Italy’s AIROH Helmets Setting Up U.S. Distribution

John Ulrich

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January 3, 2025

Italy’s AIROH Helmets Setting Up U.S. Distribution

Italy’s AIROH Invades USA with New Product & Teams

Stronger, more powerfully innovative products…and people

With a renewed commitment toward assembling the best distribution and sales team in the United States, AIROH Helmets of Italy has obtained and secured distribution rights for the innovative brand’s world-renowned helmet products with an all new AIROH USA facility and team. Dennis Bloch, affiliated with SEVEN MX, James Stewart’s apparel company, will be heading up the new distribution, marketing and sales teams here in America. More well-known helmet executives and sales representatives will be announced following at the product’s media launch to be held in southern California on January 23rd.

Known for its incredibly beautiful and functional Italian designs, AIROH Helmets will be revealing its latest products for distribution to dealers in 2025. It’s upgraded facility located in Bergamo, northern Italy complete with its own wind tunnel and helmet testing laboratory is true to its founder’s mission: to create and produce high-quality helmets that are synonymous with safety, design and performance. It is true many other helmet brands make similar claims, but it is undisputed that Italian companies have a keen eye for beautiful design and par excellence taste. Founder Antonio Locatelli has always had a deep passion for the racing world and has thus included its embedded DNA into each product manufactured and beautifully crafted in Bergamo, Italy enabling the company to obtain 150 world titles in motorcycle racing.

Dennis Bloch, CEO of AIROH USA, proudly shares, “AIROH has had a presence in the USA Supercross field for about 10 years, but we are now equipped with a broader product lineup and an exceptional sales team to make a significant impact. From off-road and street to cruiser and sportbike helmets, AIROH is poised to offer it all. Nicknamed the ‘Ferrari for your head,’ the brand captivates anyone who sees it—and truly impresses once they pick it up. Known for its deep racing heritage, lightweight design, and striking aesthetics, AIROH stands apart.”

The brand will be available directly to dealers through AIROH USA in Spring 2025. Stay tuned for the launch!

Look for AIROH Helmets on the heads of Jason Anderson, Tom Vialle, MRP Husqvarna, Cody Webb, and Cooper Abbott this year in the USA. On the international circuit, look for AIROH helmets on Jeffrey Herlings, Antonio Cairoli, Liam Everts, David Alonso, Andrea Locatelli, Danilo Petrucci and many more.

An AIROH Aviator Sabre Red off-road and motocross helmet.

About AIROH Helmets Italy
Airoh was founded in the province of Bergamo, in Northern Italy, the company has always had a clear mission to create and produce high-quality helmets that are synonymous with safety, design, and performance. These features, designed to satisfy the best riders, are available to every passionate two-wheeled enthusiast who uses them on asphalt, dirt, sand, snow, and in any other terrain. Over the years, the company’s DNA has evolved, but it has never forgotten its origins, values, and the deep passion for the racing world, and beyond. This passion has consistently led to the achievement of incredible milestones, as evidenced by the company’s impressive
list of accomplishments, including and incredible number of over 150 world titles from 1997 to the present. #DARETOBEGREAT

About AIROH USA
Airoh’s U.S. entity embodies the same passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence that originated in Bergamo, Italy. Dedicated to providing high-quality helmets designed for safety, performance, and style, Airoh brings its legacy of over 150 world titles to American riders. The A iroh USA team is being formed with top industry experts in each field, ensuring unparalleled expertise and strategy as Airoh establishes a strong presence in the American powersports market. Whether conquering asphalt or dirt Airoh helmets are crafted to meet the demands of champions and enthusiasts alike. With deep roots in the racing world and an unwavering #DARETOBEGREAT philosophy, Airoh is poised to inspire and protect riders across the United States.

World Endurance: A Look Back At 2024 In Numbers

Michael Gougis

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January 2, 2025

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World Endurance: A Look Back At 2024 In Numbers

The 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship wasn’t just about the epic action on track. Here are some of the key numbers from the last 12 months.

