Whether you’re waiting patiently to get outside after a long northern winter or already enjoying the increased temps in the south, spring is a great time to get out to a motorcycle track day with Sportbike Track Time!
Check out our early 2025 events below and start planning your next trip to the track with STT!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Barber Motorsports Park
Saturday, April 19
Only a few Advanced spots left!
Sunday, April 20
1:1 Instruction available
Grattan Raceway
Saturday, April 19
Sunday, April 20
Race Certificate Class available
GingerMan Raceway Bike Night is Back!
Friday, April 25
Photo by SPImages /courtesy STT
JOIN US AT PUTNAM!
STT now has four weekends at Putnam Park Road Course in Greencastle, Indiana, just 35 miles west of Indianapolis. This track spans 1.8 miles with 10 turns and is fast, fun, and challenging! It’s a great track for beginners and experienced alike, with a mix of different corners including some elevation changes.
Putnam Event Dates Are:
May 17 & 18
July 19 & 20
August 9 & 10
October 4 & 5
Garage rental for Putnam Park is now available online!
Garage bays at Putnam Park fit 2 bikes (and other gear) spaciously; 3 bikes comfortably. Each 17×20 per bay has compressed air (bring your own hose and fitting), electric outlets, overhead lighting and ceiling fans.
Registration is open and there are spots remaining in all groups!
Click here to sign up today or to reserve your garage!
The experts with Sportbike Tire Service are trackside at most STT events for sales and superior service. Contact Sportbike Tire Service at [email protected] or (734) 210-8859 to pre-order!
***
Reigning Bennetts British Superbike Champion Kyle Ryde will be back to defend his title when the season gets underway at Oulton Park (May 3/4/5) after OMG Racing were boosted by a late partnership with Nitrous Competitions.
Ryde claimed his debut title with OMG Racing last season in the most sensational Showdown in Championship history, winning by a single point after celebrating 18 podium finishes, and nine of those race victories.
Just twelve days ago, a bombshell was dropped when OMG Racing announced their shock withdrawal from the Championship as result of commercial circumstances rendering the championship-winning team and rider on the sidelines. In the following days an introduction made with Nitrous Competitions and a rescue plan was invoked. The prize is a restoration of the team in a restructured format allowing the championship defence to go ahead.
OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing are now charging ahead with their final preparations equipping Kyle Ryde with his familiar Yamaha R1 running the #1 plate, ready for their first on track appearance at next week’s (April 18/19) penultimate R&G Official Test at Donington Park ready for the explosive season opener on the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Ryde said: “I am just so happy to be able to defend the title with the team after the panic of the last week. This is the best scenario for me after what happened; I have my familiar bike and team ready to defend the number one plate. I need to thank everyone who has been working so hard behind the scenes to make this happen and now we are ready to get going.”
Dave Williams, co-owner of Nitrous Competitions commented: “This is such an exciting venture for myself and co-owner Matt Phillips. I am a huge fan of the sport and even currently race myself too! For this opportunity to come and for us to be involved is a dream come true and we can’t wait to see Kyle and the OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing team in action.
“Our customers at Nitrous Competitions are one big family to us and we hope that today’s news will bring plenty of winning opportunities for everyone in 2025!”
More, from a press release issued by MSVR:
Raceways Motorcycles will make a sensational return to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in 2025 with an eleventh-hour entry for 2022 champion Bradley Ray on a Yamaha R1.
The move sees Raceways, one of the most successful teams in recent Bennetts BSB history, make a shock return to the paddock after team owner Steve Rodgers took a decision to scale-back his racing activities in 2023. Racing as the McAMS Yamaha team between 2017 and 2023, Raceways amassed a total of 42 BSB victories, 107 podiums and the 2021 teams, manufacturers and riders’ crowns with Tarran Mackenzie.
The last-minute deal follows the sudden withdrawal of OMG Racing, which left 2022 champion Ray without a ride on the eve of the 2025 season. Ray, who won the championship for Yamaha with OMG in 2022, is an 11-times BSB race winner, having stormed to the title in 2022 with nine victories and 23 podium finishes.
Ray said: “I am super happy and grateful to Steve Rodgers and Yamaha Motor UK for putting together this opportunity for me at the very last minute, it has been a bit of a whirlwind!
“Obviously it has been a very difficult couple of weeks and there has been a lot of uncertainty, but when Steve rang me with the opportunity I couldn’t say no as it’s as close as we could be to the original plan for the year – remaining with Yamaha on an R1 in BSB, which is amazing. I can’t wait to get the 2025 season started as soon as possible and be back fighting for wins up the front.”
Steve Rodgers, Team Owner, concluded: “It was never really my plan to return to racing, but following what has happened with OMG it was a huge shame to see the riders facing 2025 without a ride. We came close to signing Brad as McAMS Yamaha back in the day, so when it became clear we could do something to get him on the grid this year I couldn’t quite resist the opportunity.
“Thanks to Stuart Higgs and the team at MSV, plus the guys at Yamaha Motor UK for helping us make it happen. It’s not a simple task setting up a BSB team in a couple of weeks, but we’ll give it a go!”
The new team, ‘Raceways Yamaha’ will debut on track for the first time at the R&G Official Test at Donington Park (18/19 April), ahead of the final pre-season test at Oulton Park (23/24 April) with the first round of the season taking place at the Cheshire venue on the May Bank Holiday weekend (3/4/5 May).
