MotoE World Cup: Three-Day Test Begins Tuesday At Jerez

David Swarts

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March 9, 2020

MotoE World Cup: Three-Day Test Begins Tuesday At Jerez

OFFICIAL MOTOE TEST AT JEREZ ABOUT TO GET UNDERWAY

The ‘Circuito de Jerez’ is ready to host the first three-day official test of the 2020 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup™, which gets underway tomorrow at the Andalusian venue. Teams and riders are finalising preparations ahead of the first day of action as they reacquaint themselves – or prepare to get to grips with – the stunning Energica Ego Corsa machines which will be at their disposal throughout the 2020 edition of the all-electric series of MotoGP.

In full compliance with the precautionary dispositions set by the Italian government following the 8th March decree-law, the Energica racing team has made it to the South of Spain for what is going to be an exciting test ahead of the second season of the series.

While the core package of the bike will remain unaltered from last year, several technical updates will be introduced, including 10% more torque and a new battery-cooling system – which is going to be tested by a selected number of riders – along with new tyres (available for the 18 riders taking part in the series) and updates to the charging system.

NEWS FROM THE ENERGICA HQ

In full respect of the restrictive precautionary dispositions imposed by the decree-law issued on March 8th, and following the growth of the order backlog in 2020 that reached the 100% of the total order of 2019, has decided to intervene on the production-area work shifts in order to cope with the success of the new MY2020 range.

Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company: “This new plan will add two daily shifts, for an overall number of three shifts with partial overlap, which allows Energica a production increase of at least 50%, up to 100% with a ramp-up of around one month.”

With weather forecast showing sunny conditions and high temperatures for the season (with maximum air temperatures of 27°C expected on Wednesday) riders and teams will have three half-hour sessions each day.

FP1 10:00 – 10:30

FP2 13:00 – 13:30

FP3 15:30 – 16:00

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.

The all-electric racing bike Energica Ego Corsa is ready for the first official test sessions (Jerez de la Frontera, 10-12 March and 8-10 April) as well as for the second edition of the MotoE World Cup, to be contested over five rounds and seven individual races (Jerez, Assen, Red Bull Ring, Misano, Valencia).

Daytona 200: Comoto Named Presenting Sponsor

David Swarts

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March 9, 2020

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Daytona 200: Comoto Named Presenting Sponsor

Comoto to Serve as Presenting Sponsor for 79th DAYTONA 200

The DAYTONA 200 Presented By Comoto and DAYTONA TT Scheduled for Saturday, March 14

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 9, 2020) – Comoto will serve as the presenting sponsor for the 79th DAYTONA 200, America’s most historic motorcycle race, scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at Daytona International Speedway. The race will be known as the DAYTONA 200 presented by Comoto.

The 57-lap, 200-mile event will showcase 600cc sportbikes on the Speedway’s 3.51-mile road course and feature a $175,000 purse with a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch awarded to the champion of the race.

“We’re proud to welcome the Comoto Family of Brands as a presenting sponsor for the DAYTONA 200,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “This is a special year for the DAYTONA 200 as it will make up a doubleheader day of motorcycle racing with the DAYTONA TT that will create an even more memorable experience for guests at the ‘World Center of Racing.’ ”

The DAYTONA 200, sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association and operated by the American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA), will be held alongside the DAYTONA TT on the second Saturday of Daytona Bike Week festivities. Fans will be able to enjoy the 79th DAYTONA 200 during the day and stay into the evening to cheer on the athletes of American Flat Track at their season-opening DAYTONA TT.

Comoto is America’s largest and fastest growing omni-channel platform in the powersports aftermarket-products industry and is dedicated to advancing the experience of motorcycle enthusiasts across the globe. Comoto’s Family of Brands include RevZilla, Cycle Gear and J&P Cycles; with over 150 stores and over 95 years of combined experience, Comoto delivers premium products, dedicated expertise, engaging media and passionate customer support of the rider community, through best-in-class ecommerce and retail experiences.

To purchase tickets for all Bike Week At DAYTONA events, and for more information on the activities surrounding the events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can stay up to speed on the latest news by using #BikeWeek, #DAYTONASX, #DAYTONATT and #DAYTONA200. Stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat, and by downloading Daytona International Speedway’s mobile app, for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.

MotoAmerica: Mathew Scholtz Will Miss Barber Test Due To Injury (Updated)

David Swarts

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March 9, 2020

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MotoAmerica: Mathew Scholtz Will Miss Barber Test Due To Injury (Updated)

Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz will miss the official MotoAmerica test March 10-11 at Barber Motorsports Park due to an injury he suffered when he crashed while training at a motocross track in Georgia.

“Unfortunately, my (right) collar bone is done,” Scholtz told Roadracingworld.com Monday. “I had been to this track a couple of times before, but they had changed the layout since I was there last. It was in my first few laps and I hit a kicker wrong and went over the bars. It didn’t seem that big at first and I pushed my bike back to the pits, but then I noticed my collarbone was trying to stick out of my shoulder.

