MotoE FP1
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MotoGP: Ducati Running Special Livery At Misano
Ducati unveils the fairings customized with the Motor Valley logo of the Desmosedici GP20 that will race at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’
Misano Adriatico (Rimini, Italy), 11 September 2020 – During the first free practice on Friday the Ducati Team’s Desmosedici GP of Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci took to the track at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’ with the Motor Valley Development Association logo on their fairings.
The special livery will dress the two bikes of the factory team during the entire weekend of the ‘San Marino and the Rimini Riviera GP’ and also throughout the first historic edition of the ‘Emilia-Romagna and the Rimini Riviera GP’, to be held from 18 to 20 September.
During the two race weekends the Motor Valley logo will flank that of the Emilia-Romagna Region in the banner positioned on the escape route in the ‘Curva del Carro’ and, for the ‘Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna and the Rimini Riviera’ it will also be on the hill behind the ‘Curva della Quercia’.
Australian Superbike: Event At Wakefield Park Raceway Cancelled
ASBK Aims To Fire In November
The ASBK Management Team can confirm today, readjusted plans for the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, for a return to racing in November.
The ASBK Management Team have been working closely with circuits and key stakeholders to ensure that a revised 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, can proceed for ASBK teams, sponsors and fans.
A recent survey of the ASBK paddock showed a clear majority of riders and teams supported the choice to keep moving forward with the 2020 Championship, subject to an easing of current COVID-19 restrictions.
The ASBK Management Team sincerely appreciate the effort, time and perspectives presented by riders and teams as part of their feedback, and thanks them for participating in the recent survey.
All involved with ASBK can appreciate this season has been a very tough year for many, and in an ever-changing environment, the ASBK Management Team has had to make some tough decisions regarding the Championship based on what’s best for the Championship at this difficult time.
We understand the frustrations of the ASBK paddock during this unprecedented time, and we thank them for their patience and applaud them for their flexibility and support.
From the outset ASBK has committed to riders and teams that we would make crucial decisions in a timely manner, and as we see the current border restrictions will not be resolved by October, today we have made the tough decision to cancel ASBK round 2 at Wakefield Park Raceway, NSW, planned for October 16-18.
ASBK would like to thank the Wakefield Park Raceway for their tireless work, flexibility and understanding.
ASBK is committed to returning to Wakefield Park Raceway in 2021, who have recently announced some very exciting expansion and development plans that will benefit the future of ASBK racing for riders and fans at the venue.
The ASBK Management Team is committed to return to racing in 2020 as we want to award a champion worthy of an ASBK crown.
The ASBK Management Team are pleased to advise the next round of the ASBK Championship will be round 2, to be held at The Bend Motorsport Park, South Australia, on November 22.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see ASBK returning to The Bend in November,” said The Bend Motorsport Park Managing Director, Dr Sam Shahin.
“The event promises to be yet another spectacular display of skill and courage if last year is anything to go by.
“The resumption of the championship is a true testament of the sport, the riders, the teams, the owners and just reward for Motorcycling Australia’s sheer commitment to run a championship in 2020.”
The Bend is hopeful to welcome spectators at round 2 at The Bend and hope to confirm these details in the coming weeks.
The ASBK Grand Finale for 2020 will be conducted as a double-header round, rounds 3 and 4 over 4-days, at Winton Motorway Raceway, December 3-6.
The Australian Superbike Championship has had a long and prestigious history at Winton Motor Raceway spanning decades.
In 2018 at Winton Motor Raceway we saw bar to bar racing and both the Australian Supersport and Superbike class championships decided in spectacular style.
Winton Motor Raceway is a racetrack that always delivers exciting action.
Winton Motor Raceway Operations Manager, Jeff Grech, said: “Winton Motor Raceway is very excited to be hosting the double header Grand Finale round of the Australian Superbike Championship over the weekend of December 3-6.”
“It’s an absolute privilege to have the best riders in Australia racing here at our improved circuit which will allow more passing opportunities and safer racing.
“Turns 3 and 4 have new wider kerbing and the flag point bunker between turns 1 and 2 has been repositioned to the outside of the track behind the tyre wall for improved safety.
“I’m sure it will be a cracker weekend at Winton Raceway and after a year of COVID-19 limited racing, the Australia Superbike Family will be welcomed in our region with open arms.”
The ability to welcome spectators at rounds 3 and 4 will be reviewed closer to the event following consultation with relevant the Victorian Government.
ASBK can advise that Winton Motor Raceway are planning to host 2 days of practice in late October (mid-week) aimed at Victorian based ASBK riders who have been unable to ride for a number of months and require crucial track time before the restart of the ASBK Championship.
It is hoped the dates for the 2-day practice sessions will be confirmed in the coming weeks as ASBK and Winton Motor Raceway continue to review Victorian Government regulations.
