Moto2 World Championship: Brad Binder Dominates FP2 At Valencia

David Swarts

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November 15, 2019

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Moto2 World Championship: Brad Binder Dominates FP2 At Valencia

Best Race Lap: 1:35.312, Tom Luthi, 2014

All Time Lap Record: 1:34.622, Brad Binder, 2019

Gran Premio Motul De La Comunitat Valenciana

FIM Moto2 World Championship

Circuit De La Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo

Valencia, Spain

November 15, 2019

Free Practice Two Results (all using Triumph engines and Dunlop tires):

Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:34.622 (New All Time Lap Record)
Augusto Fernandez, Spain (Kalex), 1:35.198
Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Speed Up), 1:35.293
Sam Lowes, UK (Kalex), 1:35.328
Stefano Manzi, Italy (MV Agusta), 1:35.352
Tetsuta Nagashima, Japan (Kalex), 1:35.356
Jorge Navarro, Spain (Speed Up), 1:35.396
Mattia Pasini, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.409
Tom Luthi, Switzerland (Kalex), 1:35.424
Nicolo Bulega, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.533
Marcel Schrotter, Germany (Kalex), 1:35.541
Luca Marini, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.580
Alex Marquez, Spain (Kalex), 1:35.587
Lorenzo Baldassarri, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.599
Jorge Martin, Spain (KTM), 1:35.642
Enea Bastianini, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.694
Jake Dixon, UK (KTM), 1:35.902
Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Kalex), 1:36.002
Bo Bendsneyder, Netherlands (NTS), 1:36.029
Xavi Vierge, Spain (Kalex), 1:36.042
Dominique Aegerter, Switzerland (MV Agusta), 1:36.046
Remy Gardner, Australia (Kalex), 1:36.175
Joe Roberts, USA (KTM), 1:36.192
Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (KTM), 1:36.243
Somkat Chantra, Thailand (Kalex), 1:36.431
PhilippOettl, Germany (KTM), 1:36.509
Lukas Tulovic, Germany (KTM), 1:36.609
Dimas Ekky Pratama, Indonesia (Kalex), 1:37.162
Tommaso Marcon, Italy (NTS), 1:37.264
Adam Norrodin, Malaysia (Kalex), 1:37.482
Xavi Cardelus, Andorra (KTM), 1:37.855
Sean Dylan Kelly, USA (KTM), 1:37.858

MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Under Race Lap Record In FP2 At Valencia (Updated)

David Swarts

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November 15, 2019

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MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Under Race Lap Record In FP2 At Valencia (Updated)

Best Race Lap: 1:31.171, Jorge Lorenzo, 2016

All Time Lap Record: 1:29.401, Jorge Lorenzo, 2016

Gran Premio Motul De La Comunitat Valenciana

FIM MotoGP World Championship

Circuit De La Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo

Valencia, Spain

November 15, 2019

Free Practice Two Results (all on Michelin tires):

Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:30.735
Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yamaha), 1:30.883
Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:30.974
Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:31.000
Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:31.199
Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:31.230
Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:31.280
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:31.305
Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.351
Johann Zarco, France (Honda), 1:31.369
Cal Crutchlow, UK (Honda), 1:31.433
Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.455
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.765
Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:31.775
Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.868
Jorge Lorenzo, Spain (Honda), 1:31.880
Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM), 1:31.905
Tito Rabat, Spain (Ducati), 1:32.159
Karel Abraham, Czech Republic (Ducati), 1:32.278
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 1:32.467
Andrea Iannone, Italy (Aprilia), 1:32.568
Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (KTM), 1:32.887
Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 1:33.114

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Double trouble: Quartararo takes top honours on Day 1

Frenchman fastest in FP1 and FP2, with Viñales the closest man on the chase

Friday, 15 November 2019

FP1 pacesetter Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) made it double trouble for his rivals on Friday at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, topping the timesheets again in the afternoon for dominion on Day 1. He has a tenth and a half in hand over fellow Yamaha rider Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), with World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) placing P3 so far.

After a chillier start, conditions were slightly warmer in the afternoon and allowed some riders to head out and post their best times of the day early in FP2, one of whom was Marquez as he sat on top of the standings in the opening exchanges. He and Viñales had got the better of Quartararo’s FP1 time fairly early on and leapfrogged the Rookie of the Year on the combined times, with Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) putting in some impressive laps to claw his way up to P2 overall with around 10 minutes left to play as well. But the clock was ticking down and that meant a shuffle on the way.

Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) moved himself into the top 10, Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) took P2 and P3 on the combined times respectively and at this stage, FP1 leader Quartararo hadn’t improved. So it was instead Viñales who first displaced Marquez from P1, but the Frenchman was on a charge and made his first gains to get up into second and then go top with an even better effort.

That sees him top so far from Sepang winner Viñales and Champion Marquez, with Miller in fourth at the end of the day despite a crash – and the Australian was second in FP1. Morbidelli takes P5, ahead of Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar). The two-time premier class race winner got the better of rookie teammate Mir in the end, but not by much as the number 36 ends Friday in seventh.

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) impressed in P8, with late times from Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Idemitsu) seeing them grab a top 10 place in ninth and tenth respectively. Zarco’s temporary teammate Crutchlow was the man to lose out as he ended the day in 11th.

