Tulsa, OK – April 28, 2020 – Westby Racing is proud to present the team’s livery for its 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike that will compete in this year’s MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.
Westby Racing and the team’s two riders Mathew Scholtz (Superbike) and Cody Wyman (Junior Cup) are looking forward to the start of the 2020 MotoAmerica season, with round one currently slated for May 29-31 at Road America.
Due to the extension of regulations by the State of Michigan restricting activities in the state, as well as motels having contacted racers and officials cancelling reservations made for the May 9/10 WERA Grattan event WERA has to cancel this event. We will talk with the track once things open for business as usual to see if there is any possible weekend available that would work in the existing schedule.
The next two events up will be the weekend of May 16/17 with PittRace and Roebling Road
. We will be keeping an eye on Pennsylvania and surrounding states with regard to the event at PIRC. At this point it is extremely likely we will be able to race at Roebling Road
. More information on both will be released as we get it.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is working with all our venues on this and the restrictions they are under and we will keep you posted on all of the May events. We are all hoping to get a Green Flag soon so you can all see your Checker Flags soon.
The WERA office is closed so please communicate via e-mail: [email protected] until we are back in the office. Thank you all for your continued support through this and we are shooting for being back on track ASAP……..
Chris Peris, originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is the Lead Instructor and a co-owner of Yamaha Champions Riding School (YCRS).
Prior to joining YCRS, Peris was a successful professional racer.
Peris was the first Canadian to qualify for a FIM 125cc Grand Prix World Championship race, won a Canadian National 600cc Sport Bike race, finished on the podium in a Canadian Superbike race, won an AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race, finished on the podium in an AMA Pro Superstock race, was the first Canadian to score points in the FIM Supersport World Championship, and has won several WERA/N2 Racing National Endurance Championships with Sam Fleming’s Army of Darkness.
Chris Peris reviews some on-track video with Hiyori Yoshida. He is pointing out how in a double-apex turn she is looking to the second apex and then turning too early, instead of looking for the outside curbing to achieve a more proper line through the second apex. Photo by Army Of Darkness Ministry of Information.
Five of Chris Peris’ Best Riding Tips
Think of the tire as having 100 points of traction to share among lean angle, brake, and throttle. The more points you devote to leaning, the fewer points left for braking and accelerating. The more points you want to use to accelerate, the more lean angle points you have to take away.
Radius = miles per hour. The faster you go, the wider your turning radius. So if you want to change direction quickly or tighten a turn, slow down.
Look ahead and scan back. Constantly exercise your depth perception.
Tie your eyes to your throttle. As soon as you get direction (i.e. you’re parallel to the apex) and you see your path out of the turn, steadily get on the throttle and accelerate.
Less for longer. Always use smooth, gentle inputs. If you’re braking for a turn, look ahead so you can brake with less strength but for a longer period of time, increasing the fork compression. If you’re accelerating out of a turn, roll on the throttle steadily. Don’t yank it open and release all the traction and power you had built up in your front tire.
Hello! Our current plan is to resume schools starting with Barber Motorsports Park, May 23rd-28th. Those schools are mostly booked but there’s about 10% of the spots left. If you’re interested, call the office or go on-line. Barber was just repaved last year so we are looking forward to a beautiful riding surface. The remainder of the year’s schedule is listed here.
I think we all understand things can change depending on local and federal restrictions, but our intention is to get back to normal starting May 23rd at Barber.
There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes work during this period of inactivity to make technical improvements to our delivery. Here is a video from Keith and the whole crew saying hello with a few personal updates.
Energica: phase two to get underway with production resume
With reference to the new interpretation made on April 26 of last April 10 Prime Minister Decree Law art.2 comma 7, in which it was welcomed the proposition of Emilia Romagna’s Governor Stefano Bonaccini to restart companies and manufacturer districts of which activities are of strategic relevance for the national economy – including companies of which production and sales are mainly directed towards export – it is officially communicated a gradual resume – from today April 28 2020 – of production activities on single shift – anticipating the full reopening of industrial activity.
As per the aforementioned indication, following the communication forwarded today (April 28, 2020) to the relevant Prefect, Energica can resume production as being a company oriented mainly to export (around 95% of export in 2019). The reopening will be carried out in compliance to social distancing and safety dispositions, and specifically to April 24th “shared regulatory protocol of measures to combat and contain the spread of Covid-19 virus in workplaces.”
