Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) digned a law establishing inherent risk for off-road racers, which will help protect racing and event organizers. Photo by Jeff Kardas/courtesy AMA.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) has signed Act 312 into law, establishing inherent risk for off-road motorcyclists and enhancing protections for event organizers throughout the state.
The American Motorcyclist Association applauds the passage of Act 312, which offers greater protections for private landowners who provide access to their land for off-road recreation and competition.
“Act 312 will create a more sustainable liability landscape for event organizers throughout Arkansas, as it ensures a smoother legal process in the case of injury for all involved in off-road events in the state,” AMA Central States Representative Nick Sands said. “We’re encouraged to see this legislation pass in Arkansas, and hope to see similar laws continue to progress throughout the country.”
Inherent risk refers to the capacity for risk naturally associated with a process or activity without any risk reduction efforts. Inherent risk of an activity cannot be effectively eliminated or controlled and becomes important when assessing liability of voluntary participants.
With this law, the rider takes individual responsibility for their own safety and facility owners take responsibility for their own liability, so when an accident does occur, fault can be clearly identified. This law helps riders by requiring safe riding areas while also benefitting landowners and organizers because they have assurances that the rider enters their facility knowing they have a responsibility to ride within their skill and ability.
This law increases the likelihood that landowners and organizers will receive the necessary insurance protections needed to hold off-road motorcycle events, which is a win for all AMA members. The new law will also ensure safer facilities and events, as landowners must provide adequate safety measures, or they may be held liable for accidents that occur on their property.
Inherent risk is not a new concept — although, Act 312 is the first of its kind regarding dirt bikes — as similar legislation has been prevalent in skiing and equestrian forms of recreation.
The AMA remains engaged with efforts regarding inherent risk and civil liability in multiple states, most notably in Texas, Iowa and Missouri, where bills have been introduced but are still working their way through committee.
Stay up-to-date on the latest AMA Government Relations efforts by visiting AmericanMotorcyclist.com/rights/ and signing up for AMA Rights updates.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
From left, Zaal Farhand, Jase Dill and Maverick Johnson celebrate after the FIM/MotoAmerica Mini Cup GP 160 Sprint race at Apex Motorsports Park. Photo by Karen E. Ott.
Jase Dill, Marcus Su, Kensei Matsudaira, Lambert Su and Zaal Farhand were the winners at the FIM/MotoAmerica Mini Cup races at Apex Motorsports Park on Saturday and Sunday.
Dill won all three GP 160 races, Marcus Su swept the Stock 50 class, Matsudaira took all three GP190 victories and Farhand won the Stock/GP 110 Sprint race and Race Two. Lambert Su won Race One in the Stock/GP 110 class.
A 2025 Fantic XE300 fuel-injected two-stroke enduro.
FANTIC MOTOR EXPANDING INTO THE USA WITH XE300 AND XEF 250 TL
Fantic Motor, the historical Italian motorcycle manufacturer, is excited to announce the expansion of its global presence with the introduction of their performance driven XE300 2-stroke and the XEF 250 TL 4-stroke motorcycles to the USA. Fantic USA, already with a presence in the USA as an importer of e-bikes, will be importing these two models right away to the American market. Fantic Motor will continue development on additional models for future distribution in the USA.
Fantic Motor, known worldwide for its racing heritage and passion for building premium performance motorcycles for competition, starts its American legacy with the XE300. This revolutionary design has an electric start, fuel injection, oil injection, 10 modes of traction control, two different maps and even more other unique, performance-driven items; allowing it to be the best-in-performance competition model available in the market today.
Fantic’s XE300 will not be debuting alone; however, since the Fantic XEF 250 TL will also be available. The XEF 250 TL is the ultimate racing starter for enduro trails suitable for all ages and levels of riders. It has a liquid-cooled engine and electronic fuel injection and is the perfect combination of power and ease of riding, resulting from advanced technology and continuous research for improvement.
Fantic XEF 250 TL 4-stroke enduro bike.
Taking the lead in the USA is Gary Hazel, National Sales Manager. Gary’s experience includes years of successfully growing dealer networks and sales throughout the US for other brands. He’s also recognized in the off-road world for having owned a nationally known dirt bike business, Thumper Racing Company. “I am thrilled and honored to join the Fantic brand. The foundation they have established is impressive, and I am excited to build upon the brand in the USA,” stated Gary.
Central Powersports Distribution (CPD) will be handling all of the logistics from its Marshall, Texas location. “With CPD’s expert support team’s knowledge of off-road OEMs like Reiju, AJP and EM; Fantic is well-positioned to offer outstanding products and services to our dealer partners with CPD’s logistics, and I look forward to us delivering unparalleled value to the new Fantic partners and customers,” said Gary.
These motorcycles will be available for purchase in late May / early June 2025. Any dealer interested in becoming a Fantic dealer can begin the application process by visiting www.fanticmotorusa.com/dealer-inquiry. Customers will soon be able to locate a dealer at www.fantic.com/us-en/dealer-locator.
