MotoGP: Gresini Partners With MP1 To Promote Indonesian Riders

David Swarts

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October 15, 2020

MotoGP: Gresini Partners With MP1 To Promote Indonesian Riders

MP1 brings Indonesia into MotoGP™ with Gresini Racing

A new multi-year deal begins in 2021, including a new racing academy aimed at promoting and supporting young Indonesian riders

MP1, an Indonesian company operating in the ever-growing events and sports management industry, will be the new partner of the #GresiniFamily. Starting in 2021, through a multiple year agreement that sees MP1 become a partner of the team across all categories: MotoGP™, Moto2™, Moto3™ and MotoE™.

MP1 has created an innovative project which will primarily focus on motorcycle racing. Amongst various activities, MP1 will set up a racing academy to scout for young, talented Indonesian riders and support them on the journey from national series to the MotoGP World Championship.

MP1 has chosen the team led by Fausto Gresini to develop a strategic partnership that aims at entering “Team Indonesia” in the World Championship, giving Indonesians the opportunity to see their country represented on the global stage of MotoGP.

It is widely known that Indonesia already has one of the world’s largest fan bases for the MotoGP World Championship. With the addition of a new MotoGP track, The Mandalika International Street Circuit, which is currently under construction, 2021 will see this critical market grow yet again.

It is therefore no wonder that the MP1 – Gresini Racing project has been given the blessing of MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports, who are delighted to see an increasing number of major Indonesian companies getting involved in the Championship as the Indonesian GP moves closer to being included on the MotoGP race calendar.

ANCE DEWIANTI – CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER MP1

“This project is a blessing for the whole MP1 Management team. MotoGP is considered a national sport here in Indonesia and the excitement around the upcoming Mandalika Grand Prix has accelerated our interest in developing our vision. Our vision is to support young Indonesian riders, discover a future Indonesian World Champion and leave a lasting legacy of Indonesian success in the sport. To realize our vision, we are delighted to have the opportunity to develop a strategic partnership with Gresini Racing with a mutual goal of creating ‘Team Indonesian Racing’ in the coming year. Our initial involvement will see MP1 with a presence in all categories: MotoE, Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP. In addition, we will be developing a young rider academy to identify talent and help them progress through the ladder toward MotoGP. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Fausto Gresini for his support and for sharing our vision. We would also like to thank DORNA for their support and commitment to Indonesia and helping us create a project of national pride. We know that our work will encourage the motorsport industry to expand and bring additional multiplier effects for potential new investments for Indonesia as well as positive impact on tourism to the country. Since the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime & Investment Affairs for the Republic of Indonesia (KEMENKOMARVES), oversees the current MotoGP Project in Mandalika, we have already reached out to the Coordinating Ministry for their support and will continue to develop a strong roadmap for the team and the country.”

FAUSTO GRESINI – TEAM MANAGER

“Everyone knows that Gresini Racing has a long-lasting love affair with Indonesia. Indonesia is already a kind of second home for us as we are enjoying great partnerships and also we love the people, they are all crazy about MotoGP. We are therefore very excited to welcome MP1. The partnership has been planned since November 2019 but the pandemic delayed the announcement. We are now delighted to have signed a multiyear partnership across all the categories, from MotoGP to MotoE, which proves the strong involvement that they wanted to establish from the beginning. In addition, we have already shared with MP1 a common vision and intent to look beyond the next year and aim to grow the partnership further and make it stronger. The ultimate goal is, to one day soon, have a team in the championship which to represent the entire nation, their culture and enthusiasm for MotoGP. My gratitude goes to all the team at MP1 for having chosen Gresini Racing to develop such an amazing project.”

CARMELO EZPELETA – CEO DORNA

“The announcement of Gresini Racing forming a strategic partnership with MP1 from Indonesia is fabulous news. Indonesia is a key market for everyone involved in motorcycle racing and partnering with such a successful MotoGP team, with presence in all classes, sits perfectly alongside the impending return of MotoGP racing to Indonesia. We welcome the management and staff of MP1 to the sport and look forward to seeing how the partnership grows in the coming months”.

