Rookies start 18th season with racing rivalries and records
Drama and records are guaranteed. Jerez is going to be a thrilling weekend for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and applications for 2025 are now OPEN.
The first 2 of 14 races in the 18th season and new stars are bound to emerge. There are heroes from last year like Álvaro Carpe who finished 2nd in his debut year with 2 superb victories as he disrupted the record-breaking domination of Angel Piqueras.
Carpe knows he will have a fight on his hands from 3rd-year Rookies Rico Salmela the 16-year-old Finn and South African 17-year-old Ruche Moodley. Both have grown both physically and in experience and are determined to take the fight to the 16-year-old Spaniard.
Another grudge match?
Arch rival for Carpe’s doubtless is Màximo Quiles. The 16-year-old Spaniard locked horns with Piqueras in 2022 and their rivalry burnt through 2023. While Piqueras remained ice cool Quiles boiled over on occasion and has to manage that if he is to better Carpe this season.
There are certainly more challengers. In fact, the Cup is wide open because Argentina’s 16-year-old Marco Morelli has all the skill required to battle for the Cup in his second season as does Guido Pini, the 16-year-old Italian. Last year Morelli was making up for a season out of racing altogether and Pini was trying to curb his enthusiasm.
They, like Salmela and Moodley, were incomplete racers in 2023 but will challenge Carpe if they assemble the missing pieces, as will Hakim Danish. The 16-year-old Malaysian started 2023 with a 5th and a 3rd, it was to be his best weekend of the season but he certainly has the pace, he needs the control and consistency.
First season heroes
Don’t discount the first-year Rookies, Carpe finished 2nd last year and back in 2011, Lorenzo Baldassarri took the Cup in his debut season. Kazuki Masaki matched that in 2017 as did José Rueda in 2022.
So who of the first-year Rookies are likely to challenge? There are some obvious candidates: Valentin Perrone, the 16-year-old Argentine, 15-year-old Italian Giulio Pugliese, Poland’s first Rookie, 17-year-old Milan Pawelec and Guillem Planques the 16-year-old Frenchman.
There is a huge breadth of experience but everyone is learning the Pirelli tyres and the first race weekend of the season is bound to throw up some surprises as we watch two thrilling races.
GP winners
The Rookies may well produce the best racing of the weekend but don’t forget there are some Grand Prix being contested as well. Ex Rookies have won 198 GPs and stood on the podium 596 times. So look out for that 200th win and 600th podium.
Last year’s Rookies Cup winner Angel Piqueras put himself on the Moto3 Rookies dominated podium last time out in Austin so he might take win number 199.
And then will Pedro Acosta, Rookies class of 2020, win his 1st MotoGP? Or will World Championship leader Jorge Martín, class of 2014, add to his tally of 6 MotoGP victories? Enea Bastianini, class of 2013, lies 2nd in the title chase and already has 5 MotoGP wins to his name.
Hamilton, ON – The Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship has made a slight revision to its point structure for the 2024 campaign, removing the “lap led bonus” for all national classes this season.
The rule was first introduced in the 1990’s, where the rider who led the most laps in each race would earn a two-point bonus in the standings. When CSBK adopted the more common FIM-style point structure in 2022, the rule was revised to become a two-point bonus to any rider who led a lap across the line, with multiple riders able to earn the bonus in each race.
Beginning in 2024, no in-race bonuses will be awarded. The qualifying point system will remain in place, awarding four points to pole position down to one point for fourth, while the race point structure also remains unchanged from the FIM system used in 2023.
The lap led bonus was unique to the Bridgestone CSBK series, with every other major motorcycle racing championship currently using the standard FIM point structure, seen primarily in MotoGP and World Superbike.
Notably, eliminating the bonus points would not have changed any of the title outcomes in either 2022 or 2023, the two seasons when the most recent format was used.
Last season, three different riders managed to lead a lap in the feature GP Bikes Pro Superbike category, with champion Ben Young doing it on six occasions while rival Alex Dumas countered with five lap led bonuses and Sam Guerin earned one.
In the Pro Sport Bike category, eight different riders managed to secure a lap led bonus at some point in the season, with champion David MacKay doing so four times while runner-up Matt Simpson and Sebastien Tremblay each countered with three.
The revised format is just the latest change to take affect entering the 2024 season, which will begin with round one at Shannonville Motorsport Park from May 17-19, just east of Belleville, ON.
Electrifying ASBK action looms large at Queensland Raceway
The 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) makes its first foray into the sunshine state from April 26-28, with the always entertaining Queensland Raceway to host round three.
The 3.126km circuit just up the road from Ipswich has been a staple on the ASBK calendar for many years, and it never fails to deliver jaw-dropping races. Last year, the total combined margin across the four Alpinestars Superbike and Michelin Supersport battles was just 0.4 seconds, so it’s certainly a pressure-cooker environment of the highest order.
With excellent weather forecast for this weekend, we’re set to be delivered another round of cliff-hangers across the four categories: Alpinestars Superbike, Michelin Supersport, Race and Road Supersport 300 and the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.
In addition, Aussie Racing Cars will also be joining the ASBK Championship for the first of two appearances in 2024, where amazingly high corner speeds, incredible late braking and pounding over ripple strips at full noise are a part of the attraction in the exciting silhouette formula.
As well the on-track pyrotechnics, the popular ASBK Trade Alley will return, as well as the ASBK Fan Zone. Spectators can also grab an autograph from one of the ASBK ambassadors – Steve Martin, Troy Corser, Chris Vermeulen and Garry McCoy – while Corser and Martin will also give selected lucky patrons the ride of their lives in the ASBK Pillion Program.
To purchase tickets for Queensland Raceway, click here. Tickets will also available at the gate.
Alpinestars Superbike
Last year, Queensland Raceway proved to be a turning point in the Alpinestars Superbike class. After five wins on the trot to start the season, Josh Waters’ winning streak on the McMartin Ducati evaporated as then Honda rider Troy Herfoss took two narrow wins ahead of Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team).
That tightened up the leaderboard appreciably, setting the scene for a pulsating championship where Herfoss was eventually crowned Superbike champion for the third time.
The story for the Mildura-bred Waters has followed a similar path to 2023 – he has four wins from the opening five races – but this year Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) is his closest challenger ahead of round three.
