ZX-10RR in WorldSBK specification, a completely wet first day – and no prospect of a truly dry track surface on day two – led the team to call an end to their immediate test plans.
New rules that limit the number of available private test days in 2021 to a total of ten also contributed to the final decision not to take the track in wet conditions.
Much of the pre-season evaluation and data-gathering was done at the end of the 2020 season, during tests at Jerez and Motorland Aragon in November, but to re-confirm some items and try new elements of the performance package KRT is now aiming to schedule another test day at Jerez, on 28 January.
Alex Lowes (left) and Jonathan Rea (right) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “It is a great shame not to test but the track is not going to be perfect today, so we decided to call it early. The guys can pack up and everyone can go home a little bit earlier. With the new regulations in place for limited test days, we need to be clever and use these days when they are most important. Right now we need to confirm some important items in dry conditions, that we already tested at Jerez the end of last season.”
Alex Lowes, stated: “This is typical English weather – so I must have brought it with me! It is a shame but the first thing to say is that there has been so much effort from the guys, especially with the Corona virus restrictions, to put everything in place to get us down here to test. So thank you to them. It is a shame the weather did not cooperate this time but it has been nice to see everyone – and see my bike again.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “We were here for a two day test but still the track is wet and it is raining. With the new rules we have, for a limited number of testing days through the year, we decided to cancel. It is a shame because we had some engine items to test, but this is life; something we cannot control.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “After the November test, where we did 95% of the job we normally do in a winter test, we were very confident here to re-start the 2021 schedule. Unfortunately, we have had some wet conditions but on the other side we are confident of the job we have done so far. We already said to each other that if we had to race tomorrow, we would be ready. Next week we have the opportunity to test for one day at a sunny Jerez, so we will return and continue our plan.”
At the midpoint of the tests neither Isaac Vinales (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki) nor Loris Cresson (Outdo TPR Kawasaki) had taken to the track, with neither likely to if the conditions do not improve drastically.
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
Private test at Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) cancelled due to rain
Scott Redding. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
After the heavy rain that cancelled the first day of the private test at Jerez de la Frontera
(Spain), the Angel Nieto Circuit was still very wet today, partly due to sporadic showers that prevented Scott Redding and Michael Rinaldi from getting on track to do some solid work with their Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Due to the restrictions on testing days introduced by Dorna this season, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team preferred not to take to the track, working immediately to find a new date and circuit as soon as possible.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
More, from a press release issued by Pedercini Racing:
Rain prevents Pedercini Racing from making their 2021 on-track debut with Loris Cresson
The planned two-day test at the Jerez Circuit in Southern Spain which should have seen OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini back on-track for the first of several pre-season tests has unfortunately been cancelled due to bad weather.
Whilst naturally disappointed to postpone their first 2021 outing, the squad made the decision to avoid wasting one of their limited test days and will now focus on a revised test schedule ahead of the FIM Superbike World Championship season opener at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands in April.
Lucio Pedercini – Team Manager: “It’s been frustrating for everyone over the last two days and I know Loris was keen to ride again but in the end the weather stopped us. We waited until the final moment, hoping the weather would improve enough for Loris to ride but in the end, it was not possible. The track was damp and not fully dry so what would Loris benefit from riding in less than perfect conditions? With Johan Zarco and Michele Pirro several seconds off the pace we saw no point in losing two test days from our allocation. We now need to evaluate when and where we will test before what already had planned at the beginning of March, but we need to time to see when and where it could be possible.”
Loris Cresson: “It’s not great to start the year like this but it is how it is and was the same for everyone. On Tuesday when it was clear we couldn’t ride I went back to the hotel and to the gym. I was hoping to ride on Wednesday but unfortunately the weather was still against us. Nevertheless, it was great to meet the team again and I am even more excited to get back on track as soon as we can!”
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Difficult track conditions restrict running again at Jerez
Yesterday’s rain passed but difficult track conditions stopped teams and riders taking to the track for the second day of testing at Jerez
The weather once again caused havoc with the scheduled two-day test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto as a wet track from yesterday’s rain stopped the majority of the teams and riders present going out on track. Like the opening day, the only rider to head out was FIM Supersport World Championship rookie Leonardo Taccini with the Italian continuing to get up to speed with his new machine for the 2021 season.
18-year-old Taccini is making his debut in WorldSSP for 2021 as he looks to challenge for the WorldSSP Challenge title with ORELAC Racing VerdNatura. Taccini added to his 20 laps from day one with another 23 laps on the second day and also improved his best time again as he posted a 2’01.940s; finding around seven seconds as conditions improved and he got familiar with the Kawasaki ZX-6R.
The conditions prevented Team HRC’s Leon Haslam and Alvaro Bautista from taking to the track with the team already confirming they would return to the Andalusian track next week (January 27-28) where they hope to fully exploit the test days; a new rule brought in for 2021 limits riders to ten days of private testing – not including Official or Supported tests. It meant all WorldSBK riders stayed in their garage for the duration of the test. Team HRC had been hoping to confirm the work completed over the winter but this will now have to wait until the next test session.
Reigning Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and teammate Alex Lowes were scheduled to be out on track as well with their brand-new Kawasaki ZX-10RR as both riders and KRT continued the development of the new engine ahead of the 2021 season, as well as a new aerodynamic package. KRT will also be back at Jerez on January 28 to try and reconfirm some elements as well as try new parts.
The ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati team were the other factory team present in Jerez but, like both Team HRC and KRT, opted to stay in their garage with Scott Redding and Michael Ruben Rinaldi; with Redding travelling from California to make the two-day test. The team claimed the 2020 teams’ Championship with the Ducati Panigale V4 R and will be looking to mount another title challenge with Redding and Rinaldi.
It proved to be a difficult two days for WorldSBK rookies too as they were unable to test their machines for the first time in wet conditions. Isaac Viñales (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura), who had been looking to get on the 2020 Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Loris Cresson (OUTDO Kawasaki TPR) and Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) were all hoping to get some all-important mileage under their belt.