Aprilia Introduces Twin-Cylinder RS 660 For North America

John Ulrich

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October 15, 2020

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Aprilia Introduces Twin-Cylinder RS 660 For North America

By Michael Gougis

Aprilia has raised the stakes in the middleweight twin-cylinder category, going all in with the introduction of its powerful, sophisticated RS 660 for the North American market and coming in well under the expected suggested retail price–although it still costs $11,299.

“This represents a new era for Aprilia,” said Miguel Galluzzi, Chief Motorcycle Designer, Piaggio Group. “We live in a different world. It is not the RSV4 world any more.”

The new RS 660 is a Parallel Twin, four-stroke sportbike that pumps out a claimed 100 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 49.4 lbs.-ft. of torque at 8,500 rpm. The bike, which does not come with the active aerodynamic devices seen on the prototype, weighs in at a claimed 403.7 pounds fully fueled, according to Piero Soatti, Aprilia RS 660 Chief Vehicle Engineer, Piaggio Group.

What it does come with is a suite of features that is simply not found anywhere else in the class of 650cc Twins. The RS 660 comes with an Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronics suite that includes eight levels of traction control, three power modes, three levels of engine braking, anti-lock brakes with three modes, and wheelie control.

A new Marelli ECU coordinates with a six-axis IMU to incorporate more data into the vehicle’s operations. A quickshifter works on both upshifts and downshifts, and the shift pattern can be configured for standard or GP shifting.

The engine displaces 659cc. Bore and stroke is 81mm x 63.93mm, with the RS 660 sharing the same bore as the firm’s RSV4 1100. The compression ratio is 13.5:1, and twin ram air-intakes feed 48mm throttle bodies.

The RS 660 is designed to be easy to ride on a daily basis. The machine comes standard with an assisted slipper clutch, and the riding position is midway between that of a Kawasaki Ninja 650R and a Yamaha YZF-R6. The handlebars are above the upper triple clamp, and the pegs are tucked in tight, allowing them to be lower while still providing adequate cornering clearance for sporting use. The aerodynamics are designed to provide adequate protection and to remove heat from the engine bay and direct it away from the rider. The seat is narrow at the front, allowing shorter riders to comfortably touch the ground.

In broad strokes, the machine follows modern sportbike conventions. The twin-spar aluminum-alloy chassis features 41mm inverted forks at the front, and a single shock at the rear controls the movement of the asymmetric aluminum swingarm. Braking power comes from a pair of 320mm discs in the front, with four-piston Brembo radial-mount calipers, and a 220mm rotor with a twin-piston Brembo caliper in the rear.

The machine will come in Lava Red, Acid Gold, and Apex Black color schemes with suggested retail starting at $11,299. The RS 660 is available for pre-order now, and units are expected to be in the showrooms by the end of this year or early in 2021.

MotoAmerica: Bryce Prince Racing Supersport At Laguna

David Swarts

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October 15, 2020

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MotoAmerica: Bryce Prince Racing Supersport At Laguna

Bryce Prince Racing In MotoAmerica Supersport At Laguna Seca

Bryce Prince, the 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, will race a BPR Tuning Yamaha R6 at the final round of the 2020 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to compete in the final race of the season,” says Bryce. “To be able to field a bike I built from the ground up, in my shop, is a first and it means a lot to me. I am also very excited and grateful to be able to bring all my crew back from last year. Up until about a month ago, I had not even ridden a bike since the 2019 MotoAmerica season finale at Barber Motorsports Park, where we finished on the Supersport podium. It is going to be a tall order to be up front at Laguna, but we are going to give it our best shot!”

