The 43rd edition of the 24 Heures Motos has been launched. 57 teams are expected at Le Mans on 18 and 19 April 2020 for the 3rd round of the FIM Endurance World Championship. The race kicks off the second half of the season, and will prove decisive for the 2019-2020 world title.
There will be 57 teams at the start of the race, with 36 full-season outfits, 6 manufacturers offering official backing and 18 nationalities represented. The 43rd edition of the 24 Heures Motos marks the halfway point of the 2019-2020 FIM EWC season, following the Bol d’Or last September and the inaugural edition of the 8 Hours of Sepang in December. The race is wide open at this stage, and poised to be decisive.
ACO, the 24 Heures Motos organizer, and FIM EWC promoter Eurosport Events have unveiled the provisional entry list for the 2020 24 Heures Motos. 65 points are up for grabs for the fastest team in the race and qualifying on the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans on 18 and 19 April. Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, who currently lead the 2019-2020 FIM EWC provisional standings, have a small advantage over the competition.
With a mere 15 point-gap to the leader, all eyes are riveted on the new factory squad BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. After securing the third step of the podium at the Bol d’Or and the 8 Hours of Sepang, the Belgian team are now targeting the win. It would be a first for BMW, which has never won the 24 Heures Motos.
The top two Yamaha teams, independent team Wojcik Racing Team and factory team YART Yamaha (the winner at Sepang), are a little more than 30 points behind in the standings and all set to join the fray in the lead.
Two very motivated world champions
Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar and F.C.C. TSR Honda France, the crown champions in the last two FIM EWC seasons, will also pull out all the stops. Both teams have had a rocky start to the season and are counting on the 24 Heures Motos to surge back into the 2019-2020 title chase.
The performance of Team ERC Endurance’s Ducati in the 24 Heures Motos will also make for gripping viewing. The factory-backed team are keen to make their mark in the 24-hour round – only their second race on a Ducati. Having officially entered the EWC, Ducati Corse is supporting and keeping a close eye on its new factory team, who wrapped up their maiden outing at the 8 Hours of Sepang with a 10th-place finish.
Superstock: Playing for decisive stakes
Moto Ain (Yamaha), the winner of last season’s FIM World Cup, dominated the early part of the season in the Superstock class and have already notched up a 35-point lead in the provisional standings. Their rivals intend to use the 24 Heures Motos, the second-last race in the Superstock class, to make up for lost time. French team BMRT 3D Maxxess Nevers (Kawasaki) and German squad GERT56 by GS Yuasa (BMW) are best placed to catch up with the standings leader.
The teams will be on the Bugatti circuit for an initial two-day test for the 24 Heures Motos on 31 March and 1 April 2020.
The 43rd edition of the 24 Heures Motos will be flagged off at 3pm on Saturday 18 April by French TV presenter and motorcycle enthusiast Alessandra Sublet.
The 2020 MotoGP World Championship pre-season got underway this week with a three-day shakedown test February 2-4 at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia, and Red Bull KTM’s Pol Espargaro posted the quickest lap time of test.
Riding his KTM RC16, Espargaro lapped the 3.4-mile circuit in 1:59.444 on Tuesday. Not only was that fastest enough to lead all riders, it was significantly faster than the Spaniard went during qualifying for the 2019 Malaysian Grand Prix, 1:59.812, and under Valentino Rossi’s race lap record, 1:59.661.
Pol’s older brother Aleix Espargaro ended up second-best in unofficial lap times with a 1:59.622 on his new, 2020-spec Aprilia RS-GP. Afterward, he tweeted “After the shakedown and 25 laps w/ the RSGP2020, the only thing I can say is: WOW!!!!! Thanks @ApriliaOfficial for the hard job of this last 6 months! Will be a fun year!”
Red Bull KTM Tech 3 rider Miguel Oliveira was third on the unofficial time sheets with a 1:59.748.
When it first started, the shakedown test was only open to test riders representing teams and manufacturers in the Championship to “shakedown” their new racebikes before handing them over to the factory racers for their work, but in light of more restrictive testing regulations coming online in 2020, the rules have been changed to allow rookies in the MotoGP class to take advantage of the track time during the shakedown test at Sepang.
The Espargaro brothers and Oliveira were allowed to participate in the test because Aprilia and KTM are eligible for special concessions, like the extra testing time, because of their relative lack of success in MotoGP, so far.
The quickest of the test riders was KTM’s Dani Pedrosa, who did a 1:59.841 on Day Two, before shutting down for the third day of the event.
Ducati tester Michele Pirro was right behind Pedrosa in the order with a 1:59.922 on a Desmosedici GP20.
Red Bull KTM rookie Brad Binder came next with the South African doing a 2:00.099.
Marc Marquez’s younger brother and new teammate Alex Marquez recorded a seventh-best 2:00.270 on his RC213V on Day Two before jetting off to attend the Repsol Honda team introduction Tuesday in Indonesia.
Mika Kallio took over KTM’s testing duties from Pedrosa on Day Three and turned a 2:00.472.
Recently retired five-time World Champion Jorge Lorenzo did a 2:00.506 during his first outing as an official test rider for Yamaha. That lap time put him 10th on the unofficial time sheets.
Aleix Espargaro’s Aprilia teammate Andrea Iannone did not ride during the shakedown test and will not participate in the official MotoGP test at Sepang February 7-9. The Italian’s provisional suspension for failing an anti-doping test remained in place following an International Disciplinary Court (CDI) hearing Tuesday, and Iannone will remained suspended from testing and competition until the CDI makes its ruling. Aprilia recruited Lorenzo Savadori to test in place of Iannone at Sepang.
MotoGP World Championship
Sepang International Circuit
Sepang, Malaysia
February 2-4, 2020
Unofficial Combined Lap Times (all on Michelin tires):
Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM), 1:59.444, Day 3
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:59.622, Day 3
Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:59.748, Day 3
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), 1:59.841, Day 2
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 1:59.922, Day 3
Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 2:00.099, Day 3
Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 2:00.270, Day 2
Stefan Bradl, Germany (Honda), 2:00.441, Day 3
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 2:00.472, Day 3
Jorge Lorenzo, Spain (Yamaha), 2:00.506, Day 3
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 2:00.655, Day 3
Bradley Smith, UK (Aprilia), 2:01.460, Day 2
Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 2:01.659, Day 3
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 2:02.795, Day 3
Squid Hunter Racing signs Michael Barnes to race in the Daytona 200
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – South Florida rider Michael Barnes has signed with Squid Hunter Racing to compete in the upcoming Daytona 200 at the Daytona International Speedway on March 14, 2020.
Barnes is a successful rider who has raced at the Daytona International Speedway for over three decades. Barnes decided to retire from professional motorcycle racing after suffering serious injuries from a wreck in 2014 but couldn’t stand being on the sidelines any longer. He decided to come out of retirement to take victory at the 75th Daytona 200 back in March 2016.
