AFT Production Twins Champion Cory Texter Returns To G&G Racing For 2020 AFT Season
WILLOW STREET, Penn. – After winning his first American Flat Track championship in 2019, Cory Texter will return to the G&G Racing for the 2020 season to defend his title in the AFT Production Twins class.
Texter scored three wins during the 2019 season and earned eight top-five finishes in route to the championship. Texter will once again team up with G&G Racing.
G&G Racing is a father-and-son-owned team based in Southern California. John and John “LJ” Gronek are pleased to bring Texter back on board for the 2020 season.
“We are really happy to bring Cory back to the team,” LJ Gronek said. “We learned a lot about setup last year, and we are adding a few new components to our program this year that should be a real benefit in our efforts. ‘CTex’ has a never-quit attitude and works hard. He was talking about the 2020 season just days after he won the Production Twins title at the Meadowlands Mile in New Jersey, so that says a lot about his will to win and improve.”
Texter is excited about the opportunity to stay on the Yamaha MT-07 DT in his return to G&G Racing.
“It has been a long off-season so far, but I feel that staying on board the Yamaha MT-07 gives me the best opportunity to make another run at a championship,” Texter said. “The Yamaha is a great motorcycle, and I am very excited about the new aspects to our program that we are working on for 2020. We’re a small team, but we are very efficient and work hard every day. John and LJ have been like family to me, and those are the type of dudes you want to go into battle with every weekend.”
Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas will be joining the team as a sponsor. Roof Systems owner Jerry Stinchfield is a major asset to the sport of flat track and had this to say about his partnership with Texter and G&G Racing:
“As many know, I am very passionate about the American Flat Track series, and I really want to get more involved in the Production Twins class. I really like the work ethic of Texter and his team. Cory does a lot for amateur racing and frequently gives back to the sport, so I wanted to do the same for him. I am excited about joining his efforts and helping his team contend for another championship.”
In addition to a new partnership with Roof Systems, Texter welcomes aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessory titan Parts Unlimited / Drag Specialties to his list of partners for 2020.
Texter will also be joined once again by many of his 2019 sponsors, including Holeshot Powersports, Motul Oils, Kicker Audio, Stay The Course, Fredericktown Yamaha, Alpinestars, and Bell Powersports.
G&G Racing is sponsored by TDFJ.com, Twisted Development, Graves Motorsports, Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, Motion Pro, GPS Racing, and Hickory Ranch.
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.
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.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Italy (Duc Panigale V4 R), 2:04.148
Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw ZX-10RR), no lap time recorded
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Jerez Test – Day 1
Jerez test sees Haslam and Honda on top in WorldSBK as day one closes
The ‘Pocket Rocket’ saw off Michael van der Mark, whilst Garrett Gerloff put America in third, with the rain in Spain persistent once again
The Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto hosted day one of WorldSBK testing and provided one of the most incredible stories yet. Despite four different manufacturers topping the timesheets, The HRC Team – fielding Leon Haslam and Alvaro Bautista – lead the way into the second day with Leon Haslam topping the timesheets by a narrow margin. With four red flags, numerous crashes and rain falling harder, Haslam fended off Michael van der Mark (PATA YAMAHA WORLDSBK OFFICIAL TEAM) and American sensation Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team) as day one concluded.
Pata Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark (60) in Spain. Photo courtesy of Dorna World SBK Press Office.
Back in action as a full factory effort, Team HRC did just about everything on their first public appearance. Leon Haslam topped the timesheets at various points throughout the day, whilst Alvaro Bautista crashed at Turn 6 earlier in the morning. In his second season back in WorldSBK, ‘Pocket Rocket’ Haslam pulled off a memorable story from day one at Jerez, placing Honda on top of the timesheets in wet conditions. The HRC Team sport a slender 0.031s advantage over Yamaha going into day two but it is an advantage nonetheless. For Haslam’s teammate Alvaro Bautista, he was back out on track in the afternoon after a lengthy time in the garage following his small morning crash, coming up to ninth on the timesheets before finishing the afternoon in tenth.
The Yamaha contingency was looking strong at Jerez, a circuit they enjoyed wins and podiums at in 2019. Michael van der Mark (PATA YAMAHA WORLDSBK OFFICIAL TEAM) was top at lunch but crashed not long after; the Dutchman being one of many riders to crash at Turn 1 through the course of the day. Toprak Razgatliolgu bounced back from his morning crash and was hovering in the top ten before finishing eighth, continuing his adaptation to the YZF R1 and the new engine.
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team’s Garrett Gerloff (31) in Spain. Photo courtesy of Dorna World SBK Press Office.
Leading the charge from the Independent teams was Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team), with the American impressing on his second visit to Jerez and finishing third, setting 35 laps. Teammate Federico Caricasulo joined Gerloff inside the top ten and was ninth, his best showing in WorldSBK to-date. The Italian made the most the wet track time and just under two tenths behind Razgatlioglu.
ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati showed strong pace throughout the opening day of the test, as Scott Redding was a firm fixture inside of the top four, hitting top spot early in the day before settling down and dialling in a good number of laps. Racking up more than 45 in total, Redding was utilising the test well, with new chassis and engine parts seeing him placed nicely in fourth. After two crashes for Chaz Davies (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati), the Welshman had an afternoon to get back on track – both literally and metaphorically. However, with the rain coming down harder than ever, he was rooted to 15th in the class.
Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) was enjoying his time on track at the Jerez test and was making sure that the YZF R1 Yamaha was working well around the famous Spanish venue. Having been first across various parts of the day, the Frenchman was pushed back to fifth come the end of the day. Other Independent riders who were also having strong showings included Leandro Mercado (Motocorsa Racing) in 11th and Chilean rookie Maximilian Scheib (ORELAC Racing VERDNATURA) in 12th.
A quiet morning for BMW turned into a busier afternoon, with 2013 WorldSBK Champion Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) hitting the top six as the rain eased off. Parts they wanted to test in dry conditions consisted of chassis updates, swingarm configurations and rear shocks. However, with the wet circuit, there was very little they could try. On the other side of the garage, Eugene Laverty beavered away and improved throughout the day; Sykes and Laverty finished sixth and 13th respectively as the rain came back with a vengeance.
With Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) opting not to go out at all on day one, Alex Lowes was flying the Kawasaki flag at Jerez. The British rider will switch to the Japanese manufacturer in 2020 and is looking to use the Jerez test to his advantage, with this being their last track action until Phillip Island’s test in February. Utilising wet weather track time to the best he could, Lowes wasted no time in going top just after 14:00, before finishing in seventh.
Double STK1000 Champion Sylvain Barrier (Brixx Performance) took his Ducati Panigale V4 R to 14th at the end of day one, whilst Sandro Cortese (Barni Racing Team) deputises for Leon Camier and finished 16th in the WorldSBK class. One place behind him was Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team GOELEVEN), who suffered a Turn 7 crash which brought out the fourth red flag of the day.
As the top six are covered by just under a second and the top three all covered by less than a tenth, day two of testing at Jerez promises to be an exciting one. Haslam and Honda going into Thursday on top, and with more rain due, more unpredictability awaits.
WorldSBK Jerez Test Day One Unofficial Times:
1.) Leon Haslam (HRC Team) 1’52.149
2.) Michael van der Mark (PATA YAMAHA WORLDSBK OFFICIAL TEAM) +0.031
4.) Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) +0.359
5.) Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.511
WorldSSP: Fuligni heads WorldSSP field in rain-hit day one at Jerez
Italian youngster blasts clear whilst Steven Odendaal and reigning Champion Krummenacher complete the top three
MV Agusta’s Federico Fuligni (20) in Spain. Photo courtesy of Dorna World SBK Press Office.
Despite the rain, numerous red flags and a very busy Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto track, the FIM Supersport World Championship’s leading riders took to the circuit and made the most of the testing time. After the 2018 and 2019 WorldSSP seasons went down to the final round of the year, testing provides opportunities to gain critical advantages and get ahead of the opposition come the season’s start. Taking advantage of difficult conditions, it was Federico Fuligni (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) who led the way, ahead of Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing) and Randy Krummenacher (MV Agusta Reparto Corse).
With heavy rain drenching the Spanish circuit in the morning, track action was initially very little for the World Supersport field. On top of the test back in November, WorldSSP rookie Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) elected not to take to the circuit all day, with the rain proving too much for the Italian’s liking.
Federico Fuligni (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) had plenty to shout about as he got his head around tricky, inclement conditions. The Italian will be eager to make a step in 2020, remaining with the team he joined in 2019. Spending much of the afternoon as top WorldSSP runner and setting a good number of laps during wet weather running, Fuligni ended day one in top spot. Vital data gathering and wet weather riding mean Fuligni first day of testing in 2020 was a success.
South African representation returns to WorldSSP in 2020, as Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing) moves over from the Moto2™ World Championship. Back on track and eager to impress in 2020, the 26-year-old set more laps than any other WorldSSP Yamaha rider on his way to second at the end of the day. The Ten Kate Racing team return to the World Supersport grid in 2020 and have 73 wins in their time in the class before; important testing will prove pivotal on whether they can add to that tally.
Randy Krummenacher enjoyed a successful day as he got his first wet track time in on the MV Agusta F3 675. The Swiss rider, who clinched the WorldSSP title in 2019, featured inside the top ten on combined times early in the day and was top WorldSSP rider at lunch time, before placing third come the close of business. Krummenacher was second in the race at Jerez in 2019, beaten only by then-teammate, Federico Caricasulo.
