Ducati Begins Production Of Superleggera V4 (Updated With Video)

David Swarts

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June 17, 2020

Ducati Begins Production Of Superleggera V4 (Updated With Video)

Ducati starts production of the Superleggera V4

The first Ducati Superleggera V4 comes off the production line of the Borgo Panigale plant.

Made in a limited and numbered series of 500 units, the Superleggera V4 is the only motorcycle in the world approved for road use with a carbon fibre frame, swingarm and rims

The lucky owner of the Superleggera V4 001/500 invited to Borgo Panigale for the delivery of the motorcycle

All Superleggera V4 customers are given the opportunity to test the “official” Panigale V4 R of the SBK World Championship and the chance to purchase access to the “MotoGP Experience and ride the Desmosedici GP

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 17 June 2020 – The first Superleggera V4 has come off the Borgo Panigale production line (click here for the video). This is the #001 of the 500 units scheduled in a limited and numbered series; the only motorcycle in the world approved for road use with a frame, swingarm and carbon fibre rims, is finally available. A masterpiece of mechanical engineering, technique and “made in Italy” design, which sets a new benchmark in terms of performance, style and attention to detail.

The engine of Ducati Superleggera V4 001 of 500 being assembled. Photo courtesy Ducati. — The engine of Ducati Superleggera V4 #001 of 500 being assembled. Photo courtesy Ducati.

The exclusivity of the materials and technical solutions adopted on the Superleggera V4 are also reflected in the maximum number of motorcycles envisaged: 500 numbered units accompanied by a certificate of authenticity . The progressive numbering of the motorcycles (XXX/500), coinciding with the chassis number, is shown on the steering head, and on the ignition key.

The first of the lucky owners of this fantastic bike has been invited to Borgo Panigale for a delivery ceremony and, in the next few days, he will personally meet Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO, to receive his Superleggera V4 001/500.

Each of the 500 Ducati Superleggera V4s will be numbered on the top triple clamp. Photo courtesy Ducati.

The uniqueness of the Superleggera V4 project is underlined by the experiences that Ducati together with Ducati Corse have exclusively reserved for the owners of the motorcycle: the “Superbike Experience” – the possibility for all fans who purchase a Superleggera V4 to be able to try out the Panigale V4 R that takes part in the SBK World Championship on track at Mugello. Even more incredible and exclusive is the opportunity – limited to 30 owners of the Superleggera V4 – to purchase access to the “MotoGP Experience “, thus realizing the dream of every sports motorcycle enthusiast. For the first time it will be possible to ride the Desmosedici GP on the circuit, followed directly by Ducati Corse technicians. Both “Experiences” have been confirmed for 2021.

The attention that completes the purchase experience of the Superleggera V4, also includes the possibility of personalizing the Superleggera V4 leathers with air bags from the “SuMisura Ducati” line, as well as completing the look with a carbon helmet, both dedicated to this motorbike, whose colours and graphics they replicate.

A Ducati worker puts some finishing touches on Ducati Superleggera V4 001 of 500 at the factory in Italy. Photo courtesy Ducati. — A Ducati worker puts some finishing touches on Ducati Superleggera V4 #001 of 500 at the factory in Italy. Photo courtesy Ducati.

Each motorcycle is equipped with a Racing kit: complete exhaust for Akrapovič racing track use in titanium; open clutch cover in carbon fibre; swingarm cover in carbon fibre with titanium “slider”; headlamp and light replacement kit; license plate holder removal kit; side stand removal kit; mirror replacement aluminium caps from billet; Ducati Data Analyzer + GPS (DDA + GPS); racing fuel cap, brake lever protection, motorcycle cover; front and rear stand and battery charger.

The bike is delivered inside a wooden crate with specially made customization for the transport of this “made in Borgo Panigale” masterpiece.

Finally, all customers receive a sculptural reproduction of the Superleggera V4 in 1:10 scale, modelled in futuristic aerodynamic shapes. A real collector’s item personalized with your motorbike number.

Superleggera V4

The Superleggera V4 is the only motorcycle in the world, approved for road use, with the entire load-bearing structure of the chassis (frame, subframe, swingarm and rims), made of composite material, obtaining, for these components only, a weight saving of 6.7 kg compared to those of the Panigale V4 MY20. To ensure the highest quality and safety standards, these components are 100% controlled by the most sophisticated techniques borrowed from the aerospace industry, such as thermography, ultrasound checks, and tomography.

The specific set-up of the chassis gives an unparalleled deceleration capacity, an extraordinary speed of descent when cornering and a marked tendency of the bike to close the trajectories when exiting corners.

