Classic Track Day has scheduled a special doubleheader event at Willow Springs International Raceway, in Rosamond, California, in March.
On Saturday, March 30, Classic Track Day takes to the partially repaved 2.5-mile main track at Willow Springs – the “fastest road in the West.”
Those camping overnight will have the opportunity to partake in a barbeque and mini bike “mayhem” organized by Classic Track Day.
Then on Sunday, March 31, participants will move over to the slower, 1.6-mile Streets of Willow road course.
Classic Track Days caters to riders of vintage, air-cooled modern classics, and non-traditional track bikes as well as to newer riders. Classes for new riders will be available.
For more information, contact Classic Track Day at (310) 980-7129, [email protected], www.classictrackday.com.
Ducati’s presence in MotoAmerica looks very different for 2024. Besides dropping their Supersport efforts and focusing only on a two-rider lineup in the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, the livery is dramatically different.
Goodbye red, hello blue.
Meet the 2024 OnlyFans Racing Warhorse Ducati team, unveiled Saturday during a launch party at a main sponsor’s location, the Mount Airy Casino in the Poconos, a Pennsylvania mecca for vacationers. Greg White, the lead commentator for MotoAmerica on FOX Sports, hosted the event before an audience blended with fans, team members, and the legendary Eraldo Ferracci, who helped the HSBK Warhorse Ducati team since day one in various ways, including securing riders.
The 2024 riders Josh Herrin and Loris Baz took the wraps of their Ducati Panigale V4 R superbikes with the new livery designed by another Pennsylvania company, DrippinWet.
Herrin was instrumental in landing OnlyFans as a team sponsor. The California native has worked with the social media giant for three years. Now, the OnlyFans logo and blue coloring will be seen across the paddocks and race tracks during this year’s nine-round Superbike season.
Mention OnlyFans, and many immediately think of x-rated subscription content. But the London-based brand is also focused on becoming a leading social channel that highlights creative fitness and sports content, and the new relationship with the HSBK Warhorse Ducati team backs this sentiment.
The 2024 OnlyFans Racing Warhorse Ducati team with Josh Herrin (left) and Loris Baz (right) seated on their bikes and Elrado Ferracci (center). OnlyFans Racing Warhorse Ducati
Herrin strives to see that new livery up front and on the podium, and he has proven he has the experience to do so with his record: 2013 AMA Superbike Champion (Yamaha YZF-R1), 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock Champion (Yamaha), and the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion (Ducati Panigale V2).
After securing that Supersport title with HSBK Warhorse Ducati, Herrin advanced to the Superbike series for 2023, claiming two wins and 11 podiums on the V4 R. Finishing second overall in 2023 behind Jake Gagne (Yamaha), Herrin’s journey from a one-rider lineup to leading the charge alongside Baz in 2024 is a narrative of growth, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Spending the last 2.5 years with this team has been a dream,” Herrin says. “They’ve become family. Teaming up with Baz, we share a similar style and a competitive spirit that drives us to push harder. Analyzing data and comparing our performances will undoubtedly elevate our game. The synergy with Baz, our shared competitive drive, and our analytical approach to performance promises a season of pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks.”
And although you won’t see an OnlyFans Ducati in the Supersport class during 2024 MotoAmerica season, the team will field one in this Saturday’s Daytona 200. There, Herrin will look to defend his 2023 Daytona 200 title.
Baz shares similar sentiments about the revamped team with strong backing from OnlyFans.
The Frenchman returns to MotoAmerica after two seasons on the BMW S 1000 RR in World Superbike. Baz, who became the youngest champ in Europe at 15 after winning the European Superstock 600cc Championship in 2008, raced for the HSBK Ducati Warhorse team in the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike series, achieving nine podium finishes and achieving fourth overall. That season was a learning curve for Baz, who struggled with pavement issues at the stateside tracks.
“I’m really happy to be back in the States,” says Baz when asked about his return to MotoAmerica. “I knew I was going to be back one day after my 2021 season. That 2021 season was tough, don’t get me wrong. We didn’t reach our goal, but we learned a lot. But there’s more to learn in 2024. This time I will not only have an improved V4 R, but also a teammate that I can share data and talk with to learn faster and give Ducati a great chance at the title.”
As for the pavement issues, the revamped surfaces should help with the 2024 season. “I loved all the layouts of the tracks, but the pavement was an issue. Now it should be better. The Ducati is a super stiff bike, so those bumps were an issue. But this year should be better. Excited for all the tracks, especially COTA.”
Following the team launch, the revamped team now focuses all energy on the opening of the 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, which gets underway April 19 at Road Atlanta. Baz will undoubtedly be seeking redemption there due to his 2021 season when he crashed out of Race One while battling for the lead and suffered a DNF in Race Two for technical issues. Herrin had finishes of fourth and third last year at Road Atlanta.
As the 2024 season unfolds, it’ll be hard to miss that pale blue livery on Ducati V4 R machinery. With the added backing from the new title sponsor and the two-person team structure, the OnlyFans Warhorse Ducati team looks to bring the stateside Superbike title back to Ducati. And it’s been a long time; 30 years ago, Troy Corser claimed the AMA Superbike title, snatching it from Yamaha’s Jamie James. In 2022, former HSBK Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci had the chance but lost it to Gagne during the final round.
Will 2024 be the year for a not-so-red Ducati to reclaim the Superbike honors? Only time—or better yet, OnlyFans—will tell.
The trio of riders and crew enter Daytona 200 race week with confidence and high expectations
ZIONSVILLE, Ind (03.04.2024) – Nearly six months after the announcement of Rahal Ducati Moto entering the Supersport class of MotoAmerica competition, the team is headed to the iconic Daytona International Speedway for its first round of competition. The 82nd running of the Daytona 200 will mark the maiden race for the new team, entering three machines into the event.
PJ Jacobsen, a veteran of American road racing, will pilot the No.15 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2 for his fourth attempt to capture the Daytona 200 title. In last year’s edition of the race, Jacobsen earned his best-ever starting and finishing positions on the 3.51-mile course, starting from the second position and claiming a fifth-place finish.
The youngest rider in the team’s stable, Kayla Yaakov, will captain the No. 19 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2 in her rookie attempt at the legendary race. Yaakov marks the youngest rider in this year’s event at 16-years-old and one of only two female riders to enter the attempt to qualify for the 57-lap race.
Rounding out the team’s line-up is Corey Alexander, riding the No. 23 Roller Die + Forming Ducati Panigale V2. While this year’s running will be his first Daytona 200, the veteran rider is no stranger to the Daytona track. In 2014, Alexander earned the pole position and claimed victory at both races of the AMA Pro Supersport event at Daytona (sprint races rather than endurance).
With the combination of talent, experience, drive, and competitive race machines produced by the Rahal Ducati Moto team, the expectations of results have been set high for the team’s first appearance. With 200 miles to showcase skill and speed, the team looks to start its rookie campaign in the MotoAmerica Supersport class with promising results.
The Daytona 200 will host a two-group practice session on Thursday morning, with the first round of qualifying on Thursday afternoon. The second round of qualifying will take place on Friday morning, followed by Time Attack and the pit stop competition. Race day will begin with a final warm up for entries to take in the track once more before the track goes green Saturday afternoon for the 82nd Running of the Daytona 200 at 1:50pm ET. The race can be watched live on MotoAmerica Live + and an encore presentation Sunday on MAVTV.
QUOTE BOARD:
COREY ALEXANDER (No. 23 Roller Die + Forming Ducati Panigale V2): “I’ve been eager to return to the high banks of Daytona for a long time now. I am even more stoked to have the 200 as the first outing for the entire Rahal Ducati Moto team. I look forward to seeing where we stack up against a crazy, competitive field and seeing if one of us will take home a Rolex!”
PJ JACOBSEN (No. 15 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2): “I’m looking forward to this year’s Daytona 200! Last year’s race didn’t go as well as I would have liked after qualifying second – almost earning the pole position. The race was disappointing for me because we had potential, but I am looking forward to running it this year with Rahal Ducati Moto. We have a great team and competitive bikes coming into the weekend, so I am looking forward to not only to Daytona, but also the season, and seeing where we end up.
“The goal for this weekend is to start from pole position and try to win the Daytona 200. It is a very, very difficult race – there is a lot going on and anything can happen, so we just want to have a clean race, stay in the fight until the end, and make sure we capitalize on all the opportunities to see what can happen and hopefully we’ll finish at the front.”
KAYLA YAAKOV (No. 19 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2): “This year will be my first time ever competing in the [Daytona] 200. I’ve been to the track before to compete in a short amateur race, but that did not provide much track time, so I’m going into the weekend with little experience on the track. It’s going to be a lot of fun learning the track and learning the dynamics of the bigger bike. I’m going to have a lot of fun this weekend, and I think it’s going to be a really, really cool learning experience. My plan is to just take it all in and be able to hopefully get in a decent result, and start some momentum for the rest of the season.”