It was a similar story for WorldSBK veteran Chaz Davies (Team GOELEVEN) as he looked to get acquainted with his new team across the test. The Welshman would have been testing the bike he won with at Estoril at the end of the 2020 season as well as a slightly modified one for Ducati, but instead had to stay in the pit area and garage across both days.
A two-day Superbike test scheduled to take place this week has now been cancelled due to wet weather.
Team HRC was looking forward to testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain yesterday and today, but the weather conditions have unfortunately put paid to its plans. Rain and a constantly wet track meant that there was little point in sending Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam out with their CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
Team HRC waited until lunchtime today to see if conditions might improve enough to make testing worthwhile, but although it eventually stopped raining, the track remained wet, temperatures not particularly cold but also not warm enough to allow the surface to dry quickly.
In an attempt to fully exploit the annual allocation of test days, the session has therefore been rescheduled and Team HRC will return to the Andalusian circuit on 27-28 January, ready to complete the work it had planned for this week.
ARAI Helmets News – WorldSBK test Jerez, Leon Camier has a new career path, MotoAmerica has a new Junior Cup title sponsor, no more Superpole for Honos Superbike, the Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) gets a NERF, Yosh SERT gets a new rider, Fausto Gresini update
Supercross – Results and a chat about Houston 1 and Houston 2.
Supercross – Multi-Time Champ Ryan Dungey talks about 2021, life after racing, his advice to young riders and more.
(January 20, 2021, Elora, Tennessee) The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is making it easier for classic and modern dirt trackers to get sideways.
To accommodate dirt track racers from America’s many local and regional racing groups, AHRMA is adding five new, easy-to-enter classes to its 2021 National Vintage Dirt Track Series.
“There are now two new classes for vintage bikes and two new classes for those modern bikes that have a classic feel, plus our ‘Spanish Cup,’” said Arthur Kowitz, chairman of the AHRMA Board of Directors.
The following four new classes are “Directors Choice,” added to meet the needs of racers or highlight special motorcycles.
Modern Classic Singles is open to an air-cooled single cylinder 4-stroke powered machine with no restrictions on displacement, chassis or running gear.
Modern Classic Twins is open to any air-cooled twin cylinder 4-stroke powered machine with no restrictions on displacement, chassis or running gear.
Vintage Lightweight is open to any motorcycle built before 1996, with a two-stroke or four-stroke engine displacing less than 450cc, with no restrictions on chassis or running gear.
Vintage Heavyweight is open to any motorcycle built before 1996, with a two-stroke or four-stroke single or multi-cylinder engine displacing 450cc or larger, with no restrictions on chassis or running gear.
While they are not official championship classes published in the 2021 AHRMA Handbook, they will be part of all 2021 AHRMA dirt track events. Competitors will earn trophies and championship series points.
The fifth new class for 2021 is the “Spanish Cup” open to Bultaco, OSSA and Montesa motorcycles with air-cooled engines displacing up to 360cc.
These new classes augment AHRMA’s long-standing vintage dirt track program.
Dirt track racing is a foundation and mainstay of American motorcycle competition. It blossomed into a unique American sport during the 1930s. The proliferation of dirt ovals throughout America led to further development and popularity through the 1970s, resulting in several distinctly different forms of racing motorcycles — each developed to suit the rules of the time period and optimized for dirt oval racing.
AHRMA preserves the sights and sounds of this uniquely American sport and brings it to race fans by providing a set of governing rules intended to capture each distinct period of dirt track racing: Class C, brakeless, vintage and Seventies-era.
Motorcycles from these periods are pitted against each other on dirt ovals across the United States. AHRMA dirt track events are held at a variety of venues ranging from short tracks, half-miles, miles and Tourist Trophy circuits, with national points awarded to encourage participation and recognize achievement.
The complete 2021 AHRMA National Vintage Dirt Track Series schedule, class rules and entry forms are available at ahrma.org/schedules-results.
AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring and competing on historic motorcycles. With more than 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world. The association’s enthusiastic membership reflects this country’s strong interest in classic bikes.
Avery Dreher to Contest MotoAmerica SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup Championship for PDR Motorsports in 2021
Miami, FL – PDR Motorsports is proud to officially announce that Avery Dreher will be riding for its newly formed MotoAmerica race team. Dreher will pilot a Kawasaki Ninja 400 in his first professional season at the young age of only 14 years.
“We are extremely excited to have had Avery join our team. Anyone who’s had the opportunity to see Avery race knows that this young man is a rare talent and has a very bright future in our sport,” says Edelberto Acosta, Principal of PDR Motorsports
Dreher has spent the last couple of years racing up and down the east coast with SFL MiniGP, FMRRA, WERA, CCS, and in the MotoAmerica Mini Cup. His most recent accomplishments include being named the FMRRA Superstreet 300 Overall Champion and CCS Moto3 Amateur National Champion (both in his rookie season).
PDR Motorsports team sponsors include CCA Interstate Corp, Bxpress Freight Systems, BG Cargo Logistic, Envy Racing Apparel, and SFL MiniGP.
Thanks to the vision and efforts of the Tasmanian Government and Events Tasmania to bring major national sporting events to the Apple Isle, Motorcycling Australia is very excited to announce the 2021 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, (ASBK) returns to Symmons Plains Raceway for four days of Championship action. The joint venture cements the date and location of the seventh round of the 2021 ASBK calendar.
Officially announced today by Tasmanian Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events, Sarah Courtney, and Motorcycling Australia, the Symmons Plains Raceway round will be held on November 4-7, 2021.
Supported by Events Tasmania, the ASBK Championship event will see Australia’s fastest two-wheel riders go head-to-head in the Superbike, Supersport, Supersport 300, R3 Cup and Oceania Junior Cup classes on the spectacular 2.411km venue.
