Page 1592 – Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News

WERA: Mesa, Zayat Win Three Races Each At Roebling Road Raceway

Breaking News

Club & Regional

Feature

Racing

David Swarts
-

May 17, 2020
0

Stefano Mesa and Xavier Zayat each won three races Sunday during a WERA Sportsman Series event at Roebling Road Raceway, in Bloomingdale, Georgia.

Riding his Pirelli-shod Mesa 37 Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R, Mesa took victories in A Superbike Expert, A Superstock Expert, and Formula One Expert.

“Today was a good day,” Mesa told Roadracingworld.com. “It was warm again and greasy, as well, but we won all three races. In the [Formula One] race, Mike [Fitzgerald, suspension tuner] and I decided to try some setup changes and put our head down to try to go for the track record. I was able to do a 1:10.393. I’m not exactly sure what the lap record is, but I’ve never been in the 1:10s before. So, I’m pretty happy with the weekend. We definitely made some progress.”

Zayat, meanwhile, triumphed in B Superbike Expert, B Superstock Expert, and C Superbike Expert on his Pirelli-backed N2 Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.

“It was really good today,” said Zayat. “We got some good testing in before the Road America [MotoAmerica] round. I haven’t been on bike since the Barber test and before that I hadn’t been on a bike since last fall. I spent all winter recovering from a broken right ankle [suffered in a motocross crash].

“It was definitely hot this weekend. We had half of the crew we usually do, so we were running around a lot and taking care of stuff. We got to run data on the bike for the first time, so we left with some good information.”

Some other Expert race winners included: Blake Davis in Lightweight Twins Superstock and Lightweight Twins Superbike, James Eberhart in Heavyweight Twins Superbike, Michael Hilton in Senior Superbike Heavyweight, Thomas Teather in Clubman, and Mark Watkins in Senior Superbike Mediumweight.

MotoGP: Virtual Race Four Video Link And Report

Breaking News

Feature

MotoGP

Press Release

Racing

Results

Videos

David Swarts
-

May 17, 2020
0

Editorial Note: Watch video of Virtual Race Four HERE.

Alex Marquez beats Marc Marquez in last lap virtual fight at Misano

The first head-to-head duel between the two didn’t disappoint, with Alex coming out on top after a final corner move…

Sunday, 17 May 2020

In MotoGP™ Virtual Race 4, it was Marquez vs Marquez for the first time ever, with Repsol Honda Team’s Alex Marquez coming out on top to become the first rider to taste victory in two Virtual MotoGP™ races. The Spaniard got the better of brother and teammate Marc Marquez in a thrilling final lap fight at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, with the pair joined on the podium by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi, who profited from a last gasp crash for Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) to clinch a home rostrum.

Quartararo started from pole position for the third time in Virtual MotoGP™ thanks to his most dominant performance yet, ending qualifying nearly a second clear of Alex Marquez in second. The opening stages of the nine-lap scrap were typically chaotic, however: two of three previous victors, Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), crashed out after some possible contact with the returning Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Idemitsu Honda), Rossi crashed after some contact with Alex Marquez, and that allowed Quartararo to escape at the front, with both Marc and Alex Marquez unable to match the pace of the Frenchman. The younger of the Marquez brothers swooped through to second shortly after, however, with Marc admitting he’d rather try and secure a top-three finish then crash whilst chasing his brother…

Fabio Quartararo (20) leads the field early in Virtual Race Four, at Misano. Image courtesy Dorna.

Quartararo came across the line to complete the third lap with an advantage of nearly four seconds, but that lead suddenly evaporated when the Frenchman tucked the front and suffered another virtual race crash – allowing Alex Marquez to move into the lead. The Frenchman quickly set about chasing down the Mugello winner, and within two laps he was glued to the rear wheel of the Honda…

The pair would touch on a handful of occasions as the ante was upped, but ultimately on lap seven the race was blown wide open. A touch from Quartararo caused Alex Marquez to go down before the Petronas Yamaha SRT machine then clipped the stricken Honda… leaving both on the floor.

That left Marc Marquez in clear air in the lead, much to his surprise and accompanied by a brilliantly evil laugh, and the race was on for the two men picking themselves up and chasing him down.