“The past lockdown weeks have not stopped our beating heart. The ongoing health emergency has certainly charged a collective awareness and highlighted the importance of our Made-in-Italy manufacturing “, says Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company SpA. “In these days we have also been defining a roadmap for a gradual and safe reopening which will start on Tuesday 28 April”.
“This first phase will involve only the production area that will operate on a regular shift.”
“From Monday May 4th we will proceed with a double shift and the Sport Production and R&D department will reopen to support production.”
“Our program will continue in the following weeks involving all other areas. Smart working is confirmed for Mechanic and electronic design, administrative, marketing and sales activities.”
“The resume confirms and increases the protection measures already applied before the closure: each employee will be equipped with surgical masks and gloves. Disinfection will be applied to incoming and outgoing goods.”.
“This is a crucial moment and we face it according to the “Energica” mood. We can’t afford distractions or mistakes: now it’s time to goat full charge”, continues Cevolini.
“Many customers have maintained their trust in us even in the lockdown period”, says Giacomo Leone, Energica Sales & Field Marketing Director. “Now it’s up to us, the upcoming deliveries will allow us to restart our market in the shortest time possible.”
Fastrack Riders’ Imad Samhat and Ademar Nunes video chat with their #QUARANTEAM of Fastrack Riders Academy instructors, including Eric Bostrom, Jeremy Toye, Chris Ulrich, and Jake Zemke
On the Front Cover: Just a typical track-riding couple spinning a few laps with Let’s Ride At Buttonwillow Raceway Park in California. Four-time AMA Superbike Champion and USMCA coach Josh Hayes leads racer wife Melissa Paris (13), both riding Yamaha YZF-R1s
To purchase the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue, click here.
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.
In This Issue:
INTRODUCTION: On The Learning Curve
FEATURES
Getting On The Track:
Overcoming Excuses
What To Ride? The Bike In Your Garage!
Track Day Tips: Do’s and Don’t’s
What Is That? Glossary Of Bike Parts
What Is That? Tech Illustrations
Racetrack Safety: Soft Barriers Work
Track Day Prep:
Basic Prep: Start Here
Set-Up: Do This First
Setting Up Suspension: Step By Step
Track Day vs. Street vs. Race Tires: Make A Choice
Tire Warmers: How And Why
Overview: Improving Your Track Bike
Bike Transport: Getting There And Back
Bike Storage: When You’re Not Riding
What To Pack: Rider Checklist
Track Day Fun:
Leod Escapes Tour & Track Ride: Destination Phillip Island
Ramming Speed Classic Track Days: The Vintage Brigade
First Track Day: “I Was Going Back…”
Traveling For Fun: Couples Create Fly & Ride Adventures
Riding Gear:
Riding Gear Head To Toe: What To Look For
Airbag Suits: The Latest In Protection
Photo Essay: Why We Wear Gear
Rider Coaching & Riding Skills:
Coaching: Experience Matters
Coaching With Video: The Camera Shows All
Coaching With Video: Learning More On Camera
Riding Skills: Where To Look
Riding Skills: Cover Your Brakes
Training On Dirt Bikes: Two-Wheel Crossover
Kids Riding & Racing:
SFLminiGP: How A Dad Founded A Mini Club
Kids On Track: Scenes From Racetracks
WHO, WHEN, & WHERE
Track Day Organization & Racing School Calendar
Road Racing Organizations
Mini Road Racing Organizations
Track Day & Track Riding Schools By State/Province
Guide To Racetrack Locations, With U.S./Canada Map
Yamaha Motorsports Launches “Deliver Your Ride” Program
Program Supports Dealer Deliveries of New ATV, Side-by-Side, Motorcycle, and Snowmobile Products to Customers’ Homes Where Possible
MARIETTA, Ga. – April 27, 2020 – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, launched an all-new “Deliver Your Ride” program supporting Yamaha dealers that are able to complete vehicle purchases remotely and then deliver the product directly to customers. The new program includes ATV, Side-by-Side, motorcycle, and snowmobile products, and is available nationwide wherever dealers can legally and safely participate.
“Yamaha is working hard to support our dealer network and their customers during these difficult times,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports group marketing manager. “It’s not business-as-usual for anyone, yet we know people may still want to buy and enjoy new Yamaha products where possible and appropriate based on their local laws and regulations.”
The new Deliver Your Ride initiative was announced to Yamaha dealers on April 17, 2020, as a temporary program and Yamaha is working diligently with dealers to assist with the implementation. Interested customers can contact their local Yamaha dealer or visit YamahaMotorsports.com to determine availability in their area. This is a voluntary program and Yamaha is encouraging each dealer to determine the feasibility based on their local laws and capabilities.