Many components are made of carbon fibre , modelled in advanced aerodynamic shapes. These include the fairing, which reaches efficiency levels higher than those of today’s MotoGP bikes, which are limited in this by the current technical regulations. Thanks to the aerodynamic biplane appendages inspired by Ducati’s 2016 MotoGP bike, the most highly-performing in this field, it is able to guarantee a vertical load of 50 kg of “downforce” at 270 km/h, 20 kg more than that produced by the wings of the Panigale V4 MY20 and V4R. This downforce improves acceleration by counteracting the tendency to wheelie and increases braking stability.

The carbon fairings are embellished with a livery inspired by the Desmosedici GP19, with an alternation of lines and depths between the red colour of the GP19 and the visible carbon that highlight the shapes, the materials and the technical details. The red continues on the coloured sides of the OEM Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, specifically developed in the construction for the Superleggera V4.

The most powerful and lightest Desmosedici Stradale R engine is hidden under the carbon skin. The 998 cc 90° V4 unit of the Superleggera V4 weighs 2.8 kg less than the 1,103 cc V4 and, thanks to the Akrapovič approved exhaust, produces 224 hp of power in road configuration (EU homologation value), which becomes 234 hp by mounting the titanium Akrapovič exhaust for track use, which is included in the Racing Kit supplied with the bike.
The racing connotation of the engine is emphasized by the use of a dry clutch and by the timing of the Desmodromic system made manually by a specialist who, after checking, confirms the positive result by affixing his signature on the metal plate that embellishes the carbon cover of the rear cylinder bank.

Only on the Superleggera V4, by loading the engine calibration for the racing exhaust, is it possible to enable the display of the “RaceGP” dashboard. Intended for circuit use only, it derives from that of the Desmosedici GP20 dashboard designed on the indications of Andrea Dovizioso.

Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre, components made of titanium, magnesium and others from aluminium billet, the Superleggera V4 shows a dry weight of 159 kg on the scale (16 kg less than the Panigale V4), for a power/weight ratio of 1.41 hp/kg. A record value for a homologated sports bike. In track configuration, by mounting the Racing kit supplied with the bike, the power rises to 234 hp and the weight drops to 152.2 kg, with a power/weight ratio of 1.54 hp/kg.

The electronic controls have also been evolved in a purely racing perspective. By default, the operating parameters of these are associated with three reprogrammed Riding Modes with specific names (Race A, Race B and Sport). In addition, for the first time five Riding Modes can be added, customizable with your favourite settings. The rider can monitor lap times through the evolution of the Lap Timer, which now allows you to store the coordinates of the finish line and the split times of five favourite circuits, so as to recall them every time you go out on the track without having to repeat the data logging procedure. By default the system proposes the coordinates of the finish line and intermediates of Laguna Seca, Mugello, Jerez, Sepang and Losail.
Added to this is a latest-generation electronic package that includes EVO 2 strategies for DTC and DQS up/down.

Öhlins lightened suspensions with pressurized fork and lightened billet foot and shock absorber with titanium spring and GP-derived valves are part of the equipment, which improve the absorption of road roughness in the initial compression phase.

The braking system is the best of Brembo production with an MCS radial pump equipped with a remote control for adjusting the distance of the lever and Stylema® R calipers, an exclusive of the Superleggera V4 that allows greater consistency of front brake travel in long runs on the track.

All this translates into a level of performance of absolute importance. Alessandro Valia, official Ducati tester, with Racing Kit and slick tyres, lapped the Mugello circuit in 1m52.45s , less than two seconds away from the time of the Panigale V4R SBK winner with Michele Pirro in CIV 2019.

An example of maximum attention to detail is the aluminium radiator cap machined from billet and the dedicated ignition key with aluminium insert on which the motorcycle number is indicated.

The Superleggera V4 is an extreme machine, devised and designed to achieve maximum performance on the circuit, but at the same time guaranteeing the reliability and ease of use requirements typical of a sports motorcycle homologated for road use. With this motorcycle Ducati pushes the limit even further. The technical competence and knowledge developed and continuously evolved in MotoGP is made available to fans of technique and performance on two wheels.

#SuperleggeraV4 #DreamsMatter

MotoAmerica: Dunlop M4 Suzuki Two-Seat Superbike Program Returns

David Swarts

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June 17, 2020

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MotoAmerica: Dunlop M4 Suzuki Two-Seat Superbike Program Returns

TWENTY YEARS OF THRILLS CONTINUE WITH DUNLOP M4 SUZUKI TWO-SEAT SUPERBIKE PROGRAM

Team Hammer is thrilled to confirm the Dunlop M4 Suzuki Two-Seat Superbike Program is continuing in 2020 to celebrate its 20th anniversary of bringing fans, the media, and VIPs closer to the awe-inspiring sport of motorcycle road racing than would be otherwise possible.

The incredible acceleration and gravity-defying lean angles demonstrated by elite MotoAmerica-caliber riders on tracks across the United States are once again available to be experienced by a wider audience during MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship race weekends, thanks to the Dunlop M4 Suzuki Two-Seat Superbike Program.

