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CSBK: Dumas On Pole For Season Opener At SMP

Dumas on pole for Bridgestone CSBK opener at SMP

It may be a new year with new teams, but it was the same old rivalry at the top of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship as Alex Dumas narrowly beat Ben Young to earn pole position for the season opener at Shannonville Motorsport Park (SMP).

With Young leaving BMW to join Honda this season and Dumas taking his place aboard the BMW M 1000 RR, it was unclear how much of a learning curve each rider would have and who might capitalize on it to begin 2025.

Instead, Dumas picked up right where he left off from his strong 2024 finale, adapting quickly to his Economy Lube BMW machine to pace P1 on Friday morning and advance directly to BS Battery Q2 under the new format.

Young would also be amongst the five names to bypass Q1, taking the second spot in the morning ahead of Jordan Szoke, Sam Guerin, and David MacKay.

Dumas would again carry his momentum through the first stint of Q2, pacing the field with a stellar lap of 1:04.738 – nearly a half-second clear of the rest of the field.

That gap would shrink gradually over the final 10 minutes, before Young turned in his best time of the weekend with a 1:04.752 lap aboard his Van Dolder’s Home Team Honda – only 0.014 seconds shy of Dumas.

It looked like things could get worse for the new BMW rider (Dumas) after he ran off-track in his final stint, negating any potential improvement, but it wouldn’t cost him in the end as Young could only settle for second and the middle of the front row.

The seventh BS Battery Pole Position of Dumas’ career will be a welcome one to start his BMW tenure, but it was an equally impressive showing by Young as the reigning champion finds himself almost even with his longtime foe after switching machines for the first time in his Superbike career.

The 0.014 second difference will wind up the second-closest margin of pole in Pro Superbike history, trailing only the infamous tie between Young and Dumas at AMP in 2022, with the four closest qualifying margins in history all now belonging to the two rivals.

Completing the front row for the weekend doubleheader will be Szoke, who has looked energized aboard his CKM Kawasaki after an off-season of improvements to both his health and his ZX-10RR.

The 14-time champion was briefly in P2 before Young’s late flyer shunted him one position, but Szoke will remain a major threat to the two front-runners as just 0.360 seconds covered the top four.

The Round 1 BS Battery Pole Award qualifying podium of (L-R) Jordan Szoke (3rd), Alex Dumas (1st), and Ben Young (3rd). Photo by Rob O’Brien/CSBK

At the end of that quartet was Sam Guerin, who will lead off row two despite finding himself within striking distance of pole. The EFC Group BMW rider was unable to find any late improvements to climb into the front row but was lapping consistently in the 1:05 range, keeping him firmly in the race-winning mix as well.

Rounding out the top five was David MacKay, the last of the automatic entries to Q2, as he continued to take another step in his sophomore season aboard the ODH/Snow City Cycle Honda.

MacKay tightened the gap to just 0.729 seconds behind pole and nearly a second clear of sixth place, putting him in position to join the lead group this weekend as the 2023 Supersport champion chases his first career Superbike podium.

One of the big stories of the day was Philip DeGama-Blanchet, who was leading Q1 for much of the session before crashing in his first appearance aboard the Taylor Racing Honda.

The 17-year-old would squeak through to Q2 despite it and manage to rebuild his machine in time to climb to sixth in the late stages of the BS Battery session, completing the second row and marking three Hondas inside the top-six.

Trevor Daley will lead off the third row after a great effort aboard his Supersport-spec OneSpeed Suzuki GSX-R750, having put in a number of strong laps late in Q1 to secure his spot in the final session.

Sebastien Tremblay would pace Q1 with a spectacular time of 1:06.795 aboard his own Supersport-spec Turcotte Performance Suzuki, only 0.027 seconds clear of Connor Campbell, but neither rider could improve in the second session as Tremblay settled for eighth on the grid while Campbell claimed ninth for B&T MacFarlane Kawasaki.

Superbike rookie Zoltan Frast put in a strong lap right as the clock hit zero to originally move into eighth and the middle of row three, though the Lean Angle BMW rider was relegated back to tenth after post-qualifying tech inspection revealed that he had used an ineligible tire for Q2.

Just missing out on a Q2 appearance was Elliot Vieira, who was knocked out of the five advancing spots in the final moments of Q1 by another last-lap performance from Frast, though Vieira will still wind up the top Ducati aboard his GP Bikes machine in eleventh.

The feature grid will now prepare for the first half of their round one doubleheader in uncertain conditions on Saturday, with rain expected to impact at least the morning sessions ahead of race one at 3 pm ET.

The full weekend schedule and results can be found on the series’ official website: https://www.csbk.ca/

Buell Starting SuperTouring Production This Fall

BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO. ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPORT TOURING MOTORCYCLE

SuperTouring to Begin Production This Fall with Industry-Leading Performance Metrics

The moment touring enthusiasts have been waiting for is finally here! Buell Motorcycle Co. is thrilled to announce that production of the SuperTouring will commence this Fall.

Engineered to unleash freedom on every road, the SuperTouring’s performance components
transform ordinary journeys into extraordinary adventures. After months of anticipation, we’re finally unleashing the long-awaited details you’ve been waiting for.

“We are beyond excited to releasing the Buell SuperTouring shortly ahead of the Super Cruiser. It is a big year for Buell; we are back and excited to see our team’s hard work and dedication come to fruition,” said Bill Melvin, Buell Motorcycle Co. Owner & CEO.

The Buell SuperTouring is going into production this fall, with pre-ordering available soon.

Performance Meets Comfort – MSRP $23,995

The SuperTouring delivers an exceptional riding experience with class-leading specifications:

• 185 horsepower and 102 ft-lbs. of torque

• 439 lbs. wet weight (without bags)

• Industry-leading power-to-weight ratio of 0.421 hp/lb.

*NOTE: Production specifications are subject to slight variances upon model release.
These impressive metrics are born from Buell’s racing heritage and maintain our signature Fuel in Frame (FiF) design.

Premium Components Standard

Every SuperTouring comes equipped with premium components:

• Dual-disc Brembo brakes with EBC rotors

• Fox suspension system and steering stabilizer

• Custom Saddlemen seat designed for comfortable two-up riding

• Carbon fiber bodywork

• Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tires

• Redesigned Buell footpegs with improved grip and 1-inch lowered stance

Buell SuperTouring

Customization Options

Riders can personalize their SuperTouring with various dealer or customer installed add-on
packages:

• Secondary Exhaust + 36 Liter Bags Package – $1,500

• Cut Tips + 36 Liter Bags Package – $2,000

• Quick-Shift System – $495

Early-Bird Pricing Opportunity

Buell is offering an exclusive early-bird discount for enthusiasts who have submitted a pre-order deposit.

• Sales order deposits ($1,000) open July 1, 2025

• Special pricing of $22,495 for deposits made between July 1 – August 31, 2025

• Standard MSRP will be $23,995

Pre-order holders will have priority access to submit their sales orders between July 1 – August 31, 2025. Starting September 1, 2025, sales order deposits will open to the general public with an MSRP of $23,995. At production start, the SuperTouring will be available in the United States and Canada with additional global markets following in the near future.

 

Don’t miss your spot in line, submit your pre-order today:

www.buellmotorcycle.com/supertouring

 

Production and Distribution

We recognize and respect the role of our sales partners in the broader customer journey and are committing to a phased roll-out system.

Initial production will focus on fulfilling direct pre-orders, ensuring our most enthusiastic
customers are the first to experience the SuperTouring. Following this first wave of SuperTouring deliveries, our valued sales partners will receive models for their showrooms.

 

About Buell Motorcycle Co.