Waters is on 109.5pts compared to Halliday’s 84, followed by Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati, 82pts), Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati, 71.5pts), Jones (61.5pts), Cameron Dunker (Penrite Racing Yamaha, 61.5pts), Max Stauffer (Penrite Racing Yamaha, 60pts), Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 58.5pts) and Bryan Staring (MotoGo Yamaha, 47pts).
Where’s Herfoss? The Queenslander – who’s now developing a cult following in America thanks to his winning ways in the King of the Baggers class – is languishing in 10th on the DesmoSport Ducati after a disastrous non-scoring round two under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park thanks to an electrical problem in race one and a crash in the wet race two.
Herfoss is ever the optimist, though, and he’s galvanised for another big showing at Queensland Raceway to claw back some precious points.
Halliday’s in fine form – he’s the only rider to have lowered Waters’ colours in 2024 — and he scored a pair of thirds at Queensland Raceway last year. He’ll bring up his 100th Superbike start this weekend, so it’d be extra special to celebrate the milestone by banking big points.
Meanwhile, the circuit has previously been a happy hunting ground for three-time champion Jones, and there’d be no better place to produce his first Superbike podium for the year than in front of family and friends.
With Voight a non-starter this weekend now that he’s started his 2024 European Moto2 campaign, the likes of Jones and Pearson should move past the teenager in the standings after the two 16-lap races on Sunday.
Pearson claimed his first podium for DesmoSport Ducati in Sydney, and will again be giving it a real crack on his home track – as will the veteran, West, and lap record holder, Staring.
The two other riders who will also loom large are Dunker and Stauffer. Stauffer was third in Sydney’s race two and was also the fastest at the recent Queensland Raceway test.
The reigning Australian Supersport champion, 16-year-old Dunker, will only be competing in his third ASBK meeting on a Superbike, but he’s continuing to look more ominous every time he climbs aboard the Yamaha.
Glenn Allerton sits in 11th on the GT Racing BMW. Allerton has been competing under an injury cloud for the opening two rounds, but with a further month of recuperation and his hit rate in the past at Queensland Raceway, expect some fireworks.
Finally, there is the fastest starter in the west, east and all points between – Arthur Sissis. The former junior speedway star and Moto3 rider is now under the ever-growing quick shade of the Gold Cost-based Stop & Seal Racing, but still on a Yamaha.
Prepare for two breathtaking Alpinestars Superbike races!
Michelin Supersport
The Michelin Supersport class now enjoys the largest depth of talent seen in years, with the tempo ramping up at the last round in Sydney.
Multiple champion Tom Toparis (Stop & Seal Yamaha) returned to the class and took pole position, two race wins in extremely dominant fashion and set a new lap record. If we didn’t already know: Toparis is back and means business.
However, Toparis did start behind the eight ball after sitting out Phillip Island’s round one to focus on his FIM Supersport World Championship commitments. An imperious maximum-points haul in Sydney was the best way to begin the climb up the ladder, but he’ll have challengers coming from all angles in the two 14-lappers at Queensland Raceway.
The obvious one is Jonathon “JJ” Nahlous (Complete AV Yamaha), who swept all before him at Phillip Island before sharing podiums with Toparis, Sean Condon (Yamaha) and Jake Farnsworth (Wurth Race Developments Yamaha) in Sydney.
Nahlous has a 29pt (114 to 85) lead over Farnsworth after two of seven rounds, followed by the recently engaged Tom Bramich (Apex Yamaha, 76) and Olly Simpson (Yamaha, 70).
Simpson, the reigning No. 2, hasn’t had the start to the year he had banked on. After finishing second overall in the opening round, he hit a speed bump in Sydney by uncharacteristically crashing out of the first race before recovering to finish seventh in the second race to salvage some points.
While Yamaha dominates the grid, there are two Hondas in the mix with Marcus ‘The Hammer’ Hamod (Motocity) and Mark Chiodo (Honda Australia), who sit in fifth and sixth respectively.
There are also three Kawasakis in the mix with Brandon Demmery and Jacob Hatch on the Race DNA machines as well as Hayden Nelson on the BC Performance entry.
Then there are Toparis’ teammates in the Stop & Seal squad: Jack Mahaffy in seventh spot, Archie McDonald in eighth, Corey Turner in ninth and Glenn Nelson in 14th. What a busy pit box that will be!
Race and Road Supersport 300
Internationals have stolen a fair chunk of the limelight in the opening two rounds. At Phillip Island, it was Czech rider Petr Svoboda who took two dominant wins before Harrison Watts (Champion’s Ride Days) won the finale ahead of Tara Morrison (B&L Mechanical Air Services) – all Kawasaki mounted.
Morrison then missed the round in Sydney due to a broken collarbone but will return this weekend.
Meanwhile, the surprise in Sydney was Kiwi Jesse Stroud (Kawasaki), the son of former champion Andrew. It was his first visit to the track and, on a borrowed motorcycle, won the first race. This weekend, Stroud will be on a Yamaha.
Joshua Newman (Wet4U Race Fairings Kawasaki) and Watts share the championship lead, with Valentino Knezovic (Motocity Kawaski) 9pts adrift in third. Newman and Knezovic scored their maiden wins in Sydney, before Stroud and Newman had a coming together in race three. No doubt they will be wary of each other this weekend!
Ryan Larkin (Green Planet Nutrients Yamaha) will also be in the mix, with his confidence sky high after finishing equal second in round one of the 2024 Yamaha R3 Asia-Pacific Championship – which will be joining the ASBK Championship at The Bend (SA) from November 8-10.
bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup
There has only been one round of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup in 2024, with a couple of Hunters leading the way after Sydney’s opener: Toowoomba’s Hunter Corney ahead of Hunter Charlett.
West Aussie Rossi McAdam is third in a logjammed leaderboard – and this weekend he will also compete against his sister, Lexie, to add some more flavour to the OJC class.
Like always, the safest ‘bet’ is that there will be any number of positional changes during each race and the winner will not be decided until the bunch of slipstreaming kids cross the finish line.
The OJC academy, where all riders are on identical race-prepped Yamaha YZF-R15s, is aimed at developing Oceania’s next circuit racing stars and is a key pillar in the FIM’s Road to MotoGP program.
The category is in its sixth year, and now has Australian championship status as well.
The iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer Bimota is set to return to the world racing stage in 2025 competing in the Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.