Peter Strack, owner of Squid Hunter Racing, has high hopes for Barnes going into the race because of his long-standing dedication to racing and experience at the high banks.
“We’ve spent a lot of time, money and energy to upgrade our team and logistics. We are excited to have Barnes on board to complement our team and to improve our strategy,” said Strack.
Barnes shared, “Between Squid Hunter Racing’s technical background, both of our crews, and my many years of experience, we are confident that we will have a strong effort.”
Squid Hunter’s team experienced great success in the ASRA Team Challenge race back in October 2019 Race of Champions when Italian rider Simone Corsi rode for the team. They are very excited to see what the outcome will be at the upcoming race and have a good feeling Barnes can bring them to victory once again.
Chief mechanic Jordan Strange has been working countless hours on the Yamaha R6 that Barnes will be racing. “We are very excited to see what Barnes can do with this bike, and after the great victory at our last race, we are hungry for another win.” Strange and his team are eagerly anticipating how Barnes can make this happen.
About Squid Hunter Racing
Squid Hunter Racing, owned by Peter Strack and Jordan Strange, exists to provide motorcycle race support with better precision and to build high-end race machines. The goal is to achieve a better experience on and off the track for racers and custom bike enthusiasts—this means quality over quantity in every aspect of the company. Squid Hunter Racing is proud to be sponsored by Pirelli Tires. Visit www.squidhunterracing.com for more information about Squid Hunter Racing.
A SPECIAL MV AGUSTA DRAGSTER 800 RR FOR THEARSENALE
Based on the Dragster 800 RR, a true street fighter for the most exclusive online garage
Varese, February 4, 2020 — MV Agusta will be producing a limited edition Dragster 800 RR entirely dedicated to TheArsenale, one of the world’s most exclusive online retail concepts. TheArsenale’s unique offer ranges from jet planes to motorbikes, to accessories and luxury apparel.
MV designers concentrated on specific areas of the bike and on the livery to visually align with TheArsenale’s strong identity. The black and orange details create a contrasting colour scheme that brings out all the irreverent, fiery character of the Dragster 800 RR and perfectly connects with TheArsenale’s concept of over-the-top excellence.
The same uncompromising technical specifications of the 800 RR production model were maintained for the TheArsenale edition, which features MV Agusta’s classic inline-3-cylinder 798 cc engine developing 140 HP and a top speed of nearly 250 km/h. The TheArsenale model also features the MVICS full Ride by Wire system, as well as traction control adjustable on 8 levels and an electronic up&down gearbox mated to the hydraulic slipper clutch.
Ratmir Sardarov, Director of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., commented: “We are excited about this new collaboration with TheArsenale. We were instantly seduced by their pioneering spirit and their extreme approach to luxury retail. Only the best, most exclusive models feature in their online virtual garage and our special TheArsenale edition Dragster 800 RR, a piece of pure motorcycle art, is now one of their brightest gems.”
“We were proud to be working on such a project with an incredible brand and our joint efforts got paid off when we saw the bike in flesh” said Patrice Meignan, CEO and founder of TheArsenale, ”a performance machine that carries the graphical look that we always envisioned our dream bike to be; this MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR x TheArsenale is the embodiment of our transportation dreams.”
Reigning Supersport Champion Bobby Fong to Race M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Superbike
Brea, CA (February 4, 2020) – Team Hammer, Inc. is pleased to announce that 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Bobby Fong has signed to contest the 2020 MotoAmerica Superbike Series on an M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Fong earned the promotion to Superbike duty with his breakout 2019 season, in which he locked up the Supersport crown a round early via an epic campaign that included winning six times and finishing second 14 times.
Recognized as one of the most gifted, thrilling, and outright fastest racers in the MotoAmerica series, the Californian further rounded out his game with improved consistency and racecraft and was well rewarded for his efforts.
Fong crossing the finish line at Barber Motorsports Park to win the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship on his M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Fong has previously proven to be adaptable, claiming dozens of AMA Pro and MotoAmerica podiums across several classes, including Superbike. In order to take maximum advantage of the opportunity before him, Fong will again work closely with four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes as his riding coach.
Fong will team with 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Toni Elias on the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki squad.
“First off, I couldn’t be more excited for a second year with Team Hammer,” said Fong. “To be with Suzuki is awesome, as well. I’m glad to be back in Superbike again, and we all know how competitive the Suzuki GSX-R has been.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge of racing a top-level Superbike with a good electronics package, but I also get to work with the same crew that helped me win the championship last year. Josh Hayes will also return as my riding coach. He helped me a lot last season, on and off the track, and helped me mentally approach winning a championship with some good ideas.
“Our competition will be tough, and my teammate Toni Elias is excellent. But my job is to get the #1 plate back for Suzuki. We know we have some adjustments to make but my goal is stay in the hunt early and build momentum as the season goes on. It won’t be easy, but we expect to do well and we know the bike is competitive.”
Former professional racer-turned-police-officer Grant Lopez was one of eight law enforcement officers decorated recently for heroism related to their actions during the terrorist attack December 6, 2019, at the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Pensacola, Florida.
Lopez, the 2000 Formula USA Champion and a race winner in AMA Pro 750 Supersport and AMA Pro Formula Xtreme, turned to a career in law enforcement in 2002, following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and joined the Escambia County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office in 2003.
Grant Lopez, as seen during the 1997 racing season. Photo by John Ulrich.
On December 6, 2019, shortly after he started his shift doing traffic enforcement on his BMW R 1250 RT-P motorcycle, 48-year-old Senior Deputy Lopez said he got a call of an active shooter situation at NAS Pensacola.
“Since I was on the motorcycle I was able to respond very rapidly,” said Lopez. “Between being in close proximity and being on the motorcycle helped me to be one of the first ones there.”
Senior Deputy Grant Lopez on his 2019 BMW R 1250 RT-P on the job with Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Photo courtesy of Grant Lopez.
Riding a motorcycle allowed Lopez to cut through traffic lined up at the military base’s front gate but it also hindered him because he said he had a hard time hearing his dispatcher over his siren.
“I turned my siren off when I got to the front gate and I heard ‘Chapel’,” said Lopez, who visits the naval base frequently to ride escort duty during military funerals. “I knew where the chapel was, so I made good time. All the rest of the guys ended up going to the northeast side of the [chapel] building, and it [the shooting] was actually in a building south of the chapel. I rode up on the south side of the chapel and a citizen there told me there’s a shooter in the building. So, I was right there.”
Lopez said he initially entered the building with NAS security officers, got separated from them, and then linked up with different officers from his department who entered the classroom building from another entrance and engaged the shooter.
“There were shells and smoke everything,” said Lopez. “There was some shooting up north toward the main entrance. I went up there. I was with two [officers] who were shooting at the subject upstairs [on a balcony]. There were three of us at this corner and they were firing up.”
Without a clear line of fire, Lopez said he instead tried to fight off “tunnel vision” and survey the situation better.
