This video shows pro road racer and flat track racer Andy DiBrino drifting his KTM 790 Duke flat tracker and a BMW car around Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington.
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
MotoAmerica: Lee Riding Kawasaki Superbike At Indy
Superbike Unlimited Franklin Armory Racing ready to compete this weekend at MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard
Reigning Stock 1000 Class champ Andrew Lee to ride team’s Kawasaki ZX-10RR at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
ARDEN, N.C. — One of MotoAmerica’s newest teams is raring to race at one of the world’s most storied motor sports venues, as the Superbike Unlimited Franklin Armory Racing Team will have reigning Stock 1000 Champion Class Andrew Lee at the helm of its Kawasaki ZX-10RR at this weekend’s MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard.
Lee has two MotoAmerica Stock 1000 titles to his credit – both of which he claimed aboard Kawasakis – and scored a top-10 finish in his Superbike debut at the previous round on Sept. 18-20 at Barber Motorsports Park. The Indianapolis round takes place Oct. 9-11 and marks the penultimate chapter of the 2020 MotoAmerica season.
Lee rode the team’s motorcycle in two practice sessions at the Barber round, but the motorcycle was deemed ineligible for the event due to the team being unable to source MotoAmerica-homologated ECU firmware and transmission parts in time for that round.
“The technical issues the team encountered at Barber have been resolved and we are excited to have Andrew racing our bike at the Indianapolis round,” Team Principal Freddy Carswell said. “We have a great group of sponsors who have come together to get Andrew back to racing in MotoAmerica, and I’m looking forward to delivering the exposure they’re due in the weekend’s three Superbike races.”
The team’s family of sponsors includes Franklin Armory, Riderz Law, Appalachian Electric & Generator, Hard Money Rare Coins, Cool Breeze and Dr. Farr, as well as technical partners Evol Technology, Sportbike Track Time and SBS.
More recently, the team has welcomed additional support from PJC Race Support Services, which has stepped up to help with the team’s transportation costs to make the Indianapolis round happen.
“We were originally just planning to do the Barber round,” Carswell said. “Thanks to PJC coming on board, we are able to more easily afford taking part in the last East Coast round of the 2020 MotoAmerica season and show what our Kawasaki ZX-10RR Superbike project is capable of.”
The Indianapolis round marks MotoAmerica’s first time competing at the Brickyard since 2015 and the first time all of MotoAmerica’s support classes will compete on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road circuit.
How to Watch
All three Superbike races slated for the MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard are to be broadcast live on the Fox Sports, Eurosport and the MotoAmerica Live+ streaming service. Coverage of the Saturday race kicks off at 3 p.m. Eastern on Fox Sports 1, and Sunday’s races take place at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports 1 and 3 p.m. Eastern on Fox Sports 2.
To learn more about MotoAmerica Live+, visit https://www.motoamericaliveplus.com.
About Superbike Unlimited
Superbike Unlimited is the exclusive importer and distributor of Lacomoto and Aliant Ultralight Batteries in the United States and carries a full range of road racing products. The company specializes in ECU tuning, and its shop features a full suspension service center — including two factory-trained Ohlins technicians. Superbike Unlimited also offers comprehensive dyno tuning and performance engine services.
American Daniel Wins “Cuna De Campeones” Moto5 Race In Spain
Kristian Daniel Jr. Takes First Moto5 Win at Motorland Aragon
The 11-year-old American from Los Angeles, California, riding in the ultra-competitive Spanish “Cuna de Campeones” Championship used MotoGP racecraft to score his first victory.
The Spanish “Cuna de Campeones” racing series is the ultimate challenge for aspiring Spanish (and visiting) riders up to the age of twelve. Riding 25-horsepower single-cylinder 250cc IMR on the full 3.15-mile Motorland Aragón Grand Prix track where the Moto5 bikes were clocking top speeds of just over 100 mph. American Kristian Daniel Jr. (a.k.a KDJR) came into Motorland confident after scoring a first podium last time out, but with no knowledge of the fast and technical circuit.
In Friday qualifying KDJR swapped the quickest times with Carlos Cano in the first session, eventually taking second by two tenths on a cold and windy morning. Hopes of improving to start on pole were dashed when the afternoon session was cancelled due to heavy rain.
RACE 1: KDJR was quickest in the Saturday morning warm-up, but still a bit nervous when he took his place in the middle of the front row with the whole FIM CEV paddock watching. Cano, Miguel Rodriguez and KDJR broke away from the pack, pulling out a three-second gap by the end of lap one. Each had a turn at the front and no one had a clear advantage over the opening laps of lead changes and slipstreaming, but going into turn 14 with four laps to go, KDJR had a problem with the shifter which caused him to run wide into the gravel and crash. It was a frustrating end to his first race at Aragon because he felt he had the pace to win. Fortunately, he only needed to wait a day to have a second chance.
RACE 2: In the morning warm up the bike was running well. Topping the timing sheets by a full second restored confidence, but he knew he would be racing again with the same two rivals and that there were only two ways to win. The first was to break the slip stream and pull a gap, but if the race was a battle between the same three who initially led race one, it would all come down to being in the right place at the right time.
From the start it quickly became clear that he, Cano and Rodriguez were going to take the race into the final lap and the final corner. His plan was to make his move at the end of the long back straight, but on lap six of seven he lost a half second at the beginning of sector four and had to push hard to improve his first sector time by seven tenths to close back up on the leaders. As he closed on Cano and Rodriguez, he recalled the final lap of the recent Grand Prix of Styria when Portuguese star Miguel Oliveira set up for a pass on the inside line on the final curve and final lap expecting his two rivals to run wide. KDJR’s rivals both got in too hot and both crashed (without contact) as he ran under them to take his all-important first Cuna de Campeones win.
It was a big step forward for the kid from LA who now lives just outside of Barcelona with his parents and younger brother. This was compensation for being forced to miss the Portuguese round earlier in the year due to Covid-19 confinement rules. Nevertheless, the object of this Cuna de Campeones season for KDJR and his team was to prove himself competitive with the best young riders in Spain and, at Motorland Aragon, he did that.
Qualifying:
1. Carlos Cano (2:26.292)
2. Kristian Daniel (2:26.435)
3. Miguel Rodríguez (2:26.604)
4. Martim Marco Ramos (2:28.805)
Results Race 1:
1. Miguel Rodríguez
2. Adrian Covarrubias
3. Martim Marco Ramos
4. Mark Perez
…Kristian Daniel-DNF
Results Race 2:
1. Kristian Daniel
2. Martim Marco Ramos
3. Adrian Covarrubias
4. David Gonzáles
Fred Schuldt Wins Continental Tires In Reader Survey, P12
Fred Schuldt, of Candler, North Carolina, is the winner for Roadracing World Reader Survey, Part 12, brought to you by Continental Motorcycle Tire North America.
Schuldt wins a set of two ContiSportAttack4 Motorcycle Tires!
ContiSportAttack4 provides maximum grip with BlackChili performance, accuracy, and easy handling for the most powerful superbikes. BlackChili Sport-Compound, Continental’s premium tire technology, gives our tires more grip and improved traction—in wet or dry conditions—without compromising rolling resistance and mileage. In addition to the BlackChili Compound, the ContiSportAttack4 also includes the following core technologies:
MultiGrip: Combines a harder compound in the central tread area for maximum mileage, with softer rubber in the shoulder area for better grip.
TractionSkin: The revolutionary micro-rough tread surface and mold-coating technology eliminates the need for tire-release agents, and virtually puts an end to tire break-in.
ZeroDegree: This steel-belt construction provides excellent stability at high speeds, while maintaining a comfortable, but sporty feel.
RainGrip: The optimized compound delivers superior wet grip and higher mileage, made possible by specially activated silica in the compound.
GripLimitFeedback: Increases rider safety during extreme lean angles with timely feedback from the tires for a higher level of control at the limit.
MSRP: Starting at $209.00
Availability: Continental Motorcycle tires are distributed in the U.S. by Tucker, Parts Unlimited, and Van Leeuwen Distributing. Continental Tires, including the new ContiSportAttack 4, are available at retailers across the U.S. If they are not currently in-stock, they will be soon. Consumers can also find the full range of Continental Tires online via retailers such as Bikebandit.com and ChapMoto.com. Race tires are distributed in the U.S. through Monkey Works Cycle, Inc, out of Daytona, Florida, and VonHertell Suspension out of San Antonio, Texas. Continental Tires are also distributed in Canada, Mexico, and throughout Latin America.
The prize winner for Roadracing World’s Reader Survey, Part 12, was selected at random at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, October 5th.
Survey results are used to improve content for readers and marketing for our advertisers. Name and address required for prize drawing. Entrants will automatically receive a free three-issue trial subscription to Roadracing World magazine with no obligation. No mailing list or confidential individual information is shared with third parties. Roadracing World’s privacy policy can be viewed here. To sign up to receive upcoming, short installments of future Roadracing World reader surveys and other promotional e-mails from Roadracing World, CLICK HERE.
About Continental Motorcycle Tire North America
Continental is among the leading manufacturers of motorcycle tires. Tire development, tire testing, and German production are all based in the town of Korbach in Hesse, Germany. Continental manufactures tires for tourers, sports tourers, sports motorcycles, enduros, cruisers, light motorcycles, and scooters, and supplies original equipment for various brands including BMW, Brammo, Horex, Husqvarna, KTM and Moto Guzzi. Its tires are approved for use with a variety of motorcycles manufactured in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. Visit www.conti-moto.com.
For more information on how your product can be the presenting sponsor of an upcoming portion of the Roadracing World Reader Survey, email Natalie Ulrich Heard, [email protected].