Winners of the 1980 350cc World Championship fielding Jon Ekerold on a two-cylinder, two stroke Bimota YB3 machine, success was also achieved in TT Formula 1 with legend Virginio Ferrari aboard a YB4R taking the Championship honours in1987. No strangers to four stroke machinery, Bimota won no less than seven races in the very first World Superbike Championship year of 1988 thanks to Davide Tardozzi (5) and Stephane Mertens (2). Even as late as the year 2000, Bimota were still able to achieve a WorldSBK race win thanks to the late, great Anthony Gobert aboard an SB8R machine mounting the top step of the podium at a wet Phillip Island race weekend.
For the 2025 season, Bimota is partnering with Kawasaki in a joint venture which will result in a Bimota chassis with Kawasaki engine (plus allied technology), competing in WorldSBK. Not only will the donor Ninja ZX-10RR powerplant be familiar, but also many of the team staff as Kawasaki transfers its efforts into the Bimota racing program marking a landmark moment in the journey of the Kawasaki Racing Team after nearly four decades in the premier global racing series based on production machines that can be purchased at dealerships.
Recognising not just the legacy of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but also the close cooperation and synergies between majority Bimota shareholder, Kawasaki, and the Rimini based Italian manufacturer, the new team will operate under the title of Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.
Fielding a machine jointly developed by Bimota and Kawasaki, the new team will play a pivotal role in the wider global recognition and market presence of the Bimota brand as well as being crucial in highlighting the hand built craftsmanship and care that goes into the creation of every Bimota product. This wider appreciation of the Bimota brand and its core racing DNA is also expected to create increased demand and sales of Bimota street motorcycles.
Speaking about the new direction for Kawasaki in WorldSBK, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. Hiroshi Ito, stated: “Bimota has an enviable reputation for excellence in motorcycle design and manufacture. As part of our vision for the evolution of this world famous brand we see racing as a logical next step in terms of both product development as well as brand exposure on the global stage. Our commitment to WorldSBK is as strong as ever and we hope that this new racing project will energise fans of both Bimota and Kawasaki. The passion for race success remains and we look forward to the presence of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team on the 2025 WorldSBK grid”.
On behalf of Bimota, COO, Pierluigi Marconi, commented: “The engineering, technology and day to day business support already offered by Kawasaki has put Bimota firmly back into the consciousness of the media and potential customers, now it is time to take a next step in our evolution.
Bimota has had racing as part of its DNA from day one and to compete in WorldSBK alongside developing our new product range, while expanding the European and global dealer network, has an undeniable logic to it. With the unparalleled experience of the existing Kawasaki racing team experts plus the full support and cooperation of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. in Japan fills us with pride and optimism. The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team will surely form the foundations of the next chapter in the Bimota story”.
KRT Team Manager, Guim Roda, concluded: “In the past thirteen years, myself, and all of those at the KRT workshop in Granollers, have dedicated ourselves wholeheartedly to the Kawasaki Superbike project and garnered seven WorldSBK rider titles in that time plus numerous team and manufacturer awards. Now – after Kawasaki competing for nearly four decades in the Superbike championship – we are proud to be part of a new era forming the infrastructure of the new Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. For sure we will spare some time to reflect on and celebrate the heritage of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but we are also extremely excited to be a core component of this new Bimota and Kawasaki joint venture. This is an evolution for Kawasaki’s approach to the top level of production racing and we are honoured to play our role in this new project. I am confident we have the technology and human resources necessary to succeed and it will be a fresh, energising experience fielding an impressive two rider team in the 2025 Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.”
APRILIA AMERICAS CELEBRATES THE MOTOGP VICTORY AT THE CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS WITH THE RELEASE OF THE FINAL THREE XTRENTA MODELS PERSONALIZED BY THE FACTORY RIDERS: MAVERICK VINALES, ALEIX ESPARGARO, AND LORENZO SAVADORI
FROM APRILIA RACING ENGINEERING AND MOTOGP TECHNOLOGY THE XTRENTA IS THE MOST EXTREME, HIGH-PERFORMANCE, AND EXCLUSIVE APRILIA RSV4 EVER AND THE FIRST MOTORCYCLE IN THE WORLD EQUIPPED WITH REAR AND UNDER WINGS.
UNPRECEDENTED PERFORMANCE FOR MAXIMUM FUN ON TRACK: 230 HP FOR JUST 166 KG, RACING COMPONENTS AND REAL RACING SET-UP.
THESE FINAL THREE EXCLUSIVE MODELS WILL MATCH PERFORMANCE WITH PASSION FOR RACING, OFFERING A VIP TRIP TO REMAINING 2024 MOTOGP ROUND TO PURCHASING CUSTOMER
NEW YORK, NY – 24 APRIL 2024 – Following the successful MotoGP weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, Aprilia raises the curtain on the final chapter of the coveted XTrenta story. Three, meticulously crafted XTrenta motorcycles – the ultimate expression of Aprilia’s racing DNA – are now available for purchase, each signed by one of Aprilia’s esteemed MotoGP factory riders: Maverick Viñales, Aleix Espargaro, and Lorenzo Savadori.
A LEGACY OF PERFORMANCE
Aprilia boasts a legendary history in World Superbike with celebrated RSV4, which was the platform to build its presence in MotoGP, consistently pushing the boundaries of motorcycle technology and performance. The engineers who meticulously design and develop Aprilia’s MotoGP machines are the same masterminds behind the XTrenta. This exclusive track-only motorcycle embodies Aprilia’s championship-winning heritage, offering the most sophisticated and performance-driven experience available to enthusiasts.
The RSV4 XTrenta is part of the Factory Works program launched by Aprilia Racing: unique in the world, it makes the same technology developed in competition available to those who intend to compete at the highest levels in the production derivatives championships or who wish to have an RSV4 or Tuono V4 with performance optimized for use on the track. The XTrenta is unlike no other before it and sits as the pinnacle reference of the RSV4’s racing capability. Tireless development has been done by the Aprilia Racing engineers to elevate the maximum potential of the RSV4, with specific improvements unique to the XTrenta, which include:
• Aerodynamics: The bike uses MotoGP-derived carbon fairings with new front wings, rear wings, and an under wing on the swingarm, increasing aerodynamic load by 25% and reducing drag by 4%.
The Aprilia XTrenta is claimed to be the only motorcycle that comes with an aerodynamic “under wing” on the swingarm. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
• Engine: Starting from the base of a 2024 Aprilia RSV4 Factory has been tuned to produce 230 horsepower. This is achieved through several enhancements, which among others include an increased compression ratio, a specially designed titanium and carbon exhaust system from Aprilia Racing partner SC Project, and a Sprint Filter MotoGP spec air filter.