The GMT94 Yamaha duo of Jules Cluzel and Corentin Perolari were also out on track at Jerez, garnering vital data and track time in tricky conditions in order to be prepared for the 2020 season. Setting 35 laps between them and being split by just 0.195s, Cluzel pipped Perolari and they finished fourth and fifth in their class respectively.
The only other two WorldSSP riders on track were Dutchman Jaimie van Sikkelerus (MPM Routz Racing Team), who only took to the track for 22 laps during the afternoon. He was joined on track by fellow Yamaha rider Loris Cresson (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth), who didn’t complete a flying lap. The Belgian rider’s teammate, Peter Sebestyen, is not present at the test this week, whilst Kawasaki Puccetti Racing are also absent from Jerez.
Team Australia may have its stable of superstars competing in the 2020 International Island Classic at Phillip Island this Australia Day long weekend (January 24-26), but America arrives with a seriously strong line-up including American husband and wife duo Josh Hayes and Melissa Paris – the first woman to compete in the multi-nation International Challenge.
The potent road racing combo – Hayes is a multiple AMA superbike champion and Paris has competed in world supersport and endurance events – will combine with riders like Jordan Szoke, Taylor Knapp and Larry Pegram as America attempts to seize the International Challenge trophy from Australia across the four six-lap races.
Hayes and Paris will also bring their young son, two-year old Hawk, to Australia with the youngster destined to be a super-cute mascot for the American effort.
Josh can’t have all the fun
Paris, who made her professional debut in 2009 at Daytona – the same year she became the first woman to qualify for a world supersport event – admits she was a “bit jealous” about all the fun that Josh had during his Island Class debut in 2019.
“Josh knows I get a bit grumpy hanging around the race track when I don’t get to ride,” says Melissa. “So when (American team captain) Dave Crussell offered to let me ride one of his Yamaha TZ750s in 2020, it was really a no-brainer.”
Paris tested the TZ750 at Willow Springs Raceway in California earlier this year, and she’s looking forward to riding it at Phillip Island.
“Secretly, two-stroke road racers have always been my jam,” says Melissa. “That being said I was pretty intimated to test the TZ750… but when I actually got on track it wasn’t as overwhelming as I expected.
“I think it’s going be a big challenge for me to figure out how to go fast on it… but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to! “
Josh Hayes (right), wife Melissa Paris (left), and two-year-old son Hawk (center). Photo courtesy of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Hawk makes his early racing mark
Paris made headlines when she competed in the 2017 Le Mans 24-hour world endurance race while in her early pregnancy with Hawk.
“We realised I was pregnant about five minutes before I left to the airport to go to Le Mans,” Paris continued. “My midwife told me I was safe to race as long as I fitted into my leathers… so yeah, I was able to race until about four months.
“I think Hawk thinks motorcycle noises are lullabies because most nights he goes to sleep watching MotoGP races. He loves going for rides on motorcycles, too.
“Josh and I both genuinely love riding, whether it’s at a world-class circuit or just goofing off in the backyard on dirt bikes, so to get to share that with Hawk has been really cool.“
Josh Hayes (4). Photo by Russell Colvin, courtesy of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
High expectations
Meanwhile, Hayes is delighted to be returning in 2020 after finishing the 2019 event on a high with victory in the final race.
“The 2019 Island Classic was awesome,” Hayes said. “The views coming onto the front straight were incredibly distracting at first, and in the first race I was quite taken back by the level of competition on these classic era bikes. Even got my feelings hurt a few times!
“But when I was able to win the final race, and returned to our pit to find the captains of all the other teams there to celebrate alongside us, I knew this was a special event – more about two-wheel passion than business, and something that I wanted to continue to be a part of!”
“America got close in 2019, and I definitely see room for improvement and have high expectations for 2020. We missed a little on consistency in our results, which I know we can improve, but Dave Crussell and the rest of the American contingent have worked hard to improve our equipment also, so we are looking for big things.
“I’m looking to build on that first American team win for 2020, and hopefully put a lot of pressure on Australia and the returning UK team.”
Unlike his wife, Hayes is going down the four-stroke route at Phillip Island on a Mojo Yamaha FJ-based machine housed in a CMR F1 chassis.
“I will definitely be a little more prepared for this upcoming Island Classic verses last year,” Hayes said. “I hadn’t ridden competitively in over 14 months for the last one. This time I’ve got some laps under my belt, and I’m familiar with the bike and the track.
“Hopefully it shows in my riding, and for Melissa and Hawk to get to experience Australia with me is just icing on the cake.”
The United Kingdom completes the 2020 International Challenge roster, with practice and qualifying beginning on January 24 ahead of the four races across Saturday and Sunday.
Historic racing across all eras
The Island Classic, is now in its 27th year, is the largest historic motorcycle racing event in the Southern Hemisphere. The weekend honours a century of motorcycling in three action-packed days, with the International Challenge just one element of an event that celebrates the splendour of historic racing across all levels.
As well the International Challenge, the Island Classic includes 50 other races for machines across the six historic racing categories: Veteran (up to 1919), Vintage (1920-1945), Classic (1946-1962), Post Classic (1963-1972), Forgotten Era (1973-1982) and New Era (1983-1990).
Qualifying begins on Friday for all classes, followed by a full program of racing on Saturday and Sunday. Close to 400 solo bikes will compete at Phillip Island, where the six classes will face one qualifying session and five races.
Individual accolades will also include the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the rider who accrues the most points outside the International Challenge races.
Tickets at the gate
Tickets are available at the gate from 8am Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Children 15 and under are free, accompanied by a full-paying adult. On circuit camping is also available with 24 hour check-in from Thursday at 7am with entry via gate 2.
American Honda has notified dealers that the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP homologation special is $28,500.
The limited-edition CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP was designed to win the Superbike World Championship, according to Honda, and comes with an array of special features that set it apart from a standard CBR1000RR, which Honda continues to sell starting at $16,499.
Highlights of the 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP include:
An all-new, more powerful, more compact inline four-cylinder engine featuring a new finger-follower valvetrain and lighter internals
New IMU-based engine electronics with 5 power modes, 3 engine braking modes, 9 traction control settings, 3 wheelie control settings, Sport and Track ABS modes, and an electronic quickshifter
A titanium Akrapovic exhaust muffler
A new frame with optimized rigidity
A new, longer, MotoGP-style swingarm
A tubular aluminum subframe
New chassis geometry with more rake, more trail, and a longer wheelbase
New placement of the inline four-cylinder engine
MotoGP-inspired aerodynamic winglets for reduced front-end lift and increased braking stability while offering a low coefficient of drag
Öhlins NPS front forks with Öhlins Smart EC tuning
Brembo Stylema front brake calipers
Brembo front brake master cylinder
330mm (13.0 inches) front brake discs
Rear brake caliper from the Honda RC213V-S
New TFT instrument display
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is available through Honda dealers but production is limited.
Yamaha WorldSBK Teams Ready to Get 2020 Season Underway in Jerez
The three Yamaha powered WorldSBK teams have arrived in Jerez for the first test of the 2020 season, which takes place on 22nd and 23rd January. The Pata Yamaha squad will once again lead the way as Yamaha’s Official WorldSBK Team, but they can expect some competition again this season from both the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior and Ten Kate Yamaha WorldSBK Supported teams.
2020 marks the fifth year for the partnership between Yamaha and Crescent Racing and both parties head into the new season keen to build on the success of 2018 and 2019, during which they secured 31 podium finishes and four race wins together.
Pata Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark (left) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (right). Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Europe.
Michael van der Mark returns in 2020 for his fourth season with the Pata Yamaha squad, with his sights set firmly on the top step of the podium. The 27-year-old Dutch rider has been a consistent WorldSBK front runner in recent years, racking up 20 podium finishes and three race wins aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1, but heads into the new season determined to play a bigger part in the battle for the championship.
Joining van der Mark at Pata Yamaha for 2020 will be Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the most exciting young rider on the WorldSBK grid. Combining raw speed and fierce determination, the 23-year-old Turkish rider was one of the standout riders of 2019, securing his maiden WorldSBK win with a scintillating performance in Race 1 at Magny-Cours. Razgatlıoğlu was quick to adapt to the Yamaha YZF-R1 during testing at the end of 2019 and he is keen to establish himself as a championship contender as he heads into the new season.
The GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team will field an exciting international rider line-up for the 2020 FIM Superbike World Championship season, with Italian Federico Caricasulo and American Garrett Gerloff both making their WorldSBK debut aboard the GRT Yamaha YZF-R1 machines.
Caricasulo is already familiar with the GRT Yamaha squad, having contested the FIM Supersport World Championship with them in 2017 and 2018, taking his YZF-R6 to ten podium finishes and three race wins during his two seasons with the team. The 23-year-old Italian also knows the majority of the tracks on the WorldSBK calendar but will have to adapt his Supersport derived riding style during preseason testing to better suit the heavier and more powerful YZF-R1 on which he’ll contest his debut WorldSBK season.
Gerloff is also a rider with a winning pedigree. The 24-year-old Texan was MotoAmerica Supersport Champion in 2016 and 2017 and secured his first podium finish on his debut for the Yamaha Factory Superbike Team in 2018. The Texan remained with Yamaha in 2019, securing four race wins and 15 podium finishes on his way to finishing third overall in his second full season of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Gerloff was quick to adapt to the WorldSBK specification YZF-R1 during testing at the end of 2019 and remains unfazed by the fact that every track he races at this season will be new to him.