About Fantic USA
Fantic USA is the official U.S. importer of Fantic Motor, a premier Italian manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles known for their innovation, quality, and design. Fantic offers a wide range of electric products in the bicycle, scooter, off-road, enduro, and motocross motorcycles segment for riders of all skill levels.
About Central Powersports Distribution
CPD is a leading importer, logistics and distribution company, specializing in providing efficient and reliable solutions for the powersports industry. With a commitment to excellence, CPD ensures superior service and support to dealers and customers.
Instagram: @fanticmotor_usa
Facebook: fantic motor usa
About Fantic Motor
Fantic Motor S.P.A. was founded in 1968 in Barzago (Lecco-Milan, Italy). In the 1970s, Fantic became the second largest Italian motorcycle manufacturer and one of the most recognized motorcycle brands, thanks to Caballero (model), a true legend for the young people of that period. After great successes in the Enduro, such as the victories at the Six Days of Elba Island, European and National Championships, Fantic became a leader in the world of trial competitions, winning three World Titles with Thierry Michaud in 1985, 1986 and 1988.
Fantic in Italy, back in the day,
On October 1, 2014, Fantic was acquired by VeNetWork. Dr. Mariano Roman, who worked for more than twenty years as technical director of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Laverda, was appointed CEO.
In 2015, Fantic entered the e-bikes market with a new range of urban and off-road vehicles, alongside the enduro and motard motorcycle ranges. Just like motorcycles, Fantic e-bikes are characterized by their design, high quality Italian production and innovative technical solutions. Summer 2016 saw Fantic entering the U.S. market with its full range of e-bikes.
The new Fantic XF1 Integra, e-bike trail and enduro with integrated battery was presented in 2017. XF1 Integra 180 was awarded with the 2018 Design & Innovation Award, the most important European award for the German cycle market. At Eicma 2017, Fantic presented the new Caballero range in 2 models (Scrambler and Flat Track) and 3 engines (125cc, 250cc, 500cc).
In 2018 Fantic celebrated its 50 year anniversary with a big event in Treviso and announced at EICMA Milano of the same year: ISSIMO, Caballero Rally 500 and the concept of E-Cab, Fantic’s first electric motorcycle. ISSIMO is the connecting link between mopeds and e-bikes, winning the prestigious international 2019 Eurobike Award for its design (aluminum frame with specific shape) and innovation in mobility.
However, 2019 will be remembered especially for the announcement of the industrial cooperation between Fantic and Yamaha Motor Europe that allows Fantic to realize new models dedicated to the off-road racing segment. Today, the off-road range is complete with 9 different models: 5 Enduro and 4 motocross models allowing Fantic to cover the needs of all off-road bikers, both 2-stroke and 4-stroke enthusiasts. The last debut is the XE300 2-stroke enduro bike, competing in the biggest enduro segment in Europe and equipped with a new engine featuring cutting-edge technology developed by Motori Minarelli. Fantic’s acquisition of Motori Minarelli was another milestone in the collaboration with Yamaha: Motori Minarelli, an historic Italian company with proven technological and production excellence, was part of Yamaha Group since the 1980s.
Fantic is the only Italian brand competing in four different disciplines—motocross, enduro, rally, and Grand Prix motorcycle racing—through its dedicated racing division, Fantic Racing. In just five seasons, its recent history boasts an impressive total of 40 international and national titles. Fantic’s “New Racing Era” began in 2020 with its official debut in the premier Enduro and Motocross championships. In 2022, Fantic entered the Dakar Rally, followed by its debut in the FIM Grand Prix World Championship with the Fantic Racing Moto2 team in 2023.
Inside a Fantic facility in In Italy.
Racing is in Fantic’s DNA: competition, the pursuit of excellence, and passion are the beating heart of the company that designs, develops, and manufactures in Italy. The experience gained on the racetrack continuously enhances its production range. The latest example of this seamless transfer of expertise is the introduction of two brand-new street sport bikes: the naked Stealth and the fully faired Imola, both set to arrive on the market in 2025. These models complete an already extensive range, which includes everything from motards for young riders to a comprehensive selection of Enduro and Motocross bikes. The common thread between past and present is the Caballero family, which has recently expanded with the twin-cylinder Caballero 700.
A Fantic CABALLERO 700 twin-cylinder
All Fantic products, motorcycles and e-bikes, are 100% made in Italy. With over 50 years of experience, Fantic designs, engineers and assembles all its products in house, reinforcing its premium image in its 4 facilities with state-of-the-art components and technology. The HQ is in Santa Maria di Sala (Venice), in a new building constructed in 2021. Veneto region is also the production site for the e-bike range, while 20,000 motorbikes per year are assembled in the Motori Minarelli Factory in Bologna.