Minister Sarah Courtney made the announcement at Symmons Plains Raceway this afternoon, with Motorcycling Australia Operations Director, Martin Port, and ASBK competitors including Tom Bramich (former World Supersport 300 rider and 2021 ASBK Supersport competitor).
“I’m pleased to announce that the Australian Superbikes will be returning to Tasmania, for the first time since 2015, for one round of the 2021 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul,” Minister Courtney said.
“The Australian Superbike Championship is the premier national road racing championship, and it is very exciting for Tasmanians to again have the opportunity to see them racing in our State.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing $150,000 in funding through the Events Tasmania Major Event Partnerships Program.
“It is anticipated that nearly 1,000 participants and support crew will travel to Tasmania to participate in races across categories, from the Oceania Junior Cup, for riders aged between 11 to under 16 years, through to the Australian Superbike category featuring some of the largest capacity motorcycles currently available on the domestic market.”
Mr. Port said the return of ASBK to Tasmania would be sensational news for local race fans.
“MA and the ASBK Management Team are very excited that the ASBK Championship is returning to Symmons Plains Raceway in 2021 and we thank the Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events, Sarah Courtney, and the Tasmanian Government for their commitment to bring major sporting events to Tasmania,” Mr. Port said.
“We are thrilled to be coming back to Tasmania, expanding the national footprint of the championship; providing world class racing to our national and international audiences as well as showcasing what an amazing destination Tasmania is to visit.
“With critical Championship points on the line in each class, Tasmanian fans are guaranteed to see scintillating racing action and we can’t wait to see them at the track.”
On track action will commence Thursday, November 4 with a 2-day practice program before an action-packed weekend of ASBK racing.
Interstate fans are encouraged to plan their Tasmania holiday around the race weekend and take full advantage of everything Tasmania has to offer.
International fans won’t miss a minute of Sunday’s race action with Live TV through our broadcast partners SBS Australia, Fox Sports Australia and Fox Sports Asia as well as ASBK TV Live Streaming through the ASBK website and ASBK Facebook.
Local Tasmanian riders who will also be competing in the ASBK Championship, and were in attendance at the launch, included Oliver Skinner (2021 Oceania Junior Cup), Jesse Woods (ASBK YMI Supersport 300), Cody Travers (Kawasaki Superbike) and Jason Spencer (Kawasaki Superbike).
Keep up to date with the latest news on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram.
Wet weather meant only WorldSSP rookie Leonardo Taccini took to the track at Jerez as teams and riders opted to sit out day one
Two days of testing at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto got underway today with inclement weather stopping any meaningful running across the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock with only Leonardo Taccini (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) taking to the track as the 18-year-old rookie got to grips with his Kawasaki ZX-6R for the first time as he prepares for his first WorldSSP campaign.
Rain had been forecast and it proved to be correct as the weather disrupted the day from when the pit lane opened until the end of the day with Taccini taking to the track to complete 20 laps throughout the day. His best time was a 2’08.042s as he got to grips with his new machine in difficult conditions; improving his time constantly throughout the day.
WorldSBK riders were present on day one but decided to not take to the track given the tricky conditions, as well as due to limited testing days available. Team HRC, Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK and ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati were all present at the test with various new parts to try out but stayed in their respective garages all day due to the weather.
New HRC Honda World Superbike Team Manager Leon Camier. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Leon Camier’s first time at the track as Team HRC’s Team Manager was dampened by the rain as riders Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam stayed in the garage despite a lot of working going into the Honda CBR1000RR-R over the winter. Honda will be hoping to build on a strong comeback year in 2020 after taking one podium; looking to get back onto the top step of the rostrum.
Jonathan Rea (left) chose not to ride in Wednesday’s wet conditions at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) would have continued to test the brand-new Kawasaki ZX-10RR including work on the new engine as well as the balance with the new aerodynamic package while teammate Alex Lowes aiming to make a final plan for testing throughout March, while also hoping to test a new swingarm as well as some electronic changes.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi shows off his new helmet and new Aruba.it Racing Ducati. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Scott Redding passing time Wednesday at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) would be looking to get acquainted with his new team as he makes the switch to the Ducati factory team for 2021 while teammate Scott Redding continues in his second season for the team after mounting a title challenge in his rookie season. It is scheduled to be a busy test for teams running Ducati machinery as Barni Racing Team and Tito Rabat get to know each other as Rabat prepares for his WorldSBK debut while Chaz Davies switches to Team GOELEVEN; Davies was due to run two bikes throughout the test as a comparison between his winning machine from Estoril as well as a slightly modified bike.
Chaz Davies (left) is planning to do some back-to-back testing at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
WorldSBK rookie Loris Cresson (OUTDO Kawasaki TPR) was hoping to ride his new Kawasaki machine in wet conditions for the first time but ultimately stayed in the pits all day; with Cresson planning on riding the same machine he ended last season on. Fellow rookie Isaac Viñales (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) was also due to go out on the 2020 Kawasaki as he makes the step up from WorldSSP to WorldSBK.
Ducati and Dorna Sports SL have signed an agreement that confirms the Borgo Panigale manufacturer’s presence in MotoGP for another five years.
Ducati and Dorna Sports SL are pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement to guarantee the Bologna-based manufacturer’s presence in the MotoGP World Championship from 2022 to 2026.
Since its debut in 2003, Ducati has played a leading role in the premier class of the MotoGP World Championship. After only 6 Grands Prix, Ducati obtained its first victory in the Catalan GP with Loris Capirossi and then won the Constructors’, Riders’ and Teams’ World Titles in 2007 with Casey Stoner. Last year, the Desmosedici GP was once again one of the most competitive bikes on the MotoGP grid: thanks to the points scored by five different riders (Andrea Dovizioso, Danilo Petrucci, Jack Miller, Francesco Bagnaia and Johann Zarco), Ducati won the 2020 Constructors’ World Title in the premier class with two victories (Dovizioso in Austria and Petrucci in France) and a total of nine podiums. In its eighteen seasons in MotoGP, Ducati has taken 160 podiums, including 51 victories.