• Electronics: Specially calibrated Magneti Marelli control unit and a JetPrime racing panel to control the electronics suite.
• Cooling systems: To accommodate high performance and heavy-duty track use, the water and oil radiators are Superbike-derived Taleo Tecnoracing.
• Suspension: Öhlins modified by Andreani in collaboration with Aprilia MotoGP engineers.
• Wheels: Forged magnesium Marchesini M7R GENESI rims that are 2 kg lighter than the standard wheels.
• Tires: The tires are Pirelli Diablo SBK slick tires in sizes 120/70 and 200/65, with SC-1 compound front and SC-X compound rear.
The Aprilia XTrenta is fitted with functional front and rear wings. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
OWNING THE DREAM
These final three XTrenta models transcend mere motorcycles; they represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Aprilia’s MotoGP legacy. Each XTrenta comes with a personalized touch – the signature of the factory MotoGP rider you choose.
THE ULTIMATE MOTOGP EXPERIENCE
But the exclusivity doesn’t stop there. The proud owner of each XTrenta will be treated to an experience unlike any other, with a trip to a 2024 MotoGP race weekend of their choice. This VIP experience includes a meet-and-greet with your chosen rider, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Aprilia Racing Team garage, coveted paddock passes, and premium viewing seats to witness the pinnacle of motorcycle racing firsthand.
The Final Chapter
With only three XTrenta motorcycles remaining, this is your final chance to secure a place in Aprilia’s racing royalty. Each XTrenta is priced at $80,000 USD and represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a slice of Aprilia’s racing history. Lucky buyers will also receive not only the limited and numbered version of the RSV4 but also the dedicated motorbike cover and mat.
Featured In the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World:
“After four rounds, we were 20 points up on Alpha Omega for the overall N2/WERA National Endurance Championship with two races left in the year. Although that is the biggest lead we had enjoyed in years, there are over 100 points up for grabs at a single event so a mistake by any crew member or rider could drop us out of contention. Also, through a combined tragedy of scheduling and injuries, we were short staffed for riders…”
“Army Of Darkness: Lightning Strikes & Shock Swaps,” by Sam Q. Fleming
The text went out to Taylor Knapp, who took a day off of work and joined Army Of Darkness for the Summit Point round of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series. The reunion with his old team could not have gone better, with the squad atop the box once again. Read about the trials, the tribulations, the typical madness that is the glory of endurance racing—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)
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 28th 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 13 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 2024 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. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
AGR Team Owner Anscari Nadal (right) with then-17-year-old American Maxwell Toth (left). Photo courtesy AGR Team.
Age: 18.
Current home: Barcelona, Spain (originally from Belmont, California).
Current height/weight: 6’0”/150 pounds.
Current school grade level: 12th grade.
Began riding at age: 4 years.
First road race: 2009, Stockton, California, Supermoto USA, PW Class, 2nd place.
Current racebike: Kalex Moto2.
Current tuners/mechanics: AGR Team.
Primary race series: FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship.
Sponsors: T3 Racing, Vircos Leathers, HJC, CT Racing.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, tied for 24th in FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship (best race result was 13th in Race Two at Portimao); 2022 season, earned co-Championship in CIV/Italian Aprilia RS 660 Cup (4 wins, 8 total podiums), 1 podium finish in RFME ESBK SuperStock 600 race at Jerez, raced as wild card in FIM Moto2 European Championship finale at Valencia (qualified 19th but was taken out/crashed in race); 2021 season, finished 2nd racing as a wild card in CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup race at Vallelunga, finished 9th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (only rab 12 races, 1 win, 4 total podiums), finished 13th in MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (only ran 4 races, 2 podium finishes); 2020 season, qualified 4th and finished 5th in Race Two in MotoAmerica Junior Cup debut at Laguna Seca, tied for 19th in CIV (Italian) Moto3 National Championship (best race finish was 10th at Misano); 2019 season, placed 9th in CIV PreMoto3 Championship (1 podium finish at Mugello), won Pro Supermoto USA 250 race; 2018 season, won all races he entered in Z & F Grand Prix School (mini Grand Prix series in France).
2024 racing goals: Win FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship.
Racing career goal: Race in one of the World Championships.
Racing hero: Iker Lecuona.
Favorite track: Valencia.
Favorite hobby: Riding BMX.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: A music producer.
…
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 and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion 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;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
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 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, 2023 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, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner 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 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, and MotoAmerica Superbike racer 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 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 three-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;
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;
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;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
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 MotoAmerica Super Hooligan race winner Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
Featured In the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World:
Hayden Gillim has finished as the runner-up in AMA or MotoAmerica National Championships six times during his successful career. But the 29-year-old veteran knocked that monkey off his back by winning two MotoAmerica Championships in 2023.
It was a long road getting there, but Gillim isn’t planning on stopping any time soon…
“Hanging With: Hayden Gillim,” by David Swarts
Hayden Gillim started at the age of six on a Honda XR50 and has done journeyman’s work ever since, grinding out a career and showing flashes of brilliance when his bikes were good enough. Last season, Gillim had his chance, and showed everyone just how good a rider he really is! Read his story in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)
Here are complete race results from the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series event held April 21 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, in Buttonwillow, California.
Yamaha Champions Riding School Founder and Chief Instructor Nick Ienatsch was recently interviewed by Teejay Adams on the Motos & Friends podcast. Ienatsch, a former professional racer, journalist, and lifelong motorcyclist, talked about the different approaches and techniques of motorcycle rider training.
Maximo Quiles (28) leads a group of riders during Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Race Two at Jerez in 2023. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
Rookies start 18th season with racing rivalries and records
Drama and records are guaranteed. Jerez is going to be a thrilling weekend for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and applications for 2025 are now OPEN.
The first 2 of 14 races in the 18th season and new stars are bound to emerge. There are heroes from last year like Álvaro Carpe who finished 2nd in his debut year with 2 superb victories as he disrupted the record-breaking domination of Angel Piqueras.
Carpe knows he will have a fight on his hands from 3rd-year Rookies Rico Salmela the 16-year-old Finn and South African 17-year-old Ruche Moodley. Both have grown both physically and in experience and are determined to take the fight to the 16-year-old Spaniard.
Another grudge match?
