CIV Supersport: American Yaakov P25 In Wild Card Races At Mugello

David Swarts

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September 3, 2024

CIV Supersport: American Yaakov P25 In Wild Card Races At Mugello

American Kayla Yaakov, age 17, racing as a wild card on a Barni Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 on Dunlop control tires in the CIV/Italian Supersport National Championship at Mugello, qualified 35th and finished 25th in each of her two races.

Yaakov normally races a Panigale V2 for Rahal Ducati Moto w/XPEL in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. She is the first female to win a MotoAmerica race (Junior Cup, 2022) and the first female to finish on the podium in a MotoAmerica Supersport race, something she has done three times to date.

More, from a press release issued by Barni Racing Team:

Michele Pirro is Italian Superbike Champion

Michele Pirro (51), the 2024 CIV/Italian Superbike Champion. Photo courtesy Barni Racing Team.

Michele Pirro wins his tenth Italian title between Superbike, Superstock 1000 and Supersport. It is the seventh with the Barni Spark Racing Team.

Alberto Butti comes back to eighth and concludes his best weekend of the season.

Positive results also for Kayla Yaakov, competing as a wild card in Supersport.

Aquilano chooses not to compete due to physical problems.

The tenth title came in a completely unexpected and dramatic way. At the finish line Michele Pirro did not yet know he was the 2024 Italian Superbike Champion, the news arrived after a few seconds of waiting at the parc fermé when the race direction confirmed that Delbianco, second under the checkered flag, had to give up the position to Pirro for going beyond the track limits on the last lap. The exchange of positions between the two gave the Barni Spark Racing Team rider the mathematical certainty of having won the championship with two races to spare. The final lap was just the last act of a thrilling race, led and won by Bernardi, but whose protagonists were above all Delbianco and Russo, second and third for a long time. Michele was a non-paying “spectator” to their continuous duel, when he tried to slip in Russo responded with aggressive overtaking so the #51 managed the race in view of the championship and in the end benefited from the skirmishes of others. By overtaking Russo at the last corner, who in turn ran wide in the fight with Delbianco, he thus gained the decisive position. For Michele it is the 10th title between Superbike, Superstock 1000 and Supersport, the seventh with the Bergamo team in the premier class.

Podium of the most successful riders ever in the Italian Championship:

1 – Giacomo Agostini – 16 titles. (1 in 250 in 64. 3 in 350 in 70, 71, 72. 12 in 500 in 65, 66 and then from 68 to 77)

2 – Tarquinio Provini – 11 titles. (2 in 125 in 55 and 57. 9 in 175 from 56 to 59, from 61 to 63 and in 65 and 66)

3 – Michele Pirro – 10 titles. (7 in SBK in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024. 1 in SS600 in 2009 and 2 in STK1000 in 2007, 2008)

Positive balance also for Kayla Yaakov who in Supersport obtained the 25th position at the finish line, as in race 1. Her start from the 35th spot on the grid was excellent, the 17-year-old American maintained a good pace despite the track being much slower than yesterday. Results that fully satisfied the team and a very formative experience for the continuation of her career in MotoAmerica. A weekend to forget, however, for Aquilano who, following the fall in qualifying, in mutual agreement with the team, chose not to race.

Michele Pirro

In the end I managed to achieve what I missed last year, the tenth Italian title. It’s been 24 years since my first victory in a race and when I saw the numbers of my career here at the CIV I thought “Wow! It’s incredible”. In Italy I’m the third best rider ever after Agostini and Provini who raced and won in more categories in the same season. The Italian may not be the World Championship, but remaining competitive and winning for so many years is not easy anywhere, and this makes me particularly proud. Work always pays off and now that I’m starting to “get old” I want to be an example for young people, they can’t think of winning only thanks to talent, it takes hard work and sacrifice. Thanks to Barni, to all his family and to the team that helped me reach these goals that make me want to race and have fun again.

Alberto Butti

I made a good step forward this race too, closing the gap to the leaders. It’s a shame about the problem in the alignment lap that compromised the start and consequently the first laps were a comeback, pushing a lot on the front. Once I reached sixth position I wasn’t able to close the gap with the fifth and – due to the drop of the front tire – I lost 2 positions in the last 2 laps. All this, however, has demonstrated the great growth this year and makes me confident for a good conclusion to the championship in Imola!

Kayla Yaakov

I am a rider and these results cannot make me 100% happy, but I learned a lot from this experience. The tires, the suspension, the characteristics of the circuit, it was all different compared to MotoAmerica, but I will take away a lot of information. I worked with fantastic people including Luca Minelli, Danilo Petrucci’s crew chief in Superbike. He and all the others made themselves available to me, the team is very organized and professional, here at the CIV the level is very high and it was nice to deal with a completely new environment.

Marco Barnabò

I am very happy to have achieved with Michele the title that we have been looking for since last year. Winning the seventh championship together is a great satisfaction, it is not easy to stay at the top for so long. I want to thank everyone who works in the organization of the team: from those who make the engines at home to those who assembled the bike for the season, from the mechanics to all the various departments of the team. And then a special thanks to Pirro who always does his part. Today the conditions were even more difficult than yesterday, the front tire in the slipstream overheated and no longer gave the right feeling to attack; the only thing we did not want to do was make mistakes to compromise the race and that’s how it went. Butti was also very good, it’s a shame about the start that penalized him, then he went on a comeback. I must say “well done” to Kayla too, in the working method and in the sensitivity of the ride she shows much more than her 17 years. She will go far. I hope that this wild card has helped her to grow, she is still very young and can grow even more! I’m sorry to have raced with one less rider, but Edoardo and I decided not to do the race so as not to take risks after yesterday’s crash in qualifying.

WorldSBK: Bautista Re-Signs With Ducati For 2025

David Swarts

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September 3, 2024

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WorldSBK: Bautista Re-Signs With Ducati For 2025

Editorial Note: Alvaro Bautista will turn 40 on November 21.

Alvaro Bautista aboard the factory Panigale V4R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team also in the 2025 WorldSBK season

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team is pleased to announce the contract extension of Alvaro Bautista, who will be riding the factory Ducati Panigale V4R again in the 2025 WorldSBK season.
B

autista debuted in Superbike in 2019 aboard the Ducati Panigale V4R, becoming World Superbike Champion for two consecutive seasons in 2022 and 2023. The rider from Talavera de la Reina conquered so far a total of 61 victories in WorldSBK – making him the most successful Ducati rider in the history of the championship – and the 100th podium finish at the end of Race 1 of the last round held at Portimao (Portugal).