More, from another press release issued by MSVR:
Michael Laverty has announced live on TNT Sports during the MotoGP round at Qatar that his MLav Racing team will sensationally debut in the Bennetts British Superbike and Pirelli National Superstock Championships this season.
2023 Superstock Champion Richard Kerr will line up in Bennetts BSB and will be joined by multiple IDM Superbike Champion Ilya Mikhalchik in the Superstock class, lining up on the BMW M 1000 RR.
The team owned by Michael Laverty, who himself is a ten-time Bennetts BSB race winner, already is represented globally in the Moto3 World Championship, JuniorGP World Championship, European Talent Cup, the R&G British Talent Cup.
More, from yet another press release issued by MSVR:
The FHO Racing Team will not be participating in the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, however the team’s long term plans remain open and under consideration by owner Faye Ho, based in Macau.
IDM Superbike champion and World Endurance rider Ilya Mikhalchik previously announced as riding for FHO Racing will now feature in the line-up in the all-new BMW team in the series owned by ten-time BSB race winner Michael Laverty, competing in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) has signed Act 312 into law, establishing inherent risk for off-road motorcyclists and enhancing protections for event organizers throughout the state.
The American Motorcyclist Association applauds the passage of Act 312, which offers greater protections for private landowners who provide access to their land for off-road recreation and competition.
“Act 312 will create a more sustainable liability landscape for event organizers throughout Arkansas, as it ensures a smoother legal process in the case of injury for all involved in off-road events in the state,” AMA Central States Representative Nick Sands said. “We’re encouraged to see this legislation pass in Arkansas, and hope to see similar laws continue to progress throughout the country.”
Inherent risk refers to the capacity for risk naturally associated with a process or activity without any risk reduction efforts. Inherent risk of an activity cannot be effectively eliminated or controlled and becomes important when assessing liability of voluntary participants.
With this law, the rider takes individual responsibility for their own safety and facility owners take responsibility for their own liability, so when an accident does occur, fault can be clearly identified. This law helps riders by requiring safe riding areas while also benefitting landowners and organizers because they have assurances that the rider enters their facility knowing they have a responsibility to ride within their skill and ability.
This law increases the likelihood that landowners and organizers will receive the necessary insurance protections needed to hold off-road motorcycle events, which is a win for all AMA members. The new law will also ensure safer facilities and events, as landowners must provide adequate safety measures, or they may be held liable for accidents that occur on their property.
Inherent risk is not a new concept — although, Act 312 is the first of its kind regarding dirt bikes — as similar legislation has been prevalent in skiing and equestrian forms of recreation.
The AMA remains engaged with efforts regarding inherent risk and civil liability in multiple states, most notably in Texas, Iowa and Missouri, where bills have been introduced but are still working their way through committee.
Stay up-to-date on the latest AMA Government Relations efforts by visiting AmericanMotorcyclist.com/rights/ and signing up for AMA Rights updates.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Jase Dill, Marcus Su, Kensei Matsudaira, Lambert Su and Zaal Farhand were the winners at the FIM/MotoAmerica Mini Cup races at Apex Motorsports Park on Saturday and Sunday.
Dill won all three GP 160 races, Marcus Su swept the Stock 50 class, Matsudaira took all three GP190 victories and Farhand won the Stock/GP 110 Sprint race and Race Two. Lambert Su won Race One in the Stock/GP 110 class.
FANTIC MOTOR EXPANDING INTO THE USA WITH XE300 AND XEF 250 TL
Fantic Motor, the historical Italian motorcycle manufacturer, is excited to announce the expansion of its global presence with the introduction of their performance driven XE300 2-stroke and the XEF 250 TL 4-stroke motorcycles to the USA. Fantic USA, already with a presence in the USA as an importer of e-bikes, will be importing these two models right away to the American market. Fantic Motor will continue development on additional models for future distribution in the USA.
Fantic Motor, known worldwide for its racing heritage and passion for building premium performance motorcycles for competition, starts its American legacy with the XE300. This revolutionary design has an electric start, fuel injection, oil injection, 10 modes of traction control, two different maps and even more other unique, performance-driven items; allowing it to be the best-in-performance competition model available in the market today.
Fantic’s XE300 will not be debuting alone; however, since the Fantic XEF 250 TL will also be available. The XEF 250 TL is the ultimate racing starter for enduro trails suitable for all ages and levels of riders. It has a liquid-cooled engine and electronic fuel injection and is the perfect combination of power and ease of riding, resulting from advanced technology and continuous research for improvement.
Fantic XEF 250 TL 4-stroke enduro bike.
Taking the lead in the USA is Gary Hazel, National Sales Manager. Gary’s experience includes years of successfully growing dealer networks and sales throughout the US for other brands. He’s also recognized in the off-road world for having owned a nationally known dirt bike business, Thumper Racing Company. “I am thrilled and honored to join the Fantic brand. The foundation they have established is impressive, and I am excited to build upon the brand in the USA,” stated Gary.
Central Powersports Distribution (CPD) will be handling all of the logistics from its Marshall, Texas location. “With CPD’s expert support team’s knowledge of off-road OEMs like Reiju, AJP and EM; Fantic is well-positioned to offer outstanding products and services to our dealer partners with CPD’s logistics, and I look forward to us delivering unparalleled value to the new Fantic partners and customers,” said Gary.
These motorcycles will be available for purchase in late May / early June 2025. Any dealer interested in becoming a Fantic dealer can begin the application process by visiting www.fanticmotorusa.com/dealer-inquiry. Customers will soon be able to locate a dealer at www.fantic.com/us-en/dealer-locator.