Motogladiator Race Results From NC Bike
Motogladiator
NC Bike
Garysburg, North Carolina
October 3-4, 2020
Race Results (Oct. 3):
Superbike (390cc) Expert Race One:
1. Scott Fallen (Kaw Ninja 300)
2. Michael Dean (Kaw Ninja 300)
Superbike (390cc) Amateur Race One:
1. Mathew Nilsen (Kaw Ninja 300)
2. Nicholas Buchanan (Kaw Ninja 300)
3. Daniel Swart (Kaw Ninja 300)
4. Tristen Picard (Kaw Ninja 250)
5. Chance Picard (Kaw Ninja 250)
6. Greg King (Kaw Ninja 300)
Ninja (400cc) Expert Race One:
1. Will Moore, Jr. (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Will Moore, Sr. (Kaw Ninja 400)
3. Mikayla Moore (Kaw Ninja 400)
4. Alex Vaipan (Kaw Ninja 400)
5. Kervin Sydnor (Kaw Ninja 400)
Ninja (400cc) Amateur Race One:
1. Keagan Brown (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Alan Harrington (Kaw Ninja 400)
3. John Miller (Kaw Ninja 400)
Supermoto Expert Race One:
1. Matt Lamb (Hon CRF450RX)
2. Ryan Donagher (KTM 450)
3. John Tan (KTM EXC500)
Supermoto Amateur Race One:
1. Chandler Helton (Husq FS450)
2. Joseph Katzberg (KTM 250SX)
3. Sarah Lamb (Yam WR450R)
4. Matt Yarnell (Husq FS450)
Superbike (390cc) Expert Race Two:
1. Scott Fallen (Kaw Ninja 300)
2. Michael Dean (Kaw Ninja 300)
Superbike (390cc) Amateur Race Two:
1. Mathew Nilsen (Kaw Ninja 300)
2. Daniel Swart (Kaw Ninja 300)
3. Greg King (Kaw Ninja 300)
4. Chance Picard (Kaw Ninja 250)
5. Tristen Picard (Kaw Ninja 250)
6. Michael Graham (KTM 390)
Ninja (400cc) Expert Race Two:
1. Will Moore, Jr. (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Will Moore, Sr. (Kaw Ninja 400)
3. Mikayla Moore (Kaw Ninja 400)
4. Alex Vaipan (Kaw Ninja 400)
5. Kervin Sydnor (Kaw Ninja 400)
Ninja (400cc) Amateur Race Two:
1. Keagan Brown (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Alan Harrington (Kaw Ninja 400)
3. John Miller (Kaw Ninja 400)
Supermoto Expert Race Two:
1. Matt Lamb (Hon CRF450RX)
2. John Tan (KTM EXC500)
3. Ryan Donagher (KTM 450)
Supermoto Amateur Race Two:
1. Matt Yarnell (Husq FS450)
2. Chandler Helton (Husq FS450)
3. Joseph Katzberg (KTM 250SX)
4. Sarah Lamb (Yam WR450R)
Supersport (600cc) Expert:
1. Will Moore, Sr. (Hon CBR600RR)
2. Scott Fallen (Kramer HKR Evo2 R)
3. Brian Freedman (Yam FZ-07R)
4. Bob Flem (Yam YZF-R6)
Supersport (600cc) Amateur:
1. Ryland Cain (Kaw Ninja ZX-6R)
2. Joe Kranz (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Dean Fu (Kaw Ninja ZX-6R)
4. Trevis Carr (Kaw Ninja ZX-6R)
5. Ricardo Dos Santos (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Scott Gilbert (Yam YZF-R6)
Superbike (1000cc) Expert:
1. Michael Dean (Suz GSX-R1000)
Superbike (1000cc) Amateur:
1. William Richardson (BMW S1000RR)
2. Jonathan McCroskey (Yam YZF-R1)
3. Roman Diankin (BMW S1000RR)
4. Nikolay Nikov (BMW S1000RR)
5. John Morton (Hon CBR1000RR)
6. Tim Mattes (Apr RSV4)
MotoE World Cup Concluding With Doubleheader At Le Mans
MotoE™: the season finale hits full power in France
The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup winner is about to be decided, and it’s the new venue of Le Mans that plays host
Monday, 05 October 2020
The time has come. After some stellar races at Jerez and Misano, the two final showdowns of the 2020 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup are now just around the corner and it’s the new – for MotoE™ at least – venue of Le Mans that plays host. With seasoned veterans taking on rookies in the fight for the crown, that makes for an interesting twist – with no one on the grid having any electric experience at the French track. Everything is on the line as the final 50 points of the year are in play, and after the drama we’ve seen already this season, it remains anyone’s game.
Heading in, it’s 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE) on top. The Italian has been consistent as ever and keeps reeling in the points, putting him four clear of his nearest challenger, Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP). Ferrari, however, made his own mistake in Andalucia to dent the maximum he could have scored – whereas Aegerter lost the lead in Misano as he fell victim to another rider’s mistake. Will that change their approach heading into the finale? Aegerter needs to gain but four points isn’t much of a deficit – and he knows he’s been more than fast enough to have battled it out in every race, taking a podium or win every time he’s made it to the line.
In third there’s another fast rookie to contend with as well: Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40). The Spaniard took his first E-Pole in Misano and although he’s yet to win, he’s only seven points down. That’s not a mountain to climb with two races coming up and 50 points left, and he’ll also be pushing hard to take a victory to tick that box. How hard? He said he chose reward over risk last time out, so the wily veteran will be balancing that all weekend. Now it’s the finale, though, there’s no more long game left.
The final more likely candidate for the crown – although it’s a longer shot – is Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse). The Italian has been in the top five all season and he comes into the final round off the back of his best result yet: an impressive second place, after fighting for the lead. What can he do? He’s 15 points down, but with the twists and turns we’ve seen so far, he could even end up 10 points up by just the end of Race 1…
Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) is another interesting prospect. He’s technically still in contention as he’s on 43 points to Ferrari’s 86, but that would require a serious shockwave of events to rip through the races. Nevertheless, he could be playing a vital part as he took the first win of the year and has, barring any mistakes, been quick everywhere. What if Granado is the man ahead of the two or three riders right at the top? Do they attack or settle for the points? And will the Brazilian ride like he has nothing to lose?
Niccolo Canepa (LCR E-Team) and teammate Xavier Simeon are also still technically in contention, and the former has had a couple of impressive top five rides already in 2020. Simeon, meanwhile, has already been on the podium… before disaster struck as he fell victim to another rider’s crash and suffered a technical problem. Can he get in the mix at the front?
Home hero Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) is another who’ll be pushing hard – especially on home turf – and his two most recent top finishes were solid sixths, which puts him just on the cusp of that battle at the front. Can he move forward?
Last but by no means least, there’s also the new grid formation for Race 2 to contend with. The results from the first race are now pivotal as they decide starting positions for the second, so there’s a lot to be won – and lost – on Saturday. Who will come out on top in the final weekend of the season? Ferrari, Aegerter, Torres? Casadei? Or will drama flip the form book completely?
Find out this weekend as Race 1 begins at 16:20 (GMT +2) on Saturday, before the lights go out for the last time in 2020 at 15:40 on Sunday.
FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup Standings
1 – Matteo Ferrari – (Trentino Gresini MotoE) – Energica – 86
2 – Dominique Aegerter – (Dynavolt Intact GP) – Energica – 82
3 – Jordi Torres – (Pons Racing 40) – Energica – 79
4 – Mattia Casadei – (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) – Energica – 71
5 – Eric Granado – (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) – Energica – 43
MotoGP: Showdown Of Sophmores Heads To Le Mans
Quartararo vs Mir: Le Mans revs up for a battle royale
A home hero, a man on a mission and a finely-poised 2020 title fight. There’s no place like home, but will that prove enough?
Monday, 05 October 2020
Heading into the Catalan GP, four points covered four riders. As we saddle up and head for Sarthe, however, four points is now half the gap from first to second – and that gap is enjoyed by home hero Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT). The Frenchman won in Barcelona to put himself back on top, staking his claim on the 2020 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship crown once again. By the final laps though, it was close, thanks to yet another late pace stunner from Suzuki. And this time, there were two: Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and teammate Alex Rins took a close second and third as they churned through Quartararo’s advantage, and the scene is now set for a showdown of the sophomores at Le Mans. Quartararo 108, Mir 100.
For ‘El Diablo’, there’s home pressure but some home cheer too, and he’ll have to balance that at the same time as the never-ending see-saw of the Championship. Le Mans is a venue tamed to perfection on many an occasion by Yamaha, however, so the omens are good for Quartararo to come out swinging and win on home turf. Can he become the first Frenchman to take to the top step in the premier class at Le Mans and extend his advantage? Mir will be the first trying to stand in his way.
Incredibly, despite being second overall and having taken more consistent podiums than anyone this year, Mir is still yet to win. And the Mayorcan says he won’t be fully locked on to the title as his main target until he’s managed to do so. That’s a pretty clear statement of intent from the Suzuki rider, and if he can show the same form as we’ve now come to expect, he is to be expected in the fight at the front. With a little less work to do from a higher grid position, or even just a better shuffle of the dice at Turn 1, Mir could easily already have been a winner… and the home hero vs the hungry bridesmaid could make one awesome showdown come Sunday. Rins will be hoping to keep his form rolling too – it was over a year since his Silverstone win and the last time he’d been on the podium – and his impressive ride through the field from outside the top ten gave Suzuki their first double podium since 2007. The Hamamatsu factory have also won a MotoGP™ race at Le Mans, although in the wet… in that same 2007.
Quartararo’s fellow Yamahas will be gunning to pin back the Suzuki charge, however. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had a muted Catalan GP after getting shuffled back at Turn 1 and he lost ground, but he’s a man with serious form at Le Mans, having won in 2017 with an imperious performance. He’s only 18 points off the top too. His teammate Valentino Rossi, meanwhile, will also be out for revenge after bad luck in Barcelona. The number 46 crashed out of second and will want to make amends, but like last time out, both he and Viñales will likely also have Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) for company in the Iwata marque shootout. Bad news for each individual rider with that stiff competition, but great news for Yamaha.
For former points leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), however, the venue could be a little less welcoming: Ducati have never won at Le Mans. Now 24 points off the top after getting wiped out early on in Barcelona, the Italian faces a mountain to climb to get back in the hunt. He’ll want to start sooner rather than later, and rake in some solid points as a minimum. Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia will want the same and to take the honour of top Borgo Panigale machine, however, as will Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team). And there’s a Frenchman on a Ducati to contend with too: Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing). The number 5 has known home glory at Le Mans, and he’ll throw everything at it to taste more.
And what of KTM? The Austrian factory had a tougher time of it in Barcelona, although some bad luck also played its hand in that. How will they fare in France? Their impressive step forward in 2020 is illustrated by asking ‘what happened’ after only one race without a KTM on the podium. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be aiming to put that right, and rookie teammate Brad Binder will want to iron out some of his troubles since that stunner of a win at Brno. Styrian GP winner Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) can’t be counted out in the charge either, and what can his rookie teammate Iker Lecuona do?
Speaking of rookies, Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) is another who will want more in France. The number 73 seriously impressed in Misano before a more difficult race on home turf, where the more experienced Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) pulled well clear to finish the race as top Honda. Nakagami could be one to watch in France, with the Japanese rider now the only man to have scored in every race so far in 2020. And they haven’t been a run of 15ths – the number 30 is well up there most weekends, only just out the podium fight. Teammate Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) impressed on his return from injury as he gritted his teeth to a top ten too – will the Brit manage to make his way further forward in France? And can Aprilia Racing Team Gresini move up the board too? Another test for the Noale factory after Barcelona gives them more data, and they’ll want some more solid points as a minimum as they continue their push forward.
There’s no better way to head into your home race than off the back of a win, but there’s more at stake for Quartararo in the French GP than simply home glory. Another win now would extend that advantage into a little breathing space, and be a serious warning shot for his rivals – all whilst hearing the Marseillaise ring out across Le Mans. But Mir is a man on a mission; Viñales, Rossi, Rins, Morbidelli and more are waiting in the wings… and there are still six races to go in a rollercoaster 2020. Who will reign Le Mans? Place your bets – but be prepared for the odds to change again.
MotoGP™ go racing in France at the slightly earlier time of 13:00 (GMT +2). So save the date – there’s another classic coming your way!
MotoGP™ Championship Standings
1 Fabio Quartararo* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – 108
2 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – 100
3 Maverick Viñales – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 90
4 Andrea Dovizioso – Ducati Team – Ducati – 84
5 Franco Morbidelli* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – 77
*Independent Team riders
Can Marini’s march continue at Le Mans?
The Italian was superlative in Barcelona. Now it’s time to reset for more in France, can he keep the upper hand?
The Moto2™ momentum has swung a few different ways in 2020. From Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) to Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) to Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and then back again, we arrive at Le Mans for the Shark Helmets Grand Prix de France with one man very much in the driving seat: Marini. The Italian is 20 points clear now, and arrives fresh off the back of another superlative win last time out.