Buell Motorcycles is an American motorcycle manufacturer known for its distinctive styling and high-performance motorcycles. With a focus on delivering an unparalleled riding experience, Buell continues to push the boundaries of American motorcycling by prioritizing quality components via domestic sourcing. Buell’s team is thoroughly dedicated to the superior care of both the machine and the wild soul that rides it. For more information and to secure an early-bird discount, visit www.buellmotorcycle.com.

World Supersport300: Maier Takes Pole In Czech Republic

Humberto Maier (Yamaha AD78 FIMLA by MS Racing) claimed pole position for tomorrow’s FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Race 1 after topping the timesheet in Friday’s Tissot Superpole session. It marks his first pole since 2023. Joining him on the front row will be Kawasaki Ninja 400 riders David Salvador (Team ProDina XCI) and Julio Garcia (Prodina Kawasaki Italka Racing). Notably, Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing) missed the top 10, placing P11 in the session.

JOGA BONITO: Humberto Maier earns first pole since Catalunya 2023

The morning’s damp conditions had largely cleared out by when the WorldSSP300 riders took to the track, warming track temperatures slightly above the temperatures seen earlier on Friday. Maier was around the top positions all session and finished with the best time of 1’46.325s. David Salvador took pole from the Brazilian, his time of 1’46.347s clocking in just 0.022s slower than Maier. Julio Garcia rounded out the front row in P3, finishing with a time of 1’46.418s.

MOGEDA TO LEAD SECOND ROW: the Catalan youngster snagged P4 by just 0.003s

Daniel Mogeda (Pons Motosport Italika Racing) put on a strong performance at his third appearance at the track, his time of 1’46.564s earning him P4. Marco Gaggi (Team BrCorse) was quick in the session, placing P5 a mere three thousandths of a second slower than Mogeda. Having recovered from an early multi-bike crash, Benat Fernandez (Team #109 Retro Traffic Kove) and his bike escaped without damage, allowing him to continue from the restart with the rest of the grid. He went on to finish P6 with a time of 1’46.591s.

SVOBODA EARNS THIRD ROW AT HOME: Czech home hero takes P8

In P7, Carter Thompson (MTM Kawasaki) finished exactly two tenths of a second in front of Petr Svoboda (Kawasaki Junior Team by MTM) in front of him, Thompson finishing with 1’46.599s. Behind Svoboda in P8, riding in the place of Austrian replacement rider Jakob Rosenthaler (Freudenberg KTM- Paligo Racing) rounded out the third row with his P9 finish on the back of his 1’46.831s time. With the final spot of the top 10, Antonio Torres (Team ProDina XCI) pipped current Championship leader Jeffrey Buis for P10 by a mere 0.006s via his time of 1’46.837s

4-BIKE CRASH TO START THE SESSION: Ercolani and Sabatucci taken to medical centre

Early in the session, four riders were involved in a red-flag inducing chain reaction of crashes. Emiliano Ercolani (Kawasaki GP Project), Kevin Sabatucci (Accolade Funds Smrz Racing BGR), and Uriel Hidalgo (ZAPPAS-DEZA-BOX 77 Racing Team) were taken to the medical centre, and Benat Fernandez (Team #109 Retro Traffic Kove) was able to return to the track once the green flag was shown. In the final minutes of the session, Unai Calatayud (ARCO MotoR University Team) crashed in the same Turn 10, preventing him from getting a final lap in and finished in P26. After consulting with the medical centre, Hidalgo was diagnosed with a fractured femur and will be transported to Usti Hospital via helicopter.

 

SSP300 Superpole Results

World Supersport: Mahias On Pole At Most

Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) claimed his first pole since 2019 at the Motul Czech Round’s opening FIM Supersport World Championship Tissot Superpole session. Following Mahias across the line was Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) and Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) to form Race 1’s front row. With their best results of the season so far, Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) and Raffaele De Rosa (QJMOTOR Factory Racing) stepped up their game in the wet, earning P5 and P6 respectively at the Autodrom Most.

MAHIAS FINDS ANOTHER GEAR: Claims first pole since Misano 2019

Rain fell in the early afternoon ahead of the Superpole session, limiting riders’ pace until later in the session as the track continued to dry. As time ticked down in the session, lap times decreased as well. After many provisional pole position changes, by the chequered flag Mahias came out on top with a 1’38.142s lap, almost six tenths of a second clear of his rivals. Oncu claimed second on the timesheet with his time of 1’38.733s, followed by Debise, who led most of the session’s early running to finish P3 with a time of 1’38.809s.

DE ROSA MAKES HISTORY WITH QJMOTOR: The Italian earned the Chinese manufacturer their best-ever placement

Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) placed P4 in the Superpole with his time of 1’38.983s not quite fast enough to land a front-row starting spot, but just 0.174s off front-row pace. Oettl in P5 had his best result of his season so far, his 1’39.016s potentially a springboard to get his first WorldSSP season back on track. Raffaele De Rosa earned QJMOTOR their best result in their two years of competition, not only their first top ten, but their first top six starting spot.

BOOTH-AMOS FOR THIRD ROW: P8 for the British rider

Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) was one of the fastest in the wetter early running, but as session went on, he and his 1’39.252s was shuffled to P7 by the end of the session. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) was slower than his normally-pacey self in the wet, his time of 1’39.319s landing him P8. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME Air Racing) finished in P9 with a time of 1’39.345s.

LUKE POWER CRASHES OUT: The Australian rider crashed early but returned to place P18

Luke Power (Motozoo ME Air Racing) had the first crash of the session, taking a spill into the gravel on Turn 13 but later returned to the track. Shortly after, Wildcard rider Filip Fiegl (Genius Racing by Motolife) crashed out in Turn 20. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) had a late lowside crash which forced him to ride back to the pits and miss the rest of the session.

 

SSP Superpole Results

World Superbike: Razgatlioglu Remains On Top In FP2 At Most

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) finished Friday at the Autodrom Most on top of the timesheets after two practice sessions for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field. Like in FP1, a rain shower earlier in the day left the track damp but drying as the session started, with patches of water reported between Turns 6 and 10. Riders were quick to head out on track but it wasn’t until the second half of the session that the pace ramped up during the Motul Czech Round.

RAZGATLIOGLU ON TOP: a chance to claw back points?

Razgatlioglu cemented his position as pre-round favourite as he topped both FP1 and FP2, posting a 1’31.318s in FP2 for his fastest time of the day to secure first place on the combined timesheets. ‘El Turco’ was the first rider to lap in the 1’31s bracket as the track dried in both practice sessions, although several other riders did join him in that bracket in FP2. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was the last rider to improve his time compared to FP1, lapping just under six tenths down on teammate Razgatlioglu after posting a 1’31.899s.

SAM LOWES IN FORM: the #14 leads Ducati’s charge, Bulega P4

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) secured P2 on Friday with a 1’31.542s to finish as the lead Ducati rider, and a couple of tenths behind Razgatlioglu. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fourth in the combined classification as he felt the effects of his huge FP1 highside at Turn 6, which left him with contusions to his right ankle and left knee. ‘Bulegas’ is set to be reviewed after FP2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fifth, around a quarter of a tenth behind his teammate, while Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed P6. ‘Petrux’ set a 1’31.727s to finish. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) showed some good potential in FP2 as he claimed 12th place with a 1’32.441s. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was 17th with Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) in 18th; the Brit had a late-session crash at Turn 20 in FP2.

BIMOTA IN PODIUM CONTENTION? Alex Lowes third, Bassani seveth…

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) led the Bimota charge on Friday in Czechia, finishing third with a 1’31.607s, lapping around three tenths back from pacesetter Razgatlioglu as he showed strong pace. Teammate Axel Bassani put both KB998 Rimini machines in the top ten as he claimed seventh with a 1’31.738s, just a tenth back from his teammate but with four riders between the Bimota duo.