For details regarding all Yamaha products, visit YamahaMotorsports.com. Connect with Yamaha on social media via @YamahaMotorUSA or @YamahaOutdoors.
About Yamaha Motor Corp., USA
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the Powersports industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Outboard Motors, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, and much more.
YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States. YMUS has a corporate office in Cypress, California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Further U.S.-based Yamaha companies include Skeeter Boats (Texas), G3 Boats (Missouri), Bennet Marine (Florida), Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana), and Kracor, Inc. (Wisconsin).
The Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain: everything you need to know
The cause, the line-up, the format and more – here’s a full rundown of what awaits MotoGP™ fans on Sunday
Monday, 27 April 2020
MotoGP™’s first ever Virtual Races were an incredible success, providing some much needed Sunday afternoon adrenaline for many in the MotoGP™ community. Subsequently, Dorna Sports then announced an exciting world first: the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. The event is in aid of the official charity of MotoGP™, Two Wheels for Life, and will be broadcast at 3pm (GMT +2) on Sunday the 3rd of May – with all three Grand Prix classes will racing it out on the eSport stage for the first time ever.
In partnership with Dorna Sports, Two Wheels for Life have launched a new campaign with a goal of raising funds for their vital work fighting coronavirus on two wheels – ensuring the delivery of test results, education and equipment to hard to reach communities to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other dangerous diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Find out more and donate HERE, with donations open NOW until a week after the event.
The line-ups for the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain are certainly star studded as the sport shows its support. The MotoGP™ grid will be 11 riders and they’ll compete over 13 laps – the equivalent of 50% of race distance – whilst the Moto2™ and Moto3™ grids both comprise 10 riders competing over eight laps, which is 35% of race distance. In addition, for the first time since its release on the 23rd of April, the riders will now be playing on the new official MotoGP™20 Videogame from videogame developer, publisher and longstanding partner Milestone.
This time, highlights from qualifying will be shown before the three races, with those sessions set to decide the grid before the broadcast. The order will follow a normal Grand Prix weekend as Moto3™ race first, followed by Moto2™, before MotoGP™ take to the stage thereafter. Fans can watch the whole show from 3pm on motogp.com and esport.motogp.com, on selected TV broadcasters, and across social media platforms including YouTube (via the MotoGP and MotoGP eSport channels), MotoGP eSport Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook (via both the MotoGP and MotoGP eSport pages).
Broadcast partners showing coverage of the event will include Sky Italy, Canal+ in France, DAZN (in Spain, Italy and DACHS), BT Sport in the UK, ServusTV in Austria and Germany, Viasat in Sweden, NBC in the USA, Fox Brazil and ESPN in Latin America, Motorsport TV Russia, Eurosport India, Fox Asia, Fox Australia, TEN, and SuperSport across Africa.
After the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain, there will also be a post-race Press Conference for each class on MotoGP™’s Instagram! These will take place after the event, LIVE: MotoGP™ at 17:00, Moto2™ at 17:30 and Moto3™ at 18:00.
The MotoGP class rider lineup for the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. Image courtesy of Dorna.
The MotoGP™ line-up:
Repsol Honda Team: Marc Marquez, Alex Marquez
Ducati Team: Danilo Petrucci
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP: Maverick Viñales
Team Suzuki Ecstar: Alex Rins
Petronas Yamaha SRT: Fabio Quartararo
Pramac Racing: Francesco Bagnaia
Reale Avintia Racing: Tito Rabat
Red Bull KTM Tech 3*: Miguel Oliveira, Iker Lecuona
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini: Lorenzo Savadori
*Red Bull KTM Factory Racing cede their place on the grid to Red Bull KTM Tech 3
LCR Honda Idemitsu rider Takaaki Nakagami is unable to take part due to MotoGP™20 availability in his region. LCR Honda Castrol rider Cal Crutchlow is unable to take part in virtual races.
The Moto2 class rider lineup for the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. Image courtesy of Dorna.
The Moto2™ line-up:
Red Bull KTM Ajo: Jorge Martin
Flexbox HP 40: Lorenzo Baldassarri
Italtrans Racing Team: Enea Bastianini
American Racing: Marcos Ramirez
Beta Tools Speed Up: Jorge Navarro
Liqui Moly Intact GP: Marcel Schrötter
Aspar Team: Aron Canet
Petronas Sprinta Racing: Jake Dixon
NTS RW Racing GP: Bo Bendsneyder
Sky Racing Team VR46: Luca Marini
The Moto3 class rider lineup for the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. Image courtesy of Dorna.