45: The 2024 season was the FIM Endurance World Championship’s 45th

10: It was also the 10th promoted by Warner Bros. Discovery Sports

4: For the first time, Superstock teams could enter four riders to race in the two 24-hour contests

1: In another first for the EWC, the Suzuka 8 Hours formed part of the FIM Endurance World Cup schedule

8: Rather than running for 24 hours, Belgium’s EWC counter became the 8 Hours of Spa Motos, the first eight-hour EWC race in Europe since 2019

6.985: At 6.985 kilometres, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was the longest on the EWC calendar

4.185: Meanwhile, at 4.185 kilometres, Circuit Bugatti was the shortest

54: Former EWC champion Jason Pridmore was 54 years and 25 days old when he made a one-off return to the championship in the 8 Hours of Spa Motos

18: When the 2024 EWC season began at Le Mans, Daniel González was 18 years, nine months and five days old

4: Dan Linfoot finished on the podium in all four EWC races in 2024 (below)

13: The Briton’s performances helped Yoshimura SERT Motul win a 13th EWC title (11 times as Suzuki Endurance Racing Team and two times as Yoshimura SERT Motul)

3: Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team pole run stretched to three events before being halted by BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team

43: Team Bolliger Switzerland has completed 43 consecutive seasons in the EWC

30: Team HRC’s third Suzuka 8 Hours victory in a row was also the 30th by the squad

1: Team Aviobike by M2 Revo’s 8 Hours of Spa Superstock victory was its first in the EWC and the first for the Aprilia brand

685: Gino Rea returned from serious injury to race in the EWC after a gap of 685 days

2: Niccolò Canepa retired from racing as a two-time EWC champion

1: Sébastien Suchet helped National Motos Honda FMA to its first FIM Endurance World Cup for Teams before calling time on his competition career

40: Suzuki Motor Corporation contested the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race with a motorcycle using 40 per cent bio-sourced sustainable fuel, plus other eco-friendly products

1: MotoGP star Johann Zarco (below) scored his first EWC victory on his championship debut when he triumphed at Suzuka.

WCM Co-Owner Peter Clifford Remembers Partner Bob MacLean (Updated)

John Ulrich

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January 2, 2025

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WCM Co-Owner Peter Clifford Remembers Partner Bob MacLean (Updated)

Remembering Bob MacLean

By Peter Clifford

Thanks for running an obit on Bob. He was the very best friend and business partner anyone could wish for. A total enthusiast who put a huge amount of effort into supporting so many riders. He had tremendous success racing in the U.S. with Rich Schlachter, Kork Ballington, Wayne Rainey etc. before we started the World Championship Motorsports (WCM) 500cc Grand Prix team.

Then he enabled us to do fantastic things as WCM, becoming the best privateer 500cc team with riders that included Peter Goddard, Niall Mackenzie, Neil Hodgson, Andrew Stroud, Mark Willis and Kirk McCarthy which gained us Yamaha’s respect so that they offered us the factory bikes in 1997. Then, with riders such as Luca Cadalora, Troy Corser, Simon Crafar, Regis Laconi, Garry McCoy, John Hopkins, Jean-Michel Bayle and Alex Hofmann we won GPs and competed for the 500cc World Championship.

WCM co-owner Bob MacLean receives the team trophy after rider Simon Crafar won a 500cc Grand Prix on one of the team’s Red Bull Yamaha YZR500s at Donington Park, 1998. Lou Martin photo/courtesy WCM.

When the class switched to MotoGP and Yamaha could not supply us with bikes, we built the WCM MotoGP machines and ran Chris Burns, David de Gea, James Ellison, Franco Battaini and Youichi Ui.

Bob did all of this and built a huge population of friends around the world, far beyond the riders involved: The team members all looked up to Bob and appreciated his wonderful drive and good humor as well as unwavering support. Bob MacLean was unique and very special. May he rest in peace…

WCM co-owners Bob MacLean (left) and Peter Clifford (right), circa 1997. Lou Martin photo/courtesy WCM.

More, from the November 2018 issue of Roadracing World:

1118_RW-NOVEMBER_AB_V15_WEB 1-3_pages

January 2025

Magazine Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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January 1, 2025

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On the Front Cover: Fabio Di Giannantonio’s MotoGP career looked like it was over at the end of 2023 and again at the end of 2024. Now he’s one of only three riders with a contract to race a Ducati GP25. Gigi Soldano/DPPI Media Photo.