Ten Kate Racing Yamaha’s Loris Baz. Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Europe.
A veteran at just 26 years of age, Frenchman Loris Baz returns to action as the sole rider with the Ten Kate Yamaha WorldSBK Supported Team in 2020. The team made their return to WorldSBK part way through 2019 and Baz racked up ten top-ten finishes over the course of the season to finish an impressive tenth in the championship standings, despite missing the first five rounds. In 2020 Baz is looking to build on his impressive 2019 form and regularly challenge for the podium.
Andrea Dosoli
Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager
2020 marks the fifth season since Yamaha’s return to WorldSBK competition in 2016 with the YZF-R1 and we are excited to see the next step in our evolution! Yamaha’s Official Team, operated in close partnership with Crescent Racing, has improved every year both in potential and result, securing third and fourth overall in the 2019 Championship. As Yamaha, we have continued to improve our development capabilities, the team has improved its level, and now we also have the new 2020 YZF-R1 to help us challenge for victories. Alongside this, Yamaha’s Official Team has one of the most exciting rider line-ups ever seen in WorldSBK, as Toprak Razgatlıoğlu joins Michael van der Mark to create a talented, young, aggressive team that we hope will allow us to challenge for the World Championship title, our ultimate goal.
The GRT squad embarks upon its second year of WorldSBK competition with a strengthened team structure and, more importantly, a full season of experience to draw from. Supported as our Junior Team for 2020 onwards, the GRT Yamaha platform is an important addition to the bLU cRU rider development program, allowing talented younger Yamaha riders to progress to the very top of the production racing pyramid. Having shown winning ability and fighting spirit in 2019’s MotoAmerica series on his Yamaha USA YZF-R1, we are delighted to welcome Garrett Gerloff to WorldSBK, who joins 23-year-old Italian Federico Caricasulo, last year’s World Supersport runner-up on his R6, in the GRT squad. Both these riders are very ambitious, and we look forward to seeing them progressing as the season develops and challenging the fastest riders in the Championship.
Our fifth Yamaha R1 rider in the 2020 series, Loris Baz, continues his partnership with the Ten Kate Racing team further to very encouraging performances since re-joining the Championship in the sixth round of 2019. The Ten Kate Yamaha team has a proven pedigree and, combined with Loris’ talents and Yamaha’s support, has shown that the R1 machine can be immediately competitive as a customer package. Going into 2020, we expect some exciting results from Loris, a rider who always gives 100%!
The WorldSBK Championship continues to evolve in a positive direction and Yamaha is planning to be one of the main protagonists as the season develops, in addition to our winning targets in World Supersport and World Supersport300. We look forward to being joined by Yamaha’s fans at the 2020 races!
Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes will shortly undertake their final European-based tests of the winter at Jerez in Spain, between 22 and 23 January.
Having already tested at the venue in the south west of Spain in November the forthcoming two days of track action will be used to make valuable comparisons with previous set-up and development ideas on the already class-leading WorldSBK spec Ninja ZX-10RR.
After the completion of the Jerez tests the season begins in earnest in Australia at the end of February. As is now traditional there will be a two-day official championship organisers’ test session at Phillip Island on 24 and 25 February, shortly before the start of race weekend itself.
As a record breaking five time WorldSBK champion, Rea will be looking to find an even sharper edge to his overall machine set-up before he switches into full race mode at the awesome Phillip Island circuit, in the state of Victoria. Rea collected another trophy recently, winning the Irish Motorcyclist of the Year accolade at the Irish Motorbike Awards for the fifth consecutive year.
As a newcomer into the KRT set-up for 2020 Lowes has already impressed many on his Ninja ZX-10RR, which he has already ridden at two Spanish tests shortly after the end of the 2019 season. Third overall in last year’s championship, Lowes is looking to 2020 as an opportunity to add to his total of race wins and improve his championship position.
Only the potential for changeable winter weather conditions is an unknown variable going into the forthcoming tests for a manufacturer and team that have scored World Championship successes in the past five years with the ZX-10R and Ninja ZX-10RR models.
The 4.423km long Jerez circuit will host the third round of the 2020 WorldSBK season. Race weekend will be the first European-based one this time around, with track action taking place between 27 and 29 March.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “It is super-nice to start the year with a test at Jerez. We will try to continue on from where we left off last year, when were both fast and consistent. The nicest thing is catching up with the team again and putting all our ideas together. It is important to continue improving the base set-up of our Ninja ZX-10RR. We just need to confirm some different directions we took in November and then get ready for Australia. This Jerez test is more about understanding where we left off last year and confirming some things. We just need to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as it is always a gamble in January. We are as far south in Europe as we can be to guarantee consistent weather, but you never really know. Hopefully we can get some good work done. I will enjoy riding my bike again to set us up for going down under in a few weeks’ time.”
Alex Lowes, stated: “I am looking forward to the tests after the winter break and it is going to be nice to get back out riding. With only these two days scheduled before we get out to Australia for the opening round I am hoping for some decent weather to get back up to speed and blow the winter cobwebs off. We will start getting focused and dialled in for the first race. We had a good first test back in November and since then there have been a few little things that we highlighted I wanted to improve. Even still a few little things with riding position, things like that, so we will focus on them and get as comfy as possible on the bike. That is actually the only target I have got; make sure the bike feels like my own before we get over to Australia and get the year started.”
Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “This is an important test to prepare for the opening Australian round. We have all technical jobs done so we have to check a few details at this time; then give the riders the opportunity to make some more kilometers with their bikes on track. More important now is for them to start set their rhythm. I know Johnny and Alex are working even more than ever, so in this area I’m quite calm. I’m totally convinced we have them ready and very well trained. The motivation from Jonathan to continue winning is amazing. How Alex took the chance to improve on his third position from 2019 – to try and surprise everybody in Australia – is incredible. I know very well that we will start racing in Australia, were unfortunately they have suffered many bush fires in the last weeks. We hope we can bring a nice show to provide good entertainment to all the Australian fans and give some positive moments to help a little with all the difficult times they have passed through.”
2019 KRT Rider WorldSBK Statistics
Jonathan Rea: World Champion 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019
2019: Races 37, Wins 18, Podiums 34, Superpoles 7
Career Race Wins: 88 (73 for Kawasaki)
Career Podiums: 168 (126 for Kawasaki)
Career Poles: 23 (19 for Kawasaki)
Alex Lowes:
2019: Races: 37, Wins 0, Podiums 9, Superpoles 0
Career Race Wins: 1 (0 for Kawasaki)
Career Podiums: 20 (0 for Kawasaki)
Career Poles: 1 (0 for Kawasaki)
7 x Riders’ Championships (Scott Russell 1993, Tom Sykes 2013, Rea 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019), 1 x EVO Riders’ Championship (David Salom 2014)
Indian Motorcycle Announces European Flat Track Series for 2020
EUROPE (January 20, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle is reinforcing its investment in the growth of European motorcycle sport with the Dirt Track Riders Association (DTRA) and are pleased to announce the race schedule for the 2020 Indian Motorcycle European Flat Track Series.
Following a successful inaugural series in 2019, Indian Motorcycle has worked with the DTRA to select events that embrace the spirit of Flat Track racing’s growing scene across Europe, ensuring that the ‘Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Series’ championship is accessible and exciting for a wide range of rider abilities.
In last year’s action-packed Championship, Indian Motorcycle rider Leah Tokelove’s consistent riding throughout the year secured second in the overall standings with Krazy Horse teammate Lee Kirkpatrick rounding out the European Hooligan Podium in third overall.
Three hugely popular classes will allow entries ranging from the thundering 750cc+ multi-cylinder ‘Hooligan’ road-based machines, such as Indian FTR 1200 and Scout, to the Open-entry ‘Pro Class’ dominated by lightweight DTX based machines and a growing Pre-1975 ‘Vintage Class’.
All classes cater for first-time amateur and Pro riders alike, with circuits catering for mixed ability, including fast ½-miles, tight short tracks and a TT, the championship series will showcase some of the best races in Europe, to promote the European Flat Track scene and its riders on a global scale.
Indian Motorcycle European Flat Track Series:
Classes: Hooligan, Vintage & Pro (Open class)
Series Events: (Four Rounds with the three best results to count)
Round 1: 2nd-3rd May Hells Race, Holland – Light Shale Short-Track – Open to all Classes. Held at this well-established event at the Dirttrack Lelystad Stadium, this is a fantastic event to open the series.
Round 2: 6th-7th June Greenfield TT, United Kingdom – Dirt-Track TT Course – Open to Pro and Vintage classes only. Greenfield TT incorporates a spectacular jump section which is unsuitable for the Hooligan road-based machines, it also makes-up a round of the UK DTRA Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Nationals Series.
Round 3: 13th June – El Rollo at Wheels and Waves, San Sebastian, Spain – Dirt Short-Track – Open to all Classes. The El Rollo dirt-track race at Wheels and Waves is a massive event in the European motorcycle calendar.
Round 4: 18th-20th September Krowdrace, Parchim Germany – Shale 1/2 Mile – Open to all Classes. Run for the first time in 2019, Krowdrace is expanding in its second year and will be running at this excellent ½-mile venue.