At EICMA 2024, Fantic unveiled a new 460cc DOHC single-cylinder engine, developed and manufactured by Motori Minarelli. This new Italian heart joins the recent 300cc Enduro model, ready to power the new Caballero 500 and, in 2025, the new street models Stealth 500 and Imola 500. For Fantic, “Cuore Italiano” – the “Italian Heart” – is more than just a slogan; it embodies a true passion and deep love for two wheels. It represents a full commitment to the development of every new model, from quality and design to the relentless pursuit of excellence in racing and competition. “Cuore Italiano” means reaching into the soul of every enthusiast, conveying Italian pride and emotion through each and every bike.
Fantic Stealth streetbikes.
Today, the Fantic range is more complete, and its models are even more capable of satisfying the needs of modern mobility, always looking at the passion for two wheels, in every situation and at every age.
MotoGP race start at Lusail International Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the six-time World Champion won the 22-lap race by 4.535 seconds.
His teammate and two-time World Champion Francesco Bagnaia was the runner-up.
Franco Morbidelli placed third on Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
French sensation, Johann Zarco took fourth on his Castrol Honda LCR RC213V.
Fermin Aldeguer was fifth on his BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
For the championship, Alex Marquez is 17 points behind his principal rival Marc Marquez who has 123 points. Bagnaia is third with 97 points.
UPDATE: Maverick Viñales finished the race P2 but demoted to P14 after receiving a 16-second penalty due to low tyre pressure.
Marquez vs Viñales lights up Doha as Bagnaia earns podium. The Championship leader eventually gets the better of Top Gun but a post-race tyre pressure penalty for the #12 sees Morbidelli promoted to the podium.
The double in Doha – who’d have thought it? Some might, but not Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team). However, that’s exactly how it unfolded for the #93 as a frantic MotoGP battle played out in a Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar that saw Maverick Viñales clinch a first podium in Red Bull KTM Tech3 colours – or so we thought. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) recovered to P3 at the line after a dissatisfying Saturday, as drama unfolded for Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who was forced to settle for P7, which was then P6.
Why? Because after a tyre pressure penalty for Viñales post-race, most of the points scorers were promoted one position. It saw Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) elevated to P3 – and, of course, Bagnaia to P2. Those +16s demoted Viñales to P14.
A FRANTIC OPENING
Marc Marquez was the rider to earn the holeshot into Turn 1, but as the field exited the opening corner, contact was made between the #93 and Alex Marquez, with a piece of bodywork pinging off the rear end of the red machine. This allowed Morbidelli to take the lead into Turn 2 as Viñales made life harder for Alex Marquez. Top Gun was P3 through the fast Turn 3 but fair play to Marquez, he bit back to get behind his older brother once more.
Morbidelli’s lead was up to 0.8s at the beginning of Lap 3, as Bagnaia made a decent start. The Americas GP winner was up to sixth before more contact! Alex Marquez was trying to muscle his way back past Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) into Turn 12 but he misjudged it. Both went wide with Marquez dropping to P7 and the luckless Di Giannantonio being forced back to P21. And for the incident, Alex Marquez was handed a Long Lap penalty.
Meanwhile, Bagnaia was on the move. On the anchors heading into Turn 1 on Lap 5, Bagnaia breezed past Marc Marquez to climb into second place. That meant the Championship leader was third, Viñales was fourth, Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol) was running in P5 with Fermin Aldeguer and BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP teammate Marquez in P6 and P7.
On Lap 6, Marquez completed his Long Lap penalty. The #73 went from P6 to P12, 4.9s away from Morbidelli. At the front, Marc Marquez forced his way back through on Bagnaia for P2 with 16 laps left, and right behind them, Viñales set the fastest lap of the race as Morbidelli’s lead continued to shrink. What were we saying about Viñales? At the end of Lap 7, the #12 passed Bagnaia for P3 and then set his sights on Marquez.
VIÑALES LEADS, MARQUEZ PLOTS RESPONSE
And with 13 laps to go, Viñales got the better of his second factory Ducati. This was stunning from the Tech3 star, and a lap later, he led. Same spot, same outcome. Morbidelli lost the lead for the first time, and Marquez powered past the Italian as well. Bagnaia was then desperate to pass Morbidelli as the VR46 Academy duo swapped positions five times on Lap 11 of 22, but it cost the pair crucial ground. Over the line, Bagnaia was 0.9s behind Marquez.
Zarco was the next rider to get the better of Morbidelli as the Frenchman grabbed P4, and the Italian started to immediately lose ground. With eight laps to go, Viñales was still holding Marquez at bay, with Pecco 0.8s behind the top two. Then, a mistake. Viñales was slightly wide at Turn 6 and that opened the door for Marquez to take the race lead baton with seven laps to go, so what could Viñales and Pecco do now?
PIN PULLED – MARC MARQUEZ STYLE
The answer, for now, was not a lot. Marquez was the fastest of the trio, but only by a tenth over Bagnaia. However, Viñales was 0.3s slower than Marquez on Lap 17, so was this the KTM start beginning to run out of grip and steam? It wasn’t – it was Marquez finding pace. The fastest lap of the race was landed by the six-time MotoGP World Champion – it was two tenths quicker than Viñales and seven tenths faster than Pecco.