So, can he do it again? He explained in Misano that his Achilles’ heel so far in 2020 was more the second time round at the same track, as he felt he failed to make a step to stay in the same contention. If he’s confident straight out the box, Le Mans will be good news for him – with one race and one race only at the classic Sarthe venue.
It’s not been an easy journey for Marini to achieve to his 20 point advantage though. Bastianini has won three races and will want to flex his form again at Le Mans to fight back, and Marco Bezzechi (Sky Racing Team VR46) is an ever-present threat, the ‘enemy within’ Marini’s team. Last time out though, it was Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) bringing the noise, and the Brit is on a charge of his own. At Le Mans, he’ll want to duel it out for the win once again – and this time hope for a little less work to do off the line.
Another rider looking to hit back is Jorge Martin. After sitting out two races, the Spaniard was back in Barcelona but forced to retire in the end, so we’ve not seen his full form on full power. He was the man with the momentum when bad luck struck ahead of Misano too – and there’s even more to write home about now. He’s been announced at Pramac Racing in MotoGP™ next year, so the audition is officially over and now the real show can begin. What can Martin do? He was ominous in Austria…
Plenty of eyes will also be on Termozeta Speed Up’s Fabio Di Giannantonio and Jorge Navarro. The former was back on the podium in Barcelona and the latter only just off it, and the two results brought a welcome end to a tough start to 2020. It’s not just one venue either, as the two have been clawing their way back to the front. What can they do in France?
Joe Roberts (Tennor American Racing) was the man who just lost out – after an almighty battle – on that fourth place taken by Navarro, and he’ll want to be back up fighting for the podium again in Le Mans. Add in the likes of rookie Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team), Liqui Moly Intact GP’s Marcel Schrötter and Tom Lüthi and Qatar winner Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and it’s sure to be another stellar showdown in the top ten. And what can Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) do as he has more time to get back to better fitness? Can Marcos Ramirez (Tennor American Racing) keep his top ten form? And what about Xavi Vierge and Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing), whose impressive performances in Barcelona were cut short by a crash and a bike problem, respectively?
Marini has the momentum as we arrive at Le Mans, but the cast of characters looking to steal it is chock full of seriously fast riders. Who can come out on top in France? Find out at the later time of 14:30 (GMT +2) on Sunday!
Moto2™ Championship Standings
1 Luca Marini – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 150
2 Enea Bastianini – Italtrans Racing Team – Kalex – 130
3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 114
4 Sam Lowes – EG0,0 Marc VDS – Kalex – 103
5 Jorge Martin – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 79
Can Arenas strike back in France?
It’s been a tougher time for the former Championship leader of late. Now Ogura is in the hot seat, and Arenas will need to dig deep to turn the tables…
Since the very first race of the season, Albert Arenas (Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3) has been the man in charge in Moto3™, but no longer. After a crash, a fourth place and another crash – the latter not his fault – the number 75 now finds himself demoted to second overall and needing a fight back. Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) is the new Championship leader, although it was far from plain sailing for the Japanese rider last time out either. So what will Le Mans bring?
For Arenas, a little pressure is certain, but there will also be a host of incredible memories. There’s hardly a better venue to return to when you need a boost than the place where you took your first win, and that’s exactly what the number 75 did at Le Mans in 2018. So he knows it’s a place he can conquer, and he’ll be guns blazing to do it again to take some revenge on his bad luck in Barcelona.
For Ogura, the past form book isn’t really the place to look to know what he’ll have in the locker come race day in France, as he’s only in his second year in Moto3™. Last year at Le Mans when he was a rookie though, he qualified on the front row… so he has speed. The number 79 was somewhat AWOL at Barcelona and even with an open goal after the crash for John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) that also took Arenas down, he was only able to take eleventh. But he didn’t crash. And so far this season, he’s got more podiums than anyone, so it’s hard to bet against the Japanese rider being back in the battle. His advantage is just three points overall, but consistency is key and Ogura has shown that in spades throughout 2020.
For McPhee, meanwhile, it’s another bounce back to pull out the hat, although if you’re going to crash out of a race in which you need to score big to gain ground, taking the Championship leader down with you is one way of making your maths a little less disastrous, even if it does ruin his. That mistake – for which the Scot immediately went to apologise – and the knock-on side effects keep McPhee only 24 points off the top, and he’s is another who arrives in France with great memories. Guess who won at Le Mans last year? That’s right. The last two races in Sarthe have been won by Arenas and then McPhee, adding another interesting little twist into the equation as they both arrive as title contenders.
The battle at the front is never a three-way fight in Moto3™ though. Darryn Binder (CIP – Green Power) arrives as a Grand Prix winner and will want more of that, Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) is on a roll of form and closing in on the top, and Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) is only a further point back on his compatriot too. Barcelona also saw Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) retain his position in the front group after his win at Misano, and there was a resurgence for a few including his teammate Alonso Lopez, SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Niccolo Antonelli, Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Sergio Garcia, Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) and teammate Jaume Masia… the list could go on, with more riders than can score points sometimes fighting it out in the front group, but that’s what makes Moto3™ such an incredible spectacle.
That’s a good reason to tune in when the lightweight class take on Le Mans, with the race getting underway at the slightly later time of 11:20 (GMT +2). Can Arenas strike back? Will we see the return of McPhee? Or will the rise of Ogura only continue once he’s back in the groove? Find out on Sunday!
Moto3™ Championship Standings
1 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda – 122
2 Albert Arenas – Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3 – KTM – 119
3 John McPhee – Petronas Sprinta Racing – Honda – 98
4 Tony Arbolino – Rivacold Snipers Team – Honda – 95
5 Celestino Vietti – Sky Racing Team VR46 – KTM – 94
World Superbike: Mahias Promoted To Superbike
Kawasaki Puccetti Racing – Lucas Mahias In Superbike In 2021
Lucas Mahias will compete for Kawasaki Puccetti Racing in the WorldSBK Championship in 2021.
The Frenchman has been the Italian team’s Supersport rider of choice for two years, continually proving his significant talent and great determination; qualities that have encouraged Manuel Puccetti along with Kawasaki Motors Europe to promote him to the premier class and entrust him with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.
Born on 14 April 1989 in Mont de Marsan, France, throughout his career Mahias has shown to be an eclectic rider, more than able to adapt to different bikes. His first appearance on the world stage came in 2013, in Moto2. The following year he competed in several Moto2 races, made his debut in both World Supersport and World Endurance, and was crowned French Supersport champion.
In 2015 he continued to race in the same categories, while the following year saw him make his debut in World Superbike appearance with Team Pedercini’s Kawasaki at the Assen round. He also won a World Endurance race and scored two wins, three podiums and a pole position in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup. In 2017 he played a starring role in World Supersport and was crowned World Champion. In 2019 he joined Kawasaki Puccetti Racing and has scored three wins, 13 podiums and one pole position with the squad to date.
Steve Guttridge – Kawasaki Europe Race Manager: “After our previous champion retired the team and KME had some pretty big decision on how to continue WorldSSP at this top level. In signing Lucas I can say we made a good decision. He has always given 100% effort for the team and to manage the Ninja ZX-6R so well each season at the sharp end of the racing. We felt it was now his time to move up to the premier WorldSBK category inside our top satellite team and demonstrate what he can do there together with a great crew inside Puccetti racing team and a championship winning bike in the Ninja ZX-10RR.”
Manuel Puccetti – Team Principal: “I’m pleased to announce that we have decided to promote Lucas Mahias from Supersport to Superbike next year. Supporting our riders from the Stock or Supersport classes right up to the top class is part of our team’s DNA and is something we have previously done with riders like Franco Morbidelli, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Randy Krummenacher and Toprak Razgatlioglu. I’m convinced that Mahias is a real talent, a solid rider who is always highly motivated. Racing in Superbike has always been his dream and so I’m sure he’ll put in maximum effort to achieve the best results. On our side, we’ll do all we can to help him adapt to the new bike and the new category, without applying any pressure. As soon as we have a 2021 calendar, we’ll schedule some tests so that we’re prepared for the new season.”
Lucas Mahias: “I’m excited to be able to compete in WorldSBK. That was always my goal, and to move up with the Kawasaki and Puccetti Racing is absolutely fantastic. I’ve competed in two Superbike races in the past and have ridden a 1000 in Superstock and in World Endurance, but I know that the ZX-10RR is a very powerful and competitive bike, and I can’t wait to get on it. I had two aims in my sporting career, the first was to become WorldSSP champion and the second is to win the Superbike World Championship. Having achieved the first, I’ll now do everything I can to obtain the second too. I know it’s a very tough championship, but I’ll have a great team and a competitive bike on my side. I want to thank Manuel Puccetti and Kawasaki for this amazing opportunity.”
Video: “Ask A Superbike Genius” With Richard Stanboli, P8
Racer and TrackDaz owner Dustin Coyner presents “Ask a Superbike Genius, Part Eight” with Richard Stanboli, owner of Attack Performance and the Monster Energy Attack Performance Yamaha MotoAmerica Superbike team.
This interview was conducted following the MotoAmerica event September 18-20 at Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama.
British Superbike: Report And Results From Tripleheader At Donington
Three different Donington Park race winners as Brands Hatch title decider beckons
Three different riders and three different teams celebrated victory at Donington Park in the penultimate event in the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship battle, with five riders mathematically in with a fight for the title at the Brands Hatch season finale (October 16/17/18).
Josh Brookes leads the standings by 16-points ahead of the triple-header decider at Brands Hatch, but despite being crowned the Monster Energy King of Donington today (Sunday), the Australian claimed one race victory with growing competition from his opposition.
In the opening race of the weekend, Andrew Irwin returned to the form that saw him claim a double victory at the circuit’s season opener, and the Honda Racing rider delivered a perfect race to score his first podium since the last visit to Donington Park.
Andrew Irwin’s victory was all the more important for Honda Racing after championship leader Glenn Irwin crashed out unhurt on the opening lap, and then had to regroup and rebound strongly in the next two rounds to avoid losing ground before the season finale.
The VisionTrack Ducati teammates completed the podium line up in the opening race, with Christian Iddon holding off Brookes to have another strong podium-finishing performance ahead of Tarran Mackenzie and Ryan Vickers, who celebrated his best finish for RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki.
It wasn’t to be another Donington Park double for Andrew Irwin though; when he crashed out with Ryan Vickers on the opening lap of the second race. At the front, Kyle Ryde had initially held the advantage, but a technical problem forced him out of the action.
Brookes had gathered pace and the VisionTrack Ducati rider edged out a lead, however it did begin to get closed down by O’Halloran in the closing stages but not enough to deny him the victory.
The McAMS Yamaha team celebrated a double podium finish in the second race as Mackenzie snatched third place from Gino Rea, who was another rider to claim his best result of the season today at Donington Park.
The final race of the weekend began with Brookes getting the jump off the line, but the VisionTrack Ducati rider had to settle for third place after Mackenzie stole the show in the closing laps, making McAMS Yamaha the third different winning team of the day.