Individual Event Prizes: (On top of local event prizes) Winner Pro – 200 Euros / Winner Hooligan – 150 Euros / Winner Vintage – 150 Euros
Rider Registration: The series is free to enter so even if you won’t make all the rounds it still worth getting your registration in; you never know you, may end up doing better than you think!
Prizes and benefits will be available only to registered riders. Registered riders will agree to abide by the rules of the series and the local rules and licence arrangements of each local race organisers. Registrations will open during January and close just before the first meeting. Full rules for the 2020 series will be found on the DTRA website and, of course, locally at each event. (Link to registration via DTRA: www.dirttrackriders.co.uk)
Indian Motorcycle will announce its 2020 team and rider lineup in a future release.
The Belgian Motorcycle Academy: a new path on the Road to MotoGP™
The new academy aims to discover and foster young talent from the country
Tuesday, 21 January 2020
Dorna Sports is proud to announce a new addition to the Road to MotoGP™: the Belgian Motorcycle Academy. The FMWB, Zelos/MIG, the Circuit Jules Tacheny in Mettet and the Belgian Motorcycle Foundation have come together to create the Academy, a new programme that aims to find, foster and guide young Belgian talents between the ages of seven and 14, steering them towards success in motorcycle competition.
The Belgian Motorcycle Academy will provide a training programme of at least 10 days per year, principally taking place during weekends and school holidays. The members of the Academy will receive advanced training in different motorcycle disciplines such as trial, dirt track, supermotard, motocross and road racing, as well as courses in communication, psychology, nutrition and physical training, creating an all-encompassing programme. The Academy will count on several coaches and instructors certified by the Fédération Motocycliste Wallonne de Belgique (FMWB) and ADEPS, including Stéphane Mertens and Fred Fiorentino.
The idea was formed when Freddy Tacheny, the president of the Academy, learned of the new Northern Talent Cup and decided, along with President of the Belgian Motorcycle Foundation Michel Wanty, to begin this new project. As part of the Road to MotoGP™, the best riders from the Academy will have access to the NTC selection process in future and in 2020, there are already two young Belgian riders signed up to compete in the Cup – chosen after a selection day organised by the co-founders of the Academy. They are 16-year-old Lorenz Luciano, who has shown his talent in FSBK pre-Moto3 for the past two years, and 17-year-old Amélie Triffet, third in the FFM Women’s Cup in 2019. They were selected to race in the inaugural NTC and form the Junior Black Knights Team, managed by Christophe Chantrain.
In addition to the founders and the support of Dorna, the Academy can also count on support from Yamaha Belgium, Pirelli, Bihr, Yamaha Zone Rouge d’Andenne and Yamalube.
Freddy Tacheny, President of the Belgian Motorcycle Academy: “With Carmelo Ezpeleta and his team, we had often discussed the lack of a professional pathway in Northern Europe. The arrival of the NTC will allow riders in Northern Europe to further improve their learning of professional racing and to level the playing field compared to riders from the south, currently very present in the World Championships. With pride, we are also announcing the creation of a Belgian Motorcycle Academy, officially recognised by Dorna, whose objective is to detect and train young talents in Belgium, an historic breeding ground for motorcycle champions. We are particularly pleased that two of our riders have been selected to participate in the Northern Talent Cup, namely Amélie Triffet and Luciano Lorenz. I thank Dorna and all the partners for their support in Belgium and wish the Belgian Motorcycle Academy and the Northern Talent Cup a long life!”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “I’m delighted to welcome the Belgian Motorcycle Academy to the Road to MotoGP and to extend the programme to another important country. Discovering and developing young talent is a vital part of our vision and the Belgian Motorcycle Academy will be another valuable partner. I’m looking forward to seeing the youngsters come through the Academy and lay more foundations for the future of motorcycling in their country and region, in tandem with the new Northern Talent Cup.”
More projects and information will be published in due course. To sign up for the chance to become part of the Academy, a rider must be between seven and 14-years-old, be a Belgian national, be able to ride and have an annual FMWB licence. Riders of 11 years of age or older must accompany their application with a sporting CV. Several selection days are set to be organised each year, depending on the number of registered riders, and will include a physical and psychological assessment.
The price of registration is €2,500 which covers supervision, the provision of different types of motorcycles, the courses, complete equipment, the instructors and the provision of different circuits (+ €2,000 security deposit). Inscriptions will take place via the Academy’s website, which will be online in February 2020. Until then, riders can send their applications to [email protected].
2020 fires up as WorldSBK set for intriguing Jerez test
The countdown really is on as the first WorldSBK action of the decade begins at the Circuito de Jerez, with the new season getting ever closer…
After a lengthy winter in which the 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship enjoyed the festivities, it is back to hard work and testing activities. The Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in the south of Spain is the next venue for the WorldSBK field to take their 2020 preparation to, from the 22nd to the 23rd January. With seasoned riders moving teams, temporary replacements and the much anticipated first public test of the HRC Honda team, there’s plenty to keep an eye on across the two days.
The Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK field both Jonathan Rea and new teammate Alex Lowes at the Spanish circuit. The pair were first and fourth respectively the last time they visited Jerez, with Rea finishing with nearly a full second advantage over nearest rival. The Ulsterman comes into the test with positive feelings, have been crowned Irish Motorcyclist of the Year on Friday 17th January. For Alex Lowes, he will be eager to carry on dialling in his feelings and developing the ZX-10RR to his liking. Lowes will be eager to crack the top three this time around.
A prominent force back in November and with a new rider in their set-up, the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team are eager to narrow the gap to Rea at the top of the timesheets. Michael van der Mark was right on the pace at Jerez in November, frequenting top position half-way throughout the second day before finishing third overall with 177 laps complete. New teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu also shone brightly on the opening day last time before finishing seventh at the close of the test. The Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team are getting ready for the 2020 season in style, with the next batch of testing looking positive.
MotorLand Aragon testing was certainly a positive experience for the ARUBA.IT – Racing Ducati team, but they didn’t top any day of the test at Jerez. Rookie Scott Redding was the best rider from the Italian manufacturer in fifth, whilst Chaz Davies managed ninth, both riders working through a variety of set-ups towards finding a suitable balance for the V4 R. Both riders will seek to be within a second of the top time and make steady improvements across the two days, with Redding yearning more track time.
Both BMW riders were inside the top ten at the close of testing at Jerez last time out, with Tom Sykes flying high in sixth and Eugene Laverty in tenth. 2013 Champion Sykes wrapped up his first title at Jerez and heads to the Spanish venue with positivity and happy memories. Teammate and 2013 title rival Eugene Laverty has been training intensely throughout the off-season and comes into the Jerez test revitalised and rejuvenated. This will be Laverty’s second test on the S1000RR and hopes to refine his feelings aboard the bike with more experience.
The fifth factory team and one of the most anticipated is the HRC Team of Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam. This will be the first public test for the bike, as Honda have been testing and developing behind closed doors, meaning that this Jerez test will be the first glimpse of the all-new CBR1000RR-R in WorldSBK trim. Bautista completed a successful test with his Ducati at Jerez in 2019 and will look to repeat that achievement over at Honda this season, with the Spaniard also coming into the 2020 season as runner-up. Teammate Haslam will be keen to develop the Honda into a contender; both riders having experience and good versatility.
Headlining the charge of the Independent’s brigade are the Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha team, featuring Loris Baz. The Frenchman was a stand-out performer at Jerez last time out, finishing second on day two and being inside the top five for most of the test. With 181 laps done, Baz is a man to watch out for across the two days.
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team bring their line-up of Federico Caricasulo and Garrett Gerloff to the famed Jerez track too. Caricasulo is another rookie on the 2020 grid, whilst American teammate Garrett Gerloff has been quietly going about his business and has impressed many so far.
Other Independent teams in attendance include the BARNI Racing Team, who will not be with Leon Camier as the British rider recovers from injury. Sandro Cortese replaces him for the two days, with the German racking up miles aboard the Ducati and yet to be confirmed on the 2020 grid. Team GoEleven bring Michael Ruben Rinaldi to Jerez, with this being his first test with the team ahead of 2020.
The Motocorsa Racing team will also be there with their Ducati and Leandro Mercado, who returns to the manufacturer in 2020. The Brixx Performance set-up are also at Jerez, testing with their rider Sylvain Barrier. One more rider to keep a close eye on will be Chile’s Maximilien Scheib, who teams up with the Orelac Racing VerdNatura squad and readies for his first test of his full-time debut in the 2020 season.
From the WorldSSP class, Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) will return to Jerez, when he was top of the WorldSSP class in November. 2019 WorldSSP Champion Randy Krummenacher (MV AGUSTA Reparto Corse) will look to be back on top, with his teammate Federico Fuligni joining him. They will be on track with Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha), Jaimie van Sikkelerus (MPM Routz Racing Team), Loris Cresson (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth), GMT94 YAMAHA duo Jules Cluzel and Corentin Perolari and also WorldSSP rookie, Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team).
Catch all the riders’ reactions and more on our WorldSBK social channels and at WorldSBK.com.
2019 AFT Production Twins Champion Cory Texter (65). Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy of AFT.
AFT Production Twins Champion Cory Texter Returns To G&G Racing For 2020 AFT Season
WILLOW STREET, Penn. – After winning his first American Flat Track championship in 2019, Cory Texter will return to the G&G Racing for the 2020 season to defend his title in the AFT Production Twins class.
