NO SUBSTITUTE RIDER FOR MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP AT THE GRAN PREMIO DE TERUEL
Alcañiz (Spain), 18th October 2020
Due to Italian law, Valentino Rossi will be unable to attend the Gran Premio de Teruel event. Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP have decided not to enter a replacement rider for next weekend‘s race.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP have decided not to enter a replacement rider to substitute for Valentino Rossi at next weekend‘s Gran Premio de Teruel event.
As per the Decree by the President of the Italian Council of Ministers, issued on Tuesday 13th October 2020, Rossi will not be permitted to attend next week‘s race event (23rd – 25th October). The Italian Covid-19 measures require any person who tests Covid-19 positive to be in self-isolation for 10 days from the moment of the test (in Rossi‘s case, Thursday 15th October).
Prior to rejoining normal life, he will need to perform a further PCR test and register a negative result. Therefore, the earliest that Rossi can participate in a MotoGP event will be at the Gran Premio de Europa, held at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia on 6th – 8th November.
Yamaha has carefully weighed their options and decided not to enter a replacement rider to substitute for Rossi for the upcoming Gran Premio de Teruel. This decision was based on the high stress that is put on Yamaha‘s MotoGP project members during this Covid-19 influenced season.
Taking into account the reduced number of staff at events as well as the enforced long stay of YMC‘s engineers and non-EU team staff, YMC and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP choose not to impose the additional stress of having to adapt to a new rider who would be expected to substitute for Rossi for only one single race weekend.
When taking the decision not to enter a replacement rider for the Gran Premio de Teruel, Yamaha confirmed with Race Direction that they are abiding by the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations. Article 1.11.3.ii states that: “Teams must make every reasonable effort to provide a qualified substitute rider to fulfil their entry obligations within 10 days of withdrawal”. In the case of Rossi‘s withdrawal from the Aragon GP event, it was officially communicated by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP to IRTA on Friday 16th October. This means the 10-day time limit would be reached on Monday 26th October, one day after the actual race day of the Gran Premio de Teruel.
During next week‘s Gran Premio de Teruel, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP will be fully focusing its efforts on supporting Maverick Viñales.
A further update on Rossi‘s condition can be expected in the week after.
Provisional AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Henry Wiles (Hon), 15 laps
2. Max Whale (Kaw), -0.142 second
3. Trent Lowe (Hon), -0.396
4. Michael Rush (Yam), -1.283 seconds
5. Andrew Luker (Yam), -3.098
6. Morgen Mischler (KTM), -3.275
7. Jacob Lehmann (Hon), -3.952
8. Tanner Dean (Hon), -4.300
9. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -4.845
10. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), -5.356
11. Chad Cose (Suz), -6.105
12. Dylan Bell (Hon), -6.448
13. Shayna Texter (KTM), -6.634
14. Brandon Kitchen (KTM), -6.743
15. Aidan RoosEvans (KTM), -6.984
16. James Ott (KTM), -7.577
17. Jesse Janisch (Hus), -8.023
Provisional AFT Production Twins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Cory Texter (Yam), 15 laps
2. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -3.131 seconds
3. Ben Lowe (Yam), -3.556
4. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), -4.306
5. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), -4.975
6. James Rispoli (Har), -5.361
7. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -6.488
8. Cody Johncox (Yam), -7.359
9. Shelby Miller (Kaw), -15.104
10. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), -17.244
11. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -1 lap
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:
Bauman Repeats as AFT SuperTwins Champion, Robinson Doubles Up at Progressive AFT Finale at DAYTONA II
Brandon Robinson (44) won the AFT SuperTwins race for a second night in a row. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 18, 2020) – Following 15 rounds of epic Progressive American Flat Track action, Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) successfully completed his bid to repeat as AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines Champion in Saturday evening’s decisive Progressive AFT Finale at DAYTONA II.
Even with an extended pandemic-imposed pause, the highly anticipated 2020 showdown between Bauman and multi-time series king Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) proved more than worth the wait. The momentum swung back and forth on a nearly weekend-by-weekend basis, leaving both superstars still in control of their destiny heading into this weekend’s DAYTONA finale.
Bauman seized control of the title fight with a clutch runner-up finish on Friday, which seemingly made the final task before him relatively easy by his standards. All he needed to do at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night was score an eighth-place finish to cap off a title defense that saw him rack up six wins, four seconds, three thirds, and one seventh along the way.
2020 AFT SuperTwins Champion Briar Bauman (center) and his team. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
However, the level of difficulty was ratcheted up significantly due to weather; rainy conditions forced multiple delays in the program, the Semis were cancelled, and the AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines Main was pushed to the front of the pack once conditions allowed to ensure the season’s premier-class champ was crowned before the night was out. The changes and unpredictability of the day could have easily thrown an admittedly stressed Bauman out of his rhythm.
Instead he responded like a champion. Starting on the front row with Mees as a result of their qualifying performance, Bauman got away in third and glued himself to the rear wheel of his championship rival.
Meanwhile, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) proved invincible around the Short Track at DAYTONA for a second consecutive night. He assumed the lead on lap one and held the position through the checkered flag.
Mees did well to keep Robinson in his sights, clinging on in hopes of a win that would give him the best possible shot at the championship should Bauman make a critical mistake.
Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing FTR750) ran in fourth deep into the contest, holding back a racy Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) for a solid five minutes. Unable to find an opening, Halbert finally made one; he pushed up the inside of Carver to take over fourth, knocking his rival back to seventh in the process.
Halbert then reeled in the leaders, arriving within striking distance of Bauman and a potential podium finish just as the race entered its final two laps. Bauman saw what was happening and understood full well what could happen. Rather than risk getting similarly bumped down the order and out of the points lead, Bauman allowed Halbert by and then cruised to a title-clinching fourth-place finish.