Mackenzie had been able to hold off the challenges from Glenn Irwin, who had an impressive performance to end his weekend with a podium finish, and the Honda Racing rider now holds third place in the standings and an 18-point deficit to Brookes.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Round 13 result:
- Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing)
- Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.824s
- Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +2.508s
- Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +8.048s
- Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki) +10.776s
- Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +12.297s
- Jack Kennedy (RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki) +12.387s
- Kyle Ryde (Buildbase Suzuki) +13.841s
- Danny Buchan (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +17.938s
- Lee Jackson (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +25.058s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Round 14 result:
- Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati)
- Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.578s
- Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +1.805s
- Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +3.123s
- Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +4.419s
- Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +4.908s
- Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +7.734s
- Jack Kennedy (RAF Regular and Reserve Kawasaki) +8.307s
- Luke Mossey (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +11.511s
- Joe Francis (Lloyd & Bowker BMW Motorrad) +12.165s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Round 15 result:
- Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha)
- Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +1.223s
- Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +3.951s
- Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +6.742s
- Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +7.441s
- Lee Jackson (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +7.685s
- Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing) +8.090s
- Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +9.274s
- Luke Mossey (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +10.383s
- Joe Francis (Lloyd & Bowker BMW Motorrad) +10.860s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Round 15:
- Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) 225
- Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 209
- Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) 207
- Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 206
- Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 179
- Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 146
- Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing) 139
- Lee Jackson (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) 131
- Kyle Ryde (Buildbase Suzuki) 130
- Danny Buchan (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) 101
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing)
Bennetts BSB Round 13 race winner
“This weekend has been a little up and down, but we won another race again – it was something I needed to lift my spirits. In the second race unfortunately I got hit on the first lap and took out. It’s one of those things, I have been on both ends of it before, it’s racing and we will just move on from it.
“In race three it took me far too long to get going, I got a good start but kind of got beat up in the first turn, which upset my rhythm a bit. It then took me about four or five laps to get into it again but once I did we had quite good pace.
“I feel we should have been fighting for the podium, but we didn’t and I came seventh. However the Fireblade felt good and I’ve built some confidence going into Brands, I think we can do a good job, I’m looking forward it.”
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati)
Bennetts BSB Round 14 race winner
Championship leader
“I am kind of winning after today, even if it was a third place in the final race, as I am leading the championship and that is a nice way to leave Donington Park.
“The final race was tough, I was trying to control the race and I was pushing to try and get a gap, but it just stayed the same. I started to drop off from Taz and Glenn Irwin and then had a couple of moments with the front end.
“I didn’t give up on having another chance but in my mind I knew it was an important race to finish and that I couldn’t have any DNFs so they rode well and deserve their places. I have to be happy with that and to go into the final round with a lead is a great improvement on previous years so we need to work hard and what will be, will be.”
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha)
Bennetts BSB Round 14 race winner
“The first race was really nice today, coming through from 19th. It was a calculated gamble to go with the harder wet tyre as I knew the track would dry out and that would leave me with some tyre at the end of the race. The aim was to get a good lap for race two, which I did.
“I did not expect to get third in race two, I went in having only done five dry laps all weekend, so we bolted in the setting from Silverstone and I had the first few laps of the race to adapt to it! It was a tough race, I got knocked back to seventh or eighth and had to come back through so to get third I was really happy.
“I knew if I could get a better start in the last race I could maybe have something to show at the end, and that was the case. I didn’t get a good start but I made my way back through, when I got to Glenn I was quite comfortable sat behind him so I knew I could maybe put some time into him if I got past in the last few laps, which I did so I was really happy with that. I’ve always wanted to win in the superbike class so it was an epic feeling.
“It’s been a good day for the whole team, so we’re looking forward to getting to Brands Hatch in a couple of weeks.”
More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing UK:
Double wins for Honda Racing at Donington Park
It has been an action-packed day for the Honda Racing team at Donington Park for the penultimate round of the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, after heavy rain yesterday saw the opening BSB and Superstock 1000 races postponed until today. With five races in a day across both championships, the Honda team leaves the Leicestershire circuit having scored a further two wins and two podiums with the all-new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, and title hopes still firmly in reach.
In the opening Superbike race of the day Andrew Irwin made it four BSB wins for the new Fireblade this season and claimed his third victory of the year, after a dominating race. After a difficult few rounds Andrew’s confidence has returned and it was clear to see today as he took to the top step of the podium once again. Unfortunately in the second race of the day after starting from third place, his race ended on the first lap at the Melbourne Hairpin through no fault of his own. In the final race, after dropping back to 11th, he made his way through the pack to finish seventh.
The result of the first race was bittersweet for the Honda team, as title contender and teammate Glenn Irwin crashed out in the early stages having been caught out by the tricky conditions. With a DNF in the first race the championship was again all to play for and coming into the second race Glenn had his work cut out.
Finishing seventh in the second race, Glenn was sitting fourth in the standings, 22 points behind, so a good points haul in the final outing was crucial. With a fantastic start off the line he was fourth at the end of the first lap. Keeping his head down he was up to second in no time and on the tenth lap made a fantastic move on championship leader Josh Brookes for the lead. However, Tarran Mackenzie was also after the win, and snatching the lead, Glenn was pushed back to second place where he eventually took the chequered flag. Glenn is now third in the overall standings, with an 18-point deficit going into the final round in a few weeks’ time.
Meanwhile for the Superstock 1000 team Tom Neave was celebrating after he clawed back vital points to also keep his title hopes alive, where he’s now just ten points shy of the championship lead. Finishing the first race third, Tom showed the full potential of the new Fireblade in the second race, holding off a chasing Danny Kent to take his fourth victory of the season.
Teammate Davey Todd was caught out with the mixed conditions in the first race and with the track drying each lap, his full-wet set-up meant he suffered at the end of the race where he crossed the line 10th. In the second race a brake issue saw any progress hampered to finish 14th.
The Honda Racing team now head to Brands Hatch for the season finale on 16-18 October, where the Bennetts British Superbike Championship is all to play for with mathematically five potential riders who could become the 2020 champion.
#18 Andrew Irwin
This weekend has been a little up and down, but we won another race and it was something I needed to lift my spirits. In the second race unfortunately I got hit on the first lap and took out. It’s one of those things, I have been on both ends of it before, it’s racing and we will just move on from it. In race three it took me far too long to get going, I got a good start but kind of got beat up in the first turn, which upset my rhythm a bit. It then took me about four or five laps to get into it again but once I did we had quite good pace, we should have been fighting for the podium I feel but we didn’t and I came seventh. However the Fireblade felt good and I’ve built some confidence going into Brands, I think we can do a good job and I’m looking forward it.
#2 Glenn Irwin
If you summarise this weekend from a points view it was really disappointing because we have come away 18 points behind after starting the weekend in front, so to gain back some points in the last race was so important. In the final race I knew immediately from the warm-up lap that the Fireblade was working well, so hats off to the team, they deserved this second place position backing up Andy’s win. Again it’s an all-new Fireblade and over three races this weekend we have grabbed a first and a second place finish, Tom has also done a mega job again in Superstock. So looking ahead, it’s a big ask at Brands, I would rather be the one with the target on my back because if nothing changes you are the champion, but we won’t give up. The team never give up and neither will I.
#68 Tom Neave
I don’t know where to start really! It’s so good to be back in the hunt again, this weekend I was up against it and I knew all I could do was my best, try and stay out in front and beat Chrissy in every race, which is what I have done. We have clawed the championship back to ten points so anything can happen at Brands Hatch and you never know what the weather is going to throw at you in the middle of October! I have just got to keep playing my cards right and doing everything I can. I have ten days to prepare, tick all the boxes, get plenty of training in, ready to go to Brands with a fresh open mind and do the same again.
#74 Davey Todd
It’s been a crazy weekend for us, it was the first time with the new Fireblade in wet conditions, which was difficult for us all and learning curve for sure. In FP2 I ended up throwing it down the road where we could have got some wet time under our belts, but I knew I’d be strong in the wet which showed in warm-up on Saturday, where we finished second. We made a few changes to the bike ahead of the first race, where we had some mixed conditions, which threw us a little bit as we were fully set for wet conditions so struggled towards the end of the race. I felt like I had the pace in race two, the bike felt good, but I suffered a bit with a brake issue and dropped down the order towards the end. It was a bit of a disappointing weekend, but we’ll move on to Brands and see if we can finish the season on a good note.
Team Manager Havier Beltran
It’s been a weekend full of emotions with Glenn crashing out in race one, finishing second in the final race, Andrew back on the top step and Tom claiming another podium and a race win! We’re back in the fight for both the British Superbike and Superstock 1000 championships, so really heading to Brands Hatch it’s all to play for. I’m really pleased with the progress we’ve made this weekend, the guys have once again shown the potential of the all-new Fireblade and it was great to see Andrew back up there. We have some work to do ahead of the final round, but it’s not over just yet for us.
More, from a press release issued by VisionTrack Ducati:
Donington Success Sees Brookes And Iddon Head Title Race
Defending champions VisionTrack Ducati faced some contrasting conditions for rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park today but riders Josh Brookes and Christian Iddon excelled to emerge first and second in the title race going into the final round.
With torrential rain wiping out most of yesterday’s proceedings, organisers re-arranged the schedule so that for the first time in series history, three races would take place today with grid positions determined by free practice times from Friday which put Brookes on pole for the first 15-lap race and Iddon on row two.
It was still cool and damp for the opening race but both of Penrith-based Paul Bird’s riders made good starts and were immediately running inside the top four on the factory-supported VisionTrack Ducati Panigale V4 Rs with Iddon up to second and Brookes fourth initially. A drying track eventually saw Iddon consolidate second place with his Australian teammate elevating himself onto the podium also in third.
The result meant Tyneside-based Iddon held a slender championship lead going into race two where by now, the sun was shining with a completely dry track all around the 2.5-mile GP circuit. 2015 champion Brookes soon worked his way to the front, taking the lead for the first time on lap five from where he controlled proceedings to take his 52nd career BSB victory and with it, the lead of the 2020 series for the first time. Iddon couldn’t match his first race finish but battled to sixth to drop to second in the standings.
The final race of the weekend looked like it would serve up another race win for Brookes as he led for the first half of the race but in the end he had to settle for third with Iddon just missing the podium in fourth meaning Brookes enjoys a 16-point lead over his teammate going into the final three races of the season at Brands Hatch in a fortnight.
Josh Brookes: “The target is always to win a race at the slowest possible speed as the faster you go, the more you risk. In the second race, I had a couple of minor issues, so I tried to maintain my rhythm and the lead which I was able to do for the win. It was a lot trickier in the first race when I had to ride more conservatively due to the damp. The bike was moving around a lot, so it was all about consolidating the points. In the final race, I tried to keep the lead for as long as possible, but I didn’t have the pace to win so brought the bike home for some more good points. It’s been a strong weekend and great to lead the championship going into the final meeting at Brands Hatch.”
Christian Iddon: “The main focus was to leave Donington Park still with a good chance of the championship and I’ve managed that and got the boxes ticked. It was good to get on the podium in the first race in the damp conditions, but I struggled quite a lot in the second race with a couple of issues. We improved the bike for the final race but fourth was the best I could do although maybe I should have tried a different plan in hindsight. I’m just 16 points off the championship lead with all to play for at Brands Hatch, although we missed a couple of opportunities to close the gap today but either way, I’m looking forward to it.”
