Alonso Lopez topped Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. On board his Pirelli-shod Folladore SpeedUp Boscoscuro, the Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:35.556, which was not only good enough to lead the field of 28 riders but it was also good enough to eclipse the All-Time Lap Record of 1:35.791 set by Sam Lowes in 2023.
Lopez’s teammate Fermin Aldeguer was second-best with a 1:35.711, which was also under the old lap record.
American Joe Roberts, the current Moto2 World Championship point leader, was third in the session with a 1:35.940 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
David Alonso was fastest in Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Gaviota Aspar Team CFMOTO on Pirelli control tires, the young Colombian lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) racetrack in 1:40.792, which led the 26-rider field and smashed Jaume Masia’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:41.399 from 2020.
Pirelli and Jason Waters Set New Motorcycle Track Record at Roebling Road Raceway
Waters Sets New Lap Record of 1:09.897 Aboard BMW S 1000 RR, Equipped with Pirelli DIABLO Superbike Slick Tires
ATLANTA — Pirelli congratulates Jason Waters on setting the new absolute motorcycle track record at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, Georgia, during the WERA motorcycle road racing regional round on Saturday, May 4. Waters’ new lap record of 1:09.897 was set aboard a BMW S 1000 RR equipped with Pirelli DIABLO Superbike slick tires.
“It was an exceptional day at Roebling Road Raceway,” said Waters. “Breaking the lap record was beyond my expectations. Pirelli’s dedication to delivering top-tier performance from their DIABLO Superbike slicks was evident throughout the race, and I’m grateful for their support.”
Waters set the new lap record during the A Superstock class race and relied on the performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike 125/70 R17 SC1 front and DIABLO Superbike 200/65 R17 SC0 rear tires.
“Jason’s accomplishment represents a new standard of excellence,” said Oscar Solis, Senior Racing Manager, Pirelli. “Setting track records requires precision and skill, particularly at a circuit like Roebling Road Raceway. We commend Jason on his achievement and are proud to have played a part in his success. This underscores Pirelli’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance in motorcycle racing.”
This record-breaking performance is a testament to Pirelli’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in motorcycle racing. As we look ahead, Pirelli remains dedicated to supporting riders like Waters as they continue to raise the bar in motorcycle road racing across the globe.
DIABLO™ is a registered trademark of Pirelli Tyre S.p.A
GLENN IRWIN EQUALS SUPERBIKE VICTORY RECORD AT OPENING NIGHT OF ACTION AT BRIGGS EQUIPMENT 2024 NORTH WEST 200
Thursday night at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 saw record breaking performances and fantastic racing as Glenn Irwin, Richard Cooper and Davey Todd took the honours in the Briggs Equipment Superbike, Fraser Homes Supersport and Amici Ristorante Superstock races respectively.
After a day of qualifying in sunshine the sky clouded over for the opening Superbike encounter which produced a stunning start to finish battle between Glen Irwin on the PBM Hager Ducati and Davey Todd’s Milwaukee BMW. The pair were separated by just a few inches throughout the four laps despite Irwin setting a new outright lap record at 125.799mph on the second lap.
Trailing Todd on to the coast road on the final lap, Irwin snatched the lead at Juniper chicane to claim victory by 2.545 seconds and equal the record of nine NW200 Superbike race wins held by Michael Rutter and the late Joey Dunlop.
“That is the hardest I have ever had to ride to win around here,” Irwin told Todd as they embraced in the winner’s enclosure. “It was a fun race but it wasn’t that much fun when I was riding behind Davey. He is riding so good but he was on the limit on some of the scary parts of the track. To win we had to go to his level. Where he’s strong he’s really strong and I had to work hard to win that.”
Glenn Irwin celebrates with his Hager PBM Ducati team. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.
Todd was philosophical about losing such a close battle.
“I made a bit of a silly judgement at the end but the bike is an absolute weapon.” he admitted. “I thought I had it worked out as I felt I knew where Glenn was strong and I could have got him at Juniper on the last lap but I made the wrong decision, going to the outside instead of the inside. I’ve just got to try a little harder next time.”
Irwin was delighted to equal the North West 200 Superbike record with nine consecutive victories in the class.
“It’s an amazing achievement to win nine races in a row and although some people ride harder than me here, I can find a way to win.” he said. “And no one else [has] the mindset I have.”
Local favourite, Michael Dunlop claimed the final rostrum spot on what would be an evening of three third place finishes for the Ballymoney man.
“The bike arrived so late and I’ve a few issues from the Cookstown crash, so to finish third isn’t bad,” Michael Dunlop said as he trailed in 14.241 seconds behind Todd on his MD Racing Honda. “I lost the tow at the beginning and that was that. I needed to go with them straightaway as I knew Glenn and Davey would be running a hot pace. Dean and Pete were making a few moves on me but there were no surprises and when it’s two riders you know well and are used to battling with, you know what you’re working with.”
Richard Cooper had vowed to win four races at this year’s NW200 before the racing began and the Nottingham rider started as he intends to go on with victory in the Fraser Homes Supersport race on the BPE Russell Racing Yamaha ahead of Peter Hickman (Trooper Beer Triumph) and Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Triumph). But the race was marked by a crash at York corner on the opening lap when Adam McLean ran out of brakes and crashed, taking out Davey Todd.
Richard Cooper. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.
Avoiding the melee, Cooper led Dunlop by 1.2 seconds at the end of lap one with Hickman a further 0.5 sec behind. Cooper’s lead extended to 1.9 seconds on lap two with Hickman still less than a second back on the Ballymoney rider. Cooper continued to open the gap on his pursuers over the final two circuits, taking the chequered flag by 6.537 seconds, but it was Hickman who claimed the runner-up spot after passing Dunlop at Metropole on the final lap.
“I made a bit of a poor start which worked in my favour as it allowed me to watch the drama unfold in front of me at York Corner,” Cooper said as he savoured the victor’s champagne. “Davey looked like he was going to nail the apex but he got wiped out by Adam who came in hot. I nipped through and you take these things when they come your way. I had no pit boards so had no idea how big the lead was but there’s more in the tank if needed.”
Hickman, who arrived at Portrush battered and bruised after three big crashes at last weekend’s Oulton Park BSB meeting, was delighted to pip Dunlop for the runner-up slot.