Three to go. Another fastest lap of the race for Marquez saw the #93 stretch his lead up to a second, as Bagnaia slipped 1.4s behind Viñales. And heading onto the last lap, it was as you were. Marquez led Viñales by 1.5s, Bagnaia was in a comfortable third and sure enough, as the chequered flag waved, Marc Marquez bounced back from his Austin disappointment with an almighty bang. For the first time since 2014, Marquez claimed victory and with it, strengthened his Championship position ahead of a date with Jerez.
Viñales’ P2 result is a huge boost for KTM – what a ride from Top Gun in Doha. Bagnaia will be disappointed to lose ground in the title chase but after a below par Saturday, a comeback ride to P3 was a job well done by the Italian.
YOUR POINTS SCORERS IN QATAR
Morbidelli did fight back in the end to earn P4 across the line but as mentioned, that’s now P3 as Zarco held off the efforts of Aldeguer to earn a career best Honda result in P4, while the latter earned his best Grand Prix result in MotoGP with a P5. Alex Marquez’s recovery ended with a P6, a top job to get back there from the Spaniard, but that’s the run of P2s and podiums over.
Starting from the front row for the first time since 2023, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) bags P7 ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) – the Italian completed the top 10.
Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) claimed P11, Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) takes home a P12 as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Viñales after his penalty and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) collected the final points.
Unfortunately, Jorge Martin’s (Aprilia Racing) Grand Prix Sunday comeback ended prematurely after the World Champion suffered a crash. The #1 was taken to the medical centre for a check-up, and an update from Aprilia said:
“Jorge Martin suffered a chest trauma, the rider is conscious without problems with his limbs. Rib contusion on the right thorax with pneumothorax. He will be taken to the hospital to perform a CT for in-depth investigation.”
Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious for the reigning Champ and we see him back on track at his home Grand Prix next time out.
NEXT UP: JEREZ
Seven wins from eight. And now, a trip home beckons. Marc Marquez leads the MotoGP World Championship ahead of the Spanish GP and we can absolutely promise a party atmosphere awaits in Jerez. The question is, can anyone halt the #93’s momentum?
Moto2 race start at Doha, in Qatar. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aron Canet won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard won the 18-lap race by 1.103 second.
Deniz Oncu was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.
Manuel Gonzalez was a close third on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.
Daniel Holgado finished fourth on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex and Diogo Moreira took fifth on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished Sunday’s race 15th on his American Racing Team Kalex.
For the championship, Gonzalez is 10 points behind his principal rival Canet who has 71 points. Dixon is third with 59 points.
Canet claims classy comeback victory in Qatar. It was P14 on the first lap to the top step for the #44 as Öncü returns to podium and Dixon crashes.
The best win of his career? Surely the answer is yes. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) completed a stunning comeback ride to claim a first victory of the season and with it, the Moto2 World Championship lead. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) finished P2 and P3 in Qatar, as Argentina and USA winner Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) crashed out of the race.
Gonzalez got the getaway he would have wanted from pole, with Dixon also launching well from the middle of the front row – but it was a disastrous start for Canet. A big wheelie as the lights went out saw the Spaniard got from third down to P14 on Lap 1, as Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) made a rapid start – the rookie was P3 on Lap 1.
That was then P2 on Lap 2. Holgado shoved his Kalex up the inside of Dixon’s Boscoscuro, before Öncü and Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) carved past the Championship leader too. Then, those aforementioned riders attacked Gonzlaez. Öncü led from Holgado and Arenas, with Gonzalez shuffled down to P4 ahead of Dixon on Lap 4 of 18.
Aron Canet, Moto2 race winner in Qatar. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Canet’s climb back through the pack was impressive. The #44 was up to P5 on Lap 7, ahead of Gonzalez, as Öncü still led the pack that were locked together in the victory battle. That was then P2 with eight laps to go, as teammate Barry Baltus set the fastest lap of the race to cling onto the back of the top seven. Then, it was the top six because title race leader, Dixon, crashed at Turn 13 as he tried to chase down Gonzlaez. Not the night the #96 was searching for in Lusail.
With five laps to go, Canet hit the front for the first time after a small mistake from Öncü handed the Spaniard the lead and from there, Canet began to stretch his legs. Heading onto the final lap, Canet was 1.1s clear of Öncü who in turn was doing a great job to keep Gonzalez behind him. And that’s how it stayed. A classy Canet comeback ride sees him clinch a first win of the season and the World Championship lead heading to Jerez, as Öncü grabbed a first podium of the year to finish ahead of third place Gonzalez.
Rookie Holgado finished 2.7s away from the podium in P4, a fantastic effort from the #96, as Diogo Moriera (Italtrans Racing Team) beat Baltus in the P5 battle. Celestino Vietti (Team HDR Heidrun) was the lead Boscoscuro machine over the line in seventh, with Marcos Ramirez (American Racing Team), Arenas and Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) completing the top 10.