“I went to see the orthopedic doctor already and I’m going in for surgery on Wednesday [March 11]. They’re going to be putting a plate in, and one week after that I’ll be able to take it out of the sling and start doing physio.”

Asked if he thinks he will be fit to ride in the first races of the season, scheduled April 3-5 at Circuit of The Americas, Scholtz said: “I’ll be more than fine by then. We actually have a test scheduled March 20 at VIR, and I’m hoping to be at that.

“It’s just unfortunate that it happened right before the Barber test. We just tested a couple of weeks ago at Jennings GP, but this was going to be out first test with out full 2020 package: engine, fairings everything. But the team is going to try to have someone ride my [Yamaha YZF-R1] Superbike to get some of the bugs sorted out and have it ready for my return.”

More, from another press release issued by Westby Racing:

Mathew Scholtz Injured In Training Crash, Ruled Out Of MotoAmerica Official Dunlop Preseason Test

Tulsa, OK – March 9, 2020 – Mathew Scholtz, rider of the #11 Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike, suffered one of the most untimely of injuries when he fractured his right clavicle and sustained additional bumps and bruises in a crash while training aboard a motocross bike on Sunday. The crash and resulting injuries occurred just two days prior to the first day of MotoAmerica’s annual Dunlop Preseason Test, which takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday at Barber Motorsports Park.

“It was literally a first- or second-gear crash,” Mathew said. “I just came in a little too quickly, and before I knew it, I was over the bars and on the ground. The pain isn’t as bad as the immediate realization and disappointment that I am going to miss the test. It’s one thing for me to miss seat time on the Superbike, but I’ve let my team down, and they’ve been working so hard this off-season. We were really looking forward to this test. Riding motocross bikes for training is a necessary part of my program, and it’s unfortunate that this happened when it did. I’m going to have surgery the day after tomorrow, and I’ll be able to get on a stationary bike and keep my fitness up.”

According to Mathew, he will have surgery on Wednesday to have the fracture plated, and he’ll begin rehabbing immediately.

Team manager Chuck Giacchetto commented, “Obviously, the timing on this development presents a challenge for Mathew and our team. But, I have never seen a rider more physically fit than ‘The Scholtz Kid.’ His body is a temple. He had a man-to-man talk with (team owner) Tryg (Westby) about what happened. We are going to manage our expectations, but this small setback will not deter Mathew nor the team. He’ll be ready for the first round of the MotoAmerica season.”

The team is currently evaluating whether to put a substitute rider on the Superbike for the test, and Chuck added, “We do have another team rider who will be testing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Our Junior Cup rider Cody Wyman is looking forward to testing his #34 Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R3. As far as putting someone on the Superbike, we’re currently considering our options.”

For more Westby Racing updates, including news, photos, and videos, visit https://www.westbyracing.com

Also, visit “Westby Racing” on your favorite social media site.

Canadian Superbike: Rules Revised In Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike

David Swarts

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March 9, 2020

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Canadian Superbike: Rules Revised In Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike

Toronto, ON – The Mopar CSBK Canadian National Superbike Championship have confirmed 2020 rules revisions for the popular Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike category, as well as announcing a parallel Pro/AM category celebrating the 40th anniversary of the series at Shannonville Motorsport Park, September 19-20.

Racers involved in Lightweight class racing at 2019 National events were surveyed in the fall of 2019, with almost two thirds of participants responding, allowing an understanding of what rules direction the competitors favored. As well, CSBK staff looked at data collected from both TSN’s Motorcycle Experience Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike races in 2019 and support class activity for similar machines.

In the two-year history of Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike National competition, a range of twin cylinder machines from Kawasaki, Honda’s CBR500R 500cc twin and Yamaha’s R3 have all won races. Both Championships belong to Yamaha YZF-R3 pilots: teen-aged brothers Jake and Ben Leclair, from Blackstock, ON.

Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike competitors are the most scrutinized racers in the CSBK National tour, with weight, horsepower and other technical checks performed after almost every on-track session. In 2020, the series will continue to check specs using the official series Dynojet Dyno, provided by Brooklin Cycle Racing.

The major rule adjustments are:

1. For Yamaha 300cc Twins, Kawasaki 250cc and 300cc Twins, and all Honda 250 and 300cc singles:

Maximum horsepower increases from 42 to 44 for 2020
Weight drops from 320 pounds to 310.

2. For the Kawasaki 400 Twin, introduced in 2018:

Maximum horsepower increases in 2020 from 42 to 45
Minimum weight is unchanged at 320.

3. For the Honda 500cc Twin:

Maximum horsepower is increased from 45 to 46 for 2020
Minimum weight decreases from 360 to 350 pounds.

Click here for the 2020 Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike Rules Package (PDF)

The Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike class will continue to race on spec Dunlop Sportmax Q3 + DOT rubber. A new spec rear will change the racer’s option from the 150/60ZR-17 size to the new 140/70ZR-17 sizing, with a transitional grace period allowed for the opening races at Shannonville. Tire warmers will once again not be permitted in Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike for 2020.