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)

“I am thrilled to continue another season with Ducati, with Aruba and with this beautiful team that represents a family to me. I feel physically and mentally perfect, and I am sure I can still be very competitive. Furthermore, there is an extraordinary relationship with everyone, from the mechanics to the management, to the sponsors, which is why I am even happier. I want to thank Ducati, Aruba, Stefano Cecconi, Daniele Casolari and Serafino Foti for their trust in me. I hope I can repay them by returning to having as much fun on track as we did in the last rounds”.

Stefano Cecconi (Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

“I have said many times that our priority was to continue with Alvaro and I couldn’t wait to be able to announce the renewal of our collaboration officially. It is a pleasure to work with him, both from a personal and professional point of view. I am convinced that by continuing to work hard together, we will be able to overcome the new challenges that the new regulations offer us. During the last few races we have found solutions that have allowed Alvaro to rediscover the sensations that were a bit lacking at the beginning of the year. Now, we must continue on this path to make a grand season finale and close the gap that separates us from the top”.

Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)

“We are delighted to continue with Alvaro Bautista. He has given us great emotions in recent seasons, and his talent certainly remains unquestionable. The new regulations and the very high level reached by the World Superbike Championship will make 2025 challenging, but we are ready to face it together. For now, it is important to stay focused on the current season: the Championship is still long, and we will do everything we can to put Alvaro in a position to defend the World Title till the end”.

WorldWCR Profiles American Mallory Dobbs

David Swarts

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September 2, 2024

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WorldWCR Profiles American Mallory Dobbs

Her story: Meet Mallory Dobbs

Mallory Dobbs, Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team

American, 30

Representing the USA

With the history of so many great American riders in World Championship motorcycle racing down the years it is an honour for anyone to represent the USA on the world stage. MotoAmerica graduate Mallory Dobbs does so with pride and her journey to the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship this year has been an unorthodox one, considering she did not begin riding motorcycles until she was in her twenties. The civil engineer from Olympia in Washington State is racing on European tracks for the first time this season at the age of 30 and her story is one of a thrilling ascent in racing.

Catching the motorcycle bug

Detailing her first encounters with motorcycles Dobbs comments, “I didn’t ride a motorcycle until I was 22. I was honestly terrified of the thought of riding motorcycles on the street for the longest time. I just remember my boyfriend at the time showing up to my house on a CBR600 with a spare helmet. I rode on the back of his bike for a couple of months before I decided that I would much rather have my own. My first bike was a 2007 Yamaha R6 that I bought in 2016. I remember the first couple of times I took it out I was too scared to take it out on the highway so I just cruised around town instead.”

American racer Mallory Dobbs (14) in action on her Yamaha YZF-R7. Photo courtesy WCRWorld/Dorna. — American racer Mallory Dobbs (14) in action on her Yamaha YZF-R7. Photo courtesy WorldWCR/Dorna.

A quick switch from road to racetrack

Dobbs may have started her love affair with motorbikes later than many other professional riders, but she has certainly made up for lost time since then. “I started racing at the amateur level six months after I started riding,” she explains. “In 2017 I bought a 2003 Yamaha R6 as my first race bike and raced with the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA) and the Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association (OMRRA). From 2017 to 2020 I would say I was a casual racer. I was racing for fun on the weekends with my friends. In 2018, I finished second overall in the Novice 600 class and throughout the years won various female championships.”

Stepping things up

Having enjoyed the amateur experience and proving to herself that she had the talent to take things up a notch, Dobbs then decided to test herself at a much higher level. “It wasn’t until 2021 that I decided to put some serious time and effort into my racing program. I started racing in southern California in the winter, where I met Jason Pridmore. I got coaching from him in preparation for my MotoAmerica debut. I bought a brand new ZX6R and finished third overall in all of the 600 race classes I raced in that year. In 2022, I did my first two professional events in Supersport with MotoAmerica at The Ridge Motorsports Park and Laguna Seca. These two rounds were pretty successful and I decided to do a full season of Supersport and Superhooligans in 2023. I finished the season seventh overall in Superhooligans with multiple top 10 finishes, as well as a handful of Supersport points.”

Arriving in WorldWCR

Having increased her level with consistent performances in MotoAmerica Dobbs takes her place on the inaugural WorldWCR in 2024, competing on European tracks at world championship level, with her only previous race experience being on home territory. In fact before this year Dobbs had not visited Europe, stating that prior to this season she had only left the USA twice in her life for vacations in Mexico. She states, “It’s really exciting to go to Europe and see the places, but also race on some iconic race tracks. Regarding the privilege and responsibility of representing the U.S. in WorldWCR”. She adds, “It is incredibly important to me because the racing isn’t just about me anymore. This is the first time in my life I have ever been a representative for my entire country and it definitely feels like a lot of pressure! There are a lot of really good riders in America, so to say that I am the one representing our country instead of all the other girls that I race with and I know are really good…It puts some weight on what I am doing and motivates me to do everything I can to make my home country proud.”

A welcome from her compatriots

Finding her way around the WorldSBK scene and quickly familiarising herself with the tracks visited by the WorldWCR series, Dobbs says she has been made to feel at home by the American contingent already firmly established in the paddock. She reveals, “Members of the other American teams have come and introduced themselves to me, because they know how hard it is, being the only American in the paddock. It’s super cool. Part of [Garrett] Gerloff’s team came over to me and said, ‘Welcome, we want you to know you can come hang out with us anytime, we want to make sure you are taken care of.’ I really appreciated that. I know what it’s like to be the new kid on the block. It’s a very nice community to be involved with and everybody has been so welcoming here.”

Meeting Rins at COTA

Dobbs singles out Alex Rins as her favourite professional rider and again a key factor is a welcoming approach and warmth he demonstrated when meeting her at the Circuit of the Americas, when the two stars crossed paths there. “We went to MotoGP™ at COTA and that was my first MotoGP™ experience,” Dobbs states. “You can pick a favourite rider based on their skill or who they present themselves as on social media, but when we went to MotoGP™ Rins was asking me a lot of questions about how the [MotoAmerica] championship worked, where I was staying, how things were going and if I was excited. He took a big interest in what I was doing as a racer. Racing is inherently a very selfish sport, so it was really cool to hear him asking questions and caring about what we are doing. It was very nice.”

Mallory answers our direct questions…

What motivated you to seriously pursue competitive riding? “I have always been a competitive person, but motorcycle racing was not my first interest. I grew up showing horses competitively at the world level. I got my first horse when I was 11 and I still have him. Motorcycle racing was something I started doing for fun and then realised I wanted to see how far I could go with it. I never would have imagined that I would be racing at the World level. Getting into racing was somewhat of a fluke for me. I started riding track days and met some really nice people that kind of just told me I should come out and try racing, and it didn’t take much to convince me!”