It would all come down to the final lap and the final sector in what was a thrilling finale, with all three split by nothing. As Alex Marquez closed in on his brother, Quartararo closed in on the pair of them and all three were pushing to the absolute limit before finally one went over it: Quartararo. The Frenchman tucked the front once again and any chance of stealing a last-gasp win disappeared, with the two Repsol Hondas left to dice it out. The pair entered the final corner with Marc in front, but the eight-time World Champion ran slightly wide and his teammate needed no second invitation. Alex Marquez stuffed it up the inside and gassed it towards the line, getting there just ahead and taking his second virtual victory.

Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez in the final corner on the final lap of Virtual Race 4. Image courtesy Dorna.

Rossi took full advantage of Quartararo’s untimely crash, taking the final podium place on home soil in style – and celebrating in style too as the ‘Doctor’ pulled out a real Misano trophy on the stream. Behind Quartararo, who remounted in fourth, Team Ecstar Suzuki’s Joan Mir took the final space inside the top five, ahead of Viñales and Bagnaia. Nakagami took eighth place, clear of Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Lorenzo Savadori, with Reale Avintia Racing’s Tito Rabat completing the top ten ahead of Ducati Team’s Michele Pirro.

That’s it from Virtual Race 4 for the MotoGP™ class! Check out anything you missed on motogp.com and enjoy everything across social media with highlights, interviews and more.

Alex Marquez: “I’m so happy, so happy. I was so nervous because Pecco had one, Maverick another one and we were all equal so I said, ‘wow, this one I need to win’!

“Then I saw Fabio was so fast today, he was a second a lap quicker than everyone but when he made a mistake I thought ok maybe I can manage this. Then we crashed again, we both touched and crashed. Marc was in front and then, at last corner, I thought ‘ok, I will try to brake early and then try to attack in the acceleration’. His mentality was the opposite, try to attack at the brake point, just like in reality! But I accelerated well and I won.”

The results of Virtual Race 4, at Misano. Image courtesy Dorna.

World Cup winner Ferrari claims Virtual MotoE™ win

The Italian returns to rule Misano once again – despite a last lap crash!

Matteo Ferrari (11) crosses the finish line to win the first-ever virtual MotoE race, at Misano. Image courtesy Dorna.

Trentino Gresini MotoE’s Matteo Ferrari has continued to make history in the virtual world, becoming the first winner of a virtual race just months on from becoming the inaugural FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup winner. The Italian eased home, despite a last lap crash, ahead of Avintia Esponsorama Racing’s Eric Granado and Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Mattia Casadei.

First lap carnage saw MotoE™ rookie Jordi Torres (Join Contract Pons 40) taken out at the opening corner in an incident that also involved Intact GP’s Dominique Aegerter and Tech 3 E-Racing’s Lukas Tulovic, with the chaos allowing polesitter Ferrari to escape at the front and Granado in pursuit behind him as the two pulled clear.

It looked set from then on to be a duel for the win, and the two wouldn’t, as it turned out, be seen again by the rest of the field in the entire five-lap dash. But behind them the fight went on, as Openbank Aspar Team’s Alejandro Medina shocked most by fighting through from dead last on the grid into third and threatening a podium. The Spaniard was then put under some serious pressure by Casadei, but a crash for the Italian relieved most of that for a while at least…

Granado asked Ferrari to slow down but it was to no avail, with the laps ticking by and the Italian still out front as his advantage only continued to grow. It looked like it could be disaster right at the end, however, as he suddenly took a tumble in the final sector on the final lap… but with such an advantage, he was still able to remount and cruise across the line four seconds ahead of Granado.

The final podium place ultimately went to Casadei after he chased down and forced a mistake out of Medina on the final lap, settling that duel, with Xavier Simeon (LCR E-Team) completing the top five. Torres and Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) took sixth and seventh, with Tulovic and Aegerter proving the final finishers.

That’s a wrap for the first ever virtual MotoE™ race! Check out reactions, highlights and more on motogp.com and across social media.

Matteo Ferrari: “I’m really happy about it because it was the first for MotoE this year! And I’m so happy to win the first race… and take pole and set the fastest lap.

“It’s fantastic for me because last year we won the Cup in reality, this year unfortunately we’ve only had one two-day test so far… so I’m training a lot, not on the track but on the PlayStation!”

The results from the virtual MotoE race at Misano. Image courtesy Dorna.