Johnny Mowatt, Team Co-ordinator: “First and second in the championship is all we could really ask for going into the final round of the season, so we are very much in the game. Both riders have been consistent this weekend and scored good points in very difficult conditions at times. We’ll now go back to the workshop and prepare for Brands Hatch in the hope that we can emulate our 1-2 finish in the series of last year which would be a remarkable achievement.”
Video: Pro Racer DiBrino Drifts A KTM 790 Duke At The Ridge
This video shows pro road racer and flat track racer Andy DiBrino drifting his KTM 790 Duke flat tracker and a BMW car around Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington.
MotoAmerica: Lee Riding Kawasaki Superbike At Indy
Superbike Unlimited Franklin Armory Racing ready to compete this weekend at MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard
Reigning Stock 1000 Class champ Andrew Lee to ride team’s Kawasaki ZX-10RR at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
ARDEN, N.C. — One of MotoAmerica’s newest teams is raring to race at one of the world’s most storied motor sports venues, as the Superbike Unlimited Franklin Armory Racing Team will have reigning Stock 1000 Champion Class Andrew Lee at the helm of its Kawasaki ZX-10RR at this weekend’s MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard.
Lee has two MotoAmerica Stock 1000 titles to his credit – both of which he claimed aboard Kawasakis – and scored a top-10 finish in his Superbike debut at the previous round on Sept. 18-20 at Barber Motorsports Park. The Indianapolis round takes place Oct. 9-11 and marks the penultimate chapter of the 2020 MotoAmerica season.
Lee rode the team’s motorcycle in two practice sessions at the Barber round, but the motorcycle was deemed ineligible for the event due to the team being unable to source MotoAmerica-homologated ECU firmware and transmission parts in time for that round.
“The technical issues the team encountered at Barber have been resolved and we are excited to have Andrew racing our bike at the Indianapolis round,” Team Principal Freddy Carswell said. “We have a great group of sponsors who have come together to get Andrew back to racing in MotoAmerica, and I’m looking forward to delivering the exposure they’re due in the weekend’s three Superbike races.”
The team’s family of sponsors includes Franklin Armory, Riderz Law, Appalachian Electric & Generator, Hard Money Rare Coins, Cool Breeze and Dr. Farr, as well as technical partners Evol Technology, Sportbike Track Time and SBS.
More recently, the team has welcomed additional support from PJC Race Support Services, which has stepped up to help with the team’s transportation costs to make the Indianapolis round happen.
“We were originally just planning to do the Barber round,” Carswell said. “Thanks to PJC coming on board, we are able to more easily afford taking part in the last East Coast round of the 2020 MotoAmerica season and show what our Kawasaki ZX-10RR Superbike project is capable of.”
The Indianapolis round marks MotoAmerica’s first time competing at the Brickyard since 2015 and the first time all of MotoAmerica’s support classes will compete on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road circuit.
How to Watch
All three Superbike races slated for the MotoAmerica Superbikes at the Brickyard are to be broadcast live on the Fox Sports, Eurosport and the MotoAmerica Live+ streaming service. Coverage of the Saturday race kicks off at 3 p.m. Eastern on Fox Sports 1, and Sunday’s races take place at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports 1 and 3 p.m. Eastern on Fox Sports 2.
To learn more about MotoAmerica Live+, visit https://www.motoamericaliveplus.com.
About Superbike Unlimited
Superbike Unlimited is the exclusive importer and distributor of Lacomoto and Aliant Ultralight Batteries in the United States and carries a full range of road racing products. The company specializes in ECU tuning, and its shop features a full suspension service center — including two factory-trained Ohlins technicians. Superbike Unlimited also offers comprehensive dyno tuning and performance engine services.
American Daniel Wins “Cuna De Campeones” Moto5 Race In Spain
Kristian Daniel Jr. Takes First Moto5 Win at Motorland Aragon
The 11-year-old American from Los Angeles, California, riding in the ultra-competitive Spanish “Cuna de Campeones” Championship used MotoGP racecraft to score his first victory.
The Spanish “Cuna de Campeones” racing series is the ultimate challenge for aspiring Spanish (and visiting) riders up to the age of twelve. Riding 25-horsepower single-cylinder 250cc IMR on the full 3.15-mile Motorland Aragón Grand Prix track where the Moto5 bikes were clocking top speeds of just over 100 mph. American Kristian Daniel Jr. (a.k.a KDJR) came into Motorland confident after scoring a first podium last time out, but with no knowledge of the fast and technical circuit.
In Friday qualifying KDJR swapped the quickest times with Carlos Cano in the first session, eventually taking second by two tenths on a cold and windy morning. Hopes of improving to start on pole were dashed when the afternoon session was cancelled due to heavy rain.
RACE 1: KDJR was quickest in the Saturday morning warm-up, but still a bit nervous when he took his place in the middle of the front row with the whole FIM CEV paddock watching. Cano, Miguel Rodriguez and KDJR broke away from the pack, pulling out a three-second gap by the end of lap one. Each had a turn at the front and no one had a clear advantage over the opening laps of lead changes and slipstreaming, but going into turn 14 with four laps to go, KDJR had a problem with the shifter which caused him to run wide into the gravel and crash. It was a frustrating end to his first race at Aragon because he felt he had the pace to win. Fortunately, he only needed to wait a day to have a second chance.
RACE 2: In the morning warm up the bike was running well. Topping the timing sheets by a full second restored confidence, but he knew he would be racing again with the same two rivals and that there were only two ways to win. The first was to break the slip stream and pull a gap, but if the race was a battle between the same three who initially led race one, it would all come down to being in the right place at the right time.
From the start it quickly became clear that he, Cano and Rodriguez were going to take the race into the final lap and the final corner. His plan was to make his move at the end of the long back straight, but on lap six of seven he lost a half second at the beginning of sector four and had to push hard to improve his first sector time by seven tenths to close back up on the leaders. As he closed on Cano and Rodriguez, he recalled the final lap of the recent Grand Prix of Styria when Portuguese star Miguel Oliveira set up for a pass on the inside line on the final curve and final lap expecting his two rivals to run wide. KDJR’s rivals both got in too hot and both crashed (without contact) as he ran under them to take his all-important first Cuna de Campeones win.
It was a big step forward for the kid from LA who now lives just outside of Barcelona with his parents and younger brother. This was compensation for being forced to miss the Portuguese round earlier in the year due to Covid-19 confinement rules. Nevertheless, the object of this Cuna de Campeones season for KDJR and his team was to prove himself competitive with the best young riders in Spain and, at Motorland Aragon, he did that.
Qualifying:
1. Carlos Cano (2:26.292)
2. Kristian Daniel (2:26.435)
3. Miguel Rodríguez (2:26.604)
4. Martim Marco Ramos (2:28.805)
Results Race 1:
1. Miguel Rodríguez
2. Adrian Covarrubias
3. Martim Marco Ramos
4. Mark Perez
…Kristian Daniel-DNF
Results Race 2:
1. Kristian Daniel
2. Martim Marco Ramos
3. Adrian Covarrubias
4. David Gonzáles
Fred Schuldt Wins Continental Tires In Reader Survey, P12
Fred Schuldt, of Candler, North Carolina, is the winner for Roadracing World Reader Survey, Part 12, brought to you by Continental Motorcycle Tire North America.
Schuldt wins a set of two ContiSportAttack4 Motorcycle Tires!
ContiSportAttack4 provides maximum grip with BlackChili performance, accuracy, and easy handling for the most powerful superbikes. BlackChili Sport-Compound, Continental’s premium tire technology, gives our tires more grip and improved traction—in wet or dry conditions—without compromising rolling resistance and mileage. In addition to the BlackChili Compound, the ContiSportAttack4 also includes the following core technologies:
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ZeroDegree: This steel-belt construction provides excellent stability at high speeds, while maintaining a comfortable, but sporty feel.
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Availability: Continental Motorcycle tires are distributed in the U.S. by Tucker, Parts Unlimited, and Van Leeuwen Distributing. Continental Tires, including the new ContiSportAttack 4, are available at retailers across the U.S. If they are not currently in-stock, they will be soon. Consumers can also find the full range of Continental Tires online via retailers such as Bikebandit.com and ChapMoto.com. Race tires are distributed in the U.S. through Monkey Works Cycle, Inc, out of Daytona, Florida, and VonHertell Suspension out of San Antonio, Texas. Continental Tires are also distributed in Canada, Mexico, and throughout Latin America.
The prize winner for Roadracing World’s Reader Survey, Part 12, was selected at random at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, October 5th.
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About Continental Motorcycle Tire North America
Continental is among the leading manufacturers of motorcycle tires. Tire development, tire testing, and German production are all based in the town of Korbach in Hesse, Germany. Continental manufactures tires for tourers, sports tourers, sports motorcycles, enduros, cruisers, light motorcycles, and scooters, and supplies original equipment for various brands including BMW, Brammo, Horex, Husqvarna, KTM and Moto Guzzi. Its tires are approved for use with a variety of motorcycles manufactured in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. Visit www.conti-moto.com.
For more information on how your product can be the presenting sponsor of an upcoming portion of the Roadracing World Reader Survey, email Natalie Ulrich Heard, [email protected].