Arch rival for Carpe’s doubtless is Màximo Quiles. The 16-year-old Spaniard locked horns with Piqueras in 2022 and their rivalry burnt through 2023. While Piqueras remained ice cool Quiles boiled over on occasion and has to manage that if he is to better Carpe this season.
There are certainly more challengers. In fact, the Cup is wide open because Argentina’s 16-year-old Marco Morelli has all the skill required to battle for the Cup in his second season as does Guido Pini, the 16-year-old Italian. Last year Morelli was making up for a season out of racing altogether and Pini was trying to curb his enthusiasm.
They, like Salmela and Moodley, were incomplete racers in 2023 but will challenge Carpe if they assemble the missing pieces, as will Hakim Danish. The 16-year-old Malaysian started 2023 with a 5th and a 3rd, it was to be his best weekend of the season but he certainly has the pace, he needs the control and consistency.
First season heroes
Don’t discount the first-year Rookies, Carpe finished 2nd last year and back in 2011, Lorenzo Baldassarri took the Cup in his debut season. Kazuki Masaki matched that in 2017 as did José Rueda in 2022.
So who of the first-year Rookies are likely to challenge? There are some obvious candidates: Valentin Perrone, the 16-year-old Argentine, 15-year-old Italian Giulio Pugliese, Poland’s first Rookie, 17-year-old Milan Pawelec and Guillem Planques the 16-year-old Frenchman.
There is a huge breadth of experience but everyone is learning the Pirelli tyres and the first race weekend of the season is bound to throw up some surprises as we watch two thrilling races.
GP winners
The Rookies may well produce the best racing of the weekend but don’t forget there are some Grand Prix being contested as well. Ex Rookies have won 198 GPs and stood on the podium 596 times. So look out for that 200th win and 600th podium.
Last year’s Rookies Cup winner Angel Piqueras put himself on the Moto3 Rookies dominated podium last time out in Austin so he might take win number 199.
And then will Pedro Acosta, Rookies class of 2020, win his 1st MotoGP? Or will World Championship leader Jorge Martín, class of 2014, add to his tally of 6 MotoGP victories? Enea Bastianini, class of 2013, lies 2nd in the title chase and already has 5 MotoGP wins to his name.
The only three Superbike riders to score a lap led bonus during the 2023 CSBK season - Ben Young (1), Alex Dumas (23), and Sam Guerin (2). Bridgestone CSBK have revised the points structure for 2024 with the removal of the two-point bonus for leading a lap during a race. Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK.
Bridgestone CSBK tweaks point structure for 2024
Hamilton, ON – The Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship has made a slight revision to its point structure for the 2024 campaign, removing the “lap led bonus” for all national classes this season.
The rule was first introduced in the 1990’s, where the rider who led the most laps in each race would earn a two-point bonus in the standings. When CSBK adopted the more common FIM-style point structure in 2022, the rule was revised to become a two-point bonus to any rider who led a lap across the line, with multiple riders able to earn the bonus in each race.
Beginning in 2024, no in-race bonuses will be awarded. The qualifying point system will remain in place, awarding four points to pole position down to one point for fourth, while the race point structure also remains unchanged from the FIM system used in 2023.
The lap led bonus was unique to the Bridgestone CSBK series, with every other major motorcycle racing championship currently using the standard FIM point structure, seen primarily in MotoGP and World Superbike.
Notably, eliminating the bonus points would not have changed any of the title outcomes in either 2022 or 2023, the two seasons when the most recent format was used.
Last season, three different riders managed to lead a lap in the feature GP Bikes Pro Superbike category, with champion Ben Young doing it on six occasions while rival Alex Dumas countered with five lap led bonuses and Sam Guerin earned one.
In the Pro Sport Bike category, eight different riders managed to secure a lap led bonus at some point in the season, with champion David MacKay doing so four times while runner-up Matt Simpson and Sebastien Tremblay each countered with three.
The revised format is just the latest change to take affect entering the 2024 season, which will begin with round one at Shannonville Motorsport Park from May 17-19, just east of Belleville, ON.
Josh Waters (21) leads the Australian Superbike Championship heading into Round Three this coming weekend at Queensland Raceway. Photo courtesy ASBK.
Electrifying ASBK action looms large at Queensland Raceway
The 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) makes its first foray into the sunshine state from April 26-28, with the always entertaining Queensland Raceway to host round three.
The 3.126km circuit just up the road from Ipswich has been a staple on the ASBK calendar for many years, and it never fails to deliver jaw-dropping races. Last year, the total combined margin across the four Alpinestars Superbike and Michelin Supersport battles was just 0.4 seconds, so it’s certainly a pressure-cooker environment of the highest order.
With excellent weather forecast for this weekend, we’re set to be delivered another round of cliff-hangers across the four categories: Alpinestars Superbike, Michelin Supersport, Race and Road Supersport 300 and the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.
In addition, Aussie Racing Cars will also be joining the ASBK Championship for the first of two appearances in 2024, where amazingly high corner speeds, incredible late braking and pounding over ripple strips at full noise are a part of the attraction in the exciting silhouette formula.
As well the on-track pyrotechnics, the popular ASBK Trade Alley will return, as well as the ASBK Fan Zone. Spectators can also grab an autograph from one of the ASBK ambassadors – Steve Martin, Troy Corser, Chris Vermeulen and Garry McCoy – while Corser and Martin will also give selected lucky patrons the ride of their lives in the ASBK Pillion Program.
To purchase tickets for Queensland Raceway, click here. Tickets will also available at the gate.
Alpinestars Superbike
Last year, Queensland Raceway proved to be a turning point in the Alpinestars Superbike class. After five wins on the trot to start the season, Josh Waters’ winning streak on the McMartin Ducati evaporated as then Honda rider Troy Herfoss took two narrow wins ahead of Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team).
That tightened up the leaderboard appreciably, setting the scene for a pulsating championship where Herfoss was eventually crowned Superbike champion for the third time.
The story for the Mildura-bred Waters has followed a similar path to 2023 – he has four wins from the opening five races – but this year Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) is his closest challenger ahead of round three.
Waters is on 109.5pts compared to Halliday’s 84, followed by Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati, 82pts), Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati, 71.5pts), Jones (61.5pts), Cameron Dunker (Penrite Racing Yamaha, 61.5pts), Max Stauffer (Penrite Racing Yamaha, 60pts), Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 58.5pts) and Bryan Staring (MotoGo Yamaha, 47pts).