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

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JANUARY 2025 ISSUE

FEATURES

Inside Info: KTM Vows To Continue Racing, Ducati Introduces Panigale
V4 Tricolore, FIM Sanctions Bagger Racing In Europe, and more…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1956 DKW 350 Triple

Intro: Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and Speed Twin 1200 RS

Shops: The Renaissance Of Fantic And Minarelli

RACING

Racer Profile: Garrett Gerloff’s World Superbike Adventure

Racing History: Shooting Star Johnny Cecotto

MotoGP Analysis: Marc Marquez Tells (Almost) All

MotoGP Analysis: Fabio Di Giannantonio Is A Survivor

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: R.I.P. Bob MacLean; 98cc 111-mph 1950s Streamliner;
Outing Cherohala Skyway; Aero In The USA, Back In The Day

10 Years Ago, January 2015: Racing Editor Chris Ulrich rides the 2015 BMW S 1000;
Yamaha introduces the limited-edition YZF-R1M ; Shops Visits Sportbike Track Gear; Marc Marquez wins MotoGP races; Sylvain Guintoli’s Superbike World Champ on an Aprilia; and BEi Racing beats AOD to win the WERA Endurance Championship by 0.66-point!

The Crash Page: Marc Marquez Crashed Less In 2024!

2025 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 With Van

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Where To Ride In January And February 2025

John Ulrich

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January 1, 2025

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Where To Ride In January And February 2025

The following track days, riding schools, and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States during January and February 2025.

This list includes 36 opportunities (days) to ride at races, schools, and track days during the months of January and February in North America.

(To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Event Calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by emailing to [email protected] or to [email protected].)

1/2-3-4 SFLminiGP Championship Series Bushnell Motorsports Park, Bushnell, FL (3-day camp)

1/4-5 Race Pace No Sessions Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/4-5-6 Precision Track Days, JenningsGP, Jennings, FL

1/10-11-12 CVMA Winter Series Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/16-17 Yamaha Champions Riding School Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

1/18-19 N2 Track Days, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

2/1-2 Race Pace No Sessions Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

2/7-8-9 CVMA Winter Series Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

2/8-9 SFLminiGP Championship Series T4 KartPlex, Palmetto, FL (Round 1)

2/8-9 Precision Track Days, JenningsGP, Jennings, GA

2/11-12 Yamaha Champions Riding School Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA.

2/14-15-16 AHRMA National Road Racing Series, Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, GA

2/14-15-16 CMRA Series, MSR Houston, Angleton, Texas

2/15-16 Sportbike Track Time Track Days, NCM Motorsports Park, Bowling Green, KY

2/21 Sportbike Track Time Track Days, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Munford, AL

2/22-23 WERA Sportsman Series Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Talladega, AL

2/22-23-24 Precision Track Days, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

2/25-26 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Inde Motorsport Ranch, Willcox, AZ

Dakar Rally: MotoGP Winner Petrucci Ready For Truck Debut

Michael Gougis

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January 1, 2025

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Dakar Rally: MotoGP Winner Petrucci Ready For Truck Debut

Italtrans, leading company in road transport for large-scale distribution, and Prometheon Tire Group, a manufacturer of tires for trucks, buses and agricultural machinery, announce the renewal of their partnership in view of the Dakar 2025. Thanks to an exclusive agreement, Prometeon brings “Petrux” to compete again in the Dakar, this time not on a motorbike but on a truck, alternating driving with Claudio Bellina, lead driver in his 17th Dakar, and navigator Marco Arnoletti with Italtrans Racing Team – Rally Division with truck number 608.

The Bellina family continues with passion its adventure in the Dakar, a commitment that has lasted 16 years. Also this year it confirms its participation in the competition, strong of the results obtained in the last edition, concluded with a prestigious 7th place overall, one step away from the top five.

Danilo Petrucci is an important presence: born in Terni in 1990, Petrucci is considered “the man of the four worlds”: he is in fact the only rider to have won at least one race in MotoGP, MotoAmerica, Superbike and the Dakar. This will be his second experience in the most famous rally in the world, after his participation in 2022 on a motorbike with which he achieved a splendid stage victory.

The transition from two to four wheels represents an unprecedented challenge for “petrux”, where he will be able to count on the experience and technological innovation of Italtrans vehicles, Bellina and his team, as well as on the reliable performance of Prometeon tyres, specifically designed for heavy vehicles in off-road competitions.

There is a common thread that links Petrucci to the world of four wheels, his father, in fact, was a truck driver and also a truck for MotoGP. Thanks to Prometeon and the renewal of the partnership between the two companies, Petrucci will drive a rally truck in one of the most difficult competitions in Motorsport and this marks another important step in his career.