“Once I started racing, I really enjoyed the community and became addicted to the constant work to improve. When I started racing with MotoAmerica, I got to interact with and see so many more fans. And something that has truly inspired me to keep pushing to see how far I can go, is seeing the little girls that get so excited to see a female racer. Being able to be a role model for other kids and little girls in particular is something that I really enjoy while pursuing my passion. Being a female in the sport still has its challenges and I really hope that I can do my part to make it better for other women in the future.”

How did your friends, family, or relatives react when you mentioned your interest for racing? “My family doesn’t quite understand why I love to race so much, but they are my number one fans and support me through it all! I am an only child and it can be hard for my dad to watch me race in person but he is still really proud of me for chasing my dreams.”

What advice would you give to young girls who aspire to compete at the highest level in racing? “My advice is to find people who will always be supportive of you and surround yourself with them. This sport is hard and there will be times when you want to quit, it’s normal. But having the support around you will make it that much easier to keep pushing. Never give up on your dreams! As cliché as it sounds, your dreams may seem big and daunting, but keep working towards them and they will happen, I am living mine right now!”

What does it mean to you to be competing in the inaugural WorldWCR season? “It still feels like a dream! When I talk to people and get to tell them that I am racing in WorldSBK it still doesn’t quite feel real. I never would have thought that I would say that! It means so much to me to be a part of the inaugural season as the only American. This season is something that I won’t soon forget in my life.”

What do you do away from racing? “I am a full time civil engineer outside of racing. It is quite the challenge to juggle a full-time job while trying to be the best athlete I can be as well. As a civil engineer trying to win projects, I talk to people, network and build relationships with them, so that they want to work with me as an engineer. It’s similar in motorsports, you want to meet people and work with people who will set you up for success. That’s the same in motorsports. Your team really matters. The people in your corner are a big part of how success works.”

What are your hobbies? “Outside of motorcycles, I still ride horses from time to time. I also do a handful of sports like bowling, golf, pickleball. But honestly, when I am not racing, it is sometimes nice just to sit at home and play some board games or watch movies. It’s been a while since I’ve had time to do that though! Recently most of my life revolves around motorcycle races. I race in Europe, travel, recover, go to work, do more track days and training at home, road cycling. Those are the sacrifices we have to make to be here. I went to the barn a couple of days ago and got to ride my horse for the first time in a couple of months and that was nice.”

WorldWCR will return to action at the Acerbis Italian Round from September 20th to 22nd at the Cremona Circuit.

MotoGP: 2025 Pre-Season Testing Schedule Released

David Swarts

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September 2, 2024

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MotoGP: 2025 Pre-Season Testing Schedule Released

2025 Pre-Season Testing dates announced

Preparations for a new season of the world’s most exciting sport set to begin in November

Following the announcement that the 2025 season opener will be the Thai GP in Buriram, MotoGP™ can now confirm the provisional pre-season testing calendar.

As ever, a one-day test for the MotoGP™ class will take place on the Tuesday following the 2024 Valencian Grand Prix at the same venue, the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

Action will re-commence early in 2025 with the Shakedown Test, which gets underway at Sepang International Circuit from the 31st of January to the 2nd of February. This is for test riders, rookies and manufacturers in concession Rank D, who are also able to attend with their full-time riders.

The official Sepang Test will then take place on the 5th, 6th and 7th of February as the full 2025 grid makes its debut.

Finally, the paddock heads for Chang International Circuit for a two-day test on the 12th and 13th of February ahead of the season opener on the 28th of February to the 2nd of March.

FULL DATES

Valencia Test: 19th November 2024

Shakedown Test: 31st January – 2nd February

Sepang Test: 5th February – 7th February

Buriram Test: 12th – 13th February

Stay tuned for more details on the full, provisional 2025 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar, which will be released by the FIM in the coming weeks, as well as more updates on team launches and events at the start of 2025.

Moto2™ and Moto3™ Pre-Season Testing

Testing for the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes will take place in February 2025. There will be no Valencia Test for the intermediate and lightweight classes in November.

Valencia Moto3™ Test: 7th – 8th February

Valencia Moto2™ Test: 9th – 10th February

Jerez Moto2™ & Moto3™ Test: 18th – 20th February

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: More From MotorLand Aragon

David Swarts

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September 2, 2024

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Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: More From MotorLand Aragon

Bouncing Back Strong: Kristian Daniel Jr. Impresses Despite Setbacks in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup

In the high-stakes world of motorcycle racing, bouncing back from adversity is as important as speed itself, and Kristian Daniel Jr. just proved that he’s got what it takes. During Race 1 of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, Kristian faced some tough conditions and a mid-race crash, but he still managed to pull off an incredible fifth-place finish.

The race was a real test for everyone involved. The tricky weather conditions made the track difficult to navigate, pushing all the riders to their limits. On days like these, only those willing to take big risks could come out on top, and Kristian was one of those riders. From the start, he showed he had the speed to compete, whether the track was dry or wet.

But the race wasn’t without its challenges. Just as Kristian was finding his groove and gaining confidence with each lap, he hit a major bump in the road—a crash on the second lap while he was sitting in a strong fourth position. The crash cost him valuable time, but Kristian wasn’t about to give up. He quickly got back on his bike and rejoined the race, even though he was now 4 seconds behind.

When he crossed the line for the first time after the crash, Kristian’s dad and pit crew gave him the news: he was just 3 seconds behind a group of riders battling for positions from 15th to 5th. Realizing he still had a chance, Kristian stayed focused and determined not to make any more mistakes. His hard work paid off as he started to close the gap, eventually catching up to the group with four laps left.

In a brilliant display of skill, Kristian began working his way through the pack. On the final lap, he managed to take the lead within the group, slightly pulling ahead and even setting his fastest lap of the race. Despite the earlier crash, he finished in fifth place—a personal best that shows just how strong he is as a competitor.

After the race, Kristian admitted that it was tough to lose out on important championship points because of the crash, but he also saw the silver lining. “My heart hurts with all these mistakes,” he said, “but these moments are the times that make me think, ‘all these mistakes are worth it and you are learning.'”

With the next race in Misano on the horizon, Kristian is more motivated than ever. He’s ready to take what he learned from this race and keep pushing forward. With the support of his sponsors and the experience he’s gaining, Kristian is definitely on the rise.

American Flat Track: Springfield Mile I & II Race Report

David Swarts

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September 1, 2024

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American Flat Track: Springfield Mile I & II Race Report

Mees Takes Control with Springfield Super Sunday Double Victory

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 1, 2024) – The Springfield Mile I & II presented by Drag Specialties lived up to its billing as one of the most significant events in the series’ modern history as two of the final three rounds of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, played out over the course of a single day at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.

When the dust settled at the conclusion of the Super Sunday doubleheader, reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) emerged the big winner… again.

A day of domination for the all-time great ended with his third Springfield Mile double – this one leaving him just three points away from the immortality granted by a record tenth premier-class crown.

Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event 1

Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event 1 was a contradictory concoction of unpredictability and inevitability courtesy of the sport’s primary protagonists, Mees and Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), who made a shock return to action just six weeks removed from surgery to repair a broken femur.

Despite hobbling around the paddock on a crutch, Daniels didn’t look to have missed a step once he threw his leg over a racebike. Starting from pole, the Estenson Racing ace mixed it up for the lead with the likes of Mees, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), and Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Sody Ent/OTBR Yamaha MT-07) for the race lead.

But a moment of near catastrophe transpired in still in the contest’s early stages when the still-mending Daniels got well sideways, clipped Price’s rear wheel and then Robinson’s, before being sent up the track and down the order… but most crucially, all while somehow remaining upright.

The drama allowed Mees to break the draft and subsequently check out, piling up a monster lead before cruising to a 2.137-second margin of victory at the flag. The win was both his ninth-career victory at the Springfield Mile and his 29th in the Mile discipline overall, tying him with Chris Carr for second on the all-time order.

Mees said, “So many people have contributed to our program. My guys worked so hard just to try to fine-tune it all day. And I needed that in the Main. You don’t really get perfect motorcycles every race, but that Main Event, the thing was really, really close to perfect. It was awesome and came together when we needed it.”

Rather than cower and fold following his near fall, Daniels clawed his way back up from seventh to third, finishing behind only Mees and fellow charger Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) to resume his run of podiums at 11.

Robinson pulled off a final-lap pass on Price to lock down fourth, limiting the extent of the damage done to his championship chances. While less than ideal, he got off easy compared to fellow title hopeful Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke), who retired from the race and was credited in 19th position.

Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event 2

Minus a second moment of terror for Daniels, the day’s second scheduled Mees disappearing act proved considerably more difficult to execute. While largely controlling the race from the front, Daniels, Bauman, Robinson, and Fisher kept the champion firmly in their sights over the race’s opening half.

However, Fisher then faded from the lead pack, destined to ultimately finish fifth behind Price. A short while later, Bauman was removed from the equation as well, forced to pull off a second time due to mechanical issues, leaving only Daniels and Robinson to give chase.

With his conditioning left wanting after sitting on the couch for the past month, Daniels eventually had to shift his focus from pursuing Mees to fending off Robinson, which allowed the factory Indian superstar to at last stretch open a bit of padding with a couple minutes to go.

The champ stormed past the checkered flag with almost a second-and-a-half in hand, securing his 10th Springfield Mile win and a Carr-surpassing 30th-career Mile victory.

Now on the verge of an unprecedented tenth Grand National Championship, Mees said, “Total domination all day. We came in super focused but kind of had some jitters and some nerves, just because the pressure was on me because I’ve done so well in the past. I had the target on my back, but I do well with that. A huge shout out to my entire team…. I wanted to get Indian Motorcycle their last couple wins here, I really did. That burnout was for Indian Motorcycle. I’m so happy they put me on board in 2016 and ‘17 – a phenomenal company to ride for.

”We came into the Springfield Mile needing to do this… We’ve got one more to go, but we have a little bit of cushion now.”

Daniels managed to successfully hold off Robinson for second, upping his podium streak to 12 in the process. Robinson, however, did just enough to keep his title hopes alive – if just barely – now 22 points back of the title lead (286-264) with only the finale to go.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER Main Event 1

Defying pre-race expectations for another of the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles class’ standard ten-plus-rider Mile track pack wars, a four-pilot breakaway featuring title fighters Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F), Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R), and Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), along with savvy vet Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions/Media HT Husqvarna FC450), quickly took shape in the day’s opening Main Event.

However, eight minutes of final-lap trial runs and strategic formulations was undone in an instant when a red flag was thrown just as the clocks hit zero. The potential for a pack battle was again on the table with the field bunched back up for a frantic two-lap dash to the checkered flag.

But somehow, Saathoff, Drane, Cose, and Kopp instantly shook free yet again, relegating everyone else to an outsized fight for fifth. Saathoff appeared to be in prime position to claim his third straight home-state win when he powered into Turn 3 for the final time with the lead and Drane displaced to third by Cose.

Instead, the Australian immediately countered and leapt out of 4 with a near-perfect launch, enabling him to blast by Saathoff at the stripe by 0.048 seconds. Cose held on for third another 0.048 seconds back, followed by championship leader Kopp in fourth.

“It was definitely a hard race out there,” Drane said. “There was a big battle at the front, and then that red flag made it real dicey towards the end. I was able to just get through on Chad, which gave me a good run on Chase and was able to get him at the line. I couldn’t have done it without my whole Estenson Racing Monster Energy crew; they’ve put in a lot of work, and it paid off.”

Miler extraordinaire Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) took full advantage of the race reset to secure her season’s best result by far in fifth.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event 2

After Cose was forced to line up at the back of the grid for jumping the start and Drane, Saathoff, and Kopp stretched open a healthy gap in less than a lap, Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event 2 seemed destined to be a three-contender affair.

Instead, Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) bridged the gap from the second group and then Cose arrived to conclude his torrid climb up the order.

The development of a five-rider freight train at the front was not in the plans for Kopp, especially when he was shuffled down to fifth while seeking a finish of second or better in order to clinch the championship early for the third consecutive season.

A back-and-forth scrap saw Drane and Saathoff cross the line with two laps to go separated by nothing – 0.000 seconds apart – and Cose, Kopp, and Lowe tucked tight in their tow.

The Estenson Racing star moved into the lead to open the final lap while Cose pushed Saathoff down to third. The JPG Motorsports runner responded by overhauling both opponents entering Turn 3. Cose then got completely sideways while holding onto second, allowing Drane and Kopp through as they navigated the final corner.

In the decisive sprint to the flag, Drane replicated his Main Event 1 trick to zap Saathoff for the win once again – this time by an even slimmer 0.019 seconds. Meanwhile, Cose edged ahead of Kopp by 0.045 seconds to keep the championship fight a three-rider affair heading into the season finale.

Lowe took fifth, less than a second removed from the race win.

“That was a really good one,” Drane said. “We had a really good race with me, Chad, and Chase. We were all putting in really good laps and swapping back and forth throughout the race. I got a little bit lucky in that last corner, Chad slipped up a little bit, allowing me to go underneath him and then get Chase to the line.”

Despite failing to end this one early, Kopp remains in a very strong position to claim an unprecedented third class crown. With just 25 points left on the table, the Rick Ware Racing star now leads Drane by 22 points (321-299) and Saathoff by 24 (297).

Next Up:

The battle for the Grand National Championship will conclude at the 2024 season finale, the Lake Ozark Short Track at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri, on Saturday, September 14. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/lake-ozark-short-track-104135 to purchase your tickets today.