Where’s Herfoss? The Queenslander – who’s now developing a cult following in America thanks to his winning ways in the King of the Baggers class – is languishing in 10th on the DesmoSport Ducati after a disastrous non-scoring round two under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park thanks to an electrical problem in race one and a crash in the wet race two.
Herfoss is ever the optimist, though, and he’s galvanised for another big showing at Queensland Raceway to claw back some precious points.
Halliday’s in fine form – he’s the only rider to have lowered Waters’ colours in 2024 — and he scored a pair of thirds at Queensland Raceway last year. He’ll bring up his 100th Superbike start this weekend, so it’d be extra special to celebrate the milestone by banking big points.
Meanwhile, the circuit has previously been a happy hunting ground for three-time champion Jones, and there’d be no better place to produce his first Superbike podium for the year than in front of family and friends.
With Voight a non-starter this weekend now that he’s started his 2024 European Moto2 campaign, the likes of Jones and Pearson should move past the teenager in the standings after the two 16-lap races on Sunday.
Pearson claimed his first podium for DesmoSport Ducati in Sydney, and will again be giving it a real crack on his home track – as will the veteran, West, and lap record holder, Staring.
The two other riders who will also loom large are Dunker and Stauffer. Stauffer was third in Sydney’s race two and was also the fastest at the recent Queensland Raceway test.
The reigning Australian Supersport champion, 16-year-old Dunker, will only be competing in his third ASBK meeting on a Superbike, but he’s continuing to look more ominous every time he climbs aboard the Yamaha.
Glenn Allerton sits in 11th on the GT Racing BMW. Allerton has been competing under an injury cloud for the opening two rounds, but with a further month of recuperation and his hit rate in the past at Queensland Raceway, expect some fireworks.
Finally, there is the fastest starter in the west, east and all points between – Arthur Sissis. The former junior speedway star and Moto3 rider is now under the ever-growing quick shade of the Gold Cost-based Stop & Seal Racing, but still on a Yamaha.
Prepare for two breathtaking Alpinestars Superbike races!
Michelin Supersport
The Michelin Supersport class now enjoys the largest depth of talent seen in years, with the tempo ramping up at the last round in Sydney.
Multiple champion Tom Toparis (Stop & Seal Yamaha) returned to the class and took pole position, two race wins in extremely dominant fashion and set a new lap record. If we didn’t already know: Toparis is back and means business.
However, Toparis did start behind the eight ball after sitting out Phillip Island’s round one to focus on his FIM Supersport World Championship commitments. An imperious maximum-points haul in Sydney was the best way to begin the climb up the ladder, but he’ll have challengers coming from all angles in the two 14-lappers at Queensland Raceway.
The obvious one is Jonathon “JJ” Nahlous (Complete AV Yamaha), who swept all before him at Phillip Island before sharing podiums with Toparis, Sean Condon (Yamaha) and Jake Farnsworth (Wurth Race Developments Yamaha) in Sydney.
Nahlous has a 29pt (114 to 85) lead over Farnsworth after two of seven rounds, followed by the recently engaged Tom Bramich (Apex Yamaha, 76) and Olly Simpson (Yamaha, 70).
Simpson, the reigning No. 2, hasn’t had the start to the year he had banked on. After finishing second overall in the opening round, he hit a speed bump in Sydney by uncharacteristically crashing out of the first race before recovering to finish seventh in the second race to salvage some points.
While Yamaha dominates the grid, there are two Hondas in the mix with Marcus ‘The Hammer’ Hamod (Motocity) and Mark Chiodo (Honda Australia), who sit in fifth and sixth respectively.
There are also three Kawasakis in the mix with Brandon Demmery and Jacob Hatch on the Race DNA machines as well as Hayden Nelson on the BC Performance entry.
Then there are Toparis’ teammates in the Stop & Seal squad: Jack Mahaffy in seventh spot, Archie McDonald in eighth, Corey Turner in ninth and Glenn Nelson in 14th. What a busy pit box that will be!
Race and Road Supersport 300
Internationals have stolen a fair chunk of the limelight in the opening two rounds. At Phillip Island, it was Czech rider Petr Svoboda who took two dominant wins before Harrison Watts (Champion’s Ride Days) won the finale ahead of Tara Morrison (B&L Mechanical Air Services) – all Kawasaki mounted.
Morrison then missed the round in Sydney due to a broken collarbone but will return this weekend.
Meanwhile, the surprise in Sydney was Kiwi Jesse Stroud (Kawasaki), the son of former champion Andrew. It was his first visit to the track and, on a borrowed motorcycle, won the first race. This weekend, Stroud will be on a Yamaha.
Joshua Newman (Wet4U Race Fairings Kawasaki) and Watts share the championship lead, with Valentino Knezovic (Motocity Kawaski) 9pts adrift in third. Newman and Knezovic scored their maiden wins in Sydney, before Stroud and Newman had a coming together in race three. No doubt they will be wary of each other this weekend!
Ryan Larkin (Green Planet Nutrients Yamaha) will also be in the mix, with his confidence sky high after finishing equal second in round one of the 2024 Yamaha R3 Asia-Pacific Championship – which will be joining the ASBK Championship at The Bend (SA) from November 8-10.
bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup
There has only been one round of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup in 2024, with a couple of Hunters leading the way after Sydney’s opener: Toowoomba’s Hunter Corney ahead of Hunter Charlett.
West Aussie Rossi McAdam is third in a logjammed leaderboard – and this weekend he will also compete against his sister, Lexie, to add some more flavour to the OJC class.
Like always, the safest ‘bet’ is that there will be any number of positional changes during each race and the winner will not be decided until the bunch of slipstreaming kids cross the finish line.
The OJC academy, where all riders are on identical race-prepped Yamaha YZF-R15s, is aimed at developing Oceania’s next circuit racing stars and is a key pillar in the FIM’s Road to MotoGP program.
The category is in its sixth year, and now has Australian championship status as well.
Nicolo Bulega (11) and Andrea Iannone (29) battle for the lead at the start of a WorldSBK race at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bimota Returns To WorldSBK In 2025
The iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer Bimota is set to return to the world racing stage in 2025 competing in the Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.