TRICKY DAY FOR YAMAHA: three riders crash, Locatelli leads the way

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was one of several crashers in FP1, when he crashed at Turn 17, but he was back out on track in FP2 as he claimed ninth place in the combined classification, with teammate Jonathan Rea four places behind the #55; Rea also crashed in FP1, at Turn 8. Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) has shown impressive speed at Most and finished the day in 14th place, ahead of Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in 15th; the Australian had a crash at Turn 21 in FP1. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) finished the day in 19th and 21st respectively.

HONDAS AS CLOSE AS EVER: Vierge just pips Lecuona

As is often the case at Honda, Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) and teammate Xavi Vierge were close on the timesheets – to the point where, with seven minutes remaining, they’d both posted a 1’32.065s. However, in the final seconds, Vierge improved to a 1’32.014s to just move clear of Lecuona, although they finished P10 and P11 respectively. Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) finished in 20th while Zaqhwan Zaidi (PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team) was 22nd; the Malaysian rider had an early crash in FP2 at Turn 10 but was able to re-join the session.

GERLOFF CLOSE TO THE TOP TEN: just half-a-tenth away…

Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) finished in 16th as the sole Kawasaki rider on the grid, although, with a condensed field in FP2, was 1.2 seconds off the pace however, finding two tenths would move him up to 12th place.

 

SBK FP2 Results

World Superbike: Razgatlioglu Leads FP1 At Most

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s opening session of the weekend was heavily disrupted by four red flags at the Autodrom Most. The Most Czech Round kicked off in dramatic fashion as Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) topped the times as the only rider in the 1’31s bracket, while his title rival, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), suffered a heavy crash in the second half of the 45-minute session.

It was a slow start to the 45-minute session after overnight rain left the track wet but drying, with the previous WorldSSP FP session helping to clear some of the lingering water. Times rapidly improved throughout the four-time red-flagged session. Razgatlioglu led the way with a 1’31.697s as he lapped more than half-a-second clear of his rivals. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed second place with a 1’32.241s as he lapped more than half-a-second slower than Razgatlioglu, but he usurped Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) before the fourth and final red flag was shown, ending the session around four minutes early.

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) finished fourth ahead of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in fifth, but the #11 had a session-ending crash with around 13 minutes remaining. The Championship leader fell heavily after a highside at Turn 6 with Bulega launched off his bike. He was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) ensured both BMW riders were in the top six as he claimed P6 with a 1’32.069s.

Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) was P7 as Honda continued to show strong pace after he lapped the Autodrom Most in 1’32.635s, finishing a tenth ahead of Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) who was the lead Yamaha rider. However, ‘Loka’ had a highside at Turn 17 with brought out the final red flag with four minutes to go. Turkish rider Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) impressed as he secured ninth place.

Rea’s session came to an early end when he crashed at Turn 8 with around 15 minutes gone in the session. The six-time Champion lost the rear of his Yamaha R1 machine, sliding into the gravel trap between Turns 8 and 9. The incident briefly brought out the red flags due to gravel on the track at Turn 9, allowing the marshals to clear it up. A second red flag was shown around 10 minutes later following a crash for Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven), with ‘The Maniac’ highsiding at the final corner, while Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) also crashed at the same corner. Iannone was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following his fall, as was Gardner.

FP1 Results

World Superbike: Riders Preview Motul Czech Round

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid have gathered at the Autodrom Most for Round 5 of the 2025 season as the Czech Republic hosts the action. Riders spoke on Thursday at the Motul Czech Round to provide updates on their future, discuss their goals for Most, and adjustments to the fuel flow regulations following the latest concession checkpoint. Read the hottest quotes from Most below.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “My future is still quiet because Kenan’s still talking with some brands”

Discussing his record at Most, his goals, and his future, Razgatlioglu said: “I’m really happy because I love this circuit and we’re very strong. This year isn’t like last year. Everything is different. Friday is very important. I hope my feeling on the bike is good as I need a good setup for the race because we use the SC1 rear tyre, the harder tyre. Last year, we had a very good weekend and this year, I hope we’re fighting for the win. My target is three wins. I don’t care about fuel flow; I’m just focused on my job. When I saw the changes, I was smiling because my bike is faster than the Yamaha and maybe the Bimota, but not faster than Ducati. Rules are rules. My future is still quiet because Kenan (Sofuoglu, Razgatlioglu’s manager) is still talking with some brands, but we will see, maybe one or two weeks later. This weekend is very important for me, and I need to win again.”

 

Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo by WorldSBK.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “My goal is to stay with Ducati… I’m only 25, I’d like to think about the future”

Explaining how he’s affected by changes to fuel flow, while also talking about his future, Bulega said: “I’m happy to race after Cremona. We had great results there and it was a fantastic weekend for me, but here, it will be perhaps more difficult because Toprak is always very strong. This year is a different story compared to last year. On paper, Toprak here is very strong but also other riders. Cremona was my worst track and I won three races. It’s difficult to predict a result. For my smooth riding style, fuel flow adjustments are not easy because our bike started to be more nervous, especially when we have to change gear. When we have to change gear with an angle, it’s not easy because the bike is dirtier. For my riding style, it’s not so easy to adapt. My goal is to stay with Ducati because they gave me a great opportunity to become a great WorldSBK rider. I am only 25, I would like to think about the future. We’re talking and we’ll see. I want to stay focused on WorldSBK because I’m racing here, and my goal is to try to win the Championship this year and next year.”

 

Alvaro Bautista. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I confirmed to the team that I want to keep racing for ’26 and now I’m waiting for their answer”

Announcing his intention to race next year, Bautista stated: “After Cremona, we are in a good way. We’re building up good confidence on the bike. This year, the bike is working well at all tracks, at least consistently, so I can have the same feedback at every track. Most is not an easy track, there are a lot of demanding areas with changes of direction. Last year, I remember that the results were bad but the feeling with the bike improved compared to the other rounds. I’m confident that this year, we can replicate that performance, or even improve it, because this season, at every track, the times are quicker than other seasons. The performance of the bike is not the same when you have to reduce the fuel consumption, but we are trying to feel it as little as possible. To be honest, I have an agreement with Ducati. We had one for ’25 and ’26, but we just have to say yes from my side and Ducati’s side. The agreement is already signed. I confirmed to the team that I want to keep racing for ’26 and now I’m waiting for their answer. Let’s see in the next days or weeks when I have the answer from them.”

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team): “. I feel like I have a little bit of a point to prove with the track”

In-form rider Lowes spoke about the possibility of redemption at Most, after a crash here last year. He said: “I was really happy with the Sunday at Cremona; I wasn’t feeling so good, so it was a really positive day. Looking forward to getting back at Most. Last year it was a good weekend for the first time here, but it’s where I had the crash and hurt my shoulder, so it ruined my year a little bit. I think redemption is nice added motivation, but the first goal will be just to continue like the first few races, in the top four or five. The weather could play a little bit of a part, it could rain at some point. I feel like I have a little bit of a point to prove with the track. I think I already have 21 more points than last year, so it’s obviously a lot better than my rookie season! I feel a lot better on the and bike and nearly able to ride it how I want. I’d give it an 8/10 so far, maybe an 8.5 at some weekends. I’ve been in the Marc VDS team for a long time. My first target will be to stay there for another season; from last season to this, we’ve made a big step. I’ll have to ask them a little bit! My plan is stay on a Ducati but, at the minute, not too much to say. In the next weeks, we’ll know a lot more.”

Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “If I could come away from Most feeling good with the bike, riding the bike in the proper way… that would be something to be satisfied with”

After returning from injury at Cremona, Rea spoke about his hopes for Most: “Cremona was a lot worse physically on the bike, but I was going to have that pain no matter when I started the season. Although the results and the feeling weren’t amazing, it was 100x better than sitting on the sofa at home! I expect an easier weekend, but without expectations for results. It’s a long time to be off from the bike, with such a good feeling in the winner to miss three complete rounds, and testing, it was hard to jump in at a circuit I didn’t know. I know Most. I’m still getting up to speed with the bike and find the feeling. I had a good feeling here last year. I know it’s not going to be a long way back, but we have to get back to showing our full potential because with the injury, it was impossible. I’d be satisfied to do a full race weekend, no mistakes, and build into some consistency. If I could come away from Most feeling good with the bike, riding the bike in the proper way and making the correct adjustments, that would be something to be satisfied with. With the plates inside my foot, and you walk on every moment, two of the metatarsals are fused together, so it offsets a lot of the force and pain; until I get those plates out, I’m going to have that. We need to check in the summer break if there’s enough gap or if it needs to be done at the end of the season.”

Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC): “About the future, I don’t really care, I know what I can do on the bike”

Lecuona spoke about his future, saying: “My intention is to keep working at home, here, I know I can win and fight for the top positions so that is my target. I am not thinking about a anything else, my manager has said he won’t tell me anything until summer, so I don’t know anything, but I don’t want to know anything. I’m starting to feel good and work on myself, so let’s see what happens in the future but for now the focus is on the work. About the future, I don’t really care, I know what I can do on the bike. Even with the bad luck with injuries that I’ve had, I’ve had the capacity to get good results, so I know I’m not at my limit. I’m honestly not thinking about the future, I’m thinking about a Most because we’re here, but next time I’ll be thinking about the test, after that, Donington.”

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “A factory bike is a dream, but I can’t complain with what I have now, because my bike is faster than many factory bikes”

Petrucci is hoping the harder tyre allocation will suit him more, saying: “Cremona wasn’t like I wanted, and we faced some difficulties and bad luck. This made especially Saturday a difficult day. It was good to recover to P4 in Race 2, and we come here to Most with good feelings; we know we can be on the podium. The tyre allocation is more suitable for me, on the harder part of the compounds. We move away from the pressure we had at Cremona and here is one of the best tracks for us. We want to fight for the podium. Still nothing on my future. A factory bike is a dream, but I can’t complain with what I have now, because my bike is faster than many factory bikes. I found myself really well with Barni, so maybe there’s a chance to race together next year.”

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “Like Assen and Portimao, we were able to get podiums, so why not try again in this round?”

Locatelli is aiming for the top five but doesn’t rule out a podium at Most: “The Cremona race was not a good weekend for us for a lot of reasons. I think we understand what the main problem was. Until we go on track, we cannot see if the bike is working better or not, but we think we understand what the problem is. I don’t spend time thinking about others, just myself and try to find a solution about my problem. Maybe the other bikes had some problems, but my feeling was bigger on this problem. It’s good to know what happened and why. It’s a good track for us, we’ve been on the podium here in the past, so why not again? We need to work well and prepare well. The top five is the minimum target that I would like to say. Like Assen and Portimao, we were able to get podiums, so why not try again in this round?”

World Superbike: Ducati, BMW Hit With Fuel Flow Restrictions

According to Article 2.4.3.2 of the FIM SBK Regulations – Overperformance Penalisation – BMW’s performance values have exceeded the -0.250 threshold but remain above the -0.500 limit. As a result, BMW falls within the range that triggers a Step 1 Fuel Flow reduction.

In accordance with Article 2.4.3 (h) – Concessions and Super Concessions – Ducati has accumulated more than twelve Concession points over the next highest manufacturer at the checkpoint, thereby exceeding the allowed margin. Consequently, Ducati will also receive a Step 1 Fuel Flow reduction, in line with Article 2.4.2.2.

As per Article 2.4.2.2 of the SBK Regulations, a Step 1 Fuel Flow reduction equates to a decrease of 0.5 kg/h. As both Ducati and BMW had already been subject to a previous fuel flow reduction, each will now face a cumulative penalty of 1.0 kg/h in maximum fuel flow.

The FIM will continue to monitor manufacturers’ performance at each Concession Checkpoint to ensure a balanced and competitive championship.

World Superbike: World Sportbike Replacing SuperSport300 Class

The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and WorldSBK are delighted to reveal the name of the new entry-level racing category: World Sportbike, which will debut in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in 2026.

World Sportbike is set to succeed the World Supersport 300 class, which has provided an accessible and competitive stepping stone for emerging talent since its introduction in 2017. Building upon the foundations laid by World Supersport 300, World Sportbike aims to further streamline the path for young riders transitioning towards World Supersport.

Featuring agile motorcycles with mid-tier capacity engines, this new category promises exciting competition and enhanced opportunities for manufacturers, teams, and riders alike.

 

Ana Carrasco. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

As we celebrate this exciting development, we proudly look back on the exceptional achievements of WorldSSP300. Notably, Ana Carrasco made history in 2018 as the first woman to win a motorcycle circuit racing world championship, becoming an inspiration worldwide. Adrian Huertas showcased the value of the category as a talent incubator, clinching the WorldSSP300 title in 2021 before successfully progressing to WorldSSP and securing another World Championship in 2024. Aldi Mahendra also made headlines last year as the first-ever Indonesian rider to claim a motorcycle racing world title, illustrating the global reach and influence of this remarkable class.

 

Aldi Mahendra. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

As the final World Supersport 300 season takes place in 2025, teams and manufacturers prepare their World Sportbike debut, with additional details regarding technical specifications and sporting regulations for the new class to be released in due course.

ZARS Track Days To Run At Road America, Brainerd & Blackhawk

ZARS Track Days is entering into the 2025 season by hosting its performance track day events at three road courses in the USA.

The season will kick off a doubleheader on Memorial Day, May 26-27, at Road America, prior to the MotoAmerica races. Riders will enjoy over four miles of track with sweeping turns and lots of open track. Several MotoAmerica racers will be in attendance as well. In addition to track riding, ZARS will offer a cash payout for the licensed racer sprints (2), totaling $2,000!

In June, July, August and September, ZARS will host events at Brainerd International Raceway on the Competition Road Course.

ZARS will partner with motovid.com for a doubleheader at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, Illinois, July 19-20.

ZARS track days are open to riders of all skill levels and are designed to provide maximum track time during prime weekend and weekday events. No membership required for our events, as they are open to all riders.

All Track Day events will offer track day riders and racers with a variety of options, including Shootout sprints with cash prizes for licensed racers, Rider Challenge for Track Day riders (spirited sprint racing), Track School, and the School of R.O.C.C. for experienced riders and racers.

2025 ZARS Track Day Schedule:
May 26-27, Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
June 7-8, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN
July 19-20, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit, IL (partnering with motovid.com)
July 20-21, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN
August 22, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN
September 1, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN
September 27-28, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN

In addition to Track Days, ZARS will also hold another 10 Advanced Riding Schools for experienced riders in the Minneapolis/St Paul area on our 1-mile road course.

2025 ZARS Advanced Riding School Schedule at Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount, MN:
May 18,31
June 1,28,29
July 12,13,27
August 9,24

About ZARS:

Zalusky Advanced Riding School and Track Days (ZARS) is a Track Day organization based in the Upper Midwest that provides riding and education opportunities for riders and racers of all skill levels. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.ridezars.com

CSBK: Dumas On Pole For Season Opener At SMP

Alex Dumas (23) will start his first two races on a BMW from pole position after topping the BS Battery Superbike Pole Award Q2 qualifying session Friday afternoon at Shannonville Motorsport Park. Photo by Rob O'Brien/CSBK

Dumas on pole for Bridgestone CSBK opener at SMP

It may be a new year with new teams, but it was the same old rivalry at the top of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship as Alex Dumas narrowly beat Ben Young to earn pole position for the season opener at Shannonville Motorsport Park (SMP).

