Texan Sanchez In The Points In European Talent Cup Debut

David Swarts

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June 26, 2024

Texan Sanchez In The Points In European Talent Cup Debut

Mikey Lou Sanchez finishes 15th in his first ETC Race at Portimao.

Now racing a Honda NSF250R with the Finetwork MIR Racing Team in the European Talent Cup, Mikey had some ups and downs in his debut June 20-23 at Algarve International Circuit, in Portugal. Mikey was at a disadvantage from the start. With this track being the hardest circuit on the calendar to learn, a lot of the teams were there two weeks earlier doing testing. Mikey, unfortunately, was still recovering from a broken collarbone and was unable to test there.

The weekend started off with practice on Thursday. On Friday, Mikey was still struggling to get a good feeling on the bike and get his lap times down. During the last session on Friday he had a minor lowside crash, but he was able to recover and finish the session.

The next morning was the super-important “Practice” session that determines whether or not you make it straight to Q2, which automatically qualifies riders for the main race, or you have to fight it out in Q1, where only the top four riders move on to Q2.

In Saturday morning’s Practice session Mikey found himself in a pack on the beginning of his first flying lap. When he arrived in the fast second corner another rider took him out and ended his Practice session. This meant he was going to Q1 to fight for a spot to move on to Q2.

Q1 went well and Mikey advanced to Q2, which guaranteed a spot on the grid for the main race. Learning a new format for qualifying, he adapted and ended up finishing 10th in his qualifying session, which put him 19th overall on the final grid for his first ETC Race.

On Sunday, the race began with clear and sunny skies and temperatures in the 90s F. Mikey got off the line and headed into Turn One in about P16. On the first lap, he ran wide in a couple of turns and got roughed up and went back to P22. From there, he began taking back positions. He never gave up and pushed to P15 at the checkered flag.

Mikey Lou said, “I know my result wasn’t anything to cheer about, but this is the real rodeo right here. I know i can do better in the next race at Jerez because it’s a track that I like and know very well. Bring it on!”

Mikey Lou’s next race with the Finetwork MIR Racing Team is on September 15 at the Circuito de Jerez.

We would like to thank our sponsors: Chic-fil-a East Dallas, Texas Motorcycle Academy, HJC Helmets, Williams Custom Painting, Moto Liberty, Stax Moto, Fred and Maggie Beck, Shawn Knoche, Paul Stamper, Ben Fondu, Theodore Bick, Mark Niemi, and Stephen Hagberg.

American Flat Track: Lima Half-Mile Is Saturday, June 25

David Swarts

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June 25, 2024

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American Flat Track: Lima Half-Mile Is Saturday, June 25

Contenders Aplenty as Progressive AFT Arrives at Lima Half-Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 25, 2024) – The 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicks off its second half with the fabled Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio on Saturday, June 29.

The opening half of the ‘24 season makes for a fascinating showdown this weekend, especially when considered in conjunction with past history at Lima.

Three of the four leaders in the ongoing Mission AFT SuperTwins title fight have taken multiple race wins at the Lima Half-Mile. That list is headed by nine-time Grand National Champion, Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750), who boasts five prior victories in the race, the first of which came 19 years ago today.

Meanwhile, two-time class champ Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke) has taken three Lima Half-Mile wins on three different makes of equipment. His first came in 2017 on a Kawasaki, his second in 2021 on a factory Indian, and last year saw him claim KTM’s maiden twin-cylinder victory in the premier class.

And it’s best not to overlook Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), as he’s repeatedly demonstrated with his class-leading three race wins in 2024, the most recent coming just days ago. Robinson also happens to be a two-time winner at Lima, including just two years ago.

That leaves Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), the current Mission AFT SuperTwins championship leader, as the sole rider among the four leading contenders without a Lima Half-Mile victory to his name. However, a closer inspection shows that in his two attempts, he’s twice been the fast qualifier and he’s twice finished a fighting second. With a perfect podium record on the line and driven by the sting that accompanies a defeat of 0.086 seconds this past weekend, Daniels is as strong a bet as any to stand atop the podium this weekend.

Can any of the remainder of a stacked field mix it up with Mees, Bauman, Robinson, and Daniels this weekend? Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Sody Ent/OTBR Yamaha MT-07), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750), and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing Mission Foods KTM 790 Duke) have all shown the capacity to do so on numerous occasions in the past and all four are eager to do so again as soon as is humanly possible.

Meanwhile, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Mission Foods/Zanotti Racing Indian FTR750), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Transalp), Declan Bender (No. 70 GOMR/BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), and Cameron Smith (No. 34 RVR/KTM/Schaefer’s Motorsport KTM 790 Duke) continue to gather the experience and data necessary to break into the top five on any given weekend.

Two riders who have already done so this season – Billy Ross (No. 29 Mission Foods/Digitale Kawasaki Ninja 650) and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) – will look to do so again, and at the same track where Johnny Lewis raced the Royal Enfield Twins FT to victory in the Mission Production Twins class in 2021.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Can anyone hope to contain the surging Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) this weekend?

Not only is Kopp the reigning two-time defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion. Not only is Kopp the class’ all-time winningest rider and co-leader in the Half-Mile discipline specifically. And not only is Kopp currently riding a three-race win streak; he also happens to have dominated the previous two visits to Lima, claiming blowout victories in both 2022 and 2023.

Title hopefuls Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R), Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) are all desperate to snap Kopp’s winning streak and shift the momentum in their direction as the season heads down its second half.

Meanwhile, James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) flashed last year’s frontrunning form at the Bridgeport Half-Mile and may at last be ready to challenge for wins, particularly at a circuit where he landed on the podium a year ago.