For those who can’t catch the action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of the on-track action, from the first practice to the victory podium, at https://flosports.link/aft.

FOX Sports coverage of the Springfield Mile I & II presented by Drag Specialties, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, September 8. The Springfield Mile I will air at 7:00 a.m. ET (4:00 a.m. PT) with the Springfield Mile II scheduled for 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

Canadian Superbike: Race Two Report From Shannonville

David Swarts

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September 1, 2024

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Canadian Superbike: Race Two Report From Shannonville

Young wins thrilling last-lap duel with Dumas at CSBK finale in Shannonville

Shannonville, ON – He waited until the very last lap of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship season, but Ben Young managed to celebrate from the top step of the podium once again in Shannonville Motorsport Park on Sunday.

The four-time champion found himself in a similar spot to race one on Saturday, dropping from pole position to third on lap one as Alex Dumas fended off an early attack from Sam Guerin.

The race began to play out very similarly, as Guerin desperately looked for a way through on Dumas while Young settled in to a somewhat comfortable third. Just like race one, Guerin’s efforts would inevitably be denied and he would gradually sink back towards Young in the second half.

This time, however, Young was far less patient. The Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW made a decisive move in turn two and immediately set off towards Dumas, hunting down his rival and taking as much as half a second per lap out of his deficit.

That would put him right on the tail of Dumas to begin the final lap, though his first pass attempt into turn two was quickly rejected. Young’s second attempt would get the job done, making a beautiful move on the turn five/six switchover to slice underneath Dumas and seize the lead with half a lap to go.

Dumas would try a retaliatory move off the long back straightaway, but Young completed his own defensive effort in the final few corners to hang on for a fifth victory of the season by only 0.314 seconds.

“These guys obviously got a better start than me, so I just tried to settle into a rhythm again and follow fairly close, but not too closely,” Young said. “Eventually I was able to pull the trigger on Sam, but Alex really had no weak points. I just saw a little opportunity on the last lap and was able to find a way through, so it’s nice to end the year on top.”

Young was a bit more emotional than usual on the podium, reflecting on what has been a whirlwind 2024 campaign for the Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW crew.

“This team has been amazing every step of the way since 2016. We’ve had a great run for a while now, winning four championships, and I’m so happy to be a part of it,” Young said. “The BMW is such a great platform, I can’t say it enough. As always, we’ll see what the future holds, but I owe everyone a huge thanks.”

As for Dumas, the Economy Lube Ducati rider led every lap except the most important one at Shannonville, though he continued to make progress with his new program by reeling in a seventh podium of the season aboard the V4 Panigale – passing Pascal Picotte for the most by a Ducati rider in GP Bikes Pro Superbike history.

However, Dumas was also somewhat coy about his 2025 plans, having joined the Economy Lube team midway through the season.

“We tried a new setup today, it didn’t really work the way we wanted it but we’re still making lots of progress,” Dumas said. “I would have loved to do the full season, but I’m happy to finish the year with two wins. Hopefully I’m back next year, but things are pretty up in the air.”

Rounding out the podium for a second day in a row was Guerin, who once again found himself unable to claw his way into the lead but kept his rivals closer than in race one as he claimed his eighth podium this season.

Unlike his rivals, the championship runner-up was very adamant about his 2025 plans, eyeing a first career Canada Cup for the EFC Group BMW team.

“I had some more issues in the second half, but it was another big improvement from yesterday,” Guerin said. “I have to give a huge thanks to BMW Canada and the whole team for their help this season, and I can’t wait to be back fighting again next year.”

Jordan Szoke managed to hang with the leaders for the opening stint of the race, holding steady in the frontrunning group of four through the first five laps. The 14-time champion would eventually slump back to a lonelier fourth, though he represented a much bigger challenge than in race one as he ends the campaign with a top-four finish in every race for CKM Kawasaki.

Tomas Casas avoided any early mistakes to take an impressive fifth on Sunday, coming out on top of a spectacular five-rider battle in the early laps.

Casas eventually broke free of the pack and would settle into a third top-five finish in four races for Yamaha Motors Canada, a strong end to the season as he jumps to tenth in the final standings despite appearing in just four of 12 races.

David MacKay ended his debut Superbike season with another consistent finish in sixth, coming out on top of another back-and-forth battle with Trevor Daley. That will keep MacKay fifth in the final year-end standings for ODH Snow City Cycle Honda, an incredible effort for the reigning Pro Sport Bike champion.

Daley would fight through a wrist injury to claim seventh for OneSpeed Suzuki, while Eli Daccache charged back to eighth after he ran off the back straightaway during his battle with Casas aboard the Milwaukee Yamaha.

Connor Campbell exited the year with a solid ninth-place finish and thus secured the Brooklin Cycle Racing Pro Rookie of the Year award, capping off an impressive debut campaign for B&T MacFarlane/Kubota Kawasaki.

AIM Insurance Amateur Superbike champion Goran Radisic completed the top ten for a second day in a row at Shannonville, a pair of excellent finishes in his pro debut for PMR BMW as he graduated early from the amateur ranks.

Young’s late comeback from third to win also earned him the last FAST Riding School Hard Charger award of the season, overcoming a near three-second deficit at the midway point to snatch an unlikely victory from Dumas.

Full results can be found on the series’ official website.

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race Two Results From MotorLand Aragon

David Swarts

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September 1, 2024

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Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race Two Results From MotorLand Aragon

Editorial Note: American Kristian Daniel Jr. finished fifth in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Race Two Sunday at MotorLand Aragon, in Spain.

Session for ARA RookiesCup RAC2 copy

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup:

Hakim Danish scores a stunning wet Rookies victory in Aragón Race 2

A first and dominant Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup victory for Hakim Danish on a soaking wet Motorland Aragón made history. A fall and no points for Cup leader Álvaro Carpe opened up the title chase. His nearest challenger Brian Uriarte finished 2nd and closed the points gap to just 13 with 2 races remaining next weekend in Misano

Rico Salmela put in a huge effort, fighting his way through the field to swap places several times with Uriarte at the final corner. He only lost out on the hunt for grip between the two KTMs on the drive for the line and finished 3rd.

Danish takes historic first Malaysian win in Rookies Cup

“I knew it had rained a lot in the night,” explained the 17-year-old in his second Cup season. “So when I woke up I prepared myself for a wet race and I was determined to be focused. I made 2 sighting laps and I already got confidence in the bike, I had the grip and a good feeling. So when I arrived on the starting grid I said to my mechanic, ‘OK maybe this is my time.’”

“When we started the race I tried as quickly as I could to pull away, to make a gap. I wanted to get away but I also wanted to be under control. In the first laps, I was under pressure, I could see that Brian was just 0.5 behind but I kept going and I did make a gap.”