Winners of the 1980 350cc World Championship fielding Jon Ekerold on a two-cylinder, two stroke Bimota YB3 machine, success was also achieved in TT Formula 1 with legend Virginio Ferrari aboard a YB4R taking the Championship honours in1987. No strangers to four stroke machinery, Bimota won no less than seven races in the very first World Superbike Championship year of 1988 thanks to Davide Tardozzi (5) and Stephane Mertens (2). Even as late as the year 2000, Bimota were still able to achieve a WorldSBK race win thanks to the late, great Anthony Gobert aboard an SB8R machine mounting the top step of the podium at a wet Phillip Island race weekend.
For the 2025 season, Bimota is partnering with Kawasaki in a joint venture which will result in a Bimota chassis with Kawasaki engine (plus allied technology), competing in WorldSBK. Not only will the donor Ninja ZX-10RR powerplant be familiar, but also many of the team staff as Kawasaki transfers its efforts into the Bimota racing program marking a landmark moment in the journey of the Kawasaki Racing Team after nearly four decades in the premier global racing series based on production machines that can be purchased at dealerships.
Recognising not just the legacy of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but also the close cooperation and synergies between majority Bimota shareholder, Kawasaki, and the Rimini based Italian manufacturer, the new team will operate under the title of Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.
Fielding a machine jointly developed by Bimota and Kawasaki, the new team will play a pivotal role in the wider global recognition and market presence of the Bimota brand as well as being crucial in highlighting the hand built craftsmanship and care that goes into the creation of every Bimota product. This wider appreciation of the Bimota brand and its core racing DNA is also expected to create increased demand and sales of Bimota street motorcycles.
Speaking about the new direction for Kawasaki in WorldSBK, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. Hiroshi Ito, stated: “Bimota has an enviable reputation for excellence in motorcycle design and manufacture. As part of our vision for the evolution of this world famous brand we see racing as a logical next step in terms of both product development as well as brand exposure on the global stage. Our commitment to WorldSBK is as strong as ever and we hope that this new racing project will energise fans of both Bimota and Kawasaki. The passion for race success remains and we look forward to the presence of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team on the 2025 WorldSBK grid”.
On behalf of Bimota, COO, Pierluigi Marconi, commented: “The engineering, technology and day to day business support already offered by Kawasaki has put Bimota firmly back into the consciousness of the media and potential customers, now it is time to take a next step in our evolution.
Bimota has had racing as part of its DNA from day one and to compete in WorldSBK alongside developing our new product range, while expanding the European and global dealer network, has an undeniable logic to it. With the unparalleled experience of the existing Kawasaki racing team experts plus the full support and cooperation of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. in Japan fills us with pride and optimism. The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team will surely form the foundations of the next chapter in the Bimota story”.
KRT Team Manager, Guim Roda, concluded: “In the past thirteen years, myself, and all of those at the KRT workshop in Granollers, have dedicated ourselves wholeheartedly to the Kawasaki Superbike project and garnered seven WorldSBK rider titles in that time plus numerous team and manufacturer awards. Now – after Kawasaki competing for nearly four decades in the Superbike championship – we are proud to be part of a new era forming the infrastructure of the new Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. For sure we will spare some time to reflect on and celebrate the heritage of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but we are also extremely excited to be a core component of this new Bimota and Kawasaki joint venture. This is an evolution for Kawasaki’s approach to the top level of production racing and we are honoured to play our role in this new project. I am confident we have the technology and human resources necessary to succeed and it will be a fresh, energising experience fielding an impressive two rider team in the 2025 Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.”
An Aprilia XTrenta track-only motorcycle. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
APRILIA AMERICAS CELEBRATES THE MOTOGP VICTORY AT THE CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS WITH THE RELEASE OF THE FINAL THREE XTRENTA MODELS PERSONALIZED BY THE FACTORY RIDERS: MAVERICK VINALES, ALEIX ESPARGARO, AND LORENZO SAVADORI
FROM APRILIA RACING ENGINEERING AND MOTOGP TECHNOLOGY THE XTRENTA IS THE MOST EXTREME, HIGH-PERFORMANCE, AND EXCLUSIVE APRILIA RSV4 EVER AND THE FIRST MOTORCYCLE IN THE WORLD EQUIPPED WITH REAR AND UNDER WINGS.
UNPRECEDENTED PERFORMANCE FOR MAXIMUM FUN ON TRACK: 230 HP FOR JUST 166 KG, RACING COMPONENTS AND REAL RACING SET-UP.
THESE FINAL THREE EXCLUSIVE MODELS WILL MATCH PERFORMANCE WITH PASSION FOR RACING, OFFERING A VIP TRIP TO REMAINING 2024 MOTOGP ROUND TO PURCHASING CUSTOMER
NEW YORK, NY – 24 APRIL 2024 – Following the successful MotoGP weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, Aprilia raises the curtain on the final chapter of the coveted XTrenta story. Three, meticulously crafted XTrenta motorcycles – the ultimate expression of Aprilia’s racing DNA – are now available for purchase, each signed by one of Aprilia’s esteemed MotoGP factory riders: Maverick Viñales, Aleix Espargaro, and Lorenzo Savadori.
A LEGACY OF PERFORMANCE
Aprilia boasts a legendary history in World Superbike with celebrated RSV4, which was the platform to build its presence in MotoGP, consistently pushing the boundaries of motorcycle technology and performance. The engineers who meticulously design and develop Aprilia’s MotoGP machines are the same masterminds behind the XTrenta. This exclusive track-only motorcycle embodies Aprilia’s championship-winning heritage, offering the most sophisticated and performance-driven experience available to enthusiasts.
The RSV4 XTrenta is part of the Factory Works program launched by Aprilia Racing: unique in the world, it makes the same technology developed in competition available to those who intend to compete at the highest levels in the production derivatives championships or who wish to have an RSV4 or Tuono V4 with performance optimized for use on the track. The XTrenta is unlike no other before it and sits as the pinnacle reference of the RSV4’s racing capability. Tireless development has been done by the Aprilia Racing engineers to elevate the maximum potential of the RSV4, with specific improvements unique to the XTrenta, which include:
• Aerodynamics: The bike uses MotoGP-derived carbon fairings with new front wings, rear wings, and an under wing on the swingarm, increasing aerodynamic load by 25% and reducing drag by 4%.
The Aprilia XTrenta is claimed to be the only motorcycle that comes with an aerodynamic “under wing” on the swingarm. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
• Engine: Starting from the base of a 2024 Aprilia RSV4 Factory has been tuned to produce 230 horsepower. This is achieved through several enhancements, which among others include an increased compression ratio, a specially designed titanium and carbon exhaust system from Aprilia Racing partner SC Project, and a Sprint Filter MotoGP spec air filter.