Thank you to all of my team sponsors for this event – BPR Tuning, Alien Motion, Dunlop Tires, Motovation USA, SC Project, Kyle Racing, Zero Gravity, Core Moto, EF Signs, Champ School, 6D Helmets, Dainese LA, FT ECU, Evol Technology, 39N Racing, Superlite Sprockets, HHR Performance, Flex Racing, Apex Race Development, RFA Graphics, and Next Level Cycles

About BPR Tuning – BPR Tuning is a performance motorcycle shop that focuses on engine builds and Dyno Tuning for all applications. Located in Bakersfield, CA

Video: Ducati Presents 170-HP Non-Desmo V4 Granturismo Engine

David Swarts

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October 15, 2020

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Video: Ducati Presents 170-HP Non-Desmo V4 Granturismo Engine

V4 Granturismo: the engine for the next generation of Ducati Multistrada

Ducati presents the new V4 Granturismo engine: It will power the new Multistrada V4, which will be unveiled on November 4

The V4 Granturismo has been developed for maximum smoothness of operation and has record-breaking maintenance intervals

Compact and light, performing, featuring rich torque values: an engine designed for “adventouring” use, at the same time offers great thrills and sportiness

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), October 15, 2020 – A new era begins in Borgo Panigale as Ducati presents to the public the new V4 Granturismo, the engine that will equip the long-awaited new generation of Ducati Multistrada: which is going to be shown to the world Wednesday, November 4.

Ducati's new V4 Granturismo engine. Photo courtesy Ducati. — Ducati’s new V4 Granturismo engine. Photo courtesy Ducati.

An extremely compact, lightweight, high-performance, torque-rich engine designed to meet the needs required in “adventouring” use without neglecting emotion and sportiness.

Built with latest-generation technology as well as first-in-class materials available, in order to guarantee both durability and reliability, the V4 Granturismo stands out for its record-breaking maintenance intervals for a motorcycle engine and has been created as the heart of a high-performance and dynamic bike, ready to explore every corner of the planet with its owner.

Ducati's new V4 Granturismo engine disassembled. Photo courtesy Ducati. — Ducati’s new V4 Granturismo engine disassembled. Photo courtesy Ducati.

The engine was presented to the public with a video in which Claudio Domenicali – Ducati CEO – the engineers and technicians who followed its development reveal all its secrets and features to the Ducati enthusiasts.

Every single technical choice made during the development of the V4 Granturismo project was aimed at ensuring maximum fluidity of operation combined with a substantial extension of maintenance intervals.

The valvetrain of Ducati's new V4 Granturismo engine. Photo courtesy Ducati. — The valvetrain of Ducati’s new V4 Granturismo engine. Photo courtesy Ducati.

The new distribution includes a spring valve return system, bringing the maintenance intervals of the V4 Granturismo to 60,000 km. This was achieved thanks to the in-depth expertise Ducati has acquired in the use of materials, treatments and technical solutions developed around the Desmodromic system. All this, applied to a spring valve return system which stresses the components less if compared to the Desmo, produced to set an outstanding milestone never set before by a motorcycle engine. In addition, the engine ensures great regularity of operation at both low revs and loads, without forgetting the outright performance, the power at high revs and the reach of an authentic sports engine: the V4 Granturismo delivers 125 kW (170 hp) at 10,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 125 Nm (12.7 Kgm) at 8,750 rpm. All this respecting the stringent Euro 5 homologation norms.

With the weight of 66.7 kg, the V4 Granturismo can boast a record lightness, being 1.2 kg lighter than the Testastretta twin-cylinder used on the previous Multistrada 1260. The 1,158 cc displacement came out as being the perfect point of connection in terms of performance, lightness and dimension of a V4 engine, capable of being incredibly light and compact. Compared to the previous generation engine, the V4 Granturismo measures 85 mm shorter, 95 mm lower and only 20 mm wider. This compact layout allowed Ducati engineers to house the engine in the frame more effectively and centrally to positively influence the position of the bike’s center of gravity, with all the resulting benefits.

The V4 Granturismo also inherits some elements derived from the experience gained by Ducati in the racing world, such as the decision to adopt a counter-rotating crankshaft, which improves the handling and agility of the bike, and to exploit the “Twin Pulse” technology, capable of offering a full-bodied and perfectly manageable power delivery at every speed.