He’ll be a big name hoping to improve in FP3, and perhaps the biggest name has the same task ahead of him on Saturday: after crashing in FP1 at Turn 4, Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was unfortunately in the gravel again in FP2. This time it was the fast right-hand Turn 10 that caught ‘The Doctor’ out and thankfully the nine-time World Champion was ok, but the same couldn’t be said for his YZR-M1. He was 14th and will be aiming to leapfrog Michele Pirro (Ducati Team), Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) and Crutchlow as a minimum before qualifying…

Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team) ended his final Friday in the sport in 16th, but just 0.012 off Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) ahead of him. What will Saturday bring? The final fight for automatic entry into Q2 begins at 9:55 (GMT +1) local time, before qualifying starts at 14:10. Will Quartararo keep his dominion on Day 2? Tune in to find out.

Binder blitzes the field on Friday

South African in a league of his own with a new lap record

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) wasn’t hanging around in FP2 as he set a new lap record to sit over half a second clear on Day 1 at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana. The South African’s 1:34.622 was unmatchable on Friday afternoon, with Augusto Fernandez (FlexBox HP 40) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (MB Conveyors Speed Up) getting the closest but still over half a second back.

For Binder, it was suns out, guns blazing as the KTM rider laid waste to Johann Zarco’s previous lap record set in 2016, making a serious statement of intent in his final Friday in the intermediate class – despite a wobble just beforehand. Will anyone be able to catch the South African on Saturday? It certainly seems a tall order…

Behind Fernandez and rookie Di Giannantonio, fourth went the way of Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), with the Brit putting in a late lunge to displace Stefano Manzi (MV Agusta Temporary Forward). Manzi had an incredible day on track, topping FP1 and completing the top five overall – with an improved lap.

Tetsuta Nagashima (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) was sixth after initially proving Binder’s closest challenger earlier in FP2, with Jorge Navarro (MB Conveyors Speed Up) in P7 on home turf. Mattia Pasini (Tasca Racing Scuderia Moto2) put in a solid day for eighth overall, with Tom Lüthi (Dynavolt Intact GP) facing an uphill struggle in ninth: he’ll need to beat Binder on Sunday if he’s to finish the season second overall…

Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team VR46) was tenth and the second fastest rookie, although he’s out of the fight for Rookie of the Year – ensuring ‘Diggia’ an advantage in that battle so far as the next man in the running is Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in P15. Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) took P11 ahead of Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46).

So where’s the reigning Champion? Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) ended Friday in 13th, but the gaps behind Binder were infinitesimal. He’s within four tenths of Fernandez but 11 places further back, although he is in line for a provisional place in Q2, as is Lorenzo Baldassarri (Flexbox HP 40) in P14.

FP3 begins at 10:55 (GMT +1) – will the timesheets shuffle again before qualifying? Find out then, before Q1 begins from 12:35.

Masia and Garcia the men to beat on home turf

The two Valencian riders top the timesheets from Ramirez, with fourth an incredible debut for Artigas

Jaume Masia (Mugen Race) was fastest on Day 1 at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, the KTM man heading rookie and fellow Valencian Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0) by just 0.069 on Friday. Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) rounded out the top three, only another 0.086 in arrears.

A chilly day was at least a sunny day at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, with the gaps in Moto3™ predictably and tantalisingly close. That continued outside the top three with the man in fourth only 0.089 in arrears, and that man was impressive wildcard Xavier Artigas (Leopard Impala Junior Team). From European Talent Cup winner in 2018 to third overall – as a rookie – in the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ Junior World Championship this season, the Spaniard is on a serious roll.

The same can be said of three-in-a-row winner Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) too. Aiming to become the first to take four Moto3™ victories in a row on Sunday, he began his final race weekend in the lightweight class in fifth and only 0.019 off Artigas. Romano Fenati (VNE Snipers) was only another 0.020 off in sixth. Andrea Migno (Mugen Race) and Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), the latter improving from P24 in FP1, were seventh and eighth respectively.

Thanks to a late lap and despite a crash at Turn 6 – his second of the day – John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) ends Friday in ninth, with Tony Arbolino (VNE Snipers) rounding out the top 10 as he aims to take second overall from home hero Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team). Canet was 12th, pipped to P11 by rookie Raul Fernandez (Valresa Angel Nieto Team).

Albert Arenas (Valresa Angel Nieto Team), who crashed on Friday, lost out on P12 to the tune of just two thousandths, with Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) currently the last of the provisional Q2 graduates in 14th despite two crashes for the Italian rookie.

Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing) was another who crashed in FP2, as well as Makar Yurchenko (BOE Skull Rider Mugen Race).

There are just thousandths in it after Day 1 in Valencia – just as we’ve come to expect from Moto3™. Will the timesheets look the same after qualifying? Find out from 12:35 local time (GMT +1).

