MotoGP: Preview Of The Motul Grand Prix Of The Netherlands

Michael Gougis

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June 25, 2025

MotoGP: Preview Of The Motul Grand Prix Of The Netherlands

Out with the renaissance, in with the tulips. From the euphoria of Mugello we head for the history of Assen as the Netherlands welcomes us for Round 10. There’s a snapshot of history at every turn, where battles have been a staple in this part of the world for a century and MotoGP has raced since our very first season in 1949. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) leads the charge to Assen – another one of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia’s happy hunting grounds. Will they repeat their showdown from Mugello?

Mugello was an opportunity for Bagnaia to assert himself as a contender against Marquez in the Championship but now, more than 100 points back, he needs some answers on the way to Assen as he tries to get one over his teammate. Marc Marquez’s record at Assen isn’t as sparkling as Bagnaia’s, with two wins from 2014 and 2018 against the #63’s three wins on the last three Sunday’s at ‘The Cathedral of Speed’. In between both in the standings, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was second at Mugello but has never had a top five at Assen – something he corrected on Italian soil a week ago when faced with the same stat. 40 points ahead of his brother, Marc will leave as Championship leader regardless of Dutch results.

The battle behind is intensifying as well, with Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) giving away points over the course of last weekend at Mugello to teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio. It could be more of the same at Assen, with ‘Diggia’ securing a double top five last year whilst two P9s were what Morbidelli brought home.For Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), Assen has special memories with pole, a Sprint win and P2 on Sunday in 2023 and Aprilia are also competitive there, so they’ll hope for a podium charge after a solid Mugello. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) hopes to rekindle some magic after Mugello woes, with Assen being the scene of victory in 2021 and somewhere already earmarked as a venue likely to reward Yamaha. Having looked strong at Mugello but not finishing on Sunday, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) is another rider who enjoys at Assen and has been the benchmark KTM throughout the majority of our European tour.

That said, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) remains 23 points ahead of Quartararo in the standings and despite struggling last year, will be optimistic of improvements in 2025. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) struggled to find the groove at Mugello but Assen was the scene of pole and P2 last year in Moto2™. There’s then the Trackhouse MotoGP Team pairing of Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez, both inside the top ten at Mugello and in good form. Fernandez was seventh last time out whilst Ogura battled to P10 on his comeback ride; don’t sleep on either of them to make waves.

Johann Zarco remains sixth in the standings but a double DNF at Mugello after a tricky Aragon have left the #5 dropping points across the last two rounds – he took his first MotoGP pole back in 2017 at Assen but is yet to take a podium; a top ten return will likely suffice this weekend for the CASTROL Honda LCR rider. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was a solid P9 on Sunday at Mugello and has been a podium contender in previous years at Assen; in need of a strong qualifying, he’ll hope that he’s further up the order again in the Netherlands. Fellow KTM rider Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) didn’t see the chequered flag on Sunday last weekend and seeks redemption this time out, whereas Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) hopes for a top ten return after an under-the-radar weekend at Mugello.

Miguel Oliveira’s (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) best result of the year came last time out; teammate Jack Miller was a retiree but comes to the place of his heroic first MotoGP win in 2016. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) will race at Assen with Yamaha for the first time having missed last season’s Dutch GP and Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) continues chasing his first points in the class. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) is still out injured and replaced by Aleix Espargaro on this occasion – who has some good Assen form – and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia Racing) is in the saddle for Jorge Martin.

No venue has hosted MotoGP more times than Assen, whatever layout that may well have been. A whole country embracing the most exciting sport on Earth, past, present and future. A legacy venue which has welcomed just about every star this sport has ever seen, the last weekend in June can only mean one thing… we’re ready for another stunning show at the TT Circuit Assen.

Moto2: can anyone halt Gonzalez’ charge?

A three-place grid penalty down to P8 was no problem for Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) at Mugello as the World Championship leader stormed to a relatively commanding fourth win of the season. Now, heading to Assen, Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) is nine points down on his compatriot, so can the latter respond?

Who knows how pivotal Canet’s hard-fought P3 will prove to be come the end of the season. And what a scrap it was by the way. The Spaniard and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) treated us to a wonderful fight, and it’s those pair who act as Gonzalez’s closest challengers in the title race. Moreira is 40 points away, so the Brazilian could do with chipping away at Gonzalez’s lead as soon as possible.

Can Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) build on his brilliant P2 finish from Mugello this weekend? And will there be a turnaround in fortunes for 2023 Dutch GP winner Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team)? The two-time 2025 victor hasn’t finished inside the top 10 since the French GP, and the other two riders inside the top six in the championship, those being Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) and Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), also failed to notch up top 10s at Mugello.

A red-hot Gonzalez, a ready-to-fight Canet, an in-form Moreira and a bucket full of hungry riders desperate for a podium return. Oh, and two home heroes for the fantastic Dutch fans to cheer on in the form of Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP). Let’s see what unfolds in Assen, shall we?

Moto3: will the rookies stake their claim on more history?

It was coming, wasn’t it? And it had to be at Mugello. Mirroring mentor Marc Marquez, Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) clinched his debut Grand Prix win on Italian soil in a rookie 1-2 finish. The Spaniard beat compatriot Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by just 0.006s in a classic Moto3 battle, so what does Assen have in store for us?

That debut win, coupled with back-to-back P2s at Silverstone and Aragon, has seen Quiles catapult himself up to P5 in the overall standings. Carpe is on the up too following his double podium success in Aragon and Mugello, he’s just one point behind second place Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI). The latter, with a P7, lost a few more points to pacesetter Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and is without a podium since Jerez. Will that change this weekend?

Rueda will be hoping he can continue building on his healthy 56-point advantage on a circuit on which he finished P4 last year. David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) was a podium finisher in the Netherlands last season, so expect the Aragon GP winner to be strong again, as fourth place Joel Kelso (LEVEL-UP MTA) aims to end his three-race podium drought. And how good did that podium feel for the experienced Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team)? That was his first top three since the 2022 Thai GP, so is that now the catalyst for the Italian’s form to turn in 2025?