After claiming his eighth-career victory, Robinson said, “This is amazing. Through the ups and downs we’ve had this season to come out of here with the DAYTONA double — there’s nothing better. This is insane. We’re going to be able to go into this offseason and get healthy and come out swinging in 2021. I’m ecstatic.”
“Obviously, things went really, really well,” back-to-back champ Bauman said. “I was able to do what we came for and what we set out to do all season for Jess Garcia and the whole Garcia family — win the championship. Jess was with me every step of the way. It means a lot to me to be able to fulfill what I showed up to do. He was one of my best friends. It’s just an honor to win for him, Indian Motorcycle, Progressive Insurance, and everyone else behind the team.”
AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys
Henry Wiles (No. 17 RMR Honda/Honda Talon CRF450R) demonstrated once again why he’s widely considered one of the greatest Short Track riders in the history of the sport, holding off Max Whale (No. 18 Coondoo Cattle Co./Australian Road Services Kawasaki KX450F) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 Roof Systems of Dallas, TX/Shoei Helmets Honda CRF450R) to win an abbreviated AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Main Event.
Shortened to just four minutes plus two laps due to the numerous weather delays, Wiles shot out to the lead from the start, and protected the groove from there. Whale sought any way past Wiles but simply could not find one. Lowe closed in as well, but the experienced ST master ahead of them refused to give way.
After taking his second win of 2020, Wiles said, “I was stoked to get that start. I told myself I can’t not win now. It was my race to win. Max kept me honest, and I could see Trent was in the picture too. I put in smooth, consistent laps. I’d go just a touch easy on some laps, and then I’d pick it up a little bit on some other laps. I tried to ride the best that I could so I didn’t give Max a good shot at poking it up on me. I’m stoked my wife and daughter came out for this — it means a lot to me.”
Despite losing to Wiles on the night, Whale’s runner-up result was enough to beat him for second in their championship fight (215-208).
Mikey Rush (No. 15 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) set the fastest lap of the race en route to fourth with Andrew Luker (No. 11 Rackley Racing/Keeran Racing Yamaha YZ450F) completing the top five just behind.
2020 AFT Singles champ Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) was forced to start from Row 4 with no Semi to improve his starting position. He made up a couple positions to end his title-winning season with a run to ninth. Sandwiched between his opening round failure to qualify for the Main and his ninth-placed finale, Daniels packed in a remarkable eighth wins, nine podiums and twelve top fives.
AFT Production Twins
2019 AFT Production Twins champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) made the absolute most of his last chance to run the #1 plate before handing it over to the newly-crowned James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), logging a blowout victory in the final race of the 2020 Progressive American Flat Track season.
Rispoli crashed and found himself trapped under his motorcycle after coming together with Friday-winner Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield Twins FT) in the race’s opening corner. That incident brought out a red flag and moved Rispoli from Row 1 to the back of the field.
Texter ripped into the lead off the line at the restart and proceeded to assemble a massive advantage en route to his fourth triumph of a hard-fought yet ultimately unsuccessful title defense.
He said, “It feels amazing. I’ve wanted to win in DAYTONA my whole life. I was actually the first rider to ever ride this racetrack back in 2010. I helped test it out for them, but I’ve always sucked here. So this is awesome. I feel competitive everywhere right now. I wish the season could keep going or start over right now.”
Lewis backed up Royal Enfield’s maiden Progressive AFT victory with its second-ever podium finish the very next night.
Lewis was followed closely to the flag by third-place finisher Ben Lowe (No. 25 Roof Systems/Bruce Lowe Excavating Yamaha MT-07), while Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650) edged Patrick Buchanan (No. 175 Parkinson Brothers Racing/PRO 1 Industries Kawasaki Ninja 650) as the two completed the top five.
Meanwhile, despite being faced with an extremely difficult track to overtake on and very little time in which to do it, Rispoli made his way up to finish his season with an impressive sixth-place finish. The result was actually the worst of an incredibly consistent campaign, which also included seven wins, four seconds, two fourths, and a fifth.
The Progressive AFT Finale at DAYTONA I & II will air back-to-back on NBCSN on Saturday, October 31, starting at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. The broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and the expert commentary of Progressive AFT legend Chris Carr.
More, from a press release issued by Estenson Racing:
Estenson Racing Closes 2020 AFT Season in Daytona
Estenson Racing put the final touches on a championship-winning Progressive American Flat Track season on a Saturday night finale dominated by rain delays at the Daytona International Speedway. With the Semis canceled and Main Events shortened, Mikey Rush led the way for the team, finishing in fourth in the abbreviated AFT Singles main. New class champ Dallas Daniels ended his dominant season with an uncharacteristic ninth, while AFT SuperTwins pilot JD Beach rounded out his year with a run to 12th.
Rush started the Main on Row 2 after qualifying in eighth position and having no Semi in which to improve his starting slot. Despite that disadvantage, he quickly picked up a handful of positions running up top to move into fifth. Fourth position didn’t come quite as easy on the single-line battlefield, but once through, Rush immediately shook free and closed in on the three-rider scrap for the win. With just a four-minute Main in which to work, he simply ran out of time in his attempt to join that fight despite clocking the race’s fastest lap. Still, Saturday’s fourth-place finish allowed Rush to lock down a fourth-place ranking in the final AFT Singles championship order.
Daniels was even unluckier than his Estenson Racing teammate with the cancellation of the Semis. That left him on Row 4 in a shortened Main Event on a track that provided few passing opportunities. He still managed to work up to ninth after qualifying 13th, ending his successful AFT Singles title campaign with one final top ten. Ultimately, the otherwise frustrating evening left Daniels’ reflective of his eight-win season and looking ahead to a stronger showing in Daytona in 2021.
Beach had hoped to build on his Friday eighth. The early returns were promising in that regard, as he posted the fifth-fastest time in the opening practice session. However, the changing conditions and subsequent delays worked against him. Starting on Row 4 in the Main, Beach got away in 16th. He charged forward from there, climbing his way up to 12th by the time he took the checkered flag. That finish paid seven additional points to a season in which he scored four top 10s and ended the year ranked 14th in the AFT SuperTwins standings.