Track Day Prep: Setting Up Suspension, In The Trackday Directory

Feature

How To: Track Days

Track Day

Trudy Ulrich
-

May 17, 2020
0

Featured In the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue:

“The single easiest way to make a motorcycle work better is to make sure the suspension moves enough to deal with bumps and ripples and keeps the tires in contact with the track surface. And the quickest and easiest way to make sure a motorcycle can do that is to check the sag—how far the suspension settles from full extension with the rider on the bike.

“Many riders show up for track days on bikes running stock suspension, exactly as it was when the bike came off the assembly line. Streetbikes are usually delivered with suspension stiff enough to deal with a heavy rider and a too-heavy passenger, and aren’t close to being what would produce the best handling for a solo, average-sized rider. Which is why track riders are often amazed, reporting dramatically improved handling, stability, and lap times after having front and rear sag checked and adjusted for the first time.

“It is the easiest, least expensive performance improvement you can make to your motorcycle, and also points the way to improving the suspension even more by fitting the correct springs …”

—Setting Up Suspension, Step-By-Step

Taking a sportbike off the showroom floor and making it your own, making it the best bike for you, starts with setting the sag in the suspension. Learn how to use modern technology to simplify this process – it’s all in the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory! It’s the perfect way to hone your track day game, or the perfect gift to help a friend join you and have fun riding on the racetrack! Order your copy today, or pick one up at leading retailers, including Cycle Gear stores nationwide!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

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MotoAmerica Announces Number Of Races And Race Distances

May 19, 2020

Sean Dylan Kelly (40), PJ Jacobsen (99), Bryce Prince (74), Richie Escalante (54), and others in action during MotoAmerica Supersport Race One at Road Atlanta in 2019. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

MotoAmerica has announced the number of races each class of competition will have in 2020 and how long each of those races will be in terms of laps and distance covered.

Obviously, this information is somewhat tentative due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19 and its impact on the 2020 calendar and circumstances that may arise during the course of an individual event.

5/29-31 Road America 1 (track length 4.05 miles):

Superbike, 12 laps, 48.60 miles – 2 races

Supersport, 11 laps, 44.55 miles – 2 races

Junior Cup, 7 laps, 28.35 miles – 2 races

Twins Cup, 8 laps, 32.40 miles – 2 races

Stock 1000, 8 laps, 32.40 miles – 1 race

6/26-28 Road America 2 (track length 4.05 miles):

Superbike, 12 laps, 48.60 miles – 2 races

Supersport, 11 laps, 44.55 miles – 2 races

Junior Cup, 7 laps, 28.35 miles – 2 races

Twins Cup, 8 laps, 32.40 miles – 1 race

Stock 1000, 8 laps, 32.40 miles – 1 race

7/10-12 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (track length 2.214 miles):

Superbike, 20 laps, 44.28 miles – 2 races

Supersport, 19 laps, 42.066 miles – 2 races

Junior Cup, 13 laps, 28.782 miles – 2 races

Twins Cup, 13 laps, 28.782 miles – 1 race

Stock 1000, 14 laps, 30.996 miles – 1 race

7/31-8/2 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta (track length 2.55 miles):

Superbike, 19 laps, 48.45 miles – 2 races

Supersport, 18 laps, 45.9 miles – 2 races

Junior Cup, 11 laps, 28.05 miles – 2 races

Twins Cup, 12 laps, 30.60 miles – 1 race

Stock 1000, 13 laps, 33.15 miles – 2 races

8/7-9 Pittsburgh International Race Complex (track length 2.78 miles):

Superbike, 17 laps, 47.26 miles – 2 races

Supersport, 16 laps, 44.48 miles – 2 races

Junior Cup, 10 laps, 27.80 miles – 2 races

Twins Cup, 11 laps, 30.58 miles – 1 race

Stock 1000, 12 laps, 33.36 miles – 2 races

8/28-30 Ridge Motorsports Park (track length 2.47 miles):

Superbike, 17 laps, 41.99 miles – 2 races

Supersport, 17 laps, 41.99 miles – 2 races

Junior Cup, 12 laps, 29.64 miles – 2 races

Twins Cup, 12 laps, 29.64 miles – 1 race

Stock 1000, 13 laps, 32.11 miles – 1 race

9/11-13 New Jersey Motorsports Park (track length 2.25 miles):

Superbike, 21 laps, 47.25 miles – 2 races

Supersport, 20 laps, 45.00 miles – 2 races

Junior Cup, 13 laps, 29.25 miles – 2 races

Twins Cup, 14 laps, 31.50 miles – 2 races

Stock 1000, 15 laps, 33.75 miles – 1 race

9/18-20 Barber Motorsports Park (track length 2.38 miles):