“I guess that put me in a spot to see his legs running on that upper balcony,” said Lopez. “He was running to the east on the upper balcony, opposite of this foyer or whatever we were in. I don’t know how I figured it out, because I had never been in that building before, but in my mind I imagined him running south over me in a hallway like the one we were in, just one floor up.
“I don’t know if I saw a reflection showing the hallway or I heard the footsteps, but somehow I put it together that he was running down a hallway above us. And when I came in I had passed a stairwell to the left just inside the door.
“I cleared it, looked at it, considered it real hard, and decided to bypass it and go up the hall because the smoke was up the hall where I had encountered the other deputies.
“I yelled, ‘He’s running to the back stairwell! He’s running to the back stairwell!’ I didn’t know if they were comprehending me or not, but I ran back down that hallway to that back stairwell. I got on my knee there and took aim up the stairwell.
“I must have just beat him by a second because sure enough here come those footsteps -thump, thump, thump. He came running down the stairs. As soon as he turned the corner I identified him and shot him.
“I struck him [in the chest] and he stopped, but the slide locked back on my weapon [pistol]. I dipped back around the corner trying to correct the malfunction of my weapon.
“He started yelling and shooting and coming down the stairs. So, I ran down around the corner to the next hallway back to the north, made an immediate left. He came after me down the hall where the other officers were.
“I ducked into a classroom to keep working on my weapon, while they were firing north and south down this hallway. It was essentially pure panic at that point.
“I finally got my weapon fixed and ready. I heard a couple more shots. I looked out, and he’s lying on the ground. I approached him, kicked the gun away from him, and he was dying right there.
“Then everyone started coming in. We got everyone out of the building. I did get a female out of the building. Her legs were riddled with holes. I don’t know how many times she was shot, but it was a bunch, a lot of blood. I put her in an office chair and got her out. Other officers were getting other people out. There were quite a few other people inside locked in classrooms, but we eventually cleared the whole building.”
***
At about 6:50 a.m. local time on December 6, 2019, Second Lieutenant Mohammed Alshamrani, age 21, a member of the Royal Saudi Air Force who was training to be a pilot at NAS Pensacola, conducted “an act of terrorism” motivated by a “jihadist ideology,” according to the FBI. Armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, multiple ammunition magazines, and 180 rounds of ammunition, Alshamrani went on a 15-minute shooting rampage, killing three unarmed U.S. Navy sailors and wounded eight others, including two members of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, until he was shot dead.
According to Lopez, the suspect was struck by multiple gunshots, including his single shot, and died at the scene.
For his actions, Lopez was one of eight officers to receive the Medal of Valor, the highest award a law enforcement officer can receive, from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office during a ceremony January 31, 2020.
“This Medal of Valor is awarded for an act of gallantry, courage, and compassion above and beyond the call of duty. This conspicuous and singular act was knowingly entered, risking great bodily harm or death, in an effort to save the lives of others. The wearer of this medal exemplifies the biblical admonition found in John 15-13; ‘No greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ The singular distinctive acts of Senior Deputy A. Grant Lopez reflect great credit upon themselves, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the professional Law Enforcement,” read the official award citation.
Others to receive the Medal of Valor included Lopez’s colleagues Sgt. Mike Hoyland, Deputy Matthew Keebler, Deputy Matthew Housam, Deputy Jonathan Glass, and Deputy Matthew Tinch along with Department of Defense police officers Captain Robert Johnson and Captain Charles Hogue.
Deputies Glass and Tinch along with Captain Hoque were wounded in the gun battle with the terrorist.
Grant Lopez (second from right) with the other law enforcement officers who were decorated for their actions on December 6, 2019. Photo courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition, the FBI commended U.S. Marines Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Maisel and Staff Sgt. Samuel Mullins for running to the active shooter scene unarmed and rendering first aid to victims and Navy Aircrewman Ryan Blackwell, who was shot five times while shielding other victims and helping them escape.
Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Mohammed Sameh Haitham, Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Cameron Scott Walters, and Navy Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson were killed by the terrorist.
“It was a very bad day because three people lost their lives,” said Lopez, a married father of two who last raced professionally in 2001. “Me and the guys who were with me just had the opportunity to show we could do our jobs and would do our jobs and not think twice about it. So, it was cool to be recognized for that.
“You hope you’ll never be tested that way, right? No one really knows how they are going to do if they are tested. I guess I did pretty good. It’s something to look back on and be proud of.
“On the other side, you think about our war heroes who get sent out to battle and do this all of the time. This was one guy wreaking havoc in a building. Yeah, he was moving fast and was prepared and determined. I don’t know.
“I’m a patrol deputy and I did exactly what I was supposed to do and did it well along with my comrades, but when you look at the things people did in World War II and throughout the history of our country, there’s plenty of people who have done way more. I keep that in perspective, you know.”
To see local news coverage of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office’s awards presentations, go here.
A certificate presented to Grant Lopez along with his Medal of Valor. Photo courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
A certificate presented to Grant Lopez along with his Medal of Valor. Photo courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Following a routine In-Competition doping test conducted at the round of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship held in Sepang, Malaysia on 3 November 2019, Mr Andrea Iannone tested positive for a WADA prohibited substance and is now provisionally suspended since 17 December 2019.
Mr Andrea Iannone requested analysis of his B sample which also confirmed the result of the A sample analysis.
The hearing of the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) took place today at the FIM Headquarters in the presence of a panel of three judges of the CDI where Mr Iannone had the opportunity to present his case.
The proceeding is still ongoing until a CDI decision is rendered. Mr Andrea Iannone remains provisionally suspended until then and is therefore barred from participating in any motorcycling competition or related activity until further notice.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the FIM Anti-Doping Code, the FIM is unable to provide any additional information at this time.
Repsol Honda Team launch 2020 challenge in Indonesia
Marc Marquez and rookie Alex Marquez unveiled the 2020 livery of the Honda RC213V MotoGP machine in Jakarta Indonesia ahead of the first official test of the year.
Helping to launch the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports and Honda Rebel in Indonesia, Marc and Alex were warmly welcomed into the heart of Indonesia’s capital. The two world champions were joined by Toshiyuki Inuma, President Director PT Astra Honda Motor, Tetsuhiro Kuwata, HRC Director – General Manager Race Operations and Alberto Puig, Repsol Honda Team Manager.
After taking a record 25th Manufacturers title as part of their third straight Triple Crown in the highest level of motorcycle racing, the Repsol Honda Team are aiming for another strong year as they welcome Moto2 World Champion Alex Marquez to the team. With 309 victories in the premier class, Honda have established themselves as the dominant force in Grand Prix racing and work over the winter period has been intensive to ensure that 2020 continues this trend.
Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez will now begin their final preparations for the Sepang Test (February 07 – 09) where the RC213V will debut the 2020 livery for the first time on track. Finally, the 2020 MotoGP™ season begins under the floodlights in Qatar (March 06 – 08).