Tommy Hayden – Estenson Racing Team Manager
“It was definitely a crazy day – much different from normal with no Semis and very minimal track time. I wish it had been more of a normal schedule, but I’m glad we were able to get some kind of race in with how bad the weather was. The Singles guys kind of shot themselves in the foot with bad qualifying and having to use that as their grid positions for the Main. They both rode hard and charged through the field. They did the best they could.
“JD’s day started off well. He showed some promise, but the qualifying thing didn’t work out so well for him either. He had to start from the back, which wasn’t ideal here – it was a hard track to pass on, but he rode hard and looked good on the bike. We’ve got a lot of work to do and plan to come back next year stronger.”
Mikey Rush – Estenson Racing AFT Singles
“It was crazy we actually got the race in with all the bad weather. I had to start from the outside of the second row, which wasn’t a terrible spot – at least it wasn’t all the way in the back. I made the most of it. I got a decent jump and made some passes early on the outside, but I couldn’t stay up there for long when the moisture went away. I dove to the bottom and worked on fourth for a while and ended up getting by. I started tracking the leaders down, but they shortened our race to four minutes which made it hard to get it done. I ran out of time, basically. It would have been nice to get on the podium, but I’m happy to get another top-five. Big thanks to Estenson Racing for giving me the opportunity this year. I have really enjoyed myself.”
Dallas Daniels – Estenson Racing AFT Singles
“For whatever reason, we struggled in qualifying. I was having some trouble with some grip and some front-end pushing. We made changes and were feeling good for the Semi, but then the rain hit. We sat here forever and ever, and then they said we were going to skip the Semi and go straight to the Main Event. I qualified 13th, so that gave me the first choice for the fourth row, which is a terrible spot to be in because it ended up being a one-line groove. I went up on the outside and made the best of it and ended up ninth.
“It wasn’t our worst finish of the year, but we just kind of struggled a little bit. But if we’re going to struggle, now is the time to do it after we already wrapped up the championship. We had an amazing year, and Daytona is an awesome place to wrap it up. But it’s also kind of a crapshoot — anything can happen here at the Daytona Short Track and they proved that this weekend. I hope we come back here to start the 2021 season. I’m looking forward to defending the championship next year.”
JD Beach – Estenson Racing AFT SuperTwins
“The day was definitely hard. We started off good but just kind of struggled with how the track changed. We were getting ready to go racing and then it rained. Then it stopped and they worked on the track and it rained again. It just dragged on and on. It wasn’t the night we had hoped for, and we didn’t finish the year the way we would have liked, but we’ll try again next season.”
O’Halloran wins epic Brands Hatch opener as title fight intensifies
An incredible opening Bennetts British Superbike Championship race produced the most dramatic action of the 2020 season so far; with all five of the title contenders going all-in to battle for the victory, and it was Jason O’Halloran and McAMS Yamaha who aced the opening round of the weekend.
The lead changed every lap throughout the 16-lap tussle for supremacy in the standings and at the start of the race, Josh Brookes had lead the pack into Paddock Hill Bend for the first time, getting the jump on Glenn Irwin, O’Halloran and Christian Iddon.
Iddon was soon into third, but at the front, Glenn Irwin had captured the lead. The Honda Racing rider though was instantly under fire again from Brookes who regained the position before they crossed the line to start the next lap.
On lap five, Irwin went for another attempt; passing Brookes for the lead, with the VisionTrack Ducati rider nudged into third as Iddon moved ahead into second place.
Two laps later and Iddon became the third different rider to lead the race, but by lap eight, the Honda Racing Fireblade was back in front. Glenn Irwin was then holding the advantage from O’Halloran, Brookes and Iddon, and then the McAMS Yamaha rider was pushing for the lead.
O’Halloran made a decisive move to grab the position at Surtees, becoming the fourth of the five title contenders to lead the race. However, before lap 11 was completed, Iddon had fired the VisionTrack Ducati back ahead of O’Halloran with Glenn Irwin holding third place.
Iddon led the pack until the penultimate lap when he came under attack from a determined O’Halloran, who then made a break on the final two laps to claim his third victory of the season.
Iddon held second to the finish line despite the best efforts of Tarran Mackenzie, who carved his way through his rivals to end the race in third place ahead of Brookes, who had his advantage cut to seven points.
Danny Buchan and Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki completed the top five as he made ground over the final laps, with Glenn Irwin ended the race in sixth place, with his brother Andrew in close contention. Lee Jackson, Tommy Bridewell and Gino Rea completing the top ten.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch GP, Round 16 result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.877s
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +2.075s
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +3.055s
Danny Buchan (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +3.667s
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +4.479s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing) +4.787s
Lee Jackson (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +4.845s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +5.899s
Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +6.134s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Round 16:
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) 238
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 231
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 229
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) 217
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 195
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Jason O’Halloran celebrates his victory in Race One at Brands Hatch. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
Bennetts BSB – Round 16 race winner
“That race was mental! It felt like it was the last race in the championship – everyone was just going for it! It think there are five of us who can challenge for the title and we all knew that today’s race was one of the most important of the weekend.
“We knew if Josh won today it would make it more difficult tomorrow and so we were all desperate to get to the front. I felt good but every time I made a pass, I got passed back!
“Towards the end of the race I managed to make a move on Christian, and then I made it stick and I thought that’s enough, put your head down and try and make a break. It felt so good to win that one.”
Perfect Acosta in Rookies Race 1 at Motorland Aragón
Pedro Acosta could hardly improve on the 4 straight wins that started the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in Austria but he managed to do exactly that over 15 thrilling laps of Aragón. The 16-year-old Spaniard could not break free at Spielberg but he achieved that superbly in his first race at home.