Superbike, 20 laps, 47.60 miles – 2 races

Supersport, 19 laps, 45.22 miles – 2 races

Junior Cup, 11 laps, 26.18 miles – 2 races

Twins Cup, 12 laps, 28.56 miles – 2 races

Stock 1000, 13 laps, 30.94 miles – 2 races

10/9-11 Indianapolis Motor Speedway (track length 2.591 miles):

Superbike, 17 laps, 44.047 miles – 2 races

Supersport, 17 laps, 44.047 miles – 2 races

Junior Cup, 11 laps, 28.501 miles – 2 races

Twins Cup, 12 laps, 31.092 miles – 1 race

Stock 1000, 13 laps, 33.683 miles – 1 race

11/13-15 Circuit of The Americas (track length 3.43 miles):

Superbike*, 13 laps, 44.59 miles – 2 races

*Stock 1000 racers may apply to take part in this race

Tentative Race Totals:

Superbike, 20 races

Supersport, 18 races

Junior Cup, 18 races

Twins Cup, 12 races

Stock 1000, 12 races

Production Of MV Agusta Rush 1000 Starts In June

May 19, 2020

An MV Agusta Rush 1000. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

The limited edition hyper naked will be produced in only 300 units

Varese, May 19, 2020 – MV Agusta will be starting the production of its Rush 1000 “drag strip-inspired” bike in June this year. The first bikes will be rolling out of the Lake Varese hangars towards the end of the same month, ready for the privileged owners who pre-ordered their Rush 1000 online and through MV Agusta’s worldwide dealers network.

The mean looking Rush 1000, with its 4-inline-cylinder engine, 208 HP (212 HP with the Racing Kit) and a top speed of over 300 km/h, is a model aimed at those who do not fear to stand out from the crowd, as the style and components are appropriately focused on emphasizing the concept of a hyper naked “beast”. The aerodynamic rear wheel cover, a technical solution used in drag races to reduce the coefficient of drag, represents a clear statement of this attitude.

An MV Agusta Rush 1000. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

All of MV Agusta’s engineering know-how is packed into the Rush 1000 and draws on Formula1 and MotoGP technology, offering a thrilling out-of-this-world riding experience, with hair-raising true MotoGP replica performance. The 8-level traction control and “launch control” systems help managing the bike’s beastly acceleration and rocket-like starts. Together with the EAS 2.1 Up & Down for clutch-free changes and the wheelie control system, they contribute to making the Rush 1000 easy and fun to handle with maximum safety. The Rush personality is further enhanced by the Öhlins EC suspension units with electronic control and the aluminum and steel trellis frame, both adopted from the Brutale 1000 RR along with the Brembo Stylema calipers and the Bosch 9 Plus Race ABS.

The design of the Rush 1000 lives up to everything one would expect from an MV Agusta limited series, starting from the many unique details such as the specially designed headlight unit, spoke front wheel, the minimalist rear subframe and passenger seat as well as the unique side exit exhausts. The livery of the MV Agusta Rush 1000 is a pure statement of style and elegance, with dark metallic matt grey, Mamba red matt carbon and metallic bronze.

The rear view of an MV Agusta Rush 1000. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.

The optional Rush Racing Kit is composed of an extremely light weight titanium dual exhaust silencer system with a dedicated carbon fiber cover with billet CNC machined inserts as well as a engine ECU with a specifically developed engine control system map to increase and optimize the power. Also included is a unique carbon fiber passenger seat cover.

Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motors S.p.A. commented: “With the production of the Rush 1000 starting this coming June, we are right on track with respect to our 5 year industrial plan announced a few weeks ago. As we are breaking new ground in our expansion journey into new segments and new markets, MV Agusta will continue to produce amazing works of exclusive motorcycle art from its headquarters in Italy, remaining true to its heritage of performance, elegance and state-of-the art technology. I am sure this incredibly attractive model will meet the enthusiasm of the proud new owners.”

Track Day vs. Street vs. Race Tires, In The Trackday Directory

May 19, 2020

Bridgestone introduced its Battlax S22 street tires at the Jerez MotoGP track, proving that they are racetrack capable. Melissa Berkoff demonstrates.