Marc Marquez
MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPION
“I am happy to come to Indonesia again, the atmosphere here he is like nothing else and it is great to be able to launch our 2020 efforts. The launches we have are always important to help ourselves back into the rhythm of the season. We approach this year the same as the last and all others before it, with our full focus and ready to work with the Repsol Honda Team to achieve the best we can. Together with HRC and Repsol we have achieved incredible things and continuing this success is a big source of motivation for me, and now I’m eager to start another season and compete again on the RC213V.”
Alex Marquez
MOTO2 WORLD CHAMPION
“It is a privilege to be part of the family that is the Repsol Honda Team. Already I have had the special feeling of stepping in the garage for the first time, working with my team for the first time and now meeting the world at the launch – I truly feel a part of the Repsol Honda Team. I know that there is much to learn and achieve in 2020 but I am devoted to giving my best, I’ll try to improve and learn every day and hope we can do a great season step by step.”
Tetsuhiro Kuwata
HRC Director – General Manager Race Operations Management Division
“Having achieved our goals last season by again winning the Triple Crown, we’re delighted to present our team for the 2020 MotoGP World Championship. Last season, Marc Marquez won his sixth MotoGP title, while Honda secured both the Constructors and Team titles. Marc continues to break records every year, and we hope he’ll continue to give us many more great moments in the future.
“For 2020 we have a new rider as two-time world champion in Moto2 and Moto3 Alex Marquez joins us. He rode with us already in 2014 in our first season in Moto3 and we were able to achieve the title together.
“These two brilliant riders deserve the best tools to be successful this new season, and it’s our mission to make this possible. Our engineers in Japan and our team around the world have done an impressive job, and I’m sure that we’ll do it again this time.”
Dorna Sports and LaLiga unite in the fight against audio-visual piracy
With this agreement, both companies reinforce their commitment to protecting the audio-visual content of both MotoGP™ and WorldSBK
Tuesday, 04 February 2020
LaLiga and Dorna Sports have come to an agreement which will see LaLiga’s Technological Content Protection department lend its services to the protection of the audio-visual rights of the Championships managed by Dorna Sports. That includes the Italian-based Dorna WSBK Organization, which runs WorldSBK.
With the signing of this agreement, both LaLiga and Dorna Sports reinforce their commitment to the fight to protect legal content distribution, from a global perspective and in collaboration with television operators and digital platforms.
As part of this partnership, LaLiga will use its own tools in order to monitor and eliminate illegal MotoGP™ and WorldSBK audio-visual content hosted on social networks, digital platforms and mobile apps.
Fake profiles that make fraudulent use of the logotype and name of Dorna Sports will also be monitored and eliminated, as well as those pertaining to Dorna’s Championships.
In addition, LaLiga’s human, technical and legal resources will be used to monitor and de-index those pages that use illegal Dorna Sports content from search engines. The tools created by the LaLiga Content Technology Protection team also allow the tracking, pursuit and compilation of legal evidence in order to fight illegal transmissions via IPTV and Cardsharing.
Javier Tebas, President of LaLiga: “With this alliance, LaLiga extends its commitment to fighting audiovisual piracy. Joining with Dorna Sports motivates us to keep working to protect competitions’ audiovisual value. Fighting against piracy is a top priority for LaLiga and we’ll continue to invest in technical tools and human resources to keep advancing in this field.”
Manel Arroyo, Managing Director of Dorna Sports: “The signing of this agreement between LaLiga and Dorna Sports shows our complete commitment to the fight against piracy. The protection of audio-visual rights is and always has been of utmost importance for us because, due to the exclusive and attractive nature of the content we produce, it suffers much more from the consequences of piracy. Both MotoGP and WorldSBK will greatly benefit from the tools created by LaLiga’s technological protection team, which is a global point of reference and therefore a guarantee of security for our Championships.”
About LaLiga
LaLiga is a global, innovative and socially responsible organisation, and a leader in the leisure and entertainment sector. It’s a private sporting association consisting the 20 football clubs/SAD in LaLiga Santander and the 22 in LaLiga Smartbank, responsible for organising professional football competitions on a national level. In the 2018/2019 season, LaLiga reached more than 2.7 billion people worldwide. With headquarters in Madrid (Spain), LaLiga is present in 55 countries, with nine offices and 46 delegates. The association carries out its social actions via its Foundation and is the first professional football league in the world that has a competition for players with intellectual disabilities: LaLiga Genuine Santander.
Kawasaki Announces New Agreement with Roadrunner Financial to Offer Financing for Credit Builders and First-Time Buyers
Foothill Ranch, Calif. – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is pleased to announce a new financing agreement with Roadrunner Financial to offer competitive near-prime loans to Credit Builders with 550-660+ FICO scores. Roadrunner delivers a revolutionary lender experience through digital applications with instant decisions, comprehensive credit coverage, and unbeatable dealer and customer support.
Kawasaki joins a group of Powersports and Outdoor Power Equipment partners that utilize Roadrunner Financial to bring great finance offers to their customers. The relationship with Kawasaki allows Roadrunner to offer an enhanced program with improved near-prime rates with no fees for dealers.
“Roadrunner Financial is a key addition for Kawasaki and our dealers” said Kawasaki Senior Vice President, Sales and Operations Bill Jenkins. “The focus on a near-prime credit program will offer dealers new opportunities for financing customers on Kawasaki powersports products.”
“Roadrunner will give Kawasaki dealers a new tool to close deals that would usually walk out the door.” When asked about the new financing agreement, Jon Vestal, VP of Sales at Roadrunner Financial said, “We’re very excited to strengthen our relationship with Kawasaki. By targeting near-prime, we plan to deliver significant incremental sales for Kawasaki in 2020 and beyond.”
This new Kawasaki program from Roadrunner Financial will be available to Kawasaki dealers starting March 1st, 2020.
About Roadrunner Financial:
Roadrunner Financial offers financing for customers across the entire credit spectrum. Roadrunner’s credit program suite includes ‘Roadrunner Prime’, ‘Roadrunner Credit Builder’ for customers down to 550 FICO, a first-time buyer program, ‘Roadrunner Lease’, and a pre-owned vehicle program.
Founded in 2016 and based in New York, Roadrunner helps dealers finance more customers by taking the traditional hassles of lending and replacing them with one seamless process that can take as little as a few minutes. Roadrunner’s unique financing experience offers instant decisions, electronic contracting, and financing for more than 10,000 vehicles across 40+ Powersports & Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) OEMs. For more information, please visit www.roadrunnerfinancial.com.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of almost 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,400 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 250 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
The start of the Le Mans 24-Hours World Endurance race in 2019. Photo courtesy Eurosport Events.
24 HEURES MOTOS TO BE DECISIVE RACE
The 43rd edition of the 24 Heures Motos has been launched. 57 teams are expected at Le Mans on 18 and 19 April 2020 for the 3rd round of the FIM Endurance World Championship. The race kicks off the second half of the season, and will prove decisive for the 2019-2020 world title.