Even the most spirited highway ride or advanced video game pales in comparison to accurately experiencing the precision, skill, and bravery required to compete with the nation’s best by carving up an actual MotoAmerica racetrack with a professional racer at the controls.

Of course, along with the unprecedented, up-close access to the visceral and high-speed action of the sport, the Dunlop M4 Suzuki Two-Seat Superbike Program has always placed an added emphasis on taking the proper safety measures. And in 2020, that includes extra COVID-19 specific precautions. Passengers are asked to do their part as well, which necessitates bringing their own full-face helmet, while leathers, boots, and gloves will still be provided. Masks and social distancing will be required in the staging area.

Retired professional Superbike racer Chris Ulrich pilots the Dunlop M4 Suzuki Two-Seat Superbike, and has given more than 1,400 rides. “The 2020 season has been a challenge so far,” said Ulrich, “but we will be on track and ready to give rides to media reps, VIPs, and fans for the remainder of the MotoAmerica season. The Two-seat Superbike program has grown each season since we started giving rides at MotoAmerica events. And I’m looking forward to giving thrill rides at Road America while raising money to help the Roadracing World Action Fund deploy soft barriers. See you at the track!”

“The Dunlop M4 Suzuki Two-Seat program is a real hit at our events,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “There’s no better way to show fans, media and VIPs what our sport is all about than putting them on the back of a Superbike. They always get off the bike smiling and with a better understanding and appreciation of what motorcycle road racing is all about and what it takes for our riders to actually race at speed.”

Rob Montasser, Director of Sales at Dunlop, said, “We’re extremely excited to be involved with the Dunlop M4 Suzuki Two-Seat Superbike Program once again in 2020. It’s been a terrific success on every level, and we at Dunlop love having the opportunity to help grow the sport simply by showcasing how incredible it really is.”

Once again, media and VIP rides will take place on Thursday or Friday depending upon demand and will be available to fans on Saturday and Sunday of each MotoAmerica race weekend. Fan rides can be purchased as part of a $500 package, which includes a weekend general admission ticket with paddock access and a weekend parking pass, and also includes a $350 donation to the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit focusing on improving racetrack safety through the deployment of soft barriers.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://motoamerica.com/tickets/ prior to each event.

About Team Hammer

The 2020 season marks Team Hammer’s 40th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 83 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 237 times and have won seven AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. and the only manufacturer of motorcycle tires in North America. For more information, visit www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com.

Kawasaki Reproducing Cylinder Heads For 1970s Z1 Motorcycles

David Swarts

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June 17, 2020

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Kawasaki Reproducing Cylinder Heads For 1970s Z1 Motorcycles

New Reproduced Parts for Legendary Z models

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is excited to announce that it will now offer reproduced cylinder heads, manufactured in Japan, for the legendary Z1, KZ900 and KZ1000 motorcycles. Introduced in 1972, the original Z1 was one of the first models designed with the US market in mind and went on to solidify Kawasaki’s position as a global leader in the large-displacement bike category.

The Z1 gained popularity immediately after its debut and sold well over 100,000 vehicles around the world. It is a historic model that came to be recognized as a symbol of Kawasaki motorcycles with its impressive power and high reliability that have been retained over the years, passed down to current-generation models.

As these long-popular, classic models near their 50-year anniversary, they remain loved and admired by many riders. Numerous Z1s are restored to beautiful, working condition, and can be found around the world today In order to meet the needs of Z1 owners and collectors, Kawasaki has decided to reproduce cylinder heads for the Z1, KZ900 and KZ1000.

Kawasaki will reproduce the cylinder heads using current methods based on original part design plans and specifications. The cylinder heads will be manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. in Japan and will be available in two colors, silver and black.

To be one of the first to receive one of these reproduced cylinder heads, pre-orders can be placed by contacting your local Kawasaki dealership and placing an order before June 30th, 2020. Orders placed by this date are expected to arrive by Fall 2020. For more information please contact your local Kawasaki dealer or visit the product information page on Kawasaki.com.

Additional Information:Compatible Models: See compatibility chart on Kawasaki.com

Not intended to be an exact copy of the original, including the shape and surface quality, based on production standards at the time

Cylinder Head includes camshaft brackets, tappers, valves and peripheral parts

Does not include camshafts, cylinder head cover, gaskets, etc.