Featured In the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue:

“More and more tires are being designed specifically for track day riders. In addition to the big four tire manufacturers (Bridgestone, Dunlop, Michelin, Pirelli) most U.S. riders are familiar with, Avon, Continental and Metzeler are getting back into the mix, building and selling tires that cater to track day riders.

“So, what makes a track day tire special? Generally speaking, even a street-legal track day tire produces more grip than a tire made only for street use. But they don’t require the care and attention that racing tires do …”

—Track Day vs. Street vs. Race Tires: Make A Choice

Track day riders have an embarrassment of riches in the available choices of tires that are designed to excel in the specific discipline of track day riding. Read about them all in the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory! It’s the perfect way to hone your track day game, or the perfect gift to help a friend join you and have fun riding on the racetrack! Order your copy today, or pick one up at leading retailers, including Cycle Gear stores nationwide!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

PREVIEW the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue!

Your Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology subscription includes the 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue.

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Past ASBK Champ Marty Craggill Wants To Give Back By Hiring Qualified Racers

May 18, 2020

Marty Craggill (16) , as seen during the 2007 AMA Formula Xtreme Championship. Photo courtesy Boulder Motor Sports.

Editorial Note: In addition to winning the Australian Superbike Championship twice, Marty Craggill raced in the FIM Superbike World Championship and the AMA Pro Superbike Championship.

Craggill Building Off-Track Success Story

Two-time Australian Superbike Champion Marty Craggill runs a successful Melbourne airport construction business and is keen to give back to the sport that gave him so much by providing employment opportunities for riders.

The 1997 and 1998 ASBK champion, international racer, and Maz Group Managing Director Craggill, has built the successful Melbourne Airport based business through the same hard work and dedication that lead to his racing success.

Marty Craggill. Photo courtesy Motorcycling Australia.

Maz Group is a specialist airport construction and facilities maintenance company working on multi-million-dollar projects across the Melbourne Airport precinct.

“We have had growth over the last few years and the airport has embraced us and given us a location here,” said Craggill.

“We are a Tier 2 building and construction company that have our own equipment and workshops, which is unusual as most construction businesses are managing projects and contractors away from their office sites.

“We are completely in-house which is a major advantage as there are so many rules and regulations around work and security at the airport.”

Maz Group specialise in commercial building construction and maintenance as well as civil works at the airport, covering a gamut of trades including metal and wood workers, excavator operators, truck and grader drivers, carpentry, joiners, plumbers, electricians, labourers, plasterers, and painters to name a few.

A boilermaker and shipbuilder by trade, it’s important to Craggill to give back to the sport he loves, which is why he is always looking to help motorcycle riders across all disciplines gain employment, which also allows them to compete.

“When I was racing, I found it really hard to keep a job because I would leave on a Thursday night and come home Sunday night or Monday morning,” Craggill said.

“There was a boom in the 80s with high rise buildings in the CBD, I worked for two lift companies and lost both jobs because of my racing commitments when I was on the verge of becoming a professional rider with Honda.

“I would stay back and do extra work to keep ahead as I knew I’d be away racing. Unfortunately, one week I went to Perth to race and when I got back on the Monday my toolbox was packed up at the front door.

“I understand the pressures motorcycle racers have in being able to obtain flexible employment around their racing commitments.

“I want to try and help riders if I can, I take what I do seriously and we are very good at what we do, and I believe there are a lot of riders who have a trades background who could fit in here.

“Riders are good at what they do, and quite a few have a trades background, are generally calm and if we can help them with an employment opportunity then I would certainly encourage them to get in contact with us.”

Maz Group have a number of big projects currently under construction with more coming online later this year.

“We are a 24-hour building business as the airport operates around the clock, so a lot of work happens at night.

“If riders are keen, we are certainly looking for tradies who want to work long term. We are a family and racing friendly business who regularly have social gatherings amongst staff including ride days both on and off track.

“I don’t employ people for the sake of it, we pick the people can handle pressure and do a good quality job.

“While Corona-virus has impacted us we definitely have some big projects under way.
“There is definitely a strong bike theme here amongst staff, but we are also serious about the quality work we do.”

While business now consumes the former Australian Superbike Champion, Craggill does miss racing.

“The best part was obviously winning my Australian Championships and worst part hitting the bird at Phillip Island where I ended up paralysed for a year – I do miss it,” he said.

“I mainly ride motocross these days, I’ve got a YZ450F.

“ASBK has certainly built itself back up to where it should be and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to seeing the action on track again once restrictions are lifted.”