There will be 57 teams at the start of the race, with 36 full-season outfits, 6 manufacturers offering official backing and 18 nationalities represented. The 43rd edition of the 24 Heures Motos marks the halfway point of the 2019-2020 FIM EWC season, following the Bol d’Or last September and the inaugural edition of the 8 Hours of Sepang in December. The race is wide open at this stage, and poised to be decisive.
ACO, the 24 Heures Motos organizer, and FIM EWC promoter Eurosport Events have unveiled the provisional entry list for the 2020 24 Heures Motos. 65 points are up for grabs for the fastest team in the race and qualifying on the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans on 18 and 19 April. Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, who currently lead the 2019-2020 FIM EWC provisional standings, have a small advantage over the competition.
With a mere 15 point-gap to the leader, all eyes are riveted on the new factory squad BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. After securing the third step of the podium at the Bol d’Or and the 8 Hours of Sepang, the Belgian team are now targeting the win. It would be a first for BMW, which has never won the 24 Heures Motos.
The top two Yamaha teams, independent team Wojcik Racing Team and factory team YART Yamaha (the winner at Sepang), are a little more than 30 points behind in the standings and all set to join the fray in the lead.
Two very motivated world champions
Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar and F.C.C. TSR Honda France, the crown champions in the last two FIM EWC seasons, will also pull out all the stops. Both teams have had a rocky start to the season and are counting on the 24 Heures Motos to surge back into the 2019-2020 title chase.
The performance of Team ERC Endurance’s Ducati in the 24 Heures Motos will also make for gripping viewing. The factory-backed team are keen to make their mark in the 24-hour round – only their second race on a Ducati. Having officially entered the EWC, Ducati Corse is supporting and keeping a close eye on its new factory team, who wrapped up their maiden outing at the 8 Hours of Sepang with a 10th-place finish.
Superstock: Playing for decisive stakes
Moto Ain (Yamaha), the winner of last season’s FIM World Cup, dominated the early part of the season in the Superstock class and have already notched up a 35-point lead in the provisional standings. Their rivals intend to use the 24 Heures Motos, the second-last race in the Superstock class, to make up for lost time. French team BMRT 3D Maxxess Nevers (Kawasaki) and German squad GERT56 by GS Yuasa (BMW) are best placed to catch up with the standings leader.
The teams will be on the Bugatti circuit for an initial two-day test for the 24 Heures Motos on 31 March and 1 April 2020.
The 43rd edition of the 24 Heures Motos will be flagged off at 3pm on Saturday 18 April by French TV presenter and motorcycle enthusiast Alessandra Sublet.
The 2020 MotoGP World Championship pre-season got underway this week with a three-day shakedown test February 2-4 at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia, and Red Bull KTM’s Pol Espargaro posted the quickest lap time of test.
Riding his KTM RC16, Espargaro lapped the 3.4-mile circuit in 1:59.444 on Tuesday. Not only was that fastest enough to lead all riders, it was significantly faster than the Spaniard went during qualifying for the 2019 Malaysian Grand Prix, 1:59.812, and under Valentino Rossi’s race lap record, 1:59.661.
Pol’s older brother Aleix Espargaro ended up second-best in unofficial lap times with a 1:59.622 on his new, 2020-spec Aprilia RS-GP. Afterward, he tweeted “After the shakedown and 25 laps w/ the RSGP2020, the only thing I can say is: WOW!!!!! Thanks @ApriliaOfficial for the hard job of this last 6 months! Will be a fun year!”
Red Bull KTM Tech 3 rider Miguel Oliveira was third on the unofficial time sheets with a 1:59.748.
When it first started, the shakedown test was only open to test riders representing teams and manufacturers in the Championship to “shakedown” their new racebikes before handing them over to the factory racers for their work, but in light of more restrictive testing regulations coming online in 2020, the rules have been changed to allow rookies in the MotoGP class to take advantage of the track time during the shakedown test at Sepang.
The Espargaro brothers and Oliveira were allowed to participate in the test because Aprilia and KTM are eligible for special concessions, like the extra testing time, because of their relative lack of success in MotoGP, so far.
The quickest of the test riders was KTM’s Dani Pedrosa, who did a 1:59.841 on Day Two, before shutting down for the third day of the event.
Ducati tester Michele Pirro was right behind Pedrosa in the order with a 1:59.922 on a Desmosedici GP20.
Red Bull KTM rookie Brad Binder came next with the South African doing a 2:00.099.
Marc Marquez’s younger brother and new teammate Alex Marquez recorded a seventh-best 2:00.270 on his RC213V on Day Two before jetting off to attend the Repsol Honda team introduction Tuesday in Indonesia.
Mika Kallio took over KTM’s testing duties from Pedrosa on Day Three and turned a 2:00.472.
Recently retired five-time World Champion Jorge Lorenzo did a 2:00.506 during his first outing as an official test rider for Yamaha. That lap time put him 10th on the unofficial time sheets.
Aleix Espargaro’s Aprilia teammate Andrea Iannone did not ride during the shakedown test and will not participate in the official MotoGP test at Sepang February 7-9. The Italian’s provisional suspension for failing an anti-doping test remained in place following an International Disciplinary Court (CDI) hearing Tuesday, and Iannone will remained suspended from testing and competition until the CDI makes its ruling. Aprilia recruited Lorenzo Savadori to test in place of Iannone at Sepang.
MotoGP World Championship
Sepang International Circuit
Sepang, Malaysia
February 2-4, 2020
Unofficial Combined Lap Times (all on Michelin tires):
Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM), 1:59.444, Day 3
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:59.622, Day 3
Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 1:59.748, Day 3
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), 1:59.841, Day 2
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 1:59.922, Day 3
Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 2:00.099, Day 3
Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 2:00.270, Day 2
Stefan Bradl, Germany (Honda), 2:00.441, Day 3
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 2:00.472, Day 3
Jorge Lorenzo, Spain (Yamaha), 2:00.506, Day 3
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 2:00.655, Day 3
Bradley Smith, UK (Aprilia), 2:01.460, Day 2
Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 2:01.659, Day 3
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 2:02.795, Day 3
Michael Barnes (34), as seen during the 2017 Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Squid Hunter Racing signs Michael Barnes to race in the Daytona 200
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – South Florida rider Michael Barnes has signed with Squid Hunter Racing to compete in the upcoming Daytona 200 at the Daytona International Speedway on March 14, 2020.
Barnes is a successful rider who has raced at the Daytona International Speedway for over three decades. Barnes decided to retire from professional motorcycle racing after suffering serious injuries from a wreck in 2014 but couldn’t stand being on the sidelines any longer. He decided to come out of retirement to take victory at the 75th Daytona 200 back in March 2016.
Peter Strack, owner of Squid Hunter Racing, has high hopes for Barnes going into the race because of his long-standing dedication to racing and experience at the high banks.
“We’ve spent a lot of time, money and energy to upgrade our team and logistics. We are excited to have Barnes on board to complement our team and to improve our strategy,” said Strack.
Barnes shared, “Between Squid Hunter Racing’s technical background, both of our crews, and my many years of experience, we are confident that we will have a strong effort.”