“It always takes me a while to get going on the Supersport bike, but once I did, I was able to close in on Michael,” he said. “I didn’t want to show my hand too early and passing him at Metropole on the final lap was always the plan. He was really strong out of the Magherabuoy chicane though so it made it that little bit harder but I managed to get it done.”
“I knew Pete was there as I could hear him, so I knew he’d have a bit of a lunge,” a disappointed Dunlop admitted. “He kept it tight at the chicane and braked late so it wasn’t rocket science to realise there was no room for me. We’ve had a few challenges with the bike, but it was pretty equal with Pete’s.”
A determined Davey Todd brushed off his aches and pains to take his place in pole position for the start of the Amici Ristorante Superstock race. Gritting his teeth he led the four lapper from start to finish, winning from Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison with Michael Dunlop once again completing the rostrum.
Davey Todd. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to ride after the Supersport crash,” Todd explained. “I’m a little bit sore but I didn’t come here to sit on the sidelines so I said to the team ‘I’ll go out and give it a go and see how I feel’. The team have done an awesome job and I’m so happy where I am right now. It’s nice to get a big bike win at last and it means a lot especially after the crash. A lot was going through my mind sitting by the track, wondering if I was going to be able to ride again this weekend. We managed to do that but I’ll be sore tomorrow!”
“I was sitting half a second behind Davey and felt quite comfortable so was ready to have a go on the last lap, but the bike got quite unsettled on the way into Mather’s Cross so I had to run straight on,” Yorkshireman Harrison explained as he trailed in second, 6.971 seconds behind Todd. “I wasn’t sure if anyone was close behind as I had no pit boards, so I re-joined as quick as I could and got going again. The bike was working really well and to get that close to Davey, who’s riding the Superstock bike regularly, is very pleasing. I wanted to get a podium for the team and everyone’s working so hard.”
Dunlop finished 1.9 seconds further back on his MD Racing Honda.
“With three thirds it’s been a steady day,” the Ballymoney man said. “The injury I’m carrying isn’t a practical one, but I’m not here to cry about it and it’s not an excuse, but it’s stopping me getting the most from either myself or the bike. We kept chipping away though and we’ve constantly made strides forward and the main thing today was staying out of trouble. The last thing I wanted was to get caught up in something I didn’t want to!”
Race fans will have another opportunity to meet their North West 200 road racing heroes on Friday at the Causeway Coast and Glens Council’s Meet the Riders event in Coleraine town centre at 2pm.
The race action will resume on Saturday morning after roads close at 9am followed by a six-race programme that begins at 10 am with the Milltown Service Station Supertwins race over four laps followed by the Anchor Bar Superbike race (6 laps), Tides Restaurant Supersport race (6 laps), CP Hire Superstock race (6 laps), John M Paterson Supertwins Race (4 laps) and the Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race (6 laps).
After a rip-roaring Spanish GP, it’s time for another and this time at classic Le Mans. First, the podcast welcomed Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team rider and 2023 French GP winner Marco Bezzecchi to the show to talk a little about his roots and life as the inimitable Bez.
The first press conference for the riders then got in gear, with Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) joined by now-closest challenger Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and fellow Jerez protagonist Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™).
Then, rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was joined by the home heroes for press conference two as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) gear up for the French GP.
Here are some photos and quotes from the opening day… although as the title suggests, the party very much already started!
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
JORGE MARTIN
How are you feeling heading into Le Mans?
“I feel good, I would have liked to share the podium in Jerez with Marc and Pecco but I couldn’t. I was confident at that point in the race but then I crashed and it is what it is. The most important thing is that we have the speed and that at every track we are fast, so I really confident that we will do the same here. Every track is different but I always feel fast, so I am relaxed and happy.”
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
PECCO BAGNAIA
How confident are you to fight at the front in France?
“One of my strongest points as a rider is that I don’t care if I am losing time the day before or if I crash because I know if everything goes well I can fight back and fight for a win. Last year every weekend I was more or less like this on the Friday where we struggled, but then we were able to fight for the top positions in the race. Le Mans is always a good weekend for me, I love the track and love looking at the grandstands and every corner with loads of fans. The only bad thing is the last two times at Le Mans I’ve been unable to finish the race, one being my fault and the other from contact but the potential was always high and we can fight at the front.”
Marc Marquez. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MARC MARQUEZ
Why was the Jerez podium so special?
“It was special to see how far we had come from a very difficult moment, as it was a long time since we got a podium in dry conditions and to fight with the winner of the race and be able to have the pace. It was something which felt really good because it had been a really long time since I felt fast in the race on Sunday. It is the first step, we will have some problems in the future at some circuits but it was a pleasure to fight with two guys who were at a high level last year and were title contenders.”
Has Davide Tardozzi bought you new leathers as he promised?
“No, of course haha. We know Davide well and how hot it was in the race. All the times that I was fighting with Andrea Dovizioso, we had a good relationship and he knew that if I was there I would try. This time I was also a part of the Ducati brand but as I said on Sunday it was a pleasure to fight with the World Champion until the last lap.”
Pedro Acosta. Photo courtesy Dorna.
PEDRO ACOSTA
How are you looking forward to riding a MotoGP™ bike in Le Mans at Tech3’s home race?
“It has always been a track that I’ve enjoyed but the last three years that I have raced here I have been fast but then I crashed so let’s hope I can finish the race for the first time in three years. It is my second home GP in a row so I am super happy to see the fans and to share it with the whole team!”
Fabio Quartararo. Photo courtesy Dorna.
FABIO QUARTARARO
How much of an extra boost does racing in front of your home crowd give you, and what are your expectations?
“It is always special to be here and unique, it is one of the only tracks where the party starts on Wednesday – you can hear the fans revving their bikes! We will try some things from the test, it is not a massive difference but we will have some items from the test but it is difficult to give our expectations.”
What new items will you try?
“We will have a new chassis, and we were meant to have a swingarm that we planned to use but we will not try it here as we will test it at Mugello after the Grand Prix.”
Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy Dorna.
JOHANN ZARCO
How are you enjoying the challenge, and what is a realistic goal for you this weekend?