For riders interested in potential employment opportunities contact the Maz Group office careers at http://mazgroup.com.au/careers/ , call (03) 8336 1775 or email [email protected]

Peter Adang Wins A Set Of Dunlop Tires In Roadracing World Reader Survey, P4

May 18, 2020

The Roadracing World Reader Survey, Part 4, was brought to you by Dunlop Motorcycle Tires.

The prize winner for Roadracing World’s Reader Survey, Part 4, is Peter Adang, from Scottsdale, Arizona. He won a set of Dunlop motorcycle tires of his choice, up a $500 value.

To sign up to receive upcoming, short installments of future Roadracing World reader surveys and other promotional e-mails from Roadracing World, CLICK HERE.

Survey results are used to improve content for readers and marketing for our advertisers. Name and address required for prize drawing. No mailing list or confidential individual information is shared with third parties. Roadracing World’s privacy policy can be viewed HERE.

Dunlop offered a set of Dunlop Motorcycle Tires of the winner’s choice, a value worth up to $500, as the prize for this survey.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

Dunlop is a proud supporter of American road racing at both the amateur and professional levels alike. Dunlop is also the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com or www.dunlopracing.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].

R.I.P.: WERA Racer Eric Connell

May 18, 2020

Eric Connell (143), R.I.P.

ON THE LOSS OF ERIC CONNELL

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing sends its condolences to the family and friends of racer #143 Novice Eric Connell, age 28, who while participating at our event at Roebling Road Raceway Sportsman Series on Saturday May 16^th in the C Superstock Novice Race 3 ran off the track going into Turn 8 and crashed, suffering injuries to which he succumbed during emergency surgery at Memorial Hospital.

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was established in 1973 and is currently co-sanctioning event with AMA and partners with N2 on the National Endurance Series. Web site is wera.com and more information is available on the website as well as our Facebook Page business.facebook.com/wera.roadracing/.

Protective Gear From Head To Toe, In The Trackday Directory

May 18, 2020

MotoAmerica Superbike racer Kyle Wyman (33) with an integrated Tech-Air airbag system.

Featured In the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue:

“There are a lot of choices when it comes to protective gear. Visit a professional race, and you will see top-level racers wearing many different brands of helmets, gloves, leathers, and boots. But there are some objective criteria for what to look for in gear.

“Think of these as guidelines for buying protective gear …”

—Riding Gear, Head-To-Toe: What To Look For

When it all goes sideways, backward, airborne or upside-down, all that is between you and the unyielding pavement is your protective gear. Know what to look for in good gear, and learn the latest in the technology that has made motorcycle road racing and track day riding safer than ever. It’s all in the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory! It’s the perfect way to hone your track day game, or the perfect gift to help a friend join you and have fun riding on the racetrack! Order your copy today, or pick one up at leading retailers, including Cycle Gear stores nationwide!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

PREVIEW the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue!

Your Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology subscription includes the 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue.

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. To purchase just the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue without subscribing, click here.

Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.

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WERA: Mesa, Zayat Win Three Races Each At Roebling Road Raceway

May 17, 2020

Motorcycles at speed at Roebling Road Raceway, near Savannah, Georgia. Photo courtesy Roebling Road Raceway.

Stefano Mesa and Xavier Zayat each won three races Sunday during a WERA Sportsman Series event at Roebling Road Raceway, in Bloomingdale, Georgia.

Riding his Pirelli-shod Mesa 37 Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R, Mesa took victories in A Superbike Expert, A Superstock Expert, and Formula One Expert.

“Today was a good day,” Mesa told Roadracingworld.com. “It was warm again and greasy, as well, but we won all three races. In the [Formula One] race, Mike [Fitzgerald, suspension tuner] and I decided to try some setup changes and put our head down to try to go for the track record. I was able to do a 1:10.393. I’m not exactly sure what the lap record is, but I’ve never been in the 1:10s before. So, I’m pretty happy with the weekend. We definitely made some progress.”

Zayat, meanwhile, triumphed in B Superbike Expert, B Superstock Expert, and C Superbike Expert on his Pirelli-backed N2 Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.

“It was really good today,” said Zayat. “We got some good testing in before the Road America [MotoAmerica] round. I haven’t been on bike since the Barber test and before that I hadn’t been on a bike since last fall. I spent all winter recovering from a broken right ankle [suffered in a motocross crash].