It was the same hungry challengers fighting it out and chasing him all the way again with Daniel Holgado finally leading Iván Ortolá across the line for an all Spanish podium.
Acosta faultless
It looked from the start like a repeat of the Austrian races with a pack swapping places at every turn. Acosta tried to break away early but couldn’t, Holgado particularly hung on grimly to the #37 KTM RC 250 R.
“I started from pole but you know, really this means nothing,” explained Acosta. “What was important is that at about lap 8 when the tyre performance went down I could still keep the lap time. That was what gave me the break so I could open up a gap.”
“I kept it smooth and kept the lap time. It will be difficult to manage that again tomorrow but I will try.”
“The track condition was not the same as yesterday, the temperature was down I think and the grip not as good but my bike is working well in all conditions and I also prepared myself for this,” concluded Acosta.
Holgado never gave up
“It was a difficult race,” stated the 15-year-old who was less than a second behind Acosta at the flag. “The track just did not have the same grip as Qualifying, I didn’t have the same feeling, the same confidence. Especially towards the end, with the tyre warn, the rear was sliding around a lot and I had a big slide at the last corner. Still 2nd is really good, I am happy with that.”
Ortolá unlucky
In the battle at the front from the start the 16-year-old slipstreamed Holgado into the last corner and looked perfectly placed for a challenge.
“At the last corner I was trying to overtake Dani (Holgado) coming out onto the straight but then he had a slide and I almost hit him, I missed my chance.”
“I’m happy with the bike and it really worked well, good to be on the podium, and we try again tomorrow.”
Salvador missing confidence
David Salvador won the final race of the 2019 season at Aragón but the 16-year-old Spaniard just fell short this time and missed out on a podium place over the last 2 laps after battling all the way. “I am very happy for the result, good to be 4th but I was not happy with the feeling in the race.”
“The bike just didn’t feel anything like it did yesterday in Qualifying. We have to see if we can change something for tomorrow, I need to get that feeling back.”
Alonso came back once
David Alonso, the 14-year-old Colombian had a brilliant ride with two ‘penalties’ on his way to 5th.
“I am happy because I was fighting well in the group. Then I touched with David Muñoz and lost a lot of time from the group. I fought back to them but then got a long lap penalty. So again I had a big gap and this time the tyre was worn and I could not catch up again. I couldn’t fight for the podium today but I learn and try again tomorrow.”
Van Eerde making a great comeback
“It was a difficult race,” explained Billy van Eerde, the 18-year-old Australian. “The first race back after breaking my femur. I was being a bit conservative about that because I didn’t want to crash. But no, it was a good race. At the beginning I made a mistake and dropped back to 17th and in the end I got back to 6th so for the first race back after injury I’m quite happy with it.”
Broadcast
This weekend’s Rookies Cup races can be seen live on www.redbull.tv and on TV stations around the world.
Race 2 is on Sunday at 15:30 CET, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.
Niccolò Canepa Will Race Superbike For Westby Racing At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Tulsa, OK – October 17, 2020 – Westby Racing has enlisted the services of Yamaha World Superbike test rider Niccolò Canepa, who will compete aboard the team’s Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike at next weekend’s GEICO Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey.
Canepa will be a fill-in rider at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in place of the team’s regular rider Mathew Scholtz, who was injured in a crash during this past weekend’s Superbikes at The Brickyard event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A rider with vast experience, Niccolò is the first Italian in history to win an Endurance World Championship. He has also competed in MotoGP and Moto2, World Superbike, the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, the Italian Superstock Championship, Italian Supersport Championship, and the Superstock 600 UEM European Championship.
Niccolo Canepa. Photo courtesy Westby Racing.
“First of all, I would like to wish a speedy recovery to Mathew, who was unfortunately injured last week at Indy,” Niccolò said. “I’m really excited for this opportunity to race the Westby Yamaha R1 next weekend! I’m more than ready to race, and I love Laguna Seca. For sure, the level in MotoAmerica Superbike is really high, and it’s going to be a challenge, but I know I can count on one of the best bikes and teams in the field.
“For a long time, I’ve wanted to race in MotoAmerica, and I’ve been following the Championship ever since the beginning in 2015. This is a really good opportunity for me. Thanks to the Westby team for choosing me, and I can’t wait to ride!”
Westby Racing team manager Chuck Giacchetto said, “As a team manager, you have to deal with ups and downs. When we received news that Mathew’s accident was going to sideline him for (WeatherTech Raceway) Laguna Seca, we discussed the idea of not even going to Laguna, honestly. We considered the extra three weeks or so that we’d have to start developing the Yamaha R1 for 2021. But, after thinking about it more, we owe it to our sponsors—and especially to Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and to MotoAmerica—to show up and continue to put on a great show.
“We decided that we needed a rider with Superbike experience and with knowledge of the R1 Superbike. So, after lengthy discussions with our crew chief Ed Sullivan, I brought Niccolò Canepa’s name up to (team owner) Tryg (Westby) because Nick is the official test rider for the Yamaha World Superbike effort. Now, not only do we have a great rider on board, but we also are ultimately moving forward with our testing as planned. I personally am very happy to have Nick ride for us and give us feedback about our Yamaha R1 Superbike.”
Westby Racing team crew chief Ed Sullivan said, “A decision on a replacement rider for Mathew was never going to be easy, but with Niccolò, we have two big plusses. One, he has a wealth of experience in MotoGP and World Superbike, and we believe he will be very competitive on the Westby bike, and two, he can draw from his experience aboard the current World Superbike Yamahas, to give us feedback that will help our program as we move into 2021.”
For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites. Also, visit https://www.WestbyRacing.com
Valentino Rossi (46). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
NO SUBSTITUTE RIDER FOR MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP AT THE GRAN PREMIO DE TERUEL
Alcañiz (Spain), 18th October 2020
Due to Italian law, Valentino Rossi will be unable to attend the Gran Premio de Teruel event. Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP have decided not to enter a replacement rider for next weekend‘s race.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP have decided not to enter a replacement rider to substitute for Valentino Rossi at next weekend‘s Gran Premio de Teruel event.