2024 Moto3 World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) claimed more points in P11, Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) was 12th as Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Joe Roberts (American Racing) collected the final points on offer in Doha.
What a ride from Canet. We have a new leader in the title chase heading to Jerez as Round 5 now beckons.
Moto3 race start at Doha, in Qatar. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Angel Piqueras won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Using his Pirelli-shod Frinsa – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, the Spaniard won the 16-lap race by just 0.009 second.
Japanese rider Taiyo Furusato was the runner-up on his Team Asia Honda.
His countryman and Piqueras’ teammate Ryusei Yamanaka was third, just 0.042 second behind winner Piqueras.
Australian rider Joel Kelso finished the race with a very close fourth, just 0.097 second behind Piqueras on his Levelup-MTA KTM.
Spaniard, Jose Antonio Rueda stopped his race with technical issue on his Red Bull KTM Ajo.
For the championship, Rueda is 1 point behind his principal rival Piqueras who has 67 points. Kelso is third with 41 points.
Piqueras denies Furusato first win in Lusail photo finish. The Spaniard pips the Japanese rider to take the lead by a single point as Rueda suffers a technical problem in Qatar.
Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) is the new Moto3 Championship leader after defeating Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) on the drag to the line in Doha, with the duo split by just 0.009. Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) completes the podium for his second GP rostrum from a maiden pole position, with drama hitting late on for Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) as a technical problem dropped him out the fight for the win.
Yamanaka grabbed the holeshot and there wasn’t too much drama at the start, with the freight train forming from the off. But the penalty notifications came in quickly for those with Long Laps to serve – one for Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and two for rookie Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – dropping them down the order, and a crash for Dennis Foggia (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) that saw him tag David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) took them out the front group, Foggia out of the race and Muñoz dropped down the order.
At the front, it became a leading quartet of Yamanaka, Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA), Rueda and Piqueras, with a gap back to David Almansa (Leopard Racing) heading the fight for the top five. It closed up again as the laps ticked down though and Almansa slid out of contention, leaving six riders battling before Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team) faded from the group to make it five.
Just before the final lap, huge drama suddenly hit in the title chase as Rueda sat up. The former Championship leader had a mechanical and was out of the fight, leaving four riders to fight for three places on the podium. As ever at Lusail, the chopping and changing went right to the wire. At Turn 14 on the last lap, Furusato took over in front as he decided to be the defender at the final corner, and defend he did – but maybe too much.
Podium picture (from left to right) with Furusato, Piqueras and Yamanaka. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The #72 stayed well on the inside and was ahead on the exit too, but Piqueras got the hammer down and just beat him to the line by 0.009. Furusato just misses out on that maiden win, but Piqueras makes a 25-point gain on Rueda to just take over in the Championship leader. Yamanaka fended off Kelso to follow up a maiden pole with a second ever podium.
Kelso is forced to settle for fourth this time round, ahead of Rossi and an impressive comeback from Muñoz after getting forced wide by Foggia’s crash. He just beat SIC58 Squadra Corse duo Luca Lunetta and Stefano Nepa. Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) pipped top rookie Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) as they completed the top ten, just ahead of Carpe who stormed back through to P11 despite his double Long Lap.
WorldSSP race in TT Assen Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Can Oncu won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at TT Assen Circuit, in the Netherlands. The BLU CRU Evan Bros Team Yamaha YZF R9 rider won the 18-lap race by just 0.012 second.
Stefano Manzi was a very close second on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF R9, and Bo Bendsneyder got third on his MV Agusta Reparto Corse F3 800 RR.
Former MotoAmerica regular Valentin Debise finished fourth, just 3.422 seconds behind the winner and just 0.272 behind Bendsneyder on his Renzi Corse Ducati Panigale V2.
Oncu claims Race 2 win in dramatic return to Assen after career threatening injury in 2023. Manzi takes P2 after a move by Oncu in the final chicane, Dutchman Bendsneyder takes in P3 takes his second podium at his home round.
The Pirelli Dutch Round is officially in the books as the final race of the last round of the day has seen the chequered flag. The FIM Supersport World Championship’s Race 2 at Assen featured a dramatic last lap overtake, Turkish young star Can Oncu overtook Stefano Manzi who led most of the affair to take his first race win of the weekend. The win was a special moment for Oncu, as it was here in Assen back in 2023 when he suffered a very concerning arm injury which cast doubts on his ability to return to competition. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) was up in the podium battle once again, until an unfortunate spill late in the running on Turn 10 dashed his podium dreams. He was however able to continue, and without a fairing, he took P15 to salvage a point.