“It was definitely hot this weekend. We had half of the crew we usually do, so we were running around a lot and taking care of stuff. We got to run data on the bike for the first time, so we left with some good information.”

Some other Expert race winners included: Blake Davis in Lightweight Twins Superstock and Lightweight Twins Superbike, James Eberhart in Heavyweight Twins Superbike, Michael Hilton in Senior Superbike Heavyweight, Thomas Teather in Clubman, and Mark Watkins in Senior Superbike Mediumweight.

MotoGP: Virtual Race Four Video Link And Report

May 17, 2020

MotoGP riders on the starting grid for Virtual Race 4 at Misano. Image courtesy Dorna.

Editorial Note: Watch video of Virtual Race Four HERE.

Alex Marquez beats Marc Marquez in last lap virtual fight at Misano

The first head-to-head duel between the two didn’t disappoint, with Alex coming out on top after a final corner move…

Sunday, 17 May 2020

In MotoGP™ Virtual Race 4, it was Marquez vs Marquez for the first time ever, with Repsol Honda Team’s Alex Marquez coming out on top to become the first rider to taste victory in two Virtual MotoGP™ races. The Spaniard got the better of brother and teammate Marc Marquez in a thrilling final lap fight at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, with the pair joined on the podium by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi, who profited from a last gasp crash for Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) to clinch a home rostrum.

Quartararo started from pole position for the third time in Virtual MotoGP™ thanks to his most dominant performance yet, ending qualifying nearly a second clear of Alex Marquez in second. The opening stages of the nine-lap scrap were typically chaotic, however: two of three previous victors, Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), crashed out after some possible contact with the returning Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Idemitsu Honda), Rossi crashed after some contact with Alex Marquez, and that allowed Quartararo to escape at the front, with both Marc and Alex Marquez unable to match the pace of the Frenchman. The younger of the Marquez brothers swooped through to second shortly after, however, with Marc admitting he’d rather try and secure a top-three finish then crash whilst chasing his brother…

Fabio Quartararo (20) leads the field early in Virtual Race Four, at Misano. Image courtesy Dorna.

Quartararo came across the line to complete the third lap with an advantage of nearly four seconds, but that lead suddenly evaporated when the Frenchman tucked the front and suffered another virtual race crash – allowing Alex Marquez to move into the lead. The Frenchman quickly set about chasing down the Mugello winner, and within two laps he was glued to the rear wheel of the Honda…

The pair would touch on a handful of occasions as the ante was upped, but ultimately on lap seven the race was blown wide open. A touch from Quartararo caused Alex Marquez to go down before the Petronas Yamaha SRT machine then clipped the stricken Honda… leaving both on the floor.

That left Marc Marquez in clear air in the lead, much to his surprise and accompanied by a brilliantly evil laugh, and the race was on for the two men picking themselves up and chasing him down.

It would all come down to the final lap and the final sector in what was a thrilling finale, with all three split by nothing. As Alex Marquez closed in on his brother, Quartararo closed in on the pair of them and all three were pushing to the absolute limit before finally one went over it: Quartararo. The Frenchman tucked the front once again and any chance of stealing a last-gasp win disappeared, with the two Repsol Hondas left to dice it out. The pair entered the final corner with Marc in front, but the eight-time World Champion ran slightly wide and his teammate needed no second invitation. Alex Marquez stuffed it up the inside and gassed it towards the line, getting there just ahead and taking his second virtual victory.

Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez in the final corner on the final lap of Virtual Race 4. Image courtesy Dorna.

Rossi took full advantage of Quartararo’s untimely crash, taking the final podium place on home soil in style – and celebrating in style too as the ‘Doctor’ pulled out a real Misano trophy on the stream. Behind Quartararo, who remounted in fourth, Team Ecstar Suzuki’s Joan Mir took the final space inside the top five, ahead of Viñales and Bagnaia. Nakagami took eighth place, clear of Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Lorenzo Savadori, with Reale Avintia Racing’s Tito Rabat completing the top ten ahead of Ducati Team’s Michele Pirro.

That’s it from Virtual Race 4 for the MotoGP™ class! Check out anything you missed on motogp.com and enjoy everything across social media with highlights, interviews and more.

Alex Marquez: “I’m so happy, so happy. I was so nervous because Pecco had one, Maverick another one and we were all equal so I said, ‘wow, this one I need to win’!