Moto3 World Championship: Jaume Masia Leads FP2 At Valencia

David Swarts

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November 15, 2019

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Best Race Lap: 1:39.612, Marcos Ramirez, 2017

All Time Lap Record: 1:38.428, Jorge Martin, 2017

Gran Premio Motul De La Comunitat Valenciana

FIM Moto3 World Championship

Circuit De La Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo

Valencia, Spain

November 15, 2019

Free Practice Two Results (all using Dunlop tires):

Jaume Masia, Spain (KTM), 1:39.612
Sergio Garcia, Spain (Honda), 1:39.681
Marcos Ramirez, Spain (Honda), 1:39.767
Xavier Artigas, Spain (Honda), 1:39.856
Lorenzo Dalla Porta, Italy (Honda), 1:39.875
Romano Fenati, Italy (Honda), 1:39.895
Andrea Migno, Italy (KTM), 1:39.958
Niccolo Antonelli, Italy (Honda), 1:39.982
John McPhee, UK (Honda), 1:40.053
Tony Arbolino, Italy (Honda), 1:40.084

MotoGP: More Riders Share Their Thoughts On Jorge Lorenzo’s Retirement

David Swarts

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November 14, 2019

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MotoGP: More Riders Share Their Thoughts On Jorge Lorenzo’s Retirement

Valencia Press Conference: the season finale and goodbye Lorenzo

Riders gear up for the final round and share some words on a great rival set to retire

Thursday, 14 November 2019

After 18 rounds of incredible racing in 2019, it’s time for the Circuit Ricardo Tormo to host the season finale. The pre-event Press Conference for the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana saw reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) joined by Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) to talk shop – and share a few words on rival Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team), who announced his retirement earlier in the day.

Marquez was first to speak. “Malaysia was not the best weekend for us but in the end we achieved a good result in the race which is the most important thing, we finished in second. At Valencia we will see, it’s time to finish the season in a good way, work hard next week for 2020, and there’s the team Championship where we’ll fight against Andrea and Danilo, and apart from that just try to enjoy it, the last race weekend and a home GP. Last weekend in my hometown in Cervera was amazing with my brother too, and I’ll just try to enjoy this, no pressure.”

Next up was Dovizioso, who also spoke of 2020… “We really would like to finish the season in a good way, we’ve confirmed a strong second overall, it’s not the Championship but we have to be happy with it. For sure we’ll have something to try at the test, and for sure we have to improve our situation if we want to fight with Marc so we’ll be focused on that.”

Then, Sepang winner Viñales talked through his recent form and geared up for Valencia. “I am really happy about the end of the season because somehow I felt we’ve grown a lot, especially with the team, and also with the bike and that was the most important; that was the objective of the last races: trying to going up and up with the bike, and it’s what we did. So, we arrive here in Valencia with the same mentality. I will go for everything. I will try to push myself and the bike at the maximum and then we will see, but I will give my maximum as always.”

Rins was next on the mic, and he’s facing down Viñales for third overall. “We have really good memories here in Valencia, last year in the rain but also in my first year I finished fourth here. So let’s see what happens, for sure I’ll try to fight, I don’t want to be focused on the final position overall, the important thing is that we’re getting information and experience for next year, so let’s see what happens. I’ll try and start tomorrow at 100%.”

After the Spaniard, the ‘Doctor’. Rossi has had ups and downs at Valencia, but he definitely arrives on the up after an incredible battle with Dovizioso for the podium in Malaysia. He missed out, but it was close… “We arrive from a good weekend in Sepang, so we have to try and continue like this. Valencia is completely different: the track, the temperature and the conditions are the opposite. It will be interesting to understand our speed and try and be competitive all weekend – and be strong on Sunday.”

Finally, we had chance to hear from Franco Morbidelli after he came home top Independent at Sepang. And it’s his first race on the Yamaha at Valencia. “In Japan and Malaysia I thought we had the speed to fight for the podium and we really don’t know why but in the race I struggled, I started to struggle a lot generally with lack of speed. So here in Valencia will be another important occasion to have good practices and try and have a good weekend until the race – and then try and maintain the practice speed on Sunday.”

Sunday sees the curtain go up for the final premier class race of the season at 14:00 (GMT +1) local time, with the Team Championship, third overall and top Independent Team rider still up for grabs – alongside another 25 points and a goodbye from Jorge Lorenzo. Don’t miss it.

Riders on Lorenzo: rival, and idol?

Marquez: “It was a surprise, even for his teammate. In the team, we didn’t know and it was a surprise. Especially the way he worked in the box – then the results can be better or worse – but the way that he worked was exactly the same as his first day in Honda. Just an hour ago I was with him in his truck to say congrats, obviously for his career but especially the way to take the decision. This is something that means a lot – how is Jorge? Because he is a real champion. The moment he feels he can’t be in the top places he decided to stop. A strong character on and off the track, and yeah, a real champion. I want to say congrats to him and wish him the best for the future.”

Dovizioso: “Jorge was my rival because I met him in the European Championship in 2001 and every year we changed class at the same moment, so we’ve always been rivals. He’s won a lot of races and championships, is I think he can just be happy about his career. Unfortunately this is the sport and sometimes it’s difficult to continue to be in that level, I think he had some crashes in the last two years, and it affected his mind, but I think what he did in the world championship is something huge.”

Viñales: “To win the Championship five times is not easy. He’s a great rider, a great talent. He showed every race that he was always at the top in each category, and that’s the most important. I think if he feels that now is the moment, it’s about himself, and I wish him the best luck for the rest of the life.”

Rins: “Yeah for sure when I started to watch the races on TV, he was my reference. I was pushing a lot for him. For me he is an idol, he won many races. He has a very big talent. I feel good to fight with him, not a lot of races, but to share a track with him.”