Features M8 exhaust-pipe-attachment stud bolt dimensions from later models

Does not fit on the Kawasaki KZ1000 MKII and other so-called “square head” models, which feature a second-generation square cylinder head cover that is slightly thicker

Product details, price and availability are subject to change without prior notice or liability

Former F1 Racer Nico Rosberg Raffling His Personal Energica To Benefit Charities

David Swarts

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June 17, 2020

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Former F1 Racer Nico Rosberg Raffling His Personal Energica To Benefit Charities

NICO ROSBERG RAFFLES OFF HIS ELECTRIC SPORTS BIKE TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN NEED

Monaco, June 17, 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic has hit many families in precarious situations particularly hard. To support those affected most by the crisis, Formula 1 world champion and sustainability entrepreneur Nico Rosberg is giving away his electric supersport motorcycle to raise money for charities helping families in need. The online raffle was launched yesterday on the fundraising platform www.viprize.org/rosberg and runs until August 12, 2020.

Anyone entering the raffle has a chance to win Nico’s custom designed Energica Ego electric sportbike, which will be handed over by Nico Rosberg personally during a Meet & Greet in his hometown Monaco. Travel and accommodation for the winner and a companion are included in the price package, as well as the shipping cost for the motorcycle. Everyone registering for a donation will have the chance to win. The more money donated, the more raffle tickets will be provided, thus, the higher the chances are to win. In addition, several other prizes are up for grabs, such as a signed mini replica of Nico Rosberg’s famous F1 helmet, signed mini cars, a limited edition of the book “Finally”, which documents Nico’s Formula 1 World Championship title in 2016, and signed autograph cards.

The Energica Ego is a fully electric high performance motorcycle with 107kW (145 hp) and 200Nm torque delivered by a Permanent Magnet AC power unit with a battery capacity of 11.7 kWh. With a top speed of 150mph (240kph) and an acceleration of 0-100kph in less than 3 seconds, it is one of the world’s most powerful and advanced electric motorcycles on the market. Custom designed specifically for Nico, the Energica Ego includes several unique features, such as DC Fast charging, a matt black livery, just like Nico’s F1 helmet, aluminum forged wheels, carbon fibre custom fairings, a tech seat with red seams, OHLINS suspensions at front and back and Nico’s logo on the side.

The money raised through the raffle will be donated to two charities close to Nico’s heart: The German charity foundation “Stiftung RTL – Wir helfen Kindern e.V.” and their partner “Nestwärme e.V.” support families with seriously ill or disabled children in homecare, which has become more difficult and costly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Italian Red Cross’ project “The Time of Kindness” is helping families in Italy that have been hit hardest by the crisis and are in need of financial support. A campaign named “Time of Kindness” was started to provide, a.o., shopping vouchers and food donations. One hundred percent of each donation goes into these two charity projects.
About Nico Rosberg:

Nico Rosberg was born in 1985 in Wiesbaden, Germany, the son of Formula One World Champion Keke Rosberg. He raced in Formula One for eleven years claiming the title of World Champion in 2016. Since his retirement from Formula One, Nico Rosberg has embarked on a career as a sustainability entrepreneur and investor in green technologies and mobility start-ups. Based in Monaco, he currently employs a permanent workforce of seventeen people who manage a large number of projects with the support of a dedicated team of international experts in Monaco, Great Britain and Germany. Nico Rosberg’s drive as an entrepreneur is fuelled by the will to drive positive change for society and mankind. In 2018, Rosberg was recognized for his commitment to sustainable innovation with the “GreenTec Entrepreneur of the Year” environmental award. A year later, he founded the GREENTECH FESTIVAL, a global platform for leading green technologies and a sustainable lifestyle.

About Energica:

Energica Motor Company S.p.A. is the first Italian manufacturer of supersport electric motorcycles. Energica electric motorcycles are the ultimate expression of Italian luxury, masterfully manufactured in the Italian Motor Valley in Modena, Italy. Each Energica electric motorcycle is unique in its class for the technical solutions and innovations used that make it a jewel of technology. Energica Motor Company, headquartered in historic Modena, Italy, is the sustainable subsidiary of CRP Group – a pioneer in the world of international motorsports and a hub of excellence for its state- of-the-art technologies. Energica has brought together the brightest minds in Formula 1 racing, and only highly qualified workers assemble the Energica motorcycles. Each one undergoes countless quality control and performance tests, ensuring that each Energica is perfect.

About “Nestwärme”:

If children have to stay in the intensive care unit longer than medically necessary, this is an extremely stressful situation for parents and children. With the support of “Stiftung RTL – Wir helfen Kindern e.V.” and their partnering project “Nestwärme e.V.” parents are given the opportunity to learn how to care for their child alongside experienced nursing staff and to build up a home structure step by step – given professional and personal advice and support that they urgently need. An important goal of the project is to provide parents with the important nursing experience as practically and realistically as possible so that they can deal with the requirements of intensive care at home more confidently and independently. With the impact of Coronavirus, the costs for the out-patient treatment for disabled kids are increasing a lot, due to the need for nurses to wear masks, overalls and protective equipment. Without donations, this would significantly affect out-patient support. All the donations help to make sure that during these times the seriously ill kids or disabled children can stay at home with their families and receive the right care required at home instead of moving to a special care home or hospital. “Nestwärme” ensures that children can be at home with their families during this difficult time.