The new Pro/AM class will offer a more liberal set of standards for a similar range of Lightweight-category machinery, with the option for competitors to apply to use motorcycles not approved for Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike if those machines fit into the competitive model for the class.

As well, Professional level racers will be permitted to join with the Amateurs to compete in the Pro/AM, and competitors can participate in other National classes beyond Pro/AM at Nationals – in Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike activity, racers can only compete in their class during a National weekend, with no “bumping.” Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike Racers are permitted to participate in Pro/AM during the same National weekend.

Pro/AM races will be held at most National events, with a two race RZ Cup-style shoot out event to determine the class National Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park, September 19-20. Competitors must place in the top 12 positions at specified Pro/Am races to qualify for the September Shannonville weekend.

The top ten in points for the similar class at the Shannonville Super-Series will also receive invitations to compete in the two-race September shootout for the title. The format for this new Championship was developed in support class action at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in August of 2018 and 2019.

The 2020 Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike Championship series will crown a Champion at C.T.M.P. on August 14-16, meaning those AM Lightweight class racers can concentrate on the Pro/AM at Shannonville. Amateur Superbike and Amateur Sport Bike will also complete their Championship series at C.T.M.P., while Mopar Superbike and Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike will finish their season during the 40th Anniversary event at Shannonville in September.

Details for the Pro/AM required specifications will be confirmed shortly but it is expected that the standards will permit a wider range of equipment:

Overall horsepower limit of 48 expected on the Dynojet Dyno at Shannonville in September
Minimum weight of 300 pounds, measure with all fluids immediately post-race
As well, Pro/Am racers will be permitted to use Dunlop slick tires (KR 448 front and KR 451 rear) and tire warmers; both items not permitted in the Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike category.

American Joe Roberts Finally At The Front In Moto2

David Swarts

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March 9, 2020

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American Joe Roberts Finally At The Front In Moto2

by Michael Gougis

In 41 Moto2 starts, American Joe Roberts hadn’t gotten within 20 seconds of a win. His best result was 10th, his best dry result was 13th, and the leaders typically were long gone within a lap or two.

It’s not that the talent wasn’t there. A veteran of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series, he showed his speed in the U.S., winning five of the five AMA Pro 600 Supersport (Supersport at the time being the equivalent of 600 Superstock) races he entered in 2014 on a California Superbike School/Roadracingworld.com Racing Honda CBR600RR. Two years later, he dominated in the MotoAmerica Superstock 600 class.

When he went to Europe to race Moto2, Roberts ran into many of the obstacles that typically face new and upcoming riders. His first full season was on a chassis built by NTS, a newcomer to motorcycle chassis design and the Moto2 series and not up to the standards of the class-leading machines designed and built by companies with deep racing histories like Suter and Kalex.

And it took KTM most of 2019 to sort out its Moto2 chassis for its factory teams, let alone for a satellite operation like American Racing Team, the team that Roberts rides for.

What changed for 2020?

First, the machinery base got better. In any series as tightly regulated as the spec-engine Moto2 series, one design tends to emerge as the front-runner, and in Moto2 the chassis of choice has been Kalex. For 2020, team principal Eitan Butbul did a deal to put his riders on Kalex chassis.

Second, the team infrastructure got better. I had a conversation in the paddock with Roberts’ father, Matt, in Valencia at the end of 2019. There were a lot of changes planned for 2020, he told me, and one of the ones he was most excited about was a plan for a new crew chief. Lucio Nicastro has worked with Moto2 World Champion Sandro Cortese, Chaz Davies, Sam Lowes and has deep experience in Moto2 racing. When the machines are identical, the mechanical advantage comes from knowing how to adjust them to the rider, the track and the conditions, and Nicastro excels at this.

Last, American Racing hooked Roberts up with former MotoGP, World Superbike, British Superbike, and AMA Superbike racer John Hopkins. They’ve trained together, and Roberts says Hopkins has been a major help in identifying the areas where he needed to improve.

American Joe Roberts (16) fighting at the front during the Moto2 World Championship race at Losail International Circuit. Photo courtesy of American Racing Team.

It all came together at Qatar, where he smashed the outright lap record, took pole and just missed out on his first podium, Roberts told Roadracing World.

“I was feeling pretty nervous in the morning, the pressure I put on myself, the support from the whole country, I really wanted to deliver, you know?” Roberts said. “But then as soon as I started doing my warm-up laps, I got on the track and I thought, I was really confident and strong with the bike.

“There was a question whether the soft tire would make it the whole way. We went with the harder front tire. All the rest of the guys at the front chose the softer one. I felt comfortable at that pace, and I was battling on a tire that I really hadn’t used all weekend. In the end, it was a pretty good call.

“Honestly, man, it was a fantastic race. To cross the finish line first (Roberts led a lap), to be battling for first, I haven’t had that my whole Grand Prix career. Of course I wanted to win, and I felt I had the pace to win, but I can’t complain. A really great race.