Texter scored three wins during the 2019 season and earned eight top-five finishes in route to the championship. Texter will once again team up with G&G Racing.
G&G Racing is a father-and-son-owned team based in Southern California. John and John “LJ” Gronek are pleased to bring Texter back on board for the 2020 season.
“We are really happy to bring Cory back to the team,” LJ Gronek said. “We learned a lot about setup last year, and we are adding a few new components to our program this year that should be a real benefit in our efforts. ‘CTex’ has a never-quit attitude and works hard. He was talking about the 2020 season just days after he won the Production Twins title at the Meadowlands Mile in New Jersey, so that says a lot about his will to win and improve.”
Texter is excited about the opportunity to stay on the Yamaha MT-07 DT in his return to G&G Racing.
“It has been a long off-season so far, but I feel that staying on board the Yamaha MT-07 gives me the best opportunity to make another run at a championship,” Texter said. “The Yamaha is a great motorcycle, and I am very excited about the new aspects to our program that we are working on for 2020. We’re a small team, but we are very efficient and work hard every day. John and LJ have been like family to me, and those are the type of dudes you want to go into battle with every weekend.”
Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas will be joining the team as a sponsor. Roof Systems owner Jerry Stinchfield is a major asset to the sport of flat track and had this to say about his partnership with Texter and G&G Racing:
“As many know, I am very passionate about the American Flat Track series, and I really want to get more involved in the Production Twins class. I really like the work ethic of Texter and his team. Cory does a lot for amateur racing and frequently gives back to the sport, so I wanted to do the same for him. I am excited about joining his efforts and helping his team contend for another championship.”
In addition to a new partnership with Roof Systems, Texter welcomes aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessory titan Parts Unlimited / Drag Specialties to his list of partners for 2020.
Texter will also be joined once again by many of his 2019 sponsors, including Holeshot Powersports, Motul Oils, Kicker Audio, Stay The Course, Fredericktown Yamaha, Alpinestars, and Bell Powersports.
G&G Racing is sponsored by TDFJ.com, Twisted Development, Graves Motorsports, Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, Motion Pro, GPS Racing, and Hickory Ranch.
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.
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.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Italy (Duc Panigale V4 R), 2:04.148
Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw ZX-10RR), no lap time recorded
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Jerez Test – Day 1
Jerez test sees Haslam and Honda on top in WorldSBK as day one closes
The ‘Pocket Rocket’ saw off Michael van der Mark, whilst Garrett Gerloff put America in third, with the rain in Spain persistent once again
The Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto hosted day one of WorldSBK testing and provided one of the most incredible stories yet. Despite four different manufacturers topping the timesheets, The HRC Team – fielding Leon Haslam and Alvaro Bautista – lead the way into the second day with Leon Haslam topping the timesheets by a narrow margin. With four red flags, numerous crashes and rain falling harder, Haslam fended off Michael van der Mark (PATA YAMAHA WORLDSBK OFFICIAL TEAM) and American sensation Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team) as day one concluded.
Pata Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark (60) in Spain. Photo courtesy of Dorna World SBK Press Office.
Back in action as a full factory effort, Team HRC did just about everything on their first public appearance. Leon Haslam topped the timesheets at various points throughout the day, whilst Alvaro Bautista crashed at Turn 6 earlier in the morning. In his second season back in WorldSBK, ‘Pocket Rocket’ Haslam pulled off a memorable story from day one at Jerez, placing Honda on top of the timesheets in wet conditions. The HRC Team sport a slender 0.031s advantage over Yamaha going into day two but it is an advantage nonetheless. For Haslam’s teammate Alvaro Bautista, he was back out on track in the afternoon after a lengthy time in the garage following his small morning crash, coming up to ninth on the timesheets before finishing the afternoon in tenth.
The Yamaha contingency was looking strong at Jerez, a circuit they enjoyed wins and podiums at in 2019. Michael van der Mark (PATA YAMAHA WORLDSBK OFFICIAL TEAM) was top at lunch but crashed not long after; the Dutchman being one of many riders to crash at Turn 1 through the course of the day. Toprak Razgatliolgu bounced back from his morning crash and was hovering in the top ten before finishing eighth, continuing his adaptation to the YZF R1 and the new engine.
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team’s Garrett Gerloff (31) in Spain. Photo courtesy of Dorna World SBK Press Office.
Leading the charge from the Independent teams was Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team), with the American impressing on his second visit to Jerez and finishing third, setting 35 laps. Teammate Federico Caricasulo joined Gerloff inside the top ten and was ninth, his best showing in WorldSBK to-date. The Italian made the most the wet track time and just under two tenths behind Razgatlioglu.
ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati showed strong pace throughout the opening day of the test, as Scott Redding was a firm fixture inside of the top four, hitting top spot early in the day before settling down and dialling in a good number of laps. Racking up more than 45 in total, Redding was utilising the test well, with new chassis and engine parts seeing him placed nicely in fourth. After two crashes for Chaz Davies (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati), the Welshman had an afternoon to get back on track – both literally and metaphorically. However, with the rain coming down harder than ever, he was rooted to 15th in the class.
Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) was enjoying his time on track at the Jerez test and was making sure that the YZF R1 Yamaha was working well around the famous Spanish venue. Having been first across various parts of the day, the Frenchman was pushed back to fifth come the end of the day. Other Independent riders who were also having strong showings included Leandro Mercado (Motocorsa Racing) in 11th and Chilean rookie Maximilian Scheib (ORELAC Racing VERDNATURA) in 12th.
A quiet morning for BMW turned into a busier afternoon, with 2013 WorldSBK Champion Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) hitting the top six as the rain eased off. Parts they wanted to test in dry conditions consisted of chassis updates, swingarm configurations and rear shocks. However, with the wet circuit, there was very little they could try. On the other side of the garage, Eugene Laverty beavered away and improved throughout the day; Sykes and Laverty finished sixth and 13th respectively as the rain came back with a vengeance.
With Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) opting not to go out at all on day one, Alex Lowes was flying the Kawasaki flag at Jerez. The British rider will switch to the Japanese manufacturer in 2020 and is looking to use the Jerez test to his advantage, with this being their last track action until Phillip Island’s test in February. Utilising wet weather track time to the best he could, Lowes wasted no time in going top just after 14:00, before finishing in seventh.
Double STK1000 Champion Sylvain Barrier (Brixx Performance) took his Ducati Panigale V4 R to 14th at the end of day one, whilst Sandro Cortese (Barni Racing Team) deputises for Leon Camier and finished 16th in the WorldSBK class. One place behind him was Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team GOELEVEN), who suffered a Turn 7 crash which brought out the fourth red flag of the day.
As the top six are covered by just under a second and the top three all covered by less than a tenth, day two of testing at Jerez promises to be an exciting one. Haslam and Honda going into Thursday on top, and with more rain due, more unpredictability awaits.
WorldSBK Jerez Test Day One Unofficial Times:
1.) Leon Haslam (HRC Team) 1’52.149
2.) Michael van der Mark (PATA YAMAHA WORLDSBK OFFICIAL TEAM) +0.031
4.) Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) +0.359
5.) Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.511
WorldSSP: Fuligni heads WorldSSP field in rain-hit day one at Jerez
Italian youngster blasts clear whilst Steven Odendaal and reigning Champion Krummenacher complete the top three
MV Agusta’s Federico Fuligni (20) in Spain. Photo courtesy of Dorna World SBK Press Office.
Despite the rain, numerous red flags and a very busy Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto track, the FIM Supersport World Championship’s leading riders took to the circuit and made the most of the testing time. After the 2018 and 2019 WorldSSP seasons went down to the final round of the year, testing provides opportunities to gain critical advantages and get ahead of the opposition come the season’s start. Taking advantage of difficult conditions, it was Federico Fuligni (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) who led the way, ahead of Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing) and Randy Krummenacher (MV Agusta Reparto Corse).
With heavy rain drenching the Spanish circuit in the morning, track action was initially very little for the World Supersport field. On top of the test back in November, WorldSSP rookie Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) elected not to take to the circuit all day, with the rain proving too much for the Italian’s liking.
Federico Fuligni (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) had plenty to shout about as he got his head around tricky, inclement conditions. The Italian will be eager to make a step in 2020, remaining with the team he joined in 2019. Spending much of the afternoon as top WorldSSP runner and setting a good number of laps during wet weather running, Fuligni ended day one in top spot. Vital data gathering and wet weather riding mean Fuligni first day of testing in 2020 was a success.
South African representation returns to WorldSSP in 2020, as Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing) moves over from the Moto2™ World Championship. Back on track and eager to impress in 2020, the 26-year-old set more laps than any other WorldSSP Yamaha rider on his way to second at the end of the day. The Ten Kate Racing team return to the World Supersport grid in 2020 and have 73 wins in their time in the class before; important testing will prove pivotal on whether they can add to that tally.
Randy Krummenacher enjoyed a successful day as he got his first wet track time in on the MV Agusta F3 675. The Swiss rider, who clinched the WorldSSP title in 2019, featured inside the top ten on combined times early in the day and was top WorldSSP rider at lunch time, before placing third come the close of business. Krummenacher was second in the race at Jerez in 2019, beaten only by then-teammate, Federico Caricasulo.
The GMT94 Yamaha duo of Jules Cluzel and Corentin Perolari were also out on track at Jerez, garnering vital data and track time in tricky conditions in order to be prepared for the 2020 season. Setting 35 laps between them and being split by just 0.195s, Cluzel pipped Perolari and they finished fourth and fifth in their class respectively.