“It is a nice experience to live and because I knew the challenge was going to be tough. In the moment you can get frustrated but later you understand that the work is done and you tried your best. I did not expect to have so much support from the crowd yesterday and this morning and I am hoping that will give me a little boost this weekend. A realistic goal is to get a few points, around 10th position which would be a good result and I would be glad to take that here. It would give a new push for my team and Honda, we don’t have anything to try at the moment because we had a test in Jerez where we could see if things were working or not so we have kept it simple to use the best of what we have at the moment.”
French fans along the front straightaway Thursday at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.
French GP fans go all-in on Thursday
It has to been seen and heard to be believed. The seeing, at least, we can help with thanks to a few stunning postcards from the pitlane walk and special Canal+ live event held on the main straight on Thursday evening. The hearing can be enjoyed on the event broadcast or across social media, including MotoGP™’s instagram story!
Broc Glover Named Grand Marshal of 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha
Six-time AMA Motocross National champion to headline AMA’s centennial celebration
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — This year’s Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha will double as the AMA’s centennial celebration, running July 26-28 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, and who better to ring in the festivities than the “Golden Boy” of the golden years of professional motocross?
As Yamaha will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the fabled YZ250 at VMD, six-time AMA motocross national champion, Yamaha legend, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Broc Glover will serve as the event’s Grand Marshal, engraining himself in a three-day long celebration of all things vintage motorcycling.
“I am really looking forward to this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio,” Glover said. “Sadly, I’ve never been to VMD, but it’s been on my bucket list for years. I hear it’s quite an event, but this year seems like it will be even more spectacular, with the AMA’s 100th and Yamaha’s 50th for the YZ being celebrated. It is a tremendous honor to be named Grand Marshal for such a special event. I look forward to taking in the sights and sounds that vintage motorcycling offers, and spending time with some of the most loyal enthusiasts in the world.”
A native of San Diego, Glover’s motorcycling journey began when he was only nine years old, and experienced a major upshift when he began racing at age 13. Although financial hardship hindered his early racing efforts, Glover was clearly a standout competitor, and made the jump to the pro ranks when he was just 16.
After his promising rookie campaign, Glover signed a professional contract with Yamaha in 1977 and remained with the brand for the rest of his illustrious racing career. In his first three seasons with the marque, Glover raced to a trio of AMA 125cc Motocross National Championships and became the first racer to win three consecutive titles in the class. During that run, Glover also notched a win at the 125cc U.S. Grand Prix at the old Mid-Ohio Moto Park venue in Lexington, Ohio…just a few miles from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, where VMD takes place each year.
Glover moved to the 500cc class in 1981 and didn’t skip a beat, winning three more titles in 1981, 1983 and 1985. Glover retired in 1989 and finished his career with a stunning 50 AMA National Motocross wins.
“Broc Glover is a champion in every sense of the word, both on and off the racetrack,” AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm said, “but especially so in terms of his long affiliation with Yamaha, which will celebrate its legendary YZ250 model at VMD. And so we are super excited to welcome him as Grand Marshal for this year’s VMD celebration. With Yamaha as presenting sponsor, and the YZ250’s 50th and the AMA’s 100th both being celebrated, this year’s VMD is definitely going to be one for the ages.”
At VMD, Glover will be on hand to sign autographs, speak to enthusiasts at the AMA Soundstage, participate in the Lap for History on the track at Mid-Ohio each day, and much more. Yamaha will also be on-site with historic bikes and demo rides, while Glover will be joined by several other racing champions that rode for the historic marque.
Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha is fast approaching and is primed to be yet another very special event. With North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, AMA Hall of Fame exhibits, vendor displays and racing in several disciplines, there’s something for everyone at VMD.
To purchase tickets and stay up to date on the latest VMD information, visit https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/. Make sure to sign up for the VMD Newsletter and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Legendary AMA National Rider, Frank Camillieri named Grand Marshal of the 2024 FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships
Canaan, New Hampshire – The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the U.S., announced legendary racer and AMA nationally-ranked rider Frank Camillieri as Grand Marshal of the 22nd annual FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships, June 9-10, 2024 at Canaan Motor Club in Canaan, New Hampshire.
More information on the event, which kicks off the 101th Annual Laconia Motorcycle
Week, can be found at www.race-uscra.com.
“I’m honored to be chosen for Grand Marshal. I wasn’t one of the big stars when I raced with the AMA but I managed a 5th at Daytona and 4th at Talladega. I also won races as an amateur the year I was promoted to expert before I retired. 25 years later Bob Coy got me back into racing with the USCRA, and I’ve been having a great time with the club ever since. Great bunch of people having way too much fun. Hoping it lasts a few more years before I check out.”
Frank Camillieri didn’t start riding a motorcycle until his 20’s, but he was a fast learner,
literally. Beginning his racing career in 1965, he quickly moved up the grid, winning multiple class champions with AAMRR (Association of American Motorcycle Road Racers) before graduating to the ranks of the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association).
By the late 60’s, Frank was sponsored by Boston Cycle and became a nationally-ranked AMA rider. His on-track accomplishments include consistent top ten finishes at tracks throughout the United States, battling (and often besting) the likes of Phil Read, Bill Ivy, Yvon DuHamel and Mike Hailwood. He finished 5th in the 1967 FIM Grand Prix at Mosport in the 250cc class aboard his Boston Cycles Yamaha TD1C 250.
Frank retired from racing in the early 1970’s to start his machining business and raise a
family. He returned to racing some 25 years later, racing with the USCRA, and picked up where he left off, becoming a perennial race winner and class champion.
Throughout his racing career, Frank has been a constructor and fabricator, building custom Yetman frames and motors for all the machines he and his son Matt ride.
At 85, Frank is still active in the club and still building bikes – but just the fast ones!
About the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) www.race-uscra.com
The USCRA is the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the United States and includes over 400 active members. The club promotes four general types of events: Road racing on both proprietary built road race circuits and real roads courses (Gunstock® and the Streets of Laconia®), as well as Observed Trials, Motogiro USA® and Pewter Run® touring events held on open public roads.
About the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) www.fim-live.com
The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing
body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an
independent association formed by 113 National Federations throughout the world. The
International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes it as the sole competent authority in
motorcycle sport. Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP,
Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and
Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the
first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.
Motovid.com’s Performance Riding Experience format fuels Ducati REVS Midwest at Road America
(DELAVAN WI) For track riding enthusiasts of all levels Motovid.com brings its Performance Riding Experience format to Road America with the Ducati REVS Midwest round Wednesday, May 29 prior to the MotoAmerica race weekend on the big track.