To avoid a reduction in thermal comfort due to the heat transmitted by the rear cylinders, the V4 Granturismo adopts the strategy of deactivating the rear bank at idle. In this way, when the bike is stationary, the combustion process in the cylinders is halted and this improves the thermal comfort of the rider and passenger thanks to the reduction of the temperature while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption.

V4 Granturismo main technical data

1158 cc 4-cylinder 90° V engine

Bore x stroke 83 x 53.5 mm

Compression ratio 14:1

Maximum power 125 kW (170 hp) at 10,500 rpm

Maximum torque 125 Nm (12.7 Kgm) at 8,750 rpm

Euro 5 homologation

Distribution part chain, part gear – timing with dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder

Counter-rotating crankshaft with crank pins offset at 70°

Wet multi-plate anti-patter servo clutch

Semi-dry sump lubrication with three oil pumps: 1 delivery and 2 return

Fueling with four oval throttle bodies (46 mm diameter equivalent)

6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down System

60,000 km maintenance valves interval

Deactivating rear bank

MotoAmerica: Paasch Racing HONOS Kawasaki At Laguna

David Swarts

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October 15, 2020

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MotoAmerica: Paasch Racing HONOS Kawasaki At Laguna

Brandon Paasch is excited to announce that he will join HONOS Racing for the final Supersport race with MotoAmerica at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca the weekend of October 23-25. After racing a Yamaha R6 and securing third place in the 2020 championship with Celtic HSBK Racing, Paasch was released early from his contract to help him pursue potential options for the remainder of the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Paasch is now focused on a top result at Laguna Seca with HONOS Racing aboard their Kawasaki 636.

“I know this is a big change and a bit of a surprise to my sponsors and fans, but I’m excited to have the opportunity to explore some options with HONOS Racing at Laguna,” Paasch said. “For sure the Kawasaki has been fast all season, and I want to see what I can do when I throw a leg over it. Laguna Seca is a great track, HONOS Racing is a very good team, and I’m looking forward to the final races of the season in MotoAmerica Supersport.

“I’m really grateful to Barry and Bobby at Celtic HSBK Racing for all they did for me this year. When my plans to race in the UK fell apart due to the Covid crisis, I was able to secure a deal with Celtic to run a Yamaha R6 just two weeks before the season started. Putting together a deal that close to the start of the season is no easy task. We all knew this would be challenging, but we were able to fight for podium positions right away at Road America. I pushed hard all season, and every race I felt like I learned something new and was able to continue to improve. Racing against Sean (Dylan Kelly) and Richie (Escalante) really motivated me to step up my riding, and I think we all had some great racing that gave the fans something to cheer about. I’m proud of what we achieved, I just wish I could have delivered a win for the team and fans.

“To be honest, riding the HONOS Racing Kawasaki 636 at Laguna Seca is a step I wanted to take to assist me in my decisions for what I will do in 2021 and beyond. Thanks to Humberto Baca and Chuck Graves for making it happen. I have a few offers to evaluate, but my immediate goal is obviously to go for the top spot at Laguna. Once the weekend is over, I’ll take a hard look at what I can do and where I can go. It would be great to get back to racing overseas, but I really enjoyed racing in the USA again. Thanks so much to all my sponsors and fans that have helped me this year – I’m looking forward to some great racing in a couple weeks.”

Fans can support Paasch and HONOS Racing by checking the latest updates at MotoAmerica.com. Better yet, they can watch all the live video race action with MotoAmerica Live+ for only $9.99. It promises to be an exciting weekend for all classes.

Fans and supporters can subscribe and follow Brandon for more updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:
Facebook: @BrandonPaasch or facebook.com/BrandonPaasch/

Instagram: @brandon_paasch or instagram.com/brandon_paasch

Twitter: @PaaschBrandon

Brandon Paasch is sponsored by Classic Car Club of Manhattan, Fresh N Lean, Evolve GT, Electronic Concepts, luxeStar VIP, BJT Mechanical, Birdhouse, Arai, and Spidi.