“I kept my concentration and made sure that I kept momentum and focus and the lap times consistent. I think I did a really good job, I didn’t relax, I wanted as big a gap as I could.”

Uriarte happier with 2nd than 3rd

“Today was better than yesterday,” smiled the understated 16-year-old Spaniard. “I’m a bit happier. At the beginning I was catching Hakim in some corners, in others he took a bit of a gap on me. It was hard to follow Hakim but not impossible. I saw that going with him was taking a risk and I saw that I was 2 seconds ahead of the rest, from the 3rd guy so I honestly didn’t want to take a risk.”

“I saw some images on the screen that something had happened with Alvaro but I didn’t want to think about this. I was concentrating on riding my own race, if I wasn’t fighting for the championship I would be doing exactly the same, I was enjoying the race and doing the maximum in the conditions. It was a nice race today.”

Salmela spinning his way to 3rd

“I had to make many overtakes in the first laps because I started P11,” explained the 16-year-old Finn. “I got stuck early in the race with a few riders, the first few guys already escaped. But lap by lap I started to get a better feeling, I tried to put the pressure on Valentin, seemed like it worked.”

“I thought that I also had the pace to pass him anyway and go after Brian but he fell so I didn’t have to. Then the plan was not to go for Brian, he was quite far ahead but with 3 laps to go I had a really good feeling with the front, the rear started to slide a bit but it was OK and I could control it.”

“I saw that Brian was coming closer all the time and we had a good fight in the last corner, I tried my best but was just spinning the rear tyre on the exit and he passed me back so it was a pretty good race.”

Carpe still leads the Cup after P16 finish

“Not good today because I crashed,” stated the Spanish 17-year-old. “I picked up my bike and got going again, I broke my clutch lever, half was gone but I could still manage. I tried to push as much as I could, to pass as many riders as I could. But I finished 16th, near the points but not enough.”

“It was tricky conditions and I was not comfortable with my bike. I am still leading the points by 13 I think, in front of Brian and not so bad as it might have been.”

September 2024

Magazine Issue

Trudy Ulrich

-

September 1, 2024

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On the Front Cover: Josh Herrin left Mid-Ohio with a 52-point MotoAmerica Superbike lead over Bobby Fong, with two rounds and five races left in the season. If Herrin wins, it will be the high point of his 19 years in motorcycle racing, 11 years after winning his first Superbike title. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

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

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SEPTEMBER 2024 ISSUE

FEATURES

Inside Info: Buell Super Cruiser orders open up; Honda goes electric in the USA; KTM’s 450 SMR raises the bar, and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1988 Yamaha TZ250U

Intro: Riding The Yamaha MT-09 SP Hypernaked Triple

Hanging With: MotoAmerica Superbike Points Leader Josh Herrin

Collections: Lyon Air Museum’s The Motorcycles

RACING

Racing History: 75 Years Of MotoGP

MotoGP: Bastianini Battles Back At Silverstone

MotoGP: Pecco Perfect At Red Bull Ring

MotoAmerica Superbike: Herrin Times Two At Mid-Ohio

American Kid Racing In Europe: Kristian Daniel Jr.

MotoGP Goes Retro To Celebrate History

World Superbike: Toprak Makes History

Moto2: American Racing Hits 100 Races

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: Buying A Yamaha MT-09 SP, And Looking Back In The Day

10 Years Ago: Kevin Schwantz tested a MotoGP bike on the cover of
the September 2014 issue; Pirelli’s Giorgio Barbier looked at a decade of spec tires in World Superbike; Racing Editor Chris Ulrich was a wildcard entry in World Superbike at Laguna Seca; Marc Marquez won MotoGP races in Europe; and Josh Hayes took control of AMA
Superbike, winning at Barber, Laguna, and Mid-Ohio.

The Crash Page: Angel Piqueras & Scott Ogden At Silverstone

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

Classified Ads/Advertiser Index

High Performance Parts & Services Directory

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: On Track At COTA

*******************************************************************

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MotoGP: World Championship Race Results From MotorLand Aragon (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 1, 2024

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MotoGP: World Championship Race Results From MotorLand Aragon (Updated)

Marc Marquez thrilled his home country fans by taking his first full-length MotoGP race victory in nearly three years Sunday at MotorLand Aragon, in Alcaniz, Spain. Riding his Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici on Michelin control tires, the six-time MotoGP World Champion started from pole position and won the 23-lap race by nearly five seconds.

Prima Pramac Racing Ducati rider Jorge Martin extended his World Championship point lead with his runner-up finish.

Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta made it an all-Spanish podium by taking third on his Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 machine.

Brad Binder was fourth on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.

Enea Bastianini brought his Lenovo Ducati home in fifth.

Two-time and defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia got off to a rough start, and then things only got worse when he had contact with Alex Marquez and they both crashed out of the race.

MotoGP Race
MotoGP Points after Race

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

1043 days later: Marc Marquez roars back to glory, drama hits for Bagnaia

The #93 completes a history-making weekend at MotorLand as Martin’s lead increases following a clash between Alex Marquez and Bagnaia

Marc Marquez (93) leading Sunday at MotorLand Aragon. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Sunday, 01 September 2024

1043 days, multiple surgeries, a change of team and factory later, and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) is back on the top step of the Grand Prix podium. The #93 dominated the majority of the Gran Premio GoPro de Aragon including a stunning first Tissot Sprint win, but being the fastest isn’t a guarantee of glory. Come Sunday, however, Marquez shot off the line for the holeshot and never looked back, underlining one of the greatest comebacks in MotoGP™ history.

There was plenty to talk about in his wake too, with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) taking second and extending his title lead – gained back from Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) on Saturday – after Bagnaia’s podium charge came to a halt in a clash with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The verdict from the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards: racing incident and no further action. The verdict from each rider wildly opposes both that and each other.

Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) took the final spot on the podium, back on the GP box for the first time since the Americas GP in April and adding to an impressive point tally for the rookie, who currently sits fifth in the World Championship standings.

As the lights went out, Marc Marquez took the holeshot once again, and there was drama for Bagnaia once again as the #1 struggled off the line and got close to Alex Marquez in a near-repeat of the Sprint start. Acosta moved up into second and Martin took over in third, with Bagnaia left with work to do down in P7.

The #89 attempted a move at Turn 8 on Lap 2, running wide and allowing Acosta back through before making an overtake stick at Turn 13. Acosta then began to drop back, with Alex Marquez now entering the podium positions.

Bagnaia began to recover positions, overtaking Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) for sixth position. The Italian set his sights on Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), aiming to re-enter the top five, and not long after Morbidelli then ran wide, dropping to eighth and allowing the #1 through.