The Moto3™ line-up:
Aspar Team Gaviota: Albert Arenas
Leopard Racing: Dennis Foggia
SIC58 Squadra Corse: Niccolo Antonelli
Kömmerling Gresini Moto3: Gabriel Rodrigo
Rivacold Snipers Team: Tony Arbolino
Red Bull KTM Ajo: Raul Fernandez
Estrella Galicia 0,0: Sergio Garcia
Red Bull KTM Tech 3: Deniz Öncü
Sterilgarda Max Racing Team: Alonso Lopez
BOE Skull Rider Facile Energy: Ricardo Rossi
Keep up to date with everything across social media platforms as Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain gets ready to go racing on Sunday the 3rd of May at 15:00 (GMT+2) – and don’t forget to tune in for the post-race Press Conferences on Instagram after the event!
NEW DATE FOR THE 43RD EDITION OF THE SUZUKA 8 HOURS
Following Japan’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, the Suzuka 8 Hours race has been postponed to 1 November 2020. The iconic race – grand finale of the FIM Endurance World Championship since the 2016/2017 season – will once again feature as the deciding race of the 2019/2020 season.
The FIM-International Motorcycling Federation, FIM EWC promoter Eurosport Events and Mobilityland, organizer of the Suzuka 8 Hours, have decided to postpone the race, initially scheduled to be held on 19 July 2020, to a new date: Sunday 1 November.
With border entry restrictions currently in effect in Japan making it impossible for Suzuka to host teams and riders from countries affected by coronavirus, the race has been postponed to later in the year.
Historically held in summer, ever since the first edition in 1978, the Suzuka 8 Hours will take place for the very first time in Autumn in 2020. In close collaboration with race organizer Mobilityland, the iconic Japanese race was promoted to the status of FIM EWC grand finale in 2017.
As the FIM EWC season final event, the 8-hour race will benefit from the bonus of 150% of the points.
The FIM, Eurosport Events and the various race organizers have together restructured the ongoing season calendar to ensure the number of races initially scheduled in the championship take place. The 2019-2020 season will therefore continue with the 24 Heures Motos (29 and 30 August 2020) followed by the Bol d’Or (19 and 20 September), and conclude with the FIM EWC grand finale at Suzuka on 1 November.
François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events
“The global health crisis, the logistical constraints resulting from Japan’s entry restrictions and our priority to protect the health of everyone involved in the FIM EWC, have made it necessary to postpone the Suzuka 8 Hours. Praise is due to Mobilityland for adapting the Suzuka calendar to ensure that this major race in the championship remains Japan’s biggest celebration for motorcycling fans. To help teams with their logistics requirements in the opening phase of the 2020-2021 FIM EWC season, we will push back the date of the 8 Hours of Sepang to January if necessary, just ahead of the customary SBK/GP pre- tests on the circuit.”
Kaoru Tanaka, President of Mobilityland Corporation
“We had been preparing for the ‘Coca-Cola’ Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race to be held in July, but have decided to postpone it in consideration of the current situation in which there is prohibition of large-scale events that attract large numbers of people and restriction of travel is expected to continue to increase in European countries. We ask for the kind understanding of all the fans who were looking forward to attending the Suzuka 8 Hours for this unavoidable postponement and of all the other stakeholders involved in this race event. We will make due preparations so that we can welcome the start of the event on November 1st together with all the fans and stakeholders involved in this event.”
Jorge Viegas, FIM President
“Who would have ever imagined that the 8 Hours of Suzuka would have to be postponed just a few weeks ago? However, we must keep strong and do whatever is in our power to return to racing, as soon as possible, without taking any unnecessary risks. I am sure that the faithful spectators of Suzuka will enjoy a great show again and that this iconic race will retain its special place in the FIM Endurance World Championship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the efforts of the Japanese Motorcycling Federation (MFJ), Mobilityland Corporation and of course Eurosport Events!”
Mathew Scholtz (11) during a previous test on his Westby Racing Yamaha Superbike at Carolina Motorsports Park. Photo by Lee Fields/Active Shooter Photography, courtesy of Westby Racing.
Tulsa, OK – April 28, 2020 – Westby Racing is proud to present the team’s livery for its 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike that will compete in this year’s MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.
Westby Racing and the team’s two riders Mathew Scholtz (Superbike) and Cody Wyman (Junior Cup) are looking forward to the start of the 2020 MotoAmerica season, with round one currently slated for May 29-31 at Road America.
Grattan Raceway. Photo courtesy of Grattan Raceway.