HONOS is a performance gear and fashion apparel brand that promotes talent within the adrenaline sports realm. For a current list of sponsored athletes, visit our website at https://wearehonos.com/pages/athletes

MotoGP: Rossi Tests Positive For COVID-19

David Swarts

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October 15, 2020

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MotoGP: Rossi Tests Positive For COVID-19

VALENTINO ROSSI TO MISS THE GRAND PRIX OF ARAGON

Alcañiz (Spain), 15th October 2020

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Racing Srl regret to announce that Valentino Rossi will be unable to attend this weekend‘s Gran Premio de Aragón.

STATEMENT – 15th October 2020

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Racing Srl regret to announce that Valentino Rossi will be unable to attend this weekend‘s Gran Premio de Aragón.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

– On Sunday 11th October, Rossi left the Le Mans circuit and travelled back to his home in Tavullia, Italy.

– On Tuesday 13th October, Rossi underwent the usual PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, which is compulsory for those who visit their homes in between races. The result was available the next day and it was negative.

– On Wednesday 14th October, Rossi was feeling fully fit and he trained at home without any symptoms or inconveniences.

– On Thursday 15th October, he woke up in the morning and felt a bit sore. He had a slight fever and immediately called a doctor. The doctor conducted two tests:

1. A ’quick PCR test‘, that again came back with a negative test result.

2. A standard PCR test, of which the result arrived on Thursday 15th October, at 16:00 local time. Unfortunately this result was positive.

– During Rossi‘s stay at his home from Sunday night (11th October) to today (15th October), he has NOT been in contact with any person that is currently present at the Gran Premio de Aragón, including VR46 Academy riders, VR46 staff, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team members etc.

– Rossi’s condition will be closely monitored by the medical staff in Tavullia.

– The situation will be reviewed every day with a view to Rossi’s participation at the upcoming MotoGP race events.

VALENTINO ROSSI

Unfortunately, this morning I woke up and I was not feeling good. My bones were sore and I had a slight fever, so I immediately called the doctor who tested me twice. The ’quick PCR test‘ result was negative, just like the test I underwent on Tuesday. But the second one, of which the result was sent to me at 16:00 this afternoon, was unfortunately positive. I am so disappointed that I will have to miss the race at Aragon. I’d like to be optimistic and confident, but I expect the second round in Aragon to be a ’no go‘ for me as well… I am sad and angry because I did my best to respect the protocol and although the test I had on Tuesday was negative, I self-isolated since my arrival from Le Mans. Anyway, this is the way it is, and I can’t do anything to change the situation. I will now follow the medical advice, and I just hope I will be feeling well soon.

LIN JARVIS

MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING

This is very bad news for Valentino and very bad news for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team and for all MotoGP fans around the world. First and foremost we hope Valentino will not suffer too much in the coming days and will recover fully in the shortest time possible.

It comes as a second blow for our MotoGP operations having faced the absence of Project Leader Sumi-san and five YMC engineers at the Le Mans race after one member tested positive – despite being fortunately totally asymptomatic.

These two incidents remind us that no matter how careful you are, the risk is always present – as we see with the rising numbers of infections in Europe at this time.

We have checked with the Italian health authorities and we have been advised that any member of our team that was in contact with Valentino up until Monday is excluded from direct risk.

Nevertheless, we will be even more attentive from now on to minimise the chance for any future issues.

Moto2: Beaubier Doing Two-Year Deal With American Racing Team

David Swarts

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October 15, 2020

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Moto2: Beaubier Doing Two-Year Deal With American Racing Team

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier is planning to forego the second year of his current contract with Yamaha Motor Corp, U.S.A. and sign a new two-year deal with Eitan Butbul’s American Racing Team for the 2021-2022 FIM Moto2 World Championship seasons.

The deal would give Beaubier an opportunity to prove himself in the World Championship and become available just as the latest batch of MotoGP rider deals expire.

Beaubier would replace fellow American Joe Roberts, who is moving to the ItalTrans Racing Moto2 team in a deal negotiated by Roberts’ manager John Hopkins. Roberts is replacing Moto2 title contender Enea Bastianini, who recently signed a deal with Ducati to move up to MotoGP in 2021.