After an early crash for Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team) then joined him as a DNF, unable to secure a double top 10 finish in Aragon after a crash at Turn 5. Further back, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) was battling for the final places inside the top 10 with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

Back at the front, Marc Marquez extended his lead to over three seconds, with the #89 remaining as his closest rival. Martin, however, still held that crucial ground on Bagnaia as the #1 was up into P4 after a spectacular overtake on Acosta at the end of Lap 11. Next target: Alex Marquez.

Marc Marquez celebrating his first full-length race win in nearly three years. Photo courtesy Dorna.

By Lap 19, Bagnaia was tagged right onto the back of the #73, and as the Gresini ran wide on the entry to Turn 12, the door seemed open. Bagnaia went for it, meanwhile Alex Marquez tried to keep it. The result was contact between the two as they slid off in a tangle to forfeit the podium, riders ok and Martin’s points advantage suddenly bolstered to 23 points by the flag.

Up ahead though, Marc Marquez suffered no such dramas. Extending his margin to five seconds, the #93 kept it calm at the head of the field to take that coveted first victory since 2021, his first with Ducati and Gresini, 1043 days – and so much more – later.

Behind Martin and Acosta, who swept past the Bagnaia-Alex Marquez drama to complete the podium, was a strong P4 for Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Bastianini, after a somewhat disastrous grid position as he lost out on Q2, put in a classic comeback to round out the top five. Morbidelli claimed sixth after a solid weekend, ahead of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Di Giannantonio and Marco Bezzecchi, who crossed the line in that order but then got switched after a Tyre Pressure Penalty for Diggia. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) took P9, ahead of the final place in the top ten for Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) after a tyre pressure penalty for Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) dropped the Aussie out the top ten.

Make sure you join us next week when the world’s most exciting sport returns for the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. Enemy territory for the Championship leader and the most recent winner. Home turf for the reigning Champion. See you in Misano?

Dixon throws his hat in the Championship ring with stunning Aragon win

It was another Moto2™ showstopper at the Gran Premio GoPro de Aragon, with Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) storming to a second victory of the season, holding off Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) as the Italian got back on the podium for the first time in 2024. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) topped off a weekend to remember in his rookie Moto2™ season, becoming the first Turkish rider to finish on the podium in the intermediate class since Kenan Sofuoglu in 2011.

Polesitter Dixon claimed the holeshot at the start, but Arbolino hit the front on Lap 4 in a big group battle. A couple of laps later though, the Brit made the decisive move to take back the lead and start pushing to break the group.

Meanwhile, there would soon be drama for Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp), who suffered a crash on Lap 7 after contact with Öncü – leaving the #54 with zero points on Sunday. He wouldn’t be the only key name to fail to score either, with points leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) battling outside the points, getting an LLP and then pulling in.

Meanwhile, Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) was on the verge of points as he returns form injury, entering the top 15 at the end of Lap 7. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) soon dropped back towards Ogura too after contact with OnlyFans American Racing Team’s Joe Roberts on the entry to Turn 16. Roberts was later handed a Long Lap for the incident, dropping the American to eighth… and on the very final lap he then became another key Championship contender to take nil points, sliding off.

As Öncü fought back following the contact with Aldeguer that had sent him wide, Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) became the final hurdle before a podium position for the Turkish rider. Once past, Öncü was able to make enough of a cushion to secure that maiden Moto2™ podium.

Up ahead, Dixon was able to hold Arbolino at bay and then find some margin in the latter stages to pull out 1.7 seconds by the flag. That puts him 43 points off the top now, in fifth behind Roberts. Arbolino’s second was still a first rostrum of 2024, and for Öncü it was a stunner too.

Lopez, meanwhile, missed out on the podium but that P4 is a valuable haul as only Dixon, in the top five in the title fight, outscored him. The #21 is now third overall. Ogura managed to charge up to eighth, however, closing teammate Garcia’s lead down to just 12 points and staying ahead of Lopez.

Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™), Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) and Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) were next up, ahead of Ogura in P8. Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Vietti took the final spots inside the top 10.

It’s now just 12 points in it, so join us in Misano as the Championship battle begins to heat up at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini in just one week!

Jose Antonio Rueda (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Rueda puts in a ride to remember for maiden Grand Prix win

The Gran Premio GoPro de Aragon saw Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) make a little history, taking his own maiden win and in doing so becoming the 400th different winner in Grand Prix history. After David Alonso (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) shot off into an early lead and made a gap, Rueda managed was one of those able to hunt him down, get past and then take his own turn leading from the front, able to hold off and then pull away in the latter laps.

Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) came home second after leading the charge for the chasing pack, with Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) the final rider able to arrive at and overhaul Alonso in the latter stages. For the Italian it’s a maiden Grand Prix podium rewarding an impressive season so far.

Alonso shot off the line and had impressive pace in the opening stages, earning some clear space on track before Veijer was able to cut three seconds back to nothing and pounce on Lap 12, demoting Alonso as Rueda and Lunetta also began to edge closer.

In a four-way fight at the front, Rueda then took over in the lead on Lap 13. Entering the final lap, Veijer was less than one second behind but the #99 pushed on to open up some breathing space and secure his first win. Lunetta caught and passed Alonso, demoting the Colombian to fourth.

Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) rounded out the top five, just ahead of Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia). The #72 showed a strong pace in the opening stages on Sunday, and finished ahead of David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports).

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Xabi Zurutuza was eighth, taking his best Grand Prix finish in an incredible result for the rookie. Meanwhile, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was down in ninth as Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team’s Matteo Bertelle took the final spot inside the top 10. Further back, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) had a tough Grand Prix, finishing P12 and dropping to third in the Championship as Veijer takes over in second.

Now it’s reset, reload and head off for Misano as another 25 points go on the table next weekend!

CIV Supersport: American Yaakov P25 In Wild Card Races At Mugello

September 3, 2024

American Kayla Yaakov (31) in action on her Barni Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 at Mugello. Photo courtesy Barni Racing Team.

American Kayla Yaakov, age 17, racing as a wild card on a Barni Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 on Dunlop control tires in the CIV/Italian Supersport National Championship at Mugello, qualified 35th and finished 25th in each of her two races.

Yaakov normally races a Panigale V2 for Rahal Ducati Moto w/XPEL in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. She is the first female to win a MotoAmerica race (Junior Cup, 2022) and the first female to finish on the podium in a MotoAmerica Supersport race, something she has done three times to date.

More, from a press release issued by Barni Racing Team:

Michele Pirro is Italian Superbike Champion

Michele Pirro wins his tenth Italian title between Superbike, Superstock 1000 and Supersport. It is the seventh with the Barni Spark Racing Team.

Alberto Butti comes back to eighth and concludes his best weekend of the season.

Positive results also for Kayla Yaakov, competing as a wild card in Supersport.

Aquilano chooses not to compete due to physical problems.