MAY 9/10, 2020 GRATTAN CANCELED
Due to the extension of regulations by the State of Michigan restricting activities in the state, as well as motels having contacted racers and officials cancelling reservations made for the May 9/10 WERA Grattan event WERA has to cancel this event. We will talk with the track once things open for business as usual to see if there is any possible weekend available that would work in the existing schedule.
The next two events up will be the weekend of May 16/17 with PittRace and Roebling Road
. We will be keeping an eye on Pennsylvania and surrounding states with regard to the event at PIRC. At this point it is extremely likely we will be able to race at Roebling Road
. More information on both will be released as we get it.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is working with all our venues on this and the restrictions they are under and we will keep you posted on all of the May events. We are all hoping to get a Green Flag soon so you can all see your Checker Flags soon.
The WERA office is closed so please communicate via e-mail: [email protected] until we are back in the office. Thank you all for your continued support through this and we are shooting for being back on track ASAP……..
Engineering student and motorcycle enthusiast Hiyori Yoshida with a Yamaha Champions Riding School YZF-R3 at Inde Motorsports Ranch, in Arizona.
Chris Peris, originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is the Lead Instructor and a co-owner of Yamaha Champions Riding School (YCRS).
Prior to joining YCRS, Peris was a successful professional racer.
Peris was the first Canadian to qualify for a FIM 125cc Grand Prix World Championship race, won a Canadian National 600cc Sport Bike race, finished on the podium in a Canadian Superbike race, won an AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race, finished on the podium in an AMA Pro Superstock race, was the first Canadian to score points in the FIM Supersport World Championship, and has won several WERA/N2 Racing National Endurance Championships with Sam Fleming’s Army of Darkness.
Chris Peris reviews some on-track video with Hiyori Yoshida. He is pointing out how in a double-apex turn she is looking to the second apex and then turning too early, instead of looking for the outside curbing to achieve a more proper line through the second apex. Photo by Army Of Darkness Ministry of Information.
Five of Chris Peris’ Best Riding Tips
Think of the tire as having 100 points of traction to share among lean angle, brake, and throttle. The more points you devote to leaning, the fewer points left for braking and accelerating. The more points you want to use to accelerate, the more lean angle points you have to take away.
Radius = miles per hour. The faster you go, the wider your turning radius. So if you want to change direction quickly or tighten a turn, slow down.
Look ahead and scan back. Constantly exercise your depth perception.
Tie your eyes to your throttle. As soon as you get direction (i.e. you’re parallel to the apex) and you see your path out of the turn, steadily get on the throttle and accelerate.
Less for longer. Always use smooth, gentle inputs. If you’re braking for a turn, look ahead so you can brake with less strength but for a longer period of time, increasing the fork compression. If you’re accelerating out of a turn, roll on the throttle steadily. Don’t yank it open and release all the traction and power you had built up in your front tire.
A California Superbike School student (17) and USMCA-certified instructor (04) in action at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by etechphoto.com.
Hello! Our current plan is to resume schools starting with Barber Motorsports Park, May 23rd-28th. Those schools are mostly booked but there’s about 10% of the spots left. If you’re interested, call the office or go on-line. Barber was just repaved last year so we are looking forward to a beautiful riding surface. The remainder of the year’s schedule is listed here.
I think we all understand things can change depending on local and federal restrictions, but our intention is to get back to normal starting May 23rd at Barber.
There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes work during this period of inactivity to make technical improvements to our delivery. Here is a video from Keith and the whole crew saying hello with a few personal updates.
An Energica Ego+ electric sportbike. Photo by Marcello Mannoni, courtesy of Energica.
Energica: phase two to get underway with production resume
With reference to the new interpretation made on April 26 of last April 10 Prime Minister Decree Law art.2 comma 7, in which it was welcomed the proposition of Emilia Romagna’s Governor Stefano Bonaccini to restart companies and manufacturer districts of which activities are of strategic relevance for the national economy – including companies of which production and sales are mainly directed towards export – it is officially communicated a gradual resume – from today April 28 2020 – of production activities on single shift – anticipating the full reopening of industrial activity.
As per the aforementioned indication, following the communication forwarded today (April 28, 2020) to the relevant Prefect, Energica can resume production as being a company oriented mainly to export (around 95% of export in 2019). The reopening will be carried out in compliance to social distancing and safety dispositions, and specifically to April 24th “shared regulatory protocol of measures to combat and contain the spread of Covid-19 virus in workplaces.”