“I am very happy to join the Italtrans crew and I can’t wait to get on board with Claudio Bellina” said Danilo Petrucci. “I would also like to thank Prometeon for making this unique opportunity possible. The Dakar is a fascinating challenge and I am excited to experience it for the second time. I will have a lot to learn and I will give my all to help achieve a good result”.

Claudio Bellina said: “After the emotions of 2024, we are preparing to experience those of 2025. Last year was a beautiful edition, because it was done with a different truck than in previous years. The Dakar is a tough challenge, it is not a walk in the park, but we had fun and at the same time we brought home a good result, almost reaching the top five. In the next edition, Marco Arnoletti will still be with me with his great expertise, and the new entry Danilo Petrucci, who with his experience as a driver will add value to our team. We will have our eyes focused and we will give our all to have fun and bring home a good result. I want to thank all the sponsors, first and foremost Prometeon and Bosch, for their support in this great adventure”.

“We are thrilled to have brought Danilo Petrucci into this new adventure” said Roberto Righi, CEO of Prometeon. “Together with Claudio Bellina and Marco Arnoletti they form an extraordinary team that combines passion, talent and competence, essential qualities to face a difficult challenge like the Dakar, where the unexpected is always around the corner. In this type of competition, to excel, high-level performance, team spirit and technological innovation are necessary: values that Prometeon shares and fully supports”.

Arnoletti: “This will be my eighth Dakar, the second with Italtrans Racing Team. Last year was a wonderful experience, because with Claudio’s team I found everything an enthusiast could want: a professional team, excellent people, a super competitive vehicle, but above all a real family with whom I share a great passion for rallies. Claudio is an exceptional driver, who makes the difference, and this year Danilo will be with us: he is a unique driver, who has won in all the championships in which he has raced. Being part of this team is a source of great pride for me. I can’t wait to leave for this new great adventure”.

The collaboration between Italtrans and Prometeon aims to enhance the resistance of Prometeon tires, designed to withstand the most extreme conditions such as those offered by the Dakar. After the excellent performance of the last edition, which saw the Prometeon Serie 02 tires for the first time on Iveco Italtrans trucks, the mix of experience in competitions by Petrucci and Bellina represents a further step to further test the reliability and the already high performance of both these tires and the trucks on rough terrain such as those of the Dakar.

The next appointment with the Dakar Rally is for January 3, 2025 when the lights will go out in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, for the 47th edition of the toughest race in the world.

Race Pace Track Days Releases Schedule For First Half Of 2025, At Chuckwalla

John Ulrich

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December 31, 2024

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Race Pace Track Days Releases Schedule For First Half Of 2025, At Chuckwalla

Race Pace No-Sessions Track Days For Advanced Riders

Race Pace Track Days events for the first half of 2025 have been posted on MotorsportReg and are open for sign-up.

All Race Pace events are held at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in Desert Center, California.

Get registered before they fill up.

January 4th & 5th

February 1st & 2nd

March 1st & 2nd

April 12th & 13th

May 10th & 11th

Race Pace Track Days

25300 Rice Road

Desert Center, CA 92239

Text/SMS [your best option]: 424.287.4222

R.I.P. : Racer And Winning 500cc GP Team Owner Bob MacLean

John Ulrich

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December 31, 2024

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R.I.P. : Racer And Winning 500cc GP Team Owner Bob MacLean

Robert John MacLean
2/18/1937-12/14/2024

Robert John MacLean (Bob), devoted husband, father, and educator passed away peacefully at his home in Wilson, Wyoming on December 14, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on February 18, 1937, in Coronado, California to Robert John MacLean and Mary Witty MacLean. Bob led a life marked by deep commitment to education, sports, and community.

A graduate of Bronxville High School (Class of 1955), Bob earned a BA in English from Colby College in 1960. After Colby, Bob served three years in the United States Army National Guard. His love of teaching led him to a distinguished career as an educator, beginning with The Allen Stevenson School in New York City. He later joined Rye Country Day School, where he taught English, and spearheaded the construction and operation of the Gerald LaGrange Field House, an ice hockey rink and tennis complex. Bob was the head coach of the Varsity Hockey and Lacrosse teams and served as an assistant Varsity Football coach. In addition, he shared his love of hockey with the Wildcat Hockey Camp, which he founded and ran for multiple years. Bob’s dedication to the sport was further exemplified by his participation in the Master Coaches Clinic, with Fred Shero as headmaster. He served as Chairman of the Hockey Committee for the Hickory Hill Skating Rink in Katonah, NY. He was President of the Southern New England Interscholastic Ice Hockey Coaches Association and was a member of the American Hockey Coaches’ Association.