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding:
“Racing has always been a truly fundamental part of the Ducati brand and will remain so in the future. In fact, it represents not only a way to fuel the passion and cheer of the Ducatisti all over the world, but also an advanced research laboratory where the most sophisticated materials and the most innovative design methods are tested. It is also the training ground where our young engineers grow to provide our customers with state-of-the-art motorbikes in terms of technology and emotionality of use, as the Superleggera V4 and Multistrada V4 recently demonstrated. In both cases, although with very different declinations, the experience gained in MotoGP has been fundamental. This renewed agreement confirms that, while we plan to continue to expand our product range outside of the world of sports bikes, the track and high-performance motorbikes remain a central element for Ducati. I want to thank Dorna Sports and, in particular, Carmelo Ezpeleta for their great work over the years that has made MotoGP a truly extraordinary media platform”.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports SL:
“Dorna Sports is proud of the continuation of the partnership with Ducati and thanks the factory for its loyalty to the series. We have been honoured to accompany the iconic Italian manufacturer as they achieved past milestones and are excited to share this new episode in its history with two bright young stars such as Jack Miller and ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia. Their potential and talent will definitely be one of the assets of the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship we are about to start”.
Luigi Dall’Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse:
“We are happy to be able to confirm our participation in MotoGP until the end of 2026. In recent years the Desmosedici GP has proven to be one of the most competitive bikes on the grid, and the 2020 Constructors’ World Title is further proof of this. Even though this year’s regulations will not allow for significant technical developments, we will face the 2021 season with the same passion and dedication. The goal is to fight for the MotoGP Title with our new riders and prepare the groundwork for our future commitment to the Championship.”
2021 fonaCAB Nicholl Oils North West 200 cancelled.
It is with great regret that the Coleraine and District Motor Club Ltd has to announce the cancellation of the 2021 fonaCAB Nicholl Oils North West 200.
The official advice from government and public health officials has made it clear the effects of Coronavirus will remain with us for some considerable time to come, despite the roll out of the vaccination programme. In those circumstances, and after much consideration, the Club committee feels it would be impossible to run this year’s event.
A contingency plan that involved delaying race week from May until August has been given full consideration. However, with so much time, expense and personnel involved in the planning and preparation of the NW200, the risk in pursuing such a plan is too great because of continued uncertainty around both the effects of the virus on our community and the extent of the restrictions aimed at suppressing it.
The Coleraine Club’s main priority must be to ensure the safety and wellbeing of not only those involved in the event, but also the residents of the north coast area and further afield. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the organisers to limit the number of people who travel to the area during race week which, in turn, could pose a significant risk to the local population. That is a situation that cannot be contemplated.
Although extremely disappointing, the decision to cancel the NW200 for the second year in a row is the only responsible course of action the Coleraine Club can take. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all of our loyal sponsors, officials and volunteers for their understanding and support.
We also apologise for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation and hope that this timely intervention can assist the teams and competitors who would normally take part in to our event in making alternative plans.
The Coleraine and District Motor Club would also like to thank everyone who has supported us by retaining their bookings through this difficult period. Our reservations team will be in contact in the coming weeks as we now look forward to 2022 when a provisional date of May 8-14 has been allocated for what we hope will be the return of race week at Ireland’s largest motorcycle sporting event.
Until then we ask that everyone stays safe and follows the official advice in support of those in the front line of the battle against Coronavirus.
Mike Di Meglio (63). Photo courtesy Marc VDS Racing.
Marc VDS Racing to withdraw from FIM Enel MotoE World Cup
The Marc VDS Racing Team has taken the difficult decision to withdraw its planned entry in the 2021 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup competition.
The Belgian team was a proud founder member of the innovative electric bike series and enjoyed great success with Mike di Meglio scoring one victory and four podiums in 2019 and 2020. The Frenchman finished fourth overall in 2020 and was fifth in the final standings in the inaugural series in 2019.
The main reason behind this decision is scheduling clashes that di Meglio will encounter during the 2021 season, with the Frenchman also committed to competing in the World Endurance Championship.
With little time to find a suitable replacement for the former 125cc World Champion, Marc van der Straten has reluctantly decided to end Marc VDS Racing’s involvement in the FIM Enel MotoE Cup with immediate effect.
Mike di Meglio (left) with Team Owner Marc van der Straten (right) pre-COVID-19 in 2019. Photo courtesy of Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS.
Marc van der Straten:
“Although I am saddened to leave this pioneering competition, I have to be true to the principles and competitive values of the team. We have invested time and effort over the last two years working with Mike di Meglio to be able to fight for great things with him. Having to give up our rider due to a calendar incompatibility has completely changed the project we have been betting on for some time. Given the short time available before the start of the competition to start a new project, we have decided to withdraw from the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. I want to thank all the friends and sponsors who have accompanied us in this beautiful adventure these last two years.”
Henry Wiles (17), Cole Zabala (51), and Trevor Brunner (not pictured) will ride Turner Racing Honda CRF450R motorcycles in the 2021 AFT Singles Championship. Photo courtesy American Honda.
Turner Racing to Represent Honda in American Flat Track
Henry Wiles, Cole Zabala, Trevor Brunner to campaign CRF450R race bikes
January 21, 2021 — TORRANCE, Calif.
American Honda today announced a new partnership with Turner Racing in Progressive American Flat Track. Turner Racing Honda will compete in the 2021 series in the AFT Singles division, with three riders—Henry Wiles, Cole Zabala and Trevor Brunner—aboard CRF450R race machines. The Georgia-based operation, which earned a win last year under the B&M Masonry brand, will also receive technical support from Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda, with Bryan Bigelow in the role of Team Manager and Mike Lozano serving as a technician.
This is Honda’s third season back in flat track racing after more than 25 years away, having earned a total of six AFT Singles wins in 2019 and 2020, while finishing those seasons second and third, respectively, in the rider points standings. For 2021, Honda hopes to build on that progress.