As per the Decree by the President of the Italian Council of Ministers, issued on Tuesday 13th October 2020, Rossi will not be permitted to attend next week‘s race event (23rd – 25th October). The Italian Covid-19 measures require any person who tests Covid-19 positive to be in self-isolation for 10 days from the moment of the test (in Rossi‘s case, Thursday 15th October).
Prior to rejoining normal life, he will need to perform a further PCR test and register a negative result. Therefore, the earliest that Rossi can participate in a MotoGP event will be at the Gran Premio de Europa, held at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia on 6th – 8th November.
Yamaha has carefully weighed their options and decided not to enter a replacement rider to substitute for Rossi for the upcoming Gran Premio de Teruel. This decision was based on the high stress that is put on Yamaha‘s MotoGP project members during this Covid-19 influenced season.
Taking into account the reduced number of staff at events as well as the enforced long stay of YMC‘s engineers and non-EU team staff, YMC and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP choose not to impose the additional stress of having to adapt to a new rider who would be expected to substitute for Rossi for only one single race weekend.
When taking the decision not to enter a replacement rider for the Gran Premio de Teruel, Yamaha confirmed with Race Direction that they are abiding by the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations. Article 1.11.3.ii states that: “Teams must make every reasonable effort to provide a qualified substitute rider to fulfil their entry obligations within 10 days of withdrawal”. In the case of Rossi‘s withdrawal from the Aragon GP event, it was officially communicated by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP to IRTA on Friday 16th October. This means the 10-day time limit would be reached on Monday 26th October, one day after the actual race day of the Gran Premio de Teruel.
During next week‘s Gran Premio de Teruel, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP will be fully focusing its efforts on supporting Maverick Viñales.
A further update on Rossi‘s condition can be expected in the week after.
Provisional AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Henry Wiles (Hon), 15 laps
2. Max Whale (Kaw), -0.142 second
3. Trent Lowe (Hon), -0.396
4. Michael Rush (Yam), -1.283 seconds
5. Andrew Luker (Yam), -3.098
6. Morgen Mischler (KTM), -3.275
7. Jacob Lehmann (Hon), -3.952
8. Tanner Dean (Hon), -4.300
9. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -4.845
10. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), -5.356
11. Chad Cose (Suz), -6.105
12. Dylan Bell (Hon), -6.448
13. Shayna Texter (KTM), -6.634
14. Brandon Kitchen (KTM), -6.743
15. Aidan RoosEvans (KTM), -6.984
16. James Ott (KTM), -7.577
17. Jesse Janisch (Hus), -8.023
Provisional AFT Production Twins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Cory Texter (Yam), 15 laps
2. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -3.131 seconds
3. Ben Lowe (Yam), -3.556
4. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), -4.306
5. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), -4.975
6. James Rispoli (Har), -5.361
7. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -6.488
8. Cody Johncox (Yam), -7.359
9. Shelby Miller (Kaw), -15.104
10. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), -17.244
11. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -1 lap
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:
Bauman Repeats as AFT SuperTwins Champion, Robinson Doubles Up at Progressive AFT Finale at DAYTONA II
Brandon Robinson (44) won the AFT SuperTwins race for a second night in a row. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 18, 2020) – Following 15 rounds of epic Progressive American Flat Track action, Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) successfully completed his bid to repeat as AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines Champion in Saturday evening’s decisive Progressive AFT Finale at DAYTONA II.
Even with an extended pandemic-imposed pause, the highly anticipated 2020 showdown between Bauman and multi-time series king Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) proved more than worth the wait. The momentum swung back and forth on a nearly weekend-by-weekend basis, leaving both superstars still in control of their destiny heading into this weekend’s DAYTONA finale.
Bauman seized control of the title fight with a clutch runner-up finish on Friday, which seemingly made the final task before him relatively easy by his standards. All he needed to do at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night was score an eighth-place finish to cap off a title defense that saw him rack up six wins, four seconds, three thirds, and one seventh along the way.
2020 AFT SuperTwins Champion Briar Bauman (center) and his team. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
However, the level of difficulty was ratcheted up significantly due to weather; rainy conditions forced multiple delays in the program, the Semis were cancelled, and the AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines Main was pushed to the front of the pack once conditions allowed to ensure the season’s premier-class champ was crowned before the night was out. The changes and unpredictability of the day could have easily thrown an admittedly stressed Bauman out of his rhythm.
Instead he responded like a champion. Starting on the front row with Mees as a result of their qualifying performance, Bauman got away in third and glued himself to the rear wheel of his championship rival.
Meanwhile, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) proved invincible around the Short Track at DAYTONA for a second consecutive night. He assumed the lead on lap one and held the position through the checkered flag.
Mees did well to keep Robinson in his sights, clinging on in hopes of a win that would give him the best possible shot at the championship should Bauman make a critical mistake.
Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing FTR750) ran in fourth deep into the contest, holding back a racy Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) for a solid five minutes. Unable to find an opening, Halbert finally made one; he pushed up the inside of Carver to take over fourth, knocking his rival back to seventh in the process.
Halbert then reeled in the leaders, arriving within striking distance of Bauman and a potential podium finish just as the race entered its final two laps. Bauman saw what was happening and understood full well what could happen. Rather than risk getting similarly bumped down the order and out of the points lead, Bauman allowed Halbert by and then cruised to a title-clinching fourth-place finish.
After claiming his eighth-career victory, Robinson said, “This is amazing. Through the ups and downs we’ve had this season to come out of here with the DAYTONA double — there’s nothing better. This is insane. We’re going to be able to go into this offseason and get healthy and come out swinging in 2021. I’m ecstatic.”