During the many challenges and adjustments of 2020, ASBK Management Team have been focused on producing the best championship possible, and we are pleased to announce that ASBK round 2 at The Bend and both rounds 3 and 4 at Winton Motor Raceway (Saturday and Sunday) will be broadcast live through our TV partners on SBSHD, Fox Sports Australia, Fox Sports Asia.
Keep up to date with further announcements on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram.
ROUND 2 – International MotoFest @ The Bend, SA November 22
ROUND 3 & 4 – Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC December 3-6
ASBK Night of Champions Awards – Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC December 6
MotoGP: NBC And NBCSN Release Updated TV Broadcast Schedule
MotoGP schedule on NBC Sports for 2020 (all times are ET)
Date – Grand Prix – Venue – Air Time (ET) – Network
13 Sep San Marino Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli 2:30 PM NBCSN
20 Sep Emilia Romagna Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli 7:30 AM NBCSN
27 Sep Catalunya Barcelona – Catalunya 11:00 PM NBCSN
11 Oct France Le Mans 7:00 PM NBCSN
18 Oct Aragon Motorland Aragon 7:00 PM NBCSN
25 Oct Teruel Motorland Aragon 4:30 PM NBC and 10:30 PM NBCSN
8 Nov Europe Comunitat Valencia – Ricardo Tormo 10:00 PM NBCSN
15 Nov Comunitat Valencia Comunitat Valencia – Ricardo Tormo 2:30 PM NBC and 11:00 PM NBCSN
22 Nov Portugal Algarve International Circuit TBA TBA
MRA: Jim Wilson Returns As President
Jim Wilson returns as MRA President
Denver, CO – The MRA is very pleased to announce that former President, Jim Wilson, will be returning to his position effective immediately. In conformance with MRA bylaws, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to accept Wilson’s offer to return to the President position in order to guide the club through the end of 2020 and begin the complicated task of 2021 season planning.
Jim has been with the MRA for 20 years, 10 of which he served on the Board of Directors, and 6 as a past MRA President. Additionally, Jim currently serves on the AMA Road Racing Competition Commission and is a multi-time MRA class champion, MRA race instructor, and multi-time MRA top ten plate holder. There is literally nobody better suited to guide the MRA into the future than Jim.
“It’s an exciting time to return to the MRA. The organization has had a challenging year due to Covid-19 and I look forward to guiding the club through the remainder of this season. I’m looking ahead to 2021, where leading the club, and helping recruit and train my successor will prove worthy goals to ensure the viability of the club well into the future.” said Wilson in an email to the MRA.
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.
MotoAmerica: Can Escalante Regain Lost Ground At NJMP?
Support Class Preview: The Heat Is On As NJMP Awaits The MotoAmerica Series
Battles Set To Rage As New Jersey Welcomes MotoAmerica
IRVINE, CA (September 10, 2020) – HONOS Kawasaki’s Richie Escalante met the first stumbling block in his 2020 MotoAmerica Supersport season at the Ridge Motorsports Park two weeks ago, though his reason for tripping up was through no fault of his own. Now we get to see how Escalante responds to his first crash of the MotoAmerica season and his first non-finish after the most dominating rider in the series thus far was taken out of the second race at the Ridge in the first corner.
Bring on New Jersey Motorsports Park and round six of the series.
Picking up the pieces after Escalante was knocked off his Kawasaki ZX-6R in the first corner was M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Sean Dylan Kelly, the Floridian riding away to an easy victory – his second of the season. The win combined with Escalante’s misfortune also gives us a championship fight again as the pair are now separated by 30 points instead of 55, which was the margin going into Sunday’s race two at the Ridge.
Escalante, by virtue of his eight wins and one second-place finish, leads the title chase with 220 points with Kelly, and his two wins and seven second-place finishes, second on 190 points.
Celtic HSBK Racing’s Brandon Paasch also looked set to take advantage of Escalante’s crash as he was battling for the lead with Kelly in race two. Unfortunately, Paasch crashed out of the battle and thus failed to gain any ground in the championship. Paasch is now 88 points behind Escalante and 58 points behind Kelly. However, Paasch will be racing on his home track this coming weekend at NJMP.
Fourth in the Supersport Series point standings is held by Aguilar Racing’s Jason Aguilar, the Californian racing to his second podium finish of the season in race two at the Ridge. He leads M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Lucas Silva by 12 points in the battle for fourth with Silva coming off his first career MotoAmerica podium finish – also in race two at the Ridge.
If all that isn’t interesting enough for you, let’s not forget the on-going war of words as it relates to Escalante and the Kawasaki ZX6R vs. Kelly and the Suzuki GSX-R600 and the much quieter Paasch and the Yamaha YZF-R6.