Riders of all levels on bikes of all brands are welcome to participate and experience the exhilaration of triple digit speeds on the same world class facilities used by professional road racers in a controlled setting.
Special guests Team Rahal Ducati Moto racers #15 P.J. Jacobsen, #23 Corey Alexander and #19 Kayla Yaakov join Motovid.com’s crew of seasoned instructors and trained coaches to help riders get the most of their track riding experience on the legendary circuit safely.
Motovid.com’s Performance Riding Experience program implemented for the Ducati REVS Midwest event combines the proven All Levels Track Day and Performance Riding Clinic formats developed over 20 years to deliver even more quality track time for its advanced and intermediate riders while providing more dedicated coaching and lessons to its novice and new to intermediate riders with special guest instructors.
Participation is very limited; only 30 riders per group are available providing a 4:1 rider to coach ratio for more attention to rider feedback, evaluation and safety oversight.
To compliment the day all riders receive lunch and commemorative Ducati REVS Midwest t-shirt as a souvenir for the performance riding experience.
For more information and to sign up with participating Ducati dealers go to DucatiREVSMidwest.com
Glenn Irwin claimed pole position during Superbike final qualifying Thursday at the Briggs Equipment North West 200, in Northern Ireland. Riding his Hager PBM Ducati Panigale V4 R Superbike, Irwin covered the 8.970-mile circuit of closed-off public roads in 4:16.433 for an average speed of 125.928 mph, which is a new outright lap record for the course.
Davey Todd was the best of the rest with a time of 4:18.663 and an average speed of 125.928 mph, but Todd’s Milwaukee BMW was fastest through the speed trap with a top speed of 209.8 mph.
Michael Dunlop qualified third with a 4:20.933 and 123.756 mph average speed on his MasterMac Honda CBR1000R-RR Fireblade SP by Hawk Racing.
Richard Cooper earned pole position in Supersport qualifying with a lap at 4:33.627 and an average speed of 118.015 mph on his BPE by Russell Racing Yamaha YZF-R6. Todd qualified second at 4:34.304 (117.723 mph) on his Powertoolmate Ducati Panigale V2, and Cooper’s teammate Mike Browne was third-fastest at 4:37.104 (116.534 mph).
Todd grabbed pole position in Superstock qualifying with a time of 4:19.324 and an average speed of 124.524 mph on his Milwaukee BMW. Peter Hickman was second-best at 4:19.578 and 124.402 mph on his PHR Performance BMW, and Dean Harrison was third in the field of 48 riders with the 4:21.525 (123.476 mph average speed) he did on his Honda Racing UK CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
Peter Hickman captured pole position in Supertwin qualifying with a lap time of 4:51.323 and average lap speed of 110.846 mph on his Swan Racing Yamaha YZF-R7. Cooper was second-quickest with a 4:52.971 (110.222 mph) on his Jack Reid Cars Kawasaki 650, and 60-year-old Jeremy McWilliams bounced back from a crash on Wednesday to qualify third with a 4:55.822 (109.160 mph) on his Bayview Hotel/JMW Paton on Thursday.
Jeremy McWilliams (99). Photo by Pacemaker Press International, courtesy NW200 Press Office.
The first round of racing will commence Thursday evening followed by a day off on Friday and the final round of racing on Saturday.
Every Sprint and every Grand Prix race will be shown live across the U.S. in 2024
Thursday, 07 March 2024
MotoGP™ has a new broadcast home in the U.S. through an expanded media rights agreement with TNT Sports. Beginning with this weekend’s Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, fans across the U.S. will be able to watch every Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race live in 2024 across TNT Sports’ networks and platforms.
truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will show every race of this record-breaking MotoGP™ season live, including top quality pre-race coverage. Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will also stream every session for every Grand Prix class across all three days of track activity, including the MotoGP™ qualifying shootout and the Grand Prix races for Moto2™ and Moto3™.
This partnership between MotoGP™ and TNT Sports represents a new era for live MotoGP™ coverage in the U.S., bringing TNT Sports’ world-class production and coverage to a U.S. audience that is passionate for high-octane motorsports.
MotoGP™ joins Max’s B/R Sports Add-On, which offers exceptional value with a full slate of premium live sports content included, such as the MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer, 24 Hours of Le Mans and a variety of non-live sports programming to appeal to every fan.
Fans can start tuning in to the record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season on truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On this weekend as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar marks the return of the world’s most exciting sport from the 8th to the 10th of March.
About TNT Sports
TNT Sports is a global leader in the delivery of premium sports content. The TNT Sports U.S. portfolio includes expansive, multi-platform partnerships with the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, National Hockey League, United States Soccer Federation, NASCAR (coming in 2025) and a premier golf franchise in The Match. Owned and operated platforms are highlighted by Bleacher Report, the #1 digital destination for young sports fans, along with House of Highlights, HighlightHER, Golf Digest, and a full suite of digital and social portfolio brands. Additionally, TNT Sports co-manages NBA Digital — comprised of NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE Pass, the NBA App and NBAGLEAGUE.com — as well as NCAA.com and NCAA March Madness Live. TNT Sports in Europe and the Republic of Ireland includes partnerships with the NBA, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UFC, WWE and more, as well as much-loved brands Eurosport, Global Cycling Network (GCN), Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) and multi-sport programming and content on discovery+ and Discovery’s free-to-air TV networks.
About MotoGP™
MotoGP™ is the world’ most exciting sport. The pinnacle of motorcycle racing, 22 of the fastest riders compete on purpose-built motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, reaching top speeds above 360 kilometers per hour (223 miles per hour) and lean angles of over 60 degrees. Since 1949, the sport has grown to comprise more than 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world.
Alonso Lopez topped Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. On board his Pirelli-shod Folladore SpeedUp Boscoscuro, the Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:35.556, which was not only good enough to lead the field of 28 riders but it was also good enough to eclipse the All-Time Lap Record of 1:35.791 set by Sam Lowes in 2023.
Lopez’s teammate Fermin Aldeguer was second-best with a 1:35.711, which was also under the old lap record.
American Joe Roberts, the current Moto2 World Championship point leader, was third in the session with a 1:35.940 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
David Alonso was fastest in Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Gaviota Aspar Team CFMOTO on Pirelli control tires, the young Colombian lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) racetrack in 1:40.792, which led the 26-rider field and smashed Jaume Masia’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:41.399 from 2020.