“The past lockdown weeks have not stopped our beating heart. The ongoing health emergency has certainly charged a collective awareness and highlighted the importance of our Made-in-Italy manufacturing “, says Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company SpA. “In these days we have also been defining a roadmap for a gradual and safe reopening which will start on Tuesday 28 April”.
“This first phase will involve only the production area that will operate on a regular shift.”
“From Monday May 4th we will proceed with a double shift and the Sport Production and R&D department will reopen to support production.”
“Our program will continue in the following weeks involving all other areas. Smart working is confirmed for Mechanic and electronic design, administrative, marketing and sales activities.”
“The resume confirms and increases the protection measures already applied before the closure: each employee will be equipped with surgical masks and gloves. Disinfection will be applied to incoming and outgoing goods.”.
“This is a crucial moment and we face it according to the “Energica” mood. We can’t afford distractions or mistakes: now it’s time to goat full charge”, continues Cevolini.
“Many customers have maintained their trust in us even in the lockdown period”, says Giacomo Leone, Energica Sales & Field Marketing Director. “Now it’s up to us, the upcoming deliveries will allow us to restart our market in the shortest time possible.”
Fastrack Riders' Fastrack Academy V coaches Chris Ulrich, Eric Bostrom, Jake Zemke and Josh Hayes and participants with the grand prize, a BMW G 310 R, at Auto Club Speedway in 2019. Photo by CaliPhotography.com, courtesy of Fastrack Academy.
Fastrack Riders’ Imad Samhat and Ademar Nunes video chat with their #QUARANTEAM of Fastrack Riders Academy instructors, including Eric Bostrom, Jeremy Toye, Chris Ulrich, and Jake Zemke
On the Front Cover: Just a typical track-riding couple spinning a few laps with Let’s Ride At Buttonwillow Raceway Park in California. Four-time AMA Superbike Champion and USMCA coach Josh Hayes leads racer wife Melissa Paris (13), both riding Yamaha YZF-R1s
To purchase the Roadracing World 2020 Trackday Directory Special Issue, click here.
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.
In This Issue:
INTRODUCTION: On The Learning Curve
FEATURES
Getting On The Track:
Overcoming Excuses
What To Ride? The Bike In Your Garage!
Track Day Tips: Do’s and Don’t’s
What Is That? Glossary Of Bike Parts
What Is That? Tech Illustrations
Racetrack Safety: Soft Barriers Work
Track Day Prep:
Basic Prep: Start Here
Set-Up: Do This First
Setting Up Suspension: Step By Step
Track Day vs. Street vs. Race Tires: Make A Choice
Tire Warmers: How And Why
Overview: Improving Your Track Bike
Bike Transport: Getting There And Back
Bike Storage: When You’re Not Riding
What To Pack: Rider Checklist
Track Day Fun:
Leod Escapes Tour & Track Ride: Destination Phillip Island
Ramming Speed Classic Track Days: The Vintage Brigade
First Track Day: “I Was Going Back…”
Traveling For Fun: Couples Create Fly & Ride Adventures
Riding Gear:
Riding Gear Head To Toe: What To Look For
Airbag Suits: The Latest In Protection
Photo Essay: Why We Wear Gear
Rider Coaching & Riding Skills:
Coaching: Experience Matters
Coaching With Video: The Camera Shows All
Coaching With Video: Learning More On Camera
Riding Skills: Where To Look
Riding Skills: Cover Your Brakes
Training On Dirt Bikes: Two-Wheel Crossover
Kids Riding & Racing:
SFLminiGP: How A Dad Founded A Mini Club
Kids On Track: Scenes From Racetracks
WHO, WHEN, & WHERE
Track Day Organization & Racing School Calendar
Road Racing Organizations
Mini Road Racing Organizations
Track Day & Track Riding Schools By State/Province
Guide To Racetrack Locations, With U.S./Canada Map
A 2020-model Yamaha MT-03 at rest. European model shown. Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motorsports Launches “Deliver Your Ride” Program
Program Supports Dealer Deliveries of New ATV, Side-by-Side, Motorcycle, and Snowmobile Products to Customers’ Homes Where Possible
MARIETTA, Ga. – April 27, 2020 – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, launched an all-new “Deliver Your Ride” program supporting Yamaha dealers that are able to complete vehicle purchases remotely and then deliver the product directly to customers. The new program includes ATV, Side-by-Side, motorcycle, and snowmobile products, and is available nationwide wherever dealers can legally and safely participate.
“Yamaha is working hard to support our dealer network and their customers during these difficult times,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports group marketing manager. “It’s not business-as-usual for anyone, yet we know people may still want to buy and enjoy new Yamaha products where possible and appropriate based on their local laws and regulations.”