We’ve had three winners in the last three races in Moto3, and as we know, there’s a whole host of riders who will want to make that four in four on Sunday at ‘The Cathedral of Speed’.

RW Original Interview with Toprak Razgatlıoğlu

Sam Fleming

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June 25, 2025

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RW Original Interview with Toprak Razgatlıoğlu

Roadracing World’s Wild Card Editor Sam Fleming met up with World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and talked about the mental and physical preparation to win World Superbike races.

It was an serendipitous encounter so the audio quality is a little noisy due to the loud room.

Joyce Takes AHRMA Vintage Cup Wins In New Jersey

Michael Gougis

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June 25, 2025

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Joyce Takes AHRMA Vintage Cup Wins In New Jersey

The 2025 Vintage Cup Series continued June 21 and 22 at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ, as part of the 2025 AHRMA National Roadracing Series presented by Motobilia.

Sponsored by Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2025 Vintage Cup features the 500 Premier class which includes 500cc four-stroke machines built up to and including 1968. Featured bikes from this era would include the 500cc Manx Norton, Matchless or Seeley G50, BSA Goldstar or 500cc BSA Twin “works” replica, Benelli “works” four, Harley KR, Honda Drixton Twin, and more.

On Saturday, Tim Joyce, piloting John Turner’s 1968 Seeley G50, led from the start, taking the hole shot with Kevin Dinsmoor, on Turner’s 1962 BMW R-50, Brian Larrabure riding a 1962 NYC Norton Manx, and Mark Heckles racing his father’s original 1959 Norton Manx close behind. Two-thirds through the race, Heckles experienced a mechanical and was forced to pull off. Dinsmoor stayed within a few bike lengths of Joyce, but wasn’t able to reel him in. Joyce maintained the lead, taking the checkered flag for the win, followed by Dinsmoor and Larrabure.

Sunday’s race had Joyce again taking the hole shot with Larrabure getting a great launch, having switched to his 1968 NYC Norton Seeley G50, then Dinsmoor, followed by Dave Roper, bumping up his 350cc 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT. Dinsmoor was able to overtake Larrabure in turn 2, catching up to Joyce at turn 6 passing him going through turns 7-8 then setting the race pace. Dinsmoor held the lead with Joyce hot on his rear wheel until the beginning of last lap when Joyce passed him. Joyce put his head down and maintained the lead for the remainder of the last lap taking the checkered flag, Dinsmoor coming in second, Larrabure third and Roper fourth.

“As a famous fast racer once said, New Jersey was poised to be ‘Hot and Hazy, Fast and Crazy!’, and that it was! Tim Joyce, riding John Turner’s excellently prepared Seeley G50, put the bike on the top of the box both days for the AHRMA 500 Premier Vintage Cup. But not without Kevin Dinsmoor giving his beautiful Turner 500 BMW the berries the whole time. Special shout out to John Turner for fielding two very nice bikes this weekend with Tim and Kevin making him proud. I had the luxury of calling the Vintage Cup races from the air conditioned tower both days and must give a special mention to all the weekend’s track workers, volunteers, and riders who put in a great showing in the heat and humidity,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton.

Kenny continued, “Another story that must be mentioned is fast guy Mark Heckles taking his father Keith Heckles’s original 19″-wheeled 1959 Manx Norton (ex Phil Read) out of the barn and getting it out onto the track after decades of quiet. These old bikes are cranky; a different beast than what Mark is used to pushing through the corners. But he’s a fantastic racer who honoured his dad with his outright enthusiasm throughout the weekend. Well done. This is the kind of fabric AHRMA is woven from.”

“We get a few weeks off, then set our sights for Blackhawk Farms just outside of Chicago on August 1-3rd. This event is always a big draw with a great cross section of our American classic racing demographic. See you there!”

On any weekend AHRMA works to have the safest race weekends possible. We have great news to share from the weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park. “As AHRMA has had some generous donations toward the Airfence program through fundraising efforts for the Roadracing World Action Fund we are gaining access to more availability through the network. Our mission continues. At NJMP we collected $1000 in donations from riders and families during the Awards Ceremony from auctioning a new Hit-Air Safety vest,” Shared Bob Robbins, AHRMA Safety Committee Chair.

Rounds 13 and 14 of the AHRMA National Road Race Series Presented by Motobilia will be August 2-3 at Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit IL.

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.

2025 AHRMA Roadracing Series Presented by Motobilia, 500 Premier – Vintage Cup Results:

Saturday, June 21, 2025

1. Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley G50, Springfield, VT

2. Kevin Dinsmoor, 1962 BMW Turner R-50, Colchester, CT

3. Brian Larrabure, 1962 Norton Manx, Calabasas, CA

4. Mark Heckles, 1959 Norton Manx, Bedford, NY

Sunday, June 22, 2025

1. Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley G50, Springfield, VT

2. Kevin Dinsmoor, 1962 BMW Turner R-50, Colchester, CT

3. Brian Larrabure, 1968 Seeley G50, Calabasas, CA

4. Dave 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.

American MacClugage Making ESBK Debut In Spain

Michael Gougis

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June 25, 2025

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American MacClugage Making ESBK Debut In Spain

American rider Mac MacClugage will make his European racing debut as a Wild Card entry with the prestigious Aspar KSB Technical Academy in the Moto4 category of the Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) at MotorLand Aragón, June 28-29, 2025.

Mac MacClugage. Photo courtesy Chris MacClugage.

This special appearance marks an exciting milestone in Mac’s young career, as he takes to the grid with one of the most respected youth development programs in international motorcycle racing. The Aspar KSB Technical Academy operates in partnership with the renowned Aspar Team, a powerhouse organization that has developed numerous world champions and currently competes in Moto3 and Moto2.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mac for this Wild Card opportunity,” said Kike Bañuls, founder and director of KSBSport. “It’s a valuable chance for him to experience the intensity and professionalism of European competition while working with some of the best coaches and technicians in the sport.”