Beaubier’s deal with American Racing Team is being negotiated by Wasserman Group.

Official confirmation of Beaubier’s deal is expected shortly, but the news has been confirmed to Roadracingworld.com by sources with direct knowledge of the deal.

Moto2: Joe Roberts Signs With ItalTrans Racing For 2021

David Swarts

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October 15, 2020

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Moto2: Joe Roberts Signs With ItalTrans Racing For 2021

Rider Joe Roberts to Take Next Step in Racing Career

Calabasas, CA (October 15, 2020) — After two incredible years together, Joe Roberts and The American Racing Team will part ways at the end of the 2020 season. The American Racing Team is excited to see Roberts move to another Moto2 team to further progress in his career and are extremely grateful for the past two years of shared success.

The goal of the American Racing Team and The American Racing Academy is to provide opportunities for American riders to showcase their talent in the MotoGP paddock. Joe Roberts is the first rider to have taken this opportunity and had some incredible success and is currently at the end of his contract with the team. With current teammate Marcos Ramirez on a two-year deal, Roberts will now take the next step in his career and move to another top-level team in the championship. He will retain his ties with Eitan Butbul and John Hopkins as his career progresses.

In the coming weeks, The American Racing Team will announce who will partner Ramirez for the 2021 season. In line with the ultimate goal of the American Racing Academy, the new signing is another competitive American rider who will get the opportunity to showcase his talent in the MotoGP paddock.

Eitan Butbul – Team Owner and Manager

“John Hopkins and I originally partnered to start the American Racing Academy simply to get American riders ‘successfully’ back into the MotoGP paddock. This could be achieved through the American Racing Moto2 Team as the perfect platform, with Joe as our first American rider taking on this new challenge.

I believed in Joe’s talent from the day we started working together in 2018 (as his personal manager) and with the hard work of the American Team we managed to achieve the goal of having Joe show the potential to be a top contender. At the same time a great opportunity to bring over a very strong American talent for the 2021 season has recently come into play, and with Joe Roberts at the end of his current contract with the Team and Marcos Ramirez on a two-year deal demonstrating constant improvement, the best option was to have Joe step into another Moto2 team that he personally feels is strong and competitive enough to further develop his career. The move is in line with the goal to make the jump into the MotoGP Championship in the upcoming years.

The American Racing Team is fully committed to fulfilling the promise to the American Racing Academy to successfully bring strong American talents back into the MotoGP paddock.”

John Hopkins – Joe’s Manager and Riding Coach

“I just want to start off by saying it’s been an absolute honor getting to work with The American Racing Team and Joe Roberts this season, getting to share all my years of experience and play a role in helping him achieve his true potential and see him finally secure his spot as a Moto2 Championship contender.

I can honestly say it’s been more rewarding seeing him succeed than it was of my own racing success! Of course I’m sad to see him leave The American Racing Team but, together with Eitan Butbul, we’re still his personal manager’s and we fully support his decision. We wish him all the best and will continue to give him our full attention and support as he progresses throughout his bright career.

Lastly, although it’s bittersweet, it’s a great opportunity to fulfill our promise when starting The American Racing Academy earlier this year which was to get more Americans (successfully) back into the MotoGP paddock and utilizing The American Racing Moto2 Team as the perfect platform to do so. We have new and exciting things we are going to share soon, so stay tuned!”

Joe Roberts in the ItalTrans Racing transporter. Photo courtesy ItalTrans Racing.

Joe Roberts – American Racing Team Rider

“I want to say a huge thank you to Eitan Butbul, John Hopkins and the whole American Racing Team. I really feel I have taken a big step as a rider with the program we have had this year. We are having a fantastic season together and they are a great bunch of guys to be around.

Eitan, John and I agree it is the right time for me to take this next step towards my goal of being a world champion. I wish the American racing team all the best and support their goal of bringing Americans to the world level.

The plan now is to continue the season strong. John, my crew chief Lucio, and my guys and I will be focused 100% on giving the maximum in all five remaining rounds of the season and pushing to win races.”