About Fantic USA
Fantic USA is the official U.S. importer of Fantic Motor, a premier Italian manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles known for their innovation, quality, and design. Fantic offers a wide range of electric products in the bicycle, scooter, off-road, enduro, and motocross motorcycles segment for riders of all skill levels.
About Central Powersports Distribution
CPD is a leading importer, logistics and distribution company, specializing in providing efficient and reliable solutions for the powersports industry. With a commitment to excellence, CPD ensures superior service and support to dealers and customers.
Instagram: @fanticmotor_usa
Facebook: fantic motor usa
About Fantic Motor
Fantic Motor S.P.A. was founded in 1968 in Barzago (Lecco-Milan, Italy). In the 1970s, Fantic became the second largest Italian motorcycle manufacturer and one of the most recognized motorcycle brands, thanks to Caballero (model), a true legend for the young people of that period. After great successes in the Enduro, such as the victories at the Six Days of Elba Island, European and National Championships, Fantic became a leader in the world of trial competitions, winning three World Titles with Thierry Michaud in 1985, 1986 and 1988.
Fantic in Italy, back in the day,
On October 1, 2014, Fantic was acquired by VeNetWork. Dr. Mariano Roman, who worked for more than twenty years as technical director of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Laverda, was appointed CEO.
In 2015, Fantic entered the e-bikes market with a new range of urban and off-road vehicles, alongside the enduro and motard motorcycle ranges. Just like motorcycles, Fantic e-bikes are characterized by their design, high quality Italian production and innovative technical solutions. Summer 2016 saw Fantic entering the U.S. market with its full range of e-bikes.
The new Fantic XF1 Integra, e-bike trail and enduro with integrated battery was presented in 2017. XF1 Integra 180 was awarded with the 2018 Design & Innovation Award, the most important European award for the German cycle market. At Eicma 2017, Fantic presented the new Caballero range in 2 models (Scrambler and Flat Track) and 3 engines (125cc, 250cc, 500cc).
In 2018 Fantic celebrated its 50 year anniversary with a big event in Treviso and announced at EICMA Milano of the same year: ISSIMO, Caballero Rally 500 and the concept of E-Cab, Fantic’s first electric motorcycle. ISSIMO is the connecting link between mopeds and e-bikes, winning the prestigious international 2019 Eurobike Award for its design (aluminum frame with specific shape) and innovation in mobility.
However, 2019 will be remembered especially for the announcement of the industrial cooperation between Fantic and Yamaha Motor Europe that allows Fantic to realize new models dedicated to the off-road racing segment. Today, the off-road range is complete with 9 different models: 5 Enduro and 4 motocross models allowing Fantic to cover the needs of all off-road bikers, both 2-stroke and 4-stroke enthusiasts. The last debut is the XE300 2-stroke enduro bike, competing in the biggest enduro segment in Europe and equipped with a new engine featuring cutting-edge technology developed by Motori Minarelli. Fantic’s acquisition of Motori Minarelli was another milestone in the collaboration with Yamaha: Motori Minarelli, an historic Italian company with proven technological and production excellence, was part of Yamaha Group since the 1980s.
Fantic is the only Italian brand competing in four different disciplines—motocross, enduro, rally, and Grand Prix motorcycle racing—through its dedicated racing division, Fantic Racing. In just five seasons, its recent history boasts an impressive total of 40 international and national titles. Fantic’s “New Racing Era” began in 2020 with its official debut in the premier Enduro and Motocross championships. In 2022, Fantic entered the Dakar Rally, followed by its debut in the FIM Grand Prix World Championship with the Fantic Racing Moto2 team in 2023.
Inside a Fantic facility in In Italy.
Racing is in Fantic’s DNA: competition, the pursuit of excellence, and passion are the beating heart of the company that designs, develops, and manufactures in Italy. The experience gained on the racetrack continuously enhances its production range. The latest example of this seamless transfer of expertise is the introduction of two brand-new street sport bikes: the naked Stealth and the fully faired Imola, both set to arrive on the market in 2025. These models complete an already extensive range, which includes everything from motards for young riders to a comprehensive selection of Enduro and Motocross bikes. The common thread between past and present is the Caballero family, which has recently expanded with the twin-cylinder Caballero 700.
A Fantic CABALLERO 700 twin-cylinder
All Fantic products, motorcycles and e-bikes, are 100% made in Italy. With over 50 years of experience, Fantic designs, engineers and assembles all its products in house, reinforcing its premium image in its 4 facilities with state-of-the-art components and technology. The HQ is in Santa Maria di Sala (Venice), in a new building constructed in 2021. Veneto region is also the production site for the e-bike range, while 20,000 motorbikes per year are assembled in the Motori Minarelli Factory in Bologna.
At EICMA 2024, Fantic unveiled a new 460cc DOHC single-cylinder engine, developed and manufactured by Motori Minarelli. This new Italian heart joins the recent 300cc Enduro model, ready to power the new Caballero 500 and, in 2025, the new street models Stealth 500 and Imola 500. For Fantic, “Cuore Italiano” – the “Italian Heart” – is more than just a slogan; it embodies a true passion and deep love for two wheels. It represents a full commitment to the development of every new model, from quality and design to the relentless pursuit of excellence in racing and competition. “Cuore Italiano” means reaching into the soul of every enthusiast, conveying Italian pride and emotion through each and every bike.