During the Aragón round, Mac will receive:

– Trackside coaching and technical support from the Aspar KSB Technical Academy

– Mentorship from Kike Bañuls, a leader in rider development across Europe

– Exposure to world-class equipment and data systems, identical to those used in JuniorGP and EuropeanTalent Cup

– An introduction to the Aspar universe, which has elevated riders to the highest levels of MotoGP, Mac’s entry at MotorLand Aragón is a critical first step in evaluating future international opportunities and offers a glimpse into the elite-level expectations of European road racing.

Americans Podium, Take Top-10 Finishes In International Races

Michael Gougis

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June 24, 2025

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Americans Podium, Take Top-10 Finishes In International Races

It was a successful weekend for six Americans, including one current MotoAmerica rider and five former MotoAmerica stars as they strutted their stuff overseas, with all six road racers notching results inside the top ten in their respective race series and classes.

Current Parts Unlimited Talent Cup By Motul competitor Julián Correa was aboard his Mortimer Racing Honda NSF250R at Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk, England, as he raced in round three of the British Talent Cup. He was joined on the grid by former Mission Mini Cup By Motul rider Joshua Raymond Jr., who races for Fibretec Honda by Mlav Racing. Correa qualified seventh for the two races, and Raymond Jr. lined up in eighth.

Both Americans worked hard in Race 1, and Correa crossed the finish line in fifth, while Raymond Jr. shadowed him in sixth. In parc fermé after the race, it was determined that two of the riders who had finished ahead of Correa and Raymond Jr. had bikes with illegal modifications, so both riders were disqualified. That development moved Correa up to third in the final results. JuJu missed out on the podium festivities, but he gained valuable and much-deserved championship points. Raymond Jr. ended up fourth and was just off the podium.

In Sunday’s weekend-concluding Race 2, Correa finished sixth after another hard-fought battle in the lead group. Unfortunately, he got outdrafted on the final run to the checkered flag and barely missed out on another podium result. Raymond Jr. once again followed Correa across the finish line in seventh. The solid points haul for both riders at Snetterton moved Correa up to eighth and Raymond Jr. up to ninth in the season points standings.

Nathan Gouker (19). Photo courtesy Nathan Gouker.

In the Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) Talent Cup, former Mission Mini Cup rider Nathan Gouker, who races for the Frando Racing VHC Team, qualified fifth for the weekend’s two races at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

“In Race 1, I got a really good start and was with the front group until the second lap,” Gouker said. “I made a mistake and ended up losing the group. I put some good lap times down pushing my own air but, in the end, it was a lonely ride to P5. It was my first top-five in ESBK Talent Cup out of 38 riders!

“Starting from P5 in Race 2, I knew this was my best chance to run with the front group. I got a great start and put myself in P4. I dropped to P6 and was right with the lead group for six laps. Unfortunately, I lost the front under braking in Turn 7, and that was the end of my race. My Frando Racing VHC Team and I have worked hard to arrive here at the front. It’s a shame I couldn’t give them a good result, but that’s racing and how we learn, pushing our limits.”

Mahdi Salem (91). Photo courtesy Mahdi Salem.

A second American, Mahdi Salem, is also competing in the ESBK Talent Cup. The former Mission Mini Cup By Motul rider was making a comeback from a leg injury he suffered about six weeks ago.

“It was one of the toughest weekends I’ve faced,” Salem said. “FP1 on Thursday ended early when the shifter fell off on my first lap out. FP2 was cut short by a fast crash at Turn 13, which left me with a thumb injury that affected the rest of my weekend. Friday’s FP3 was the first full session I completed, just trying to find rhythm again. In FP4, I only managed a few laps before another bike issue took me out of the session. During Saturday’s qualifying, I struggled with track limits and got held up toward the end of the session. I couldn’t put together a clean lap and started P27.

“I had a strong start in Race 1 and was right behind the middle pack, but I couldn’t hold the pace and finished P17 out of 38 riders on the grid. In Race 2 on Sunday, I was running with the second group until the bike went into neutral mid-corner a few times, which made me lose the pack. With two laps to go, I was P15, but I had another crash at Turn 10 and couldn’t finish the race. It was not the weekend I hoped for, but I’m proud to be back riding. Huge thanks to my Escola Tecnica Gerona (ETG) Racing team for their hard work and to everyone who has supported me through this comeback. We’ll keep fighting.”

A third former MotoAmerica rider was in action at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over the weekend, and he was featured in the ESBK Moto4 class. 2024 Mission Mini Cup By Motul GP 160 National Champion Jase Dill qualified fifth and finished fifth in each of his two races. Dill rides for Frando Racing VHC Team Liqui Moly.

Kristian Daniel Jr., who is America’s representative in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, competed in Races 7 and 8 as the series reached the halfway point of the season at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello in Scarperia e San Piero, Florence, Tuscany, Italy.

The Californian, who now lives in Spain, qualified on the front row for the weekend’s two races, which is his best starting position thus far in Red Bull Rookies Cup competition. He finished inside the top ten with ninth-place results in both races. Daniel Jr. is currently ranked 10th in the season points standings.

Finally, in the Moto2 World Championship, also in action at Mugello Circuit, Joe Roberts was the fastest rider during the weekend’s first qualifying session. The OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex rider, who just celebrated his 28th birthday last Monday, lined up in 18th position on the starting grid for Sunday’s race and advanced all the way up to ninth place by the time he crossed the finish line.

MotoGP: Riders Review The Brembo Grand Prix Of Italy

Michael Gougis

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June 24, 2025

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MotoGP: Riders Review The Brembo Grand Prix Of Italy

Mugello often delivers some magic and in 2025, it didn’t fail to deliver more. Some all-time great opening laps saw the three heavyweights at the top of the title race go bar to bar in an epic start to the Brembo Italian GP. Having to work hard for a 93rd win across all classes but securing it nonetheless and taking Ducati to victory at home, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) fended off Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), whilst a late burst from Fabio Di Giannantonio saw him pick Pecco’s pocket for P3 on the penultimate lap.