With Young leaving BMW to join Honda this season and Dumas taking his place aboard the BMW M 1000 RR, it was unclear how much of a learning curve each rider would have and who might capitalize on it to begin 2025.

Instead, Dumas picked up right where he left off from his strong 2024 finale, adapting quickly to his Economy Lube BMW machine to pace P1 on Friday morning and advance directly to BS Battery Q2 under the new format.

Young would also be amongst the five names to bypass Q1, taking the second spot in the morning ahead of Jordan Szoke, Sam Guerin, and David MacKay.

Dumas would again carry his momentum through the first stint of Q2, pacing the field with a stellar lap of 1:04.738 – nearly a half-second clear of the rest of the field.

That gap would shrink gradually over the final 10 minutes, before Young turned in his best time of the weekend with a 1:04.752 lap aboard his Van Dolder’s Home Team Honda – only 0.014 seconds shy of Dumas.

It looked like things could get worse for the new BMW rider (Dumas) after he ran off-track in his final stint, negating any potential improvement, but it wouldn’t cost him in the end as Young could only settle for second and the middle of the front row.

The seventh BS Battery Pole Position of Dumas’ career will be a welcome one to start his BMW tenure, but it was an equally impressive showing by Young as the reigning champion finds himself almost even with his longtime foe after switching machines for the first time in his Superbike career.

The 0.014 second difference will wind up the second-closest margin of pole in Pro Superbike history, trailing only the infamous tie between Young and Dumas at AMP in 2022, with the four closest qualifying margins in history all now belonging to the two rivals.

Completing the front row for the weekend doubleheader will be Szoke, who has looked energized aboard his CKM Kawasaki after an off-season of improvements to both his health and his ZX-10RR.

The 14-time champion was briefly in P2 before Young’s late flyer shunted him one position, but Szoke will remain a major threat to the two front-runners as just 0.360 seconds covered the top four.

The Round 1 BS Battery Pole Award qualifying podium of (L-R) Jordan Szoke (3rd), Alex Dumas (1st), and Ben Young (3rd). Photo by Rob O’Brien/CSBK

At the end of that quartet was Sam Guerin, who will lead off row two despite finding himself within striking distance of pole. The EFC Group BMW rider was unable to find any late improvements to climb into the front row but was lapping consistently in the 1:05 range, keeping him firmly in the race-winning mix as well.

Rounding out the top five was David MacKay, the last of the automatic entries to Q2, as he continued to take another step in his sophomore season aboard the ODH/Snow City Cycle Honda.

MacKay tightened the gap to just 0.729 seconds behind pole and nearly a second clear of sixth place, putting him in position to join the lead group this weekend as the 2023 Supersport champion chases his first career Superbike podium.

One of the big stories of the day was Philip DeGama-Blanchet, who was leading Q1 for much of the session before crashing in his first appearance aboard the Taylor Racing Honda.

The 17-year-old would squeak through to Q2 despite it and manage to rebuild his machine in time to climb to sixth in the late stages of the BS Battery session, completing the second row and marking three Hondas inside the top-six.

Trevor Daley will lead off the third row after a great effort aboard his Supersport-spec OneSpeed Suzuki GSX-R750, having put in a number of strong laps late in Q1 to secure his spot in the final session.

Sebastien Tremblay would pace Q1 with a spectacular time of 1:06.795 aboard his own Supersport-spec Turcotte Performance Suzuki, only 0.027 seconds clear of Connor Campbell, but neither rider could improve in the second session as Tremblay settled for eighth on the grid while Campbell claimed ninth for B&T MacFarlane Kawasaki.

Superbike rookie Zoltan Frast put in a strong lap right as the clock hit zero to originally move into eighth and the middle of row three, though the Lean Angle BMW rider was relegated back to tenth after post-qualifying tech inspection revealed that he had used an ineligible tire for Q2.

Just missing out on a Q2 appearance was Elliot Vieira, who was knocked out of the five advancing spots in the final moments of Q1 by another last-lap performance from Frast, though Vieira will still wind up the top Ducati aboard his GP Bikes machine in eleventh.

The feature grid will now prepare for the first half of their round one doubleheader in uncertain conditions on Saturday, with rain expected to impact at least the morning sessions ahead of race one at 3 pm ET.

The full weekend schedule and results can be found on the series’ official website: https://www.csbk.ca/

Buell Starting SuperTouring Production This Fall

The Buell SuperTouring model makes a claimed 185 horsepower and 102 lbs.-ft. of torque from its V2 engine. Buell photo.

BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO. ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPORT TOURING MOTORCYCLE

SuperTouring to Begin Production This Fall with Industry-Leading Performance Metrics

The moment touring enthusiasts have been waiting for is finally here! Buell Motorcycle Co. is thrilled to announce that production of the SuperTouring will commence this Fall.

Engineered to unleash freedom on every road, the SuperTouring’s performance components
transform ordinary journeys into extraordinary adventures. After months of anticipation, we’re finally unleashing the long-awaited details you’ve been waiting for.

“We are beyond excited to releasing the Buell SuperTouring shortly ahead of the Super Cruiser. It is a big year for Buell; we are back and excited to see our team’s hard work and dedication come to fruition,” said Bill Melvin, Buell Motorcycle Co. Owner & CEO.

The Buell SuperTouring is going into production this fall, with pre-ordering available soon.

Performance Meets Comfort – MSRP $23,995

The SuperTouring delivers an exceptional riding experience with class-leading specifications:

• 185 horsepower and 102 ft-lbs. of torque

• 439 lbs. wet weight (without bags)

• Industry-leading power-to-weight ratio of 0.421 hp/lb.

*NOTE: Production specifications are subject to slight variances upon model release.
These impressive metrics are born from Buell’s racing heritage and maintain our signature Fuel in Frame (FiF) design.

Premium Components Standard

Every SuperTouring comes equipped with premium components:

• Dual-disc Brembo brakes with EBC rotors

• Fox suspension system and steering stabilizer

• Custom Saddlemen seat designed for comfortable two-up riding

• Carbon fiber bodywork

• Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tires

• Redesigned Buell footpegs with improved grip and 1-inch lowered stance

Buell SuperTouring

Customization Options

Riders can personalize their SuperTouring with various dealer or customer installed add-on
packages:

• Secondary Exhaust + 36 Liter Bags Package – $1,500

• Cut Tips + 36 Liter Bags Package – $2,000

• Quick-Shift System – $495

Early-Bird Pricing Opportunity

Buell is offering an exclusive early-bird discount for enthusiasts who have submitted a pre-order deposit.

• Sales order deposits ($1,000) open July 1, 2025

• Special pricing of $22,495 for deposits made between July 1 – August 31, 2025

• Standard MSRP will be $23,995

Pre-order holders will have priority access to submit their sales orders between July 1 – August 31, 2025. Starting September 1, 2025, sales order deposits will open to the general public with an MSRP of $23,995. At production start, the SuperTouring will be available in the United States and Canada with additional global markets following in the near future.

 

Don’t miss your spot in line, submit your pre-order today:

www.buellmotorcycle.com/supertouring

 

Production and Distribution

We recognize and respect the role of our sales partners in the broader customer journey and are committing to a phased roll-out system.

Initial production will focus on fulfilling direct pre-orders, ensuring our most enthusiastic
customers are the first to experience the SuperTouring. Following this first wave of SuperTouring deliveries, our valued sales partners will receive models for their showrooms.

 

About Buell Motorcycle Co.