Rossi: “I think that he is for sure one of the most important MotoGP riders in the modern era. I think that we lose a very important part of our sport. He’s a great champion, he impressed me a lot of times for his speed and concentration. From when he arrived in MotoGP, he was always from the first moment very strong, from 2008, so more than ten years. We were teammates for a long time, a lot of years together we shared the same box and I think he’s, personally, one of the greatest rivals of my career. We did some of the best races together, that I remember in my history, so it’s a great shame that he finished but he’s good, he’s okay, and I wish him a lot of luck for the future.

Morbidelli: “Yes, I remember the first time…I remember where I was when I first realized about Jorge Lorenzo, which was Rio, which he won and then he stopped because he finished his fuel, he stopped in a very particular place. I remember very, very clearly because it gave me a nice feeling, so I remember very clearly where I was and what I was feeling. He had an amazing career, he had amazing results with a really particular style. I mean, he has his own style – riding style and also outside of the track. So, he’s definitely one of the biggest riders according to me in history. So, yeah, a pity because he stops, but if he’s happy with this decision then everybody should be happy.”

MotoGP: Replacement Candidates Zarco And Crutchlow Comment On Lorenzo’s Retirement

John Ulrich

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November 14, 2019

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MotoGP: Replacement Candidates Zarco And Crutchlow Comment On Lorenzo’s Retirement

Jorge Lorenzo’s retirement announcement set off speculation as to who will replace him at Repsol Honda. Two logical candidates are already racing with the brand: LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow and his teammate Johann Zarco, who is filling in for the injured Takaaki Nakagami.

It was a bold move for Zarco to quit his factory KTM ride mid-season and risk not having a ride at all, but it might turn out to be an ideal reversal of fortune.

“For my future, I don’t know yet,” Zarco said today at Valencia. “I don’t have too many words to say on the announcement of Jorge. It is kind of positive for me for next year. There is a place freeing up for the 2020 season. That’s a chance for me to ride next year and just thinking about this gives me a smile. Since August, I didn’t know what I can do for next year. I still don’t know, but now on paper there is a possibility.”

With his future still up in the air at the moment, the Frenchman says that his target is MotoGP, so he is happy to have two great options on the job market.

“I am discovering a super team here with Lucio Cecchinello, and on a good bike. too. For sure the Repsol Honda team is the best one and the factory team, and just that would be an exceptional dream to catch during this complicated season. But, as I say, but from the moment that I did not know where I could race to now, where I almost have a choice from factory to Lucio, it is priceless.

“We heard Cal say he has the longer time in Honda so he deserves the bike more than me. I don’t know if we can use this word ‘deserve,’ as I said I took a lot of risks this season and I am still at risk with consequence for my career and I showed at least that I can still bite very strong to catch a dream like the factory team, learning things for sure. It doesn’t mean I can be at the level of Marc immediately. Even in the last 15 days Marc is the strongest one on the Honda, but from what I can see and learn, I believe I can push myself as a teammate to be close to him. I hope I will have the chance to be there.”

So what about Crutchlow? The Brit pointed out that Lorenzo’s retirement was just as new to him as it was to the rest of the paddock and rather than speculate about his odds for the ride, he felt the focus should be on what Lorenzo’s departure meant for the sport.

Cal Crutchlow (35). Photo courtesy of LCR Honda.

“I think the first thought should be that it’s a sad day for our sport,” Crutchlow told Roadracing World today. “A five-time World Champion like Jorge, and a guy that on his day a lot of people wouldn’t even be in the same race as. And sometimes when you are on the podium, you wouldn’t in the same race as. He’s been a great champion and an utmost professional. I know his character is a little bit different than everybody else’s. Even the riders see that, but you can’t take away from him what he’s done on the track and it’s a lot more than most in this whole paddock.”

Crutchlow also said that he didn’t want offer his opinion as to whether he felt he was more deserving than Zarco or not. “We’re in completely different situations,” Crutchlow said. “I already have a contract. I’m not the one looking for a job. At the end of the day, I’m very happy to be riding for Honda.

“Johann’s a great rider. He’s won World Championships, but he also quit this year. Let’s not lose sight of that. That’s not me going against him. As I told you, Johann is a great rider. I think he’s done himself proud riding the Honda the way he’s rode in the last two races, but we’ll see. These last three Grands Prix are some of his best circuits. The Honda is good at the circuits he’s been to. That’s the story. It has nothing to do with me.”

SCRAMP: Monterey County Considering Direct Management Of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

David Swarts

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November 14, 2019

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SCRAMP: Monterey County Considering Direct Management Of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Editorial Note: SCRAMP has issued a “call to action” to support its bid to continue managing WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Scroll down for more information.

Announcement from Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP): Monterey County advises end of agreement with SCRAMP after 62 years of operating legendary Laguna Seca Raceway

After 62 years of continuous management of the Laguna Seca Raceway, the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) has been advised via email by County of Monterey Assistant County Administrative Officer (ACAO) Dewayne Woods that “…the County is now in negotiations with another proposer for management services at Laguna Seca Recreational Area.” According to the agenda for Tuesday, November 19 Board of Supervisor’s meeting, that proposal is centered on Monterey County’s direct management of the Raceway and Recreation Area.

“This news comes as a surprise to the SCRAMP organization,” said Tim McGrane, CEO of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and SCRAMP, who took over the position in June 2018. “We were starting to make real progress on getting the facility and the raceway operations turned around and poised for the future, but it appears at this time we may not have the opportunity to see these plans through,” continued McGrane.