Motogladiator Race Results From NC Bike
Motogladiator
NC Bike
Garysburg, North Carolina
October 3-4, 2020
Race Results (Oct. 3):
Superbike (390cc) Expert Race One:
1. Scott Fallen (Kaw Ninja 300)
2. Michael Dean (Kaw Ninja 300)
Superbike (390cc) Amateur Race One:
1. Mathew Nilsen (Kaw Ninja 300)
2. Nicholas Buchanan (Kaw Ninja 300)
3. Daniel Swart (Kaw Ninja 300)
4. Tristen Picard (Kaw Ninja 250)
5. Chance Picard (Kaw Ninja 250)
6. Greg King (Kaw Ninja 300)
Ninja (400cc) Expert Race One:
1. Will Moore, Jr. (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Will Moore, Sr. (Kaw Ninja 400)
3. Mikayla Moore (Kaw Ninja 400)
4. Alex Vaipan (Kaw Ninja 400)
5. Kervin Sydnor (Kaw Ninja 400)
Ninja (400cc) Amateur Race One:
1. Keagan Brown (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Alan Harrington (Kaw Ninja 400)
3. John Miller (Kaw Ninja 400)
Supermoto Expert Race One:
1. Matt Lamb (Hon CRF450RX)
2. Ryan Donagher (KTM 450)
3. John Tan (KTM EXC500)
Supermoto Amateur Race One:
1. Chandler Helton (Husq FS450)
2. Joseph Katzberg (KTM 250SX)
3. Sarah Lamb (Yam WR450R)
4. Matt Yarnell (Husq FS450)
Superbike (390cc) Expert Race Two:
1. Scott Fallen (Kaw Ninja 300)
2. Michael Dean (Kaw Ninja 300)
Superbike (390cc) Amateur Race Two:
1. Mathew Nilsen (Kaw Ninja 300)
2. Daniel Swart (Kaw Ninja 300)
3. Greg King (Kaw Ninja 300)
4. Chance Picard (Kaw Ninja 250)
5. Tristen Picard (Kaw Ninja 250)
6. Michael Graham (KTM 390)
Ninja (400cc) Expert Race Two:
1. Will Moore, Jr. (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Will Moore, Sr. (Kaw Ninja 400)
3. Mikayla Moore (Kaw Ninja 400)
4. Alex Vaipan (Kaw Ninja 400)
5. Kervin Sydnor (Kaw Ninja 400)
Ninja (400cc) Amateur Race Two:
1. Keagan Brown (Kaw Ninja 400)
2. Alan Harrington (Kaw Ninja 400)
3. John Miller (Kaw Ninja 400)
Supermoto Expert Race Two:
1. Matt Lamb (Hon CRF450RX)
2. John Tan (KTM EXC500)
3. Ryan Donagher (KTM 450)
Supermoto Amateur Race Two:
1. Matt Yarnell (Husq FS450)
2. Chandler Helton (Husq FS450)
3. Joseph Katzberg (KTM 250SX)
4. Sarah Lamb (Yam WR450R)
Supersport (600cc) Expert:
1. Will Moore, Sr. (Hon CBR600RR)
2. Scott Fallen (Kramer HKR Evo2 R)
3. Brian Freedman (Yam FZ-07R)
4. Bob Flem (Yam YZF-R6)
Supersport (600cc) Amateur:
1. Ryland Cain (Kaw Ninja ZX-6R)
2. Joe Kranz (Yam YZF-R6)
3. Dean Fu (Kaw Ninja ZX-6R)
4. Trevis Carr (Kaw Ninja ZX-6R)
5. Ricardo Dos Santos (Yam YZF-R6)
6. Scott Gilbert (Yam YZF-R6)
Superbike (1000cc) Expert:
1. Michael Dean (Suz GSX-R1000)
Superbike (1000cc) Amateur:
1. William Richardson (BMW S1000RR)
2. Jonathan McCroskey (Yam YZF-R1)
3. Roman Diankin (BMW S1000RR)
4. Nikolay Nikov (BMW S1000RR)
5. John Morton (Hon CBR1000RR)
6. Tim Mattes (Apr RSV4)
MotoE World Cup Concluding With Doubleheader At Le Mans
MotoE™: the season finale hits full power in France
The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup winner is about to be decided, and it’s the new venue of Le Mans that plays host
Monday, 05 October 2020
The time has come. After some stellar races at Jerez and Misano, the two final showdowns of the 2020 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup are now just around the corner and it’s the new – for MotoE™ at least – venue of Le Mans that plays host. With seasoned veterans taking on rookies in the fight for the crown, that makes for an interesting twist – with no one on the grid having any electric experience at the French track. Everything is on the line as the final 50 points of the year are in play, and after the drama we’ve seen already this season, it remains anyone’s game.
Heading in, it’s 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE) on top. The Italian has been consistent as ever and keeps reeling in the points, putting him four clear of his nearest challenger, Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP). Ferrari, however, made his own mistake in Andalucia to dent the maximum he could have scored – whereas Aegerter lost the lead in Misano as he fell victim to another rider’s mistake. Will that change their approach heading into the finale? Aegerter needs to gain but four points isn’t much of a deficit – and he knows he’s been more than fast enough to have battled it out in every race, taking a podium or win every time he’s made it to the line.
In third there’s another fast rookie to contend with as well: Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40). The Spaniard took his first E-Pole in Misano and although he’s yet to win, he’s only seven points down. That’s not a mountain to climb with two races coming up and 50 points left, and he’ll also be pushing hard to take a victory to tick that box. How hard? He said he chose reward over risk last time out, so the wily veteran will be balancing that all weekend. Now it’s the finale, though, there’s no more long game left.
The final more likely candidate for the crown – although it’s a longer shot – is Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse). The Italian has been in the top five all season and he comes into the final round off the back of his best result yet: an impressive second place, after fighting for the lead. What can he do? He’s 15 points down, but with the twists and turns we’ve seen so far, he could even end up 10 points up by just the end of Race 1…
Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) is another interesting prospect. He’s technically still in contention as he’s on 43 points to Ferrari’s 86, but that would require a serious shockwave of events to rip through the races. Nevertheless, he could be playing a vital part as he took the first win of the year and has, barring any mistakes, been quick everywhere. What if Granado is the man ahead of the two or three riders right at the top? Do they attack or settle for the points? And will the Brazilian ride like he has nothing to lose?
Niccolo Canepa (LCR E-Team) and teammate Xavier Simeon are also still technically in contention, and the former has had a couple of impressive top five rides already in 2020. Simeon, meanwhile, has already been on the podium… before disaster struck as he fell victim to another rider’s crash and suffered a technical problem. Can he get in the mix at the front?
Home hero Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) is another who’ll be pushing hard – especially on home turf – and his two most recent top finishes were solid sixths, which puts him just on the cusp of that battle at the front. Can he move forward?
Last but by no means least, there’s also the new grid formation for Race 2 to contend with. The results from the first race are now pivotal as they decide starting positions for the second, so there’s a lot to be won – and lost – on Saturday. Who will come out on top in the final weekend of the season? Ferrari, Aegerter, Torres? Casadei? Or will drama flip the form book completely?
Find out this weekend as Race 1 begins at 16:20 (GMT +2) on Saturday, before the lights go out for the last time in 2020 at 15:40 on Sunday.
FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup Standings
1 – Matteo Ferrari – (Trentino Gresini MotoE) – Energica – 86
2 – Dominique Aegerter – (Dynavolt Intact GP) – Energica – 82
3 – Jordi Torres – (Pons Racing 40) – Energica – 79
4 – Mattia Casadei – (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) – Energica – 71
5 – Eric Granado – (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) – Energica – 43
MotoGP: Showdown Of Sophmores Heads To Le Mans
Quartararo vs Mir: Le Mans revs up for a battle royale
A home hero, a man on a mission and a finely-poised 2020 title fight. There’s no place like home, but will that prove enough?
Monday, 05 October 2020
Heading into the Catalan GP, four points covered four riders. As we saddle up and head for Sarthe, however, four points is now half the gap from first to second – and that gap is enjoyed by home hero Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT). The Frenchman won in Barcelona to put himself back on top, staking his claim on the 2020 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship crown once again. By the final laps though, it was close, thanks to yet another late pace stunner from Suzuki. And this time, there were two: Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and teammate Alex Rins took a close second and third as they churned through Quartararo’s advantage, and the scene is now set for a showdown of the sophomores at Le Mans. Quartararo 108, Mir 100.
For ‘El Diablo’, there’s home pressure but some home cheer too, and he’ll have to balance that at the same time as the never-ending see-saw of the Championship. Le Mans is a venue tamed to perfection on many an occasion by Yamaha, however, so the omens are good for Quartararo to come out swinging and win on home turf. Can he become the first Frenchman to take to the top step in the premier class at Le Mans and extend his advantage? Mir will be the first trying to stand in his way.
Incredibly, despite being second overall and having taken more consistent podiums than anyone this year, Mir is still yet to win. And the Mayorcan says he won’t be fully locked on to the title as his main target until he’s managed to do so. That’s a pretty clear statement of intent from the Suzuki rider, and if he can show the same form as we’ve now come to expect, he is to be expected in the fight at the front. With a little less work to do from a higher grid position, or even just a better shuffle of the dice at Turn 1, Mir could easily already have been a winner… and the home hero vs the hungry bridesmaid could make one awesome showdown come Sunday. Rins will be hoping to keep his form rolling too – it was over a year since his Silverstone win and the last time he’d been on the podium – and his impressive ride through the field from outside the top ten gave Suzuki their first double podium since 2007. The Hamamatsu factory have also won a MotoGP™ race at Le Mans, although in the wet… in that same 2007.
Quartararo’s fellow Yamahas will be gunning to pin back the Suzuki charge, however. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had a muted Catalan GP after getting shuffled back at Turn 1 and he lost ground, but he’s a man with serious form at Le Mans, having won in 2017 with an imperious performance. He’s only 18 points off the top too. His teammate Valentino Rossi, meanwhile, will also be out for revenge after bad luck in Barcelona. The number 46 crashed out of second and will want to make amends, but like last time out, both he and Viñales will likely also have Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) for company in the Iwata marque shootout. Bad news for each individual rider with that stiff competition, but great news for Yamaha.
For former points leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), however, the venue could be a little less welcoming: Ducati have never won at Le Mans. Now 24 points off the top after getting wiped out early on in Barcelona, the Italian faces a mountain to climb to get back in the hunt. He’ll want to start sooner rather than later, and rake in some solid points as a minimum. Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia will want the same and to take the honour of top Borgo Panigale machine, however, as will Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team). And there’s a Frenchman on a Ducati to contend with too: Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing). The number 5 has known home glory at Le Mans, and he’ll throw everything at it to taste more.
And what of KTM? The Austrian factory had a tougher time of it in Barcelona, although some bad luck also played its hand in that. How will they fare in France? Their impressive step forward in 2020 is illustrated by asking ‘what happened’ after only one race without a KTM on the podium. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be aiming to put that right, and rookie teammate Brad Binder will want to iron out some of his troubles since that stunner of a win at Brno. Styrian GP winner Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) can’t be counted out in the charge either, and what can his rookie teammate Iker Lecuona do?
Speaking of rookies, Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) is another who will want more in France. The number 73 seriously impressed in Misano before a more difficult race on home turf, where the more experienced Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) pulled well clear to finish the race as top Honda. Nakagami could be one to watch in France, with the Japanese rider now the only man to have scored in every race so far in 2020. And they haven’t been a run of 15ths – the number 30 is well up there most weekends, only just out the podium fight. Teammate Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) impressed on his return from injury as he gritted his teeth to a top ten too – will the Brit manage to make his way further forward in France? And can Aprilia Racing Team Gresini move up the board too? Another test for the Noale factory after Barcelona gives them more data, and they’ll want some more solid points as a minimum as they continue their push forward.
There’s no better way to head into your home race than off the back of a win, but there’s more at stake for Quartararo in the French GP than simply home glory. Another win now would extend that advantage into a little breathing space, and be a serious warning shot for his rivals – all whilst hearing the Marseillaise ring out across Le Mans. But Mir is a man on a mission; Viñales, Rossi, Rins, Morbidelli and more are waiting in the wings… and there are still six races to go in a rollercoaster 2020. Who will reign Le Mans? Place your bets – but be prepared for the odds to change again.
MotoGP™ go racing in France at the slightly earlier time of 13:00 (GMT +2). So save the date – there’s another classic coming your way!
MotoGP™ Championship Standings
1 Fabio Quartararo* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – 108
2 Joan Mir – Team Suzuki Ecstar – Suzuki – 100
3 Maverick Viñales – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – 90
4 Andrea Dovizioso – Ducati Team – Ducati – 84
5 Franco Morbidelli* – Petronas Yamaha SRT – Yamaha – 77
*Independent Team riders
Can Marini’s march continue at Le Mans?
The Italian was superlative in Barcelona. Now it’s time to reset for more in France, can he keep the upper hand?
The Moto2™ momentum has swung a few different ways in 2020. From Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) to Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) to Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and then back again, we arrive at Le Mans for the Shark Helmets Grand Prix de France with one man very much in the driving seat: Marini. The Italian is 20 points clear now, and arrives fresh off the back of another superlative win last time out.
So, can he do it again? He explained in Misano that his Achilles’ heel so far in 2020 was more the second time round at the same track, as he felt he failed to make a step to stay in the same contention. If he’s confident straight out the box, Le Mans will be good news for him – with one race and one race only at the classic Sarthe venue.