GRAHAM RAHAL (Team Owner): “I’m really looking forward to kicking the MotoAmerica season off. Our team has been working tirelessly to be sure we show up race-ready and competitive for our first outing in motorcycle road racing. We’re carrying some momentum off a very solid test a few weeks ago, and have only continued to make improvements to the bikes, so I believe we’ll have a very solid chance to finish the weekend with promising results. We know we’re coming into the series with a target on our backs, and we’re ready to prove to everyone that Rahal Ducati Moto has what it takes to not only be competitive in this paddock, but also win races. I think we’ve built an incredible team with talented riders and mechanics, and I have full faith that come Saturday, we’ll be contending at the front of the field. I wish I could be there this weekend to support our team’s first run, and I can promise you I will be staying in the loop from afar and tuning in to all of the sessions I can.”
BEN SPIES (Team Principal): “Heading into Daytona, everybody’s really excited. We’re looking forward to seeing the XPEL and Roller Die Ducatis on track and seeing how we fare. It’s been a big job over the off-season to put everything together. We’ve got a lot of experience within the team so we hope things will go smoothly at Daytona. The Daytona 200 is a different beast for sure – there are a lot of things that can happen there. The depth of the competition in the field may be the deepest we’ve ever seen, or at least since the 90s, so we’re excited to see how we do. Again, I just hope things can go smoothly and we can use this weekend as a good learning experience. If we keep our heads in the game, and everything goes as planned, I think, as a team, we can put together a pretty good result.”
Jason Farrell and Jessica Capizzi are teammates racing for Get Fast Performance in the 82nd running of the Daytona 200. What’s unique about this team? For starters, they happen to be married and are the only husband and wife both competing in the Daytona 200.
This fast duo stands out against the rest because they don’t just race together, but they do everything together! They build their bikes completely from the bottom up, they own and run a motorcycle performance shop, and they build a substantial amount of customer bikes all year long. They even build bikes for other racers in the Daytona 200!
Jason, a veteran of this race, has competed in nine previous Daytona 200 races, making this his 10th. He has led the race on multiple occasions and so far, has a best finish of fifth place.
Jessica, not having raced as many years as Jason, has raced in the 200 twice before. However, both times she finished in the top 20 and continues to increase her pace every year. She’s been the only female in the race each time she has competed.
Catching up with them before this event, Jessica said, “It’s just insane how much work has to be done in preparation for this race. There’s putting the team together, training all the team members in their jobs, building the bikes – engines, suspension, dyno tuning. Literally everything on the bikes we do here at our shop, building other racers’ bikes, running the business, loading up the race rig, driving it all the way from Wisconsin down to Daytona. It’s such a whirlwind we kind of forget we’re in the race until we get down there.”
Jason agrees: “I don’t think there’s any other racers in the Daytona 200 – or even at all – who are doing all that we are doing. It’s a crazy amount of work. The race itself is hard on its own. Then you add in that you have to worry about your wife and hope she does well while at the same time worrying about your own race, plus hoping your customers do well, too. I will say, though, that I think it’s incredible to share the passion for this sport with my wife. At the end of the day, even with all the crazy stress, I’m glad to do what I love to do and do it with who I love. I’m very lucky.”
Jessica added, “I feel truly grateful to be doing what I’ve dreamed of since I was little. I’ve always wanted to race professionally and work on motorcycles. Sharing this with my husband is just icing on the cake for me.”
They ended by saying that they are excited, albeit stressed, about the upcoming race. Their story is definitely one to follow since they have no plans on slowing down anytime soon.
To watch this year’s Daytona 200, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming service, MotoAmerica Live Plus. Subscribers can watch races in all MotoAmerica classes live or on-demand, as well as view highlights, interviews and races from years past. To learn more about MotoAmerica Live Plus, visit http://motoamericaliveplus.com.
Get Fast – Powered by Get Fast Performance, Pirelli, Southeast Sales, Kawasaki Team Green, EBC Brakes, One X, Arai, Hindle, GB Racing, Line2Line, K-Tech Suspension, Maxima Racing Oils, MotoVid, DEI, Armour Bodies, On Track Nutrition
Prepare for an event like no other! We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming event at the legendary Laguna Seca Raceway. This is your chance to conquer the Corkscrew with the guidance of none other than Pro Active Coaching legends Eric Bostrom and Ben Bostrom. Mark your calendars and get ready to elevate your riding skills and experience!
Event Details
• Location: Laguna Seca Raceway, Monterey, California
• Date: Saturday Mar 16th and Sunday Mar 17th
• Time: Gates open at 7:00 AM, Track goes hot at 9:00 AM
• Special Pro Active Coaching Guests: Eric Bostrom & Ben Bostrom
Joining us for this exhilarating event are the legendary motorcycle racing brothers, the Boz Bros Eric and Ben Bostrom. With their rich racing pedigree and years of experience, the Bostrom brothers will be offering Pro Active Coaching sessions at what they consider their home track, sharing insights, and helping you refine your skills on one of the most challenging tracks in North America. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the best and push your limits in a safe and controlled environment.
Why Laguna Seca?
The recently repaved Laguna Seca is a track that needs no introduction. Home to the iconic Corkscrew turn, it offers a unique challenge that tests even the most seasoned riders. Our event provides a unique and rare opportunity to experience this legendary circuit, at a high sound limit, up close and personal, guided by experts.
Early Bird Registration: Secure Your Spot before the Price Increase!
As with all our events, planning and track commitments are done well in advance to ensure a premium experience. Please note that we plan to increase the prices as we approach the event date. Secure your spot early to take advantage of our early bird pricing and ensure your spot is reserved.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to ride with the best at one of the most prestigious tracks in the world. Let’s make it a day to remember at Laguna Seca!
What to expect?
• 105 Decibels sound Trackday to the Laguna Seca Raceway
• Professional coaching by Eric Bostrom and Ben Bostrom
• Technical support and advice by the Fastrack Instructors
• Pirelli Tire service available
• Garages available for Fastrack VIP Members
• Food available for purchase
• Photography available for purchase
• An unforgettable experience with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts
Stay Connected
For the latest updates, follow us on our social media platforms and join our mailing list. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re here to help!
One year later, the all-electric, Eva Ribelle RS with the readily available KCC (Kit Corsa Clienti) returns to where it all began, ready to spearhead yet another attack on a whole field of ICE [Internal Combustion Engine] motorcycles. In what will be the first of five events for this year’s Roland Sands Design (RSD) Super Hooligan National Championship, run in conjunction with MotoAmerica, Energica partners once again with the top-level Tytlers Cycle Racing Team and with Stefano Mesa, who rode the Ribelle to what was the first-ever podium for an electric vehicle against traditionally powered machines (Austin, Race One) as well as rewriting how quick an electric motorcycle can be at the iconic Laguna Seca Raceway – all while finishing the debut season in fourth place overall.
But last year is in the books, and it is now time to focus on what is ahead. The 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship is shaping up to be as competitive as ever, with some of the best manufacturers of full-handlebar, naked bikes and a list of riders so long that at some events, one race is not enough to fit all of them.
With some good amount of experience in the bags, Mesa, Tytlers Cycle Racing and Energica are ready for this new challenge. It will not be easy (it never is), but that is what competition is all about, as racing has always been the best benchmark for the present, and the future.
The Daytona International Speedway, with its never-ending banking, is waiting for the Rebel to return. It is only a matter of days now, and the air is electric. The two races of the Super Hooligan National Championship at the iconic venue in Daytona Beach, Florida, will take place on Friday 7th (1:45 pm) and Saturday 8th of March (10:10 am). All times ET.
The 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship races are once again LIVE on MotoAmerica’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on demand shortly after each encounter.
Michael Kiley – Tytlers Cycle Racing Team Principal
“The Hooligans class has grown exponentially through the years as seen by the number of entrants and the variety of bikes. We are very grateful to Roland Sands and MotoAmerica for the opportunity to compete and to Energica for building a bike that has allowed us to be competitive. We’ve been writing the book on racing electric bikes and having fun doing it. At the end of the day we want a shot at the top of the podium in a fair race. We are happy to have that.”
Giampiero Testoni – Energica CTO
“We’re happy to be back with Tytlers Cycle Racing and Stefano Mesa in the 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship. Last year was a memorable one, with results that went even beyond our initial expectations. The series is going from strength to strength and there will be new manufacturers and international riders on the grid, so we expect some stiff competition. We are looking forward for the action to get underway and see where we’re at, and then build from there.”
MotoGP™ Race Direction updates from the Permanent Bureau
The Permanent Bureau, comprising the FIM and Dorna, confirms the structure of Race Direction in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship.
The three-person team of Race Directors for the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship will therefore comprise:
• MotoGP™ Race Director – Mike Webb
• Moto2™, Moto3™ & MotoE™ Race Director – Graham Webber
• Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup & Talent Cup Race Director – George Massaro
This experienced, cohesive team will ensure continuity throughout the competitions in the Grand Prix paddock, with each bringing their specialist knowledge to their respective classes and ensuring another year of sporting success for MotoGP™.