If Superbike Championship points leader Cameron Beaubier and Escalante are the hottest riders in the MotoAmerica paddock right now, then Rocco Landers is a fast-gaining third in that battle.
Landers has won seven Liqui Moly Junior Cup races in a row and three of the last four Twins Cup races as the 15-year-old does double duty in a spirited effort to walk away from 2020 with two MotoAmerica titles.
In the Liqui Moly Junior Cup Series battle, Landers and his Norton Motorsports/Ninja400R/Dr. Farr/Wonder CBD-backed Kawasaki Ninja 400 are doing their best to not make it one. He is now 48 points clear of Dominic Doyle, the BARTCON Racing-backed South African fighting to hold back the spirited efforts of late by fellow countryman Samuel Lochoff on the Celtic HSBK Ninja 400. Those two are now separated by 25 points in the fight for second in the title chase.
In Twins Cup, Landers finds himself firmly in the fight for the title with 1-833-CJKNOWS Accident & Injury Law’s Kaleb De Keyrel just eight points clear of Landers, 135-127. Both riders have won all six of the races (three races apiece) as the championship has quickly turned into a two-man race.
Jason Madama is third in the championship heading to NJMP, the Syndicate Racing/Apex Assassins-backed racer from Colorado is locked in a battle royale for that spot with Robem Engineering teammates Jackson Blackmon and Toby Khamsouk and Hayden Schultz Racing’s Hayden Schultz. Those four are separated by just eight points in the fight for third.
The Stock 1000 Championship also looks like it will go the distance with Altus Motorsports Cameron Petersen leading Ride HVMC Racing’s Corey Alexander by 12 points. Petersen has the hot hand heading to NJMP, however, with the South African winning the last three races.
Third in the title chase is held by M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s rising star Alex Dumas, though the French Canadian suffered a broken elbow in a crash at the Ridge and he will be fighting that injury if he indeed lines up in New Jersey. Dumas is 11 points ahead of Michael Gilbert Racing’s Michael Gilbert, the Californian finishing second to Petersen at the Ridge for his best result of the season thus far. Stefano Mesa and Travis Wyman Racing’s Travis Wyman are tied and just a point behind Gilbert heading to NJMP even though Mesa didn’t travel to Washington State to race at the Ridge. Wyman, meanwhile, finished fourth at the Ridge.
NJMP Notes…
Celtic HSBK Racing’s PJ Jacobsen won both of the Supersport races a year ago at NJMP, the New Yorker topping M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Bobby Fong and Sean Dylan Kelly in race one. In race two, Jacobsen bested Fong and Hayden Gillim.
Jacobsen also qualified on pole position for the race with his best lap of 1:22.341. Jacobsen and his Yamaha YZF-R6 also set the fastest race lap – a 1:22.709 in race one.
Andrew Lee took victory in the lone Stock 1000 race last year, the Californian narrowly topping Corey Alexander by just .145 of a second. Stefano Mesa finished third, less than a second behind Lee.
Both Liqui Moly Junior Cup races at NJMP last year were won by Rocco Landers. In race one, Landers beat Jackson Blackmon and Eziah Davis. In race two, it was Damian Jigalov and Kevin Olmedo chasing Landers to the finish line.
Alex Dumas, who would go on to win the Twins Cup Championship in his debut season, took the victory in the Twins Cup race at NJMP last year. Dumas beat Blackmon and Curtis Murray with Blackmon just .354 of a second behind Dumas.
MotoGP: Quartararo Can’t Believe He’s Still Leading Championship
“A lot’s happened in five races”: ready, set… Misano!
The pre-event Press Conference gets us revved up to go racing on the Riviera di Rimini
Thursday, 10 September 2020
It’s that time of week again… Press Conference time! Ahead of the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) was joined by second overall Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), nine-time World Champion and hometown hero Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), winner last time out Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), the returning Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) and Moto2™ Championship leader Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) to talk business ahead of the upcoming weekend.
Here are the key quotes from those present, with Quartararo up first:
FABIO QUARTARARO: “Honestly it’s still difficult to believe that after three bad races we’re still leading the Championship. It’s crazy. But really happy to be here in Misano, last year was really positive, we have been testing in 2019 two days before. Last year everything was really good, pace was good and fighting for the win until the last lap but let’s see this year. I’m confident because it’s a track that I like, I feel comfortable, let’s see. But for sure I will give my maximum to fight for victory and the podium.
“[We had] many troubles in Austria. We struggled a lot but let’s see. We will have these problems but this track suits the bike better than Austria. So, we will need to adapt quickly and see what is the best way to ride without these problems. We need to make changes on the electronics, but let’s see what we can do. I’m confident because it’s a track that I like and last year was really positive for us.”
And what about the nine races in 11 weeks coming up now?