“As the existing facility operator, we were stunned by the fact that we were not provided the opportunity to discuss our proposal with the ACAO. The entire process has been unconventional, ranging from the bypassing of the County’s usual Request For Proposal (RFP) process, the announcement in mid-October requesting proposals from any interested parties with only two weeks’ notice, and complaints that SCRAMP had not met deadlines to submit a proposal when in fact a submission date had been agreed upon in May, and subsequently met, has been challenging,” McGrane said.

This is not the first time that the County has sought an alternative to SCRAMP. “We have been in this position before with the County administration, but we, our fans, racing series and teams, do have to look at the possibility of the era of SCRAMP operating Laguna Seca Raceway coming to an end,” McGrane said.

In 2015, Monterey County began private talks with International Speedway Corporation (ISC) who, after a careful review of the operational parameters of the facility, determined not to submit a formal proposal for management of the track. In 2016, the Monterey County Administrators Office entered into negotiations with another group to replace SCRAMP for 2017 but were unable to agree to terms that were mutually acceptable. The County then reverted back to a three-year agreement with SCRAMP to continue running Laguna Seca.

In 2018, the SCRAMP-run Laguna Seca Raceway attracted 263,888 attendees and generated $84.4 million in direct spending generated by event attendees over 26 days of the seven major events. 2019 saw SCRAMP orchestrate the long-awaited and highly-successful return of IndyCars to Laguna Seca, with a larger than anticipated spectator count for the weekend.

“We’ve delivered an extensive, forward-looking proposal to the County for a new, long-term 20-year management and operating agreement that incorporates solid plans for revenue generation and expense reduction, expansion of the use of existing facilities, and development of Laguna Seca into a world-class destination,” said CEO McGrane. “We are building the right team, both paid staff and volunteers, with extensive motorsports experience, institutional knowledge, and the dedication to lead this important Monterey County asset into a successful future. We hope we still have the opportunity to present our plans directly to the County Board of Supervisors and we would be proud to continue SCRAMP’s 62-year stewardship of Laguna Seca on behalf of Monterey County.”

The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula, a 501(c)4 not-for-profit, was formed in 1957 by local business owners and civic leaders. SCRAMP’s goal was to raise the funds needed to construct a permanent motor racing circuit to maintain the tradition of sports car racing on the Monterey Peninsula which had begun in 1950 in the Del Monte Forest at Pebble Beach. SCRAMP is comprised of a Board of Governors, Race and Events Committees, and hundreds of loyal volunteers who donate thousands of hours each year to ensure the successful operation of events here.

The SCRAMP organization acquired leased land from the US Army at Fort Ord on August 7, 1957, and the now-legendary track, built with funds raised by SCRAMP, held its first race, the 8th Annual Pebble Beach at Laguna Seca SCCA National Championship Sports Car Road Races, on November 9 & 10, 1957. In 1974 the site was transferred from the Army to Monterey County, who together with SCRAMP, have managed the facility through this year.

SCRAMP’s current three-year management and operating agreement with Monterey County ends on December 31, 2019. SCRAMP currently employs a full-time professional staff of just over 40 team members.

More, from a call to action from SCRAMP:

We need your support!

Call to Action

Board of Supervisors Meeting 11/19 to Support SCRAMP

What: After 62 years of continuous management of the Laguna Seca Raceway, the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) has been advised via email by County of Monterey Assistant County Administrative Officer (ACAO) Dewayne Woods that “…the County is now in negotiations with another proposer for management services at Laguna Seca Recreational Area.”

According to the agenda for Tuesday, November 19 Board of Supervisor’s meeting, that proposal is centered on Monterey County’s direct management of the Raceway and Recreation Area.

County of Monterey Team Presentation

Action: We are calling on all volunteers, staff and supporters of SCRAMP to come to the Board of Supervisors meeting to share opinions and support of SCRAMP’s continued operational management of Laguna Seca Raceway

When: Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 9:00 AM

Where: Monterey County Government Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers,
168 W Alisal St., 1st Floor, Salinas, CA 93901

Board of Supervisors – Monterey County

District 1 – Supervisor Luis Alejo
County of Monterey
168 West Alisal St., 2nd Floor,
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: (831)755-5011
Fax: (831)755-5876
[email protected]

District 2 – Supervisor John M. Phillips
County of Monterey
Castro Plaza
P.O. Box 787
Castroville, CA 95012
Phone: (831)755-5022
Fax: (831)633-0201
[email protected]

District 3 – Supervisor Chris Lopez
County of Monterey
168 W. Alisal, 3rd Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: (831)755-5033
Fax: (831)796-3022
[email protected]

District 4 – Supervisor Jane Parker
County of Monterey
2616 1st Ave.
Marina, CA 93933
Phone: (831) 883-7570, (831) 755-5044
[email protected]

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is in District 5 and partially in District 4

District 5 – Supervisor Mary Adams
Monterey Courthouse
1200 Aguajito Rd., Ste. 1
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831)755-5055, (831) 647-7755
Fax: (831) 647-7695
[email protected]

MotoE: Hector Garzo Quickest In Free Practice One At Valencia

David Swarts

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November 14, 2019

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MotoE: Hector Garzo Quickest In Free Practice One At Valencia