Jason Waters (92) set a new lap record of 1:09.897 at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by Motorsport Photo LLC, courtesy Pirelli.
Pirelli and Jason Waters Set New Motorcycle Track Record at Roebling Road Raceway
Waters Sets New Lap Record of 1:09.897 Aboard BMW S 1000 RR, Equipped with Pirelli DIABLO Superbike Slick Tires
ATLANTA — Pirelli congratulates Jason Waters on setting the new absolute motorcycle track record at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, Georgia, during the WERA motorcycle road racing regional round on Saturday, May 4. Waters’ new lap record of 1:09.897 was set aboard a BMW S 1000 RR equipped with Pirelli DIABLO Superbike slick tires.
“It was an exceptional day at Roebling Road Raceway,” said Waters. “Breaking the lap record was beyond my expectations. Pirelli’s dedication to delivering top-tier performance from their DIABLO Superbike slicks was evident throughout the race, and I’m grateful for their support.”
Waters set the new lap record during the A Superstock class race and relied on the performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike 125/70 R17 SC1 front and DIABLO Superbike 200/65 R17 SC0 rear tires.
“Jason’s accomplishment represents a new standard of excellence,” said Oscar Solis, Senior Racing Manager, Pirelli. “Setting track records requires precision and skill, particularly at a circuit like Roebling Road Raceway. We commend Jason on his achievement and are proud to have played a part in his success. This underscores Pirelli’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance in motorcycle racing.”
This record-breaking performance is a testament to Pirelli’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in motorcycle racing. As we look ahead, Pirelli remains dedicated to supporting riders like Waters as they continue to raise the bar in motorcycle road racing across the globe.
DIABLO™ is a registered trademark of Pirelli Tyre S.p.A
Glenn Irwin (1) defeated Davey Todd (74) to win Thursday's Superbike race at the North West 200. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.
GLENN IRWIN EQUALS SUPERBIKE VICTORY RECORD AT OPENING NIGHT OF ACTION AT BRIGGS EQUIPMENT 2024 NORTH WEST 200
Thursday night at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 saw record breaking performances and fantastic racing as Glenn Irwin, Richard Cooper and Davey Todd took the honours in the Briggs Equipment Superbike, Fraser Homes Supersport and Amici Ristorante Superstock races respectively.
After a day of qualifying in sunshine the sky clouded over for the opening Superbike encounter which produced a stunning start to finish battle between Glen Irwin on the PBM Hager Ducati and Davey Todd’s Milwaukee BMW. The pair were separated by just a few inches throughout the four laps despite Irwin setting a new outright lap record at 125.799mph on the second lap.
Trailing Todd on to the coast road on the final lap, Irwin snatched the lead at Juniper chicane to claim victory by 2.545 seconds and equal the record of nine NW200 Superbike race wins held by Michael Rutter and the late Joey Dunlop.
“That is the hardest I have ever had to ride to win around here,” Irwin told Todd as they embraced in the winner’s enclosure. “It was a fun race but it wasn’t that much fun when I was riding behind Davey. He is riding so good but he was on the limit on some of the scary parts of the track. To win we had to go to his level. Where he’s strong he’s really strong and I had to work hard to win that.”
Glenn Irwin celebrates with his Hager PBM Ducati team. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.
Todd was philosophical about losing such a close battle.
“I made a bit of a silly judgement at the end but the bike is an absolute weapon.” he admitted. “I thought I had it worked out as I felt I knew where Glenn was strong and I could have got him at Juniper on the last lap but I made the wrong decision, going to the outside instead of the inside. I’ve just got to try a little harder next time.”
Irwin was delighted to equal the North West 200 Superbike record with nine consecutive victories in the class.
“It’s an amazing achievement to win nine races in a row and although some people ride harder than me here, I can find a way to win.” he said. “And no one else [has] the mindset I have.”
Local favourite, Michael Dunlop claimed the final rostrum spot on what would be an evening of three third place finishes for the Ballymoney man.
“The bike arrived so late and I’ve a few issues from the Cookstown crash, so to finish third isn’t bad,” Michael Dunlop said as he trailed in 14.241 seconds behind Todd on his MD Racing Honda. “I lost the tow at the beginning and that was that. I needed to go with them straightaway as I knew Glenn and Davey would be running a hot pace. Dean and Pete were making a few moves on me but there were no surprises and when it’s two riders you know well and are used to battling with, you know what you’re working with.”
Richard Cooper had vowed to win four races at this year’s NW200 before the racing began and the Nottingham rider started as he intends to go on with victory in the Fraser Homes Supersport race on the BPE Russell Racing Yamaha ahead of Peter Hickman (Trooper Beer Triumph) and Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Triumph). But the race was marked by a crash at York corner on the opening lap when Adam McLean ran out of brakes and crashed, taking out Davey Todd.
Richard Cooper. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.
Avoiding the melee, Cooper led Dunlop by 1.2 seconds at the end of lap one with Hickman a further 0.5 sec behind. Cooper’s lead extended to 1.9 seconds on lap two with Hickman still less than a second back on the Ballymoney rider. Cooper continued to open the gap on his pursuers over the final two circuits, taking the chequered flag by 6.537 seconds, but it was Hickman who claimed the runner-up spot after passing Dunlop at Metropole on the final lap.
“I made a bit of a poor start which worked in my favour as it allowed me to watch the drama unfold in front of me at York Corner,” Cooper said as he savoured the victor’s champagne. “Davey looked like he was going to nail the apex but he got wiped out by Adam who came in hot. I nipped through and you take these things when they come your way. I had no pit boards so had no idea how big the lead was but there’s more in the tank if needed.”
Hickman, who arrived at Portrush battered and bruised after three big crashes at last weekend’s Oulton Park BSB meeting, was delighted to pip Dunlop for the runner-up slot.
“It always takes me a while to get going on the Supersport bike, but once I did, I was able to close in on Michael,” he said. “I didn’t want to show my hand too early and passing him at Metropole on the final lap was always the plan. He was really strong out of the Magherabuoy chicane though so it made it that little bit harder but I managed to get it done.”