As the lights went out, it was a drag race between Marc Marquez and Bagnaia down towards San Donato for the first time, initially going to the #93 before his teammate stormed back through at Turn 2 and led the opening lap of his home Grand Prix. Lap 2 and it was absolutely head-to-head – the battle we all hoped for coming into 2025 burst into life. Marc Marquez hit the front again at Turn 1 and held position ahead of his teammate, who even had a look at Turn 6 but thought better of it. On Lap 3 it was Bagnaia’s turn to retaliate at Turn 1 but the #93 got under his teammate, only for the #63 bash his way back into the lead for Turn 2. Marc Marquez barrelled back through two apexes later but Pecco wasn’t done yet, aiming to turn it tight at Turn 5. But there, he kissed the rear end of the #93 Ducati ahead, allowing Alex Marquez through and dropping to P3.

Lap 4 was just as explosive as Bagnaia got himself back into second round Turn 1 before pouncing on Marc Marquez immediately at Turn 2 in a carbon-copy of his earlier move. He made that stick, and held the lead until Marc Marquez tried again at Turn 1 but headed in deep. Bagnaia slipped back through and held the #93 off for the rest of the lap until it almost all came undone for the #63 at the final corner – forced into an incredible front-end save.

He stayed in it but dropped back to second, and that allowed Alex Marquez to clamber onto the back of the two factory machines. Three-abreast into San Donato, Alex Marquez briefly led but Bagnaia took it back again, before the #73 attacked round Turn 3 to take the lead. From there, he got the hammer seriously down – putting some daylight behind the Gresini nearly immediately.

Into Lap 7, the #93 pounced again, this time back into P2 as Bagnaia was now forced to take third for the time being. Two laps later, Marc Marquez then struck for the lead as he chipped his brother’s advantage back down and pounced.

Behind, there was big drama in the battle for fourth, and potentially what could have been the battle for the podium. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) was taken out by Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) as the Italian made contact on the way through, spelling the end of Viñales’ Italian GP and leaving a bitter taste after a strong Sprint. Morbidelli was handed a Long Lap Penalty, which he then also served incorrectly and therefore, issued another. This promoted his teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio into P4, which would go on to have consequences.

More bad luck struck down field, this time for Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), who retired with a clutch problem. Meanwhile, Morbidelli’s Grand Prix, after two Long Laps, was now a battle with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), with the Spaniard having his strongest weekend of the season. Further up the road and fellow Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) had worked his way into the top five amidst the incidents ahead of him, whilst the battle between top KTM was now between Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and teammate Pedro Acosta, something that went Acosta’s way with five laps to go at Turn 1. Just behind the all-orange battle, Ai Ogura’s Grand Prix was also noteworthy, moving from 21st on the grid into the top ten with four laps remaining as he returns from injury. Dropping out of the top ten in a tricky end to the GP, it wasn’t the Sunday Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had dreamt of.

Back in the podium scrap and with brothers Marc and Alex now a settled P1 and P2 respectively, it was a stellar ride from Di Giannantonio to decide the final step on the podium. With a late turn of searing pace, the #49 managed to hunt down a struggling Bagnaia and then got ahead of him at Turn 6. He wasn’t giving up on P2 either, hunting down the #73 and coming up only just short. As Marc Marquez crossed the line to take an incredible 93rd win across all classes, Alex Marquez took second by a matter of metres as Diggia’s charge was forced to stop at P3.

Bagnaia takes fourth after that stunning first few laps some him come up short in the final few, a difficult result for the much-decorated home hero. Fellow home hero Bezzecchi takes fifth for Aprilia Racing on their home turf too, ahead of Morbidelli in P6 after his adventures.

It was a joint-best of 2025 for Fernandez in seventh, and after Viñales’ DNF, Acosta won the battle for top KTM honours ahead of teammate Binder, with Ogura rounding out the top ten. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) secured 11th, whilst Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) fought back to 12th after a hair-raising moment at Turn 1 on the third lap that had sent him to the back. Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was the top Yamaha in 13th whilst dropping from P4 to P14, it was a struggle for Quartararo, one place ahead of his teammate Alex Rins.

MotoGP: Euro Commission OKs Liberty Media Buying Series

John Ulrich

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June 23, 2025

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MotoGP: Euro Commission OKs Liberty Media Buying Series

European Commission approves Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP™

The approval was the final pending condition to the deal, confirming a new chapter for the most exciting sport on Earth

Liberty Media Corporation has received unconditional approval today from the European Commission to complete its acquisition of MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports. The deal is now expected to close no later than July 3, 2025, opening the door to a new era for the sport.

MotoGP is already evolving to unlock the full potential of the most exciting sport on Earth, enjoying record crowds, new venues, and growing audiences. Liberty Media will now leverage its expertise to further increase MotoGP’s fanbase and grow the sport globally and commercially.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna since 1998, will continue to run MotoGP along with his management team.

“Today’s approval from the European Commission marks the final condition to closing Liberty’s acquisition of MotoGP. We are thrilled to officially commence Liberty’s partnership with Carmelo and his excellent management team,” said Derek Chang, Liberty Media President and CEO. “MotoGP is a highly attractive premium sports asset with incredible racing, a passionate fanbase and a strong cash flow profile. We believe the sport and brand have significant growth potential, which we will look to realize through deepening the connection with the core fan base and expanding to a wider global audience.”

“We are very happy that the European Commission has approved the transaction. This is an important milestone confirming the even brighter future that lies ahead for MotoGP,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “MotoGP is one of the most thrilling sports on Earth, and we look forward to accelerating the sport’s growth and expanding its reach to even more fans around the world. Liberty is the best possible partner for our sport and the entire MotoGP community, and we are excited to create even greater value for our fans, commercial partners and everyone competing.”