Please find below the complete list of permanent officials and bodies for the 2024 FIM Grand Prix World Championship:
Race Direction:
Race Director and Chairman: Mike WEBB
FIM Representative: Bartolome ALFONSO
Dorna Representative: Loris CAPIROSSI
Event Management Committee:
Race Director and Chairman: Mike WEBB
Deputy Race Director: Graham WEBBER
FIM Safety Officer: Bartolome ALFONSO
FIM Medical Director: Giancarlo di FILIPPO
GP Technical Director: Danny ALDRIDGE
FIM GP Technical Representative: Dominique HEBRARD
FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel:
FIM MotoGP Steward Chairman (nominated by IRTA): Freddie SPENCER
FIM MotoGP Stewards (nominated by FIM): Andrès SOMOLINOS and Tamara MATKO
FIM Appeal Stewards Panel:
This panel is composed of the Members of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission (CCR) mentioned below by rotation and a member representing the National Federation Affiliated to the FIM.
• Ralph BOHNHORST
• Raffaele De FABRITIIS
• Stuart HIGGS
• Franco UNCINI
In reserve or for a last-minute replacement:
Paul DUPARC
Paul KING
Grand Prix Commission:
DORNA representative and Chairman: Carmelo EZPELETA
The reigning FIM Endurance World Champions, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team riders Niccolò Canepa, Karel Hanika, and Marvin Fritz, will make their debut at the 82nd running of the legendary Daytona 200 in Florida from the 7th-9th of March.
After winning the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in sensational fashion during the final round of the season at the Bol d’Or, the YART Yamaha team decided to set their sights on a different goal and take on what is commonly referred to as the “Great American Motorcycle Race”.
The Daytona 200 was founded in 1937, with the original race using dirt bikes and the sands of Daytona Beach as a track before it moved to the famous banking of the Daytona International Speedway in 1961 and switched to using machines based on the Grand Prix bikes of the day.
In 1985, safety concerns due to the increased top speeds of GP bikes led to the organisers limiting the entries to superbike-based machines only. Then, in 2009, they chose to switch to supersport machinery, and since 2022, the Daytona 200 has formed a non-points-scoring round of the MotoAmerica Supersport class.
This famous race has always drawn a spectacular entry list, especially during its heyday in the 1970s, and regularly attracts some of the top riders from around the world, with 2024 being no exception.
Historically, it has proved a happy hunting ground for Yamaha with 27 victories in total, more than any other manufacturer, including 13 consecutive wins from 1972 to 1984. The list of winners for Yamaha includes legends such as Jarno Saarinen, Giacomo Agostini, Johnny Cecotto, Steve Baker, Kenny Roberts, and Eddie Lawson, while Brandon Pasch secured Yamaha’s last victory in 2021.
Unlike in the EWC, where Canepa, Hanika, and Fritz race the YART R1 as a team, in Daytona, they will swap their usual steed for a Bridgestone-shod R6, and all three will compete against each other under the YART – Prokasro banner.
To help get up to speed, Hanika and Fritz both took part in an ASRA race at Daytona International Speedway towards the end of last year, but for Canepa, this week will be the first time he has ridden at the circuit. However, the trio took part in a recent test at Almeria in Spain on the YART R6 to continue adapting to the new machinery and different tyre compounds.
The 5.64km Daytona 200 layout presents a unique challenge, with the 31-degree banking allowing high top speeds and ensuring that maintaining a slipstream during the 57-lap race becomes vital. Plus, with nine left turns compared to three right, combined with the time spent on the left-hand side of the tyre while on the banking, it can be tricky to keep enough temperature in the right-hand side of the tyre for the infield section.
The 2024 Daytona 200 kicks off on Thursday, the 7th of March, with Practice starting at 10:45 am local time (UTC-5) before the first qualifying sessions get underway at 2:50 pm. The second qualifying sessions kick off on Friday at 10:10 am, with the race start scheduled for 1:10 pm on Saturday.
Niccolò Canepa
YART – Prokasro
“I am extremely excited to race in the Daytona 200. It is a special place with so much history, and the track is completely different from anything we normally race in Europe. I have never raced there, and I am not used to riding a 600c bike, so it will be a challenge but very exciting. I am delighted to be able to come here with my teammates to experience this. It is an extraordinary opportunity that YART have given us to race here, and I want to enjoy it. I will try my best, but I honestly have no idea how strong we will be. The R6 feels great, the team is amazing, so we will try to have fun, and you never know what could happen.”
Karel Hanika
YART – Prokasro
“The Daytona 200 has been on my wish list for many years, and to get to take part in this epic race with my YART Yamaha family is incredible. I came here for an ASRA race with Marvin in November, and we were able to put in some laps around this fantastic circuit. We are obviously not used to racing the R6 or this unique track, so we have had to adapt quickly and find the right Bridgestone tyre combinations. While we will not be riding as teammates, we can share all the data and try to help each other with the best setup. This year features an incredibly strong lineup of riders, and we have no real reference to how we will perform, but we will give it our best shot.”
Marvin Fritz
YART – Prokasro
“I am so excited for the race. Karel and I managed to ride here towards the end of last year in an ASRA race, and wow…what a circuit! It was essential to try and understand the demands of this track because, with the banking and the infield section, it can be tricky. Especially as you spend so much time on the left-hand side of the tyre on the banking, it is easy to make a mistake when you take a right corner, as the right-hand side of the tyre can get cold. We are riding separately in this race, but we will still work together as a team to help us achieve the best result possible. It is key here to work together to stay in the slipstream as if you get dropped from the train of riders, it is easy to fall out of contention. We are one of the only teams on Bridgestone tyres, so we have had to adapt quickly, not only to the R6 but the unique demands of the track. It will be different from what we are used to, but we are excited and can’t wait to get racing.”
Mandy Kainz
YART – Prokasro – Team Manager
“After such an incredible season being crowned World Endurance Champions, we thought we would come here with our riders to give them a taste of something different and as a reward for winning the title. We have had to adapt quickly to the R6 and the Bridgestone tyres, as this is a completely different challenge from what we are used to, but we feel confident that we have a good package. It will be very odd to see the guys riding against each other, but even though they are not riding as a team, we will make sure that we work together to get the best result possible, and I am excited to see what the guys can do against such an illustrious field.”
The world’s most exciting sport returns as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar lights the fuse on 2024
Monday, 04 March 2024
The time has come. From those first glimpses in Valencia through a winter eager for more, pre-season was then packed with headlines. The wait feels like minutes and months at the same time. But now, it’s time for the lights to go on in Qatar before they go off for the first Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race of a record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season: the full grid, at full power, for the full thrill of the world’s most exciting sport. We don’t call it that for nothing… welcome to the ride of your life!
BACK IN THE RING
There’s no doubt after pre-season that reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and that #1 plate, are the package to beat. There’s also no doubt that teammate Enea Bastianini looked extremely convincing on the other side of the garage now he’s back to full power after a 2023 season marred by injury. Could we now get the real continuation of that rivalry that started to really heat up in the latter stages of 2022?
The rivalry that did the same last season, meanwhile, also looks set to continue. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) had a pre-season shared between statement laps and signs he needed a little more time to settle in on the new bike, but we know when the lights go out he’ll be elbows out. 2024 is likely to bring us plenty more #PECCOvsMARTIN, and we can’t wait. On the other side of his garage there’s a whole different conundrum after Franco Morbidelli was sidelined from pre-season though, so his progress will be interesting amongst the Ducati ranks.
Completing the top three in 2023 was Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), and on paper it looked like he had a tougher pre-season. On paper, however, it also didn’t look like he was going to make it seem like he’d unlocked easy mode at a number of GPs last year. So has he got more in the locker to overturn the charge of new teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, who very much picked up where he’d left off in terms of pace?
His former teammate, Alex Marquez, now has a new one at Gresini Racing MotoGP™ too. For AM73, the goal for the year has got to be a Grand Prix win, as he’s now got Sprint victories and some podiums. For his new teammate, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez, it’s hard to tell what that goal really is. Pace? Proving a legacy? A ninth World Championship? Pure enjoyment? There are probably 93 answers to that question that people on all sides could argue, and we may never know the answer. However, we do get to come long for the ride. Qatar has never been his greatest track, so first time out as he’s still finding the limits may not prove a crystal ball, but it’s one of the most exciting moves in the history of the sport and we get to watch it.
TAKING THE FIGHT TO DUCATI?
That set of challengers is just Ducati. There are plenty more! At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, there’s plenty to get excited about after a good pre-season and a really solid 2023 too, especially from Brad Binder as he finished just behind the top three. He also did it becoming a Sprint winner and taking some big podiums, satisfyingly sideways in the heat of the battle at the front. Can he do it again? And can teammate Jack Miller even out a tougher 2023 at times to bring that Jerez form to the fore?
At Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, meanwhile, Augusto Fernandez is looking for some steps forward as the spotlight continues shining down on rookie Pedro Acosta. The hype was only fuelled throughout pre-season and, as ever, suffering less talk about his prospects would require him to go a whole lot slower. That seems unlikely. But what can we really expect? A whole range of results from stunning to steady is likely the truth, none of which by itself will have much to say about what we’ll be seeing from him by Jerez or Silverstone or Motegi. (He does have until the Sachsenring to beat Marc Marquez’ record as the youngest premier class winner though…)
At Aprilia, it was an interesting pre-season. Aleix Espargaro’s experience of the new machine was a near-immediate storming of the top echelons of the timesheets, whereas teammate Maverick Viñales and Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) took more time fitting the puzzle together. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) had even less of that as he sat out much of the Sepang Test after a crash.