A veteran of the sport, Michigan native Wiles was the GNC1 Singles Champion in 2009 and 2010, and he finished third in the AFT Singles final standings last year, his first aboard Honda machinery. Zabala and Brunner are up-and-coming racers returning to Turner Racing, and both posted respectable results last season aboard Honda machinery—Zabala notching two podium finishes and Brunner winning the Springfield Short Track.
“We’re pleased to have a strong Honda effort in flat track racing,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Advertising and Motorcycle Sports at American Honda. “American Flat Track continues to be a great steward of the sport, honoring its legacy while also building a promising future, and we anticipate a fun season battling for the championship. Everyone at Honda thanks Richie Morris and his team for two great years together, and we look forward to a successful effort with Turner Racing.”
Turner Racing owner Mike Turner noted that he is excited to be working with Honda. “This truly is a dream come true for our team,” he said. “To follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest flat trackers of all time, like Bubba Shobert, Ricky Graham, Mike Kidd, Freddie Spencer, Terry Poovey, Hank Scott, Doug Chandler and Ted Booty is an honor. These guys were my heroes growing up, and this means the world to me as a team owner. To be a part of the Honda legacy in flat track is something we do not take lightly, and we plan to honor that legacy by working 24/7 on our program to make them proud.”
The 2021 American Flat Track series commences on March 12 in Barberville, Florida.
With more rain and less-than-suitable track conditions at Jerez on Thursday and a limited number of private testing days allowed in 2021, World Superbike teams decided to cancel the current test and reschedule it rather than waste the test days on a wet track. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Weather Conditions Cancel KRT Test
Kawasaki Racing Team riders Alex Lowes and Jonathan Rea were unable to take to the track for a planned two-day test at Jerez on 20-21 January, due to wet weather.
Needing a dry track surface to confirm the development programme of the exciting new Ninja ZX-10RR in WorldSBK specification, a completely wet first day – and no prospect of a truly dry track surface on day two – led the team to call an end to their immediate test plans.
New rules that limit the number of available private test days in 2021 to a total of ten also contributed to the final decision not to take the track in wet conditions.
Much of the pre-season evaluation and data-gathering was done at the end of the 2020 season, during tests at Jerez and Motorland Aragon in November, but to re-confirm some items and try new elements of the performance package KRT is now aiming to schedule another test day at Jerez, on 28 January.
Alex Lowes (left) and Jonathan Rea (right) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “It is a great shame not to test but the track is not going to be perfect today, so we decided to call it early. The guys can pack up and everyone can go home a little bit earlier. With the new regulations in place for limited test days, we need to be clever and use these days when they are most important. Right now we need to confirm some important items in dry conditions, that we already tested at Jerez the end of last season.”
Alex Lowes, stated: “This is typical English weather – so I must have brought it with me! It is a shame but the first thing to say is that there has been so much effort from the guys, especially with the Corona virus restrictions, to put everything in place to get us down here to test. So thank you to them. It is a shame the weather did not cooperate this time but it has been nice to see everyone – and see my bike again.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “We were here for a two day test but still the track is wet and it is raining. With the new rules we have, for a limited number of testing days through the year, we decided to cancel. It is a shame because we had some engine items to test, but this is life; something we cannot control.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “After the November test, where we did 95% of the job we normally do in a winter test, we were very confident here to re-start the 2021 schedule. Unfortunately, we have had some wet conditions but on the other side we are confident of the job we have done so far. We already said to each other that if we had to race tomorrow, we would be ready. Next week we have the opportunity to test for one day at a sunny Jerez, so we will return and continue our plan.”
At the midpoint of the tests neither Isaac Vinales (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki) nor Loris Cresson (Outdo TPR Kawasaki) had taken to the track, with neither likely to if the conditions do not improve drastically.
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
Private test at Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) cancelled due to rain
Scott Redding. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
After the heavy rain that cancelled the first day of the private test at Jerez de la Frontera
(Spain), the Angel Nieto Circuit was still very wet today, partly due to sporadic showers that prevented Scott Redding and Michael Rinaldi from getting on track to do some solid work with their Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Due to the restrictions on testing days introduced by Dorna this season, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team preferred not to take to the track, working immediately to find a new date and circuit as soon as possible.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
More, from a press release issued by Pedercini Racing:
Rain prevents Pedercini Racing from making their 2021 on-track debut with Loris Cresson
The planned two-day test at the Jerez Circuit in Southern Spain which should have seen OUTDO TPR Team Pedercini back on-track for the first of several pre-season tests has unfortunately been cancelled due to bad weather.
Whilst naturally disappointed to postpone their first 2021 outing, the squad made the decision to avoid wasting one of their limited test days and will now focus on a revised test schedule ahead of the FIM Superbike World Championship season opener at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands in April.
Lucio Pedercini – Team Manager: “It’s been frustrating for everyone over the last two days and I know Loris was keen to ride again but in the end the weather stopped us. We waited until the final moment, hoping the weather would improve enough for Loris to ride but in the end, it was not possible. The track was damp and not fully dry so what would Loris benefit from riding in less than perfect conditions? With Johan Zarco and Michele Pirro several seconds off the pace we saw no point in losing two test days from our allocation. We now need to evaluate when and where we will test before what already had planned at the beginning of March, but we need to time to see when and where it could be possible.”
Loris Cresson: “It’s not great to start the year like this but it is how it is and was the same for everyone. On Tuesday when it was clear we couldn’t ride I went back to the hotel and to the gym. I was hoping to ride on Wednesday but unfortunately the weather was still against us. Nevertheless, it was great to meet the team again and I am even more excited to get back on track as soon as we can!”
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Difficult track conditions restrict running again at Jerez
Yesterday’s rain passed but difficult track conditions stopped teams and riders taking to the track for the second day of testing at Jerez
The weather once again caused havoc with the scheduled two-day test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto as a wet track from yesterday’s rain stopped the majority of the teams and riders present going out on track. Like the opening day, the only rider to head out was FIM Supersport World Championship rookie Leonardo Taccini with the Italian continuing to get up to speed with his new machine for the 2021 season.