Young guns Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction/P&M Motorcycles Honda CRF450R), Travis Petton IV (No. 82 ECG Racing/A.M Ortega KTM 450 SX-F), Logan Eisenhard (No. 66 Hannum’s Harley-Davidson KTM 450 SX-F), Tyler Raggio (No. 55 Raggio Racing/Sluggo Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and Evan Renshaw (No. 265 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) are all primed to make a splash at any moment.

And how about the possibility of a resurgent ride on the part of Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F)? With two previous Lima Half-Mile victories to her name, Texter-Bauman could reclaim a piece of the all-time wins lead and retake sole possession at the top of the Half-Mile wins list with a third Lima HM win this weekend.

There will be plenty to keep spectators entertained off the track as well, including live music courtesy of Gypsy Kyngs, a bouncy house for kids, numerous vendors, plenty of food and beverage options, and extensive motorcycle parking.

Additionally, flat track fans can head out to the track a day early to watch the amateur racing scheduled for Friday, June 28, from 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT) until 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), free of admission. Following the race action, Angels of Dirt will be shown on the Jumbotron starting at approximately 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT).

Today is the final day to save $10 on tickets, with all prices set to increase to their standard rate on Wednesday, June 26. If you act fast, General Admission Bleacher tickets remain just $30 (kids 12 and under free with paid adult ticket), Reserved Grandstand tickets are $35 (All Ages), Premier Reserved Grandstand tickets only $40 (All Ages), and the new VIP tickets, which provides access to the VIP trailer, are $125 (All Ages). The Pit Pass Upgrade ($40 for adults, $20 for kids in general admission, and free for kids with reserved seating tickets) provides all-day access to the pit area.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/meespromotions/events/lima-half-mile-87016 to reserve your seats today.

Gates will open for fans at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. ET (3:40 p.m. PT). You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities on FloRacing. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2024. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

FOX Sports coverage of the Lima Half-Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, July 6, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT).

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

MotoAmerica: Fong Leads Superbike Championship Heading To “The Ridge” Updated

David Swarts

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June 25, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Fong Leads Superbike Championship Heading To “The Ridge” Updated

Red-Hot Fong Leads The Superbike Pack As MotoAmerica Heads To The Pacific Northwest

Bobby Fong Is Riding A Two-Race Win Streak As Steel Commander Superbike Rolls Into Ridge Motorsports Park And Beaubier Is Back

IRVINE, CA (June 25, 2024) – Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong and his eight-point lead in the 2024 MotoAmerica Steel Commander Superbike Championship will embark on Ridge Motorsports Park this coming weekend, June 28-30, with little doubt that he can improve upon his results from a year ago at the racetrack in Shelton, Washington.

Fong’s 2023 visit to Washington was a bust as he was disqualified from race one for ignoring a black flag, and he failed to finish race two. That’s zero points on the weekend for those of you counting at home.

But that was then and this is now and it’s highly unlikely that with his confidence level at an all-time high, and with his team operating smoothly and efficiently, things won’t be very different than they were in 2023.

Fong arrives at the track in the shadows of Mount Rainier after two resounding victories at Brainerd International Raceway two weeks ago and it has him atop the standings with the series set for two stops on the West Coast beginning with the Ridge round.

Fong’s season thus far has been one of up-and-down consistency (pardon the oxymoron) early and flat-out speed of late. He began his 2024 season with a podium in race one at Road Atlanta but followed that up with a 10th (in wet conditions) in race two. In the three races at Barber Motorsports Park, Fong was ninth, fifth and second, and at Road America he was eighth (again in the wet) and second. Fong was starting to hit his stride, and he followed up on Road America with his pole position and two victories at Brainerd.

Attack Performance/Progressive/Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne is the only rider in the top 10 other than Fong to score points in every round, but they haven’t come in bucketfuls like what we’ve come to expect from the three-time and defending Steel Commander Superbike Champion.

All you really need to know is that Gagne has only won one race and that came at Road Atlanta way back in April. That’s simply unheard of for Gagne. The cause? Debilitating arm-pump issues that have Gagne barely holding on (literally), and with just one podium in the past six races. It’s been difficult to watch and even his rivals feel his pain. Unlike Fong, it’s gotten to the point where Gagne longs for wet races as his last podium was a second-place finish in the wet at Road America.

Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin has fought his way to third in the series standings after his race-two crash at Barber put a zero in his points column. Herrin has one win and four total podiums, including his victory in race one at Road America, and his points tally features his two second-place finishes to Fong at Brainerd. Herrin sits 19 points behind Fong and 11 behind Gagne.

Also, remember that Herrin was fast last year at Ridge Motorsports Park, qualifying on pole and finishing third in both races.

Gagne’s teammate Cameron Petersen has been quick all year and, after nine races, finds himself still in the hunt for the championship. With two wins and five total podiums, Petersen is 28 points behind Fong and nine behind Herrin.

Nine points behind Petersen is Herrin’s teammate Loris Baz with the Frenchman earning his second podium of the season in the most recent round at Brainerd. Baz only has one non-score on his season when he was hit from behind by a lapped rider in race three at Barber.

EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly started his season on a tear as he raced to two podiums in the first five races of his rookie campaign in the Steel Commander Superbike class. Kelly has slipped down the order a bit with crashes in the two of the past four races and he is now sixth in the championship – 42 points behind Fong and five behind Baz.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier is seventh, despite the non-score from his crash in the rain at Road America and the three subsequent races of zero points while he recovered from his surgically repaired broken heel. But wait. The five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion’s team announced this week that Beaubier will return to action at Ridge Motorsports Park this coming weekend.