“I knew Pete was there as I could hear him, so I knew he’d have a bit of a lunge,” a disappointed Dunlop admitted. “He kept it tight at the chicane and braked late so it wasn’t rocket science to realise there was no room for me. We’ve had a few challenges with the bike, but it was pretty equal with Pete’s.”
A determined Davey Todd brushed off his aches and pains to take his place in pole position for the start of the Amici Ristorante Superstock race. Gritting his teeth he led the four lapper from start to finish, winning from Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison with Michael Dunlop once again completing the rostrum.
Davey Todd. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to ride after the Supersport crash,” Todd explained. “I’m a little bit sore but I didn’t come here to sit on the sidelines so I said to the team ‘I’ll go out and give it a go and see how I feel’. The team have done an awesome job and I’m so happy where I am right now. It’s nice to get a big bike win at last and it means a lot especially after the crash. A lot was going through my mind sitting by the track, wondering if I was going to be able to ride again this weekend. We managed to do that but I’ll be sore tomorrow!”
“I was sitting half a second behind Davey and felt quite comfortable so was ready to have a go on the last lap, but the bike got quite unsettled on the way into Mather’s Cross so I had to run straight on,” Yorkshireman Harrison explained as he trailed in second, 6.971 seconds behind Todd. “I wasn’t sure if anyone was close behind as I had no pit boards, so I re-joined as quick as I could and got going again. The bike was working really well and to get that close to Davey, who’s riding the Superstock bike regularly, is very pleasing. I wanted to get a podium for the team and everyone’s working so hard.”
Dunlop finished 1.9 seconds further back on his MD Racing Honda.
“With three thirds it’s been a steady day,” the Ballymoney man said. “The injury I’m carrying isn’t a practical one, but I’m not here to cry about it and it’s not an excuse, but it’s stopping me getting the most from either myself or the bike. We kept chipping away though and we’ve constantly made strides forward and the main thing today was staying out of trouble. The last thing I wanted was to get caught up in something I didn’t want to!”
Race fans will have another opportunity to meet their North West 200 road racing heroes on Friday at the Causeway Coast and Glens Council’s Meet the Riders event in Coleraine town centre at 2pm.
The race action will resume on Saturday morning after roads close at 9am followed by a six-race programme that begins at 10 am with the Milltown Service Station Supertwins race over four laps followed by the Anchor Bar Superbike race (6 laps), Tides Restaurant Supersport race (6 laps), CP Hire Superstock race (6 laps), John M Paterson Supertwins Race (4 laps) and the Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race (6 laps).
Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia (left), Jorge Martin (center), and Marc Marquez (right) at the MotoGP pre-race press conference at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.
“At Le Mans, the party starts on Wednesday!”
Thursday, 09 May 2024
After a rip-roaring Spanish GP, it’s time for another and this time at classic Le Mans. First, the podcast welcomed Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team rider and 2023 French GP winner Marco Bezzecchi to the show to talk a little about his roots and life as the inimitable Bez.
The first press conference for the riders then got in gear, with Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) joined by now-closest challenger Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and fellow Jerez protagonist Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™).
Then, rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was joined by the home heroes for press conference two as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) gear up for the French GP.
Here are some photos and quotes from the opening day… although as the title suggests, the party very much already started!
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
JORGE MARTIN
How are you feeling heading into Le Mans?
“I feel good, I would have liked to share the podium in Jerez with Marc and Pecco but I couldn’t. I was confident at that point in the race but then I crashed and it is what it is. The most important thing is that we have the speed and that at every track we are fast, so I really confident that we will do the same here. Every track is different but I always feel fast, so I am relaxed and happy.”
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
PECCO BAGNAIA
How confident are you to fight at the front in France?
“One of my strongest points as a rider is that I don’t care if I am losing time the day before or if I crash because I know if everything goes well I can fight back and fight for a win. Last year every weekend I was more or less like this on the Friday where we struggled, but then we were able to fight for the top positions in the race. Le Mans is always a good weekend for me, I love the track and love looking at the grandstands and every corner with loads of fans. The only bad thing is the last two times at Le Mans I’ve been unable to finish the race, one being my fault and the other from contact but the potential was always high and we can fight at the front.”
Marc Marquez. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MARC MARQUEZ
Why was the Jerez podium so special?
“It was special to see how far we had come from a very difficult moment, as it was a long time since we got a podium in dry conditions and to fight with the winner of the race and be able to have the pace. It was something which felt really good because it had been a really long time since I felt fast in the race on Sunday. It is the first step, we will have some problems in the future at some circuits but it was a pleasure to fight with two guys who were at a high level last year and were title contenders.”
Has Davide Tardozzi bought you new leathers as he promised?
“No, of course haha. We know Davide well and how hot it was in the race. All the times that I was fighting with Andrea Dovizioso, we had a good relationship and he knew that if I was there I would try. This time I was also a part of the Ducati brand but as I said on Sunday it was a pleasure to fight with the World Champion until the last lap.”
Pedro Acosta. Photo courtesy Dorna.
PEDRO ACOSTA
How are you looking forward to riding a MotoGP™ bike in Le Mans at Tech3’s home race?
“It has always been a track that I’ve enjoyed but the last three years that I have raced here I have been fast but then I crashed so let’s hope I can finish the race for the first time in three years. It is my second home GP in a row so I am super happy to see the fans and to share it with the whole team!”
Fabio Quartararo. Photo courtesy Dorna.
FABIO QUARTARARO
How much of an extra boost does racing in front of your home crowd give you, and what are your expectations?
“It is always special to be here and unique, it is one of the only tracks where the party starts on Wednesday – you can hear the fans revving their bikes! We will try some things from the test, it is not a massive difference but we will have some items from the test but it is difficult to give our expectations.”
What new items will you try?
“We will have a new chassis, and we were meant to have a swingarm that we planned to use but we will not try it here as we will test it at Mugello after the Grand Prix.”
Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy Dorna.
JOHANN ZARCO
How are you enjoying the challenge, and what is a realistic goal for you this weekend?
“It is a nice experience to live and because I knew the challenge was going to be tough. In the moment you can get frustrated but later you understand that the work is done and you tried your best. I did not expect to have so much support from the crowd yesterday and this morning and I am hoping that will give me a little boost this weekend. A realistic goal is to get a few points, around 10th position which would be a good result and I would be glad to take that here. It would give a new push for my team and Honda, we don’t have anything to try at the moment because we had a test in Jerez where we could see if things were working or not so we have kept it simple to use the best of what we have at the moment.”