After many years of racing motorcycles himself, Bob founded World Championship Motorsports in 1991, of which he was the co-owner/ operator until 2005. WCM competed at the highest level of International Motorsports in the FIM Grand Prix Motorcycle series. His entrepreneurial spirit, like his commitment to education and athletics, was a testament to his talent as a leader.

Bob was deeply involved in the community, notably serving on the Board of South Kent School from 1990 to 1999, including as President from 1995 to 1999, where his leadership and generosity helped shape the school’s future. Bob was also an active board member of the Teton County Sheriff’s Auxiliary for over two decades and served on the New York Board of the Shakespeare Globe.

In Wilson, Wyoming, Bob found peace and fulfillment in his love of fly fishing and spending time on his ranch. A supporter of local causes, he contributed to organizations such as the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, reflecting his deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the region.

Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Anna (Marna) MacLean. They raised three sons in Waccabuc, NY and later split their time between Lost Tree Village, Florida and their home in Wilson, Wyoming. Bob is also survived by his three sons, Chris MacLean (Cathryn Kishbaugh), Ian MacLean and Mark MacLean (Marsha Yamaykina) and his five grandchildren.

Bob’s love of life, his sense of humor, and positive outlook will be remembered by his friends and family.

Bob MacLean (right) and Peter Clifford in 1997; they started World Championship Motorsports (WCM) in 1992.

Bob MacLean at Daytona in 1987, when his team raced Hondas in AMA Formula 1. Photo by John Ulrich.

Bob MacLean (center) with Garry McCoy and Mick Doohan on a 500cc Grand Prix grid with mechanics in 2001.

Bob MacLean (center), rider Rich Schlachter and mechanic Donnie Dove with a TZ250 Yamaha at the 1981 British Grand Prix. Photo by Ian MacLean.

Bob MacLean in retirement, at home in Wyoming in 2018.

MotoGP: New Report Says KTM Will Be Out Of MotoGP In 2026

Michael Gougis

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December 31, 2024

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MotoGP: New Report Says KTM Will Be Out Of MotoGP In 2026

By Michael Gougis

While the long-term outlook for KTM is generally positive, the company will not participate in Grand Prix-level motorcycle road racing in 2026, saving an estimated $47.8 million per year, according to a report from one of Austria’s most prominent national newspapers.

The report, published by Der Standard, says that the company will not withdraw prior to 2026 because it fears “significant PR damage” if it withdraws from Grand Prix racing any earlier.

KTM is undergoing a financial restructuring, layoffs, and a production halt after incurring at least $1.87 billion in debt as well as accumulating excessive unsold inventory. A report from the agency representing the company’s creditors says the company “plans” to withdraw from “MotoGP Moto2/Moto3” racing. The Der Standard report quotes an internal document prepared by the Boston Consulting Group for the restructuring administrator; that document outlines the timeline for the departure and the expected annual savings.

The company spent approximately $208 million on R&D in 2023, with overall motorsports activity spending at approximately $98.8 million, a figure the restructuring administrator called “exceptionally high,” according to the Der Standard report.

Withdrawing at the end of 2025 may require the company to negotiate an end to several contracts. KTM’s 2024 announcement of the signing of Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini to the Tech3 squad, which is slated to have full factory equipment in 2025, said the pair was signed as part of a “multi-year agreement.” Brad Binder’s contract runs through 2026, according to the KTM press center, and the contract Pedro Acosta signed with the company in 2024 also is a “multi-year” agreement, according to KTM’s announcement of the deal. And KTM has a contract with MotoGP series organizer Dorna to put bikes on the grid.

Anticipated growth in the off-road market is expected to help pull KTM out of its current financial difficulties, the report indicates. That segment of the market is expected to grow 3.5 annually in the near future, and KTM’s share of that market hovers between 40 and 60%, the report indicates.

The next court hearing for KTM is set for January 24th.

What Is KTM?

The company at the center of the insolvency is KTM AG, according to a report issued by the agency representing creditors owed money. But it is part of a complex arrangement of companies and subsidiaries–the report says that KTM alone has more than 60 subsidiaries. A review of the company’s financial reports shows that most of these are distribution and supply entities that depend on KTM AG’s activities, and several of these are expected to go through insolvency proceedings as well.