Let’s not forget that Beaubier won three of the first five races to start the season prior to his injury and he’s won 62 of these Superbike races in his career. So, in looking at the point standings, Beaubier is 43 points behind. With a five-point difference between first and second, and 11 races left to run… okay, it’s too early for that.

Beaubier’s teammate JD Beach is eighth in the title chase and still trying to recover from the hit his points tally took with two non-finishes in the three races at Barber. Beach, however, showed podium speed with his third in race two at Road America.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch had a rocky start to his season but has turned things around with four strong outings in a row at Road America and Brainerd. Paasch is ninth in the championship heading to Washington.

Despite not competing in the past four Superbike races, Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim still finds himself in the top 10 after a solid start to his season on his Stock 1000-spec Honda CBR1000RR-R SP.

With Beaubier set to return, Xavi Forés will be the only Superbike fill-in rider as he will continue to replace the injured Richie Escalante on the second Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki.

Pre-Race Ridge Notes…

The Superbike men failed to top Jake Gagne’s lap record of 1:39.145 from Q2 in 2022 last year on the 2.47-mile Ridge Motorsports Park, though Cameron Beaubier did set a race-record lap of 1:39.633 in the second of two races in 2023.

Jake Gagne beat Mathew Scholtz and Josh Herrin to win race one a season ago at Ridge Motorsports Park for what was his fifth win in a row. On Sunday, however, Cameron Beaubier broke Gagne’s win streak by topping Gagne and Herrin to win race two.

Three-time MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Champion Jake Gagne is the winningest rider in the four-year (eight-race) history of MotoAmerica holding a round of its championship at Ridge Motorsports Park. Gagne has won five of the eight races with Cameron Beaubier winning the first two races in 2020 and a third in race two last year.

With his two victories at Brainerd International Raceway two weeks ago, Bobby Fong has now won five AMA Superbike races in his career. That puts him in a tie for 26th on the all-time Superbike win list with Larry Pegram, Jake Zemke, Mathew Scholtz and Danilo Petrucci.

With its five wins thus far in 2024, Yamaha is closing in on the 125-win mark in the MotoAmerica Superbike era. Yamaha has 122 wins in MotoAmerica Superbike and 195 total AMA Superbike wins, which places them second to Suzuki’s 216 AMA Superbike victories.

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+

More, from a press release issued by Ducati:

Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Summoned by The Ridge Motorsports Park for the Fifth Round of the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship

Sunnyvale, Calif. — One of the most picturesque venues on the calendar awaits the Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship field this weekend with Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati duo Josh Herrin and Loris Baz looking to capitalize on a streak of form that has seen four straight podiums for the team.

The Ridge Motorsports Park is located 25 miles northwest of Olympia, WA, and has only been on the MotoAmerica calendar since 2020. It has since become a firm favorite with the nation’s best Superbike riders. Its snaking 2.47-mile ribbon of road provides an undulating challenge quite unlike any other circuit in the MotoAmerica championship.

Josh Herrin loves The Ridge and has a healthy history with the track. Herrin saw positive results in the MotoAmerica Supersport field on the Warhorse HSBK Ducati Panigale V2 in 2022 for two resounding wins and backed that up with a double Superbike podium last year. He knows this is the best opportunity to whittle down the 19-point margin to series leader Bobby Fong.

Likewise, Loris Baz has good memories of The Ridge. Having only competed once at the venue in 2021, the flying Frenchman secured third position in race two and will be looking to add to his tally of two podiums from the last two rounds in 2024.

Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#2)

“I’m really excited about racing at The Ridge,” Herrin said. “It’s one of our better tracks, and it’s been good to me on the Ducati. We’re coming off a high from the last two races and all eager for another win, especially me. I’m really enjoying my time right now with the team, with my teammate Loris, and the atmosphere in the garage.”

“Warhorse HSBK Ducati Racing is looking for another strong weekend. We need to be getting at least 40 points per weekend, and we’ve done that over the last two rounds. Another strong meeting at The Ridge this weekend will put us in a really good position in the championship heading into Laguna Seca next month.”

Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#76)
“

We’re coming with a good spirit to The Ridge, getting back to the right pace,” Baz said. “The team is getting stronger each race, and my feeling for the bike is improving each time I leave the pit lane. The Warhorse HSBK Ducati Racing team has done a great job helping to improve the base set-up of the Ducati Panigale V4 R and I want to continue this path.”

“I’m coming back to the right level for me. Being able to fight for first place in race one at Brainerd gave me a lot of confidence. I can’t wait to get to The Ridge—that place is awesome. It suits the bike well; both Josh and I have had good results there in the past. The championship is wide open, so we’re aiming to get as many points and podiums as possible.”

On-track action for the fifth round of the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship kicks off at 9:00 a.m. CDT on Friday, June 28, with Herrin and Baz first taking to the track for Free Practice 1 at 10:45 a.m. CDT .

MotoAmerica Superbike racing action commences with race one at 3:10 p.m. PST on Saturday, June 29. Race two is scheduled for Sunday, June 30, at 3:10 p.m. PST.

Video: Yamaha Introduces Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission

David Swarts

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June 25, 2024

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Video: Yamaha Introduces Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission

Editorial Note: Scroll down to watch the video

Y-AMT: YAMAHA AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

NEXT GENERATION SHIFT TECHNOLOGY BRINGS NEW LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT TO MOTORCYCLING A NEW DIMENSION OF SPORTS RIDING

Yamaha has long been at the forefront of motorcycle innovation. Each step in the company’s technological development seeks to offer a more immersive riding experience which is even more gratifying for the rider.