Liberty Media will acquire 84% of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports with MotoGP management retaining 16% of the business.

Liberty Media Corporation operates and owns interests in media, sports and entertainment businesses, including its subsidiaries Formula 1 and Quint, its interest in Live Nation, and other minority investments.

Team representatives pose with Carmelo Ezpeleta (center) and MotoGP racebikes in a promotional photo. MotoGP News photo.

More, from a virtually identical press release issued by World Superbike:

European Commission approves Liberty Media’s acquisition of Dorna

The approval was the final pending condition to the deal, confirming a new chapter for WorldSBK and MotoGP™

Liberty Media Corporation has received unconditional approval from the European Commission to complete its acquisition of MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports S.L. The deal is now expected to close on or before July 3, 2025, opening the door to a new era for the sport.

Liberty Media will now leverage its expertise to further increase its fanbase and grow the sport globally and commercially. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna since 1998, will continue to run the company, which holds the rights to MotoGP, WorldSBK, WorldWCR and more.

“Today’s approval from the European Commission marks the final condition to closing Liberty’s acquisition of MotoGP. We are thrilled to officially commence Liberty’s partnership with Carmelo and his excellent management team,” said Derek Chang, Liberty Media President and CEO. “MotoGP is a highly attractive premium sports asset with incredible racing, a passionate fanbase and a strong cash flow profile. We believe the sport and brand have significant growth potential, which we will look to realize through deepening the connection with the core fan base and expanding to a wider global audience.”

“We are very happy that the European Commission has approved the transaction. This is an important milestone confirming the even brighter future that lies ahead,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “MotoGP is one of the most thrilling sports on Earth, and we look forward to accelerating the sport’s growth and expanding its reach to even more fans around the world. Liberty is the best possible partner for our sport and the entire community, and we are excited to create even greater value for our fans, commercial partners and everyone competing.”

Liberty Media will acquire 84% of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports with MotoGP management retaining 16% of the business.

World Superbike is included in the deal (now approved by the European Commission) for Liberty Media to buy Dorna Sports.

BSB: Ray Sweeps All Three Races At Snetterton

John Ulrich

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June 22, 2025

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BSB: Ray Sweeps All Three Races At Snetterton

Ray takes the treble to win the Quattro Group Race of Aces trophy

Bradley Ray celebrated an impressive hat trick of Bennetts British Superbike Championship race wins at Snetterton for Raceways Yamaha, as Kyle Ryde, Tommy Bridewell, Rory Skinner and Leon Haslam all celebrated podium success at round three.

Ray carried his winning momentum into Sunday’s race day by taking a strong race two victory but behind him the battle for second went all the way to the chequered flag.

Ray lead at the start, but Ryde instantly went for a move down the inside into Wilson for the first time but the defending champion had to scrub off speed and ran wide, to rejoin behind his Yamaha rival.

Ray maintained his impressive pace to take the victory, but the battle for second was intensifying. Skinner on the Cheshire Mouldings Ducati was pushing to make amends after his retirement from yesterday’s race and was holding second with a small advantage, but Ryde and Bridewell were closing rapidly.

Bradley Ray (28) leads Rory Skinner (11), Kyle Ryde (1) and the rest in a British Superbike Race on Sunday at Snetterton. BSB photo.

Ryde and Bridewell had reignited their 2024 title rivalry and were trading positions, with the OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha rider leading the Honda Racing UK contender as they reeled in Skinner ahead of them.

At the trio crossed the line to start the penultimate lap they were inseparable and Skinner ran slightly wide at Wilson, which gave Ryde the opportunity he needed to move ahead. The Cheshire Mouldings Ducati rider fought straight back though a corner later at Palmer to regain the position.

Ray would win the race, but the fight for second went down to the wire as Ryde went for a move on Skinner at Murrays and then it was the drag to the finish line. Skinner was narrowly able to regain the place on the exit of the corner to take second, but behind Bridewell beat Ryde to third by just 0.008s.

In race three Ray delivered the third victory of the weekend, as Ryde returned to the podium after missing out earlier in the day. Haslam though was back in the fight and celebrated third place after a titanic race-long battle.

At the start of the race, Ray led the pack ahead of Skinner and Ryde, with the reigning champion making a move a lap later on the Cheshire Mouldings Ducati rider at Wilson.
Ray and Ryde were able to break the pack, but behind again there was a titanic battle for the final podium position.

At the start of the third lap, Skinner was holding third place ahead of Haslam and Danny Kent with Tommy Bridewell also in close contention. The Honda Racing UK rider went for a move on the inside into Murrays and lost momentum on the exit.

Bridewell was soon into fifth and then a lap later made his move on Haslam, before then pushing ahead of Skinner to hold third place. However, the ‘Pocket Rocket’ was also on the move and he pulled an impressive pass into Riches at the start of lap nine to pass both Bridewell and Skinner in one move.

Bridewell instantly retaliated to regain the position, but as the trio reached Brundle, the Moto Rapido Ducati Racing rider was into third place again ahead of Bridewell and Skinner.

Skinner was then on the attack and went for a pass into Riches to ease Bridewell back a position, but again the Honda Racing UK rider fought back into Murrays to move back into fourth place.

Bridewell was then looking to get back ahead of Haslam, which he repeated at Murrays, but Haslam was stronger into Riches and again he reclaimed the position.

By lap 14, Haslam had made another of his moves down the inside into Riches, before Bridewell again dived down the inside at Wilson after a mistake from the 2018 champion. However, Bridewell also made a small mistake a few corners later to allow Haslam back ahead.

Ray had crossed the finish line ahead of Ryde, but Haslam claimed his first top three finish of the weekend by holding off Bridewell by 0.074s with Skinner completing the top five.