Gran Premio Motul De La Comunitat Valenciana

FIM MotoE World Cup

Circuit De La Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo

Valencia, Spain

November 14, 2019

Free Practice One Results (all riding Energica Ego Corsa electric motorcycles on Michelin tires):

Hector Garzo, Spain, 1:41.557
Bradley Smith, UK, 1:41.826
Matteo Ferrari, Italy, 1:41.839
Eric Granado, Brazil, 1:41.853
Niccolo Canepa, Italy, 1:42.053
Xavier Simeon, Belgium, 1:42.063
Mike Di Meglio, France, 1:42.540
Jesko Raffin, Switzerland, 1:42.694
Alex De Angelis, San Marino, 1:42.776
Randy De Puniet, France, 1:42.834
Nicolas Terol, Spain, 1:42.927
Lucas Mahias, France, 1:43.071
Sete Gibernau, Spain, 1:43.201
Josh Hook, Australia, 1:43.204
Mattia Casadei, Italy, 1:43.305
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy, 1:43.716
Kenny Foray, France, 1:44.148
Maria Herrera, Spain, 1:44.496

More, from a press release issued by Energica Motor Company:

FINAL MOTOE ROUND AT VALENCIA BEGINS WITH GARZO ON TOP ON HIS EGO CORSA

The opening free practice session for the final round of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup took place today at Valencia’s Circuito de Ricardo Tormo, for what was an unusually early start to the racing activities for the all-electric series powered by Energica.

At the end of the 30-minute action, which was characterised by chilly autumn temperatures and cold winds, it was current runner-up in the championship standings and local rider Hector Garzo – aboard the Tech3 E-Racing-liveried Ego Corsa – who topped the timesheets with a 1’41.557secs lap-time.

Garzo, who has a 19-point gap from the series leader Matteo Ferrari (Team Trentino Gresini MotoE), was 0.269secs quicker than Bradley Smith (One Energy Racing) with Ferrari and Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama) completing a top four which was covered by less than three tenths of a second.

Niccolò Canepa (LCR E-Team) and Xavier Simeon (Avintia Esponsorama) finished fifth and sixth, respectively, with the Belgian rider on track despite his injured hand still hampering his outright pace. The top-ten was completed by MotoE race winner Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), Jesko Raffin (Dynavolt IntactGP), Alex De Angelis (OCTO Pramac MotoE) and Randy de Puniet (LCR E-Team).

MotoE action will resume tomorrow with FP2 at 11:50 local time (GMT+1), while the final E-Pole of the season will get underway in the afternoon from 16:05 to determine the starting grid for the last two races of this exciting maiden season of MotoE.

MotoGP: More On Jorge Lorenzo Retiring From Racing

David Swarts

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November 14, 2019

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MotoGP: More On Jorge Lorenzo Retiring From Racing

Today, five-time World Champion Jorge Lorenzo announced his retirement in a press conference held ahead of this weekend’s MotoGP season finale in Valencia, Spain. It was an emotional moment for the Repsol Honda rider, who has had an accomplished career stretching over 18 seasons in Grand Prix racing.

“I always thought that there are four significant days for a rider,” Lorenzo said. “The first is your first race, the second your first win and then your first World Championship – not everyone can win a World Championship but some of us made it – and then the day you retire. As you all are imagining here, I am here to announce that this day has arrived for me. This will be my last race in MotoGP and after this race I will retire as a professional racer.”

It was a tough year for Lorenzo. In addition to trying to get comfortable on the Honda RC213V, he was plagued with injuries and found his motivation to be waning.

“Unfortunately, injuries came very soon to play an important role in my results and performance,” Lorenzo said. “So I wasn’t able to be in normal physical condition to be fast or competitive. This, plus a bike that didn’t feel natural to me, gave me a lot of problems to be competitive like I want to be.”

Lorenzo still had hope that things would turn around with hard work and the help of the team, but unfortunately, two big crashes and broken vertebrae delivered a reality check. “I never lost patience and keep working with the team thinking it was probably only a matter of time until everything came into the right place,” Lorenzo explained. “Then when I was starting to see some light in the tunnel, the nasty crash at the Montmelo test happened. And then some days later I crashed again in this ugly Assen crash, which you know the consequences that created.

“I have to admit when I was rolling in the gravel and I stood up, I thought to myself ‘OK Jorge, is this really worth it after what I’ve achieved, to keep suffering… I am done with it. I don’t want to race anymore.’”

He did, however, take some time before making his final decision on whether or not to hang up his helmet, but his mind was made up after the penultimate race at Malaysia.

“As I said before, after the Assen crash, the possibility to retire was there, but I didn’t want to make an early decision and wanted to delay my decision as much as possible,” Lorenzo continued. “So that’s why I wanted to go to see if I could regain again the motivation, or start feeling a little bit better with the bike. But I couldn’t find this motivation and after the Malaysian Grand Prix I made this decision and communicated it to (Repsol Honda Team Manager) Alberto (Puig).”

Although it is a bittersweet departure after such a tough season, Lorenzo said he looks back on his tenure in Grand Prix with gratitude.