This approach is inspired by Yamaha’s Jin-Ki Kanno philosophy, which emphasizes the seductive enjoyment of a rider truly feeling in symbiosis with their machine.

The new Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT) is set to take that feeling further, marking the start of a new era for Yamaha by offering an advanced gear shifting technology that introduces a new dimension to sports riding.

Y-AMT allows riders to fully focus on enjoying the sports performance offered by their motorcycle, by delivering consistently linear shifts to create the most engaging riding experience with the choice of a slick, finger operated manual shift or a two-mode fully automatic transmission.

FAST AND PRECISE SHIFTS AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

With a closer and more refined connection to the brain than the feet, the hands are one of the most tactile and powerful tools the human body has.

Shifting by hand alone, as opposed to a foot-and-hand combination, is not only quicker but requires less thinking time, allowing the rider to hyper-focus on throttle and brake application, lean angle, body position and tire grip levels to intensify the ride. It is for this reason that on Y-AMT models the shifting pedal will not be installed. This means the rider does not have to move their left foot from the footpeg, allowing them to instead focus on their body position and weight distribution through the pegs in order to enhance the control of their motorcycle, especially in cornering.

The Y-AMT system allows for the shifting characteristics of the machine to be adjusted to meet the rider’s preference and different road conditions, with a choice of a finger-operated manual shift, ‘MT’ or the fully automatic ‘AT’.

Using manual transmission (MT), fast and precise gear shifts take just one touch of a button without manually operating a clutch lever. Shifts are controlled with the index finger and thumb, via two see-saw shifting levers – a plus lever for upshifts and a minus lever for downshifts. For greater control in sportier riding, the plus lever can also be pulled to shift up and pushed to shift down with the index finger alone, offering greater freedom, as there is no need to remove the thumb from the handlebars. The size, position and stroke of the lever have been designed to be ideal while wearing gloves, meaning only a minimal amount of finger movement is required to perform shifts.

The clutch actuation is highly progressive, providing the rider with completely natural operation at all speeds. Maximizing the power characteristics of Yamaha’s crossplane-concept engine designs and sportiest ride modes, MT has been developed to amplify the fun of sports riding. And with the speed and precision of each shift more consistent than when using even the latest quickshifter, the excitement and adrenaline of the fast, slick gear changes in the sportiest of riding conditions is even more thrilling for the rider.

Using the fully automatic transmission (AT), riders can choose between two programs to suit different riding scenarios – easily switchable at any time via the press of a dedicated thumb operated ‘mode’ button.

Those looking for a spirited ride on the open road can opt for ‘D+’, which offers a sporty gear change by shifting later in the rev range to maintain the thrill of the ride while still offering the benefits of a fully automatic transmission.

Riders commuting or putting in long distances on the motorways can opt for ‘D’ mode, which delivers a softer gear shift experience, while maintaining a low rpm, to maximize rider confidence during low speed, urban riding and maneuverability.

While in AT, the rider can also choose to shift manually at any time by simply using the see-saw shift levers.

In all cases, Y-AMT delivers consistently linear shifts, allowing riders to focus on their body position, cornering, braking and acceleration, whether riding in the city or on the open road.

RESEARCH DRIVEN NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Yamaha has previously been at the forefront of automatic shifting on motorcycles, developing the YCC-S (Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift) system for the FJR1300 sports tourer almost two decades ago. YCC-S featured an automatic hydraulic clutch actuation system which allowed the rider to change gears manually using a finger operated gear lever.

In many ways, YCC-S was ahead of its time, and now as a result of Yamaha’s technological development, Y-AMT is set to change the face of sports riding.

The Y-AMT system is the most sporting solution in the two wheeled sector, providing an innovative alternative for the next generation of motorcyclists who crave the exhilaration and performance of a manual gearbox, while gaining the convenience of a fully automatic transmission.

Unlike the hydraulically actuated YCC-S system, Y-AMT utilizes two electric actuators to take on the functions traditionally carried out by the rider’s left hand and foot. The system weighs in at only 2.8 kg (6.2 pounds) and has been designed to allow for a slim and lightweight installation, ensuring Yamaha’s famed compact chassis design philosophy is intact with the engine no wider, retaining the light feeling of a conventional motorcycle and preserving the machine’s handling or performance.

Working in conjunction with Yamaha’s ‘ride-by-wire’ throttle control system (YCC-T), switchable ride modes and cruise control functions, a Y-AMT equipped motorcycle can be configured for all kinds of riding.

Where previous similar transmissions for motorcycles have typically been aimed at touring applications, Y-AMT has been developed to enhance the purity of sports riding, allowing the rider to better focus on the more thrilling aspects of the ride.

BORN FROM JIN-KI KANNO

Y-AMT perfectly exemplifies the rider-machine relationship emphasized by Yamaha’s Jin-Ki Kanno philosophy, providing a fun and new riding experience whatever the riding conditions, road or purpose of the journey.

Y-AMT equipped motorcycles will mark a shift in the perception of how motorcycles are ridden, resulting in an even more engaged riding experience and delivering Kando, a Japanese word expressing the feeling of deep satisfaction and intense excitement experienced when encountering a product of exceptional value, quality and performance.