The new Deliver Your Ride initiative was announced to Yamaha dealers on April 17, 2020, as a temporary program and Yamaha is working diligently with dealers to assist with the implementation. Interested customers can contact their local Yamaha dealer or visit YamahaMotorsports.com to determine availability in their area. This is a voluntary program and Yamaha is encouraging each dealer to determine the feasibility based on their local laws and capabilities.
For details regarding all Yamaha products, visit YamahaMotorsports.com. Connect with Yamaha on social media via @YamahaMotorUSA or @YamahaOutdoors.
About Yamaha Motor Corp., USA
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the Powersports industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Outboard Motors, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, and much more.
YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States. YMUS has a corporate office in Cypress, California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Further U.S.-based Yamaha companies include Skeeter Boats (Texas), G3 Boats (Missouri), Bennet Marine (Florida), Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana), and Kracor, Inc. (Wisconsin).
The Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain is scheduled Sunday, May 3. Image courtesy of Dorna.
The Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain: everything you need to know
The cause, the line-up, the format and more – here’s a full rundown of what awaits MotoGP™ fans on Sunday
Monday, 27 April 2020
MotoGP™’s first ever Virtual Races were an incredible success, providing some much needed Sunday afternoon adrenaline for many in the MotoGP™ community. Subsequently, Dorna Sports then announced an exciting world first: the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. The event is in aid of the official charity of MotoGP™, Two Wheels for Life, and will be broadcast at 3pm (GMT +2) on Sunday the 3rd of May – with all three Grand Prix classes will racing it out on the eSport stage for the first time ever.
In partnership with Dorna Sports, Two Wheels for Life have launched a new campaign with a goal of raising funds for their vital work fighting coronavirus on two wheels – ensuring the delivery of test results, education and equipment to hard to reach communities to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other dangerous diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Find out more and donate HERE, with donations open NOW until a week after the event.
The line-ups for the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain are certainly star studded as the sport shows its support. The MotoGP™ grid will be 11 riders and they’ll compete over 13 laps – the equivalent of 50% of race distance – whilst the Moto2™ and Moto3™ grids both comprise 10 riders competing over eight laps, which is 35% of race distance. In addition, for the first time since its release on the 23rd of April, the riders will now be playing on the new official MotoGP™20 Videogame from videogame developer, publisher and longstanding partner Milestone.
This time, highlights from qualifying will be shown before the three races, with those sessions set to decide the grid before the broadcast. The order will follow a normal Grand Prix weekend as Moto3™ race first, followed by Moto2™, before MotoGP™ take to the stage thereafter. Fans can watch the whole show from 3pm on motogp.com and esport.motogp.com, on selected TV broadcasters, and across social media platforms including YouTube (via the MotoGP and MotoGP eSport channels), MotoGP eSport Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook (via both the MotoGP and MotoGP eSport pages).
Broadcast partners showing coverage of the event will include Sky Italy, Canal+ in France, DAZN (in Spain, Italy and DACHS), BT Sport in the UK, ServusTV in Austria and Germany, Viasat in Sweden, NBC in the USA, Fox Brazil and ESPN in Latin America, Motorsport TV Russia, Eurosport India, Fox Asia, Fox Australia, TEN, and SuperSport across Africa.
After the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain, there will also be a post-race Press Conference for each class on MotoGP™’s Instagram! These will take place after the event, LIVE: MotoGP™ at 17:00, Moto2™ at 17:30 and Moto3™ at 18:00.
The MotoGP class rider lineup for the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. Image courtesy of Dorna.
The MotoGP™ line-up:
Repsol Honda Team: Marc Marquez, Alex Marquez
Ducati Team: Danilo Petrucci
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP: Maverick Viñales
Team Suzuki Ecstar: Alex Rins
Petronas Yamaha SRT: Fabio Quartararo
Pramac Racing: Francesco Bagnaia
Reale Avintia Racing: Tito Rabat
Red Bull KTM Tech 3*: Miguel Oliveira, Iker Lecuona
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini: Lorenzo Savadori
*Red Bull KTM Factory Racing cede their place on the grid to Red Bull KTM Tech 3
LCR Honda Idemitsu rider Takaaki Nakagami is unable to take part due to MotoGP™20 availability in his region. LCR Honda Castrol rider Cal Crutchlow is unable to take part in virtual races.
The Moto2 class rider lineup for the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. Image courtesy of Dorna.