French fans along the front straightaway Thursday at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.
French GP fans go all-in on Thursday
It has to been seen and heard to be believed. The seeing, at least, we can help with thanks to a few stunning postcards from the pitlane walk and special Canal+ live event held on the main straight on Thursday evening. The hearing can be enjoyed on the event broadcast or across social media, including MotoGP™’s instagram story!
Six-time AMA Motocross National Champion and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Broc Glover (6 B) will be the Grand Marshal at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Photo courtesy AMA.
Broc Glover Named Grand Marshal of 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha
Six-time AMA Motocross National champion to headline AMA’s centennial celebration
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — This year’s Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha will double as the AMA’s centennial celebration, running July 26-28 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, and who better to ring in the festivities than the “Golden Boy” of the golden years of professional motocross?
As Yamaha will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the fabled YZ250 at VMD, six-time AMA motocross national champion, Yamaha legend, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Broc Glover will serve as the event’s Grand Marshal, engraining himself in a three-day long celebration of all things vintage motorcycling.
“I am really looking forward to this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio,” Glover said. “Sadly, I’ve never been to VMD, but it’s been on my bucket list for years. I hear it’s quite an event, but this year seems like it will be even more spectacular, with the AMA’s 100th and Yamaha’s 50th for the YZ being celebrated. It is a tremendous honor to be named Grand Marshal for such a special event. I look forward to taking in the sights and sounds that vintage motorcycling offers, and spending time with some of the most loyal enthusiasts in the world.”
A native of San Diego, Glover’s motorcycling journey began when he was only nine years old, and experienced a major upshift when he began racing at age 13. Although financial hardship hindered his early racing efforts, Glover was clearly a standout competitor, and made the jump to the pro ranks when he was just 16.
After his promising rookie campaign, Glover signed a professional contract with Yamaha in 1977 and remained with the brand for the rest of his illustrious racing career. In his first three seasons with the marque, Glover raced to a trio of AMA 125cc Motocross National Championships and became the first racer to win three consecutive titles in the class. During that run, Glover also notched a win at the 125cc U.S. Grand Prix at the old Mid-Ohio Moto Park venue in Lexington, Ohio…just a few miles from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, where VMD takes place each year.
Glover moved to the 500cc class in 1981 and didn’t skip a beat, winning three more titles in 1981, 1983 and 1985. Glover retired in 1989 and finished his career with a stunning 50 AMA National Motocross wins.
“Broc Glover is a champion in every sense of the word, both on and off the racetrack,” AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm said, “but especially so in terms of his long affiliation with Yamaha, which will celebrate its legendary YZ250 model at VMD. And so we are super excited to welcome him as Grand Marshal for this year’s VMD celebration. With Yamaha as presenting sponsor, and the YZ250’s 50th and the AMA’s 100th both being celebrated, this year’s VMD is definitely going to be one for the ages.”
At VMD, Glover will be on hand to sign autographs, speak to enthusiasts at the AMA Soundstage, participate in the Lap for History on the track at Mid-Ohio each day, and much more. Yamaha will also be on-site with historic bikes and demo rides, while Glover will be joined by several other racing champions that rode for the historic marque.
Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha is fast approaching and is primed to be yet another very special event. With North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, AMA Hall of Fame exhibits, vendor displays and racing in several disciplines, there’s something for everyone at VMD.
To purchase tickets and stay up to date on the latest VMD information, visit https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/. Make sure to sign up for the VMD Newsletter and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Frank Camillieri (40) on board his Boston Cycles Yamaha TD1C 250 at the 1967 Grand Prix at Mosport. Photo courtesy USCRA.
Legendary AMA National Rider, Frank Camillieri named Grand Marshal of the 2024 FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships
Canaan, New Hampshire – The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the U.S., announced legendary racer and AMA nationally-ranked rider Frank Camillieri as Grand Marshal of the 22nd annual FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships, June 9-10, 2024 at Canaan Motor Club in Canaan, New Hampshire.
More information on the event, which kicks off the 101th Annual Laconia Motorcycle
Week, can be found at www.race-uscra.com.
“I’m honored to be chosen for Grand Marshal. I wasn’t one of the big stars when I raced with the AMA but I managed a 5th at Daytona and 4th at Talladega. I also won races as an amateur the year I was promoted to expert before I retired. 25 years later Bob Coy got me back into racing with the USCRA, and I’ve been having a great time with the club ever since. Great bunch of people having way too much fun. Hoping it lasts a few more years before I check out.”
Frank Camillieri didn’t start riding a motorcycle until his 20’s, but he was a fast learner,
literally. Beginning his racing career in 1965, he quickly moved up the grid, winning multiple class champions with AAMRR (Association of American Motorcycle Road Racers) before graduating to the ranks of the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association).
By the late 60’s, Frank was sponsored by Boston Cycle and became a nationally-ranked AMA rider. His on-track accomplishments include consistent top ten finishes at tracks throughout the United States, battling (and often besting) the likes of Phil Read, Bill Ivy, Yvon DuHamel and Mike Hailwood. He finished 5th in the 1967 FIM Grand Prix at Mosport in the 250cc class aboard his Boston Cycles Yamaha TD1C 250.
Frank retired from racing in the early 1970’s to start his machining business and raise a
family. He returned to racing some 25 years later, racing with the USCRA, and picked up where he left off, becoming a perennial race winner and class champion.
Throughout his racing career, Frank has been a constructor and fabricator, building custom Yetman frames and motors for all the machines he and his son Matt ride.
At 85, Frank is still active in the club and still building bikes – but just the fast ones!
About the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) www.race-uscra.com
The USCRA is the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the United States and includes over 400 active members. The club promotes four general types of events: Road racing on both proprietary built road race circuits and real roads courses (Gunstock® and the Streets of Laconia®), as well as Observed Trials, Motogiro USA® and Pewter Run® touring events held on open public roads.
About the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) www.fim-live.com
The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing
body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an
independent association formed by 113 National Federations throughout the world. The
International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes it as the sole competent authority in
motorcycle sport. Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP,
Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and
Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the
first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.
Motovid.com is bringing its Performance Riding Experience to the Ducati Revs Midwest event Wednesday, May 29 at Road America. Photo courtesy Motovid.com.