“Honestly, I like it. Two weeks at home, the second week I was a little bit bored to not be on the bike. It will be tough, 9 races in 11 weeks, I think it’s the first time that we will do it but yes, I’m looking forward to it. Try not to be injured because it will be a short time!”
The next man to speak agrees…
ANDREA DOVIZIOSO: “For me it’s fine, it’s not a big problem. Four days between races is enough to recover for the next round so, it’s different.”
And what about Misano?
“Everybody is working on that but still nobody is able to be consistent. A lot of things have happened in five races. There is new asphalt so that will create completely different situations with the new tyres so I don’t know how I think it will be better than last year for us. Last year we struggled from the first lap from the test we realised our speed was very low. I expect it to be more competitive but, as you know, this year every time is different. I’m really happy to be close to the first practice to know how it will be.”
The same first question – about the schedule – was then asked of Rossi.
VALENTINO ROSSI: “It will be very busy for sure. But first of all we will always race in Europe so you can go home for some days, you don’t have to fight with the long flight and the jetlag, so it’s easier. With a lot of races like this you need to have a lot of attention, you also have to be lucky because you have a lot races in a row. But it’s doesn’t change a lot. It’s strange to make two races in the same track but for the rest, nine races or seven races in 11 weeks it’s more or less the same.”
This weekend is the first of two on home turf for the number 46 too…
“It’s always special to race in Misano because for a lot of riders and for me it’s the home GP, I live 10km from here and I grew up on this track. The track changed a lot, but it will be special because it will be the first race with fans around. I think that’s a small step but in a good way, we hope normality comes back as soon as possible. We come from Austria, it’s not our best track. Misano on paper, we can be more competitive because last year the Yamahas were strong so we can be fast, and we have to fight for the podium and for the top positions.”
Next up was Oliveira. So how does it feel to arrive as a premier class winner?
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA: “It feels nice, for sure, I think it’s more of a mental step or click you get from a win the motivation is very high for sure. It lifted a weight from the team’s shoulders. Everyone was feeling a little bit tense because from a few races back we had shown a lot of potential but never making it to the end with the result we thought we could achieve and to do it with the win, not even the podium, was fantastic.
They also arrive armed with some knowledge from testing…
“I would not say it is a big advantage, but we have done our homework. We took advantage of the tools we have to work here which was testing in June and also two weeks ago. The work is done now we need to start the weekend. The asphalt will feel a little different from three months ago and we need to start the weekend and be prepared for the challenges.”
Bagnaia then took the mic, as he returns to action from injury. Still with a crutch, but fit to race and bike ready.
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “I was every day very nervous, angry… and seeing the other riders racing has been very difficult, but I took a lot of time to go to the gym, to prepare, to go to the physio to make it possible to be here with good potential. I’m not 100% but I’m quite good. Tomorrow morning will be very important to understand my condition. I think it can be a positive weekend, for our bike it’s a good track, also the conditions are better because the new tarmac is much better than the old one so let’s see what will happen but I think we can make a really good weekend.”
The Italian also spoke about the future, as he’s set to stay with Ducati, but the team remains to be determined…
“I’m very happy to stay with Ducati for two more years. But let’s see which team. For sure Pramac is a very good team, I have the maximum from Ducati so my bike is the same of the factory bike so in any case, I’m with the best bike that I can have so I am happy. But for sure my ambition, and the ambition for every rider, is to arrive to a factory team. If I have the possibility, I will be very happy because it’s my ambition but let’s wait to see the decision of Ducati!”
Finally, it was time to hear from the intermediate class points leader – Marini. Does that change how it feels on the way in?
LUCA MARINI: “The feeling is the same when you arrive at the circuit. I’m really focused, today was a good day to work with the data and the crew I think we prepared very well the bike for tomorrow. I hope I can be fast from the beginning of FP1. This year you have to choose the correct tyre at the front from the beginning. You do a plan for the next days. We will see in the morning, and I think the first position in the championship it doesn’t change my approach.”
He also spoke about the news that one of his key rivals – Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – will miss the weekend due to testing positive for Covid-19.
“In Moto2 every year it’s the same; a lot of riders are so fast and the level is very high and the gap between one another is tight. I’m really sorry for him it’s a pity because I think he was really fast in this period, he is one of the fastest in Moto2 and it is great to have battles with him. I hope to beat him in the track and not like this. I hope he comes back soon to fight with him in the next race in Misano or Barcelona, wherever it will be!”
That’s a wrap from Thursday at the San Marino GP! Tune in for FP1 at 9:55 (GMT +2) on Friday before the race starts on Sunday at 14:00. With some fans in the stands and the sun set to shine!