Yamaha will begin introducing Y-AMT to a range of models in the near future, bringing this innovation to sport riding, touring and commuting.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Manual shifting via finger-operated ‘see-saw’ switch

Two automatic shift modes: D+ (sportier gear change) and D

Automated clutch and gear shift actuated by electric motor

Weight 2.8 kg (6.2 pounds)

Canadian Superbike: Collins Quickest At Rocky Mountain Motorsports Test

David Swarts

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June 25, 2024

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Canadian Superbike: Collins Quickest At Rocky Mountain Motorsports Test

Collins tops CSBK test at Rocky Mountain Motorsports

Calgary, AB – The first official Bridgestone CSBK test at Rocky Mountain Motorsports concluded on Monday, with local star Torin Collins topping the timesheets at the private circuit just north of Calgary, Alberta.

Following a successful round three at Edmonton’s RAD Torque Raceway, the Canadian national series invited its competitors to make the trip to nearby Carstairs for a one-day test at RMM, with the goal of collecting data and information for a potential future race weekend.

The 18-turn, “chicane-layout” version of the track, featuring ten rights and eight lefts and numerous elevation changes, was popular with the pro paddock but described as a unique circuit with elements of various other tracks.

Collins – the most recent winner in the feature GP Bikes Pro Superbike class – had prior experience at the venue located just north of his hometown in Calgary, and was the rider to beat all day as he topped every pro session aboard his Novalda Kawasaki.

The 18-year-old didn’t have to face all the same threats as this past weekend, as championship leader Ben Young, runner-up Sam Guerin, and former champion Alex Dumas were amongst the absences on Monday.

However, he did have to go up against 14-time champion Jordan Szoke, with the two exchanging fast laps throughout the afternoon. Collins would ultimately set the fastest motorcycle lap ever recorded in the final session, a time of 1:41.174, with Szoke going second-best and just 0.986 off the front in his first ever trip to RMM.

While Collins admittedly has slightly more track time at the venue than most of the other riders in attendance, the rookie (who’s currently racing full-time in MotoAmerica) had nothing but good things to say about the day.

Jordan Szoke (101) claimed the second fastest lap at RMM during Monday's test day - slightly faster than the previous lap record at the circuit north of Calgary. Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK. — Jordan Szoke (101) claimed the second fastest lap at RMM during Monday’s test day – slightly faster than the previous lap record at the circuit north of Calgary. Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy CSBK.

“It’s a fun track. It would be interesting for racing, it has some tight sections but I think there’s a lot of spots to pass still, and the asphalt is really good,” Collins said. “There would be some really fun races if CSBK came here. It’s physical, so it might be a bit of a tough race and the pace might drop off a bit, but I think it would be really cool.”

Despite lacking the experience of his younger counterpart at RMM, Szoke worked his way down to a very competitive time by the end of the day, going slightly faster than Collins’ previous unofficial lap record was at the start of the day.

The CKM Kawasaki rider opened up a near 1.5 second gap to the rest of the field, with Sebastien Tremblay going third-fastest on the day. The Turcotte Performance Suzukl rider was the lead Sport Bike rider on the day and very competitive with the Superbike field, a good launching point for a potential middleweight round in the future.

Home rider Philip DeGama-Blanchet was fourth and only marginally behind Tremblay for top honours in the Sport Bike ranks, posting a time of 1:44.360 aboard his Vass Performance Kawasaki.

Last year’s Sport Bike championship runner-up Matt Simpson turned in an excellent effort for PMR/Vass Performance BMW, going fifth-fastest with a time of 1:45.837 in just his first ever day riding a Superbike machine, filling in for Paul Macdonell.

As for the most recent Sport Bike winner, teenager Andrew Van Winkle was sixth-fastest for FD Racing Suzuki, only 0.129 seconds behind Simpson for a spot in the top-five.

Pro Rookie of the Year frontrunner Connor Campbell was seventh on the day, putting in a number of late improvements for B&T MacFarlane/Kubota Kawasaki to put himself just 0.020 seconds clear of fellow star rookie Mavrick Cyr aboard the Economy Lube Ducati.

Photos and times from the official test can be found on the series’ official website.

AHRMA: Hall Wins Both Vintage Cup Races In New Jersey

David Swarts

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June 25, 2024

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AHRMA: Hall Wins Both Vintage Cup Races In New Jersey

Hall sweeps AHRMA 2024 Vintage Cup at New Jersey Motorsports Park

(Knoxville, TN) Old bikes plus new pavement added up to fast and exciting racing at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Rounds 10 and 11 of AHRMA’s 2024 Vintage Cup series, which highlights its 350 GP class, were held June 22 and 23, at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ as part of the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series.

Rob Hall, aboard a 1965 AJS 7R won both days while a veritable talent show of bikes and racers tried to chase him down.

“An old racer friend used to say to me, ‘It’s gonna be hot and hazy, fast and crazy.’ Going into the 350GP Vintage Cup at NJMP this past weekend was no exception. With temps in the mid-90s and new, black tarmac, we had some heavyweights heading into quite a heated points battle under the sun,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton.

Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2024 Vintage Cup features the 350 GP class which includes 350cc four-stroke and 250cc two-stroke powered machines built up to and including 1968. Featured bikes from this era would include bikes such as the AJS 7R “Boy Racer”, 350 Manx Norton, Benelli 350-Four, Aermacchi 350 Road Racer, Yamaha TD2, and more.

In Saturday’s race Alex McLean, on Rob McKeever’s 1967 Drixton-framed Aermacchi took the hole shot into turn one with Hall in second. Hall overtook McLean in turn four, and was able to maintain and increase his lead, taking the checkered flag unchallenged. McLean was second, with Christopher Spargo, who was aboard a two-stroke 1967 Yamaha TD2, third.