About “The Time of Kindness”:

The Italian Red Cross has been on the front line all over Italy since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, with thousands of volunteers and personnel providing a wide range of services: emergency response, health services, psychological support, and bringing food, medicines and medical treatment to those in need. The impact of Covid-19 and the consequent restrictive measures have also had major financial consequences on families and people in need. Especially the ones that base their incomes on working in companies that have not been able to operate or that were forced to close down. Over the next months, the socio-economic response will be one critical component of the Italian Red Cross actions, alongside the health response. Donations will be targeting family units and people in need with shopping vouchers and food donations. The basic necessities such as medicines and food can be purchased with these vouchers.

ABOUT ENERGICA MOTOR COMPANY S.p.A

Energica Motor Company is the first Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycle and is the single manufacturer chosen by Dorna for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. Energica Motorcycles are on sales worldwide.

Australian Superbike Championship Will Resume In July At Phillip Island

David Swarts

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June 17, 2020

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Australian Superbike Championship Will Resume In July At Phillip Island

ASBK Is Back!

The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) and Motorcycling Australia (MA) are very pleased to announce the restart of the 2020 ASBK Championship.

After a cracking season opener held at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit back in February, ASBK can now confirm the restart of the championship, which will run over a further five rounds, resuming in July.

Round 2 of ASBK will be held at the world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on the 25 – 26 July.

The event is now scheduled as a two-day event in an effort to help reduce the costs and the amount of time teams and riders will be on the road.

Simon Maas, ASBK Sporting Director explains, “We are thrilled to be finally heading back to the track and can’t wait to get going”.

“We choose to restart at Phillip Island because the riders of ASBK know the track well, as it was the last circuit we visited, so they can get up to pace quickly with the reduced schedule.
“In addition, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is a world class track – home to MotoGP and WorldSBK, and it makes the implementation of the new COVID-safe protocols more manageable.

“Like all major sporting codes, ASBK and MA has developed a comprehensive ASBK COVID-Safe Championship Plan based on our Roadmap back to ASBK.

“We extend our thanks and acknowledgement to the Victorian Government – Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions who are supporting Creative, Tourism, Sport and Major Events in Victoria and have assisted in our ASBK COVID-Safe Championship Plan which has made our return to the track possible.”

Due to the current COVID-19 regulations ASBK fans will not be able to attend in July but can still catch all the action via ASBK TV and Live Streaming. The COVID-19 restriction will also require a limitation of the number of personnel at the circuit, so teams and riders will be limited in size. More information on these new requirements will be announced to ASBK teams and riders next week.

ASBK then heads to Northeast Victoria where the iconic Winton Motor Raceway will host Round 3 on 11 – 13 September. ASBK hopes to be able to welcome ASBK fans back to the track to catch all the action, whilst this will be subject to continual easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Next on the ASBK schedule, the championship visits the nation’s spectator track – Wakefield Park Raceway on 16 – 18 October, where close battles and tight racing are always assured. Again, ASBK remains hopeful that ASBK fans will be trackside to witness all the thrills and spills.

Round 5 details at this stage remain To Be Confirmed, as ASBK Management continues to review options as COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing requirements make some venues difficult to achieve under some state government regulations. ASBK will continue to monitor developments and further details will be announced to confirm Round 5.

The 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul will come to a spectacular conclusion at the Grand Final round to be located at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, at the 2020 International Motofest.

ASBK is also pleased to announce that all ASBK national championship classes will race at The Bend in 2020, and will also include the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup and YMF R3 Cup support classes.

“It’s been huge challenge for the ASBK Management Team to rebuild the calendar with different restrictions in each state, and the large amount of new requirements to stage a major event like an ASBK round,” MA CEO Peter Doyle said.

“However we have done our very best to get back up and running to finish the season with as many rounds as possible.

“We are very pleased to get the championship back into action in July and to see the riders back on track.”

ASBK fans can continue to stay update with all the action, via ASBK live timing by Computime on computime.com.au, available throughout the entirety of all rounds.
ASBK.com.au with ASBK partner MotorsportsTV.com.au will bring you every minute of the Sunday race action from all classes on the ASBK Live Stream service.

ASBK TV on SBS HD will provide Free To Air broadcast and race coverage in HD. Whilst Pay TV viewers in Australia and Asia do not miss any of the action by tuning in to ASBK TV on Fox Sports Australia and Fox Sports Asia for each Sunday race day.