About the American Racing Team

The American Racing Team is owned by Eitan Butbula and competes in the MotoGP World Championship. For 2020, the team currently fields two riders in the Moto2 class; American Joe Roberts (#16) and Spaniard Marcos Ramirez (#42). The team is the only American team in the MotoGP series that features an American Rider. The team has grown under the guidance of team owner Eitan Butbul and is a respected part of the MotoGP world championship paddock.

The team owns and manages a Racing Academy in the US in partnership with former American MotoGP rider, John Hopkins.

Editorial Note:

ItalTrans Sporting Director Robertino Pietri exclusively told Roadracingworld.com: “We are very happy that Joe Roberts will join ItalTrans Racing team. With Giovanni Sandi and the rest of our guys we believe Joe can do a great job. He has talent to do great things in this sport, as he is proving with his American Racing Team. We at ItalTrans welcome Joe and look forward to his new adventure.”

Racer Stefano Mesa Donating Kidney To His Father

David Swarts

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October 15, 2020

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Racer Stefano Mesa Donating Kidney To His Father

Racer Stefano Mesa has caught the eye of many following the MotoAmerica series with his small, family-supported racing team and his big results in the Stock 1000 class and now the Supersport category.

The family aspect of Mesa’s racing program took on a new dimension at Indianapolis Motor Speedway when it was learned that 26-year-old Mesa was planning to donate one of his kidneys to his father, Mauricio Mesa.

“My dad had kidney failure 26 years ago,” Stefano Mesa told Roadracingworld.com. “My uncle, his brother, donated a kidney to him 26 years ago. When the surgery was done they said the kidney would be good for six to eight years, and it’s been 26.

“He hasn’t had any issues recently, but his checkups started saying the kidney was starting to go bad. So, we’re just trying to get ahead of the deal. He’s not on dialysis or anything like that yet.

“I had all of my tests done last weekend while I was down in Florida, and it’s looking like I’m a full match. So now, it goes to the committee in the hospital, I guess, to see if they accept me or not as a donor. After that, we’ll schedule the surgery, and if everything goes to plan we want to do it as soon as the season’s done.”

Stefano Mesa said he is planning to participate in the ASRA/CCS Race of Champions this coming weekend at Daytona International Speedway, the WERA Grand National Finals October 23-25 at Barber Motorsports Park, a race event the following weekend in Costa Rica, and the 2020 ASRA/CCS season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in early December. And if all goes well, the kidney transplant surgery will take place after that last race.

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 97

David Swarts

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October 14, 2020

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Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Jason Pridmore, Episode 97

Greg’s Garage Pod with Co-Host Jason Pridmore – A motorcycle racing Pod about MotoGP, MotoAmerica, and World Superbike, Pro Motocross, American Flat Track, Supercross, and more. In this episode Co-Hosts Greg White and Jason Pridmore talk:

ARAI Helmets News – Silly season produces some surprises in MotoGP, WorldSBK, and maybe MotoAmerica! Is Cameron Beaubier going to Moto2 for 2021? Pro Motocross is over, we talk about the champs and more.

MotoAmerica – Indianapolis Motor Speedway is in the books. The boys talk about all classes including our new National Champions! Cameron Beaubier can clinch his 5th National Championship and more.

MotoGP – MotoGP at Le Mans. This weekend was full of surprises including our 7th different race winner in MotoGP. The boys break it all down.

MotoGP Fantasy – With a strange weekend who is still on top? Join our league at MotoGP.com “Greg’s Garage Pod w/Jason Pridmore”

WorldSBK – Review of the final race of the season, Estoril. Jonathan Rea is on the verge of his 6th WorldSBK title. Can he do it?

Race Calendar – MotoGP, WorldSBK, America Flat Track, and more, as racing goes on all over the world.

MotoGP: Gresini Partners With MP1 To Promote Indonesian Riders

October 15, 2020

Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.