The balance of the grid in order of finish included: David Roper riding a Team Obsolete John Surtees Special 1960 AJS 7R, Vincent Barbone on a 1967 Kawasaki A1, and Brian Larrabure on 1967 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi Ala D’Oro.

On Sunday, McLean repeated his strong start and led into the first turn with Hall in close pursuit. Hall passed McLean halfway through lap one but was unable to increase his lead. McLean overtook Hall at the end of the front straight, leading into turn one but Hall again took the lead on lap two. Hall increased his lead to take the win unchallenged with McLean second and Spargo third.

The rest of the racers, in order of finish, was Larrabure, Borbone, and Roper riding his 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT.

“Rob Hall has really gelled with the Seeley, and Alex McLean knows how to get that Drixton through the corners, while Chris Spargo is always threatening on that peaky Yamaha, so it was anyone’s race to lose this weekend,” Cummings said. “Hall managed the double and thus cemented him as the guy to beat now that we’re midway through this exciting 2024 season.”

Greg Tomlinson, 2024 Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees said, “I’m stoked at the bikes that are on the track for our Vintage Cup this year and double-stoked that we have some super-fast racers who can really show them off.”

Rounds 12 and 13 of the AHRMA National Road Race Series will be July 19-20 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, CA.

“We’ll be enjoying the California sun next at Laguna Seca. I’m anxious to see how this points chase unfolds as the season progresses,” Cummings said.

The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event. Highlights from each Vintage Cup race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.

2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series, 350GP – Vintage Cup Results

Saturday, June 22, 2024

1 – 270 Rob Hall, 1965 AJS 7R, Charlotte, NC

2 – 122 Alex McLean, 1967 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi Drixton, Jacksonville Beach, FL

3 – 19 Christopher Spargo, 1967 Yamaha TD2, Hopkins, MN

4 – 7 David Roper, John Surtees Special 1960 AJS 7R, Hicksville, NY

5 – 860 Vincent Borbone, 1967 Kawasaki A1, Hampstead, NH

6 – 14 Brian Larrabure, 1967 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi Ala D’Oro, Calabasas, CA

Sunday, June 23, 2024

1 – 270 Rob Hall, 1965 AJS 7R, Charlotte, NC

2 – 122 Alex McLean, 1967 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi Drixton, Jacksonville Beach, FL

3 – 19 Christopher Spargo, 1967 Yamaha TD2, Hopkins, MN

4 – 14 Brian Larrabure, 1967 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi Ala D’Oro, Calabasas, CA

5 – 860 Vincent Borbone, 1967 Kawasaki A1, Hampstead, NH

6 – 7 David Roper, 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT, Hicksville, NY

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

MotoAmerica: Beaubier Returning At “The Ridge”

David Swarts

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June 24, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Beaubier Returning At “The Ridge”

Cameron Beaubier to make MotoAmerica racing return at “The Ridge” this weekend

Tytlers Cycle Racing is pleased to announce the racing return of Cameron Beaubier.

Beaubier, who missed the most recent round of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship in Brainerd after sustaining a heel injury at Road America, will be back on the grid this weekend as the season hits the halfway mark.

Beaubier, who won the opening round of this year’s series, had been a front runner until his race one crash in Wisconsin.

The team wishes to thank Troy Herfoss and Indian Motorcycles for stepping in last time out. Herfoss will be present at “The Ridge” to compete in the Super Hooligan category and will be on standby if needed.

Cameron Beaubier: “Recovery has been going pretty good on my heel and I am looking forward to giving it a go with the team at ‘The Ridge’ this weekend. The championship is pretty tight up top and so it would be nice to put some points on the board.”

Michael Kiley – Team Principal: “This must be the easiest quote I have ever been asked to give. Cam is going to be back on the bike! Troy will be at ‘The Ridge’ to race Super Hooligan and will be on standby. We are incredibly grateful to Indian Motorcycles and Troy for helping us out. We cannot wait to see Cam back on track this coming weekend.”

The McGinley Clinic Partners With USMCA

David Swarts

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June 24, 2024

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The McGinley Clinic Partners with the US Motorcycle Coaching Association

Wildomar, California — The US Motorcycle Coaching Association is excited to announce its partnership with The McGinley Clinic. “We are passionate about patient education and helping our patients get back to their sports as quickly as possible. We believe this partnership with the USMCA is a great opportunity to educate coaches and riders about the latest technologies and minimally invasive treatments available for sports injuries,” said Dr. Joseph C. McGinley.

Throughout Dr. McGinley’s years as an amateur motocross racer and now a sports medicine interventional physician, he has witnessed firsthand the struggles riders have with Arm Pump. Traditionally, riders who suffer from severe Arm Pump have two options: an aggressive surgery that keeps them off the track for weeks, or as many athletes have sadly found, they must stop riding. With a background in mechanical engineering, Dr. McGinley analyzed the condition and sought to address the root cause. He developed a patented minimally invasive treatment, MVP Treatment or “McGinley Vascular Pressure Treatment”. A recent study of this same syndrome in the legs, looking at hundreds of his patients, showed the treatment was 87% effective in treating exertional compartment syndrome. Instead of weeks of recovery from surgery, Dr. McGinley treats riders with an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime. Other minimally invasive treatments offered at the Clinic include Stem Cells, PRP, Tenex Bone Spur removal, carpal tunnel and trigger finger release, and many other treatments for orthopedic issues.

“We believe this partnership is a great opportunity for us to provide more education and resources to our certified coaches and, in turn, help educate riders and provide them with information they need to make informed decisions,” said USMCA’s Executive Director, Lindsey Scheltema.