• Electronics: Specially calibrated Magneti Marelli control unit and a JetPrime racing panel to control the electronics suite.
• Cooling systems: To accommodate high performance and heavy-duty track use, the water and oil radiators are Superbike-derived Taleo Tecnoracing.
• Suspension: Öhlins modified by Andreani in collaboration with Aprilia MotoGP engineers.
• Wheels: Forged magnesium Marchesini M7R GENESI rims that are 2 kg lighter than the standard wheels.
• Tires: The tires are Pirelli Diablo SBK slick tires in sizes 120/70 and 200/65, with SC-1 compound front and SC-X compound rear.
The Aprilia XTrenta is fitted with functional front and rear wings. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
OWNING THE DREAM
These final three XTrenta models transcend mere motorcycles; they represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Aprilia’s MotoGP legacy. Each XTrenta comes with a personalized touch – the signature of the factory MotoGP rider you choose.
THE ULTIMATE MOTOGP EXPERIENCE
But the exclusivity doesn’t stop there. The proud owner of each XTrenta will be treated to an experience unlike any other, with a trip to a 2024 MotoGP race weekend of their choice. This VIP experience includes a meet-and-greet with your chosen rider, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Aprilia Racing Team garage, coveted paddock passes, and premium viewing seats to witness the pinnacle of motorcycle racing firsthand.
The Final Chapter
With only three XTrenta motorcycles remaining, this is your final chance to secure a place in Aprilia’s racing royalty. Each XTrenta is priced at $80,000 USD and represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a slice of Aprilia’s racing history. Lucky buyers will also receive not only the limited and numbered version of the RSV4 but also the dedicated motorbike cover and mat.
Taylor Knapp (99) leads Emerson Amaya (11) at Summit Point early in the race that marked Knapp's return to the top of the podium with AOD for the first time in nine years!
Featured In the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World:
“After four rounds, we were 20 points up on Alpha Omega for the overall N2/WERA National Endurance Championship with two races left in the year. Although that is the biggest lead we had enjoyed in years, there are over 100 points up for grabs at a single event so a mistake by any crew member or rider could drop us out of contention. Also, through a combined tragedy of scheduling and injuries, we were short staffed for riders…”
“Army Of Darkness: Lightning Strikes & Shock Swaps,” by Sam Q. Fleming
The text went out to Taylor Knapp, who took a day off of work and joined Army Of Darkness for the Summit Point round of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series. The reunion with his old team could not have gone better, with the squad atop the box once again. Read about the trials, the tribulations, the typical madness that is the glory of endurance racing—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)
Maxwell Toth in action on a Kalex Moto2 racebike at Catalunya Spain. Photo by @lifebelucky, courtesy Max Toth.
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 28th 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 13 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 2024 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. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
AGR Team Owner Anscari Nadal (right) with then-17-year-old American Maxwell Toth (left). Photo courtesy AGR Team.
Age: 18.
Current home: Barcelona, Spain (originally from Belmont, California).
Current height/weight: 6’0”/150 pounds.
Current school grade level: 12th grade.
Began riding at age: 4 years.
First road race: 2009, Stockton, California, Supermoto USA, PW Class, 2nd place.
Current racebike: Kalex Moto2.
Current tuners/mechanics: AGR Team.
Primary race series: FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship.
Sponsors: T3 Racing, Vircos Leathers, HJC, CT Racing.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, tied for 24th in FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship (best race result was 13th in Race Two at Portimao); 2022 season, earned co-Championship in CIV/Italian Aprilia RS 660 Cup (4 wins, 8 total podiums), 1 podium finish in RFME ESBK SuperStock 600 race at Jerez, raced as wild card in FIM Moto2 European Championship finale at Valencia (qualified 19th but was taken out/crashed in race); 2021 season, finished 2nd racing as a wild card in CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup race at Vallelunga, finished 9th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (only rab 12 races, 1 win, 4 total podiums), finished 13th in MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (only ran 4 races, 2 podium finishes); 2020 season, qualified 4th and finished 5th in Race Two in MotoAmerica Junior Cup debut at Laguna Seca, tied for 19th in CIV (Italian) Moto3 National Championship (best race finish was 10th at Misano); 2019 season, placed 9th in CIV PreMoto3 Championship (1 podium finish at Mugello), won Pro Supermoto USA 250 race; 2018 season, won all races he entered in Z & F Grand Prix School (mini Grand Prix series in France).
2024 racing goals: Win FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship.
Racing career goal: Race in one of the World Championships.
Racing hero: Iker Lecuona.
Favorite track: Valencia.
Favorite hobby: Riding BMX.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: A music producer.
…
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 and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion 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;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
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 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, 2023 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, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner 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 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, and MotoAmerica Superbike racer 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 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 three-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;
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;
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;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
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 MotoAmerica Super Hooligan race winner Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
King Of The Baggers (KOTB) 2023 Champion Hayden Gillim (1) on his Revzilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide at Daytona, 2024. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Featured In the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World:
Hayden Gillim has finished as the runner-up in AMA or MotoAmerica National Championships six times during his successful career. But the 29-year-old veteran knocked that monkey off his back by winning two MotoAmerica Championships in 2023.
It was a long road getting there, but Gillim isn’t planning on stopping any time soon…
“Hanging With: Hayden Gillim,” by David Swarts
Hayden Gillim started at the age of six on a Honda XR50 and has done journeyman’s work ever since, grinding out a career and showing flashes of brilliance when his bikes were good enough. Last season, Gillim had his chance, and showed everyone just how good a rider he really is! Read his story in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)
AHRMA racer David Crussell (117). Photo by CaliPhotography.com, courtesy AHRMA.
Here are complete race results from the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series event held April 21 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, in Buttonwillow, California.
ChampSchool's Nick Ienatsch (standing with hand raised) during a Yamaha Champions Riding School. Photo by John Sackett - At the Apex Photos, courtesy Yamaha Champions Riding School.
Yamaha Champions Riding School Founder and Chief Instructor Nick Ienatsch was recently interviewed by Teejay Adams on the Motos & Friends podcast. Ienatsch, a former professional racer, journalist, and lifelong motorcyclist, talked about the different approaches and techniques of motorcycle rider training.
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
August 5, 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