18-year-old Taccini is making his debut in WorldSSP for 2021 as he looks to challenge for the WorldSSP Challenge title with ORELAC Racing VerdNatura. Taccini added to his 20 laps from day one with another 23 laps on the second day and also improved his best time again as he posted a 2’01.940s; finding around seven seconds as conditions improved and he got familiar with the Kawasaki ZX-6R.
The conditions prevented Team HRC’s Leon Haslam and Alvaro Bautista from taking to the track with the team already confirming they would return to the Andalusian track next week (January 27-28) where they hope to fully exploit the test days; a new rule brought in for 2021 limits riders to ten days of private testing – not including Official or Supported tests. It meant all WorldSBK riders stayed in their garage for the duration of the test. Team HRC had been hoping to confirm the work completed over the winter but this will now have to wait until the next test session.
Reigning Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and teammate Alex Lowes were scheduled to be out on track as well with their brand-new Kawasaki ZX-10RR as both riders and KRT continued the development of the new engine ahead of the 2021 season, as well as a new aerodynamic package. KRT will also be back at Jerez on January 28 to try and reconfirm some elements as well as try new parts.
The ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati team were the other factory team present in Jerez but, like both Team HRC and KRT, opted to stay in their garage with Scott Redding and Michael Ruben Rinaldi; with Redding travelling from California to make the two-day test. The team claimed the 2020 teams’ Championship with the Ducati Panigale V4 R and will be looking to mount another title challenge with Redding and Rinaldi.
It proved to be a difficult two days for WorldSBK rookies too as they were unable to test their machines for the first time in wet conditions. Isaac Viñales (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura), who had been looking to get on the 2020 Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Loris Cresson (OUTDO Kawasaki TPR) and Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) were all hoping to get some all-important mileage under their belt.
It was a similar story for WorldSBK veteran Chaz Davies (Team GOELEVEN) as he looked to get acquainted with his new team across the test. The Welshman would have been testing the bike he won with at Estoril at the end of the 2020 season as well as a slightly modified one for Ducati, but instead had to stay in the pit area and garage across both days.
A two-day Superbike test scheduled to take place this week has now been cancelled due to wet weather.
Team HRC was looking forward to testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain yesterday and today, but the weather conditions have unfortunately put paid to its plans. Rain and a constantly wet track meant that there was little point in sending Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam out with their CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
Team HRC waited until lunchtime today to see if conditions might improve enough to make testing worthwhile, but although it eventually stopped raining, the track remained wet, temperatures not particularly cold but also not warm enough to allow the surface to dry quickly.
In an attempt to fully exploit the annual allocation of test days, the session has therefore been rescheduled and Team HRC will return to the Andalusian circuit on 27-28 January, ready to complete the work it had planned for this week.
ARAI Helmets News – WorldSBK test Jerez, Leon Camier has a new career path, MotoAmerica has a new Junior Cup title sponsor, no more Superpole for Honos Superbike, the Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) gets a NERF, Yosh SERT gets a new rider, Fausto Gresini update
Supercross – Results and a chat about Houston 1 and Houston 2.
Supercross – Multi-Time Champ Ryan Dungey talks about 2021, life after racing, his advice to young riders and more.
AHRMA dirt track racer Joey Raborn (12). Photo by Larry Mayo, courtesy AHRMA.
(January 20, 2021, Elora, Tennessee) The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is making it easier for classic and modern dirt trackers to get sideways.
To accommodate dirt track racers from America’s many local and regional racing groups, AHRMA is adding five new, easy-to-enter classes to its 2021 National Vintage Dirt Track Series.
“There are now two new classes for vintage bikes and two new classes for those modern bikes that have a classic feel, plus our ‘Spanish Cup,’” said Arthur Kowitz, chairman of the AHRMA Board of Directors.
The following four new classes are “Directors Choice,” added to meet the needs of racers or highlight special motorcycles.
Modern Classic Singles is open to an air-cooled single cylinder 4-stroke powered machine with no restrictions on displacement, chassis or running gear.
Modern Classic Twins is open to any air-cooled twin cylinder 4-stroke powered machine with no restrictions on displacement, chassis or running gear.
Vintage Lightweight is open to any motorcycle built before 1996, with a two-stroke or four-stroke engine displacing less than 450cc, with no restrictions on chassis or running gear.
Vintage Heavyweight is open to any motorcycle built before 1996, with a two-stroke or four-stroke single or multi-cylinder engine displacing 450cc or larger, with no restrictions on chassis or running gear.
While they are not official championship classes published in the 2021 AHRMA Handbook, they will be part of all 2021 AHRMA dirt track events. Competitors will earn trophies and championship series points.
The fifth new class for 2021 is the “Spanish Cup” open to Bultaco, OSSA and Montesa motorcycles with air-cooled engines displacing up to 360cc.
These new classes augment AHRMA’s long-standing vintage dirt track program.
Dirt track racing is a foundation and mainstay of American motorcycle competition. It blossomed into a unique American sport during the 1930s. The proliferation of dirt ovals throughout America led to further development and popularity through the 1970s, resulting in several distinctly different forms of racing motorcycles — each developed to suit the rules of the time period and optimized for dirt oval racing.
AHRMA preserves the sights and sounds of this uniquely American sport and brings it to race fans by providing a set of governing rules intended to capture each distinct period of dirt track racing: Class C, brakeless, vintage and Seventies-era.
Motorcycles from these periods are pitted against each other on dirt ovals across the United States. AHRMA dirt track events are held at a variety of venues ranging from short tracks, half-miles, miles and Tourist Trophy circuits, with national points awarded to encourage participation and recognize achievement.
The complete 2021 AHRMA National Vintage Dirt Track Series schedule, class rules and entry forms are available at ahrma.org/schedules-results.
AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring and competing on historic motorcycles. With more than 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world. The association’s enthusiastic membership reflects this country’s strong interest in classic bikes.
Avery Dreher to Contest MotoAmerica SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup Championship for PDR Motorsports in 2021
Miami, FL – PDR Motorsports is proud to officially announce that Avery Dreher will be riding for its newly formed MotoAmerica race team. Dreher will pilot a Kawasaki Ninja 400 in his first professional season at the young age of only 14 years.
“We are extremely excited to have had Avery join our team. Anyone who’s had the opportunity to see Avery race knows that this young man is a rare talent and has a very bright future in our sport,” says Edelberto Acosta, Principal of PDR Motorsports
Dreher has spent the last couple of years racing up and down the east coast with SFL MiniGP, FMRRA, WERA, CCS, and in the MotoAmerica Mini Cup. His most recent accomplishments include being named the FMRRA Superstreet 300 Overall Champion and CCS Moto3 Amateur National Champion (both in his rookie season).
PDR Motorsports team sponsors include CCA Interstate Corp, Bxpress Freight Systems, BG Cargo Logistic, Envy Racing Apparel, and SFL MiniGP.
The 2022 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship will not be going to Tasmania in 2022. Photo by Russell Colvin, courtesy ASBK.
ASBK To Fire Up On The Apple Isle In 2021
Thanks to the vision and efforts of the Tasmanian Government and Events Tasmania to bring major national sporting events to the Apple Isle, Motorcycling Australia is very excited to announce the 2021 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, (ASBK) returns to Symmons Plains Raceway for four days of Championship action. The joint venture cements the date and location of the seventh round of the 2021 ASBK calendar.
Officially announced today by Tasmanian Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events, Sarah Courtney, and Motorcycling Australia, the Symmons Plains Raceway round will be held on November 4-7, 2021.
Supported by Events Tasmania, the ASBK Championship event will see Australia’s fastest two-wheel riders go head-to-head in the Superbike, Supersport, Supersport 300, R3 Cup and Oceania Junior Cup classes on the spectacular 2.411km venue.
Minister Sarah Courtney made the announcement at Symmons Plains Raceway this afternoon, with Motorcycling Australia Operations Director, Martin Port, and ASBK competitors including Tom Bramich (former World Supersport 300 rider and 2021 ASBK Supersport competitor).
“I’m pleased to announce that the Australian Superbikes will be returning to Tasmania, for the first time since 2015, for one round of the 2021 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul,” Minister Courtney said.
“The Australian Superbike Championship is the premier national road racing championship, and it is very exciting for Tasmanians to again have the opportunity to see them racing in our State.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing $150,000 in funding through the Events Tasmania Major Event Partnerships Program.
“It is anticipated that nearly 1,000 participants and support crew will travel to Tasmania to participate in races across categories, from the Oceania Junior Cup, for riders aged between 11 to under 16 years, through to the Australian Superbike category featuring some of the largest capacity motorcycles currently available on the domestic market.”
Mr. Port said the return of ASBK to Tasmania would be sensational news for local race fans.
“MA and the ASBK Management Team are very excited that the ASBK Championship is returning to Symmons Plains Raceway in 2021 and we thank the Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events, Sarah Courtney, and the Tasmanian Government for their commitment to bring major sporting events to Tasmania,” Mr. Port said.
“We are thrilled to be coming back to Tasmania, expanding the national footprint of the championship; providing world class racing to our national and international audiences as well as showcasing what an amazing destination Tasmania is to visit.
“With critical Championship points on the line in each class, Tasmanian fans are guaranteed to see scintillating racing action and we can’t wait to see them at the track.”
On track action will commence Thursday, November 4 with a 2-day practice program before an action-packed weekend of ASBK racing.
Interstate fans are encouraged to plan their Tasmania holiday around the race weekend and take full advantage of everything Tasmania has to offer.
International fans won’t miss a minute of Sunday’s race action with Live TV through our broadcast partners SBS Australia, Fox Sports Australia and Fox Sports Asia as well as ASBK TV Live Streaming through the ASBK website and ASBK Facebook.
Local Tasmanian riders who will also be competing in the ASBK Championship, and were in attendance at the launch, included Oliver Skinner (2021 Oceania Junior Cup), Jesse Woods (ASBK YMI Supersport 300), Cody Travers (Kawasaki Superbike) and Jason Spencer (Kawasaki Superbike).
Keep up to date with the latest news on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram.
TPR Pedercini rider Loris Cresson, as seen at a WorldSBK test at Jerez in January 2021. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Rain disrupts opening day of WorldSBK Jerez test
Wet weather meant only WorldSSP rookie Leonardo Taccini took to the track at Jerez as teams and riders opted to sit out day one
Two days of testing at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto got underway today with inclement weather stopping any meaningful running across the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock with only Leonardo Taccini (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) taking to the track as the 18-year-old rookie got to grips with his Kawasaki ZX-6R for the first time as he prepares for his first WorldSSP campaign.
Rain had been forecast and it proved to be correct as the weather disrupted the day from when the pit lane opened until the end of the day with Taccini taking to the track to complete 20 laps throughout the day. His best time was a 2’08.042s as he got to grips with his new machine in difficult conditions; improving his time constantly throughout the day.
WorldSBK riders were present on day one but decided to not take to the track given the tricky conditions, as well as due to limited testing days available. Team HRC, Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK and ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati were all present at the test with various new parts to try out but stayed in their respective garages all day due to the weather.
New HRC Honda World Superbike Team Manager Leon Camier. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Leon Camier’s first time at the track as Team HRC’s Team Manager was dampened by the rain as riders Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam stayed in the garage despite a lot of working going into the Honda CBR1000RR-R over the winter. Honda will be hoping to build on a strong comeback year in 2020 after taking one podium; looking to get back onto the top step of the rostrum.