About the McGinley Clinic

For more information about The McGinley Clinic and its services, visit www.mcginleyclinic.com. Contact: Xerina Kahler, Marketing, The McGinley Clinic, Phone: 307-315-6403, Email: [email protected].

About the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA)

USMCA is an association where riders and parents can connect to motorcycle coaches they can trust through the network, www.MotorcycleCoaching.org.

All USMCA Certified Coaches are required to adhere to a code of conduct, pass a background check and hold certifications in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness & cardiac arrest training.

For more information on the USMCA or become a USMCA Certified Coach, visit www.USMCA.org.

MotoGP: World Championship Resumes Next Weekend At Assen

David Swarts

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June 24, 2024

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MotoGP: World Championship Resumes Next Weekend At Assen

Back with a bang: buckle up as MotoGP™ returns at Assen

75 years of history, 4.54km of awesome: the world’s most exciting sport arrives at the Cathedral

Monday, 24 June 2024

Have there ever been so many talking points created off track in such a short space of time? Despite three weekends off, MotoGP™ has been making headlines since the Mugello Test, when 6pm local time saw the first bombshell rider announcement of the season drop: Jorge Martin moves from Prima Pramac Racing to Aprilia Racing from 2025. That made it fairly clear who was going to be announced alongside reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia at Ducati Lenovo Team, and sure enough it was confirmed not too long thereafter: Marc Marquez will move from Gresini Racing MotoGP™ to the factory team. We’ll leave the debate about whether that was the concrete plan before 6pm on Monday at Mugello to the rumour mill.

There was then a détente in the rush to win announcement roulette before KTM came out with their big reveal for 2025. The rumour of Enea Bastianini’s move from alongside Bagnaia to Austrian machinery was true. But the rumour of who would be his teammate had not even begun as KTM managed to keep their full line-up under wraps, and it was another bombshell: Maverick Viñales will join a newly orange Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad alongside the ‘Beast’.

Now, we know who will replace him at Aprilia: Marco Bezzecchi, moving from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. The dominoes are falling into their own fascinating jigsaw, but that’s all 2025. This season, there remains a Championship to win. 13 Grands Prix, 13 Tissot Sprints and a maximum of 481 points still await the world’s most exciting sport in 2024 and we get back on track with a back-to-back line-up of two classics, starting with the TT Circuit Assen.

As MotoGP™ celebrates our 75th anniversary, Assen celebrates its 75th Grand Prix as it’s been on the calendar every year since 1949 barring one gap in 2020. But heritage isn’t a throwback at the Cathedral, it lives alongside what’s often one of the most spectacular race weekends of the season, and there’s even more to race for as everyone rolls out.

Bagnaia, winner of the last two and superfan of the venue, wants to rule both for the points and to make one as his 2025 teammate is confirmed. Martin, with only one Moto3™ win at the venue so far, wants to show even more. That the track doesn’t matter, that his speed and consistency are there. Maybe that his decisions for the future are backed by both. Marc Marquez, having somewhat made a point already, is still missing that Grand Prix win in 2024 too. Can he take that at Assen, one of Bagnaia’s most coveted top steps? With the three riders covered by 35 points, these two weekends are tantalising as the form book for Assen doesn’t much resemble that for Germany.

Then there’s Bastianini, only 57 off the top, and that could be less barring his adventures garnering attention from the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards at Le Mans and Barcelona, including his one-man insurrection there that dropped him outside the points. Mugello’s last lap, last corner move on Martin, however, shows what he’s got when the cards fall right. Viñales, meanwhile, is a master of Assen. His CV at the venue is one of the best on the grid and his form in 2024 strong. Can he get back into the podium fight and revive some COTA BatMav?

Teammate Aleix Espargaro has form at Assen too, including a podium last year as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) got done for track limits and the Aprilia was promoted. Espargaro has also pulled off that stunning two-for-one on Binder and now-teammate Jack Miller at the final chicane within recent memory. Binder, track limits aside, had podium pace too, and Miller – now on the market for 2025 – has fair form at Assen including his historic first MotoGP™ win in the rain in 2016.

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), now confirmed in orange next season, will want to get back in the podium battle, and his teammate Augusto Fernandez will hope Assen – where he won his first Grand Prix, in Moto2™, and which is one of his favourite tracks – helps his luck to turn. After a much tougher run of late, Bezzecchi will be looking for a turnaround too. Last year here he won the Sprint to deny Bagnaia the chance at the double, and even if the eventual Champion took the spoils on Sunday, Bezzecchi wasn’t too far behind for an impressive podium.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), meanwhile, is quietly impressing as he keeps the upper hand on a fair few fellow GP23 riders, and he’ll want to continue doing that. Bezzecchi and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) are looking to put a stop to it. Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) is on his own mission, with the speed now there more often than not, but more points-paying finishes on the menu.

At Trackhouse Racing, the rumour mills remain full steam ahead, but Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez have to maximise the weekend regardless. Fernandez’ 2024 is showing flashes of what we’ve been waiting for since his promotion to the premier class, including that impressive Sprint lead a few races ago, but he’ll want more, and Oliveira wants to stamp some authority back on the dynamic.

Those rumour mills still abound at Honda, too. Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) is now in the spotlight there, with the 2020 Champion seemingly a big piece of the remaining puzzle. Still, on track the mission remains simple: move forward. Teammate Luca Marini, already signed up and with no market stress, joins him in that, and likewise Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) on both counts. Meanwhile Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) is quietly impressing in the battle there, and he’s also a former Moto2™ winner at Assen.