The tenth title came in a completely unexpected and dramatic way. At the finish line Michele Pirro did not yet know he was the 2024 Italian Superbike Champion, the news arrived after a few seconds of waiting at the parc fermé when the race direction confirmed that Delbianco, second under the checkered flag, had to give up the position to Pirro for going beyond the track limits on the last lap. The exchange of positions between the two gave the Barni Spark Racing Team rider the mathematical certainty of having won the championship with two races to spare. The final lap was just the last act of a thrilling race, led and won by Bernardi, but whose protagonists were above all Delbianco and Russo, second and third for a long time. Michele was a non-paying “spectator” to their continuous duel, when he tried to slip in Russo responded with aggressive overtaking so the #51 managed the race in view of the championship and in the end benefited from the skirmishes of others. By overtaking Russo at the last corner, who in turn ran wide in the fight with Delbianco, he thus gained the decisive position. For Michele it is the 10th title between Superbike, Superstock 1000 and Supersport, the seventh with the Bergamo team in the premier class.

Podium of the most successful riders ever in the Italian Championship:

1 – Giacomo Agostini – 16 titles. (1 in 250 in 64. 3 in 350 in 70, 71, 72. 12 in 500 in 65, 66 and then from 68 to 77)

2 – Tarquinio Provini – 11 titles. (2 in 125 in 55 and 57. 9 in 175 from 56 to 59, from 61 to 63 and in 65 and 66)

3 – Michele Pirro – 10 titles. (7 in SBK in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024. 1 in SS600 in 2009 and 2 in STK1000 in 2007, 2008)

Positive balance also for Kayla Yaakov who in Supersport obtained the 25th position at the finish line, as in race 1. Her start from the 35th spot on the grid was excellent, the 17-year-old American maintained a good pace despite the track being much slower than yesterday. Results that fully satisfied the team and a very formative experience for the continuation of her career in MotoAmerica. A weekend to forget, however, for Aquilano who, following the fall in qualifying, in mutual agreement with the team, chose not to race.

Michele Pirro

In the end I managed to achieve what I missed last year, the tenth Italian title. It’s been 24 years since my first victory in a race and when I saw the numbers of my career here at the CIV I thought “Wow! It’s incredible”. In Italy I’m the third best rider ever after Agostini and Provini who raced and won in more categories in the same season. The Italian may not be the World Championship, but remaining competitive and winning for so many years is not easy anywhere, and this makes me particularly proud. Work always pays off and now that I’m starting to “get old” I want to be an example for young people, they can’t think of winning only thanks to talent, it takes hard work and sacrifice. Thanks to Barni, to all his family and to the team that helped me reach these goals that make me want to race and have fun again.

Alberto Butti

I made a good step forward this race too, closing the gap to the leaders. It’s a shame about the problem in the alignment lap that compromised the start and consequently the first laps were a comeback, pushing a lot on the front. Once I reached sixth position I wasn’t able to close the gap with the fifth and – due to the drop of the front tire – I lost 2 positions in the last 2 laps. All this, however, has demonstrated the great growth this year and makes me confident for a good conclusion to the championship in Imola!

Kayla Yaakov

I am a rider and these results cannot make me 100% happy, but I learned a lot from this experience. The tires, the suspension, the characteristics of the circuit, it was all different compared to MotoAmerica, but I will take away a lot of information. I worked with fantastic people including Luca Minelli, Danilo Petrucci’s crew chief in Superbike. He and all the others made themselves available to me, the team is very organized and professional, here at the CIV the level is very high and it was nice to deal with a completely new environment.

Marco Barnabò

I am very happy to have achieved with Michele the title that we have been looking for since last year. Winning the seventh championship together is a great satisfaction, it is not easy to stay at the top for so long. I want to thank everyone who works in the organization of the team: from those who make the engines at home to those who assembled the bike for the season, from the mechanics to all the various departments of the team. And then a special thanks to Pirro who always does his part. Today the conditions were even more difficult than yesterday, the front tire in the slipstream overheated and no longer gave the right feeling to attack; the only thing we did not want to do was make mistakes to compromise the race and that’s how it went. Butti was also very good, it’s a shame about the start that penalized him, then he went on a comeback. I must say “well done” to Kayla too, in the working method and in the sensitivity of the ride she shows much more than her 17 years. She will go far. I hope that this wild card has helped her to grow, she is still very young and can grow even more! I’m sorry to have raced with one less rider, but Edoardo and I decided not to do the race so as not to take risks after yesterday’s crash in qualifying.

WorldSBK: Bautista Re-Signs With Ducati For 2025

September 3, 2024

Editorial Note: Alvaro Bautista will turn 40 on November 21.

Alvaro Bautista aboard the factory Panigale V4R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team also in the 2025 WorldSBK season

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team is pleased to announce the contract extension of Alvaro Bautista, who will be riding the factory Ducati Panigale V4R again in the 2025 WorldSBK season.
B

autista debuted in Superbike in 2019 aboard the Ducati Panigale V4R, becoming World Superbike Champion for two consecutive seasons in 2022 and 2023. The rider from Talavera de la Reina conquered so far a total of 61 victories in WorldSBK – making him the most successful Ducati rider in the history of the championship – and the 100th podium finish at the end of Race 1 of the last round held at Portimao (Portugal).

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)

“I am thrilled to continue another season with Ducati, with Aruba and with this beautiful team that represents a family to me. I feel physically and mentally perfect, and I am sure I can still be very competitive. Furthermore, there is an extraordinary relationship with everyone, from the mechanics to the management, to the sponsors, which is why I am even happier. I want to thank Ducati, Aruba, Stefano Cecconi, Daniele Casolari and Serafino Foti for their trust in me. I hope I can repay them by returning to having as much fun on track as we did in the last rounds”.

Stefano Cecconi (Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

“I have said many times that our priority was to continue with Alvaro and I couldn’t wait to be able to announce the renewal of our collaboration officially. It is a pleasure to work with him, both from a personal and professional point of view. I am convinced that by continuing to work hard together, we will be able to overcome the new challenges that the new regulations offer us. During the last few races we have found solutions that have allowed Alvaro to rediscover the sensations that were a bit lacking at the beginning of the year. Now, we must continue on this path to make a grand season finale and close the gap that separates us from the top”.

Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)

“We are delighted to continue with Alvaro Bautista. He has given us great emotions in recent seasons, and his talent certainly remains unquestionable. The new regulations and the very high level reached by the World Superbike Championship will make 2025 challenging, but we are ready to face it together. For now, it is important to stay focused on the current season: the Championship is still long, and we will do everything we can to put Alvaro in a position to defend the World Title till the end”.

WorldWCR Profiles American Mallory Dobbs

September 2, 2024

American racer Mallory Dobbs. Photo courtesy WCRWorld/Dorna. — American racer Mallory Dobbs. Photo courtesy WorldWCR/Dorna.