“The left side of the tire was getting quite cold. At one point in the race, I was catching (Luca) Marini and I caught him but then I dropped back a second when I had a huge moment in Turn Two where I saved the whole front on my elbow. I was about to crash, I lost a bunch of time. And it happened again in Turn 15. With this tire, when it gets cold, it’s hard to get it warmed up again.

“For the rest of the race, I was trying to figure out how hard I could push, because I didn’t want to throw away a great result. At that point, I was in the battle for the podium. But then those guys stepped it up in the last few laps.

“At the end, on the last lap, I figured out basically that I’d have to baby it in the left-hand corners and then I could push as hard as I wanted in the right-hand corners. I wound up setting pretty much my personal best time, which was actually the fastest lap of anybody on that last lap. Honestly, I didn’t want to throw away the result! I pushed like hell to catch back up to the podium. But it was a great race, a great race for sure.”

Johann Zarco Gets The Ride He Wanted, Featured In March Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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March 9, 2020

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Johann Zarco Gets The Ride He Wanted, Featured In March Issue

Featured In the March 2020 issue of Roadracing World:

Johann Zarco knew exactly what he wanted for 2020: A bike he could be competitive on.

The two-time Moto2 World Champion and MotoGP podium finisher walked away from
a KTM contract midway through 2019, saying he was unhappy with the still-under-development machine and what it was doing to his confidence.

Thrown a lifeline by the LCR Honda Idemitsu team for a three-race fill-in role to end the 2019 season, Zarco started repairing the damage to his confidence. His results on the year-old Honda RC213V showed him to be at least at the level of Honda rider Takaaki Nakagami, whose place on LCR he took while the Japanese rider recovered from shoulder surgery.

In his second race on the bike, Zarco led LCR teammate Cal Crutchlow in Sepang and ran eighth before he was rammed by Joan Mir and sent into the gravel trap …

— Interview: Johann Zarco, What About Zarco?

Johann Zarco has what he wanted. The Frenchman is back on the MotoGP grid, has a contract with Ducati and is on a bike that won races last season. Editor at Large Michael Gougis had a chance to sit down with the French rider and get inside the complicated, intense head of a World Champion. It’s all in the latest Roadracing World!

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

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FIM Updates List Of Motorcycles Homologated For Road Racing

David Swarts

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March 9, 2020

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FIM Updates List Of Motorcycles Homologated For Road Racing

Listing of FIM Homologated Motorcycles for 2020

Superbike – Supersport – Superstock 600/1000 – Formula EWC

Note: Changes in bold in the Superbike, Superstock 1000 / Formula EWC category. This list may be updated at any time during the year.

SUPERBIKE / EWC Endurance

MODEL PRODUCTION PERIOD FROM – UNTIL

APRILIA RSV4 1000 RR/RF JAN 15 – end

APRILIA RSV4 1000 RR/RF JAN 17 – model updates

BMW S 1000 RR JAN 12 – end (+ ABS, DTC, Electronic Gear Assist., frame and parts upd’s

BMW S 1000 RR HP4 JAN 13 – end (+ABS, DTC, Electronic Gear Assist, DDC)

BMW S 1000 RR JAN 15 – present (+ABS, DTC, Electronic Gear Assist, DDC, forged wheels)

BMW S 1000 RR JAN 17 – present (model updates)

BMW S 1000 RR FEB 19 – present

EBR 1190 RX JAN 14 – present

DUCATI 1199 Panigale R FEB 13 – end

DUCATI 1199 Panigale R FEB 15 – present

DUCATI Panigale V4R FEB 19 – present

HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC59) JAN 12 – present (STD + ABS version – model facelift and parts updates)

HONDA CBR 1000 RR SP (SC59) JAN 14 – end (Ohlins forks + rear suspension unit, Brembo front brakes)

HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC77) JAN 17 – present

HONDA CBR 1000 RR SP (SC77) JAN 17 – present

HONDA CBR 1000 RR SP2 (SC77) JAN 17 – present

HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC77) FEB 19 – present (ECU updates)

HONDA CBR 1000 RR-R ST (SC82) JAN 20 – present

HONDA CBR 1000 RR-R SP (SC82) JAN 20 – present

KAWASAKI ZX 10 R JAN 11 – end (STD + ABS version)

KAWASAKI ZX-10 R JAN 16 – end (STD + ABS version)

KAWASAKI ZX-10 RR JAN 17 – present (ABS version)

KAWASAKI ZX-10 RR SE FEB 18 – present (Electronic Suspension)

KAWASAKI ZX-10 RR FEB 19 – present

MV AGUSTA F4 RR JAN 14 – present (+ 2015 Model parts updates)

SUZUKI GSX R 1000 L2 JAN 12 – present (Model facelift and parts updates)

SUZUKI GSX R 1000 L7 JAN 17 – present

SUZUKI GSX R 1000 R MAR 17 – present

SUZUKI GSX R 1000 R FEB 19 – present

YAMAHA YZF – R1 (2012 model) JAN 12 – end (Model facelift and parts updates)

YAMAHA YZF – R1/R1M (2015 model JAN 15 – present (R1M with forged wheels)