MotoE: De Angelis Tops FP1 At Misano
MotoGP: Ducati Running Special Livery At Misano
Ducati unveils the fairings customized with the Motor Valley logo of the Desmosedici GP20 that will race at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’
Misano Adriatico (Rimini, Italy), 11 September 2020 – During the first free practice on Friday the Ducati Team’s Desmosedici GP of Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci took to the track at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’ with the Motor Valley Development Association logo on their fairings.
The special livery will dress the two bikes of the factory team during the entire weekend of the ‘San Marino and the Rimini Riviera GP’ and also throughout the first historic edition of the ‘Emilia-Romagna and the Rimini Riviera GP’, to be held from 18 to 20 September.
During the two race weekends the Motor Valley logo will flank that of the Emilia-Romagna Region in the banner positioned on the escape route in the ‘Curva del Carro’ and, for the ‘Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna and the Rimini Riviera’ it will also be on the hill behind the ‘Curva della Quercia’.
Australian Superbike: Event At Wakefield Park Raceway Cancelled
ASBK Aims To Fire In November
The ASBK Management Team can confirm today, readjusted plans for the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, for a return to racing in November.
The ASBK Management Team have been working closely with circuits and key stakeholders to ensure that a revised 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, can proceed for ASBK teams, sponsors and fans.
A recent survey of the ASBK paddock showed a clear majority of riders and teams supported the choice to keep moving forward with the 2020 Championship, subject to an easing of current COVID-19 restrictions.
The ASBK Management Team sincerely appreciate the effort, time and perspectives presented by riders and teams as part of their feedback, and thanks them for participating in the recent survey.
All involved with ASBK can appreciate this season has been a very tough year for many, and in an ever-changing environment, the ASBK Management Team has had to make some tough decisions regarding the Championship based on what’s best for the Championship at this difficult time.
We understand the frustrations of the ASBK paddock during this unprecedented time, and we thank them for their patience and applaud them for their flexibility and support.
From the outset ASBK has committed to riders and teams that we would make crucial decisions in a timely manner, and as we see the current border restrictions will not be resolved by October, today we have made the tough decision to cancel ASBK round 2 at Wakefield Park Raceway, NSW, planned for October 16-18.
ASBK would like to thank the Wakefield Park Raceway for their tireless work, flexibility and understanding.
ASBK is committed to returning to Wakefield Park Raceway in 2021, who have recently announced some very exciting expansion and development plans that will benefit the future of ASBK racing for riders and fans at the venue.
The ASBK Management Team is committed to return to racing in 2020 as we want to award a champion worthy of an ASBK crown.
The ASBK Management Team are pleased to advise the next round of the ASBK Championship will be round 2, to be held at The Bend Motorsport Park, South Australia, on November 22.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see ASBK returning to The Bend in November,” said The Bend Motorsport Park Managing Director, Dr Sam Shahin.
“The event promises to be yet another spectacular display of skill and courage if last year is anything to go by.
“The resumption of the championship is a true testament of the sport, the riders, the teams, the owners and just reward for Motorcycling Australia’s sheer commitment to run a championship in 2020.”
The Bend is hopeful to welcome spectators at round 2 at The Bend and hope to confirm these details in the coming weeks.
The ASBK Grand Finale for 2020 will be conducted as a double-header round, rounds 3 and 4 over 4-days, at Winton Motorway Raceway, December 3-6.
The Australian Superbike Championship has had a long and prestigious history at Winton Motor Raceway spanning decades.
In 2018 at Winton Motor Raceway we saw bar to bar racing and both the Australian Supersport and Superbike class championships decided in spectacular style.
Winton Motor Raceway is a racetrack that always delivers exciting action.
Winton Motor Raceway Operations Manager, Jeff Grech, said: “Winton Motor Raceway is very excited to be hosting the double header Grand Finale round of the Australian Superbike Championship over the weekend of December 3-6.”
“It’s an absolute privilege to have the best riders in Australia racing here at our improved circuit which will allow more passing opportunities and safer racing.
“Turns 3 and 4 have new wider kerbing and the flag point bunker between turns 1 and 2 has been repositioned to the outside of the track behind the tyre wall for improved safety.
“I’m sure it will be a cracker weekend at Winton Raceway and after a year of COVID-19 limited racing, the Australia Superbike Family will be welcomed in our region with open arms.”
The ability to welcome spectators at rounds 3 and 4 will be reviewed closer to the event following consultation with relevant the Victorian Government.
ASBK can advise that Winton Motor Raceway are planning to host 2 days of practice in late October (mid-week) aimed at Victorian based ASBK riders who have been unable to ride for a number of months and require crucial track time before the restart of the ASBK Championship.
It is hoped the dates for the 2-day practice sessions will be confirmed in the coming weeks as ASBK and Winton Motor Raceway continue to review Victorian Government regulations.