While you wait for the action to recommence, be sure to check out previous ASBK races, features and behind the scenes footage on asbk.com.au
2020 Revised Calendar*

Round 1 – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC – WSBK 27 Feb – 1 March

Round 2 – Phillip Island GP Circuit, VIC – 25 – 26 July (two-day event)

Round 3 – Winton Motor Raceway, VIC – 11 – 13 September

Round 4 – Wakefield Park Raceway, NSW – 16 -18 October

Round 5 – TBC

Round 6 – International MotoFest at The Bend Motorsport Park, SA 20 – 22 November

*All rounds and dates are subject to updated State and Federal Government COVID-19 restrictions and may be altered as required.

For more info about the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul head to www.asbk.com.au and don’t forget to follow ASBK on Facebook and Instagram.

MotoAmerica: Road America #1 Sets Viewership Record

David Swarts

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June 17, 2020

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MotoAmerica: Road America #1 Sets Viewership Record

Record Viewership Numbers For MotoAmerica Series Opener

Massive Numbers Reported For Road America Weekend

IRVINE, CA (June 17, 2020) – MotoAmerica has announced record viewership for its opening round of the 2020 MotoAmerica Series at Road America with the home of the AMA Superbike Championship reporting a total linear television audience of 357,000 Nielsen households (with a (466,000 P2+ rating) from its FOX Sports and NBC Sports Network shows from the May 30-June 9 airing period.

In addition to the linear TV numbers, racing action from Road America captured 56,000 views and 9,000 total hours watched on MotoAmerica Live+, the series’ live streaming and on-demand service in just three days – Friday through Sunday.

Also, international household ratings reached 334,000 across just four countries. Over 30 re-airs are scheduled on for the month of June in an additional 45 countries across Europe and Asia.

Additionally, MotoAmerica’s live coverage of the Stock 1000 and Twins Cup races on Facebook had another 333,000 views. The Stock 1000 and Twins Cup races were also featured on the MotoAmerica YouTube channel with those two races producing a combined 212,000 views.

MotoAmerica returns to Road America, June 26-28, with both Saturday’s and Sunday’s HONOS Superbike races broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1.) Airing times are June 27 at 2 p.m. (Eastern) and June 28 at 2:30 p.m. (Eastern). This round will also include spectators, making MotoAmerica the first motorcycle series post-shutdown to allow fans to attend.

CMRA Returns To Racing This Weekend At MSR Houston

David Swarts

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June 16, 2020

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CMRA Returns To Racing This Weekend At MSR Houston

The CMRA is extremely pleased to announce we are BACK TO RACING!

June 19-21 at MSR Houston in Angleton, Texas

Friday will be a full day of racer practice and the CMRA new racer school.

Saturday will be the much anticipated round 2 of the CMRA Ultra Lightweight Endurance Series featuring our only 8-hour event of the season.

Sunday features the full schedule of CMRA Championship Sprint Races.

It’s been a lengthy delay, but great to have so many competitors pre-registering for this event.

Working with the venue and following local ordinances, we will have suggestions and guidelines aimed at protecting the health of all attending. These will include; social distancing, hand sanitizing stations and the option of face coverings.

We look forward to seeing both old and new friends!

CCS: Mesa, Heckles Swap Unlimited Grand Prix Wins At Summit Point

David Swarts

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June 16, 2020

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CCS: Mesa, Heckles Swap Unlimited Grand Prix Wins At Summit Point

CCS MidAtlantic and Southeast Regions

Summit Point Motorsports Park – Summit Point, West Virginia

June 13-14, 2020

The Championship Cup Series returned to racing at Summit Point Motorsports Park June 13th-14th with a full paddock and packed grids for a Twin Sprints weekend of racing. This was the first completed event of the season for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, following a handful of schedule changes and event cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Racing was finally underway again with193 competitors signing up for a total of 1,172 race entries.

The first round of racing started Saturday morning with Mark Heckles dominating the Unlimited classes and claiming victory in three of his four races. Heckles was able to put his Ryders Alley Yamaha YZF-R1 out front for early leads in all of his classes and maintain an advantage over the rest of the field to win the Unlimited Superbike, Unlimited Supersport, and Unlimited Grand Prix races.

Stefano Mesa, not to be outdone, dominated the Unlimited classes on Sunday, finishing the weekend undefeated with four victories. Mesa tailed Heckles throughout most of the 25-minute GTO race on Saturday morning as the two front runners wove their way through lap traffic. But at the end, Heckles was down a lap as Mesa won his first race of the weekend and his only race of the day on board his Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Mesa and Heckles continued their battles for the lead throughout the day on Sunday with Heckles on point with the holeshots and Mesa working his way to the front. Mesa went on to win the Unlimited Supersport, Unlimited Superbike, and Unlimited Grand Prix classes. During the Unlimited Superbike race, he was super close to the lap record he set last August. Mesa ran his fastest lap of the weekend halfway through the race with a time of 1:10.752, a difference of a little over .02 seconds away from last year’s fastest lap of 1:10.728. His goal is to come back during the August 15-16th event later this year and beat that.