Buell Motorcycles is an American motorcycle manufacturer known for its distinctive styling and high-performance motorcycles. With a focus on delivering an unparalleled riding experience, Buell continues to push the boundaries of American motorcycling by prioritizing quality components via domestic sourcing. Buell’s team is thoroughly dedicated to the superior care of both the machine and the wild soul that rides it. For more information and to secure an early-bird discount, visit www.buellmotorcycle.com.

World Supersport300: Maier Takes Pole In Czech Republic

Humberto Maier (12). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Humberto Maier (Yamaha AD78 FIMLA by MS Racing) claimed pole position for tomorrow’s FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Race 1 after topping the timesheet in Friday’s Tissot Superpole session. It marks his first pole since 2023. Joining him on the front row will be Kawasaki Ninja 400 riders David Salvador (Team ProDina XCI) and Julio Garcia (Prodina Kawasaki Italka Racing). Notably, Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing) missed the top 10, placing P11 in the session.

JOGA BONITO: Humberto Maier earns first pole since Catalunya 2023

The morning’s damp conditions had largely cleared out by when the WorldSSP300 riders took to the track, warming track temperatures slightly above the temperatures seen earlier on Friday. Maier was around the top positions all session and finished with the best time of 1’46.325s. David Salvador took pole from the Brazilian, his time of 1’46.347s clocking in just 0.022s slower than Maier. Julio Garcia rounded out the front row in P3, finishing with a time of 1’46.418s.

MOGEDA TO LEAD SECOND ROW: the Catalan youngster snagged P4 by just 0.003s

Daniel Mogeda (Pons Motosport Italika Racing) put on a strong performance at his third appearance at the track, his time of 1’46.564s earning him P4. Marco Gaggi (Team BrCorse) was quick in the session, placing P5 a mere three thousandths of a second slower than Mogeda. Having recovered from an early multi-bike crash, Benat Fernandez (Team #109 Retro Traffic Kove) and his bike escaped without damage, allowing him to continue from the restart with the rest of the grid. He went on to finish P6 with a time of 1’46.591s.

SVOBODA EARNS THIRD ROW AT HOME: Czech home hero takes P8

In P7, Carter Thompson (MTM Kawasaki) finished exactly two tenths of a second in front of Petr Svoboda (Kawasaki Junior Team by MTM) in front of him, Thompson finishing with 1’46.599s. Behind Svoboda in P8, riding in the place of Austrian replacement rider Jakob Rosenthaler (Freudenberg KTM- Paligo Racing) rounded out the third row with his P9 finish on the back of his 1’46.831s time. With the final spot of the top 10, Antonio Torres (Team ProDina XCI) pipped current Championship leader Jeffrey Buis for P10 by a mere 0.006s via his time of 1’46.837s

4-BIKE CRASH TO START THE SESSION: Ercolani and Sabatucci taken to medical centre

Early in the session, four riders were involved in a red-flag inducing chain reaction of crashes. Emiliano Ercolani (Kawasaki GP Project), Kevin Sabatucci (Accolade Funds Smrz Racing BGR), and Uriel Hidalgo (ZAPPAS-DEZA-BOX 77 Racing Team) were taken to the medical centre, and Benat Fernandez (Team #109 Retro Traffic Kove) was able to return to the track once the green flag was shown. In the final minutes of the session, Unai Calatayud (ARCO MotoR University Team) crashed in the same Turn 10, preventing him from getting a final lap in and finished in P26. After consulting with the medical centre, Hidalgo was diagnosed with a fractured femur and will be transported to Usti Hospital via helicopter.

 

SSP300 Superpole Results

World Supersport: Mahias On Pole At Most

Lucas Mahias (94). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) claimed his first pole since 2019 at the Motul Czech Round’s opening FIM Supersport World Championship Tissot Superpole session. Following Mahias across the line was Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) and Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) to form Race 1’s front row. With their best results of the season so far, Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) and Raffaele De Rosa (QJMOTOR Factory Racing) stepped up their game in the wet, earning P5 and P6 respectively at the Autodrom Most.

MAHIAS FINDS ANOTHER GEAR: Claims first pole since Misano 2019

Rain fell in the early afternoon ahead of the Superpole session, limiting riders’ pace until later in the session as the track continued to dry. As time ticked down in the session, lap times decreased as well. After many provisional pole position changes, by the chequered flag Mahias came out on top with a 1’38.142s lap, almost six tenths of a second clear of his rivals. Oncu claimed second on the timesheet with his time of 1’38.733s, followed by Debise, who led most of the session’s early running to finish P3 with a time of 1’38.809s.

DE ROSA MAKES HISTORY WITH QJMOTOR: The Italian earned the Chinese manufacturer their best-ever placement

Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) placed P4 in the Superpole with his time of 1’38.983s not quite fast enough to land a front-row starting spot, but just 0.174s off front-row pace. Oettl in P5 had his best result of his season so far, his 1’39.016s potentially a springboard to get his first WorldSSP season back on track. Raffaele De Rosa earned QJMOTOR their best result in their two years of competition, not only their first top ten, but their first top six starting spot.

BOOTH-AMOS FOR THIRD ROW: P8 for the British rider

Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) was one of the fastest in the wetter early running, but as session went on, he and his 1’39.252s was shuffled to P7 by the end of the session. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) was slower than his normally-pacey self in the wet, his time of 1’39.319s landing him P8. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME Air Racing) finished in P9 with a time of 1’39.345s.

LUKE POWER CRASHES OUT: The Australian rider crashed early but returned to place P18

Luke Power (Motozoo ME Air Racing) had the first crash of the session, taking a spill into the gravel on Turn 13 but later returned to the track. Shortly after, Wildcard rider Filip Fiegl (Genius Racing by Motolife) crashed out in Turn 20. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) had a late lowside crash which forced him to ride back to the pits and miss the rest of the session.

 

SSP Superpole Results

World Superbike: Razgatlioglu Remains On Top In FP2 At Most

Toprak Razgatlioglu (1). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) finished Friday at the Autodrom Most on top of the timesheets after two practice sessions for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field. Like in FP1, a rain shower earlier in the day left the track damp but drying as the session started, with patches of water reported between Turns 6 and 10. Riders were quick to head out on track but it wasn’t until the second half of the session that the pace ramped up during the Motul Czech Round.

RAZGATLIOGLU ON TOP: a chance to claw back points?

Razgatlioglu cemented his position as pre-round favourite as he topped both FP1 and FP2, posting a 1’31.318s in FP2 for his fastest time of the day to secure first place on the combined timesheets. ‘El Turco’ was the first rider to lap in the 1’31s bracket as the track dried in both practice sessions, although several other riders did join him in that bracket in FP2. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was the last rider to improve his time compared to FP1, lapping just under six tenths down on teammate Razgatlioglu after posting a 1’31.899s.

SAM LOWES IN FORM: the #14 leads Ducati’s charge, Bulega P4

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) secured P2 on Friday with a 1’31.542s to finish as the lead Ducati rider, and a couple of tenths behind Razgatlioglu. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fourth in the combined classification as he felt the effects of his huge FP1 highside at Turn 6, which left him with contusions to his right ankle and left knee. ‘Bulegas’ is set to be reviewed after FP2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fifth, around a quarter of a tenth behind his teammate, while Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed P6. ‘Petrux’ set a 1’31.727s to finish. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) showed some good potential in FP2 as he claimed 12th place with a 1’32.441s. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was 17th with Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) in 18th; the Brit had a late-session crash at Turn 20 in FP2.

BIMOTA IN PODIUM CONTENTION? Alex Lowes third, Bassani seveth…

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) led the Bimota charge on Friday in Czechia, finishing third with a 1’31.607s, lapping around three tenths back from pacesetter Razgatlioglu as he showed strong pace. Teammate Axel Bassani put both KB998 Rimini machines in the top ten as he claimed seventh with a 1’31.738s, just a tenth back from his teammate but with four riders between the Bimota duo.