During the many challenges and adjustments of 2020, ASBK Management Team have been focused on producing the best championship possible, and we are pleased to announce that ASBK round 2 at The Bend and both rounds 3 and 4 at Winton Motor Raceway (Saturday and Sunday) will be broadcast live through our TV partners on SBSHD, Fox Sports Australia, Fox Sports Asia.
Keep up to date with further announcements on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram.
ROUND 2 – International MotoFest @ The Bend, SA November 22
ROUND 3 & 4 – Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC December 3-6
ASBK Night of Champions Awards – Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC December 6
MotoGP: NBC And NBCSN Release Updated TV Broadcast Schedule
MotoGP schedule on NBC Sports for 2020 (all times are ET)
Date – Grand Prix – Venue – Air Time (ET) – Network
13 Sep San Marino Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli 2:30 PM NBCSN
20 Sep Emilia Romagna Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli 7:30 AM NBCSN
27 Sep Catalunya Barcelona – Catalunya 11:00 PM NBCSN
11 Oct France Le Mans 7:00 PM NBCSN
18 Oct Aragon Motorland Aragon 7:00 PM NBCSN
25 Oct Teruel Motorland Aragon 4:30 PM NBC and 10:30 PM NBCSN
8 Nov Europe Comunitat Valencia – Ricardo Tormo 10:00 PM NBCSN
15 Nov Comunitat Valencia Comunitat Valencia – Ricardo Tormo 2:30 PM NBC and 11:00 PM NBCSN
22 Nov Portugal Algarve International Circuit TBA TBA
MRA: Jim Wilson Returns As President
Jim Wilson returns as MRA President
Denver, CO – The MRA is very pleased to announce that former President, Jim Wilson, will be returning to his position effective immediately. In conformance with MRA bylaws, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to accept Wilson’s offer to return to the President position in order to guide the club through the end of 2020 and begin the complicated task of 2021 season planning.
Jim has been with the MRA for 20 years, 10 of which he served on the Board of Directors, and 6 as a past MRA President. Additionally, Jim currently serves on the AMA Road Racing Competition Commission and is a multi-time MRA class champion, MRA race instructor, and multi-time MRA top ten plate holder. There is literally nobody better suited to guide the MRA into the future than Jim.
“It’s an exciting time to return to the MRA. The organization has had a challenging year due to Covid-19 and I look forward to guiding the club through the remainder of this season. I’m looking ahead to 2021, where leading the club, and helping recruit and train my successor will prove worthy goals to ensure the viability of the club well into the future.” said Wilson in an email to the MRA.
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.
MotoGP: Vinales Quickest In Opening Practice At Misano
Moto3: Fernandez Fastest In FP1 At Misano
MotoAmerica: Can Escalante Regain Lost Ground At NJMP?
Support Class Preview: The Heat Is On As NJMP Awaits The MotoAmerica Series
Battles Set To Rage As New Jersey Welcomes MotoAmerica
IRVINE, CA (September 10, 2020) – HONOS Kawasaki’s Richie Escalante met the first stumbling block in his 2020 MotoAmerica Supersport season at the Ridge Motorsports Park two weeks ago, though his reason for tripping up was through no fault of his own. Now we get to see how Escalante responds to his first crash of the MotoAmerica season and his first non-finish after the most dominating rider in the series thus far was taken out of the second race at the Ridge in the first corner.
Bring on New Jersey Motorsports Park and round six of the series.
Picking up the pieces after Escalante was knocked off his Kawasaki ZX-6R in the first corner was M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Sean Dylan Kelly, the Floridian riding away to an easy victory – his second of the season. The win combined with Escalante’s misfortune also gives us a championship fight again as the pair are now separated by 30 points instead of 55, which was the margin going into Sunday’s race two at the Ridge.
Escalante, by virtue of his eight wins and one second-place finish, leads the title chase with 220 points with Kelly, and his two wins and seven second-place finishes, second on 190 points.
Celtic HSBK Racing’s Brandon Paasch also looked set to take advantage of Escalante’s crash as he was battling for the lead with Kelly in race two. Unfortunately, Paasch crashed out of the battle and thus failed to gain any ground in the championship. Paasch is now 88 points behind Escalante and 58 points behind Kelly. However, Paasch will be racing on his home track this coming weekend at NJMP.
Fourth in the Supersport Series point standings is held by Aguilar Racing’s Jason Aguilar, the Californian racing to his second podium finish of the season in race two at the Ridge. He leads M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Lucas Silva by 12 points in the battle for fourth with Silva coming off his first career MotoAmerica podium finish – also in race two at the Ridge.
If all that isn’t interesting enough for you, let’s not forget the on-going war of words as it relates to Escalante and the Kawasaki ZX6R vs. Kelly and the Suzuki GSX-R600 and the much quieter Paasch and the Yamaha YZF-R6.