The Twin Sprints event produced a handful of big winners throughout all the classes. Tyler Scott led the way in the Lightweight fields, winning the Lightweight Grand Prix race on Saturday, and the GTL, Lightweight Grand Prix, Lightweight Superbike, and Thunderbike races on Sunday for a grand total of five victories.

The Middleweight classes were led by battles between Greg Melka and Xavier Zayat throughout the weekend with Melka nabbing early leads in all his races and Zayat in hot pursuit. The two swapped positions for the lead with Zayat winning the Middleweight Superbike race on Saturday and the Middleweight Supersport, Middleweight GP, and Heavyweight Superbike races on Sunday. Melka claimed victories in Saturday’s Middleweight Supersport and Heavyweight Supersport races on Saturday, and the Heavyweight Supersport race on Sunday.

Gus Rodio was the winningest expert of the weekend with seven victories, winning the Superbike 500, Moto 3, and Supersport 500 races on Saturday. He was back out front leading the way on Sunday to take victories in the GT 500, Moto 3, Superbike 500 and Supersport 500 races.

The overall winningest racer of the event was amateur racer Kyle Carrington with a grand total of nine first place finishes. Carrington won the Rookies Cup GTL, Ultralight Superbike, Lightweight Superbike, and Lightweight GP races on Saturday. The next day, he finished first in the GTL, Lightweight GP, Lightweight Supersport, Lightweight Superbike, and Ultralight Superbike races, completing the weekend undefeated.

The CCS Mid-Atlantic region is scheduled to compete with the Atlantic region next at New Jersey Motorsports Park July 4-5th. The Southeast region’s next event will be another Twin Sprints weekend August 1-2nd at NC Bike, and will include the Mid-Atlantic and Atlantic regions.

Full race results, lap times, points standings, as well as information regarding the remaining 2020 schedule, licensing information, rules, and general information for all regions are available online at: www.ccsracing.us.

RESULTS:

EXPERT UNLIMITED GRAND PRIX – SATURDAY

Mark Heckles (Yam YZF-R1)
Vasiliy Zhulin (Yam YZF-R1)
Tommy Wilson (BMW S1000RR)
Paul Scalph (Yam YZF-R1)
Antal Halasz (Suz GSX-R1000)
Mike Bliss (Yam YZF-R1)
Vincent Spivey (Yam YZF-R1)
Justin Tiller (Yam YZF-R1)
Jesse Ruehling (Kaw ZX-10R)
Chris Bettis (Yam YZF-R6)

EXPERT UNLIMITED GRAND PRIX – SUNDAY

Stefano Mesa (Kaw ZX-10R)
Mark Heckles (Yam YZF-R1)
Vasiliy Zhulin (Yam YZF-R1)
Paul Scalph (Yam YZF-R1)
Mike Bliss (Yam YZF-R1)
Richard O’Hare (Yam YZF-R1)
Jason Waters (BMW S1000RR)
Antonio Rodriguez (Kaw ZX-10R)
David Loikits (Suz GSX-R1000)
Antal Halasz (Suz GSX-R1000)

MotoGP & Red Bull Extend Sponsorship Deal, Including U.S.G.P. Through 2024

David Swarts

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June 16, 2020

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MotoGP & Red Bull Extend Sponsorship Deal, Including U.S.G.P. Through 2024

Red Bull and Dorna Sports extend sponsorship agreements

Both the Spanish and Andalusian Grands Prix will see Red Bull as title sponsor. In addition, a further contract agreement extends the ongoing long-term partnership between the two parties until at least 2024

Tuesday, 16 June 2020

Dorna Sports is delighted to announce an extension to its partnership with iconic energy drink company Red Bull. Part of the agreement will see Red Bull title sponsor both the 2020 Gran Premio de España and 2020 Gran Premio de Andalucía, which are set to take place at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto from the 17th to the 19th of July and the 24th to the 26th of July, respectively.

Moreover, the agreement also sees the global energy drink brand confirmed as the title sponsor of the Gran Premio de España and the Grand Prix of the Americas until 2024, as well as a co-sponsor of the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini.

Over the years Red Bull has shown a strong commitment to sports worldwide, including the MotoGP™ World Championship. Not only is Red Bull present in every category partnering with a wide range of athletes and teams, but it is also a significant contributor to the motorcycle racing scene through the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup, one of the most successful talent development programmes. Red Bull is both title sponsor and co-organiser of the Cup.

Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of Dorna Sports: “Red Bull is a true partner of MotoGP™. As we approach the end of this agreement, it will be nearly 20 years that we will have spent working together – since 2005, when Red Bull was the title sponsor of the US GP at Laguna Seca. In addition to this agreement, we have also worked together as co-organisers of the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup for more than a decade, Red Bull has been our partner in the MotoGP™ eSport Championship since inception, as well as the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, and we organise the Austrian Grand Prix together at the Red Bull Ring – in addition to our broadcast agreement with ServusTV covering Austria and Germany. We are delighted to continue working with Red Bull.”