0725 BSB Race 2 Snetterton results Session-4353
0725 BSB Race 3 Snetterton results Session-4353

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:

1. Bradley Ray (Raceways Yamaha) 140
2. Kyle Ryde (OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing Yamaha) 110
3. Leon Haslam (Moto Rapido Ducati Racing) 102
4. Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) 74
5. Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings Ducati) 74
6. Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) 73
7. Josh Brookes (DAO Racing Honda) 70
8. Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) 57
9. Christian Iddon (AJN Steelstock Kawasaki) 50
10. Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) 43

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

RACEWAYS YAMAHA’S RACE WINNER BRADLEY RAY SAYS:

“It’s been an incredible weekend, and heading into Snetterton, I didn’t expect to have been as strong as we were.Kyle kept me really honest in that last race, I was able to pull at the start, but the time was coming down. I tried to manage the lap times and was able to respond when I needed to.

“I think we almost identically matched lap times–I made a few small mistakes at the end with a few laps to go because I was so excited to do the triple but overall a very positive weekend and I’m looking forward to Knockhill.”

British Talent Cup: Americans Finish Sixth & Seventh (Updated)

John Ulrich

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June 22, 2025

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British Talent Cup: Americans Finish Sixth & Seventh (Updated)

American Julián Correa finished 6th in British Talent Cup Race 2 on Sunday at Snetterton after a hard-fought drafting battle for third that saw the third through seventh-place riders crossing the line within 4/10s of a second. American Joshua Raymond Jr. finished 7th, 0.058-second behind Correa.

0725 BSB Talent Cup Race 2 Snetterton 252504rc2btc

More, from British Superbike:

Filip Surowiak beat Ethan Sparks by just 0.009secs after a hard-fought battle in the second race at Snetterton.

Sparks took the lead at the start with Surowiak tucked in right behind him and what followed was a busy 12 laps of battling between the pair, which went all the way to the flag.

Third went the way of Ryan Frost, some 11 seconds adrift as Mason Foster was fourth and Harrison Mackay enjoyed an incredible fightback from the eighth row to cross the line fifth.

R&G British Talent Cup, Race Two result:

1. Filip Surowiak (City Lifting Team)
2. Ethan Sparks (Kovara Projects/RS Racing) +0.009s
3. Ryan Frost (Fibertec Honda by Mlav Racing) +11.522s
4. Mason Foster (Mortimer Racing) +11.522s
5. Harrison Mackay (Kovara Projects/RS Racing) +11.601s

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Julián Correa is pulling double duty this summer as he competes in two Talent Cup Championships on two different continents and aboard two different brands of motorcycles. *Photo courtesy of Michael Correa.*

It was a successful weekend for six Americans, including one current MotoAmerica rider and five former MotoAmerica stars as they strutted their stuff overseas, with all six road racers notching results inside the top ten in their respective race series and classes.

Current Parts Unlimited Talent Cup By Motul competitor Julián Correa was aboard his Mortimer Racing Honda NSF250R at Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk, England, as he raced in round three of the British Talent Cup. He was joined on the grid by former Mission Mini Cup By Motul rider Joshua Raymond Jr., who races for Fibretec Honda by Mlav Racing. Correa qualified seventh for the two races, and Raymond Jr. lined up in eighth.

Both Americans worked hard in Race 1, and Correa crossed the finish line in fifth, while Raymond Jr. shadowed him in sixth. In parc fermé after the race, it was determined that two of the riders who had finished ahead of Correa and Raymond Jr. had bikes with illegal modifications, so both riders were disqualified. That development moved Correa up to third in the final results. JuJu missed out on the podium festivities, but he gained valuable and much-deserved championship points. Raymond Jr. ended up fourth and was just off the podium.

In Sunday’s weekend-concluding Race 2, Correa finished sixth after another hard-fought battle in the lead group. Unfortunately, he got outdrafted on the final run to the checkered flag and barely missed out on another podium result. Raymond Jr. once again followed Correa across the finish line in seventh. The solid points haul for both riders at Snetterton moved Correa up to eighth and Raymond Jr. up to ninth in the season points standings.

Like Julián Correa, Nathan Gouker is also racing in Talent Cup this summer, but he’s focused on ESBK, which is the Spanish Superbike Championship. *Photo courtesy of Nathan Gouker.*

In the Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) Talent Cup, former Mission Mini Cup rider Nathan Gouker, who races for the Frando Racing VHC Team, qualified fifth for the weekend’s two races at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

“In Race 1, I got a really good start and was with the front group until the second lap,” Gouker said. “I made a mistake and ended up losing the group. I put some good lap times down pushing my own air but, in the end, it was a lonely ride to P5. It was my first top-five in ESBK Talent Cup out of 38 riders!

“Starting from P5 in Race 2, I knew this was my best chance to run with the front group. I got a great start and put myself in P4. I dropped to P6 and was right with the lead group for six laps. Unfortunately, I lost the front under braking in Turn 7, and that was the end of my race. My Frando Racing VHC Team and I have worked hard to arrive here at the front. It’s a shame I couldn’t give them a good result, but that’s racing and how we learn, pushing our limits.”

A second American, Mahdi Salem, is also competing in the ESBK Talent Cup. The former Mission Mini Cup By Motul rider was making a comeback from a leg injury he suffered about six weeks ago.

Mahdi Salem made a comeback this past weekend after suffering a leg injury six weeks ago. His results in Spain weren’t anywhere near what he had hoped for, but he was happy and proud to finally be racing again. *Photo courtesy of Mahdi Salem.*

“It was one of the toughest weekends I’ve faced,” Salem said. “FP1 on Thursday ended early when the shifter fell off on my first lap out. FP2 was cut short by a fast crash at Turn 13, which left me with a thumb injury that affected the rest of my weekend. Friday’s FP3 was the first full session I completed, just trying to find rhythm again. In FP4, I only managed a few laps before another bike issue took me out of the session. During Saturday’s qualifying, I struggled with track limits and got held up toward the end of the session. I couldn’t put together a clean lap and started P27.