If Superbike Championship points leader Cameron Beaubier and Escalante are the hottest riders in the MotoAmerica paddock right now, then Rocco Landers is a fast-gaining third in that battle.
Landers has won seven Liqui Moly Junior Cup races in a row and three of the last four Twins Cup races as the 15-year-old does double duty in a spirited effort to walk away from 2020 with two MotoAmerica titles.
In the Liqui Moly Junior Cup Series battle, Landers and his Norton Motorsports/Ninja400R/Dr. Farr/Wonder CBD-backed Kawasaki Ninja 400 are doing their best to not make it one. He is now 48 points clear of Dominic Doyle, the BARTCON Racing-backed South African fighting to hold back the spirited efforts of late by fellow countryman Samuel Lochoff on the Celtic HSBK Ninja 400. Those two are now separated by 25 points in the fight for second in the title chase.
In Twins Cup, Landers finds himself firmly in the fight for the title with 1-833-CJKNOWS Accident & Injury Law’s Kaleb De Keyrel just eight points clear of Landers, 135-127. Both riders have won all six of the races (three races apiece) as the championship has quickly turned into a two-man race.
Jason Madama is third in the championship heading to NJMP, the Syndicate Racing/Apex Assassins-backed racer from Colorado is locked in a battle royale for that spot with Robem Engineering teammates Jackson Blackmon and Toby Khamsouk and Hayden Schultz Racing’s Hayden Schultz. Those four are separated by just eight points in the fight for third.
The Stock 1000 Championship also looks like it will go the distance with Altus Motorsports Cameron Petersen leading Ride HVMC Racing’s Corey Alexander by 12 points. Petersen has the hot hand heading to NJMP, however, with the South African winning the last three races.
Third in the title chase is held by M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s rising star Alex Dumas, though the French Canadian suffered a broken elbow in a crash at the Ridge and he will be fighting that injury if he indeed lines up in New Jersey. Dumas is 11 points ahead of Michael Gilbert Racing’s Michael Gilbert, the Californian finishing second to Petersen at the Ridge for his best result of the season thus far. Stefano Mesa and Travis Wyman Racing’s Travis Wyman are tied and just a point behind Gilbert heading to NJMP even though Mesa didn’t travel to Washington State to race at the Ridge. Wyman, meanwhile, finished fourth at the Ridge.
NJMP Notes…
Celtic HSBK Racing’s PJ Jacobsen won both of the Supersport races a year ago at NJMP, the New Yorker topping M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Bobby Fong and Sean Dylan Kelly in race one. In race two, Jacobsen bested Fong and Hayden Gillim.
Jacobsen also qualified on pole position for the race with his best lap of 1:22.341. Jacobsen and his Yamaha YZF-R6 also set the fastest race lap – a 1:22.709 in race one.
Andrew Lee took victory in the lone Stock 1000 race last year, the Californian narrowly topping Corey Alexander by just .145 of a second. Stefano Mesa finished third, less than a second behind Lee.
Both Liqui Moly Junior Cup races at NJMP last year were won by Rocco Landers. In race one, Landers beat Jackson Blackmon and Eziah Davis. In race two, it was Damian Jigalov and Kevin Olmedo chasing Landers to the finish line.
Alex Dumas, who would go on to win the Twins Cup Championship in his debut season, took the victory in the Twins Cup race at NJMP last year. Dumas beat Blackmon and Curtis Murray with Blackmon just .354 of a second behind Dumas.
MotoGP: Quartararo Can’t Believe He’s Still Leading Championship
“A lot’s happened in five races”: ready, set… Misano!
The pre-event Press Conference gets us revved up to go racing on the Riviera di Rimini
Thursday, 10 September 2020
It’s that time of week again… Press Conference time! Ahead of the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) was joined by second overall Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), nine-time World Champion and hometown hero Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), winner last time out Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), the returning Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) and Moto2™ Championship leader Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) to talk business ahead of the upcoming weekend.
Here are the key quotes from those present, with Quartararo up first:
FABIO QUARTARARO: “Honestly it’s still difficult to believe that after three bad races we’re still leading the Championship. It’s crazy. But really happy to be here in Misano, last year was really positive, we have been testing in 2019 two days before. Last year everything was really good, pace was good and fighting for the win until the last lap but let’s see this year. I’m confident because it’s a track that I like, I feel comfortable, let’s see. But for sure I will give my maximum to fight for victory and the podium.
“[We had] many troubles in Austria. We struggled a lot but let’s see. We will have these problems but this track suits the bike better than Austria. So, we will need to adapt quickly and see what is the best way to ride without these problems. We need to make changes on the electronics, but let’s see what we can do. I’m confident because it’s a track that I like and last year was really positive for us.”