The only other two WorldSSP riders on track were Dutchman Jaimie van Sikkelerus (MPM Routz Racing Team), who only took to the track for 22 laps during the afternoon. He was joined on track by fellow Yamaha rider Loris Cresson (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth), who didn’t complete a flying lap. The Belgian rider’s teammate, Peter Sebestyen, is not present at the test this week, whilst Kawasaki Puccetti Racing are also absent from Jerez.
Melissa Paris (13) on her MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Yamaha YZF-R1 racebike. Photo courtesy of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Team Australia may have its stable of superstars competing in the 2020 International Island Classic at Phillip Island this Australia Day long weekend (January 24-26), but America arrives with a seriously strong line-up including American husband and wife duo Josh Hayes and Melissa Paris – the first woman to compete in the multi-nation International Challenge.
The potent road racing combo – Hayes is a multiple AMA superbike champion and Paris has competed in world supersport and endurance events – will combine with riders like Jordan Szoke, Taylor Knapp and Larry Pegram as America attempts to seize the International Challenge trophy from Australia across the four six-lap races.
Hayes and Paris will also bring their young son, two-year old Hawk, to Australia with the youngster destined to be a super-cute mascot for the American effort.
Josh can’t have all the fun
Paris, who made her professional debut in 2009 at Daytona – the same year she became the first woman to qualify for a world supersport event – admits she was a “bit jealous” about all the fun that Josh had during his Island Class debut in 2019.
“Josh knows I get a bit grumpy hanging around the race track when I don’t get to ride,” says Melissa. “So when (American team captain) Dave Crussell offered to let me ride one of his Yamaha TZ750s in 2020, it was really a no-brainer.”
Paris tested the TZ750 at Willow Springs Raceway in California earlier this year, and she’s looking forward to riding it at Phillip Island.
“Secretly, two-stroke road racers have always been my jam,” says Melissa. “That being said I was pretty intimated to test the TZ750… but when I actually got on track it wasn’t as overwhelming as I expected.
“I think it’s going be a big challenge for me to figure out how to go fast on it… but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to! “
Josh Hayes (right), wife Melissa Paris (left), and two-year-old son Hawk (center). Photo courtesy of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Hawk makes his early racing mark
Paris made headlines when she competed in the 2017 Le Mans 24-hour world endurance race while in her early pregnancy with Hawk.
“We realised I was pregnant about five minutes before I left to the airport to go to Le Mans,” Paris continued. “My midwife told me I was safe to race as long as I fitted into my leathers… so yeah, I was able to race until about four months.
“I think Hawk thinks motorcycle noises are lullabies because most nights he goes to sleep watching MotoGP races. He loves going for rides on motorcycles, too.
“Josh and I both genuinely love riding, whether it’s at a world-class circuit or just goofing off in the backyard on dirt bikes, so to get to share that with Hawk has been really cool.“
Josh Hayes (4). Photo by Russell Colvin, courtesy of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
High expectations
Meanwhile, Hayes is delighted to be returning in 2020 after finishing the 2019 event on a high with victory in the final race.
“The 2019 Island Classic was awesome,” Hayes said. “The views coming onto the front straight were incredibly distracting at first, and in the first race I was quite taken back by the level of competition on these classic era bikes. Even got my feelings hurt a few times!
“But when I was able to win the final race, and returned to our pit to find the captains of all the other teams there to celebrate alongside us, I knew this was a special event – more about two-wheel passion than business, and something that I wanted to continue to be a part of!”
“America got close in 2019, and I definitely see room for improvement and have high expectations for 2020. We missed a little on consistency in our results, which I know we can improve, but Dave Crussell and the rest of the American contingent have worked hard to improve our equipment also, so we are looking for big things.
“I’m looking to build on that first American team win for 2020, and hopefully put a lot of pressure on Australia and the returning UK team.”
Unlike his wife, Hayes is going down the four-stroke route at Phillip Island on a Mojo Yamaha FJ-based machine housed in a CMR F1 chassis.
“I will definitely be a little more prepared for this upcoming Island Classic verses last year,” Hayes said. “I hadn’t ridden competitively in over 14 months for the last one. This time I’ve got some laps under my belt, and I’m familiar with the bike and the track.
“Hopefully it shows in my riding, and for Melissa and Hawk to get to experience Australia with me is just icing on the cake.”
The United Kingdom completes the 2020 International Challenge roster, with practice and qualifying beginning on January 24 ahead of the four races across Saturday and Sunday.
Historic racing across all eras
The Island Classic, is now in its 27th year, is the largest historic motorcycle racing event in the Southern Hemisphere. The weekend honours a century of motorcycling in three action-packed days, with the International Challenge just one element of an event that celebrates the splendour of historic racing across all levels.
As well the International Challenge, the Island Classic includes 50 other races for machines across the six historic racing categories: Veteran (up to 1919), Vintage (1920-1945), Classic (1946-1962), Post Classic (1963-1972), Forgotten Era (1973-1982) and New Era (1983-1990).
Qualifying begins on Friday for all classes, followed by a full program of racing on Saturday and Sunday. Close to 400 solo bikes will compete at Phillip Island, where the six classes will face one qualifying session and five races.
Individual accolades will also include the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the rider who accrues the most points outside the International Challenge races.
Tickets at the gate
Tickets are available at the gate from 8am Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Children 15 and under are free, accompanied by a full-paying adult. On circuit camping is also available with 24 hour check-in from Thursday at 7am with entry via gate 2.
A 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Photo courtesy American Honda.
American Honda has notified dealers that the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP homologation special is $28,500.
The limited-edition CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP was designed to win the Superbike World Championship, according to Honda, and comes with an array of special features that set it apart from a standard CBR1000RR, which Honda continues to sell starting at $16,499.
Highlights of the 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP include:
An all-new, more powerful, more compact inline four-cylinder engine featuring a new finger-follower valvetrain and lighter internals
New IMU-based engine electronics with 5 power modes, 3 engine braking modes, 9 traction control settings, 3 wheelie control settings, Sport and Track ABS modes, and an electronic quickshifter
A titanium Akrapovic exhaust muffler
A new frame with optimized rigidity
A new, longer, MotoGP-style swingarm
A tubular aluminum subframe
New chassis geometry with more rake, more trail, and a longer wheelbase
New placement of the inline four-cylinder engine
MotoGP-inspired aerodynamic winglets for reduced front-end lift and increased braking stability while offering a low coefficient of drag
Öhlins NPS front forks with Öhlins Smart EC tuning
Brembo Stylema front brake calipers
Brembo front brake master cylinder
330mm (13.0 inches) front brake discs
Rear brake caliper from the Honda RC213V-S
New TFT instrument display
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is available through Honda dealers but production is limited.
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team’s Garrett Gerloff (31) and Federico Caricasulo (64). Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Europe.
Yamaha WorldSBK Teams Ready to Get 2020 Season Underway in Jerez
The three Yamaha powered WorldSBK teams have arrived in Jerez for the first test of the 2020 season, which takes place on 22nd and 23rd January. The Pata Yamaha squad will once again lead the way as Yamaha’s Official WorldSBK Team, but they can expect some competition again this season from both the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior and Ten Kate Yamaha WorldSBK Supported teams.
2020 marks the fifth year for the partnership between Yamaha and Crescent Racing and both parties head into the new season keen to build on the success of 2018 and 2019, during which they secured 31 podium finishes and four race wins together.
Pata Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark (left) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (right). Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Europe.
Michael van der Mark returns in 2020 for his fourth season with the Pata Yamaha squad, with his sights set firmly on the top step of the podium. The 27-year-old Dutch rider has been a consistent WorldSBK front runner in recent years, racking up 20 podium finishes and three race wins aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1, but heads into the new season determined to play a bigger part in the battle for the championship.
Joining van der Mark at Pata Yamaha for 2020 will be Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the most exciting young rider on the WorldSBK grid. Combining raw speed and fierce determination, the 23-year-old Turkish rider was one of the standout riders of 2019, securing his maiden WorldSBK win with a scintillating performance in Race 1 at Magny-Cours. Razgatlıoğlu was quick to adapt to the Yamaha YZF-R1 during testing at the end of 2019 and he is keen to establish himself as a championship contender as he heads into the new season.
The GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team will field an exciting international rider line-up for the 2020 FIM Superbike World Championship season, with Italian Federico Caricasulo and American Garrett Gerloff both making their WorldSBK debut aboard the GRT Yamaha YZF-R1 machines.
Caricasulo is already familiar with the GRT Yamaha squad, having contested the FIM Supersport World Championship with them in 2017 and 2018, taking his YZF-R6 to ten podium finishes and three race wins during his two seasons with the team. The 23-year-old Italian also knows the majority of the tracks on the WorldSBK calendar but will have to adapt his Supersport derived riding style during preseason testing to better suit the heavier and more powerful YZF-R1 on which he’ll contest his debut WorldSBK season.
Gerloff is also a rider with a winning pedigree. The 24-year-old Texan was MotoAmerica Supersport Champion in 2016 and 2017 and secured his first podium finish on his debut for the Yamaha Factory Superbike Team in 2018. The Texan remained with Yamaha in 2019, securing four race wins and 15 podium finishes on his way to finishing third overall in his second full season of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Gerloff was quick to adapt to the WorldSBK specification YZF-R1 during testing at the end of 2019 and remains unfazed by the fact that every track he races at this season will be new to him.