TRICKY DAY FOR YAMAHA: three riders crash, Locatelli leads the way

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was one of several crashers in FP1, when he crashed at Turn 17, but he was back out on track in FP2 as he claimed ninth place in the combined classification, with teammate Jonathan Rea four places behind the #55; Rea also crashed in FP1, at Turn 8. Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) has shown impressive speed at Most and finished the day in 14th place, ahead of Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in 15th; the Australian had a crash at Turn 21 in FP1. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) finished the day in 19th and 21st respectively.

HONDAS AS CLOSE AS EVER: Vierge just pips Lecuona

As is often the case at Honda, Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) and teammate Xavi Vierge were close on the timesheets – to the point where, with seven minutes remaining, they’d both posted a 1’32.065s. However, in the final seconds, Vierge improved to a 1’32.014s to just move clear of Lecuona, although they finished P10 and P11 respectively. Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) finished in 20th while Zaqhwan Zaidi (PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team) was 22nd; the Malaysian rider had an early crash in FP2 at Turn 10 but was able to re-join the session.

GERLOFF CLOSE TO THE TOP TEN: just half-a-tenth away…

Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) finished in 16th as the sole Kawasaki rider on the grid, although, with a condensed field in FP2, was 1.2 seconds off the pace however, finding two tenths would move him up to 12th place.

 

SBK FP2 Results

World Superbike: Razgatlioglu Leads FP1 At Most

Toprak Razgatlioglu (1). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s opening session of the weekend was heavily disrupted by four red flags at the Autodrom Most. The Most Czech Round kicked off in dramatic fashion as Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) topped the times as the only rider in the 1’31s bracket, while his title rival, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), suffered a heavy crash in the second half of the 45-minute session.

It was a slow start to the 45-minute session after overnight rain left the track wet but drying, with the previous WorldSSP FP session helping to clear some of the lingering water. Times rapidly improved throughout the four-time red-flagged session. Razgatlioglu led the way with a 1’31.697s as he lapped more than half-a-second clear of his rivals. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed second place with a 1’32.241s as he lapped more than half-a-second slower than Razgatlioglu, but he usurped Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) before the fourth and final red flag was shown, ending the session around four minutes early.

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) finished fourth ahead of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in fifth, but the #11 had a session-ending crash with around 13 minutes remaining. The Championship leader fell heavily after a highside at Turn 6 with Bulega launched off his bike. He was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) ensured both BMW riders were in the top six as he claimed P6 with a 1’32.069s.

Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) was P7 as Honda continued to show strong pace after he lapped the Autodrom Most in 1’32.635s, finishing a tenth ahead of Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) who was the lead Yamaha rider. However, ‘Loka’ had a highside at Turn 17 with brought out the final red flag with four minutes to go. Turkish rider Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) impressed as he secured ninth place.

Rea’s session came to an early end when he crashed at Turn 8 with around 15 minutes gone in the session. The six-time Champion lost the rear of his Yamaha R1 machine, sliding into the gravel trap between Turns 8 and 9. The incident briefly brought out the red flags due to gravel on the track at Turn 9, allowing the marshals to clear it up. A second red flag was shown around 10 minutes later following a crash for Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven), with ‘The Maniac’ highsiding at the final corner, while Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) also crashed at the same corner. Iannone was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following his fall, as was Gardner.

FP1 Results

World Superbike: Riders Preview Motul Czech Round

Toprak Razgatlioglu. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid have gathered at the Autodrom Most for Round 5 of the 2025 season as the Czech Republic hosts the action. Riders spoke on Thursday at the Motul Czech Round to provide updates on their future, discuss their goals for Most, and adjustments to the fuel flow regulations following the latest concession checkpoint. Read the hottest quotes from Most below.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “My future is still quiet because Kenan’s still talking with some brands”

Discussing his record at Most, his goals, and his future, Razgatlioglu said: “I’m really happy because I love this circuit and we’re very strong. This year isn’t like last year. Everything is different. Friday is very important. I hope my feeling on the bike is good as I need a good setup for the race because we use the SC1 rear tyre, the harder tyre. Last year, we had a very good weekend and this year, I hope we’re fighting for the win. My target is three wins. I don’t care about fuel flow; I’m just focused on my job. When I saw the changes, I was smiling because my bike is faster than the Yamaha and maybe the Bimota, but not faster than Ducati. Rules are rules. My future is still quiet because Kenan (Sofuoglu, Razgatlioglu’s manager) is still talking with some brands, but we will see, maybe one or two weeks later. This weekend is very important for me, and I need to win again.”

 

Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo by WorldSBK.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “My goal is to stay with Ducati… I’m only 25, I’d like to think about the future”

Explaining how he’s affected by changes to fuel flow, while also talking about his future, Bulega said: “I’m happy to race after Cremona. We had great results there and it was a fantastic weekend for me, but here, it will be perhaps more difficult because Toprak is always very strong. This year is a different story compared to last year. On paper, Toprak here is very strong but also other riders. Cremona was my worst track and I won three races. It’s difficult to predict a result. For my smooth riding style, fuel flow adjustments are not easy because our bike started to be more nervous, especially when we have to change gear. When we have to change gear with an angle, it’s not easy because the bike is dirtier. For my riding style, it’s not so easy to adapt. My goal is to stay with Ducati because they gave me a great opportunity to become a great WorldSBK rider. I am only 25, I would like to think about the future. We’re talking and we’ll see. I want to stay focused on WorldSBK because I’m racing here, and my goal is to try to win the Championship this year and next year.”

 

Alvaro Bautista. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I confirmed to the team that I want to keep racing for ’26 and now I’m waiting for their answer”

Announcing his intention to race next year, Bautista stated: “After Cremona, we are in a good way. We’re building up good confidence on the bike. This year, the bike is working well at all tracks, at least consistently, so I can have the same feedback at every track. Most is not an easy track, there are a lot of demanding areas with changes of direction. Last year, I remember that the results were bad but the feeling with the bike improved compared to the other rounds. I’m confident that this year, we can replicate that performance, or even improve it, because this season, at every track, the times are quicker than other seasons. The performance of the bike is not the same when you have to reduce the fuel consumption, but we are trying to feel it as little as possible. To be honest, I have an agreement with Ducati. We had one for ’25 and ’26, but we just have to say yes from my side and Ducati’s side. The agreement is already signed. I confirmed to the team that I want to keep racing for ’26 and now I’m waiting for their answer. Let’s see in the next days or weeks when I have the answer from them.”

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team): “. I feel like I have a little bit of a point to prove with the track”

In-form rider Lowes spoke about the possibility of redemption at Most, after a crash here last year. He said: “I was really happy with the Sunday at Cremona; I wasn’t feeling so good, so it was a really positive day. Looking forward to getting back at Most. Last year it was a good weekend for the first time here, but it’s where I had the crash and hurt my shoulder, so it ruined my year a little bit. I think redemption is nice added motivation, but the first goal will be just to continue like the first few races, in the top four or five. The weather could play a little bit of a part, it could rain at some point. I feel like I have a little bit of a point to prove with the track. I think I already have 21 more points than last year, so it’s obviously a lot better than my rookie season! I feel a lot better on the and bike and nearly able to ride it how I want. I’d give it an 8/10 so far, maybe an 8.5 at some weekends. I’ve been in the Marc VDS team for a long time. My first target will be to stay there for another season; from last season to this, we’ve made a big step. I’ll have to ask them a little bit! My plan is stay on a Ducati but, at the minute, not too much to say. In the next weeks, we’ll know a lot more.”

Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “If I could come away from Most feeling good with the bike, riding the bike in the proper way… that would be something to be satisfied with”

After returning from injury at Cremona, Rea spoke about his hopes for Most: “Cremona was a lot worse physically on the bike, but I was going to have that pain no matter when I started the season. Although the results and the feeling weren’t amazing, it was 100x better than sitting on the sofa at home! I expect an easier weekend, but without expectations for results. It’s a long time to be off from the bike, with such a good feeling in the winner to miss three complete rounds, and testing, it was hard to jump in at a circuit I didn’t know. I know Most. I’m still getting up to speed with the bike and find the feeling. I had a good feeling here last year. I know it’s not going to be a long way back, but we have to get back to showing our full potential because with the injury, it was impossible. I’d be satisfied to do a full race weekend, no mistakes, and build into some consistency. If I could come away from Most feeling good with the bike, riding the bike in the proper way and making the correct adjustments, that would be something to be satisfied with. With the plates inside my foot, and you walk on every moment, two of the metatarsals are fused together, so it offsets a lot of the force and pain; until I get those plates out, I’m going to have that. We need to check in the summer break if there’s enough gap or if it needs to be done at the end of the season.”

Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC): “About the future, I don’t really care, I know what I can do on the bike”

Lecuona spoke about his future, saying: “My intention is to keep working at home, here, I know I can win and fight for the top positions so that is my target. I am not thinking about a anything else, my manager has said he won’t tell me anything until summer, so I don’t know anything, but I don’t want to know anything. I’m starting to feel good and work on myself, so let’s see what happens in the future but for now the focus is on the work. About the future, I don’t really care, I know what I can do on the bike. Even with the bad luck with injuries that I’ve had, I’ve had the capacity to get good results, so I know I’m not at my limit. I’m honestly not thinking about the future, I’m thinking about a Most because we’re here, but next time I’ll be thinking about the test, after that, Donington.”

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “A factory bike is a dream, but I can’t complain with what I have now, because my bike is faster than many factory bikes”

Petrucci is hoping the harder tyre allocation will suit him more, saying: “Cremona wasn’t like I wanted, and we faced some difficulties and bad luck. This made especially Saturday a difficult day. It was good to recover to P4 in Race 2, and we come here to Most with good feelings; we know we can be on the podium. The tyre allocation is more suitable for me, on the harder part of the compounds. We move away from the pressure we had at Cremona and here is one of the best tracks for us. We want to fight for the podium. Still nothing on my future. A factory bike is a dream, but I can’t complain with what I have now, because my bike is faster than many factory bikes. I found myself really well with Barni, so maybe there’s a chance to race together next year.”

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “Like Assen and Portimao, we were able to get podiums, so why not try again in this round?”

Locatelli is aiming for the top five but doesn’t rule out a podium at Most: “The Cremona race was not a good weekend for us for a lot of reasons. I think we understand what the main problem was. Until we go on track, we cannot see if the bike is working better or not, but we think we understand what the problem is. I don’t spend time thinking about others, just myself and try to find a solution about my problem. Maybe the other bikes had some problems, but my feeling was bigger on this problem. It’s good to know what happened and why. It’s a good track for us, we’ve been on the podium here in the past, so why not again? We need to work well and prepare well. The top five is the minimum target that I would like to say. Like Assen and Portimao, we were able to get podiums, so why not try again in this round?”

World Superbike: Ducati, BMW Hit With Fuel Flow Restrictions

Racebikes homologated for the 2025 Superbike World Championship. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

According to Article 2.4.3.2 of the FIM SBK Regulations – Overperformance Penalisation – BMW’s performance values have exceeded the -0.250 threshold but remain above the -0.500 limit. As a result, BMW falls within the range that triggers a Step 1 Fuel Flow reduction.

In accordance with Article 2.4.3 (h) – Concessions and Super Concessions – Ducati has accumulated more than twelve Concession points over the next highest manufacturer at the checkpoint, thereby exceeding the allowed margin. Consequently, Ducati will also receive a Step 1 Fuel Flow reduction, in line with Article 2.4.2.2.

As per Article 2.4.2.2 of the SBK Regulations, a Step 1 Fuel Flow reduction equates to a decrease of 0.5 kg/h. As both Ducati and BMW had already been subject to a previous fuel flow reduction, each will now face a cumulative penalty of 1.0 kg/h in maximum fuel flow.

The FIM will continue to monitor manufacturers’ performance at each Concession Checkpoint to ensure a balanced and competitive championship.

World Superbike: World Sportbike Replacing SuperSport300 Class

Adrian Huertas (1). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and WorldSBK are delighted to reveal the name of the new entry-level racing category: World Sportbike, which will debut in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in 2026.

World Sportbike is set to succeed the World Supersport 300 class, which has provided an accessible and competitive stepping stone for emerging talent since its introduction in 2017. Building upon the foundations laid by World Supersport 300, World Sportbike aims to further streamline the path for young riders transitioning towards World Supersport.

Featuring agile motorcycles with mid-tier capacity engines, this new category promises exciting competition and enhanced opportunities for manufacturers, teams, and riders alike.

 

Ana Carrasco. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

As we celebrate this exciting development, we proudly look back on the exceptional achievements of WorldSSP300. Notably, Ana Carrasco made history in 2018 as the first woman to win a motorcycle circuit racing world championship, becoming an inspiration worldwide. Adrian Huertas showcased the value of the category as a talent incubator, clinching the WorldSSP300 title in 2021 before successfully progressing to WorldSSP and securing another World Championship in 2024. Aldi Mahendra also made headlines last year as the first-ever Indonesian rider to claim a motorcycle racing world title, illustrating the global reach and influence of this remarkable class.

 

Aldi Mahendra. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

As the final World Supersport 300 season takes place in 2025, teams and manufacturers prepare their World Sportbike debut, with additional details regarding technical specifications and sporting regulations for the new class to be released in due course.

ZARS Track Days To Run At Road America, Brainerd & Blackhawk

Riders on course at Road America during a ZARS event. Photo by Holdenphotos.com

ZARS Track Days is entering into the 2025 season by hosting its performance track day events at three road courses in the USA.

The season will kick off a doubleheader on Memorial Day, May 26-27, at Road America, prior to the MotoAmerica races. Riders will enjoy over four miles of track with sweeping turns and lots of open track. Several MotoAmerica racers will be in attendance as well. In addition to track riding, ZARS will offer a cash payout for the licensed racer sprints (2), totaling $2,000!

In June, July, August and September, ZARS will host events at Brainerd International Raceway on the Competition Road Course.

ZARS will partner with motovid.com for a doubleheader at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, Illinois, July 19-20.

ZARS track days are open to riders of all skill levels and are designed to provide maximum track time during prime weekend and weekday events. No membership required for our events, as they are open to all riders.

All Track Day events will offer track day riders and racers with a variety of options, including Shootout sprints with cash prizes for licensed racers, Rider Challenge for Track Day riders (spirited sprint racing), Track School, and the School of R.O.C.C. for experienced riders and racers.

2025 ZARS Track Day Schedule:
May 26-27, Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
June 7-8, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN
July 19-20, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit, IL (partnering with motovid.com)
July 20-21, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN
August 22, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN
September 1, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN
September 27-28, Brainerd International Raceway, Competition Road Course, Brainerd, MN

In addition to Track Days, ZARS will also hold another 10 Advanced Riding Schools for experienced riders in the Minneapolis/St Paul area on our 1-mile road course.

2025 ZARS Advanced Riding School Schedule at Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount, MN:
May 18,31
June 1,28,29
July 12,13,27
August 9,24

About ZARS:

Zalusky Advanced Riding School and Track Days (ZARS) is a Track Day organization based in the Upper Midwest that provides riding and education opportunities for riders and racers of all skill levels. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.ridezars.com

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