“Obviously, things went really, really well,” back-to-back champ Bauman said. “I was able to do what we came for and what we set out to do all season for Jess Garcia and the whole Garcia family — win the championship. Jess was with me every step of the way. It means a lot to me to be able to fulfill what I showed up to do. He was one of my best friends. It’s just an honor to win for him, Indian Motorcycle, Progressive Insurance, and everyone else behind the team.”
AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys
Henry Wiles (No. 17 RMR Honda/Honda Talon CRF450R) demonstrated once again why he’s widely considered one of the greatest Short Track riders in the history of the sport, holding off Max Whale (No. 18 Coondoo Cattle Co./Australian Road Services Kawasaki KX450F) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 Roof Systems of Dallas, TX/Shoei Helmets Honda CRF450R) to win an abbreviated AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Main Event.
Shortened to just four minutes plus two laps due to the numerous weather delays, Wiles shot out to the lead from the start, and protected the groove from there. Whale sought any way past Wiles but simply could not find one. Lowe closed in as well, but the experienced ST master ahead of them refused to give way.
After taking his second win of 2020, Wiles said, “I was stoked to get that start. I told myself I can’t not win now. It was my race to win. Max kept me honest, and I could see Trent was in the picture too. I put in smooth, consistent laps. I’d go just a touch easy on some laps, and then I’d pick it up a little bit on some other laps. I tried to ride the best that I could so I didn’t give Max a good shot at poking it up on me. I’m stoked my wife and daughter came out for this — it means a lot to me.”
Despite losing to Wiles on the night, Whale’s runner-up result was enough to beat him for second in their championship fight (215-208).
Mikey Rush (No. 15 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) set the fastest lap of the race en route to fourth with Andrew Luker (No. 11 Rackley Racing/Keeran Racing Yamaha YZ450F) completing the top five just behind.
2020 AFT Singles champ Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) was forced to start from Row 4 with no Semi to improve his starting position. He made up a couple positions to end his title-winning season with a run to ninth. Sandwiched between his opening round failure to qualify for the Main and his ninth-placed finale, Daniels packed in a remarkable eighth wins, nine podiums and twelve top fives.
AFT Production Twins
2019 AFT Production Twins champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) made the absolute most of his last chance to run the #1 plate before handing it over to the newly-crowned James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), logging a blowout victory in the final race of the 2020 Progressive American Flat Track season.
Rispoli crashed and found himself trapped under his motorcycle after coming together with Friday-winner Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield Twins FT) in the race’s opening corner. That incident brought out a red flag and moved Rispoli from Row 1 to the back of the field.
Texter ripped into the lead off the line at the restart and proceeded to assemble a massive advantage en route to his fourth triumph of a hard-fought yet ultimately unsuccessful title defense.
He said, “It feels amazing. I’ve wanted to win in DAYTONA my whole life. I was actually the first rider to ever ride this racetrack back in 2010. I helped test it out for them, but I’ve always sucked here. So this is awesome. I feel competitive everywhere right now. I wish the season could keep going or start over right now.”
Lewis backed up Royal Enfield’s maiden Progressive AFT victory with its second-ever podium finish the very next night.
Lewis was followed closely to the flag by third-place finisher Ben Lowe (No. 25 Roof Systems/Bruce Lowe Excavating Yamaha MT-07), while Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650) edged Patrick Buchanan (No. 175 Parkinson Brothers Racing/PRO 1 Industries Kawasaki Ninja 650) as the two completed the top five.
Meanwhile, despite being faced with an extremely difficult track to overtake on and very little time in which to do it, Rispoli made his way up to finish his season with an impressive sixth-place finish. The result was actually the worst of an incredibly consistent campaign, which also included seven wins, four seconds, two fourths, and a fifth.
The Progressive AFT Finale at DAYTONA I & II will air back-to-back on NBCSN on Saturday, October 31, starting at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. The broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and the expert commentary of Progressive AFT legend Chris Carr.
More, from a press release issued by Estenson Racing:
Estenson Racing Closes 2020 AFT Season in Daytona
Estenson Racing put the final touches on a championship-winning Progressive American Flat Track season on a Saturday night finale dominated by rain delays at the Daytona International Speedway. With the Semis canceled and Main Events shortened, Mikey Rush led the way for the team, finishing in fourth in the abbreviated AFT Singles main. New class champ Dallas Daniels ended his dominant season with an uncharacteristic ninth, while AFT SuperTwins pilot JD Beach rounded out his year with a run to 12th.
Rush started the Main on Row 2 after qualifying in eighth position and having no Semi in which to improve his starting slot. Despite that disadvantage, he quickly picked up a handful of positions running up top to move into fifth. Fourth position didn’t come quite as easy on the single-line battlefield, but once through, Rush immediately shook free and closed in on the three-rider scrap for the win. With just a four-minute Main in which to work, he simply ran out of time in his attempt to join that fight despite clocking the race’s fastest lap. Still, Saturday’s fourth-place finish allowed Rush to lock down a fourth-place ranking in the final AFT Singles championship order.
Daniels was even unluckier than his Estenson Racing teammate with the cancellation of the Semis. That left him on Row 4 in a shortened Main Event on a track that provided few passing opportunities. He still managed to work up to ninth after qualifying 13th, ending his successful AFT Singles title campaign with one final top ten. Ultimately, the otherwise frustrating evening left Daniels’ reflective of his eight-win season and looking ahead to a stronger showing in Daytona in 2021.
Beach had hoped to build on his Friday eighth. The early returns were promising in that regard, as he posted the fifth-fastest time in the opening practice session. However, the changing conditions and subsequent delays worked against him. Starting on Row 4 in the Main, Beach got away in 16th. He charged forward from there, climbing his way up to 12th by the time he took the checkered flag. That finish paid seven additional points to a season in which he scored four top 10s and ended the year ranked 14th in the AFT SuperTwins standings.