Motovid.com’s Performance Riding Experience format fuels Ducati REVS Midwest at Road America
(DELAVAN WI) For track riding enthusiasts of all levels Motovid.com brings its Performance Riding Experience format to Road America with the Ducati REVS Midwest round Wednesday, May 29 prior to the MotoAmerica race weekend on the big track.
Riders of all levels on bikes of all brands are welcome to participate and experience the exhilaration of triple digit speeds on the same world class facilities used by professional road racers in a controlled setting.
Special guests Team Rahal Ducati Moto racers #15 P.J. Jacobsen, #23 Corey Alexander and #19 Kayla Yaakov join Motovid.com’s crew of seasoned instructors and trained coaches to help riders get the most of their track riding experience on the legendary circuit safely.
Motovid.com’s Performance Riding Experience program implemented for the Ducati REVS Midwest event combines the proven All Levels Track Day and Performance Riding Clinic formats developed over 20 years to deliver even more quality track time for its advanced and intermediate riders while providing more dedicated coaching and lessons to its novice and new to intermediate riders with special guest instructors.
Participation is very limited; only 30 riders per group are available providing a 4:1 rider to coach ratio for more attention to rider feedback, evaluation and safety oversight.
To compliment the day all riders receive lunch and commemorative Ducati REVS Midwest t-shirt as a souvenir for the performance riding experience.
For more information and to sign up with participating Ducati dealers go to DucatiREVSMidwest.com
Glenn Irwin claimed pole position during Superbike final qualifying Thursday at the Briggs Equipment North West 200, in Northern Ireland. Riding his Hager PBM Ducati Panigale V4 R Superbike, Irwin covered the 8.970-mile circuit of closed-off public roads in 4:16.433 for an average speed of 125.928 mph, which is a new outright lap record for the course.
Davey Todd was the best of the rest with a time of 4:18.663 and an average speed of 125.928 mph, but Todd’s Milwaukee BMW was fastest through the speed trap with a top speed of 209.8 mph.
Michael Dunlop qualified third with a 4:20.933 and 123.756 mph average speed on his MasterMac Honda CBR1000R-RR Fireblade SP by Hawk Racing.
Richard Cooper earned pole position in Supersport qualifying with a lap at 4:33.627 and an average speed of 118.015 mph on his BPE by Russell Racing Yamaha YZF-R6. Todd qualified second at 4:34.304 (117.723 mph) on his Powertoolmate Ducati Panigale V2, and Cooper’s teammate Mike Browne was third-fastest at 4:37.104 (116.534 mph).
Todd grabbed pole position in Superstock qualifying with a time of 4:19.324 and an average speed of 124.524 mph on his Milwaukee BMW. Peter Hickman was second-best at 4:19.578 and 124.402 mph on his PHR Performance BMW, and Dean Harrison was third in the field of 48 riders with the 4:21.525 (123.476 mph average speed) he did on his Honda Racing UK CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
Peter Hickman captured pole position in Supertwin qualifying with a lap time of 4:51.323 and average lap speed of 110.846 mph on his Swan Racing Yamaha YZF-R7. Cooper was second-quickest with a 4:52.971 (110.222 mph) on his Jack Reid Cars Kawasaki 650, and 60-year-old Jeremy McWilliams bounced back from a crash on Wednesday to qualify third with a 4:55.822 (109.160 mph) on his Bayview Hotel/JMW Paton on Thursday.
Jeremy McWilliams (99). Photo by Pacemaker Press International, courtesy NW200 Press Office.
The first round of racing will commence Thursday evening followed by a day off on Friday and the final round of racing on Saturday.
TNT Sports is the new U.S. broadcast home of MotoGP races. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP™ partners with TNT Sports in the U.S.
Every Sprint and every Grand Prix race will be shown live across the U.S. in 2024
Thursday, 07 March 2024
MotoGP™ has a new broadcast home in the U.S. through an expanded media rights agreement with TNT Sports. Beginning with this weekend’s Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, fans across the U.S. will be able to watch every Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race live in 2024 across TNT Sports’ networks and platforms.
truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will show every race of this record-breaking MotoGP™ season live, including top quality pre-race coverage. Max’s B/R Sports Add-On will also stream every session for every Grand Prix class across all three days of track activity, including the MotoGP™ qualifying shootout and the Grand Prix races for Moto2™ and Moto3™.
This partnership between MotoGP™ and TNT Sports represents a new era for live MotoGP™ coverage in the U.S., bringing TNT Sports’ world-class production and coverage to a U.S. audience that is passionate for high-octane motorsports.
MotoGP™ joins Max’s B/R Sports Add-On, which offers exceptional value with a full slate of premium live sports content included, such as the MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA Men’s March Madness, U.S. Soccer, 24 Hours of Le Mans and a variety of non-live sports programming to appeal to every fan.
Fans can start tuning in to the record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season on truTV and Max’s B/R Sports Add-On this weekend as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar marks the return of the world’s most exciting sport from the 8th to the 10th of March.
About TNT Sports
TNT Sports is a global leader in the delivery of premium sports content. The TNT Sports U.S. portfolio includes expansive, multi-platform partnerships with the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, National Hockey League, United States Soccer Federation, NASCAR (coming in 2025) and a premier golf franchise in The Match. Owned and operated platforms are highlighted by Bleacher Report, the #1 digital destination for young sports fans, along with House of Highlights, HighlightHER, Golf Digest, and a full suite of digital and social portfolio brands. Additionally, TNT Sports co-manages NBA Digital — comprised of NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE Pass, the NBA App and NBAGLEAGUE.com — as well as NCAA.com and NCAA March Madness Live. TNT Sports in Europe and the Republic of Ireland includes partnerships with the NBA, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UFC, WWE and more, as well as much-loved brands Eurosport, Global Cycling Network (GCN), Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) and multi-sport programming and content on discovery+ and Discovery’s free-to-air TV networks.
About MotoGP™
MotoGP™ is the world’ most exciting sport. The pinnacle of motorcycle racing, 22 of the fastest riders compete on purpose-built motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, reaching top speeds above 360 kilometers per hour (223 miles per hour) and lean angles of over 60 degrees. Since 1949, the sport has grown to comprise more than 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world.
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
July 25, 2025
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