It’s not been an easy journey for Marini to achieve to his 20 point advantage though. Bastianini has won three races and will want to flex his form again at Le Mans to fight back, and Marco Bezzechi (Sky Racing Team VR46) is an ever-present threat, the ‘enemy within’ Marini’s team. Last time out though, it was Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) bringing the noise, and the Brit is on a charge of his own. At Le Mans, he’ll want to duel it out for the win once again – and this time hope for a little less work to do off the line.
Another rider looking to hit back is Jorge Martin. After sitting out two races, the Spaniard was back in Barcelona but forced to retire in the end, so we’ve not seen his full form on full power. He was the man with the momentum when bad luck struck ahead of Misano too – and there’s even more to write home about now. He’s been announced at Pramac Racing in MotoGP™ next year, so the audition is officially over and now the real show can begin. What can Martin do? He was ominous in Austria…
Plenty of eyes will also be on Termozeta Speed Up’s Fabio Di Giannantonio and Jorge Navarro. The former was back on the podium in Barcelona and the latter only just off it, and the two results brought a welcome end to a tough start to 2020. It’s not just one venue either, as the two have been clawing their way back to the front. What can they do in France?
Joe Roberts (Tennor American Racing) was the man who just lost out – after an almighty battle – on that fourth place taken by Navarro, and he’ll want to be back up fighting for the podium again in Le Mans. Add in the likes of rookie Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team), Liqui Moly Intact GP’s Marcel Schrötter and Tom Lüthi and Qatar winner Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and it’s sure to be another stellar showdown in the top ten. And what can Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) do as he has more time to get back to better fitness? Can Marcos Ramirez (Tennor American Racing) keep his top ten form? And what about Xavi Vierge and Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing), whose impressive performances in Barcelona were cut short by a crash and a bike problem, respectively?
Marini has the momentum as we arrive at Le Mans, but the cast of characters looking to steal it is chock full of seriously fast riders. Who can come out on top in France? Find out at the later time of 14:30 (GMT +2) on Sunday!
Moto2™ Championship Standings
1 Luca Marini – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 150
2 Enea Bastianini – Italtrans Racing Team – Kalex – 130
3 Marco Bezzecchi – Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 114
4 Sam Lowes – EG0,0 Marc VDS – Kalex – 103
5 Jorge Martin – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 79
Can Arenas strike back in France?
It’s been a tougher time for the former Championship leader of late. Now Ogura is in the hot seat, and Arenas will need to dig deep to turn the tables…
Since the very first race of the season, Albert Arenas (Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3) has been the man in charge in Moto3™, but no longer. After a crash, a fourth place and another crash – the latter not his fault – the number 75 now finds himself demoted to second overall and needing a fight back. Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) is the new Championship leader, although it was far from plain sailing for the Japanese rider last time out either. So what will Le Mans bring?
For Arenas, a little pressure is certain, but there will also be a host of incredible memories. There’s hardly a better venue to return to when you need a boost than the place where you took your first win, and that’s exactly what the number 75 did at Le Mans in 2018. So he knows it’s a place he can conquer, and he’ll be guns blazing to do it again to take some revenge on his bad luck in Barcelona.
For Ogura, the past form book isn’t really the place to look to know what he’ll have in the locker come race day in France, as he’s only in his second year in Moto3™. Last year at Le Mans when he was a rookie though, he qualified on the front row… so he has speed. The number 79 was somewhat AWOL at Barcelona and even with an open goal after the crash for John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) that also took Arenas down, he was only able to take eleventh. But he didn’t crash. And so far this season, he’s got more podiums than anyone, so it’s hard to bet against the Japanese rider being back in the battle. His advantage is just three points overall, but consistency is key and Ogura has shown that in spades throughout 2020.
For McPhee, meanwhile, it’s another bounce back to pull out the hat, although if you’re going to crash out of a race in which you need to score big to gain ground, taking the Championship leader down with you is one way of making your maths a little less disastrous, even if it does ruin his. That mistake – for which the Scot immediately went to apologise – and the knock-on side effects keep McPhee only 24 points off the top, and he’s is another who arrives in France with great memories. Guess who won at Le Mans last year? That’s right. The last two races in Sarthe have been won by Arenas and then McPhee, adding another interesting little twist into the equation as they both arrive as title contenders.
The battle at the front is never a three-way fight in Moto3™ though. Darryn Binder (CIP – Green Power) arrives as a Grand Prix winner and will want more of that, Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) is on a roll of form and closing in on the top, and Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) is only a further point back on his compatriot too. Barcelona also saw Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) retain his position in the front group after his win at Misano, and there was a resurgence for a few including his teammate Alonso Lopez, SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Niccolo Antonelli, Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Sergio Garcia, Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) and teammate Jaume Masia… the list could go on, with more riders than can score points sometimes fighting it out in the front group, but that’s what makes Moto3™ such an incredible spectacle.
That’s a good reason to tune in when the lightweight class take on Le Mans, with the race getting underway at the slightly later time of 11:20 (GMT +2). Can Arenas strike back? Will we see the return of McPhee? Or will the rise of Ogura only continue once he’s back in the groove? Find out on Sunday!
Moto3™ Championship Standings
1 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda – 122
2 Albert Arenas – Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3 – KTM – 119
3 John McPhee – Petronas Sprinta Racing – Honda – 98
4 Tony Arbolino – Rivacold Snipers Team – Honda – 95
5 Celestino Vietti – Sky Racing Team VR46 – KTM – 94
World Superbike: Mahias Promoted To Superbike
Kawasaki Puccetti Racing – Lucas Mahias In Superbike In 2021
Lucas Mahias will compete for Kawasaki Puccetti Racing in the WorldSBK Championship in 2021.
The Frenchman has been the Italian team’s Supersport rider of choice for two years, continually proving his significant talent and great determination; qualities that have encouraged Manuel Puccetti along with Kawasaki Motors Europe to promote him to the premier class and entrust him with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.
Born on 14 April 1989 in Mont de Marsan, France, throughout his career Mahias has shown to be an eclectic rider, more than able to adapt to different bikes. His first appearance on the world stage came in 2013, in Moto2. The following year he competed in several Moto2 races, made his debut in both World Supersport and World Endurance, and was crowned French Supersport champion.
In 2015 he continued to race in the same categories, while the following year saw him make his debut in World Superbike appearance with Team Pedercini’s Kawasaki at the Assen round. He also won a World Endurance race and scored two wins, three podiums and a pole position in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup. In 2017 he played a starring role in World Supersport and was crowned World Champion. In 2019 he joined Kawasaki Puccetti Racing and has scored three wins, 13 podiums and one pole position with the squad to date.
Steve Guttridge – Kawasaki Europe Race Manager: “After our previous champion retired the team and KME had some pretty big decision on how to continue WorldSSP at this top level. In signing Lucas I can say we made a good decision. He has always given 100% effort for the team and to manage the Ninja ZX-6R so well each season at the sharp end of the racing. We felt it was now his time to move up to the premier WorldSBK category inside our top satellite team and demonstrate what he can do there together with a great crew inside Puccetti racing team and a championship winning bike in the Ninja ZX-10RR.”
Manuel Puccetti – Team Principal: “I’m pleased to announce that we have decided to promote Lucas Mahias from Supersport to Superbike next year. Supporting our riders from the Stock or Supersport classes right up to the top class is part of our team’s DNA and is something we have previously done with riders like Franco Morbidelli, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Randy Krummenacher and Toprak Razgatlioglu. I’m convinced that Mahias is a real talent, a solid rider who is always highly motivated. Racing in Superbike has always been his dream and so I’m sure he’ll put in maximum effort to achieve the best results. On our side, we’ll do all we can to help him adapt to the new bike and the new category, without applying any pressure. As soon as we have a 2021 calendar, we’ll schedule some tests so that we’re prepared for the new season.”
Lucas Mahias: “I’m excited to be able to compete in WorldSBK. That was always my goal, and to move up with the Kawasaki and Puccetti Racing is absolutely fantastic. I’ve competed in two Superbike races in the past and have ridden a 1000 in Superstock and in World Endurance, but I know that the ZX-10RR is a very powerful and competitive bike, and I can’t wait to get on it. I had two aims in my sporting career, the first was to become WorldSSP champion and the second is to win the Superbike World Championship. Having achieved the first, I’ll now do everything I can to obtain the second too. I know it’s a very tough championship, but I’ll have a great team and a competitive bike on my side. I want to thank Manuel Puccetti and Kawasaki for this amazing opportunity.”
Video: “Ask A Superbike Genius” With Richard Stanboli, P8
Racer and TrackDaz owner Dustin Coyner presents “Ask a Superbike Genius, Part Eight” with Richard Stanboli, owner of Attack Performance and the Monster Energy Attack Performance Yamaha MotoAmerica Superbike team.
This interview was conducted following the MotoAmerica event September 18-20 at Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama.
British Superbike: Report And Results From Tripleheader At Donington
Three different Donington Park race winners as Brands Hatch title decider beckons
Three different riders and three different teams celebrated victory at Donington Park in the penultimate event in the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship battle, with five riders mathematically in with a fight for the title at the Brands Hatch season finale (October 16/17/18).
Josh Brookes leads the standings by 16-points ahead of the triple-header decider at Brands Hatch, but despite being crowned the Monster Energy King of Donington today (Sunday), the Australian claimed one race victory with growing competition from his opposition.
In the opening race of the weekend, Andrew Irwin returned to the form that saw him claim a double victory at the circuit’s season opener, and the Honda Racing rider delivered a perfect race to score his first podium since the last visit to Donington Park.
Andrew Irwin’s victory was all the more important for Honda Racing after championship leader Glenn Irwin crashed out unhurt on the opening lap, and then had to regroup and rebound strongly in the next two rounds to avoid losing ground before the season finale.
The VisionTrack Ducati teammates completed the podium line up in the opening race, with Christian Iddon holding off Brookes to have another strong podium-finishing performance ahead of Tarran Mackenzie and Ryan Vickers, who celebrated his best finish for RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki.
It wasn’t to be another Donington Park double for Andrew Irwin though; when he crashed out with Ryan Vickers on the opening lap of the second race. At the front, Kyle Ryde had initially held the advantage, but a technical problem forced him out of the action.
Brookes had gathered pace and the VisionTrack Ducati rider edged out a lead, however it did begin to get closed down by O’Halloran in the closing stages but not enough to deny him the victory.
The McAMS Yamaha team celebrated a double podium finish in the second race as Mackenzie snatched third place from Gino Rea, who was another rider to claim his best result of the season today at Donington Park.
The final race of the weekend began with Brookes getting the jump off the line, but the VisionTrack Ducati rider had to settle for third place after Mackenzie stole the show in the closing laps, making McAMS Yamaha the third different winning team of the day.