With this extension of the partnership that has already existed for many years, Dorna and Red Bull show a solid commitment to keep growing the sport together for many more years.

Make sure to tune in for the Gran Premio Red Bull de España and Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucía soon as MotoGP™ prepares to get back on track in 2020.

MotoGP: Morbidelli, Quartararo Happy To Have 2020 Schedule

David Swarts

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June 16, 2020

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MotoGP: Morbidelli, Quartararo Happy To Have 2020 Schedule

PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team ready to go racing again

PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team are ready to go racing again in 2020 with riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo

Following on from MotoGP’s calendar announcement, PETRONAS Yamaha SRT and his riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo, are looking forward to the resumption of 2020 racing action.

Although the Moto2 and Moto3 categories enjoyed the first round in Qatar, the MotoGP class have yet to race in 2020. Both Franco and Fabio rode their Yamaha YZR-M1 machines at the launch and had successful pre-season tests at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, and Losail International Circuit, Qatar.

The 2020 MotoGP World Championship will consist of 13 rounds across Europe between July and November, with the potential for four overseas rounds to be contested in November and December. The first of these rounds will see the team travel to Spain for two weekends of racing action at Jerez on 19 and 26 July.

PETRONAS Yamaha SRT have been implementing additional health and safety measures in order to maintain safe working conditions for all team members.

The entire PETRONAS SRT is looking forward to going racing again, however the fans, some team members, partners and media will be sorely missed at the races. The team wishes them well, thanks them for their support and hopes to see them all again soon.

Razlan Razali

Team Principal

Finally, it looks like we will be going racing again! The restart of the 2020 season has come about through tireless work from Dorna, IRTA and the FIM and we are thankful to be able to get back to what we do as a team so quickly. Whilst we will be returning to race action, it will look rather different at the track. The first races will be without fans and with fewer people in the paddock than previously. In time, we hope to work back to normality but for now there are restrictions in place.

The initial calendar is Europe-heavy, but Dorna are pushing hard for non-European races too, with a deadline of the end of July to finalise the schedule. There is still the possibility that we will make visits to America, Argentina, Thailand and/or Malaysia. Given how much progress has been made in the past seven weeks, there’s a lot of potential for many positive things to happen in the next seven weeks before the deadline.

Franco Morbidelli

We have a 13 race calendar confirmed, with maybe a total of 16 including Malaysia, for 2020! Of course, it won’t be a normal calendar season but this is what’s possible at the moment, I think we just have to be thankful. We will miss the fans a lot and the normal GP weekend atmosphere, but we understand that this is a provisional situation and soon we will be back to normal life. To get there, we need to keep acting safely and responsibly. Dorna and IRTA have been able to organise what seemed impossible, so now we must follow all their advice and avoid any last minute issues.

It’s a really tight calendar with 13 races in 18 weeks, so no mistakes can be made and it will be really tough with almost no rest. It will also be interesting to see how everyone faces this challenge. As an Italian, I have a bittersweet calendar because we couldn’t race at Mugello (although I will be able to train there and every year we have to do some laps there as it’s so special for us) but we get to race at Misano twice. We rode there a lot recently with the Yamaha R1 so we have to take advantage of this! It’s really important to have a date on the horizon and work towards it, because you don’t know how difficult it is to prepare yourself for a non-confirmed target. I’m looking forward to seeing our team members in Spain and ride my #21 YZR-M1.

Fabio Quartararo

I’m really happy that we finally have a calendar. Thanks go to Dorna and IRTA for the great job done. I’m training really hard for it and we finally have a confirmed start date, so our target is now on July 19th in Jerez. It will be a different calendar, the only one that can go ahead in this extraordinary situation. We will have back-to-back races at the same circuit and less GPs, but I think the most important thing in this kind of championship is to finish races and go race by race. We will have to be really careful with crashes and injuries because, with such a tight championship, one injury can mean you’re out for a lot of races. It will also be important to follow the protocols strictly.

Honestly after all the rumours during the last couple of months in the media, I never expected a race in France. It was a really nice surprise. Hopefully, if the worldwide situation improves, maybe they can also open the circuits to a small number of fans – that would be great. We miss them a lot! Now the most important thing is to step-by-step, stay healthy and later we will have time to enjoy the entire MotoGP experience again. If we can conclude the year at the home GP of the team in Malaysia it would be an extra bonus for a really difficult start of the year.

Ducati Begins Production Of Superleggera V4 (Updated With Video)

June 17, 2020

Ducati Superleggera V4 001 of 500 numbered units in the Ducati factory in Italy. Photo courtesy Ducati. — Ducati Superleggera V4 #001 of 500 numbered units in the Ducati factory in Italy. Photo courtesy Ducati.