By the start of the season proper, however, there are plenty of reasons to be looking forward to what the Noale Factory can do. Can Aprilia, with more factory collaboration with the brand new Trackhouse team and what looks like another serious challenger, add a little more consistency in 2024 to sustain that charge?
FIGHTING BACK TO THE FRONT
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™, the search continues to bridge the gap and unlock one-lap pace. But the new concession system has already seen the Iwata marque able to use more track time with race riders in pre-season, and we saw some updates appear too. Those race riders, 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo and new arrival Alex Rins, will be very eager to get back to work and see where they fit in the pecking order over full race distance, not least of all with that new top speed.
Honda likewise used the new concessions to field race riders in the Shakedown and, like Yamaha, won’t have their engine spec frozen. They also have some new faces to welcome, with Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) bringing his methodical approach to a factory team for the first time as he partners up with 2020 Champion Joan Mir. Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) and his experience stays put, but he welcomes Johann Zarco to the CASTROL Honda LCR side of the box – and in testing, the Frenchman was both very fast and very positive. We know it’s a whole new bike and we know they’ve moved forward, but can they bridge the gap even more as the season starts in earnest?
It was a six-race calendar across Europe when the world’s first motorsport World Championship was born in 1949. Now we’re ready for more than 20 events across the globe, with 777 points up for grabs across 21 Tissot Sprints and 21 Grand Prix races. There is history on the line even as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, so join us at the starting line as the lights go on at Lusail International Circuit and then go out to welcome the world’s most exciting sport back into action.
What’s happening at the #QatarGP
Thursday will be action-packed even before the engines fires up. The podcast is shown live at 15:00 local time welcoming Davide Brivio, Team Principal of the all-new Trackhouse Racing, as the American team get ready to take on MotoGP™.
Then, are two pre-event Press Conferences:
16:00: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).
16:35: Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).
That’s all against the backdrop of the classic start-of-season class photos, with Moto3™ at 17:30, Moto2™ at 18:10 and then MotoGP™ from 18:45, the latter with bikes first before bikes and riders.
The time schedule tweaks for 2024, giving all classes a Free Practice on Friday morning, then get the weekend in gear.
Alongside the Grand Prix action, QSSP and QSBK will also take to the track, and the very first race weekend for a Road to MotoGP™ programme in 2024 will also get underway: Round 1 of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup. Race 1 on Saturday and Race 2 on Sunday are both live and free on social media. Check out the full schedule below!
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto2™: Can Aldeguer pick up where he left off?
Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) went on a serious run at the end of 2023, and despite that not ultimately proving enough to challenge for the crown, it was enough to make most believe he starts 2024 as the favourite for this one. His performances in testing also did little to dispel that as the Pirelli era begins, but there is a strong field looking to get in the way.
Last year’s runner up Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will be looking to go one better, and Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) wants that race win – and then another, and another in a serious challenge for the crown. Celestino Vietti also moves to the coveted Red Bull KTM Ajo seat left by reigning Champion Pedro Acosta, and there’s more teased by testing: Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) was just 0.044s adrift of Aldeguer, and Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) within the same tenth in third. Add in the likes of long-term frontrunners Jake Dixon (CFMoto Aspar Team) and Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) and the season promises much.
The rookies, meanwhile, are an interesting bunch too. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Deniz Öncü was top of the debutants in Jerez, but he’ll be battling a raft of former rivals in the fight for Rookie of the Year: reigning Moto3™ Champion Jaume Masia (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team), runner up Ayumu Sasaki (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team), Mario Aji (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), Xavi Artigas (KLINT Forward Factory Team) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), as well as European Moto2™ Champ Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
The first showdown kicks off just before sundown in Qatar, so tune in for the first Moto2™ race of the year this Sunday!
Jose Antonio Rueda (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto3™: a field full of contenders
Six of the top 10 from last year return to Moto3™ for another season, with 2023’s star rookie David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) likely a favourite on the way in, but fellow sophomore Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was quickest in testing. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), meanwhile, enters his third season as another pre-season favourite after leading the way for much of 2023, and the likes of Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) have already shown their speed at the front and won Grands Prix.
Then there are those with podiums looking for wins, like David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), his new teammate Joel Kelso and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), as well as the veterans like Tatsuki Suzuki, now at Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP, who have a point to prove too.
In terms of rookies, we wait to see if 2023 Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup and JuniorGP™ title winner Angel Piqueras will be passed fit to debut with Leopard Racing after a pre-season training injury, and we know we’ll have to wait to see Xabi Zurutuza at Red Bull KTM Ajo as he is not yet at the age limit. Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia), Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), Noah Dettwiler (CIP Green Power) and Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Aspar Team) complete the list of exciting rookies to enter the Grand Prix scene. David Almansa (Rivacold Snipers Team) has already made too many appearances to fight for Rookie of the Year.
Who will take those first 25 points? Tune in for the season opener on Sunday as we find out!
VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI RETURNS FOR 2024, EXPANDS TO TWINS CUP CLASS
Six-Rider Team Will Race Suzuki GSX-Rs and GSX-8Rs
Brea, CA (March 4, 2024) – Team Hammer, Inc. and Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) will continue their racing partnership in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship for the next two seasons. The team will race as Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki.
Long recognized for a winning tradition, both Suzuki and Team Hammer have a proud racing history. This season will be Team Hammer’s 44th straight in American motorcycle racing paddocks and promises to be one of the best yet.
In addition to the Supersport and Superbike classes racing Suzuki GSX-Rs, the team will also compete in the Twins Cup class in 2024 with the new Suzuki middleweight, parallel-twin-powered GSX-8R sportbike.
2020 Supersport Champion Richie Escalante (54) aims for 2024 to be a breakthrough year in Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch (96) looks to bring consistent results in his first full Superbike season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Richie Escalante (54) and Brandon Paasch (96) will race again in the MotoAmerica Superbike class on Suzuki GSX-R1000R race bikes after showing remarkable promise in 2023. Tyler Scott and Teagg Hobbs both return as Supersport contestants after a season of vying for wins and podiums on Suzuki GSX-R750s. They will be joined in 2024 in Supersport by Joel Ohman. Young hotshot Rossi Moor will race in the Twins Cup class for the team, joining a long line of top young talent for Suzuki and Team Hammer.
Tyler Scott (70) looks to be in the mix for the 2024 Supersport championship aboard the Suzuki GSX-R750. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Teagg Hobbs (79) anticipates continued progression in his second Supersport season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
“We are confident in the team we have assembled for our 44th season,” said Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich. “We’re back with Suzuki again and we have had a lot of success together over the years. We have some great sponsors, suppliers, and partners, plus some very talented riders. We are all excited for 2024,” said Ulrich.
“Now, for the first time since winning the championship in 2019 and 2020, we are returning to the Twins Cup class with the new Suzuki GSX-8R and, for us, developing a new motorcycle is exciting. For Supersport, we’re continuing our development of the Suzuki GSX-R750 next-generation program, and our ride-by-wire system will now also be used in the Dutch Supersport Championship and in Germany in addition to the Isle of Man and BSB. We’ve also made some good gains in Superbike with the Suzuki GSX-R1000R and are looking forward to having two healthy riders back and ready to go into the season with momentum,” added Ulrich.
Vision Wheel returns as the team’s title sponsor. A leading aftermarket custom wheel supplier for many vehicle types, Vision Wheel strives to reach present and future customers through racing.
“We’re glad to extend our partnership with Team Hammer,” said Vision Wheel CEO Roger Minor. “We’ve already had a lot of success together and Vision Wheel is looking forward to continuing that momentum in MotoAmerica competition. Race fans are our customers, and we feel it’s important for Vision Wheel to have a strong presence with a successful organization.”
Mission Foods, a Texas-based maker of Mexican food products, also returns with the team for 2024.
Long-time exhaust partner M4 Performance Exhaust will once again support and supply the team. “M4 Performance Exhaust looks forward to another year of racing with Team Hammer,” said Vice President Kyle Martin. “The MotoAmerica series looks to be as competitive as ever, which brings extra excitement. After 26 years of this commitment together, we absolutely know this team will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.”
ECSTAR is the global brand of Suzuki Genuine Oils & Chemicals, and supplies high-quality ECSTAR lubricants to the team again in 2024.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki will race in the 82nd Daytona 200 March 7-9, 2024, fielding Escalante, Paasch, Hobbs, and Scott on Supersport GSX-R750s, and Moor will make his team debut on a GSX-8R in Twins Cup at the storied speedway. Ohman will join the team starting with the second round of the series, at Road Atlanta April 19-21.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 133 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 361 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheels of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
Riders on a variety of machines at a previous Classic Track Day event. Photo courtesy Classic Track Day.
Classic Track Day has scheduled a special doubleheader event at Willow Springs International Raceway, in Rosamond, California, in March.
On Saturday, March 30, Classic Track Day takes to the partially repaved 2.5-mile main track at Willow Springs – the “fastest road in the West.”
Those camping overnight will have the opportunity to partake in a barbeque and mini bike “mayhem” organized by Classic Track Day.
Then on Sunday, March 31, participants will move over to the slower, 1.6-mile Streets of Willow road course.
Classic Track Days caters to riders of vintage, air-cooled modern classics, and non-traditional track bikes as well as to newer riders. Classes for new riders will be available.