KTM is one of five operating divisions of Pierer Mobility AG. Under the KTM umbrella is Husqvarna, GASGAS, and MV Agusta, although KTM’s 51% ownership stake in the Italian sportbike company is expected to be spun off as part of the restructuring. KTM also has an ownership interest in the Chinese manufacturer CFMOTO and its electric vehicle sub-brand Zeeho.

Pierer Mobility’s other divisions include the Husqvarna, GASGAS and Felt bicycle division; the design and R&D division, headed by Kiska, KTM F&E and Cero; an IT division that includes Pierer Innovation, Avocado, LX Media and KTM Informatics and “operate(s) within various technology fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain and Business Modeling,” according to the company website; and its Motorsport Factory Racing division.

Pierer Bajaj AG is the majority owner of Pierer Mobility. The Bajaj Group is a massive Indian conglomeration with interests in motorcycles, cars, home appliances, lighting, iron and steel, insurance, travel and finance, according to Wikipedia. The Bajaj family is worth $23.4 billion, according to Forbes.

Pierer Industrie AG is the majority owner of Pierer Bajaj. As of November, Pierer Industrie operated three major divisions, including Abatec, a technology/electronics company; Pierer Bajaj AG; and Pankl AG, which operates in the racing, automotive and aerospace industries.

Pierer Industrie AG corporate structure chart as of November 2024.

KTM’s Racing Plans For 2025:

KTM’s racing activities fall into four main categories: Road Racing, Motocross/Supercross, Enduro/Off Road and Rally.

For 2025, the company plans to field six riders in the Motocross World Championship (MXGP) series on KTM 450 SX-F and 250 SX-F machines. In North America, KTM is slated to field four riders in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) series, which incorporates Supercross and Motocross events from January through the summer.

In the Enduro/Off Road category, KTM is slated to field eight factory riders in a variety of North American series. In addition, the company will field at least two factory riders in Europe, where the company’s factory racing teams compete in more than 100 enduro races each year.

In the Rally segment, KTM plans to field four riders for the Dakar rally.

In Grand Prix road racing, KTM has shelved its GASGAS and Husqvarna brands for 2025. The official provisional entry lists show two riders on the Red Bull KTM Ajo team and two on the CFMOTO Aspar team in Moto2; 16 riders on the company’s RC250GP machines in Moto3; and the two-rider factory Red Bull squad and the two-rider Tech3 team in MotoGP.

South Florida MiniGP Hosting Three Mini Cup Qualifiers In 2025

John Ulrich

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December 30, 2024

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South Florida MiniGP Hosting Three Mini Cup Qualifiers In 2025

Three Different Racetracks In Florida To Offer Young Racers The Chance To Qualify For Mission Mini Cup National Final

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that South Florida MiniGP (a.k.a. SFLminiGP) will play host to three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers at three different racetracks in 2025.
Young road racers of all ages can now attempt to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Final via three qualifying races in Florida with South Florida MiniGP.

South Florida MiniGP will organize and host qualifying races for the Mission Mini Cup National Final that will be held for a second successive year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10. The three qualifiers will be held at T4 Kartplex in Palmetto, Florida (March 15-16); Bushnell Motorsports Park in Bushnell, Florida (April 12-13); and Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida (May 3-4).

Qualifiers at the three South Florida MiniGP races will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8); Stock 110 (ages 8-12); GP 110 (ages 8-12); GP 160 (ages 10-14); GP 190 (ages 10-14); and Street GP (ages 14 and up).

“We’re thrilled that South Florida MiniGP will host three of our Qualifiers in 2025,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “With its rich history in mini road racing, and its role in introducing many riders to the sport, South Florida MiniGP is a valued partner. We deeply appreciate the dedication of owner Michael Correa and the entire club and are excited to welcome them to our Mini Cup program.”

In 2025, South Florida MiniGP will be celebrating its 10th anniversary of running MiniGP races with the club having a long list of alumni, including MotoAmerica racers like Avery Dreher and his sister Ella, Isaac Woodworth, Logan Cunnison, and more.

“Hold on tight because South Florida MiniGP is turning up the heat in 2025 with three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers,” said Michael Correa, owner of South Florida MiniGP. “We’re talking about the fastest kids on two wheels, all vying for a chance to compete at the legendary Road America. This is more than just racing, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of motorcycle champions. And it all goes down right here in sunny Florida.”