TRIUMPHANT RETURN: Oncu’s late move on Manzi claims Race 2 win in Assen
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) led the race for a majority of the contest, fighting off constant pressure from Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) and Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) repeatedly until the final chicane. Oncu passed Manzi, and while Manzi passed him back upon the exit of the chicane, he did so by cutting the corner, riding onto the green and was applied a one position penalty for Exceeding Track Limits. Oncu had a blistering start to the race, jumping up from a P5 grid start position to nip at Manzi’s heels until his late move. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) lacked the pace to catch up to Oncu and Manzi ahead of him for the race but powered forward to lead the second group for his second podium of his home round. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) similarly battled his way up into the podium battle before crashing out late in the race in Turn 10 to miss out on the podium however salvage a point from the round to finish P15.
SCHROETTER SAVES RACE 2: climbs 8 positions for P6
Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) partook in the spirited battle P5 among Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) and Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing), eventually coming out on top of the group to finish P4. Masia started from P3 on the grid, enjoying a strong start to the race before falling back to P6. Later he recovered a position to finish P5. Marcel Schroetter‘s (WRP Racing) P6 undersells the work the German had to put in to earn it, starting in P14, Schroetter made up 8 positions to help his Championship position.
TOUGH BREAK FOR MAHENDRA: P8 in Race 1, involved in podium fight until running wide
Another solid performance by Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) earned the grid’s only Kawasaki rider a P7 to cap off the weekend. Aldi Mahendra (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) had another strong showing at Assen, much improved from his prior rounds. He hung with his teammate Oncu in the podium battle before unfortunately running wide onto the grass on Turn 15, falling down to finish in P8, tying his best ever WorldSSP result achieved in Race 1. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME Air Racing) made Schroetter’s effort look small however, converting his P29 grid start position into a P9 finish. Rounding out the top 10, Corentin Perolari (Honda Racing World Supersport) earned Honda their best result of the weekend with his P10 placement, just a quarter of a second behind Caricasulo.
DEMOLITION DERBY: 7 riders forced to retire early
Glenn van Straalen (D34G WorldSSP Racing Team) crashed out of the Race on Lap 6, ending his day early. Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) cruised up the grid early to P5 in Lap 2 from his P11 start; until a collision with Philipp Oettl sent him sprawling into the gravel. FIM WorldSBK Stewards later ruled a Long Lap Penalty for Oettl for Irresponsible Riding for the incident. Leonardo Taccini’s (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) race ended ahead of schedule as he crashed out of the race on Lap 8 at turn 10. Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) suffered a tech issue a lap later on Lap 9, retiring to the garage shortly after. Dutch Duo Loris Veneman (EAB Racing Team) and Melvin van Der Voort (Track and Trades Wixx Racing) retired due to separate tech issues on laps 10 nd 12 respectively. Kaito Toba (PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team) crashed out of the race in the final lap of the race in Turn 16.
Marc Marquez in Parc fermé after the Tissot Sprint race. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez was fastest in the MotoGP warmup session Sunday morning at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the Sprint race winner led the 22-rider field with a time of 1:52.644 around the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) circuit.
Maverick Viñales was second-best with a 1:53.182 on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16, and defending World Champion Jorge Martin jumped up the order to third with a time of 1:53.253 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Marquez’s teammate, Francesco Bagnaia finished the Warm Up 6th with a lap time of 1:53.313.
The full-length MotoGP race is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. Local Time.
WSBK race at TT Assen with Gardner (87), Sam Lowes (14) and Razgatlioglu (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Andrea Locatelli won the World Superbike Race Two Sunday at TT Assen Circuit, in the Netherlands. Riding his Pata Maxus Yamaha YZF R1, Locatelli won the 21-lap race by 2.968 seconds.
Alvaro Bautista was the runner-up on his Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R and surprisingly Remy Gardner was third on his GYTR GRT Yamaha YZF R1.
2024 WorldSuperbike Champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu was 8th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.
Danilo Petrucci finish the race 11th on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V4R.
American Garrett Gerloff crossed the finish line 16th on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Nicolo Bulega suffered again technical issues on his Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R.
For the championship, Razgatlioglu is 21 points behind his principal rival Bulega who has 136 points. Locatelli is third with 107 points.
LIVING LA VIDA LOKA: Locatelli claims first race win at Assen’s Race 2 after Bulega forced to resign. Assen’s Race 2 had a late twist, making this the first race weekend with three different race winners since last time out at Assen in 2024.
It’s curtains on the Pirelli Dutch Round for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship riders here in Assen as we have our winners from Race 2. Andrea Locatelli topped the podium in the final race at the ‘Cathedral of Speed’ after Nicolo Bulega’s likely victory was dashed due to a tech issue. Alvaro Bautista scored another podium for Ducati, and Remy Gardner again showed his improvement, earning his first podium since Assen’s Race 2 in 2024.