“I had a strong start in Race 1 and was right behind the middle pack, but I couldn’t hold the pace and finished P17 out of 38 riders on the grid. In Race 2 on Sunday, I was running with the second group until the bike went into neutral mid-corner a few times, which made me lose the pack. With two laps to go, I was P15, but I had another crash at Turn 10 and couldn’t finish the race. It was not the weekend I hoped for, but I’m proud to be back riding. Huge thanks to my Escola Tecnica Gerona (ETG) Racing team for their hard work and to everyone who has supported me through this comeback. We’ll keep fighting.”

A third former MotoAmerica rider was in action at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over the weekend, and he was featured in the ESBK Moto4 class. 2024 Mission Mini Cup By Motul GP 160 National Champion Jase Dill qualified fifth and finished fifth in each of his two races. Dill rides for Frando Racing VHC Team Liqui Moly.

Kristian Daniel Jr., who is America’s representative in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, competed in Races 7 and 8 as the series reached the halfway point of the season at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello in Scarperia e San Piero, Florence, Tuscany, Italy.

The Californian, who now lives in Spain, qualified on the front row for the weekend’s two races, which is his best starting position thus far in Red Bull Rookies Cup competition. He finished inside the top ten with ninth-place results in both races. Daniel Jr. is currently ranked 10th in the season points standings.

Finally, in the Moto2 World Championship, also in action at Mugello Circuit, Joe Roberts was the fastest rider during the weekend’s first qualifying session. The OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex rider, who just celebrated his 28th birthday last Monday, lined up in 18th position on the starting grid for Sunday’s race and advanced all the way up to ninth place by the time he crossed the finish line.

Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Kayla Yaakov

Mathilde Gasnier

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June 22, 2025

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Kayla Yaakov

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 29th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 14 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships; ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2025 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America, based on the 2024 season. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

Kayla Yaakov:

Age: 17.

Current home: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Current height/weight: 5’4”/130 pounds.

Current school grade level: Finished high school.

Began riding at age: 4 years.

First road race: 2017, Munford, Alabama, WERA, 3 different classes, 1st place in all.

Current racebike: Ducati Panigale V2.

Current tuner/mechanic: Michael Godin.

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport.

Top sponsors: Rahal Ducati Moto, Ducati Indianapolis, Ducati Cleveland, XPEL, Termignoni, Elf, R&G, Fredericktown Cycles, Sage Tailoring, Alpinestars, HJC Helmets, Dunlop, Jennings GP, Cad Realty, Cad Cycles, Mission Foods, Beau Phillips.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2024 season, finished seventh in MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (two podium finishes), finished 11th in Daytona 200 debut; 2023 season, finished third in MotoAmerica Supersport Race One at New Jersey Motorsports Park becoming the first female to finish on the podium in a MotoAmerica Supersport race, placed seventh in MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (competed in eight of 14 races, two podium finishes), won three Yamaha bLU cRU R7 Cup races in Spain; 2022 season, became first female to win a MotoAmerica race, placed third in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (four wins, 11 total podiums), finished fourth and second in two Yamaha bLU cRU R3 SuperFinale races at Algarve International Circuit in Portugal; 2021 season, finished eighth in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (started the season at round four, one podium, five top-six finishes in 12 races); 2020 season, finished third in MotoAmerica Mini Cup 190 Championship (two podium finishes in three races), won Lightweight Twins Superbike Expert AMA Grand Championship, won three WERA Sportsman National Championships, won seven WERA Sportsman Regional Championships (won 31 WERA races); 2019 season, won Lightweight Twins Superbike Expert AMA Grand Championship, won three WERA Sportsman Series Regional Championships (won 38 WERA races); 2018 season, named AMA Novice Road Racer of the Year, won two AMA Road Race Grand National Championships, won five WERA Sportsman National Championships, won four WERA Sportsman Regional Championships, won ASRA Moto3 (Combined) National race, 41 WERA race wins; 2017 season, named AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year, won three WERA Sportsman National Championships, won five WERA Sportsman Regional Championships, 37 WERA race wins.

2025 racing goal: Keep improving through the season, keep learning, do some races in Europe, if possible.

Racing career goal: Compete in World Superbike.

Racing hero: Nicky Hayden.

Favorite tracks: Jennings GP, Barber, Portimao, Mugello.

Favorite hobby: Playing guitar and bass.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: A musician.

…..

Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;

Former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

Three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

FIM JuniorGP World Championship point scorer and MotoAmerica podium finisher Torin Collins;

Former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

Four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne(R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

Two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley- Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

Two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner- up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

Eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, and 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, and four-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 and 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

Two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner Rocco Landers;

Two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and powersports dealership owner Bryce Kornbau (nee Prince);

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

Two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;

2021 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Tyler Scott;

Former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

Three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship regular Max Toth;

Multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, former World Superbike competitor, and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Jayson Uribe;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and current Supersport regular Max Van;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

Former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner; MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and 2024 MotoAmerica Super Hooligan Champion Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Cup Champion Ashton Yates;

Two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

MotoGP: Preview Of The Motul Grand Prix Of The Netherlands

June 25, 2025

Bagnaia COTA DSC_0010 — Francesco Bagnaia (63) won the Motul Grand Prix of The Netherlands in 2024. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Out with the renaissance, in with the tulips. From the euphoria of Mugello we head for the history of Assen as the Netherlands welcomes us for Round 10. There’s a snapshot of history at every turn, where battles have been a staple in this part of the world for a century and MotoGP has raced since our very first season in 1949. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) leads the charge to Assen – another one of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia’s happy hunting grounds. Will they repeat their showdown from Mugello?