Squid Hunter’s team experienced great success in the ASRA Team Challenge race back in October 2019 Race of Champions when Italian rider Simone Corsi rode for the team. They are very excited to see what the outcome will be at the upcoming race and have a good feeling Barnes can bring them to victory once again.
Chief mechanic Jordan Strange has been working countless hours on the Yamaha R6 that Barnes will be racing. “We are very excited to see what Barnes can do with this bike, and after the great victory at our last race, we are hungry for another win.” Strange and his team are eagerly anticipating how Barnes can make this happen.
About Squid Hunter Racing
Squid Hunter Racing, owned by Peter Strack and Jordan Strange, exists to provide motorcycle race support with better precision and to build high-end race machines. The goal is to achieve a better experience on and off the track for racers and custom bike enthusiasts—this means quality over quantity in every aspect of the company. Squid Hunter Racing is proud to be sponsored by Pirelli Tires. Visit www.squidhunterracing.com for more information about Squid Hunter Racing.
An MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR x TheArsenale special edition model. Photo courtesy of MV Agusta.
A SPECIAL MV AGUSTA DRAGSTER 800 RR FOR THEARSENALE
Based on the Dragster 800 RR, a true street fighter for the most exclusive online garage
Varese, February 4, 2020 — MV Agusta will be producing a limited edition Dragster 800 RR entirely dedicated to TheArsenale, one of the world’s most exclusive online retail concepts. TheArsenale’s unique offer ranges from jet planes to motorbikes, to accessories and luxury apparel.
MV designers concentrated on specific areas of the bike and on the livery to visually align with TheArsenale’s strong identity. The black and orange details create a contrasting colour scheme that brings out all the irreverent, fiery character of the Dragster 800 RR and perfectly connects with TheArsenale’s concept of over-the-top excellence.
The same uncompromising technical specifications of the 800 RR production model were maintained for the TheArsenale edition, which features MV Agusta’s classic inline-3-cylinder 798 cc engine developing 140 HP and a top speed of nearly 250 km/h. The TheArsenale model also features the MVICS full Ride by Wire system, as well as traction control adjustable on 8 levels and an electronic up&down gearbox mated to the hydraulic slipper clutch.
Ratmir Sardarov, Director of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., commented: “We are excited about this new collaboration with TheArsenale. We were instantly seduced by their pioneering spirit and their extreme approach to luxury retail. Only the best, most exclusive models feature in their online virtual garage and our special TheArsenale edition Dragster 800 RR, a piece of pure motorcycle art, is now one of their brightest gems.”
“We were proud to be working on such a project with an incredible brand and our joint efforts got paid off when we saw the bike in flesh” said Patrice Meignan, CEO and founder of TheArsenale, ”a performance machine that carries the graphical look that we always envisioned our dream bike to be; this MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR x TheArsenale is the embodiment of our transportation dreams.”
Bobby Fong won the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Reigning Supersport Champion Bobby Fong to Race M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Superbike
Brea, CA (February 4, 2020) – Team Hammer, Inc. is pleased to announce that 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Bobby Fong has signed to contest the 2020 MotoAmerica Superbike Series on an M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Fong earned the promotion to Superbike duty with his breakout 2019 season, in which he locked up the Supersport crown a round early via an epic campaign that included winning six times and finishing second 14 times.
Recognized as one of the most gifted, thrilling, and outright fastest racers in the MotoAmerica series, the Californian further rounded out his game with improved consistency and racecraft and was well rewarded for his efforts.
Fong crossing the finish line at Barber Motorsports Park to win the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship on his M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Fong has previously proven to be adaptable, claiming dozens of AMA Pro and MotoAmerica podiums across several classes, including Superbike. In order to take maximum advantage of the opportunity before him, Fong will again work closely with four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes as his riding coach.
Fong will team with 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Toni Elias on the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki squad.
“First off, I couldn’t be more excited for a second year with Team Hammer,” said Fong. “To be with Suzuki is awesome, as well. I’m glad to be back in Superbike again, and we all know how competitive the Suzuki GSX-R has been.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge of racing a top-level Superbike with a good electronics package, but I also get to work with the same crew that helped me win the championship last year. Josh Hayes will also return as my riding coach. He helped me a lot last season, on and off the track, and helped me mentally approach winning a championship with some good ideas.
“Our competition will be tough, and my teammate Toni Elias is excellent. But my job is to get the #1 plate back for Suzuki. We know we have some adjustments to make but my goal is stay in the hunt early and build momentum as the season goes on. It won’t be easy, but we expect to do well and we know the bike is competitive.”
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan (left), Senior Deputy A. Grant Lopez (center), and Chief Deputy Chip Simmons (right) at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office award ceremony January 31, 2020, in Pensacola, Florida. Photo courtesy of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Former professional racer-turned-police-officer Grant Lopez was one of eight law enforcement officers decorated recently for heroism related to their actions during the terrorist attack December 6, 2019, at the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Pensacola, Florida.
Lopez, the 2000 Formula USA Champion and a race winner in AMA Pro 750 Supersport and AMA Pro Formula Xtreme, turned to a career in law enforcement in 2002, following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and joined the Escambia County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office in 2003.
Grant Lopez, as seen during the 1997 racing season. Photo by John Ulrich.
On December 6, 2019, shortly after he started his shift doing traffic enforcement on his BMW R 1250 RT-P motorcycle, 48-year-old Senior Deputy Lopez said he got a call of an active shooter situation at NAS Pensacola.
“Since I was on the motorcycle I was able to respond very rapidly,” said Lopez. “Between being in close proximity and being on the motorcycle helped me to be one of the first ones there.”
Senior Deputy Grant Lopez on his 2019 BMW R 1250 RT-P on the job with Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Photo courtesy of Grant Lopez.
Riding a motorcycle allowed Lopez to cut through traffic lined up at the military base’s front gate but it also hindered him because he said he had a hard time hearing his dispatcher over his siren.
“I turned my siren off when I got to the front gate and I heard ‘Chapel’,” said Lopez, who visits the naval base frequently to ride escort duty during military funerals. “I knew where the chapel was, so I made good time. All the rest of the guys ended up going to the northeast side of the [chapel] building, and it [the shooting] was actually in a building south of the chapel. I rode up on the south side of the chapel and a citizen there told me there’s a shooter in the building. So, I was right there.”
Lopez said he initially entered the building with NAS security officers, got separated from them, and then linked up with different officers from his department who entered the classroom building from another entrance and engaged the shooter.
“There were shells and smoke everything,” said Lopez. “There was some shooting up north toward the main entrance. I went up there. I was with two [officers] who were shooting at the subject upstairs [on a balcony]. There were three of us at this corner and they were firing up.”
Without a clear line of fire, Lopez said he instead tried to fight off “tunnel vision” and survey the situation better.