“Speaking a little bit more for happiness, coming back to my beautiful and successful career, I have always said that I’m a very lucky guy. Sometimes I feel a little bit like this movie ‘One In A Billion’ that narrates the life of an Indian basketball player in the NBA, because I raced against unbelievable riders of my generation and any of them could have achieved what I achieved. They weren’t as successful as I am, and especially most of them didn’t even arrive into the World Championship and had to go back to work in normal jobs. So I always felt very grateful.

“It’s true that I’ve been always a hard worker and made a lot of sacrifice but without being in the right place at the right time and especially without the help of many people, who helped me to achieve what I achieved, it would not have been possible.”

At the moment, the focus for Lorenzo is the final MotoGP race of his career. “Well, I always said that life is not only about bikes,” he said, answering a question about his future. “There are many things to do in life. Actually, we all work in this sport, but billions of people are working in other things. I didn’t think too much (about it). I would like to take some long vacations this winter, somewhere sunny with beaches, and then I’ll start planning my next chapter.”

MotoGP: Jorge “Aspar” Martinez Named MotoGP Legend

David Swarts

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November 14, 2019

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MotoGP: Jorge “Aspar” Martinez Named MotoGP Legend

Spaniard inducted into the MotoGP™ Legends Hall of Fame at Valencia

Thursday, 14 November 2019

It was announced on the 40th anniversary of his first ever race and now it’s a reality: Jorge Martinez ‘Aspar’ is a MotoGP™ Legend. The Spaniard was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, with Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in attendance.

‘Aspar’ began racing on the world stage in 1982 in the 50cc class, and won his first Championship in 1986 in the 80cc category. He defended the crown in style as he dominated 1987 with seven wins, and another season of glory was just around the corner. 1988 saw ‘Aspar’ become a three-time 80cc World Champion as he dominated his third season in a row in the class.

1988 was also an extra landmark for the Spaniard as he took on the challenge of the 125 World Championship – and won. Nine wins in 11 races saw him crowned 1988 125 World Champion too, making it four world titles in three years and two categories.

The Legend didn’t stop there and raced until 1997, competing in the 50cc, 80cc, 125cc and 250cc categories over his career and accruing a total of 37 Grand Prix victories on the way to his four incredible World Championships.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “It’s a very big pleasure and an honour to nominate Jorge as a MotoGP Legend today. I had the privilege of being with him since the beginning, before the Dorna era. Jorge has been something very, very important for motorcycling and is a Legend not only for his titles in two categories but also because he has been with the Championship since the beginning, he has created very successful teams, he has been several times World Champion with his riders, and he always has maintained his passion to make motorcycling part of his life. It’s a big honour to us to have Jorge as a MotoGP Legend. It’s a very important day for us.”

Jorge Martinez ‘Aspar’: “Thank you so much Carmelo, thank you Dorna, thank you everyone for coming. For me it’s an incredible day, it’s a very big honour for me to be in the Hall of Fame of MotoGP. This last week I had many memories about my first race, my first victory in Assen and now looking at all this is incredible. I’m very, very happy. Thank you very much, Carmelo.

“When I was a child, the only thing I wanted to do was ride a bike. I get emotional thinking about the experiences I’ve had, the suffering too, but it’s amazing to remember these photos from 1979, sleeping in tents, and then to be here at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. I chased Carmelo in 1988 to get the track built, to bring MotoGP to Valencia…

“It’s a dream seeing all my friends here, my riders, my family, my paddock family…this is like my little town. A town I’ve lived in for no less than 35 years! Thanks to everyone, we’ve been through difficult moments, and thanks to sponsors who have been with me for so many years, and thank you to the media… A million thanks.”

Martinez joins a long list of greats that have been made MotoGP™ Legends that includes Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Anton Mang, Angel Nieto, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Carlo Ubbiali, Alex Crivillé, Franco Uncini, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Kork Ballington, Dani Pedrosa, Stefan Dörflinger and the late Nicky Hayden.

Suzuki KATANA Demo Rides At IMS Show Nov. 23-24 In Long Beach, California

David Swarts

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November 14, 2019

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Suzuki KATANA Demo Rides At IMS Show Nov. 23-24 In Long Beach, California

Suzuki to Spotlight 2020 KATANA with Exclusive, First-Ever U.S. Demo at IMS Long Beach

The V-STROM 1050 Series will also make its North American Debut Along with the Full 2020 Lineup, “Discover the Ride”, and More

Brea, CA (November 14, 2019) – As one of the original exhibiting partners of the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows (IMS), Suzuki Motor of America (SMAI) is excited to return for all eight IMS stops for its 38^th consecutive year. Kicking off the series at the Long Beach Convention Center on November 22^nd, consumers and industry enthusiasts will have the exciting opportunity to ride the new, iconic 2020 KATANA for its first-ever demo in the United States. In addition, the all-new V-STROM 1050 series will make its electrifying North American debut alongside the full 2020 lineup of motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters.

Recently unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, Suzuki’s all-new V-STROM 1050 will hit the West Coast with its bright colors, updated electronics, and adventure capabilities. Media and consumers will get a first-hand look at this new adventurer that pays homage to the legendary DR Big and Dakar Rally bike.

Exclusive to IMS Long Beach attendees, licensed riders will have a chance to be the first group of riders to swing a leg over the new KATANA. This limited, boutique-style demo will only be available Saturday, November 23^rd and Sunday, November 24^th on a first come first served basis. Consumers are encouraged to get there early to ensure a ride of a lifetime! For more information on a KATANA demo near you, contact your local dealer.