Jonathan Rea (left) chose not to ride in Wednesday’s wet conditions at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) would have continued to test the brand-new Kawasaki ZX-10RR including work on the new engine as well as the balance with the new aerodynamic package while teammate Alex Lowes aiming to make a final plan for testing throughout March, while also hoping to test a new swingarm as well as some electronic changes.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi shows off his new helmet and new Aruba.it Racing Ducati. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Scott Redding passing time Wednesday at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) would be looking to get acquainted with his new team as he makes the switch to the Ducati factory team for 2021 while teammate Scott Redding continues in his second season for the team after mounting a title challenge in his rookie season. It is scheduled to be a busy test for teams running Ducati machinery as Barni Racing Team and Tito Rabat get to know each other as Rabat prepares for his WorldSBK debut while Chaz Davies switches to Team GOELEVEN; Davies was due to run two bikes throughout the test as a comparison between his winning machine from Estoril as well as a slightly modified bike.
Chaz Davies (left) is planning to do some back-to-back testing at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
WorldSBK rookie Loris Cresson (OUTDO Kawasaki TPR) was hoping to ride his new Kawasaki machine in wet conditions for the first time but ultimately stayed in the pits all day; with Cresson planning on riding the same machine he ended last season on. Fellow rookie Isaac Viñales (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) was also due to go out on the 2020 Kawasaki as he makes the step up from WorldSSP to WorldSBK.
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro (51) competing as a wild card at Misano in 2019. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Ducati in MotoGP until 2026
Ducati and Dorna Sports SL have signed an agreement that confirms the Borgo Panigale manufacturer’s presence in MotoGP for another five years.
Ducati and Dorna Sports SL are pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement to guarantee the Bologna-based manufacturer’s presence in the MotoGP World Championship from 2022 to 2026.
Since its debut in 2003, Ducati has played a leading role in the premier class of the MotoGP World Championship. After only 6 Grands Prix, Ducati obtained its first victory in the Catalan GP with Loris Capirossi and then won the Constructors’, Riders’ and Teams’ World Titles in 2007 with Casey Stoner. Last year, the Desmosedici GP was once again one of the most competitive bikes on the MotoGP grid: thanks to the points scored by five different riders (Andrea Dovizioso, Danilo Petrucci, Jack Miller, Francesco Bagnaia and Johann Zarco), Ducati won the 2020 Constructors’ World Title in the premier class with two victories (Dovizioso in Austria and Petrucci in France) and a total of nine podiums. In its eighteen seasons in MotoGP, Ducati has taken 160 podiums, including 51 victories.
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding:
“Racing has always been a truly fundamental part of the Ducati brand and will remain so in the future. In fact, it represents not only a way to fuel the passion and cheer of the Ducatisti all over the world, but also an advanced research laboratory where the most sophisticated materials and the most innovative design methods are tested. It is also the training ground where our young engineers grow to provide our customers with state-of-the-art motorbikes in terms of technology and emotionality of use, as the Superleggera V4 and Multistrada V4 recently demonstrated. In both cases, although with very different declinations, the experience gained in MotoGP has been fundamental. This renewed agreement confirms that, while we plan to continue to expand our product range outside of the world of sports bikes, the track and high-performance motorbikes remain a central element for Ducati. I want to thank Dorna Sports and, in particular, Carmelo Ezpeleta for their great work over the years that has made MotoGP a truly extraordinary media platform”.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports SL:
“Dorna Sports is proud of the continuation of the partnership with Ducati and thanks the factory for its loyalty to the series. We have been honoured to accompany the iconic Italian manufacturer as they achieved past milestones and are excited to share this new episode in its history with two bright young stars such as Jack Miller and ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia. Their potential and talent will definitely be one of the assets of the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship we are about to start”.
Luigi Dall’Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse:
“We are happy to be able to confirm our participation in MotoGP until the end of 2026. In recent years the Desmosedici GP has proven to be one of the most competitive bikes on the grid, and the 2020 Constructors’ World Title is further proof of this. Even though this year’s regulations will not allow for significant technical developments, we will face the 2021 season with the same passion and dedication. The goal is to fight for the MotoGP Title with our new riders and prepare the groundwork for our future commitment to the Championship.”
The start of a race at a previous North West 200 race. Photo by Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press International, courtesy Coleraine and District Motor Club Ltd.
2021 fonaCAB Nicholl Oils North West 200 cancelled.
It is with great regret that the Coleraine and District Motor Club Ltd has to announce the cancellation of the 2021 fonaCAB Nicholl Oils North West 200.
The official advice from government and public health officials has made it clear the effects of Coronavirus will remain with us for some considerable time to come, despite the roll out of the vaccination programme. In those circumstances, and after much consideration, the Club committee feels it would be impossible to run this year’s event.
A contingency plan that involved delaying race week from May until August has been given full consideration. However, with so much time, expense and personnel involved in the planning and preparation of the NW200, the risk in pursuing such a plan is too great because of continued uncertainty around both the effects of the virus on our community and the extent of the restrictions aimed at suppressing it.
The Coleraine Club’s main priority must be to ensure the safety and wellbeing of not only those involved in the event, but also the residents of the north coast area and further afield. It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the organisers to limit the number of people who travel to the area during race week which, in turn, could pose a significant risk to the local population. That is a situation that cannot be contemplated.
Although extremely disappointing, the decision to cancel the NW200 for the second year in a row is the only responsible course of action the Coleraine Club can take. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all of our loyal sponsors, officials and volunteers for their understanding and support.
We also apologise for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation and hope that this timely intervention can assist the teams and competitors who would normally take part in to our event in making alternative plans.
The Coleraine and District Motor Club would also like to thank everyone who has supported us by retaining their bookings through this difficult period. Our reservations team will be in contact in the coming weeks as we now look forward to 2022 when a provisional date of May 8-14 has been allocated for what we hope will be the return of race week at Ireland’s largest motorcycle sporting event.
Until then we ask that everyone stays safe and follows the official advice in support of those in the front line of the battle against Coronavirus.
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Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