And what about the nine races in 11 weeks coming up now?
“Honestly, I like it. Two weeks at home, the second week I was a little bit bored to not be on the bike. It will be tough, 9 races in 11 weeks, I think it’s the first time that we will do it but yes, I’m looking forward to it. Try not to be injured because it will be a short time!”
The next man to speak agrees…
ANDREA DOVIZIOSO: “For me it’s fine, it’s not a big problem. Four days between races is enough to recover for the next round so, it’s different.”
And what about Misano?
“Everybody is working on that but still nobody is able to be consistent. A lot of things have happened in five races. There is new asphalt so that will create completely different situations with the new tyres so I don’t know how I think it will be better than last year for us. Last year we struggled from the first lap from the test we realised our speed was very low. I expect it to be more competitive but, as you know, this year every time is different. I’m really happy to be close to the first practice to know how it will be.”
The same first question – about the schedule – was then asked of Rossi.
VALENTINO ROSSI: “It will be very busy for sure. But first of all we will always race in Europe so you can go home for some days, you don’t have to fight with the long flight and the jetlag, so it’s easier. With a lot of races like this you need to have a lot of attention, you also have to be lucky because you have a lot races in a row. But it’s doesn’t change a lot. It’s strange to make two races in the same track but for the rest, nine races or seven races in 11 weeks it’s more or less the same.”
This weekend is the first of two on home turf for the number 46 too…
“It’s always special to race in Misano because for a lot of riders and for me it’s the home GP, I live 10km from here and I grew up on this track. The track changed a lot, but it will be special because it will be the first race with fans around. I think that’s a small step but in a good way, we hope normality comes back as soon as possible. We come from Austria, it’s not our best track. Misano on paper, we can be more competitive because last year the Yamahas were strong so we can be fast, and we have to fight for the podium and for the top positions.”
Next up was Oliveira. So how does it feel to arrive as a premier class winner?
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA: “It feels nice, for sure, I think it’s more of a mental step or click you get from a win the motivation is very high for sure. It lifted a weight from the team’s shoulders. Everyone was feeling a little bit tense because from a few races back we had shown a lot of potential but never making it to the end with the result we thought we could achieve and to do it with the win, not even the podium, was fantastic.
They also arrive armed with some knowledge from testing…
“I would not say it is a big advantage, but we have done our homework. We took advantage of the tools we have to work here which was testing in June and also two weeks ago. The work is done now we need to start the weekend. The asphalt will feel a little different from three months ago and we need to start the weekend and be prepared for the challenges.”
Bagnaia then took the mic, as he returns to action from injury. Still with a crutch, but fit to race and bike ready.
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “I was every day very nervous, angry… and seeing the other riders racing has been very difficult, but I took a lot of time to go to the gym, to prepare, to go to the physio to make it possible to be here with good potential. I’m not 100% but I’m quite good. Tomorrow morning will be very important to understand my condition. I think it can be a positive weekend, for our bike it’s a good track, also the conditions are better because the new tarmac is much better than the old one so let’s see what will happen but I think we can make a really good weekend.”
The Italian also spoke about the future, as he’s set to stay with Ducati, but the team remains to be determined…
“I’m very happy to stay with Ducati for two more years. But let’s see which team. For sure Pramac is a very good team, I have the maximum from Ducati so my bike is the same of the factory bike so in any case, I’m with the best bike that I can have so I am happy. But for sure my ambition, and the ambition for every rider, is to arrive to a factory team. If I have the possibility, I will be very happy because it’s my ambition but let’s wait to see the decision of Ducati!”
Finally, it was time to hear from the intermediate class points leader – Marini. Does that change how it feels on the way in?
LUCA MARINI: “The feeling is the same when you arrive at the circuit. I’m really focused, today was a good day to work with the data and the crew I think we prepared very well the bike for tomorrow. I hope I can be fast from the beginning of FP1. This year you have to choose the correct tyre at the front from the beginning. You do a plan for the next days. We will see in the morning, and I think the first position in the championship it doesn’t change my approach.”
He also spoke about the news that one of his key rivals – Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – will miss the weekend due to testing positive for Covid-19.
“In Moto2 every year it’s the same; a lot of riders are so fast and the level is very high and the gap between one another is tight. I’m really sorry for him it’s a pity because I think he was really fast in this period, he is one of the fastest in Moto2 and it is great to have battles with him. I hope to beat him in the track and not like this. I hope he comes back soon to fight with him in the next race in Misano or Barcelona, wherever it will be!”
That’s a wrap from Thursday at the San Marino GP! Tune in for FP1 at 9:55 (GMT +2) on Friday before the race starts on Sunday at 14:00. With some fans in the stands and the sun set to shine!