At Yamaha, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) will be hoping Assen – where last year his speed was impressive – will help give their mission back to the front a boost, and his own record at the venue is a good one, too. He’s also out the shop window, head down and focused on the mission in hand. Alex Rins, meanwhile, remains on the hunt for more points in a difficult season as Yamaha look to rebuild into frontrunners, but reports from the Iwata marque’s recent test were very positive.

The headlines off track will keep us talking as we head into the weekend, but once the action starts we know Assen will grab the spotlight back for the stunning racing promised at the Cathedral. So don’t miss it, with the Championship poised for more twists, the rumour mill still going strong, and the longest-serving venue on the calendar primed to serve up another classic.

SHOWTIME

Saturday

Tissot Sprint: 15:00 (UTC +2)

Sunday

Grand Prix: 14:00 (UTC +2)

What’s happening at the #DutchGP

On Thursday afternoon, podcast Last On The Brakes welcomes Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Fabio Di Giannantonio at 15:05 (UTC +2).

The first Press Conference at 16:00 then hosts Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™).

The second line-up at 16:35 is Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).

Moto2™: can Roberts close in on Garcia?

Following a lower-key Catalan GP, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) bounced back brilliantly at Mugello to claim a pole position and race win, seeing the American pick up his first 25-point haul since 2022. Roberts’ timely victory sees the #16 claw back valuable points on World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) after the Spaniard missed out on a rostrum finish for the first time since the Spanish GP. Garcia grabbed P4 at the chequered flag, as the Boscoscuro star heads to Assen holding a seven-point advantage in the overall standings. It’s tight at the top.

A third podium of 2024 was pocketed by Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) as the Spaniard pushed Roberts all the way in Italy, and after two no-scores in Le Mans and Barcelona, Gonzalez needed that P2. Having been just 0.067s away from the win, can he now build on his best finish of the season in the Netherlands?

Elsewhere, mixed fortunes came the way of the Speed Up Racing duo. The positive was Alonso Lopez finished P3, but Fermin Aldeguer’s tougher-than-many-expected season continued after he was caught up in an incident involving Jeremy Alcoba (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team). A second DNF in as many races sees the pre-season favourite needing results – and fast.

2023 Dutch TT winner Jake Dixon (CFMoto Aspar Team) likewise wants a lot more as we return to the venue in 2024. The Briton’s Catalan GP podium couldn’t be backed up with another promising result at Mugello, so the #96 will be hunting a repeat of his 2023 heroics this weekend. In that memorable outing, Dixon pipped Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) to the top step, and after a P5 in Italy, the Japanese star will be fancying a rostrum return too.

Can the Cathedral of Speed deliver another classic? And who’s coming out on top? We’ll find out on Sunday!

Moto3™: Veijer takes aim at Alonso

The current Moto3™ state of play can be summed up in two words: David Alonso. The CFMoto Aspar Team rider has racked up three consecutive wins as the Colombian’s early season march has now birthed five victories in seven races, with his lead up to a healthy 37 points as a trip to the Cathedral of Speed awaits.

This weekend though it’s a homecoming for Mugello runner-up Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP). The Dutchman arrives in Assen with three podiums in his last four outings, the other being a P4. Veijer, after Daniel Holgado’s (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) more difficult Italian GP, is now just 11 points off the Spaniard, who currently occupies P2 in the Championship. Does a second win of 2024 beckon on home turf for Veijer? Many thousands of fans will be hoping so, and he’ll do anything to deliver.

At Mugello, that long-awaited debut podium visit was secured by Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI), while teammate Ivan Ortola will be hoping to respond after a crash on the final lap cost the Spaniard a top three finish. The latter is now 15 points adrift of Veijer as we approach the summer break. Can they close the gap near the top? And can anyone defeat Alonso?

MotoGP: Bezzecchi Signs Multi-Year Deal With Aprilia

David Swarts

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June 24, 2024

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MotoGP: Bezzecchi Signs Multi-Year Deal With Aprilia

Simply the Bez. Marco Bezzecchi with Aprilia Racing from 2025

ITALIAN DUO: BEZZECCHI WILL RIDE THE APRILIA RS-GP UNDER A MULTIPLE-YEAR CONTRACT

Marco Bezzecchi has signed a multiple-year contract to race with Aprilia Racing beginning from 2025. This is an important step for the manufacturer from Noale, with a full-time Italian rider once again in the top class, after Lorenzo Savadori’s MotoGP début in 2020.

The return of an Italian rider is a significant step for the Italian Team Aprilia Racing. The 2025 line-up will have Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín Almoguera as teammates, a duo ready to establish Aprilia at the top of the MotoGP standings.

From his 2022 MotoGP début, Marco has shown great talent and fierce determination, qualities which allowed him to achieve 3 wins, 9 podium finishes, and 4 pole positions, not to mention winning over the hearts of Italian fans.

MASSIMO RIVOLA

APRILIA RACING CEO

“Welcome aboard to one of the best Italian talents, who has demonstrated his worth from his début in the lower categories and especially last year in MotoGP, with outstanding performances and even breakaway victories. We can’t wait to embrace Bez in Noale; the Italian bike and Italian rider duo are extremely exciting, but even more so is the rider pair which will be formed with Jorge. We are really happy with our line-up for 2025, Martín and Bezzecchi were our first choices for their age, talent, grit, and determination. With them we can write a new and important chapter in the history of Aprilia Racing”.

Texan Sanchez In The Points In European Talent Cup Debut

June 26, 2024

American Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) in action at Algarve International Circuit in Portugal. Photo courtesy Sanchez Racing.