Tommy Hayden – Estenson Racing Team Manager
“It was definitely a crazy day – much different from normal with no Semis and very minimal track time. I wish it had been more of a normal schedule, but I’m glad we were able to get some kind of race in with how bad the weather was. The Singles guys kind of shot themselves in the foot with bad qualifying and having to use that as their grid positions for the Main. They both rode hard and charged through the field. They did the best they could.
“JD’s day started off well. He showed some promise, but the qualifying thing didn’t work out so well for him either. He had to start from the back, which wasn’t ideal here – it was a hard track to pass on, but he rode hard and looked good on the bike. We’ve got a lot of work to do and plan to come back next year stronger.”
Mikey Rush – Estenson Racing AFT Singles
“It was crazy we actually got the race in with all the bad weather. I had to start from the outside of the second row, which wasn’t a terrible spot – at least it wasn’t all the way in the back. I made the most of it. I got a decent jump and made some passes early on the outside, but I couldn’t stay up there for long when the moisture went away. I dove to the bottom and worked on fourth for a while and ended up getting by. I started tracking the leaders down, but they shortened our race to four minutes which made it hard to get it done. I ran out of time, basically. It would have been nice to get on the podium, but I’m happy to get another top-five. Big thanks to Estenson Racing for giving me the opportunity this year. I have really enjoyed myself.”
Dallas Daniels – Estenson Racing AFT Singles
“For whatever reason, we struggled in qualifying. I was having some trouble with some grip and some front-end pushing. We made changes and were feeling good for the Semi, but then the rain hit. We sat here forever and ever, and then they said we were going to skip the Semi and go straight to the Main Event. I qualified 13th, so that gave me the first choice for the fourth row, which is a terrible spot to be in because it ended up being a one-line groove. I went up on the outside and made the best of it and ended up ninth.
“It wasn’t our worst finish of the year, but we just kind of struggled a little bit. But if we’re going to struggle, now is the time to do it after we already wrapped up the championship. We had an amazing year, and Daytona is an awesome place to wrap it up. But it’s also kind of a crapshoot — anything can happen here at the Daytona Short Track and they proved that this weekend. I hope we come back here to start the 2021 season. I’m looking forward to defending the championship next year.”
JD Beach – Estenson Racing AFT SuperTwins
“The day was definitely hard. We started off good but just kind of struggled with how the track changed. We were getting ready to go racing and then it rained. Then it stopped and they worked on the track and it rained again. It just dragged on and on. It wasn’t the night we had hoped for, and we didn’t finish the year the way we would have liked, but we’ll try again next season.”
Action from British Superbike Race One at Brands Hatch. Photo courtesy MSVR.
O’Halloran wins epic Brands Hatch opener as title fight intensifies
An incredible opening Bennetts British Superbike Championship race produced the most dramatic action of the 2020 season so far; with all five of the title contenders going all-in to battle for the victory, and it was Jason O’Halloran and McAMS Yamaha who aced the opening round of the weekend.
The lead changed every lap throughout the 16-lap tussle for supremacy in the standings and at the start of the race, Josh Brookes had lead the pack into Paddock Hill Bend for the first time, getting the jump on Glenn Irwin, O’Halloran and Christian Iddon.
Iddon was soon into third, but at the front, Glenn Irwin had captured the lead. The Honda Racing rider though was instantly under fire again from Brookes who regained the position before they crossed the line to start the next lap.
On lap five, Irwin went for another attempt; passing Brookes for the lead, with the VisionTrack Ducati rider nudged into third as Iddon moved ahead into second place.
Two laps later and Iddon became the third different rider to lead the race, but by lap eight, the Honda Racing Fireblade was back in front. Glenn Irwin was then holding the advantage from O’Halloran, Brookes and Iddon, and then the McAMS Yamaha rider was pushing for the lead.
O’Halloran made a decisive move to grab the position at Surtees, becoming the fourth of the five title contenders to lead the race. However, before lap 11 was completed, Iddon had fired the VisionTrack Ducati back ahead of O’Halloran with Glenn Irwin holding third place.
Iddon led the pack until the penultimate lap when he came under attack from a determined O’Halloran, who then made a break on the final two laps to claim his third victory of the season.
Iddon held second to the finish line despite the best efforts of Tarran Mackenzie, who carved his way through his rivals to end the race in third place ahead of Brookes, who had his advantage cut to seven points.
Danny Buchan and Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki completed the top five as he made ground over the final laps, with Glenn Irwin ended the race in sixth place, with his brother Andrew in close contention. Lee Jackson, Tommy Bridewell and Gino Rea completing the top ten.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch GP, Round 16 result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.877s
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +2.075s
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +3.055s
Danny Buchan (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +3.667s
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +4.479s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing) +4.787s
Lee Jackson (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +4.845s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +5.899s
Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +6.134s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Round 16:
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) 238
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 231
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 229
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) 217
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 195
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Jason O’Halloran celebrates his victory in Race One at Brands Hatch. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
Bennetts BSB – Round 16 race winner
“That race was mental! It felt like it was the last race in the championship – everyone was just going for it! It think there are five of us who can challenge for the title and we all knew that today’s race was one of the most important of the weekend.
“We knew if Josh won today it would make it more difficult tomorrow and so we were all desperate to get to the front. I felt good but every time I made a pass, I got passed back!
“Towards the end of the race I managed to make a move on Christian, and then I made it stick and I thought that’s enough, put your head down and try and make a break. It felt so good to win that one.”
Perfect Acosta in Rookies Race 1 at Motorland Aragón
Pedro Acosta could hardly improve on the 4 straight wins that started the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in Austria but he managed to do exactly that over 15 thrilling laps of Aragón. The 16-year-old Spaniard could not break free at Spielberg but he achieved that superbly in his first race at home.
It was the same hungry challengers fighting it out and chasing him all the way again with Daniel Holgado finally leading Iván Ortolá across the line for an all Spanish podium.