For more information, contact Classic Track Day at (310) 980-7129, [email protected], www.classictrackday.com.
Josh Herrin's OnlyFans Racing Warhorse Ducati Panigale V2 Supersport racebike for the Daytona 200 (right) and Panigale V4 R Superbike (left) at the launch event. Photo courtesy OnlyFans Racing Warhorse Ducati.
Ducati’s presence in MotoAmerica looks very different for 2024. Besides dropping their Supersport efforts and focusing only on a two-rider lineup in the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, the livery is dramatically different.
Goodbye red, hello blue.
Meet the 2024 OnlyFans Racing Warhorse Ducati team, unveiled Saturday during a launch party at a main sponsor’s location, the Mount Airy Casino in the Poconos, a Pennsylvania mecca for vacationers. Greg White, the lead commentator for MotoAmerica on FOX Sports, hosted the event before an audience blended with fans, team members, and the legendary Eraldo Ferracci, who helped the HSBK Warhorse Ducati team since day one in various ways, including securing riders.
The 2024 riders Josh Herrin and Loris Baz took the wraps of their Ducati Panigale V4 R superbikes with the new livery designed by another Pennsylvania company, DrippinWet.
Herrin was instrumental in landing OnlyFans as a team sponsor. The California native has worked with the social media giant for three years. Now, the OnlyFans logo and blue coloring will be seen across the paddocks and race tracks during this year’s nine-round Superbike season.
Mention OnlyFans, and many immediately think of x-rated subscription content. But the London-based brand is also focused on becoming a leading social channel that highlights creative fitness and sports content, and the new relationship with the HSBK Warhorse Ducati team backs this sentiment.
The 2024 OnlyFans Racing Warhorse Ducati team with Josh Herrin (left) and Loris Baz (right) seated on their bikes and Elrado Ferracci (center). OnlyFans Racing Warhorse Ducati
Herrin strives to see that new livery up front and on the podium, and he has proven he has the experience to do so with his record: 2013 AMA Superbike Champion (Yamaha YZF-R1), 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock Champion (Yamaha), and the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion (Ducati Panigale V2).
After securing that Supersport title with HSBK Warhorse Ducati, Herrin advanced to the Superbike series for 2023, claiming two wins and 11 podiums on the V4 R. Finishing second overall in 2023 behind Jake Gagne (Yamaha), Herrin’s journey from a one-rider lineup to leading the charge alongside Baz in 2024 is a narrative of growth, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Spending the last 2.5 years with this team has been a dream,” Herrin says. “They’ve become family. Teaming up with Baz, we share a similar style and a competitive spirit that drives us to push harder. Analyzing data and comparing our performances will undoubtedly elevate our game. The synergy with Baz, our shared competitive drive, and our analytical approach to performance promises a season of pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks.”
And although you won’t see an OnlyFans Ducati in the Supersport class during 2024 MotoAmerica season, the team will field one in this Saturday’s Daytona 200. There, Herrin will look to defend his 2023 Daytona 200 title.
Baz shares similar sentiments about the revamped team with strong backing from OnlyFans.
The Frenchman returns to MotoAmerica after two seasons on the BMW S 1000 RR in World Superbike. Baz, who became the youngest champ in Europe at 15 after winning the European Superstock 600cc Championship in 2008, raced for the HSBK Ducati Warhorse team in the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike series, achieving nine podium finishes and achieving fourth overall. That season was a learning curve for Baz, who struggled with pavement issues at the stateside tracks.
“I’m really happy to be back in the States,” says Baz when asked about his return to MotoAmerica. “I knew I was going to be back one day after my 2021 season. That 2021 season was tough, don’t get me wrong. We didn’t reach our goal, but we learned a lot. But there’s more to learn in 2024. This time I will not only have an improved V4 R, but also a teammate that I can share data and talk with to learn faster and give Ducati a great chance at the title.”
As for the pavement issues, the revamped surfaces should help with the 2024 season. “I loved all the layouts of the tracks, but the pavement was an issue. Now it should be better. The Ducati is a super stiff bike, so those bumps were an issue. But this year should be better. Excited for all the tracks, especially COTA.”
Following the team launch, the revamped team now focuses all energy on the opening of the 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, which gets underway April 19 at Road Atlanta. Baz will undoubtedly be seeking redemption there due to his 2021 season when he crashed out of Race One while battling for the lead and suffered a DNF in Race Two for technical issues. Herrin had finishes of fourth and third last year at Road Atlanta.
As the 2024 season unfolds, it’ll be hard to miss that pale blue livery on Ducati V4 R machinery. With the added backing from the new title sponsor and the two-person team structure, the OnlyFans Warhorse Ducati team looks to bring the stateside Superbike title back to Ducati. And it’s been a long time; 30 years ago, Troy Corser claimed the AMA Superbike title, snatching it from Yamaha’s Jamie James. In 2022, former HSBK Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci had the chance but lost it to Gagne during the final round.
Will 2024 be the year for a not-so-red Ducati to reclaim the Superbike honors? Only time—or better yet, OnlyFans—will tell.
Rahal Ducati Moto's transporter at JenningsGP during a pre-season test. Photo courtesy Rahal Ducati Moto.
RAHAL DUCATI MOTO PREPARES FOR FIRST-EVER RACE
The trio of riders and crew enter Daytona 200 race week with confidence and high expectations
ZIONSVILLE, Ind (03.04.2024) – Nearly six months after the announcement of Rahal Ducati Moto entering the Supersport class of MotoAmerica competition, the team is headed to the iconic Daytona International Speedway for its first round of competition. The 82nd running of the Daytona 200 will mark the maiden race for the new team, entering three machines into the event.
PJ Jacobsen, a veteran of American road racing, will pilot the No.15 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2 for his fourth attempt to capture the Daytona 200 title. In last year’s edition of the race, Jacobsen earned his best-ever starting and finishing positions on the 3.51-mile course, starting from the second position and claiming a fifth-place finish.
The youngest rider in the team’s stable, Kayla Yaakov, will captain the No. 19 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2 in her rookie attempt at the legendary race. Yaakov marks the youngest rider in this year’s event at 16-years-old and one of only two female riders to enter the attempt to qualify for the 57-lap race.
Rounding out the team’s line-up is Corey Alexander, riding the No. 23 Roller Die + Forming Ducati Panigale V2. While this year’s running will be his first Daytona 200, the veteran rider is no stranger to the Daytona track. In 2014, Alexander earned the pole position and claimed victory at both races of the AMA Pro Supersport event at Daytona (sprint races rather than endurance).
With the combination of talent, experience, drive, and competitive race machines produced by the Rahal Ducati Moto team, the expectations of results have been set high for the team’s first appearance. With 200 miles to showcase skill and speed, the team looks to start its rookie campaign in the MotoAmerica Supersport class with promising results.
The Daytona 200 will host a two-group practice session on Thursday morning, with the first round of qualifying on Thursday afternoon. The second round of qualifying will take place on Friday morning, followed by Time Attack and the pit stop competition. Race day will begin with a final warm up for entries to take in the track once more before the track goes green Saturday afternoon for the 82nd Running of the Daytona 200 at 1:50pm ET. The race can be watched live on MotoAmerica Live + and an encore presentation Sunday on MAVTV.
QUOTE BOARD:
COREY ALEXANDER (No. 23 Roller Die + Forming Ducati Panigale V2): “I’ve been eager to return to the high banks of Daytona for a long time now. I am even more stoked to have the 200 as the first outing for the entire Rahal Ducati Moto team. I look forward to seeing where we stack up against a crazy, competitive field and seeing if one of us will take home a Rolex!”
PJ JACOBSEN (No. 15 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2): “I’m looking forward to this year’s Daytona 200! Last year’s race didn’t go as well as I would have liked after qualifying second – almost earning the pole position. The race was disappointing for me because we had potential, but I am looking forward to running it this year with Rahal Ducati Moto. We have a great team and competitive bikes coming into the weekend, so I am looking forward to not only to Daytona, but also the season, and seeing where we end up.
“The goal for this weekend is to start from pole position and try to win the Daytona 200. It is a very, very difficult race – there is a lot going on and anything can happen, so we just want to have a clean race, stay in the fight until the end, and make sure we capitalize on all the opportunities to see what can happen and hopefully we’ll finish at the front.”
KAYLA YAAKOV (No. 19 XPEL Ducati Panigale V2): “This year will be my first time ever competing in the [Daytona] 200. I’ve been to the track before to compete in a short amateur race, but that did not provide much track time, so I’m going into the weekend with little experience on the track. It’s going to be a lot of fun learning the track and learning the dynamics of the bigger bike. I’m going to have a lot of fun this weekend, and I think it’s going to be a really, really cool learning experience. My plan is to just take it all in and be able to hopefully get in a decent result, and start some momentum for the rest of the season.”
GRAHAM RAHAL (Team Owner): “I’m really looking forward to kicking the MotoAmerica season off. Our team has been working tirelessly to be sure we show up race-ready and competitive for our first outing in motorcycle road racing. We’re carrying some momentum off a very solid test a few weeks ago, and have only continued to make improvements to the bikes, so I believe we’ll have a very solid chance to finish the weekend with promising results. We know we’re coming into the series with a target on our backs, and we’re ready to prove to everyone that Rahal Ducati Moto has what it takes to not only be competitive in this paddock, but also win races. I think we’ve built an incredible team with talented riders and mechanics, and I have full faith that come Saturday, we’ll be contending at the front of the field. I wish I could be there this weekend to support our team’s first run, and I can promise you I will be staying in the loop from afar and tuning in to all of the sessions I can.”