LOCATELLI BRINGS HOME YAMAHA’S 3RD EVER WIN IN ASSEN: Follows Haga in 2000 and Spies in 2009
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) fought his way back up to the front after starting in P10. ‘Bulegas’ started a race for the first time outside of the top five in his two years competing in WorldSBK; but that made no difference to the Championship leader as he pulled into P1 by Lap 16, to what seemed like he would cruise to claim his second Race win of the weekend. Everything changed when suddenly his bike sputtered to a stop, and was forced out of the race with a tech issue. Seizing the opportunity, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) took first to claim his first-ever race win in WorldSBK in his 153rd race start for Yamaha. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing Ducati) made his rostrum return in P2, earning his 113rdcareer podium. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) rounded out the rostrum for his first podium since Assen 2024 in Race 2; showcasing the progress made by him and his Yamaha factory team with their Yamaha R1.
SAM LOWES STAYS UP AT THE FRONT FOR P4, TOPRAK STUMBLES DOWN TO P8 FROM POLE
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) fell behind from having started in the first two grid positions. They were each overtaken quickly by Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who took an early P1. from there Lowes battled for the podium positions before falling out of the podium fight, finishing in a still-strong P4. Razgatlioglu fell farther back and continued to lose positions which he was unable to make back before he finished in P8. In P5, Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) once again carried the flag forward for his new Bimota team, charging up the grid from his P11 start. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) followed his Bimota teammate across the line for P6, the pair of Bimota riders finishing close to one another as we had seen earlier throughout the season prior to Assen.
AEGERTER P10: Three Yamahas in top 10
Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) continues his string of strong results after recovering from injury, earning P7. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) had a middling result in P9, capping off a weekend to forget for the Italian star. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) made it three Yamahas in the top 10, his second top 10 of the weekend as he finished P10. Behind him, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) had a similarly disappointing Race 2 to Iannone, finishing P11.
TARRAN MACKENZIE IN THE POINTS AGAIN: Follows Superpole Race P9 with P14 finish
Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) was obligated to take a Long Lap Penalty for Irresponsible riding after his incident with Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) in the Superpole Race, finishing the Race in P12. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) Finished in P13, ahead of Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team) and Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) to round out the point-scoring positions.
BMW WOES: van der Mark and Razgatlioglu both struggle in Race 2
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) missed out on the points by a mere two tenths of a second, showing grit as he continues to try to adapt to his new surroundings in green. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had a disappointing result in the last race of the round, delegated to P17. Rookie Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) in P18 finished ahead of Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) in P19 and Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) in P20; Rabat less than a second back on Redding. Jason O’Halloran (Pata Maxus Yamaha) crossed the finish line in P21, followed by Zaqhwan Zaidi (PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team) in 22nd, concluding his first weekend at Assen.
Rains leading up to the event held off, and the Philadelphia Supercross delivered excellent weather and track conditions inside Lincoln Financial Field. Chase Sexton earned his fourth win of the season and tightened up the championship standings with four rounds remaining. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
Philadelphia, Pa., (April 12, 2025) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton recovered from a first turn tangle and then put on an impressive charge to win Round 13 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. The Philadelphia Supercross victory tightened up the points as the final four rounds of the season promise to be thrilling.
Chase Sexton Returns to the Top at Philadelphia Supercross
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb also recovered from the multi-rider first turn incident and matched Sexton pass for pass through the pack. Webb earned second place inside Lincoln Financial Field and retains the championship points lead by 12 points over Sexton. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen grabbed the Holeshot then led for the majority of the race despite nursing a bad ankle injury. Both divisions of the 250SX Class competed head-to-head in the season’s second 250SX Class East/West Showdown and rookie Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies fought past the top racers from both divisions to earn his second win of his pro career.
First place 450SX Class – Chase Sexton. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
“It’s time to make or break. I felt great all day, and that’s how you do it: one, one, one, one [fastest qualifier in both sessions, heat race win, Main Event win]. I’m looking forward to the next race, but today was awesome. Good, dry track, not like last weekend, and I’m feeling good on the bike. It’s been fun and today was a good step in the right direction.” – Chase Sexton
Second place 450SX Class – Cooper Webb. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
“It was a barn burner. We battled back the whole time. We both got [caught] up in that first turn [tangle]. He got going in front of me and we were coming through the pack together. He was able to charge through, I was coming with and just hoping I could pass guys just as fast as he did. And I did until we got to Kenny. He got around Kenny and put in two or three sprint laps and kinda dictated the race. I had a bad line [in one corner] and it was killing me. I should have caught up on that first, should’ve started jumping that quad sooner; woulda-shoulda-coulda on a lot of things. But he rode great. We’ll come back next weekend and kick his ass, though. [then, in response to a follow up question] …Like I said, I’m ready for the fight, I’ll be there at the end no matter what.” – Cooper Webb
Third place 450SX Class – Ken Roczen. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
When the race time comes, I always seem to buckle up and do what I do. Obviously, I’m not riding the best in general just because I haven’t ridden during the week really since after Indy. It’s been really tough; I’m pretty banged up with the shoulder and the ankle. I know it’s monotonous to talk about but that’s really what’s holding me back. Especially this track, because we had five right-hand turns to two left-hand turns, and it’s my right ankle. So, I’m [losing] a lot of time in the turn just trying not to put my foot down, because it’s not very fun [to dab the ground at speed]. So I haven’t been in the best spot lately but I’m really trying to keep my head in there. I have a great support team behind me that kinda keeps me out here, because sometimes I do want to quit. But we always come back.” – Ken Roczen, when asked what he’s doing to help his ankle and shoulder injuries heal.