YAMAHA YZF – R1 (2015 model) JAN 16 – present (US model)

YAMAHA YZF – R1 JAN 17 – model updates

YAMAHA YZF – R1 FEB 18 – ECU updates

Listing of FIM homologated motorcycles for 2020 (continued)

SUPERSPORT 600 – SUPERSTOCK 600

MODEL PRODUCTION PERIOD FROM – UNTIL

HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC40) JAN 13 – present (STD + ABS version)

KAWASAKI ZX 600 R F (ZX-6R) JAN 09 – present – validity extended until 2020 (included)

MV AGUSTA F3 FEB 13 – present

MV AGUSTA F3 FEB 17 – present (model updates)

SUZUKI GSX-R600 L1 JAN 11 – present

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675R JAN 11 – validity extended until 2020 (included)

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 FEB 13 – present (ABS and NON ABS version)

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 R FEB 13 – present (ABS)

YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 12 – (parts updates) – validity extended until 2020 included

YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 17 – present

Listing of FIM homologated motorcycles for 2020 (continued)

SUPERSTOCK 1000 –

MODEL PRODUCTION PERIOD FROM – UNTIL

APRILIA RSV4 1000 APRC 1000 Factory DEC 11 – end

APRILIA RSV4 1000 RR/RF JAN 15 – end

APRILIA RSV4 1000 RR/RF JAN 17 – model updates

BMW S 1000 RR JAN 12 – end (+ ABS, DTC, Electronic Gear Assist., frame and parts updates )

BMW S 1000 RR HP4 JAN 13 – end (+ABS, DTC, Electronic Gear Assist, DDC)

BMW S 1000 RR JAN 15 – present (+ABS, DTC, Electronic Gear Assist, DDC, forged wheels)

BMW S 1000 RR JAN 17 – model updates

BMW S 1000 RR FEB 19 – present

DUCATI 1199 Panigale R MARCH 13 – end

DUCATI 1199 Panigale R MARCH 15 – end

HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC59) JAN 12 – present (STD + ABS version) – Model facelift and parts updates

HONDA CBR 1000 RR SP (SC59) JAN 14 – present (Ohlins forks & rear suspension unit, Brembo front brakes)

HONDA CBR 1000 RR SP (SC59) JAN 14 – end (Ohlins forks + rear suspension unit, Brembo front brakes)

HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC77) JAN 17 – present

HONDA CBR 1000 RR SP (SC77) JAN 17 – present

HONDA CBR 1000 RR SP2 (SC77) JAN 17 – present

HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC77) FEB 19 – present (ECU updates)

HONDA CBR 1000 RR-R ST (SC82) JAN 20 – present

HONDA CBR 1000 RR-R SP (SC82) JAN 20 – present

KAWASAKI ZX 10 R JAN 11 – end (STD + ABS version)

KAWASAKI ZX-10 R JAN 16 – end (STD + ABS version)

KAWASAKI ZX-10 RR JAN 17 – present (ABS version)

KAWASAKI ZX-10 RR SE FEB 18 – present (Electronic Suspension)

KAWASAKI ZX-10 R FEB 19 – present

KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR FEB 19 – present

KAWASAKI ZX-10 RR SE FEB 19 – present

KTM RC8 R JULY 14 – present

MV AGUSTA F4 RR MARCH 13 – present

SUZUKI GSX R 1000 L2 JAN 12 – present (Model facelift and parts updates)

SUZUKI GSX R 1000 L7 JAN 17 – present

SUZUKI GSX R 1000 R MAR 17- present

SUZUKI GSX R 1000 R FEB 19 – present

YAMAHA YZF R1 (2012 model) JAN 12 – end (Model facelift and parts updates)

YAMAHA YZF R1/R1M (2015 model) JAN 15 – present (R1M with forged wheels)

YAMAHA – YZF R1 (2015 model) JAN 16 – present (US model)

YAMAHA – YZF R1 JAN 17 – model updates

YAMAHA – YZF R1 JAN 18 – ECU updates

YAMAHA – YZF R1 NOV 19 – present

YAMAHA – YZF R1M NOV 19 – present

American Flat Track: 2020 Contingency Program Tops $3 Million

David Swarts

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March 9, 2020

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American Flat Track: 2020 Contingency Program Tops $3 Million

2020 American Flat Track Contingency Program Breaks $3M

Latest additions make it the largest series contingency total to-date.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 9, 2020) – American Flat Track announced today a record total for its 2020 American Flat Track Contingency Program. With the season nearing, riders in all three classes of AFT are eligible for a total of over $3,100,000 in contingency offerings.

The American Flat Track Contingency Awards Program is designed to reward riders based on race results and the final championship standings, with participating brands offering cash awards.

The total funds available for each class are as follows:

$1,685,700 for AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines

$711,100 for AFT Production Twins

$729,250 for AFT Singles

“Only a few short years ago, contingency dollars available in AFT struggled to reach $200,000,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “This record year, with over $3,000,000 on offer is testament to how far the series has come, the confidence level the industry has in the sport and the rapidly rising status of our top performing athletes. I want to thank all the participating brands for putting money into the hands of American Flat Track racers.”