Acosta faultless
It looked from the start like a repeat of the Austrian races with a pack swapping places at every turn. Acosta tried to break away early but couldn’t, Holgado particularly hung on grimly to the #37 KTM RC 250 R.
“I started from pole but you know, really this means nothing,” explained Acosta. “What was important is that at about lap 8 when the tyre performance went down I could still keep the lap time. That was what gave me the break so I could open up a gap.”
“I kept it smooth and kept the lap time. It will be difficult to manage that again tomorrow but I will try.”
“The track condition was not the same as yesterday, the temperature was down I think and the grip not as good but my bike is working well in all conditions and I also prepared myself for this,” concluded Acosta.
Holgado never gave up
“It was a difficult race,” stated the 15-year-old who was less than a second behind Acosta at the flag. “The track just did not have the same grip as Qualifying, I didn’t have the same feeling, the same confidence. Especially towards the end, with the tyre warn, the rear was sliding around a lot and I had a big slide at the last corner. Still 2nd is really good, I am happy with that.”
Ortolá unlucky
In the battle at the front from the start the 16-year-old slipstreamed Holgado into the last corner and looked perfectly placed for a challenge.
“At the last corner I was trying to overtake Dani (Holgado) coming out onto the straight but then he had a slide and I almost hit him, I missed my chance.”
“I’m happy with the bike and it really worked well, good to be on the podium, and we try again tomorrow.”
Salvador missing confidence
David Salvador won the final race of the 2019 season at Aragón but the 16-year-old Spaniard just fell short this time and missed out on a podium place over the last 2 laps after battling all the way. “I am very happy for the result, good to be 4th but I was not happy with the feeling in the race.”
“The bike just didn’t feel anything like it did yesterday in Qualifying. We have to see if we can change something for tomorrow, I need to get that feeling back.”
Alonso came back once
David Alonso, the 14-year-old Colombian had a brilliant ride with two ‘penalties’ on his way to 5th.
“I am happy because I was fighting well in the group. Then I touched with David Muñoz and lost a lot of time from the group. I fought back to them but then got a long lap penalty. So again I had a big gap and this time the tyre was worn and I could not catch up again. I couldn’t fight for the podium today but I learn and try again tomorrow.”
Van Eerde making a great comeback
“It was a difficult race,” explained Billy van Eerde, the 18-year-old Australian. “The first race back after breaking my femur. I was being a bit conservative about that because I didn’t want to crash. But no, it was a good race. At the beginning I made a mistake and dropped back to 17th and in the end I got back to 6th so for the first race back after injury I’m quite happy with it.”
Broadcast
This weekend’s Rookies Cup races can be seen live on www.redbull.tv and on TV stations around the world.
Race 2 is on Sunday at 15:30 CET, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.
Niccolo Canepa (7) in action on the YART Yamaha YZF-R1 at the 12 Hours of Estoril FIM Endurance World Championship race. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Niccolò Canepa Will Race Superbike For Westby Racing At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Tulsa, OK – October 17, 2020 – Westby Racing has enlisted the services of Yamaha World Superbike test rider Niccolò Canepa, who will compete aboard the team’s Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike at next weekend’s GEICO Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey.
Canepa will be a fill-in rider at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in place of the team’s regular rider Mathew Scholtz, who was injured in a crash during this past weekend’s Superbikes at The Brickyard event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A rider with vast experience, Niccolò is the first Italian in history to win an Endurance World Championship. He has also competed in MotoGP and Moto2, World Superbike, the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, the Italian Superstock Championship, Italian Supersport Championship, and the Superstock 600 UEM European Championship.
Niccolo Canepa. Photo courtesy Westby Racing.
“First of all, I would like to wish a speedy recovery to Mathew, who was unfortunately injured last week at Indy,” Niccolò said. “I’m really excited for this opportunity to race the Westby Yamaha R1 next weekend! I’m more than ready to race, and I love Laguna Seca. For sure, the level in MotoAmerica Superbike is really high, and it’s going to be a challenge, but I know I can count on one of the best bikes and teams in the field.
“For a long time, I’ve wanted to race in MotoAmerica, and I’ve been following the Championship ever since the beginning in 2015. This is a really good opportunity for me. Thanks to the Westby team for choosing me, and I can’t wait to ride!”
Westby Racing team manager Chuck Giacchetto said, “As a team manager, you have to deal with ups and downs. When we received news that Mathew’s accident was going to sideline him for (WeatherTech Raceway) Laguna Seca, we discussed the idea of not even going to Laguna, honestly. We considered the extra three weeks or so that we’d have to start developing the Yamaha R1 for 2021. But, after thinking about it more, we owe it to our sponsors—and especially to Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and to MotoAmerica—to show up and continue to put on a great show.
“We decided that we needed a rider with Superbike experience and with knowledge of the R1 Superbike. So, after lengthy discussions with our crew chief Ed Sullivan, I brought Niccolò Canepa’s name up to (team owner) Tryg (Westby) because Nick is the official test rider for the Yamaha World Superbike effort. Now, not only do we have a great rider on board, but we also are ultimately moving forward with our testing as planned. I personally am very happy to have Nick ride for us and give us feedback about our Yamaha R1 Superbike.”
Westby Racing team crew chief Ed Sullivan said, “A decision on a replacement rider for Mathew was never going to be easy, but with Niccolò, we have two big plusses. One, he has a wealth of experience in MotoGP and World Superbike, and we believe he will be very competitive on the Westby bike, and two, he can draw from his experience aboard the current World Superbike Yamahas, to give us feedback that will help our program as we move into 2021.”
For more updates about Westby Racing, including news, photos, and videos, follow “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media sites. Also, visit https://www.WestbyRacing.com
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode 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
Improves website's visuals
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
Helps to focus on specific content
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
Reduces distractions and improve focus
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
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
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.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
November 12, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
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