Mackenzie had been able to hold off the challenges from Glenn Irwin, who had an impressive performance to end his weekend with a podium finish, and the Honda Racing rider now holds third place in the standings and an 18-point deficit to Brookes.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Round 13 result:
- Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing)
- Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.824s
- Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +2.508s
- Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +8.048s
- Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki) +10.776s
- Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +12.297s
- Jack Kennedy (RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki) +12.387s
- Kyle Ryde (Buildbase Suzuki) +13.841s
- Danny Buchan (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +17.938s
- Lee Jackson (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +25.058s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Round 14 result:
- Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati)
- Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.578s
- Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +1.805s
- Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +3.123s
- Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +4.419s
- Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +4.908s
- Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +7.734s
- Jack Kennedy (RAF Regular and Reserve Kawasaki) +8.307s
- Luke Mossey (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +11.511s
- Joe Francis (Lloyd & Bowker BMW Motorrad) +12.165s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Round 15 result:
- Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha)
- Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +1.223s
- Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +3.951s
- Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +6.742s
- Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +7.441s
- Lee Jackson (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) +7.685s
- Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing) +8.090s
- Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +9.274s
- Luke Mossey (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +10.383s
- Joe Francis (Lloyd & Bowker BMW Motorrad) +10.860s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Round 15:
- Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) 225
- Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 209
- Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) 207
- Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 206
- Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 179
- Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 146
- Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing) 139
- Lee Jackson (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) 131
- Kyle Ryde (Buildbase Suzuki) 130
- Danny Buchan (Rapid Fulfillment FS-3 Kawasaki) 101
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing)
Bennetts BSB Round 13 race winner
“This weekend has been a little up and down, but we won another race again – it was something I needed to lift my spirits. In the second race unfortunately I got hit on the first lap and took out. It’s one of those things, I have been on both ends of it before, it’s racing and we will just move on from it.
“In race three it took me far too long to get going, I got a good start but kind of got beat up in the first turn, which upset my rhythm a bit. It then took me about four or five laps to get into it again but once I did we had quite good pace.
“I feel we should have been fighting for the podium, but we didn’t and I came seventh. However the Fireblade felt good and I’ve built some confidence going into Brands, I think we can do a good job, I’m looking forward it.”
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati)
Bennetts BSB Round 14 race winner
Championship leader
“I am kind of winning after today, even if it was a third place in the final race, as I am leading the championship and that is a nice way to leave Donington Park.
“The final race was tough, I was trying to control the race and I was pushing to try and get a gap, but it just stayed the same. I started to drop off from Taz and Glenn Irwin and then had a couple of moments with the front end.
“I didn’t give up on having another chance but in my mind I knew it was an important race to finish and that I couldn’t have any DNFs so they rode well and deserve their places. I have to be happy with that and to go into the final round with a lead is a great improvement on previous years so we need to work hard and what will be, will be.”
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha)
Bennetts BSB Round 14 race winner
“The first race was really nice today, coming through from 19th. It was a calculated gamble to go with the harder wet tyre as I knew the track would dry out and that would leave me with some tyre at the end of the race. The aim was to get a good lap for race two, which I did.
“I did not expect to get third in race two, I went in having only done five dry laps all weekend, so we bolted in the setting from Silverstone and I had the first few laps of the race to adapt to it! It was a tough race, I got knocked back to seventh or eighth and had to come back through so to get third I was really happy.
“I knew if I could get a better start in the last race I could maybe have something to show at the end, and that was the case. I didn’t get a good start but I made my way back through, when I got to Glenn I was quite comfortable sat behind him so I knew I could maybe put some time into him if I got past in the last few laps, which I did so I was really happy with that. I’ve always wanted to win in the superbike class so it was an epic feeling.
“It’s been a good day for the whole team, so we’re looking forward to getting to Brands Hatch in a couple of weeks.”
More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing UK:
Double wins for Honda Racing at Donington Park
It has been an action-packed day for the Honda Racing team at Donington Park for the penultimate round of the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, after heavy rain yesterday saw the opening BSB and Superstock 1000 races postponed until today. With five races in a day across both championships, the Honda team leaves the Leicestershire circuit having scored a further two wins and two podiums with the all-new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, and title hopes still firmly in reach.
In the opening Superbike race of the day Andrew Irwin made it four BSB wins for the new Fireblade this season and claimed his third victory of the year, after a dominating race. After a difficult few rounds Andrew’s confidence has returned and it was clear to see today as he took to the top step of the podium once again. Unfortunately in the second race of the day after starting from third place, his race ended on the first lap at the Melbourne Hairpin through no fault of his own. In the final race, after dropping back to 11th, he made his way through the pack to finish seventh.
The result of the first race was bittersweet for the Honda team, as title contender and teammate Glenn Irwin crashed out in the early stages having been caught out by the tricky conditions. With a DNF in the first race the championship was again all to play for and coming into the second race Glenn had his work cut out.
Finishing seventh in the second race, Glenn was sitting fourth in the standings, 22 points behind, so a good points haul in the final outing was crucial. With a fantastic start off the line he was fourth at the end of the first lap. Keeping his head down he was up to second in no time and on the tenth lap made a fantastic move on championship leader Josh Brookes for the lead. However, Tarran Mackenzie was also after the win, and snatching the lead, Glenn was pushed back to second place where he eventually took the chequered flag. Glenn is now third in the overall standings, with an 18-point deficit going into the final round in a few weeks’ time.
Meanwhile for the Superstock 1000 team Tom Neave was celebrating after he clawed back vital points to also keep his title hopes alive, where he’s now just ten points shy of the championship lead. Finishing the first race third, Tom showed the full potential of the new Fireblade in the second race, holding off a chasing Danny Kent to take his fourth victory of the season.
Teammate Davey Todd was caught out with the mixed conditions in the first race and with the track drying each lap, his full-wet set-up meant he suffered at the end of the race where he crossed the line 10th. In the second race a brake issue saw any progress hampered to finish 14th.
The Honda Racing team now head to Brands Hatch for the season finale on 16-18 October, where the Bennetts British Superbike Championship is all to play for with mathematically five potential riders who could become the 2020 champion.
#18 Andrew Irwin
This weekend has been a little up and down, but we won another race and it was something I needed to lift my spirits. In the second race unfortunately I got hit on the first lap and took out. It’s one of those things, I have been on both ends of it before, it’s racing and we will just move on from it. In race three it took me far too long to get going, I got a good start but kind of got beat up in the first turn, which upset my rhythm a bit. It then took me about four or five laps to get into it again but once I did we had quite good pace, we should have been fighting for the podium I feel but we didn’t and I came seventh. However the Fireblade felt good and I’ve built some confidence going into Brands, I think we can do a good job and I’m looking forward it.
#2 Glenn Irwin
If you summarise this weekend from a points view it was really disappointing because we have come away 18 points behind after starting the weekend in front, so to gain back some points in the last race was so important. In the final race I knew immediately from the warm-up lap that the Fireblade was working well, so hats off to the team, they deserved this second place position backing up Andy’s win. Again it’s an all-new Fireblade and over three races this weekend we have grabbed a first and a second place finish, Tom has also done a mega job again in Superstock. So looking ahead, it’s a big ask at Brands, I would rather be the one with the target on my back because if nothing changes you are the champion, but we won’t give up. The team never give up and neither will I.
#68 Tom Neave
I don’t know where to start really! It’s so good to be back in the hunt again, this weekend I was up against it and I knew all I could do was my best, try and stay out in front and beat Chrissy in every race, which is what I have done. We have clawed the championship back to ten points so anything can happen at Brands Hatch and you never know what the weather is going to throw at you in the middle of October! I have just got to keep playing my cards right and doing everything I can. I have ten days to prepare, tick all the boxes, get plenty of training in, ready to go to Brands with a fresh open mind and do the same again.
#74 Davey Todd
It’s been a crazy weekend for us, it was the first time with the new Fireblade in wet conditions, which was difficult for us all and learning curve for sure. In FP2 I ended up throwing it down the road where we could have got some wet time under our belts, but I knew I’d be strong in the wet which showed in warm-up on Saturday, where we finished second. We made a few changes to the bike ahead of the first race, where we had some mixed conditions, which threw us a little bit as we were fully set for wet conditions so struggled towards the end of the race. I felt like I had the pace in race two, the bike felt good, but I suffered a bit with a brake issue and dropped down the order towards the end. It was a bit of a disappointing weekend, but we’ll move on to Brands and see if we can finish the season on a good note.
Team Manager Havier Beltran
It’s been a weekend full of emotions with Glenn crashing out in race one, finishing second in the final race, Andrew back on the top step and Tom claiming another podium and a race win! We’re back in the fight for both the British Superbike and Superstock 1000 championships, so really heading to Brands Hatch it’s all to play for. I’m really pleased with the progress we’ve made this weekend, the guys have once again shown the potential of the all-new Fireblade and it was great to see Andrew back up there. We have some work to do ahead of the final round, but it’s not over just yet for us.
More, from a press release issued by VisionTrack Ducati:
Donington Success Sees Brookes And Iddon Head Title Race
Defending champions VisionTrack Ducati faced some contrasting conditions for rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park today but riders Josh Brookes and Christian Iddon excelled to emerge first and second in the title race going into the final round.
With torrential rain wiping out most of yesterday’s proceedings, organisers re-arranged the schedule so that for the first time in series history, three races would take place today with grid positions determined by free practice times from Friday which put Brookes on pole for the first 15-lap race and Iddon on row two.
It was still cool and damp for the opening race but both of Penrith-based Paul Bird’s riders made good starts and were immediately running inside the top four on the factory-supported VisionTrack Ducati Panigale V4 Rs with Iddon up to second and Brookes fourth initially. A drying track eventually saw Iddon consolidate second place with his Australian teammate elevating himself onto the podium also in third.
The result meant Tyneside-based Iddon held a slender championship lead going into race two where by now, the sun was shining with a completely dry track all around the 2.5-mile GP circuit. 2015 champion Brookes soon worked his way to the front, taking the lead for the first time on lap five from where he controlled proceedings to take his 52nd career BSB victory and with it, the lead of the 2020 series for the first time. Iddon couldn’t match his first race finish but battled to sixth to drop to second in the standings.
The final race of the weekend looked like it would serve up another race win for Brookes as he led for the first half of the race but in the end he had to settle for third with Iddon just missing the podium in fourth meaning Brookes enjoys a 16-point lead over his teammate going into the final three races of the season at Brands Hatch in a fortnight.
Josh Brookes: “The target is always to win a race at the slowest possible speed as the faster you go, the more you risk. In the second race, I had a couple of minor issues, so I tried to maintain my rhythm and the lead which I was able to do for the win. It was a lot trickier in the first race when I had to ride more conservatively due to the damp. The bike was moving around a lot, so it was all about consolidating the points. In the final race, I tried to keep the lead for as long as possible, but I didn’t have the pace to win so brought the bike home for some more good points. It’s been a strong weekend and great to lead the championship going into the final meeting at Brands Hatch.”
Christian Iddon: “The main focus was to leave Donington Park still with a good chance of the championship and I’ve managed that and got the boxes ticked. It was good to get on the podium in the first race in the damp conditions, but I struggled quite a lot in the second race with a couple of issues. We improved the bike for the final race but fourth was the best I could do although maybe I should have tried a different plan in hindsight. I’m just 16 points off the championship lead with all to play for at Brands Hatch, although we missed a couple of opportunities to close the gap today but either way, I’m looking forward to it.”
Johnny Mowatt, Team Co-ordinator: “First and second in the championship is all we could really ask for going into the final round of the season, so we are very much in the game. Both riders have been consistent this weekend and scored good points in very difficult conditions at times. We’ll now go back to the workshop and prepare for Brands Hatch in the hope that we can emulate our 1-2 finish in the series of last year which would be a remarkable achievement.”