Mugello was an opportunity for Bagnaia to assert himself as a contender against Marquez in the Championship but now, more than 100 points back, he needs some answers on the way to Assen as he tries to get one over his teammate. Marc Marquez’s record at Assen isn’t as sparkling as Bagnaia’s, with two wins from 2014 and 2018 against the #63’s three wins on the last three Sunday’s at ‘The Cathedral of Speed’. In between both in the standings, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was second at Mugello but has never had a top five at Assen – something he corrected on Italian soil a week ago when faced with the same stat. 40 points ahead of his brother, Marc will leave as Championship leader regardless of Dutch results.

The battle behind is intensifying as well, with Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) giving away points over the course of last weekend at Mugello to teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio. It could be more of the same at Assen, with ‘Diggia’ securing a double top five last year whilst two P9s were what Morbidelli brought home.For Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), Assen has special memories with pole, a Sprint win and P2 on Sunday in 2023 and Aprilia are also competitive there, so they’ll hope for a podium charge after a solid Mugello. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) hopes to rekindle some magic after Mugello woes, with Assen being the scene of victory in 2021 and somewhere already earmarked as a venue likely to reward Yamaha. Having looked strong at Mugello but not finishing on Sunday, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) is another rider who enjoys at Assen and has been the benchmark KTM throughout the majority of our European tour.

That said, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) remains 23 points ahead of Quartararo in the standings and despite struggling last year, will be optimistic of improvements in 2025. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) struggled to find the groove at Mugello but Assen was the scene of pole and P2 last year in Moto2™. There’s then the Trackhouse MotoGP Team pairing of Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez, both inside the top ten at Mugello and in good form. Fernandez was seventh last time out whilst Ogura battled to P10 on his comeback ride; don’t sleep on either of them to make waves.

Johann Zarco remains sixth in the standings but a double DNF at Mugello after a tricky Aragon have left the #5 dropping points across the last two rounds – he took his first MotoGP pole back in 2017 at Assen but is yet to take a podium; a top ten return will likely suffice this weekend for the CASTROL Honda LCR rider. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was a solid P9 on Sunday at Mugello and has been a podium contender in previous years at Assen; in need of a strong qualifying, he’ll hope that he’s further up the order again in the Netherlands. Fellow KTM rider Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) didn’t see the chequered flag on Sunday last weekend and seeks redemption this time out, whereas Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) hopes for a top ten return after an under-the-radar weekend at Mugello.

Miguel Oliveira’s (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) best result of the year came last time out; teammate Jack Miller was a retiree but comes to the place of his heroic first MotoGP win in 2016. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) will race at Assen with Yamaha for the first time having missed last season’s Dutch GP and Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) continues chasing his first points in the class. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) is still out injured and replaced by Aleix Espargaro on this occasion – who has some good Assen form – and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia Racing) is in the saddle for Jorge Martin.

No venue has hosted MotoGP more times than Assen, whatever layout that may well have been. A whole country embracing the most exciting sport on Earth, past, present and future. A legacy venue which has welcomed just about every star this sport has ever seen, the last weekend in June can only mean one thing… we’re ready for another stunning show at the TT Circuit Assen.

Moto2: can anyone halt Gonzalez’ charge?

A three-place grid penalty down to P8 was no problem for Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) at Mugello as the World Championship leader stormed to a relatively commanding fourth win of the season. Now, heading to Assen, Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) is nine points down on his compatriot, so can the latter respond?

Who knows how pivotal Canet’s hard-fought P3 will prove to be come the end of the season. And what a scrap it was by the way. The Spaniard and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) treated us to a wonderful fight, and it’s those pair who act as Gonzalez’s closest challengers in the title race. Moreira is 40 points away, so the Brazilian could do with chipping away at Gonzalez’s lead as soon as possible.

Can Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) build on his brilliant P2 finish from Mugello this weekend? And will there be a turnaround in fortunes for 2023 Dutch GP winner Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team)? The two-time 2025 victor hasn’t finished inside the top 10 since the French GP, and the other two riders inside the top six in the championship, those being Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) and Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), also failed to notch up top 10s at Mugello.

A red-hot Gonzalez, a ready-to-fight Canet, an in-form Moreira and a bucket full of hungry riders desperate for a podium return. Oh, and two home heroes for the fantastic Dutch fans to cheer on in the form of Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP). Let’s see what unfolds in Assen, shall we?

Moto3: will the rookies stake their claim on more history?

It was coming, wasn’t it? And it had to be at Mugello. Mirroring mentor Marc Marquez, Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) clinched his debut Grand Prix win on Italian soil in a rookie 1-2 finish. The Spaniard beat compatriot Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by just 0.006s in a classic Moto3 battle, so what does Assen have in store for us?

That debut win, coupled with back-to-back P2s at Silverstone and Aragon, has seen Quiles catapult himself up to P5 in the overall standings. Carpe is on the up too following his double podium success in Aragon and Mugello, he’s just one point behind second place Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI). The latter, with a P7, lost a few more points to pacesetter Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and is without a podium since Jerez. Will that change this weekend?

Rueda will be hoping he can continue building on his healthy 56-point advantage on a circuit on which he finished P4 last year. David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) was a podium finisher in the Netherlands last season, so expect the Aragon GP winner to be strong again, as fourth place Joel Kelso (LEVEL-UP MTA) aims to end his three-race podium drought. And how good did that podium feel for the experienced Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team)? That was his first top three since the 2022 Thai GP, so is that now the catalyst for the Italian’s form to turn in 2025?

We’ve had three winners in the last three races in Moto3, and as we know, there’s a whole host of riders who will want to make that four in four on Sunday at ‘The Cathedral of Speed’.

RW Original Interview with Toprak Razgatlıoğlu

June 25, 2025

Roadracing World’s Wild Card Editor Sam Fleming met up with World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and talked about the mental and physical preparation to win World Superbike races.

It was an serendipitous encounter so the audio quality is a little noisy due to the loud room.

Joyce Takes AHRMA Vintage Cup Wins In New Jersey

June 25, 2025

AHRMA NJMP — Tim Joyce (309), Kevin Dinsmoore (304) and Brian Larrabure (14) in AHRMA Vintage Cup competition at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Photo by Craig Chawla.