Fantic Stealth streetbikes.
Today, the Fantic range is more complete, and its models are even more capable of satisfying the needs of modern mobility, always looking at the passion for two wheels, in every situation and at every age.
Marc Marquez won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the six-time World Champion won the 22-lap race by 4.535 seconds.
His teammate and two-time World Champion Francesco Bagnaia was the runner-up.
Franco Morbidelli placed third on Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
French sensation, Johann Zarco took fourth on his Castrol Honda LCR RC213V.
Fermin Aldeguer was fifth on his BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
For the championship, Alex Marquez is 17 points behind his principal rival Marc Marquez who has 123 points. Bagnaia is third with 97 points.
UPDATE: Maverick Viñales finished the race P2 but demoted to P14 after receiving a 16-second penalty due to low tyre pressure.
Marquez vs Viñales lights up Doha as Bagnaia earns podium. The Championship leader eventually gets the better of Top Gun but a post-race tyre pressure penalty for the #12 sees Morbidelli promoted to the podium.
The double in Doha – who’d have thought it? Some might, but not Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team). However, that’s exactly how it unfolded for the #93 as a frantic MotoGP battle played out in a Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar that saw Maverick Viñales clinch a first podium in Red Bull KTM Tech3 colours – or so we thought. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) recovered to P3 at the line after a dissatisfying Saturday, as drama unfolded for Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who was forced to settle for P7, which was then P6.
Why? Because after a tyre pressure penalty for Viñales post-race, most of the points scorers were promoted one position. It saw Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) elevated to P3 – and, of course, Bagnaia to P2. Those +16s demoted Viñales to P14.
A FRANTIC OPENING
Marc Marquez was the rider to earn the holeshot into Turn 1, but as the field exited the opening corner, contact was made between the #93 and Alex Marquez, with a piece of bodywork pinging off the rear end of the red machine. This allowed Morbidelli to take the lead into Turn 2 as Viñales made life harder for Alex Marquez. Top Gun was P3 through the fast Turn 3 but fair play to Marquez, he bit back to get behind his older brother once more.
Morbidelli’s lead was up to 0.8s at the beginning of Lap 3, as Bagnaia made a decent start. The Americas GP winner was up to sixth before more contact! Alex Marquez was trying to muscle his way back past Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) into Turn 12 but he misjudged it. Both went wide with Marquez dropping to P7 and the luckless Di Giannantonio being forced back to P21. And for the incident, Alex Marquez was handed a Long Lap penalty.
Meanwhile, Bagnaia was on the move. On the anchors heading into Turn 1 on Lap 5, Bagnaia breezed past Marc Marquez to climb into second place. That meant the Championship leader was third, Viñales was fourth, Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol) was running in P5 with Fermin Aldeguer and BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP teammate Marquez in P6 and P7.
On Lap 6, Marquez completed his Long Lap penalty. The #73 went from P6 to P12, 4.9s away from Morbidelli. At the front, Marc Marquez forced his way back through on Bagnaia for P2 with 16 laps left, and right behind them, Viñales set the fastest lap of the race as Morbidelli’s lead continued to shrink. What were we saying about Viñales? At the end of Lap 7, the #12 passed Bagnaia for P3 and then set his sights on Marquez.
VIÑALES LEADS, MARQUEZ PLOTS RESPONSE
And with 13 laps to go, Viñales got the better of his second factory Ducati. This was stunning from the Tech3 star, and a lap later, he led. Same spot, same outcome. Morbidelli lost the lead for the first time, and Marquez powered past the Italian as well. Bagnaia was then desperate to pass Morbidelli as the VR46 Academy duo swapped positions five times on Lap 11 of 22, but it cost the pair crucial ground. Over the line, Bagnaia was 0.9s behind Marquez.
Zarco was the next rider to get the better of Morbidelli as the Frenchman grabbed P4, and the Italian started to immediately lose ground. With eight laps to go, Viñales was still holding Marquez at bay, with Pecco 0.8s behind the top two. Then, a mistake. Viñales was slightly wide at Turn 6 and that opened the door for Marquez to take the race lead baton with seven laps to go, so what could Viñales and Pecco do now?
PIN PULLED – MARC MARQUEZ STYLE
The answer, for now, was not a lot. Marquez was the fastest of the trio, but only by a tenth over Bagnaia. However, Viñales was 0.3s slower than Marquez on Lap 17, so was this the KTM start beginning to run out of grip and steam? It wasn’t – it was Marquez finding pace. The fastest lap of the race was landed by the six-time MotoGP World Champion – it was two tenths quicker than Viñales and seven tenths faster than Pecco.
Three to go. Another fastest lap of the race for Marquez saw the #93 stretch his lead up to a second, as Bagnaia slipped 1.4s behind Viñales. And heading onto the last lap, it was as you were. Marquez led Viñales by 1.5s, Bagnaia was in a comfortable third and sure enough, as the chequered flag waved, Marc Marquez bounced back from his Austin disappointment with an almighty bang. For the first time since 2014, Marquez claimed victory and with it, strengthened his Championship position ahead of a date with Jerez.
Viñales’ P2 result is a huge boost for KTM – what a ride from Top Gun in Doha. Bagnaia will be disappointed to lose ground in the title chase but after a below par Saturday, a comeback ride to P3 was a job well done by the Italian.