MP1 brings Indonesia into MotoGP™ with Gresini Racing

A new multi-year deal begins in 2021, including a new racing academy aimed at promoting and supporting young Indonesian riders

MP1, an Indonesian company operating in the ever-growing events and sports management industry, will be the new partner of the #GresiniFamily. Starting in 2021, through a multiple year agreement that sees MP1 become a partner of the team across all categories: MotoGP™, Moto2™, Moto3™ and MotoE™.

MP1 has created an innovative project which will primarily focus on motorcycle racing. Amongst various activities, MP1 will set up a racing academy to scout for young, talented Indonesian riders and support them on the journey from national series to the MotoGP World Championship.

MP1 has chosen the team led by Fausto Gresini to develop a strategic partnership that aims at entering “Team Indonesia” in the World Championship, giving Indonesians the opportunity to see their country represented on the global stage of MotoGP.

It is widely known that Indonesia already has one of the world’s largest fan bases for the MotoGP World Championship. With the addition of a new MotoGP track, The Mandalika International Street Circuit, which is currently under construction, 2021 will see this critical market grow yet again.

It is therefore no wonder that the MP1 – Gresini Racing project has been given the blessing of MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports, who are delighted to see an increasing number of major Indonesian companies getting involved in the Championship as the Indonesian GP moves closer to being included on the MotoGP race calendar.

ANCE DEWIANTI – CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER MP1

“This project is a blessing for the whole MP1 Management team. MotoGP is considered a national sport here in Indonesia and the excitement around the upcoming Mandalika Grand Prix has accelerated our interest in developing our vision. Our vision is to support young Indonesian riders, discover a future Indonesian World Champion and leave a lasting legacy of Indonesian success in the sport. To realize our vision, we are delighted to have the opportunity to develop a strategic partnership with Gresini Racing with a mutual goal of creating ‘Team Indonesian Racing’ in the coming year. Our initial involvement will see MP1 with a presence in all categories: MotoE, Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP. In addition, we will be developing a young rider academy to identify talent and help them progress through the ladder toward MotoGP. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Fausto Gresini for his support and for sharing our vision. We would also like to thank DORNA for their support and commitment to Indonesia and helping us create a project of national pride. We know that our work will encourage the motorsport industry to expand and bring additional multiplier effects for potential new investments for Indonesia as well as positive impact on tourism to the country. Since the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime & Investment Affairs for the Republic of Indonesia (KEMENKOMARVES), oversees the current MotoGP Project in Mandalika, we have already reached out to the Coordinating Ministry for their support and will continue to develop a strong roadmap for the team and the country.”

FAUSTO GRESINI – TEAM MANAGER

“Everyone knows that Gresini Racing has a long-lasting love affair with Indonesia. Indonesia is already a kind of second home for us as we are enjoying great partnerships and also we love the people, they are all crazy about MotoGP. We are therefore very excited to welcome MP1. The partnership has been planned since November 2019 but the pandemic delayed the announcement. We are now delighted to have signed a multiyear partnership across all the categories, from MotoGP to MotoE, which proves the strong involvement that they wanted to establish from the beginning. In addition, we have already shared with MP1 a common vision and intent to look beyond the next year and aim to grow the partnership further and make it stronger. The ultimate goal is, to one day soon, have a team in the championship which to represent the entire nation, their culture and enthusiasm for MotoGP. My gratitude goes to all the team at MP1 for having chosen Gresini Racing to develop such an amazing project.”

CARMELO EZPELETA – CEO DORNA

“The announcement of Gresini Racing forming a strategic partnership with MP1 from Indonesia is fabulous news. Indonesia is a key market for everyone involved in motorcycle racing and partnering with such a successful MotoGP team, with presence in all classes, sits perfectly alongside the impending return of MotoGP racing to Indonesia. We welcome the management and staff of MP1 to the sport and look forward to seeing how the partnership grows in the coming months”.

Aprilia Introduces Twin-Cylinder RS 660 For North America

October 15, 2020

The new Aprilia RS 660 offers more features than any other 650cc-class twin-cylinder sportbike on the market. Photo courtesy Aprilia.