OEMs participating in the 2020 American Flat Track Contingency Program include Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Indian Motorcycle, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha.

Other participating brands include Arai Helmet, Dainese, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Motion Pro, S&S Cycle and Vance & Hines.

To help AFT riders take home as many contingency dollars as possible, American Flat Track has created online Contingency Guidelines, which are available in the Competitor Information section of AFT’s website and can be accessed via the following links:

AFT SuperTwins Contingency Guidelines

AFT Production Twins Contingency Guidelines

AFT Singles Contingency Guidelines

Tickets for the first-ever doubleheader – DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT – at the legendary Daytona International Speedway are on sale now. Watch both historic motorcycle racing events during Bike Week at DAYTONA for just $35 when you purchase an advance General Admission ticket online. Get yours at www.americanflattrack.com.

For more information on American Flat Track visit www.americanflattrack.com.

To get the latest American Flat Track clothing and merchandise visit www.americanflattracker.com.

How to Watch:

NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2020 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT remains in highly-coveted programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for AFT on NBCSN can be viewed at http://www.americanflattrack.com/events-nbcsn/. TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold – the most-robust motorsports offering in the digital marketplace – is a cornerstone of AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event and maintaining an active archive of all AFT content.

About American Flat Track:

American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events with TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

Where To Ride In March: Track Days, Schools, And Races

David Swarts

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March 9, 2020

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Where To Ride In March: Track Days, Schools, And Races

The following track riding and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States during March 2020.

Motorcycle track days, riding schools, and races are posted under the Events tab on the home page of this website.

You can access the Events calendar for March 2020 directly by clicking HERE .

Once on the Events page, you can search for the event you are looking for by its date.

When you click on the event you want to attend you will find a link to the website and/or email address of the host organization, a link to the website of the host venue, the physical address of the host venue, a Google map to the host venue, and buttons to add the event and its information to your calendar application.

To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Events calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website.

Calendar listings are updated often.

2/29-3/1 ASRA Sprint & Team Challenge, CCS Series, MotoGirlGT Series Racing – Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, GA

2/29-3/1 WERA West Sportsman Series Racing – Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

2/29-31 Cornerspin School: Roadracing In The Dirt (Dirt Track School) – Cornerspin Facility, Spencer, NC

3/1 RideSmart Motorcycle School – MotorSport Ranch (1.3-mile CCW), Cresson, TX

3/1 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School) – Prather, CA

3/1-2 Evolve GT School and Track Days – MotorSport Ranch, Cresson, TX

3/1-2 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School) – Santa Rosa, CA

3/2 RideSmart Motorcycle School – MotorSport Ranch (1.7-mile CCW), Cresson, TX

3/2-3 Yamaha Champions Riding School – Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

3/6 TrackDaz Track Days – Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

3/6-7 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School) – City of Industry, CA

3/7 ASMA Track Days and Advanced Rider Training – Arroyo Seco Raceway, Deming, NM

3/7 Classic Track Day – Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

3/7 SoCal Supermoto School – Adams Motorsports Park, Riverside, CA

3/7-8 ASMA Series Racing – Arroyo Seco Raceway, Deming, NM

3/7-8 California Superbike School – Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

3/7-8 HART Rider Training/Motorcycle Lapping Days – Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Hallett, OK

3/7-8 JP43 Training School – Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/7-8 SoCal Track Days – Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/7-8 Southern Track Days – Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

3/7-8 Sportbike Track Time Track Days – Talladega Grand Prix Raceway, Munford, AL

3/7-8 Total Control Training – Gilbert, AZ – ARC

3/7-8 Track Day Winner Track Days – NOLA Motorsports Park, Avondale, LA

3/7-8 Cornerspin School: Roadracing In The Dirt (Dirt Track School) – Cornerspin Facility, Spencer, NC

3/8 DRRO Track Days And Road Race School – Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, AZ

3/8 Florida Trackdays – Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, FL

3/8 John Long’s Longevity Racing School – Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, FL

3/8-9 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School) – City of Industry, CA

3/9 Carters@thetrack Track Days – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA

3/9-10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School) – Prather, CA

3/12-13 California Superbike School – Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

3/13 2 Wheels Track Days – Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/13-15 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School) – Prather, CA

3/13-15 CMRA Series – NOLA Motorsports Park, Avondale, LA

3/13-14 Daytona 200/AMA Sanctioned ASRA Championship Series – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

3/13-15 CCS Series/MotoGirlGT Racing – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

3/14 M1GP Rider Clinics and Track Days (Minis) – Santa Maria Kart Track, Santa Maria, CA

3/14 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Track Days (Minis) – Sandy Hook Speedway, Street, MD

3/14 Streetmasters (Schools) – Willow Springs International Raceway (Horsethief Mile), Rosamond, CA

3/14-15 N2 Track Days – Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, GA

3/14-15 Total Control Training – San Diego, CA

3/14-15 California Superbike School – Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