Cole Davies Dominates 250SX Class East/West Showdown #2
In the second of three 250SX Class East/West Showdowns in 2025, Cole Davies (west) established himself as the fastest 250SX Class racer with a statement ride over top competition. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, the points leader in the Western Divisional 250SX Class, finished in second. Deegan pushed his way into second late in the race and was unable to mount an attack for the lead. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire grabbed the Holeshot when the race was re-started due to a red flag after Daxton Bennick went down. Hampshire led the early laps of the race and finished as the top racer in the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class; the finish moved Hampshire into a points tie with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker, who earned fourth place in his home race of Philadelphia.
First place 250SX Class – Cole Davies. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
“I literally grew up watching all the guys that I’m racing right now. It’s a big stage out here, a lot of people watching, but I just focus on myself. Two in a row, I’m stoked. It’s been a long journey to get where I am. To Will – you get to keep your hair, mate. That’s two. So he gets to keep his hair, doesn’t get shaved, so he’s safe. I’m stoked, big thanks to the whole Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha team and my mechanic Lach [Lachlan Mills]. We’ve been putting in the work… The whole group around me is just very, very good and striving to be the best they can. So I’m just stoked for everyone around me.” – Cole Davies, on the podium.
Second place 250SX Class – Haiden Deegan. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
“It took me a little bit to find my flow, and right in that middle [portion of the race] is where I really found my flow. It was like the best I’ve felt in a long time. I really just locked in perfect laps and didn’t make any mistakes after I got around Hammaker and Hampshire. I was flowing, slowly reeling in Cole. He ended up getting the Dub [win], I got second. That just felt good… That first part of that race I was a little too slow. I think I didn’t sprint hard enough, and I’ve just got to work on stuff like that. I don’t know whether it’s in my mind, like ‘championship mode,’ where I just try to be smart and not go down during those first few laps that’s hindering me. I mean, it’s working [for the points lead], so I don’t want to change it too much. Yeah, I definitely need to pick it up those first few laps.” – Haiden Deegan, at the post race conference, streamed live on the Monster Energy Supercross YouTube channel.
Third place 250SX Class – RJ Hampshire. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
“The things that went through my head going into that first turn, on the first start [when Hampshire crashed in the first start before the red-flag restart], I felt [my injured wrist] cracking and popping. It was literally locked in with handlebars with, I think it was [Coty] Schock on the inside. I just couldn’t get out of it, and the things running through your head are, ‘Man, did you do it again?!’ I got up and felt pretty good… you never want to see it, but a red flag came out. This one definitely worked in my favor. We got a re-start. You don’t get these chances all the time. So I absolutely crushed that second start and it was literally perfect. I led a bit but just did not feel good… I’m thankful to get out of here with good points and tied for the lead now.” – RJ Hampshire, at the post race conference, streamed live on the Monster Energy Supercross YouTube channel.
Bron Breakker at his first Supercross event. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
VIPs on hand at the Philly Supercross included Bron Breakker, WWE Intercontinental Champion who was taking in his first Supercross on a rare weekend off from his pro wrestling schedule, including WrestleMania 41 just seven days away. Regarding the Supercross Fanfest experience in Philadelphia, Breakker said, “This is crazy, like how big this is, how much is going on, it’s crazy, man… I’ve ridden dirt bikes my whole life, four-wheelers and dirt bikes, I’m just excited to see, how talented [they are], what these guys can do today.” He got his answer early, and after the heat races said, “Watching those first couple of heats was crazy, man. The amount of physicality that goes into what these guys do on the track is incredible. My hat’s off to ‘em, these incredible athletes. What a great show.”
More race fans are discovering the thrill of Supercross; the 2025 season has already delivered eight of the top 10 most-streamed races, and viewership is up 21% over the previous season. The race action can be watched live and on-demand on Peacock. Select races are available on NBC, CNBC, USA Network, and NBC Sports digital platforms. CNBC airs an encore every Monday following a race at 1:00a.m. ET. Live Spanish-language coverage for every round is available on Telemundo Deportes’ Facebook and YouTube channels. International fans can watch the racing live on the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv) with the option of English, Spanish and French language broadcasts. Live audio coverage can be heard on NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM Channel 85.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will be the site of Round 14 of the 2025 Supercross season. Like the Philly race, East Rutherford will present a daytime race schedule, with opening ceremonies beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET and racing starting at 3:00 p.m ET airing live on NBC and Peacock. Tickets are available now for the final four rounds of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. For more current race results and standings, race result archives, video highlights, and to purchase tickets please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Cooper Webb, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.Race_Result_450 SX
250SX Class podium (riders left to right) RJ Hampshire, Cole Davies, and Haiden Deegan. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
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