YOUR POINTS SCORERS IN QATAR
Morbidelli did fight back in the end to earn P4 across the line but as mentioned, that’s now P3 as Zarco held off the efforts of Aldeguer to earn a career best Honda result in P4, while the latter earned his best Grand Prix result in MotoGP with a P5. Alex Marquez’s recovery ended with a P6, a top job to get back there from the Spaniard, but that’s the run of P2s and podiums over.
Starting from the front row for the first time since 2023, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) bags P7 ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) – the Italian completed the top 10.
Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) claimed P11, Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) takes home a P12 as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Viñales after his penalty and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) collected the final points.
Unfortunately, Jorge Martin’s (Aprilia Racing) Grand Prix Sunday comeback ended prematurely after the World Champion suffered a crash. The #1 was taken to the medical centre for a check-up, and an update from Aprilia said:
“Jorge Martin suffered a chest trauma, the rider is conscious without problems with his limbs. Rib contusion on the right thorax with pneumothorax. He will be taken to the hospital to perform a CT for in-depth investigation.”
Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious for the reigning Champ and we see him back on track at his home Grand Prix next time out.
NEXT UP: JEREZ
Seven wins from eight. And now, a trip home beckons. Marc Marquez leads the MotoGP World Championship ahead of the Spanish GP and we can absolutely promise a party atmosphere awaits in Jerez. The question is, can anyone halt the #93’s momentum?
Aron Canet won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard won the 18-lap race by 1.103 second.
Deniz Oncu was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.
Manuel Gonzalez was a close third on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.
Daniel Holgado finished fourth on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex and Diogo Moreira took fifth on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished Sunday’s race 15th on his American Racing Team Kalex.
For the championship, Gonzalez is 10 points behind his principal rival Canet who has 71 points. Dixon is third with 59 points.
Canet claims classy comeback victory in Qatar. It was P14 on the first lap to the top step for the #44 as Öncü returns to podium and Dixon crashes.
The best win of his career? Surely the answer is yes. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) completed a stunning comeback ride to claim a first victory of the season and with it, the Moto2 World Championship lead. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) finished P2 and P3 in Qatar, as Argentina and USA winner Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) crashed out of the race.
Gonzalez got the getaway he would have wanted from pole, with Dixon also launching well from the middle of the front row – but it was a disastrous start for Canet. A big wheelie as the lights went out saw the Spaniard got from third down to P14 on Lap 1, as Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) made a rapid start – the rookie was P3 on Lap 1.
That was then P2 on Lap 2. Holgado shoved his Kalex up the inside of Dixon’s Boscoscuro, before Öncü and Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) carved past the Championship leader too. Then, those aforementioned riders attacked Gonzlaez. Öncü led from Holgado and Arenas, with Gonzalez shuffled down to P4 ahead of Dixon on Lap 4 of 18.
Aron Canet, Moto2 race winner in Qatar. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Canet’s climb back through the pack was impressive. The #44 was up to P5 on Lap 7, ahead of Gonzalez, as Öncü still led the pack that were locked together in the victory battle. That was then P2 with eight laps to go, as teammate Barry Baltus set the fastest lap of the race to cling onto the back of the top seven. Then, it was the top six because title race leader, Dixon, crashed at Turn 13 as he tried to chase down Gonzlaez. Not the night the #96 was searching for in Lusail.
With five laps to go, Canet hit the front for the first time after a small mistake from Öncü handed the Spaniard the lead and from there, Canet began to stretch his legs. Heading onto the final lap, Canet was 1.1s clear of Öncü who in turn was doing a great job to keep Gonzalez behind him. And that’s how it stayed. A classy Canet comeback ride sees him clinch a first win of the season and the World Championship lead heading to Jerez, as Öncü grabbed a first podium of the year to finish ahead of third place Gonzalez.
Rookie Holgado finished 2.7s away from the podium in P4, a fantastic effort from the #96, as Diogo Moriera (Italtrans Racing Team) beat Baltus in the P5 battle. Celestino Vietti (Team HDR Heidrun) was the lead Boscoscuro machine over the line in seventh, with Marcos Ramirez (American Racing Team), Arenas and Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) completing the top 10.
2024 Moto3 World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) claimed more points in P11, Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) was 12th as Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Joe Roberts (American Racing) collected the final points on offer in Doha.
What a ride from Canet. We have a new leader in the title chase heading to Jerez as Round 5 now beckons.
Angel Piqueras won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Using his Pirelli-shod Frinsa – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, the Spaniard won the 16-lap race by just 0.009 second.
Japanese rider Taiyo Furusato was the runner-up on his Team Asia Honda.
His countryman and Piqueras’ teammate Ryusei Yamanaka was third, just 0.042 second behind winner Piqueras.
Australian rider Joel Kelso finished the race with a very close fourth, just 0.097 second behind Piqueras on his Levelup-MTA KTM.
Spaniard, Jose Antonio Rueda stopped his race with technical issue on his Red Bull KTM Ajo.
For the championship, Rueda is 1 point behind his principal rival Piqueras who has 67 points. Kelso is third with 41 points.
Piqueras denies Furusato first win in Lusail photo finish. The Spaniard pips the Japanese rider to take the lead by a single point as Rueda suffers a technical problem in Qatar.
Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) is the new Moto3 Championship leader after defeating Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) on the drag to the line in Doha, with the duo split by just 0.009. Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) completes the podium for his second GP rostrum from a maiden pole position, with drama hitting late on for Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) as a technical problem dropped him out the fight for the win.