BEN SPIES (Team Principal): “Heading into Daytona, everybody’s really excited. We’re looking forward to seeing the XPEL and Roller Die Ducatis on track and seeing how we fare. It’s been a big job over the off-season to put everything together. We’ve got a lot of experience within the team so we hope things will go smoothly at Daytona. The Daytona 200 is a different beast for sure – there are a lot of things that can happen there. The depth of the competition in the field may be the deepest we’ve ever seen, or at least since the 90s, so we’re excited to see how we do. Again, I just hope things can go smoothly and we can use this weekend as a good learning experience. If we keep our heads in the game, and everything goes as planned, I think, as a team, we can put together a pretty good result.”
Husband and wife Jason Farrell (86) and Jessica Capizzi (26) are returning to compete in the Daytona 200. Photo courtesy Get Fast Performance.
Jason Farrell and Jessica Capizzi are teammates racing for Get Fast Performance in the 82nd running of the Daytona 200. What’s unique about this team? For starters, they happen to be married and are the only husband and wife both competing in the Daytona 200.
This fast duo stands out against the rest because they don’t just race together, but they do everything together! They build their bikes completely from the bottom up, they own and run a motorcycle performance shop, and they build a substantial amount of customer bikes all year long. They even build bikes for other racers in the Daytona 200!
Jason, a veteran of this race, has competed in nine previous Daytona 200 races, making this his 10th. He has led the race on multiple occasions and so far, has a best finish of fifth place.
Jessica, not having raced as many years as Jason, has raced in the 200 twice before. However, both times she finished in the top 20 and continues to increase her pace every year. She’s been the only female in the race each time she has competed.
Catching up with them before this event, Jessica said, “It’s just insane how much work has to be done in preparation for this race. There’s putting the team together, training all the team members in their jobs, building the bikes – engines, suspension, dyno tuning. Literally everything on the bikes we do here at our shop, building other racers’ bikes, running the business, loading up the race rig, driving it all the way from Wisconsin down to Daytona. It’s such a whirlwind we kind of forget we’re in the race until we get down there.”
Jason agrees: “I don’t think there’s any other racers in the Daytona 200 – or even at all – who are doing all that we are doing. It’s a crazy amount of work. The race itself is hard on its own. Then you add in that you have to worry about your wife and hope she does well while at the same time worrying about your own race, plus hoping your customers do well, too. I will say, though, that I think it’s incredible to share the passion for this sport with my wife. At the end of the day, even with all the crazy stress, I’m glad to do what I love to do and do it with who I love. I’m very lucky.”
Jessica added, “I feel truly grateful to be doing what I’ve dreamed of since I was little. I’ve always wanted to race professionally and work on motorcycles. Sharing this with my husband is just icing on the cake for me.”
They ended by saying that they are excited, albeit stressed, about the upcoming race. Their story is definitely one to follow since they have no plans on slowing down anytime soon.
To watch this year’s Daytona 200, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming service, MotoAmerica Live Plus. Subscribers can watch races in all MotoAmerica classes live or on-demand, as well as view highlights, interviews and races from years past. To learn more about MotoAmerica Live Plus, visit http://motoamericaliveplus.com.
Get Fast – Powered by Get Fast Performance, Pirelli, Southeast Sales, Kawasaki Team Green, EBC Brakes, One X, Arai, Hindle, GB Racing, Line2Line, K-Tech Suspension, Maxima Racing Oils, MotoVid, DEI, Armour Bodies, On Track Nutrition
Prepare for an event like no other! We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming event at the legendary Laguna Seca Raceway. This is your chance to conquer the Corkscrew with the guidance of none other than Pro Active Coaching legends Eric Bostrom and Ben Bostrom. Mark your calendars and get ready to elevate your riding skills and experience!
Event Details
• Location: Laguna Seca Raceway, Monterey, California
• Date: Saturday Mar 16th and Sunday Mar 17th
• Time: Gates open at 7:00 AM, Track goes hot at 9:00 AM
• Special Pro Active Coaching Guests: Eric Bostrom & Ben Bostrom
Joining us for this exhilarating event are the legendary motorcycle racing brothers, the Boz Bros Eric and Ben Bostrom. With their rich racing pedigree and years of experience, the Bostrom brothers will be offering Pro Active Coaching sessions at what they consider their home track, sharing insights, and helping you refine your skills on one of the most challenging tracks in North America. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the best and push your limits in a safe and controlled environment.
Why Laguna Seca?
The recently repaved Laguna Seca is a track that needs no introduction. Home to the iconic Corkscrew turn, it offers a unique challenge that tests even the most seasoned riders. Our event provides a unique and rare opportunity to experience this legendary circuit, at a high sound limit, up close and personal, guided by experts.
Early Bird Registration: Secure Your Spot before the Price Increase!
As with all our events, planning and track commitments are done well in advance to ensure a premium experience. Please note that we plan to increase the prices as we approach the event date. Secure your spot early to take advantage of our early bird pricing and ensure your spot is reserved.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to ride with the best at one of the most prestigious tracks in the world. Let’s make it a day to remember at Laguna Seca!
What to expect?
• 105 Decibels sound Trackday to the Laguna Seca Raceway
• Professional coaching by Eric Bostrom and Ben Bostrom
• Technical support and advice by the Fastrack Instructors
• Pirelli Tire service available
• Garages available for Fastrack VIP Members
• Food available for purchase
• Photography available for purchase
• An unforgettable experience with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts
Stay Connected
For the latest updates, follow us on our social media platforms and join our mailing list. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re here to help!
Stefano Mesa (137) on his Energica EVA Ribelle RS during a MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan race at Daytona in 2023. Photo courtesy Energica USA.
The Rebel Returns – Destination Daytona
One year later, the all-electric, Eva Ribelle RS with the readily available KCC (Kit Corsa Clienti) returns to where it all began, ready to spearhead yet another attack on a whole field of ICE [Internal Combustion Engine] motorcycles. In what will be the first of five events for this year’s Roland Sands Design (RSD) Super Hooligan National Championship, run in conjunction with MotoAmerica, Energica partners once again with the top-level Tytlers Cycle Racing Team and with Stefano Mesa, who rode the Ribelle to what was the first-ever podium for an electric vehicle against traditionally powered machines (Austin, Race One) as well as rewriting how quick an electric motorcycle can be at the iconic Laguna Seca Raceway – all while finishing the debut season in fourth place overall.
But last year is in the books, and it is now time to focus on what is ahead. The 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship is shaping up to be as competitive as ever, with some of the best manufacturers of full-handlebar, naked bikes and a list of riders so long that at some events, one race is not enough to fit all of them.
With some good amount of experience in the bags, Mesa, Tytlers Cycle Racing and Energica are ready for this new challenge. It will not be easy (it never is), but that is what competition is all about, as racing has always been the best benchmark for the present, and the future.
The Daytona International Speedway, with its never-ending banking, is waiting for the Rebel to return. It is only a matter of days now, and the air is electric. The two races of the Super Hooligan National Championship at the iconic venue in Daytona Beach, Florida, will take place on Friday 7th (1:45 pm) and Saturday 8th of March (10:10 am). All times ET.
The 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship races are once again LIVE on MotoAmerica’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on demand shortly after each encounter.
Michael Kiley – Tytlers Cycle Racing Team Principal
“The Hooligans class has grown exponentially through the years as seen by the number of entrants and the variety of bikes. We are very grateful to Roland Sands and MotoAmerica for the opportunity to compete and to Energica for building a bike that has allowed us to be competitive. We’ve been writing the book on racing electric bikes and having fun doing it. At the end of the day we want a shot at the top of the podium in a fair race. We are happy to have that.”
Giampiero Testoni – Energica CTO
“We’re happy to be back with Tytlers Cycle Racing and Stefano Mesa in the 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship. Last year was a memorable one, with results that went even beyond our initial expectations. The series is going from strength to strength and there will be new manufacturers and international riders on the grid, so we expect some stiff competition. We are looking forward for the action to get underway and see where we’re at, and then build from there.”
The start of the MotoGP race at Silverstone in 2023 with Jack Miller (43) and Marco Bezzecchi (72) contesting the lead. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP™ Race Direction updates from the Permanent Bureau
The Permanent Bureau, comprising the FIM and Dorna, confirms the structure of Race Direction in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship.
The three-person team of Race Directors for the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship will therefore comprise:
• MotoGP™ Race Director – Mike Webb
• Moto2™, Moto3™ & MotoE™ Race Director – Graham Webber
• Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup & Talent Cup Race Director – George Massaro
This experienced, cohesive team will ensure continuity throughout the competitions in the Grand Prix paddock, with each bringing their specialist knowledge to their respective classes and ensuring another year of sporting success for MotoGP™.