“I guess that put me in a spot to see his legs running on that upper balcony,” said Lopez. “He was running to the east on the upper balcony, opposite of this foyer or whatever we were in. I don’t know how I figured it out, because I had never been in that building before, but in my mind I imagined him running south over me in a hallway like the one we were in, just one floor up.
“I don’t know if I saw a reflection showing the hallway or I heard the footsteps, but somehow I put it together that he was running down a hallway above us. And when I came in I had passed a stairwell to the left just inside the door.
“I cleared it, looked at it, considered it real hard, and decided to bypass it and go up the hall because the smoke was up the hall where I had encountered the other deputies.
“I yelled, ‘He’s running to the back stairwell! He’s running to the back stairwell!’ I didn’t know if they were comprehending me or not, but I ran back down that hallway to that back stairwell. I got on my knee there and took aim up the stairwell.
“I must have just beat him by a second because sure enough here come those footsteps -thump, thump, thump. He came running down the stairs. As soon as he turned the corner I identified him and shot him.
“I struck him [in the chest] and he stopped, but the slide locked back on my weapon [pistol]. I dipped back around the corner trying to correct the malfunction of my weapon.
“He started yelling and shooting and coming down the stairs. So, I ran down around the corner to the next hallway back to the north, made an immediate left. He came after me down the hall where the other officers were.
“I ducked into a classroom to keep working on my weapon, while they were firing north and south down this hallway. It was essentially pure panic at that point.
“I finally got my weapon fixed and ready. I heard a couple more shots. I looked out, and he’s lying on the ground. I approached him, kicked the gun away from him, and he was dying right there.
“Then everyone started coming in. We got everyone out of the building. I did get a female out of the building. Her legs were riddled with holes. I don’t know how many times she was shot, but it was a bunch, a lot of blood. I put her in an office chair and got her out. Other officers were getting other people out. There were quite a few other people inside locked in classrooms, but we eventually cleared the whole building.”
***
At about 6:50 a.m. local time on December 6, 2019, Second Lieutenant Mohammed Alshamrani, age 21, a member of the Royal Saudi Air Force who was training to be a pilot at NAS Pensacola, conducted “an act of terrorism” motivated by a “jihadist ideology,” according to the FBI. Armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, multiple ammunition magazines, and 180 rounds of ammunition, Alshamrani went on a 15-minute shooting rampage, killing three unarmed U.S. Navy sailors and wounded eight others, including two members of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, until he was shot dead.
According to Lopez, the suspect was struck by multiple gunshots, including his single shot, and died at the scene.
For his actions, Lopez was one of eight officers to receive the Medal of Valor, the highest award a law enforcement officer can receive, from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office during a ceremony January 31, 2020.
“This Medal of Valor is awarded for an act of gallantry, courage, and compassion above and beyond the call of duty. This conspicuous and singular act was knowingly entered, risking great bodily harm or death, in an effort to save the lives of others. The wearer of this medal exemplifies the biblical admonition found in John 15-13; ‘No greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ The singular distinctive acts of Senior Deputy A. Grant Lopez reflect great credit upon themselves, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the professional Law Enforcement,” read the official award citation.
Others to receive the Medal of Valor included Lopez’s colleagues Sgt. Mike Hoyland, Deputy Matthew Keebler, Deputy Matthew Housam, Deputy Jonathan Glass, and Deputy Matthew Tinch along with Department of Defense police officers Captain Robert Johnson and Captain Charles Hogue.
Deputies Glass and Tinch along with Captain Hoque were wounded in the gun battle with the terrorist.
Grant Lopez (second from right) with the other law enforcement officers who were decorated for their actions on December 6, 2019. Photo courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition, the FBI commended U.S. Marines Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Maisel and Staff Sgt. Samuel Mullins for running to the active shooter scene unarmed and rendering first aid to victims and Navy Aircrewman Ryan Blackwell, who was shot five times while shielding other victims and helping them escape.
Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Mohammed Sameh Haitham, Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Cameron Scott Walters, and Navy Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson were killed by the terrorist.
“It was a very bad day because three people lost their lives,” said Lopez, a married father of two who last raced professionally in 2001. “Me and the guys who were with me just had the opportunity to show we could do our jobs and would do our jobs and not think twice about it. So, it was cool to be recognized for that.
“You hope you’ll never be tested that way, right? No one really knows how they are going to do if they are tested. I guess I did pretty good. It’s something to look back on and be proud of.
“On the other side, you think about our war heroes who get sent out to battle and do this all of the time. This was one guy wreaking havoc in a building. Yeah, he was moving fast and was prepared and determined. I don’t know.
“I’m a patrol deputy and I did exactly what I was supposed to do and did it well along with my comrades, but when you look at the things people did in World War II and throughout the history of our country, there’s plenty of people who have done way more. I keep that in perspective, you know.”
To see local news coverage of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office’s awards presentations, go here.
A certificate presented to Grant Lopez along with his Medal of Valor. Photo courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
A certificate presented to Grant Lopez along with his Medal of Valor. Photo courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Andrea Iannone (29), as seen in 2020. Photo courtesy of Aprilia Gresini Racing.
FIM Antidoping
FIM Grand Prix World Championship
Update – Andrea Iannone provisional suspension
Following a routine In-Competition doping test conducted at the round of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship held in Sepang, Malaysia on 3 November 2019, Mr Andrea Iannone tested positive for a WADA prohibited substance and is now provisionally suspended since 17 December 2019.
Mr Andrea Iannone requested analysis of his B sample which also confirmed the result of the A sample analysis.
The hearing of the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) took place today at the FIM Headquarters in the presence of a panel of three judges of the CDI where Mr Iannone had the opportunity to present his case.
The proceeding is still ongoing until a CDI decision is rendered. Mr Andrea Iannone remains provisionally suspended until then and is therefore barred from participating in any motorcycling competition or related activity until further notice.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the FIM Anti-Doping Code, the FIM is unable to provide any additional information at this time.
Brothers Marc Marquez (left) and Alex Marquez (right) at the official Repsol Honda MotoGP team introduction in Indonesia. Photo courtesy of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).
Repsol Honda Team launch 2020 challenge in Indonesia
Marc Marquez and rookie Alex Marquez unveiled the 2020 livery of the Honda RC213V MotoGP machine in Jakarta Indonesia ahead of the first official test of the year.
Helping to launch the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports and Honda Rebel in Indonesia, Marc and Alex were warmly welcomed into the heart of Indonesia’s capital. The two world champions were joined by Toshiyuki Inuma, President Director PT Astra Honda Motor, Tetsuhiro Kuwata, HRC Director – General Manager Race Operations and Alberto Puig, Repsol Honda Team Manager.
After taking a record 25th Manufacturers title as part of their third straight Triple Crown in the highest level of motorcycle racing, the Repsol Honda Team are aiming for another strong year as they welcome Moto2 World Champion Alex Marquez to the team. With 309 victories in the premier class, Honda have established themselves as the dominant force in Grand Prix racing and work over the winter period has been intensive to ensure that 2020 continues this trend.
Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez will now begin their final preparations for the Sepang Test (February 07 – 09) where the RC213V will debut the 2020 livery for the first time on track. Finally, the 2020 MotoGP™ season begins under the floodlights in Qatar (March 06 – 08).
Marc Marquez
MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPION
“I am happy to come to Indonesia again, the atmosphere here he is like nothing else and it is great to be able to launch our 2020 efforts. The launches we have are always important to help ourselves back into the rhythm of the season. We approach this year the same as the last and all others before it, with our full focus and ready to work with the Repsol Honda Team to achieve the best we can. Together with HRC and Repsol we have achieved incredible things and continuing this success is a big source of motivation for me, and now I’m eager to start another season and compete again on the RC213V.”
Alex Marquez
MOTO2 WORLD CHAMPION
“It is a privilege to be part of the family that is the Repsol Honda Team. Already I have had the special feeling of stepping in the garage for the first time, working with my team for the first time and now meeting the world at the launch – I truly feel a part of the Repsol Honda Team. I know that there is much to learn and achieve in 2020 but I am devoted to giving my best, I’ll try to improve and learn every day and hope we can do a great season step by step.”
Tetsuhiro Kuwata
HRC Director – General Manager Race Operations Management Division
“Having achieved our goals last season by again winning the Triple Crown, we’re delighted to present our team for the 2020 MotoGP World Championship. Last season, Marc Marquez won his sixth MotoGP title, while Honda secured both the Constructors and Team titles. Marc continues to break records every year, and we hope he’ll continue to give us many more great moments in the future.
“For 2020 we have a new rider as two-time world champion in Moto2 and Moto3 Alex Marquez joins us. He rode with us already in 2014 in our first season in Moto3 and we were able to achieve the title together.
“These two brilliant riders deserve the best tools to be successful this new season, and it’s our mission to make this possible. Our engineers in Japan and our team around the world have done an impressive job, and I’m sure that we’ll do it again this time.”
The start of the 2019 MotoGP race at Motorland Aragon. Photo courtesy of Michelin.
Dorna Sports and LaLiga unite in the fight against audio-visual piracy
With this agreement, both companies reinforce their commitment to protecting the audio-visual content of both MotoGP™ and WorldSBK
Tuesday, 04 February 2020
LaLiga and Dorna Sports have come to an agreement which will see LaLiga’s Technological Content Protection department lend its services to the protection of the audio-visual rights of the Championships managed by Dorna Sports. That includes the Italian-based Dorna WSBK Organization, which runs WorldSBK.
With the signing of this agreement, both LaLiga and Dorna Sports reinforce their commitment to the fight to protect legal content distribution, from a global perspective and in collaboration with television operators and digital platforms.
As part of this partnership, LaLiga will use its own tools in order to monitor and eliminate illegal MotoGP™ and WorldSBK audio-visual content hosted on social networks, digital platforms and mobile apps.
Fake profiles that make fraudulent use of the logotype and name of Dorna Sports will also be monitored and eliminated, as well as those pertaining to Dorna’s Championships.
In addition, LaLiga’s human, technical and legal resources will be used to monitor and de-index those pages that use illegal Dorna Sports content from search engines. The tools created by the LaLiga Content Technology Protection team also allow the tracking, pursuit and compilation of legal evidence in order to fight illegal transmissions via IPTV and Cardsharing.
Javier Tebas, President of LaLiga: “With this alliance, LaLiga extends its commitment to fighting audiovisual piracy. Joining with Dorna Sports motivates us to keep working to protect competitions’ audiovisual value. Fighting against piracy is a top priority for LaLiga and we’ll continue to invest in technical tools and human resources to keep advancing in this field.”
Manel Arroyo, Managing Director of Dorna Sports: “The signing of this agreement between LaLiga and Dorna Sports shows our complete commitment to the fight against piracy. The protection of audio-visual rights is and always has been of utmost importance for us because, due to the exclusive and attractive nature of the content we produce, it suffers much more from the consequences of piracy. Both MotoGP and WorldSBK will greatly benefit from the tools created by LaLiga’s technological protection team, which is a global point of reference and therefore a guarantee of security for our Championships.”
About LaLiga
LaLiga is a global, innovative and socially responsible organisation, and a leader in the leisure and entertainment sector. It’s a private sporting association consisting the 20 football clubs/SAD in LaLiga Santander and the 22 in LaLiga Smartbank, responsible for organising professional football competitions on a national level. In the 2018/2019 season, LaLiga reached more than 2.7 billion people worldwide. With headquarters in Madrid (Spain), LaLiga is present in 55 countries, with nine offices and 46 delegates. The association carries out its social actions via its Foundation and is the first professional football league in the world that has a competition for players with intellectual disabilities: LaLiga Genuine Santander.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. headquarters in Foothill Ranch, California. Photo by David Swarts.
Kawasaki Announces New Agreement with Roadrunner Financial to Offer Financing for Credit Builders and First-Time Buyers
Foothill Ranch, Calif. – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is pleased to announce a new financing agreement with Roadrunner Financial to offer competitive near-prime loans to Credit Builders with 550-660+ FICO scores. Roadrunner delivers a revolutionary lender experience through digital applications with instant decisions, comprehensive credit coverage, and unbeatable dealer and customer support.
Kawasaki joins a group of Powersports and Outdoor Power Equipment partners that utilize Roadrunner Financial to bring great finance offers to their customers. The relationship with Kawasaki allows Roadrunner to offer an enhanced program with improved near-prime rates with no fees for dealers.
“Roadrunner Financial is a key addition for Kawasaki and our dealers” said Kawasaki Senior Vice President, Sales and Operations Bill Jenkins. “The focus on a near-prime credit program will offer dealers new opportunities for financing customers on Kawasaki powersports products.”
“Roadrunner will give Kawasaki dealers a new tool to close deals that would usually walk out the door.” When asked about the new financing agreement, Jon Vestal, VP of Sales at Roadrunner Financial said, “We’re very excited to strengthen our relationship with Kawasaki. By targeting near-prime, we plan to deliver significant incremental sales for Kawasaki in 2020 and beyond.”
This new Kawasaki program from Roadrunner Financial will be available to Kawasaki dealers starting March 1st, 2020.
About Roadrunner Financial:
Roadrunner Financial offers financing for customers across the entire credit spectrum. Roadrunner’s credit program suite includes ‘Roadrunner Prime’, ‘Roadrunner Credit Builder’ for customers down to 550 FICO, a first-time buyer program, ‘Roadrunner Lease’, and a pre-owned vehicle program.
Founded in 2016 and based in New York, Roadrunner helps dealers finance more customers by taking the traditional hassles of lending and replacing them with one seamless process that can take as little as a few minutes. Roadrunner’s unique financing experience offers instant decisions, electronic contracting, and financing for more than 10,000 vehicles across 40+ Powersports & Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) OEMs. For more information, please visit www.roadrunnerfinancial.com.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of almost 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,400 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 250 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
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A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
November 13, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