Ten Kate Racing Yamaha’s Loris Baz. Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Europe.
A veteran at just 26 years of age, Frenchman Loris Baz returns to action as the sole rider with the Ten Kate Yamaha WorldSBK Supported Team in 2020. The team made their return to WorldSBK part way through 2019 and Baz racked up ten top-ten finishes over the course of the season to finish an impressive tenth in the championship standings, despite missing the first five rounds. In 2020 Baz is looking to build on his impressive 2019 form and regularly challenge for the podium.
Andrea Dosoli
Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager
2020 marks the fifth season since Yamaha’s return to WorldSBK competition in 2016 with the YZF-R1 and we are excited to see the next step in our evolution! Yamaha’s Official Team, operated in close partnership with Crescent Racing, has improved every year both in potential and result, securing third and fourth overall in the 2019 Championship. As Yamaha, we have continued to improve our development capabilities, the team has improved its level, and now we also have the new 2020 YZF-R1 to help us challenge for victories. Alongside this, Yamaha’s Official Team has one of the most exciting rider line-ups ever seen in WorldSBK, as Toprak Razgatlıoğlu joins Michael van der Mark to create a talented, young, aggressive team that we hope will allow us to challenge for the World Championship title, our ultimate goal.
The GRT squad embarks upon its second year of WorldSBK competition with a strengthened team structure and, more importantly, a full season of experience to draw from. Supported as our Junior Team for 2020 onwards, the GRT Yamaha platform is an important addition to the bLU cRU rider development program, allowing talented younger Yamaha riders to progress to the very top of the production racing pyramid. Having shown winning ability and fighting spirit in 2019’s MotoAmerica series on his Yamaha USA YZF-R1, we are delighted to welcome Garrett Gerloff to WorldSBK, who joins 23-year-old Italian Federico Caricasulo, last year’s World Supersport runner-up on his R6, in the GRT squad. Both these riders are very ambitious, and we look forward to seeing them progressing as the season develops and challenging the fastest riders in the Championship.
Our fifth Yamaha R1 rider in the 2020 series, Loris Baz, continues his partnership with the Ten Kate Racing team further to very encouraging performances since re-joining the Championship in the sixth round of 2019. The Ten Kate Yamaha team has a proven pedigree and, combined with Loris’ talents and Yamaha’s support, has shown that the R1 machine can be immediately competitive as a customer package. Going into 2020, we expect some exciting results from Loris, a rider who always gives 100%!
The WorldSBK Championship continues to evolve in a positive direction and Yamaha is planning to be one of the main protagonists as the season develops, in addition to our winning targets in World Supersport and World Supersport300. We look forward to being joined by Yamaha’s fans at the 2020 races!
Jonathan Rea in action at Jerez. Photo courtesy of Kawasaki.
Final European Test Awaits KRT Squad
Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes will shortly undertake their final European-based tests of the winter at Jerez in Spain, between 22 and 23 January.
Having already tested at the venue in the south west of Spain in November the forthcoming two days of track action will be used to make valuable comparisons with previous set-up and development ideas on the already class-leading WorldSBK spec Ninja ZX-10RR.
After the completion of the Jerez tests the season begins in earnest in Australia at the end of February. As is now traditional there will be a two-day official championship organisers’ test session at Phillip Island on 24 and 25 February, shortly before the start of race weekend itself.
As a record breaking five time WorldSBK champion, Rea will be looking to find an even sharper edge to his overall machine set-up before he switches into full race mode at the awesome Phillip Island circuit, in the state of Victoria. Rea collected another trophy recently, winning the Irish Motorcyclist of the Year accolade at the Irish Motorbike Awards for the fifth consecutive year.
As a newcomer into the KRT set-up for 2020 Lowes has already impressed many on his Ninja ZX-10RR, which he has already ridden at two Spanish tests shortly after the end of the 2019 season. Third overall in last year’s championship, Lowes is looking to 2020 as an opportunity to add to his total of race wins and improve his championship position.
Only the potential for changeable winter weather conditions is an unknown variable going into the forthcoming tests for a manufacturer and team that have scored World Championship successes in the past five years with the ZX-10R and Ninja ZX-10RR models.
The 4.423km long Jerez circuit will host the third round of the 2020 WorldSBK season. Race weekend will be the first European-based one this time around, with track action taking place between 27 and 29 March.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “It is super-nice to start the year with a test at Jerez. We will try to continue on from where we left off last year, when were both fast and consistent. The nicest thing is catching up with the team again and putting all our ideas together. It is important to continue improving the base set-up of our Ninja ZX-10RR. We just need to confirm some different directions we took in November and then get ready for Australia. This Jerez test is more about understanding where we left off last year and confirming some things. We just need to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as it is always a gamble in January. We are as far south in Europe as we can be to guarantee consistent weather, but you never really know. Hopefully we can get some good work done. I will enjoy riding my bike again to set us up for going down under in a few weeks’ time.”
Alex Lowes, stated: “I am looking forward to the tests after the winter break and it is going to be nice to get back out riding. With only these two days scheduled before we get out to Australia for the opening round I am hoping for some decent weather to get back up to speed and blow the winter cobwebs off. We will start getting focused and dialled in for the first race. We had a good first test back in November and since then there have been a few little things that we highlighted I wanted to improve. Even still a few little things with riding position, things like that, so we will focus on them and get as comfy as possible on the bike. That is actually the only target I have got; make sure the bike feels like my own before we get over to Australia and get the year started.”
Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “This is an important test to prepare for the opening Australian round. We have all technical jobs done so we have to check a few details at this time; then give the riders the opportunity to make some more kilometers with their bikes on track. More important now is for them to start set their rhythm. I know Johnny and Alex are working even more than ever, so in this area I’m quite calm. I’m totally convinced we have them ready and very well trained. The motivation from Jonathan to continue winning is amazing. How Alex took the chance to improve on his third position from 2019 – to try and surprise everybody in Australia – is incredible. I know very well that we will start racing in Australia, were unfortunately they have suffered many bush fires in the last weeks. We hope we can bring a nice show to provide good entertainment to all the Australian fans and give some positive moments to help a little with all the difficult times they have passed through.”
2019 KRT Rider WorldSBK Statistics
Jonathan Rea: World Champion 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019
2019: Races 37, Wins 18, Podiums 34, Superpoles 7
Career Race Wins: 88 (73 for Kawasaki)
Career Podiums: 168 (126 for Kawasaki)
Career Poles: 23 (19 for Kawasaki)
Alex Lowes:
2019: Races: 37, Wins 0, Podiums 9, Superpoles 0
Career Race Wins: 1 (0 for Kawasaki)
Career Podiums: 20 (0 for Kawasaki)
Career Poles: 1 (0 for Kawasaki)
7 x Riders’ Championships (Scott Russell 1993, Tom Sykes 2013, Rea 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019), 1 x EVO Riders’ Championship (David Salom 2014)
Flat track riders in action. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy of AFT.
Indian Motorcycle Announces European Flat Track Series for 2020
EUROPE (January 20, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle is reinforcing its investment in the growth of European motorcycle sport with the Dirt Track Riders Association (DTRA) and are pleased to announce the race schedule for the 2020 Indian Motorcycle European Flat Track Series.
Following a successful inaugural series in 2019, Indian Motorcycle has worked with the DTRA to select events that embrace the spirit of Flat Track racing’s growing scene across Europe, ensuring that the ‘Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Series’ championship is accessible and exciting for a wide range of rider abilities.
In last year’s action-packed Championship, Indian Motorcycle rider Leah Tokelove’s consistent riding throughout the year secured second in the overall standings with Krazy Horse teammate Lee Kirkpatrick rounding out the European Hooligan Podium in third overall.
Three hugely popular classes will allow entries ranging from the thundering 750cc+ multi-cylinder ‘Hooligan’ road-based machines, such as Indian FTR 1200 and Scout, to the Open-entry ‘Pro Class’ dominated by lightweight DTX based machines and a growing Pre-1975 ‘Vintage Class’.
All classes cater for first-time amateur and Pro riders alike, with circuits catering for mixed ability, including fast ½-miles, tight short tracks and a TT, the championship series will showcase some of the best races in Europe, to promote the European Flat Track scene and its riders on a global scale.
Indian Motorcycle European Flat Track Series:
Classes: Hooligan, Vintage & Pro (Open class)
Series Events: (Four Rounds with the three best results to count)
Round 1: 2nd-3rd May Hells Race, Holland – Light Shale Short-Track – Open to all Classes. Held at this well-established event at the Dirttrack Lelystad Stadium, this is a fantastic event to open the series.
Round 2: 6th-7th June Greenfield TT, United Kingdom – Dirt-Track TT Course – Open to Pro and Vintage classes only. Greenfield TT incorporates a spectacular jump section which is unsuitable for the Hooligan road-based machines, it also makes-up a round of the UK DTRA Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Nationals Series.
Round 3: 13th June – El Rollo at Wheels and Waves, San Sebastian, Spain – Dirt Short-Track – Open to all Classes. The El Rollo dirt-track race at Wheels and Waves is a massive event in the European motorcycle calendar.
Round 4: 18th-20th September Krowdrace, Parchim Germany – Shale 1/2 Mile – Open to all Classes. Run for the first time in 2019, Krowdrace is expanding in its second year and will be running at this excellent ½-mile venue.