Please find below the complete list of permanent officials and bodies for the 2024 FIM Grand Prix World Championship:
Race Direction:
Race Director and Chairman: Mike WEBB
FIM Representative: Bartolome ALFONSO
Dorna Representative: Loris CAPIROSSI
Event Management Committee:
Race Director and Chairman: Mike WEBB
Deputy Race Director: Graham WEBBER
FIM Safety Officer: Bartolome ALFONSO
FIM Medical Director: Giancarlo di FILIPPO
GP Technical Director: Danny ALDRIDGE
FIM GP Technical Representative: Dominique HEBRARD
FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel:
FIM MotoGP Steward Chairman (nominated by IRTA): Freddie SPENCER
FIM MotoGP Stewards (nominated by FIM): Andrès SOMOLINOS and Tamara MATKO
FIM Appeal Stewards Panel:
This panel is composed of the Members of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission (CCR) mentioned below by rotation and a member representing the National Federation Affiliated to the FIM.
• Ralph BOHNHORST
• Raffaele De FABRITIIS
• Stuart HIGGS
• Franco UNCINI
In reserve or for a last-minute replacement:
Paul DUPARC
Paul KING
Grand Prix Commission:
DORNA representative and Chairman: Carmelo EZPELETA
YART Yamaha riders Marvin Fritz (left), Karel Hanika (center), and Niccolo Canepa (right). Photo courtesy YART Yamaha.
YART Yamaha Riders Ready to Take on Daytona 200
The reigning FIM Endurance World Champions, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team riders Niccolò Canepa, Karel Hanika, and Marvin Fritz, will make their debut at the 82nd running of the legendary Daytona 200 in Florida from the 7th-9th of March.
After winning the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in sensational fashion during the final round of the season at the Bol d’Or, the YART Yamaha team decided to set their sights on a different goal and take on what is commonly referred to as the “Great American Motorcycle Race”.
The Daytona 200 was founded in 1937, with the original race using dirt bikes and the sands of Daytona Beach as a track before it moved to the famous banking of the Daytona International Speedway in 1961 and switched to using machines based on the Grand Prix bikes of the day.
In 1985, safety concerns due to the increased top speeds of GP bikes led to the organisers limiting the entries to superbike-based machines only. Then, in 2009, they chose to switch to supersport machinery, and since 2022, the Daytona 200 has formed a non-points-scoring round of the MotoAmerica Supersport class.
This famous race has always drawn a spectacular entry list, especially during its heyday in the 1970s, and regularly attracts some of the top riders from around the world, with 2024 being no exception.
Historically, it has proved a happy hunting ground for Yamaha with 27 victories in total, more than any other manufacturer, including 13 consecutive wins from 1972 to 1984. The list of winners for Yamaha includes legends such as Jarno Saarinen, Giacomo Agostini, Johnny Cecotto, Steve Baker, Kenny Roberts, and Eddie Lawson, while Brandon Pasch secured Yamaha’s last victory in 2021.
Unlike in the EWC, where Canepa, Hanika, and Fritz race the YART R1 as a team, in Daytona, they will swap their usual steed for a Bridgestone-shod R6, and all three will compete against each other under the YART – Prokasro banner.
To help get up to speed, Hanika and Fritz both took part in an ASRA race at Daytona International Speedway towards the end of last year, but for Canepa, this week will be the first time he has ridden at the circuit. However, the trio took part in a recent test at Almeria in Spain on the YART R6 to continue adapting to the new machinery and different tyre compounds.
The 5.64km Daytona 200 layout presents a unique challenge, with the 31-degree banking allowing high top speeds and ensuring that maintaining a slipstream during the 57-lap race becomes vital. Plus, with nine left turns compared to three right, combined with the time spent on the left-hand side of the tyre while on the banking, it can be tricky to keep enough temperature in the right-hand side of the tyre for the infield section.
The 2024 Daytona 200 kicks off on Thursday, the 7th of March, with Practice starting at 10:45 am local time (UTC-5) before the first qualifying sessions get underway at 2:50 pm. The second qualifying sessions kick off on Friday at 10:10 am, with the race start scheduled for 1:10 pm on Saturday.
Niccolò Canepa
YART – Prokasro
“I am extremely excited to race in the Daytona 200. It is a special place with so much history, and the track is completely different from anything we normally race in Europe. I have never raced there, and I am not used to riding a 600c bike, so it will be a challenge but very exciting. I am delighted to be able to come here with my teammates to experience this. It is an extraordinary opportunity that YART have given us to race here, and I want to enjoy it. I will try my best, but I honestly have no idea how strong we will be. The R6 feels great, the team is amazing, so we will try to have fun, and you never know what could happen.”
Karel Hanika
YART – Prokasro
“The Daytona 200 has been on my wish list for many years, and to get to take part in this epic race with my YART Yamaha family is incredible. I came here for an ASRA race with Marvin in November, and we were able to put in some laps around this fantastic circuit. We are obviously not used to racing the R6 or this unique track, so we have had to adapt quickly and find the right Bridgestone tyre combinations. While we will not be riding as teammates, we can share all the data and try to help each other with the best setup. This year features an incredibly strong lineup of riders, and we have no real reference to how we will perform, but we will give it our best shot.”
Marvin Fritz
YART – Prokasro
“I am so excited for the race. Karel and I managed to ride here towards the end of last year in an ASRA race, and wow…what a circuit! It was essential to try and understand the demands of this track because, with the banking and the infield section, it can be tricky. Especially as you spend so much time on the left-hand side of the tyre on the banking, it is easy to make a mistake when you take a right corner, as the right-hand side of the tyre can get cold. We are riding separately in this race, but we will still work together as a team to help us achieve the best result possible. It is key here to work together to stay in the slipstream as if you get dropped from the train of riders, it is easy to fall out of contention. We are one of the only teams on Bridgestone tyres, so we have had to adapt quickly, not only to the R6 but the unique demands of the track. It will be different from what we are used to, but we are excited and can’t wait to get racing.”
Mandy Kainz
YART – Prokasro – Team Manager
“After such an incredible season being crowned World Endurance Champions, we thought we would come here with our riders to give them a taste of something different and as a reward for winning the title. We have had to adapt quickly to the R6 and the Bridgestone tyres, as this is a completely different challenge from what we are used to, but we feel confident that we have a good package. It will be very odd to see the guys riding against each other, but even though they are not riding as a team, we will make sure that we work together to get the best result possible, and I am excited to see what the guys can do against such an illustrious field.”
Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Lights on, lights out… RACE! Are you ready?
The world’s most exciting sport returns as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar lights the fuse on 2024
Monday, 04 March 2024
The time has come. From those first glimpses in Valencia through a winter eager for more, pre-season was then packed with headlines. The wait feels like minutes and months at the same time. But now, it’s time for the lights to go on in Qatar before they go off for the first Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race of a record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season: the full grid, at full power, for the full thrill of the world’s most exciting sport. We don’t call it that for nothing… welcome to the ride of your life!
BACK IN THE RING
There’s no doubt after pre-season that reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and that #1 plate, are the package to beat. There’s also no doubt that teammate Enea Bastianini looked extremely convincing on the other side of the garage now he’s back to full power after a 2023 season marred by injury. Could we now get the real continuation of that rivalry that started to really heat up in the latter stages of 2022?
The rivalry that did the same last season, meanwhile, also looks set to continue. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) had a pre-season shared between statement laps and signs he needed a little more time to settle in on the new bike, but we know when the lights go out he’ll be elbows out. 2024 is likely to bring us plenty more #PECCOvsMARTIN, and we can’t wait. On the other side of his garage there’s a whole different conundrum after Franco Morbidelli was sidelined from pre-season though, so his progress will be interesting amongst the Ducati ranks.
Completing the top three in 2023 was Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), and on paper it looked like he had a tougher pre-season. On paper, however, it also didn’t look like he was going to make it seem like he’d unlocked easy mode at a number of GPs last year. So has he got more in the locker to overturn the charge of new teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, who very much picked up where he’d left off in terms of pace?
His former teammate, Alex Marquez, now has a new one at Gresini Racing MotoGP™ too. For AM73, the goal for the year has got to be a Grand Prix win, as he’s now got Sprint victories and some podiums. For his new teammate, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez, it’s hard to tell what that goal really is. Pace? Proving a legacy? A ninth World Championship? Pure enjoyment? There are probably 93 answers to that question that people on all sides could argue, and we may never know the answer. However, we do get to come long for the ride. Qatar has never been his greatest track, so first time out as he’s still finding the limits may not prove a crystal ball, but it’s one of the most exciting moves in the history of the sport and we get to watch it.
TAKING THE FIGHT TO DUCATI?
That set of challengers is just Ducati. There are plenty more! At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, there’s plenty to get excited about after a good pre-season and a really solid 2023 too, especially from Brad Binder as he finished just behind the top three. He also did it becoming a Sprint winner and taking some big podiums, satisfyingly sideways in the heat of the battle at the front. Can he do it again? And can teammate Jack Miller even out a tougher 2023 at times to bring that Jerez form to the fore?
At Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, meanwhile, Augusto Fernandez is looking for some steps forward as the spotlight continues shining down on rookie Pedro Acosta. The hype was only fuelled throughout pre-season and, as ever, suffering less talk about his prospects would require him to go a whole lot slower. That seems unlikely. But what can we really expect? A whole range of results from stunning to steady is likely the truth, none of which by itself will have much to say about what we’ll be seeing from him by Jerez or Silverstone or Motegi. (He does have until the Sachsenring to beat Marc Marquez’ record as the youngest premier class winner though…)
At Aprilia, it was an interesting pre-season. Aleix Espargaro’s experience of the new machine was a near-immediate storming of the top echelons of the timesheets, whereas teammate Maverick Viñales and Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) took more time fitting the puzzle together. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) had even less of that as he sat out much of the Sepang Test after a crash.
By the start of the season proper, however, there are plenty of reasons to be looking forward to what the Noale Factory can do. Can Aprilia, with more factory collaboration with the brand new Trackhouse team and what looks like another serious challenger, add a little more consistency in 2024 to sustain that charge?
FIGHTING BACK TO THE FRONT
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™, the search continues to bridge the gap and unlock one-lap pace. But the new concession system has already seen the Iwata marque able to use more track time with race riders in pre-season, and we saw some updates appear too. Those race riders, 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo and new arrival Alex Rins, will be very eager to get back to work and see where they fit in the pecking order over full race distance, not least of all with that new top speed.
Honda likewise used the new concessions to field race riders in the Shakedown and, like Yamaha, won’t have their engine spec frozen. They also have some new faces to welcome, with Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) bringing his methodical approach to a factory team for the first time as he partners up with 2020 Champion Joan Mir. Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) and his experience stays put, but he welcomes Johann Zarco to the CASTROL Honda LCR side of the box – and in testing, the Frenchman was both very fast and very positive. We know it’s a whole new bike and we know they’ve moved forward, but can they bridge the gap even more as the season starts in earnest?
It was a six-race calendar across Europe when the world’s first motorsport World Championship was born in 1949. Now we’re ready for more than 20 events across the globe, with 777 points up for grabs across 21 Tissot Sprints and 21 Grand Prix races. There is history on the line even as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, so join us at the starting line as the lights go on at Lusail International Circuit and then go out to welcome the world’s most exciting sport back into action.
What’s happening at the #QatarGP
Thursday will be action-packed even before the engines fires up. The podcast is shown live at 15:00 local time welcoming Davide Brivio, Team Principal of the all-new Trackhouse Racing, as the American team get ready to take on MotoGP™.
Then, are two pre-event Press Conferences:
16:00: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).
16:35: Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).
That’s all against the backdrop of the classic start-of-season class photos, with Moto3™ at 17:30, Moto2™ at 18:10 and then MotoGP™ from 18:45, the latter with bikes first before bikes and riders.
The time schedule tweaks for 2024, giving all classes a Free Practice on Friday morning, then get the weekend in gear.
Alongside the Grand Prix action, QSSP and QSBK will also take to the track, and the very first race weekend for a Road to MotoGP™ programme in 2024 will also get underway: Round 1 of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup. Race 1 on Saturday and Race 2 on Sunday are both live and free on social media. Check out the full schedule below!
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto2™: Can Aldeguer pick up where he left off?
Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) went on a serious run at the end of 2023, and despite that not ultimately proving enough to challenge for the crown, it was enough to make most believe he starts 2024 as the favourite for this one. His performances in testing also did little to dispel that as the Pirelli era begins, but there is a strong field looking to get in the way.
Last year’s runner up Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will be looking to go one better, and Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) wants that race win – and then another, and another in a serious challenge for the crown. Celestino Vietti also moves to the coveted Red Bull KTM Ajo seat left by reigning Champion Pedro Acosta, and there’s more teased by testing: Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) was just 0.044s adrift of Aldeguer, and Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) within the same tenth in third. Add in the likes of long-term frontrunners Jake Dixon (CFMoto Aspar Team) and Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) and the season promises much.
The rookies, meanwhile, are an interesting bunch too. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Deniz Öncü was top of the debutants in Jerez, but he’ll be battling a raft of former rivals in the fight for Rookie of the Year: reigning Moto3™ Champion Jaume Masia (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team), runner up Ayumu Sasaki (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team), Mario Aji (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), Xavi Artigas (KLINT Forward Factory Team) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), as well as European Moto2™ Champ Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
The first showdown kicks off just before sundown in Qatar, so tune in for the first Moto2™ race of the year this Sunday!
Jose Antonio Rueda (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto3™: a field full of contenders
Six of the top 10 from last year return to Moto3™ for another season, with 2023’s star rookie David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) likely a favourite on the way in, but fellow sophomore Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was quickest in testing. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), meanwhile, enters his third season as another pre-season favourite after leading the way for much of 2023, and the likes of Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) have already shown their speed at the front and won Grands Prix.
Then there are those with podiums looking for wins, like David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), his new teammate Joel Kelso and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), as well as the veterans like Tatsuki Suzuki, now at Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP, who have a point to prove too.
In terms of rookies, we wait to see if 2023 Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup and JuniorGP™ title winner Angel Piqueras will be passed fit to debut with Leopard Racing after a pre-season training injury, and we know we’ll have to wait to see Xabi Zurutuza at Red Bull KTM Ajo as he is not yet at the age limit. Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia), Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), Noah Dettwiler (CIP Green Power) and Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Aspar Team) complete the list of exciting rookies to enter the Grand Prix scene. David Almansa (Rivacold Snipers Team) has already made too many appearances to fight for Rookie of the Year.
Who will take those first 25 points? Tune in for the season opener on Sunday as we find out!
(From left) Richie Escalante, Brandon Paasch, Tyler Scott, and Teagg Hobbs. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI RETURNS FOR 2024, EXPANDS TO TWINS CUP CLASS
Six-Rider Team Will Race Suzuki GSX-Rs and GSX-8Rs
Brea, CA (March 4, 2024) – Team Hammer, Inc. and Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) will continue their racing partnership in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship for the next two seasons. The team will race as Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki.
Long recognized for a winning tradition, both Suzuki and Team Hammer have a proud racing history. This season will be Team Hammer’s 44th straight in American motorcycle racing paddocks and promises to be one of the best yet.
In addition to the Supersport and Superbike classes racing Suzuki GSX-Rs, the team will also compete in the Twins Cup class in 2024 with the new Suzuki middleweight, parallel-twin-powered GSX-8R sportbike.
2020 Supersport Champion Richie Escalante (54) aims for 2024 to be a breakthrough year in Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch (96) looks to bring consistent results in his first full Superbike season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Richie Escalante (54) and Brandon Paasch (96) will race again in the MotoAmerica Superbike class on Suzuki GSX-R1000R race bikes after showing remarkable promise in 2023. Tyler Scott and Teagg Hobbs both return as Supersport contestants after a season of vying for wins and podiums on Suzuki GSX-R750s. They will be joined in 2024 in Supersport by Joel Ohman. Young hotshot Rossi Moor will race in the Twins Cup class for the team, joining a long line of top young talent for Suzuki and Team Hammer.
Tyler Scott (70) looks to be in the mix for the 2024 Supersport championship aboard the Suzuki GSX-R750. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Teagg Hobbs (79) anticipates continued progression in his second Supersport season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
“We are confident in the team we have assembled for our 44th season,” said Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich. “We’re back with Suzuki again and we have had a lot of success together over the years. We have some great sponsors, suppliers, and partners, plus some very talented riders. We are all excited for 2024,” said Ulrich.
“Now, for the first time since winning the championship in 2019 and 2020, we are returning to the Twins Cup class with the new Suzuki GSX-8R and, for us, developing a new motorcycle is exciting. For Supersport, we’re continuing our development of the Suzuki GSX-R750 next-generation program, and our ride-by-wire system will now also be used in the Dutch Supersport Championship and in Germany in addition to the Isle of Man and BSB. We’ve also made some good gains in Superbike with the Suzuki GSX-R1000R and are looking forward to having two healthy riders back and ready to go into the season with momentum,” added Ulrich.
Vision Wheel returns as the team’s title sponsor. A leading aftermarket custom wheel supplier for many vehicle types, Vision Wheel strives to reach present and future customers through racing.
“We’re glad to extend our partnership with Team Hammer,” said Vision Wheel CEO Roger Minor. “We’ve already had a lot of success together and Vision Wheel is looking forward to continuing that momentum in MotoAmerica competition. Race fans are our customers, and we feel it’s important for Vision Wheel to have a strong presence with a successful organization.”
Mission Foods, a Texas-based maker of Mexican food products, also returns with the team for 2024.
Long-time exhaust partner M4 Performance Exhaust will once again support and supply the team. “M4 Performance Exhaust looks forward to another year of racing with Team Hammer,” said Vice President Kyle Martin. “The MotoAmerica series looks to be as competitive as ever, which brings extra excitement. After 26 years of this commitment together, we absolutely know this team will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.”
ECSTAR is the global brand of Suzuki Genuine Oils & Chemicals, and supplies high-quality ECSTAR lubricants to the team again in 2024.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki will race in the 82nd Daytona 200 March 7-9, 2024, fielding Escalante, Paasch, Hobbs, and Scott on Supersport GSX-R750s, and Moor will make his team debut on a GSX-8R in Twins Cup at the storied speedway. Ohman will join the team starting with the second round of the series, at Road Atlanta April 19-21.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 133 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 361 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheels of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
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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