3/15 XCEL Trackdays Track Days – Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, AZ

3/16 Fun Track Dayz – Thunderhill Raceway Park (East), Willows, CA

3/16 Let’s Ride Track Days – Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

3/16-17 California Superbike School – Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

3/20 Ed Bargy Advanced Riding and Racing School – Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, GA

3/20 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School) – Prather, CA

3/21-22 WERA National Challenge Co-Sanctioned by AMA – Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, GA

3/21-22 AFM Series Racing – Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

3/21-22 WERA Sportsman Series Racing – Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, GA

3/21-22 Fastrack Riders Academy & Apex Club Track Days & School – Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA

3/21-22 M1GP Rider Clinics and Track Days (Minis) – Willow Springs Kart Track, Rosamond, CA

3/21-22 Cornerspin School: Roadracing In The Dirt (Dirt Track School) – Cornerspin Facility, Spencer, NC

3/21-22 SoCal Supermoto School – Adams Motorsports Park, Riverside, CA

3/21-23 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools – Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

3/21-23 Carters@thetrack Track Days – Thunderhill Raceway Park (East), Willows, CA

3/22 John Long’s Longevity Racing School – Palm Beach International Raceway, Jupiter, FL

3/22 South Florida MiniGP Series Racing – Andersen Racepark, Palmetto, FL

3/22 Superbike-Coach Corp. (Schools) – The New Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, CA

3/23 CLASS Motorcycle School with 3x AMA Superbike Champion Reg Pridmore – Streets of Willow, Rosamond, CA

3/23 3:16 Trackdays/America Superbike Camp – MotorSports Ranch (1.7-mile), Cresson, TX

3/25 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School) – Prather, CA

3/25-26 JP43 Training School – Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/25-26 Racers Edge Track Days and Private Coaching Days – Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/27 AHRMA Academy of Roadracing – Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

3/27 Total Control Training – Tucson, AZ

3/27 TrackDaz Track Days – Chuckwalla Valley Raceway (CCW), Desert Center, CA

3/27-29 AHRMA American Historic Racing – Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

3/28 Superbike-Coach Corp. (Schools) – Thunderhill Raceway Park (East), Willows, CA

3/28-29 CVMA Series Racing – Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

3/28-29 Evolve GT School and Track Days – MSR Houston, Angleton, TX

3/28-29 M1GP (Mini) Racing – Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

3/28-29 Apex Assassins Track Days – Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

3/28-29 Pacific Track Time Track Days – Thunderhill Raceway Park (East), Willows, CA

3/28-29 RideSmart Motorcycle School – MSR Houston (2.4-mile), Angleton, TX

3/28-29 Total Control Training – San Marcos, CA

3/28-29 TrackXperience Track Days – Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch (East), Pahrump, NV

3/28-29 Cornerspin School: Roadracing In The Dirt (Dirt Track School) – Cornerspin Facility, Spencer, NC

3/28-29 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School) – Prather, CA

3/28-30 American Supercamp (dirt track school) – Gainesville, GA

3/29 Superbike-Coach Corp. (Schools) – The New Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton, CA

3/29 SoCal Supermoto School – Adams Motorsports Park, Riverside, CA

3/29-30 California Superbike School – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA

3/29-4/1 Colin Edwards’ Texas Tornado Boot Camp (dirt track school) – Montgomery, TX

3/30 Performance Riding Experience (PRE) Track Days – VIRginia International Raceway (North), Alton, VA

MotoGP: FIM Grand Prix Commission Issues Clarifications

David Swarts

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March 8, 2020

0

FIM Grand Prix World Championship

Decision of the Grand Prix Commission

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Carlos Ezpeleta (Dorna), Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held in Doha on 7 March 2020, made the following decisions:

Sporting Regulations

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

RIDERS ACTIVELY COMPETING

The Grand Prix Commission (GPC) clarified the conditions under which a rider will be classified after the interruption of a race. It is already a requirement that riders must be “actively competing” in order to be classified. This is currently defined as the rider riding on track, or attempting to repair/restart the machine, or to re-join the track or return to pit lane.

The GPC decided to add that the rider’s machine must be in a condition to re-join the track.

The FIM MotoGP Stewards will continue to be the sole judge of whether a rider is actively competing including the condition of the machine and no appeal is possible against the FIM MotoGP Stewards’ decision.

LONG LAP AND RIDE THROUGH PENALTIES

The GPC decided to have more consistency in the long lap and ride through penalties.

A rider receiving a ride through or long lap penalty will have three laps to respect the displayed penalty board and comply with the penalty.

The only exception will now be that a rider receiving a penalty of two long laps will have five laps to respect the displayed penalty board and comply with the penalty.

WILD CARD ENTRY FEES

No changes have been made to the fees charged to riders for a wild card entry. However, the fee for the FIM single event GP licence will now be collected by IRTA, with the entry fee, and passed to the FIM. The net effect is that there is no increase in total costs for riders.

Medical Regulations

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Following confusion at some previous events, the GPC confirmed that the cost of transporting an injured rider from the circuit to a hospital is the responsibility of event organiser.