Yamanaka grabbed the holeshot and there wasn’t too much drama at the start, with the freight train forming from the off. But the penalty notifications came in quickly for those with Long Laps to serve – one for Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and two for rookie Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – dropping them down the order, and a crash for Dennis Foggia (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) that saw him tag David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) took them out the front group, Foggia out of the race and Muñoz dropped down the order.
At the front, it became a leading quartet of Yamanaka, Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA), Rueda and Piqueras, with a gap back to David Almansa (Leopard Racing) heading the fight for the top five. It closed up again as the laps ticked down though and Almansa slid out of contention, leaving six riders battling before Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team) faded from the group to make it five.
Just before the final lap, huge drama suddenly hit in the title chase as Rueda sat up. The former Championship leader had a mechanical and was out of the fight, leaving four riders to fight for three places on the podium. As ever at Lusail, the chopping and changing went right to the wire. At Turn 14 on the last lap, Furusato took over in front as he decided to be the defender at the final corner, and defend he did – but maybe too much.
Podium picture (from left to right) with Furusato, Piqueras and Yamanaka. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The #72 stayed well on the inside and was ahead on the exit too, but Piqueras got the hammer down and just beat him to the line by 0.009. Furusato just misses out on that maiden win, but Piqueras makes a 25-point gain on Rueda to just take over in the Championship leader. Yamanaka fended off Kelso to follow up a maiden pole with a second ever podium.
Kelso is forced to settle for fourth this time round, ahead of Rossi and an impressive comeback from Muñoz after getting forced wide by Foggia’s crash. He just beat SIC58 Squadra Corse duo Luca Lunetta and Stefano Nepa. Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) pipped top rookie Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) as they completed the top ten, just ahead of Carpe who stormed back through to P11 despite his double Long Lap.
Can Oncu won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at TT Assen Circuit, in the Netherlands. The BLU CRU Evan Bros Team Yamaha YZF R9 rider won the 18-lap race by just 0.012 second.
Stefano Manzi was a very close second on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF R9, and Bo Bendsneyder got third on his MV Agusta Reparto Corse F3 800 RR.
Former MotoAmerica regular Valentin Debise finished fourth, just 3.422 seconds behind the winner and just 0.272 behind Bendsneyder on his Renzi Corse Ducati Panigale V2.
Oncu claims Race 2 win in dramatic return to Assen after career threatening injury in 2023. Manzi takes P2 after a move by Oncu in the final chicane, Dutchman Bendsneyder takes in P3 takes his second podium at his home round.
The Pirelli Dutch Round is officially in the books as the final race of the last round of the day has seen the chequered flag. The FIM Supersport World Championship’s Race 2 at Assen featured a dramatic last lap overtake, Turkish young star Can Oncu overtook Stefano Manzi who led most of the affair to take his first race win of the weekend. The win was a special moment for Oncu, as it was here in Assen back in 2023 when he suffered a very concerning arm injury which cast doubts on his ability to return to competition. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) was up in the podium battle once again, until an unfortunate spill late in the running on Turn 10 dashed his podium dreams. He was however able to continue, and without a fairing, he took P15 to salvage a point.
TRIUMPHANT RETURN: Oncu’s late move on Manzi claims Race 2 win in Assen
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) led the race for a majority of the contest, fighting off constant pressure from Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) and Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) repeatedly until the final chicane. Oncu passed Manzi, and while Manzi passed him back upon the exit of the chicane, he did so by cutting the corner, riding onto the green and was applied a one position penalty for Exceeding Track Limits. Oncu had a blistering start to the race, jumping up from a P5 grid start position to nip at Manzi’s heels until his late move. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) lacked the pace to catch up to Oncu and Manzi ahead of him for the race but powered forward to lead the second group for his second podium of his home round. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) similarly battled his way up into the podium battle before crashing out late in the race in Turn 10 to miss out on the podium however salvage a point from the round to finish P15.
SCHROETTER SAVES RACE 2: climbs 8 positions for P6
Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) partook in the spirited battle P5 among Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) and Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing), eventually coming out on top of the group to finish P4. Masia started from P3 on the grid, enjoying a strong start to the race before falling back to P6. Later he recovered a position to finish P5. Marcel Schroetter‘s (WRP Racing) P6 undersells the work the German had to put in to earn it, starting in P14, Schroetter made up 8 positions to help his Championship position.
TOUGH BREAK FOR MAHENDRA: P8 in Race 1, involved in podium fight until running wide
Another solid performance by Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) earned the grid’s only Kawasaki rider a P7 to cap off the weekend. Aldi Mahendra (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) had another strong showing at Assen, much improved from his prior rounds. He hung with his teammate Oncu in the podium battle before unfortunately running wide onto the grass on Turn 15, falling down to finish in P8, tying his best ever WorldSSP result achieved in Race 1. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME Air Racing) made Schroetter’s effort look small however, converting his P29 grid start position into a P9 finish. Rounding out the top 10, Corentin Perolari (Honda Racing World Supersport) earned Honda their best result of the weekend with his P10 placement, just a quarter of a second behind Caricasulo.
DEMOLITION DERBY: 7 riders forced to retire early
Glenn van Straalen (D34G WorldSSP Racing Team) crashed out of the Race on Lap 6, ending his day early. Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) cruised up the grid early to P5 in Lap 2 from his P11 start; until a collision with Philipp Oettl sent him sprawling into the gravel. FIM WorldSBK Stewards later ruled a Long Lap Penalty for Oettl for Irresponsible Riding for the incident. Leonardo Taccini’s (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) race ended ahead of schedule as he crashed out of the race on Lap 8 at turn 10. Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) suffered a tech issue a lap later on Lap 9, retiring to the garage shortly after. Dutch Duo Loris Veneman (EAB Racing Team) and Melvin van Der Voort (Track and Trades Wixx Racing) retired due to separate tech issues on laps 10 nd 12 respectively. Kaito Toba (PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team) crashed out of the race in the final lap of the race in Turn 16.