“Then I saw Fabio was so fast today, he was a second a lap quicker than everyone but when he made a mistake I thought ok maybe I can manage this. Then we crashed again, we both touched and crashed. Marc was in front and then, at last corner, I thought ‘ok, I will try to brake early and then try to attack in the acceleration’. His mentality was the opposite, try to attack at the brake point, just like in reality! But I accelerated well and I won.”

The results of Virtual Race 4, at Misano. Image courtesy Dorna.

World Cup winner Ferrari claims Virtual MotoE™ win

The Italian returns to rule Misano once again – despite a last lap crash!

Matteo Ferrari (11) crosses the finish line to win the first-ever virtual MotoE race, at Misano. Image courtesy Dorna.

Trentino Gresini MotoE’s Matteo Ferrari has continued to make history in the virtual world, becoming the first winner of a virtual race just months on from becoming the inaugural FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup winner. The Italian eased home, despite a last lap crash, ahead of Avintia Esponsorama Racing’s Eric Granado and Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Mattia Casadei.

First lap carnage saw MotoE™ rookie Jordi Torres (Join Contract Pons 40) taken out at the opening corner in an incident that also involved Intact GP’s Dominique Aegerter and Tech 3 E-Racing’s Lukas Tulovic, with the chaos allowing polesitter Ferrari to escape at the front and Granado in pursuit behind him as the two pulled clear.

It looked set from then on to be a duel for the win, and the two wouldn’t, as it turned out, be seen again by the rest of the field in the entire five-lap dash. But behind them the fight went on, as Openbank Aspar Team’s Alejandro Medina shocked most by fighting through from dead last on the grid into third and threatening a podium. The Spaniard was then put under some serious pressure by Casadei, but a crash for the Italian relieved most of that for a while at least…

Granado asked Ferrari to slow down but it was to no avail, with the laps ticking by and the Italian still out front as his advantage only continued to grow. It looked like it could be disaster right at the end, however, as he suddenly took a tumble in the final sector on the final lap… but with such an advantage, he was still able to remount and cruise across the line four seconds ahead of Granado.

The final podium place ultimately went to Casadei after he chased down and forced a mistake out of Medina on the final lap, settling that duel, with Xavier Simeon (LCR E-Team) completing the top five. Torres and Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) took sixth and seventh, with Tulovic and Aegerter proving the final finishers.

That’s a wrap for the first ever virtual MotoE™ race! Check out reactions, highlights and more on motogp.com and across social media.

Matteo Ferrari: “I’m really happy about it because it was the first for MotoE this year! And I’m so happy to win the first race… and take pole and set the fastest lap.

“It’s fantastic for me because last year we won the Cup in reality, this year unfortunately we’ve only had one two-day test so far… so I’m training a lot, not on the track but on the PlayStation!”

The results from the virtual MotoE race at Misano. Image courtesy Dorna.

Track Day Prep: Setting Up Suspension, In The Trackday Directory

May 17, 2020

Measuring rear sag on a Katana using a Baxley Sport Chock to hold the bike upright, a Slacker Tuner attached to the rear axle, and a remote display tucked in front of the dashboard, visible to the rider. Photos by Sandy Gougis.

Featured In the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue:

“The single easiest way to make a motorcycle work better is to make sure the suspension moves enough to deal with bumps and ripples and keeps the tires in contact with the track surface. And the quickest and easiest way to make sure a motorcycle can do that is to check the sag—how far the suspension settles from full extension with the rider on the bike.

“Many riders show up for track days on bikes running stock suspension, exactly as it was when the bike came off the assembly line. Streetbikes are usually delivered with suspension stiff enough to deal with a heavy rider and a too-heavy passenger, and aren’t close to being what would produce the best handling for a solo, average-sized rider. Which is why track riders are often amazed, reporting dramatically improved handling, stability, and lap times after having front and rear sag checked and adjusted for the first time.

“It is the easiest, least expensive performance improvement you can make to your motorcycle, and also points the way to improving the suspension even more by fitting the correct springs …”

—Setting Up Suspension, Step-By-Step

Taking a sportbike off the showroom floor and making it your own, making it the best bike for you, starts with setting the sag in the suspension. Learn how to use modern technology to simplify this process – it’s all in the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory! It’s the perfect way to hone your track day game, or the perfect gift to help a friend join you and have fun riding on the racetrack! Order your copy today, or pick one up at leading retailers, including Cycle Gear stores nationwide!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

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