The Moto2™ line-up:
Red Bull KTM Ajo: Jorge Martin
Flexbox HP 40: Lorenzo Baldassarri
Italtrans Racing Team: Enea Bastianini
American Racing: Marcos Ramirez
Beta Tools Speed Up: Jorge Navarro
Liqui Moly Intact GP: Marcel Schrötter
Aspar Team: Aron Canet
Petronas Sprinta Racing: Jake Dixon
NTS RW Racing GP: Bo Bendsneyder
Sky Racing Team VR46: Luca Marini
The Moto3 class rider lineup for the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain. Image courtesy of Dorna.
The Moto3™ line-up:
Aspar Team Gaviota: Albert Arenas
Leopard Racing: Dennis Foggia
SIC58 Squadra Corse: Niccolo Antonelli
Kömmerling Gresini Moto3: Gabriel Rodrigo
Rivacold Snipers Team: Tony Arbolino
Red Bull KTM Ajo: Raul Fernandez
Estrella Galicia 0,0: Sergio Garcia
Red Bull KTM Tech 3: Deniz Öncü
Sterilgarda Max Racing Team: Alonso Lopez
BOE Skull Rider Facile Energy: Ricardo Rossi
Keep up to date with everything across social media platforms as Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain gets ready to go racing on Sunday the 3rd of May at 15:00 (GMT+2) – and don’t forget to tune in for the post-race Press Conferences on Instagram after the event!
The start of the Suzuka 8-Hours race in 2019. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
NEW DATE FOR THE 43RD EDITION OF THE SUZUKA 8 HOURS
Following Japan’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, the Suzuka 8 Hours race has been postponed to 1 November 2020. The iconic race – grand finale of the FIM Endurance World Championship since the 2016/2017 season – will once again feature as the deciding race of the 2019/2020 season.
The FIM-International Motorcycling Federation, FIM EWC promoter Eurosport Events and Mobilityland, organizer of the Suzuka 8 Hours, have decided to postpone the race, initially scheduled to be held on 19 July 2020, to a new date: Sunday 1 November.
With border entry restrictions currently in effect in Japan making it impossible for Suzuka to host teams and riders from countries affected by coronavirus, the race has been postponed to later in the year.
Historically held in summer, ever since the first edition in 1978, the Suzuka 8 Hours will take place for the very first time in Autumn in 2020. In close collaboration with race organizer Mobilityland, the iconic Japanese race was promoted to the status of FIM EWC grand finale in 2017.
As the FIM EWC season final event, the 8-hour race will benefit from the bonus of 150% of the points.
The FIM, Eurosport Events and the various race organizers have together restructured the ongoing season calendar to ensure the number of races initially scheduled in the championship take place. The 2019-2020 season will therefore continue with the 24 Heures Motos (29 and 30 August 2020) followed by the Bol d’Or (19 and 20 September), and conclude with the FIM EWC grand finale at Suzuka on 1 November.
François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events
“The global health crisis, the logistical constraints resulting from Japan’s entry restrictions and our priority to protect the health of everyone involved in the FIM EWC, have made it necessary to postpone the Suzuka 8 Hours. Praise is due to Mobilityland for adapting the Suzuka calendar to ensure that this major race in the championship remains Japan’s biggest celebration for motorcycling fans. To help teams with their logistics requirements in the opening phase of the 2020-2021 FIM EWC season, we will push back the date of the 8 Hours of Sepang to January if necessary, just ahead of the customary SBK/GP pre- tests on the circuit.”
Kaoru Tanaka, President of Mobilityland Corporation
“We had been preparing for the ‘Coca-Cola’ Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race to be held in July, but have decided to postpone it in consideration of the current situation in which there is prohibition of large-scale events that attract large numbers of people and restriction of travel is expected to continue to increase in European countries. We ask for the kind understanding of all the fans who were looking forward to attending the Suzuka 8 Hours for this unavoidable postponement and of all the other stakeholders involved in this race event. We will make due preparations so that we can welcome the start of the event on November 1st together with all the fans and stakeholders involved in this event.”
Jorge Viegas, FIM President
“Who would have ever imagined that the 8 Hours of Suzuka would have to be postponed just a few weeks ago? However, we must keep strong and do whatever is in our power to return to racing, as soon as possible, without taking any unnecessary risks. I am sure that the faithful spectators of Suzuka will enjoy a great show again and that this iconic race will retain its special place in the FIM Endurance World Championship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the efforts of the Japanese Motorcycling Federation (MFJ), Mobilityland Corporation and of course Eurosport Events!”
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