Marc Marquez was fastest in the MotoGP warmup session Sunday morning at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the Sprint race winner led the 22-rider field with a time of 1:52.644 around the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) circuit.
Maverick Viñales was second-best with a 1:53.182 on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16, and defending World Champion Jorge Martin jumped up the order to third with a time of 1:53.253 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Marquez’s teammate, Francesco Bagnaia finished the Warm Up 6th with a lap time of 1:53.313.
The full-length MotoGP race is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. Local Time.
Sportbike Track TIme is headed to Barber Motorsports Park and other tracks in April. US129Photo/courtesy STT.
CELEBRATE SPRING WITH STT!
Whether you’re waiting patiently to get outside after a long northern winter or already enjoying the increased temps in the south, spring is a great time to get out to a motorcycle track day with Sportbike Track Time!
Check out our early 2025 events below and start planning your next trip to the track with STT!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Barber Motorsports Park
Saturday, April 19
Only a few Advanced spots left!
Sunday, April 20
1:1 Instruction available
Grattan Raceway
Saturday, April 19
Sunday, April 20
Race Certificate Class available
GingerMan Raceway Bike Night is Back!
Friday, April 25
Photo by SPImages /courtesy STT
JOIN US AT PUTNAM!
STT now has four weekends at Putnam Park Road Course in Greencastle, Indiana, just 35 miles west of Indianapolis. This track spans 1.8 miles with 10 turns and is fast, fun, and challenging! It’s a great track for beginners and experienced alike, with a mix of different corners including some elevation changes.
Putnam Event Dates Are:
May 17 & 18
July 19 & 20
August 9 & 10
October 4 & 5
Garage rental for Putnam Park is now available online!
Garage bays at Putnam Park fit 2 bikes (and other gear) spaciously; 3 bikes comfortably. Each 17×20 per bay has compressed air (bring your own hose and fitting), electric outlets, overhead lighting and ceiling fans.
Registration is open and there are spots remaining in all groups!
Click here to sign up today or to reserve your garage!
The experts with Sportbike Tire Service are trackside at most STT events for sales and superior service. Contact Sportbike Tire Service at [email protected] or (734) 210-8859 to pre-order!
***
Reigning Bennetts British Superbike Champion Kyle Ryde will be back to defend his title when the season gets underway at Oulton Park (May 3/4/5) after OMG Racing were boosted by a late partnership with Nitrous Competitions.
Ryde claimed his debut title with OMG Racing last season in the most sensational Showdown in Championship history, winning by a single point after celebrating 18 podium finishes, and nine of those race victories.
Just twelve days ago, a bombshell was dropped when OMG Racing announced their shock withdrawal from the Championship as result of commercial circumstances rendering the championship-winning team and rider on the sidelines. In the following days an introduction made with Nitrous Competitions and a rescue plan was invoked. The prize is a restoration of the team in a restructured format allowing the championship defence to go ahead.
OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing are now charging ahead with their final preparations equipping Kyle Ryde with his familiar Yamaha R1 running the #1 plate, ready for their first on track appearance at next week’s (April 18/19) penultimate R&G Official Test at Donington Park ready for the explosive season opener on the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Ryde said: “I am just so happy to be able to defend the title with the team after the panic of the last week. This is the best scenario for me after what happened; I have my familiar bike and team ready to defend the number one plate. I need to thank everyone who has been working so hard behind the scenes to make this happen and now we are ready to get going.”
Dave Williams, co-owner of Nitrous Competitions commented: “This is such an exciting venture for myself and co-owner Matt Phillips. I am a huge fan of the sport and even currently race myself too! For this opportunity to come and for us to be involved is a dream come true and we can’t wait to see Kyle and the OMG Nitrous Competitions Racing team in action.
“Our customers at Nitrous Competitions are one big family to us and we hope that today’s news will bring plenty of winning opportunities for everyone in 2025!”
More, from a press release issued by MSVR:
Raceways Motorcycles will make a sensational return to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in 2025 with an eleventh-hour entry for 2022 champion Bradley Ray on a Yamaha R1.
The move sees Raceways, one of the most successful teams in recent Bennetts BSB history, make a shock return to the paddock after team owner Steve Rodgers took a decision to scale-back his racing activities in 2023. Racing as the McAMS Yamaha team between 2017 and 2023, Raceways amassed a total of 42 BSB victories, 107 podiums and the 2021 teams, manufacturers and riders’ crowns with Tarran Mackenzie.
The last-minute deal follows the sudden withdrawal of OMG Racing, which left 2022 champion Ray without a ride on the eve of the 2025 season. Ray, who won the championship for Yamaha with OMG in 2022, is an 11-times BSB race winner, having stormed to the title in 2022 with nine victories and 23 podium finishes.
Ray said: “I am super happy and grateful to Steve Rodgers and Yamaha Motor UK for putting together this opportunity for me at the very last minute, it has been a bit of a whirlwind!