Individual Event Prizes: (On top of local event prizes) Winner Pro – 200 Euros / Winner Hooligan – 150 Euros / Winner Vintage – 150 Euros
Rider Registration: The series is free to enter so even if you won’t make all the rounds it still worth getting your registration in; you never know you, may end up doing better than you think!
Prizes and benefits will be available only to registered riders. Registered riders will agree to abide by the rules of the series and the local rules and licence arrangements of each local race organisers. Registrations will open during January and close just before the first meeting. Full rules for the 2020 series will be found on the DTRA website and, of course, locally at each event. (Link to registration via DTRA: www.dirttrackriders.co.uk)
Indian Motorcycle will announce its 2020 team and rider lineup in a future release.
Herman Tomczyk, ADAC Sports President (left); Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports (center); and Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director (right), with a KTM RC4R racebike at the announcement of the Northern Talent Cup in late 2019. Photo courtesy of Dorna.
The Belgian Motorcycle Academy: a new path on the Road to MotoGP™
The new academy aims to discover and foster young talent from the country
Tuesday, 21 January 2020
Dorna Sports is proud to announce a new addition to the Road to MotoGP™: the Belgian Motorcycle Academy. The FMWB, Zelos/MIG, the Circuit Jules Tacheny in Mettet and the Belgian Motorcycle Foundation have come together to create the Academy, a new programme that aims to find, foster and guide young Belgian talents between the ages of seven and 14, steering them towards success in motorcycle competition.
The Belgian Motorcycle Academy will provide a training programme of at least 10 days per year, principally taking place during weekends and school holidays. The members of the Academy will receive advanced training in different motorcycle disciplines such as trial, dirt track, supermotard, motocross and road racing, as well as courses in communication, psychology, nutrition and physical training, creating an all-encompassing programme. The Academy will count on several coaches and instructors certified by the Fédération Motocycliste Wallonne de Belgique (FMWB) and ADEPS, including Stéphane Mertens and Fred Fiorentino.
The idea was formed when Freddy Tacheny, the president of the Academy, learned of the new Northern Talent Cup and decided, along with President of the Belgian Motorcycle Foundation Michel Wanty, to begin this new project. As part of the Road to MotoGP™, the best riders from the Academy will have access to the NTC selection process in future and in 2020, there are already two young Belgian riders signed up to compete in the Cup – chosen after a selection day organised by the co-founders of the Academy. They are 16-year-old Lorenz Luciano, who has shown his talent in FSBK pre-Moto3 for the past two years, and 17-year-old Amélie Triffet, third in the FFM Women’s Cup in 2019. They were selected to race in the inaugural NTC and form the Junior Black Knights Team, managed by Christophe Chantrain.
In addition to the founders and the support of Dorna, the Academy can also count on support from Yamaha Belgium, Pirelli, Bihr, Yamaha Zone Rouge d’Andenne and Yamalube.
Freddy Tacheny, President of the Belgian Motorcycle Academy: “With Carmelo Ezpeleta and his team, we had often discussed the lack of a professional pathway in Northern Europe. The arrival of the NTC will allow riders in Northern Europe to further improve their learning of professional racing and to level the playing field compared to riders from the south, currently very present in the World Championships. With pride, we are also announcing the creation of a Belgian Motorcycle Academy, officially recognised by Dorna, whose objective is to detect and train young talents in Belgium, an historic breeding ground for motorcycle champions. We are particularly pleased that two of our riders have been selected to participate in the Northern Talent Cup, namely Amélie Triffet and Luciano Lorenz. I thank Dorna and all the partners for their support in Belgium and wish the Belgian Motorcycle Academy and the Northern Talent Cup a long life!”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “I’m delighted to welcome the Belgian Motorcycle Academy to the Road to MotoGP and to extend the programme to another important country. Discovering and developing young talent is a vital part of our vision and the Belgian Motorcycle Academy will be another valuable partner. I’m looking forward to seeing the youngsters come through the Academy and lay more foundations for the future of motorcycling in their country and region, in tandem with the new Northern Talent Cup.”
More projects and information will be published in due course. To sign up for the chance to become part of the Academy, a rider must be between seven and 14-years-old, be a Belgian national, be able to ride and have an annual FMWB licence. Riders of 11 years of age or older must accompany their application with a sporting CV. Several selection days are set to be organised each year, depending on the number of registered riders, and will include a physical and psychological assessment.
The price of registration is €2,500 which covers supervision, the provision of different types of motorcycles, the courses, complete equipment, the instructors and the provision of different circuits (+ €2,000 security deposit). Inscriptions will take place via the Academy’s website, which will be online in February 2020. Until then, riders can send their applications to [email protected].
A test rider on Honda's new 2021 CBR1000RR-R. Photo courtesy of American Honda.
2020 fires up as WorldSBK set for intriguing Jerez test
The countdown really is on as the first WorldSBK action of the decade begins at the Circuito de Jerez, with the new season getting ever closer…
After a lengthy winter in which the 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship enjoyed the festivities, it is back to hard work and testing activities. The Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in the south of Spain is the next venue for the WorldSBK field to take their 2020 preparation to, from the 22nd to the 23rd January. With seasoned riders moving teams, temporary replacements and the much anticipated first public test of the HRC Honda team, there’s plenty to keep an eye on across the two days.
The Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK field both Jonathan Rea and new teammate Alex Lowes at the Spanish circuit. The pair were first and fourth respectively the last time they visited Jerez, with Rea finishing with nearly a full second advantage over nearest rival. The Ulsterman comes into the test with positive feelings, have been crowned Irish Motorcyclist of the Year on Friday 17th January. For Alex Lowes, he will be eager to carry on dialling in his feelings and developing the ZX-10RR to his liking. Lowes will be eager to crack the top three this time around.
A prominent force back in November and with a new rider in their set-up, the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team are eager to narrow the gap to Rea at the top of the timesheets. Michael van der Mark was right on the pace at Jerez in November, frequenting top position half-way throughout the second day before finishing third overall with 177 laps complete. New teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu also shone brightly on the opening day last time before finishing seventh at the close of the test. The Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team are getting ready for the 2020 season in style, with the next batch of testing looking positive.
MotorLand Aragon testing was certainly a positive experience for the ARUBA.IT – Racing Ducati team, but they didn’t top any day of the test at Jerez. Rookie Scott Redding was the best rider from the Italian manufacturer in fifth, whilst Chaz Davies managed ninth, both riders working through a variety of set-ups towards finding a suitable balance for the V4 R. Both riders will seek to be within a second of the top time and make steady improvements across the two days, with Redding yearning more track time.
Both BMW riders were inside the top ten at the close of testing at Jerez last time out, with Tom Sykes flying high in sixth and Eugene Laverty in tenth. 2013 Champion Sykes wrapped up his first title at Jerez and heads to the Spanish venue with positivity and happy memories. Teammate and 2013 title rival Eugene Laverty has been training intensely throughout the off-season and comes into the Jerez test revitalised and rejuvenated. This will be Laverty’s second test on the S1000RR and hopes to refine his feelings aboard the bike with more experience.
The fifth factory team and one of the most anticipated is the HRC Team of Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam. This will be the first public test for the bike, as Honda have been testing and developing behind closed doors, meaning that this Jerez test will be the first glimpse of the all-new CBR1000RR-R in WorldSBK trim. Bautista completed a successful test with his Ducati at Jerez in 2019 and will look to repeat that achievement over at Honda this season, with the Spaniard also coming into the 2020 season as runner-up. Teammate Haslam will be keen to develop the Honda into a contender; both riders having experience and good versatility.
Headlining the charge of the Independent’s brigade are the Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha team, featuring Loris Baz. The Frenchman was a stand-out performer at Jerez last time out, finishing second on day two and being inside the top five for most of the test. With 181 laps done, Baz is a man to watch out for across the two days.
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team bring their line-up of Federico Caricasulo and Garrett Gerloff to the famed Jerez track too. Caricasulo is another rookie on the 2020 grid, whilst American teammate Garrett Gerloff has been quietly going about his business and has impressed many so far.
Other Independent teams in attendance include the BARNI Racing Team, who will not be with Leon Camier as the British rider recovers from injury. Sandro Cortese replaces him for the two days, with the German racking up miles aboard the Ducati and yet to be confirmed on the 2020 grid. Team GoEleven bring Michael Ruben Rinaldi to Jerez, with this being his first test with the team ahead of 2020.
The Motocorsa Racing team will also be there with their Ducati and Leandro Mercado, who returns to the manufacturer in 2020. The Brixx Performance set-up are also at Jerez, testing with their rider Sylvain Barrier. One more rider to keep a close eye on will be Chile’s Maximilien Scheib, who teams up with the Orelac Racing VerdNatura squad and readies for his first test of his full-time debut in the 2020 season.
From the WorldSSP class, Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) will return to Jerez, when he was top of the WorldSSP class in November. 2019 WorldSSP Champion Randy Krummenacher (MV AGUSTA Reparto Corse) will look to be back on top, with his teammate Federico Fuligni joining him. They will be on track with Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha), Jaimie van Sikkelerus (MPM Routz Racing Team), Loris Cresson (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth), GMT94 YAMAHA duo Jules Cluzel and Corentin Perolari and also WorldSSP rookie, Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team).
Catch all the riders’ reactions and more on our WorldSBK social channels and at WorldSBK.com.
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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