Team staff and other paddock workers often need to start work very early and continue until late. The regulations covering this matter were therefore also changed to require medical staff to be present at a circuit between 07.00 and 23.00 on every day of the event when work is being performed in the paddock.

A regularly updated version of the FIM Grand Prix Regulations which contains the detailed text of the regulation changes may be viewed shortly on:

http://www.fim-live.com/en/sport/regulations-and-documents/grand-prix/

MotoE World Cup: Three-Day Test Begins Tuesday At Jerez

March 9, 2020

Action from the start of the FIM MotoE World Cup race at Sachsenring. Photo courtesy of Energica. — Action from the start of the FIM MotoE World Cup race at Sachsenring in 2019. Photo courtesy of Energica.

OFFICIAL MOTOE TEST AT JEREZ ABOUT TO GET UNDERWAY

The ‘Circuito de Jerez’ is ready to host the first three-day official test of the 2020 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup™, which gets underway tomorrow at the Andalusian venue. Teams and riders are finalising preparations ahead of the first day of action as they reacquaint themselves – or prepare to get to grips with – the stunning Energica Ego Corsa machines which will be at their disposal throughout the 2020 edition of the all-electric series of MotoGP.

In full compliance with the precautionary dispositions set by the Italian government following the 8th March decree-law, the Energica racing team has made it to the South of Spain for what is going to be an exciting test ahead of the second season of the series.

While the core package of the bike will remain unaltered from last year, several technical updates will be introduced, including 10% more torque and a new battery-cooling system – which is going to be tested by a selected number of riders – along with new tyres (available for the 18 riders taking part in the series) and updates to the charging system.

NEWS FROM THE ENERGICA HQ

In full respect of the restrictive precautionary dispositions imposed by the decree-law issued on March 8th, and following the growth of the order backlog in 2020 that reached the 100% of the total order of 2019, has decided to intervene on the production-area work shifts in order to cope with the success of the new MY2020 range.

Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company: “This new plan will add two daily shifts, for an overall number of three shifts with partial overlap, which allows Energica a production increase of at least 50%, up to 100% with a ramp-up of around one month.”

With weather forecast showing sunny conditions and high temperatures for the season (with maximum air temperatures of 27°C expected on Wednesday) riders and teams will have three half-hour sessions each day.

FP1 10:00 – 10:30

FP2 13:00 – 13:30

FP3 15:30 – 16:00

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.

The all-electric racing bike Energica Ego Corsa is ready for the first official test sessions (Jerez de la Frontera, 10-12 March and 8-10 April) as well as for the second edition of the MotoE World Cup, to be contested over five rounds and seven individual races (Jerez, Assen, Red Bull Ring, Misano, Valencia).

Daytona 200: Comoto Named Presenting Sponsor

March 9, 2020

The start of the 2019 Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Comoto to Serve as Presenting Sponsor for 79th DAYTONA 200

The DAYTONA 200 Presented By Comoto and DAYTONA TT Scheduled for Saturday, March 14

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 9, 2020) – Comoto will serve as the presenting sponsor for the 79th DAYTONA 200, America’s most historic motorcycle race, scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at Daytona International Speedway. The race will be known as the DAYTONA 200 presented by Comoto.

The 57-lap, 200-mile event will showcase 600cc sportbikes on the Speedway’s 3.51-mile road course and feature a $175,000 purse with a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch awarded to the champion of the race.

“We’re proud to welcome the Comoto Family of Brands as a presenting sponsor for the DAYTONA 200,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “This is a special year for the DAYTONA 200 as it will make up a doubleheader day of motorcycle racing with the DAYTONA TT that will create an even more memorable experience for guests at the ‘World Center of Racing.’ ”

The DAYTONA 200, sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association and operated by the American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA), will be held alongside the DAYTONA TT on the second Saturday of Daytona Bike Week festivities. Fans will be able to enjoy the 79th DAYTONA 200 during the day and stay into the evening to cheer on the athletes of American Flat Track at their season-opening DAYTONA TT.

Comoto is America’s largest and fastest growing omni-channel platform in the powersports aftermarket-products industry and is dedicated to advancing the experience of motorcycle enthusiasts across the globe. Comoto’s Family of Brands include RevZilla, Cycle Gear and J&P Cycles; with over 150 stores and over 95 years of combined experience, Comoto delivers premium products, dedicated expertise, engaging media and passionate customer support of the rider community, through best-in-class ecommerce and retail experiences.

To purchase tickets for all Bike Week At DAYTONA events, and for more information on the activities surrounding the events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can stay up to speed on the latest news by using #BikeWeek, #DAYTONASX, #DAYTONATT and #DAYTONA200. Stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat, and by downloading Daytona International Speedway’s mobile app, for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.

MotoAmerica: Mathew Scholtz Will Miss Barber Test Due To Injury (Updated)

March 9, 2020

Mathew Scholtz (11) in action at VIR. Photo by Joshua Barnett/Apex Pro Photography, courtesy of Westby Racing.