The three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers will be part of South Florida MiniGP’s eight-round sprint-race series. The club will also host two endurance rounds, including the Aaron Dreher Classic at Bushnell Motorsports Park, August 9.

For more information on South Florida MiniGP, visit https://www.sflminigp.com/

For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected] .

2025 South Florida MiniGP Schedule

February 8-9 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL

*March 15-16 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL

*April 12-13 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

*May 3-4 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL

June 7-8 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

August 30-31 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL

October 11-12 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

November 9-10 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

*MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers

About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

Italy’s AIROH Helmets Setting Up U.S. Distribution

January 3, 2025

GP 800 FIM RACING #1 — A rider wearing an AIROH GP 800 FIM Racing helmet..

Italy’s AIROH Invades USA with New Product & Teams

Stronger, more powerfully innovative products…and people

With a renewed commitment toward assembling the best distribution and sales team in the United States, AIROH Helmets of Italy has obtained and secured distribution rights for the innovative brand’s world-renowned helmet products with an all new AIROH USA facility and team. Dennis Bloch, affiliated with SEVEN MX, James Stewart’s apparel company, will be heading up the new distribution, marketing and sales teams here in America. More well-known helmet executives and sales representatives will be announced following at the product’s media launch to be held in southern California on January 23rd.

Known for its incredibly beautiful and functional Italian designs, AIROH Helmets will be revealing its latest products for distribution to dealers in 2025. It’s upgraded facility located in Bergamo, northern Italy complete with its own wind tunnel and helmet testing laboratory is true to its founder’s mission: to create and produce high-quality helmets that are synonymous with safety, design and performance. It is true many other helmet brands make similar claims, but it is undisputed that Italian companies have a keen eye for beautiful design and par excellence taste. Founder Antonio Locatelli has always had a deep passion for the racing world and has thus included its embedded DNA into each product manufactured and beautifully crafted in Bergamo, Italy enabling the company to obtain 150 world titles in motorcycle racing.

Dennis Bloch, CEO of AIROH USA, proudly shares, “AIROH has had a presence in the USA Supercross field for about 10 years, but we are now equipped with a broader product lineup and an exceptional sales team to make a significant impact. From off-road and street to cruiser and sportbike helmets, AIROH is poised to offer it all. Nicknamed the ‘Ferrari for your head,’ the brand captivates anyone who sees it—and truly impresses once they pick it up. Known for its deep racing heritage, lightweight design, and striking aesthetics, AIROH stands apart.”

The brand will be available directly to dealers through AIROH USA in Spring 2025. Stay tuned for the launch!

Look for AIROH Helmets on the heads of Jason Anderson, Tom Vialle, MRP Husqvarna, Cody Webb, and Cooper Abbott this year in the USA. On the international circuit, look for AIROH helmets on Jeffrey Herlings, Antonio Cairoli, Liam Everts, David Alonso, Andrea Locatelli, Danilo Petrucci and many more.

About AIROH Helmets Italy
Airoh was founded in the province of Bergamo, in Northern Italy, the company has always had a clear mission to create and produce high-quality helmets that are synonymous with safety, design, and performance. These features, designed to satisfy the best riders, are available to every passionate two-wheeled enthusiast who uses them on asphalt, dirt, sand, snow, and in any other terrain. Over the years, the company’s DNA has evolved, but it has never forgotten its origins, values, and the deep passion for the racing world, and beyond. This passion has consistently led to the achievement of incredible milestones, as evidenced by the company’s impressive
list of accomplishments, including and incredible number of over 150 world titles from 1997 to the present. #DARETOBEGREAT

About AIROH USA
Airoh’s U.S. entity embodies the same passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence that originated in Bergamo, Italy. Dedicated to providing high-quality helmets designed for safety, performance, and style, Airoh brings its legacy of over 150 world titles to American riders. The A iroh USA team is being formed with top industry experts in each field, ensuring unparalleled expertise and strategy as Airoh establishes a strong presence in the American powersports market. Whether conquering asphalt or dirt Airoh helmets are crafted to meet the demands of champions and enthusiasts alike. With deep roots in the racing world and an unwavering #DARETOBEGREAT philosophy, Airoh is poised to inspire and protect riders across the United States.

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