Suzuki is also participating in “Discover the Ride” during the full IMS tour. This initiative offers new riders an opportunity to discover the best Suzuki motorcycle to start on including models like the Boulevard S40, GSX250R, SV650, and VanVan. Riders will get $250 towards the purchase of a new Suzuki motorcycle as well as a $100 reimbursement on approved motorcycle riding courses. New on Two Wheels? Make sure to check out Suzuki’s “Discover the Ride” display and get riding.

Other display standouts include MotoGP racer Alex Rins’ Team Suzuki ECSTAR GSX-RR and M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Bobby Fong’s MotoAmerica championship-winning GSX-R600. With several victories won throughout the year, attendees will be able to get up close and witness the proven performance and technology of each bike.

Bobby Fong's MotoAmerica Supersport Championship-winning M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600. Photo by Brian J. Nelson. — Bobby Fong’s MotoAmerica Supersport Championship-winning M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R600. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

In addition to the V-STROM 1050, Suzuki will display its full lineup of 2020 models featuring the legendary KATANA in a new solid black along with the iconic silver that matches the look of the original, the adventure-ready V-Strom 650XT Adventure, and the beloved café-race style SV650X. Suzuki will also bring the next level of ruggedness to the IMS floor with its new KingQuad with Rugged Package that includes newly designed accessories to tackle any outdoor adventure.

Use promo code “SUZ20” to get $3 off 1-day tickets purchased online.

Consumers can learn more about Suzuki’s full 2020 motorcycle, ATV, and scooter lineup by visiting www.suzukicycles.com. The press can learn more about Suzuki products and media support by contacting a Suzuki PR representative.

Moto2 World Championship: Brad Binder Dominates FP2 At Valencia

November 15, 2019

Brad Binder (41). Photo courtesy of Dorna/www.motogp.com.

Best Race Lap: 1:35.312, Tom Luthi, 2014

All Time Lap Record: 1:34.622, Brad Binder, 2019

Gran Premio Motul De La Comunitat Valenciana

FIM Moto2 World Championship

Circuit De La Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo

Valencia, Spain

November 15, 2019

Free Practice Two Results (all using Triumph engines and Dunlop tires):

Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 1:34.622 (New All Time Lap Record)
Augusto Fernandez, Spain (Kalex), 1:35.198
Fabio Di Giannantonio, Italy (Speed Up), 1:35.293
Sam Lowes, UK (Kalex), 1:35.328
Stefano Manzi, Italy (MV Agusta), 1:35.352
Tetsuta Nagashima, Japan (Kalex), 1:35.356
Jorge Navarro, Spain (Speed Up), 1:35.396
Mattia Pasini, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.409
Tom Luthi, Switzerland (Kalex), 1:35.424
Nicolo Bulega, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.533
Marcel Schrotter, Germany (Kalex), 1:35.541
Luca Marini, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.580
Alex Marquez, Spain (Kalex), 1:35.587
Lorenzo Baldassarri, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.599
Jorge Martin, Spain (KTM), 1:35.642
Enea Bastianini, Italy (Kalex), 1:35.694
Jake Dixon, UK (KTM), 1:35.902
Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Kalex), 1:36.002
Bo Bendsneyder, Netherlands (NTS), 1:36.029
Xavi Vierge, Spain (Kalex), 1:36.042
Dominique Aegerter, Switzerland (MV Agusta), 1:36.046
Remy Gardner, Australia (Kalex), 1:36.175
Joe Roberts, USA (KTM), 1:36.192
Marco Bezzecchi, Italy (KTM), 1:36.243
Somkat Chantra, Thailand (Kalex), 1:36.431
PhilippOettl, Germany (KTM), 1:36.509
Lukas Tulovic, Germany (KTM), 1:36.609
Dimas Ekky Pratama, Indonesia (Kalex), 1:37.162
Tommaso Marcon, Italy (NTS), 1:37.264
Adam Norrodin, Malaysia (Kalex), 1:37.482
Xavi Cardelus, Andorra (KTM), 1:37.855
Sean Dylan Kelly, USA (KTM), 1:37.858

MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Under Race Lap Record In FP2 At Valencia (Updated)

November 15, 2019

Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy of PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.

Best Race Lap: 1:31.171, Jorge Lorenzo, 2016

All Time Lap Record: 1:29.401, Jorge Lorenzo, 2016

Gran Premio Motul De La Comunitat Valenciana

FIM MotoGP World Championship

Circuit De La Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo

Valencia, Spain

November 15, 2019

Free Practice Two Results (all on Michelin tires):

Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:30.735
Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yamaha), 1:30.883
Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:30.974
Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:31.000
Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:31.199
Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:31.230
Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:31.280
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:31.305
Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.351
Johann Zarco, France (Honda), 1:31.369
Cal Crutchlow, UK (Honda), 1:31.433
Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.455
Michele Pirro, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.765
Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:31.775
Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 1:31.868
Jorge Lorenzo, Spain (Honda), 1:31.880
Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM), 1:31.905
Tito Rabat, Spain (Ducati), 1:32.159
Karel Abraham, Czech Republic (Ducati), 1:32.278
Mika Kallio, Finland (KTM), 1:32.467
Andrea Iannone, Italy (Aprilia), 1:32.568
Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (KTM), 1:32.887
Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 1:33.114