“Obviously it has been a very difficult couple of weeks and there has been a lot of uncertainty, but when Steve rang me with the opportunity I couldn’t say no as it’s as close as we could be to the original plan for the year – remaining with Yamaha on an R1 in BSB, which is amazing. I can’t wait to get the 2025 season started as soon as possible and be back fighting for wins up the front.”
Steve Rodgers, Team Owner, concluded: “It was never really my plan to return to racing, but following what has happened with OMG it was a huge shame to see the riders facing 2025 without a ride. We came close to signing Brad as McAMS Yamaha back in the day, so when it became clear we could do something to get him on the grid this year I couldn’t quite resist the opportunity.
“Thanks to Stuart Higgs and the team at MSV, plus the guys at Yamaha Motor UK for helping us make it happen. It’s not a simple task setting up a BSB team in a couple of weeks, but we’ll give it a go!”
The new team, ‘Raceways Yamaha’ will debut on track for the first time at the R&G Official Test at Donington Park (18/19 April), ahead of the final pre-season test at Oulton Park (23/24 April) with the first round of the season taking place at the Cheshire venue on the May Bank Holiday weekend (3/4/5 May).
More, from another press release issued by MSVR:
Michael Laverty has announced live on TNT Sports during the MotoGP round at Qatar that his MLav Racing team will sensationally debut in the Bennetts British Superbike and Pirelli National Superstock Championships this season.
2023 Superstock Champion Richard Kerr will line up in Bennetts BSB and will be joined by multiple IDM Superbike Champion Ilya Mikhalchik in the Superstock class, lining up on the BMW M 1000 RR.
The team owned by Michael Laverty, who himself is a ten-time Bennetts BSB race winner, already is represented globally in the Moto3 World Championship, JuniorGP World Championship, European Talent Cup, the R&G British Talent Cup.
More, from yet another press release issued by MSVR:
The FHO Racing Team will not be participating in the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, however the team’s long term plans remain open and under consideration by owner Faye Ho, based in Macau.
IDM Superbike champion and World Endurance rider Ilya Mikhalchik previously announced as riding for FHO Racing will now feature in the line-up in the all-new BMW team in the series owned by ten-time BSB race winner Michael Laverty, competing in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) digned a law establishing inherent risk for off-road racers, which will help protect racing and event organizers. Photo by Jeff Kardas/courtesy AMA.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) has signed Act 312 into law, establishing inherent risk for off-road motorcyclists and enhancing protections for event organizers throughout the state.
The American Motorcyclist Association applauds the passage of Act 312, which offers greater protections for private landowners who provide access to their land for off-road recreation and competition.
“Act 312 will create a more sustainable liability landscape for event organizers throughout Arkansas, as it ensures a smoother legal process in the case of injury for all involved in off-road events in the state,” AMA Central States Representative Nick Sands said. “We’re encouraged to see this legislation pass in Arkansas, and hope to see similar laws continue to progress throughout the country.”
Inherent risk refers to the capacity for risk naturally associated with a process or activity without any risk reduction efforts. Inherent risk of an activity cannot be effectively eliminated or controlled and becomes important when assessing liability of voluntary participants.
With this law, the rider takes individual responsibility for their own safety and facility owners take responsibility for their own liability, so when an accident does occur, fault can be clearly identified. This law helps riders by requiring safe riding areas while also benefitting landowners and organizers because they have assurances that the rider enters their facility knowing they have a responsibility to ride within their skill and ability.
This law increases the likelihood that landowners and organizers will receive the necessary insurance protections needed to hold off-road motorcycle events, which is a win for all AMA members. The new law will also ensure safer facilities and events, as landowners must provide adequate safety measures, or they may be held liable for accidents that occur on their property.
Inherent risk is not a new concept — although, Act 312 is the first of its kind regarding dirt bikes — as similar legislation has been prevalent in skiing and equestrian forms of recreation.
The AMA remains engaged with efforts regarding inherent risk and civil liability in multiple states, most notably in Texas, Iowa and Missouri, where bills have been introduced but are still working their way through committee.
Stay up-to-date on the latest AMA Government Relations efforts by visiting AmericanMotorcyclist.com/rights/ and signing up for AMA Rights updates.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
From left, Zaal Farhand, Jase Dill and Maverick Johnson celebrate after the FIM/MotoAmerica Mini Cup GP 160 Sprint race at Apex Motorsports Park. Photo by Karen E. Ott.
Jase Dill, Marcus Su, Kensei Matsudaira, Lambert Su and Zaal Farhand were the winners at the FIM/MotoAmerica Mini Cup races at Apex Motorsports Park on Saturday and Sunday.
Dill won all three GP 160 races, Marcus Su swept the Stock 50 class, Matsudaira took all three GP190 victories and Farhand won the Stock/GP 110 Sprint race and Race Two. Lambert Su won Race One in the Stock/GP 110 class.
A 2025 Fantic XE300 fuel-injected two-stroke enduro.
FANTIC MOTOR EXPANDING INTO THE USA WITH XE300 AND XEF 250 TL
Fantic Motor, the historical Italian motorcycle manufacturer, is excited to announce the expansion of its global presence with the introduction of their performance driven XE300 2-stroke and the XEF 250 TL 4-stroke motorcycles to the USA. Fantic USA, already with a presence in the USA as an importer of e-bikes, will be importing these two models right away to the American market. Fantic Motor will continue development on additional models for future distribution in the USA.
Fantic Motor, known worldwide for its racing heritage and passion for building premium performance motorcycles for competition, starts its American legacy with the XE300. This revolutionary design has an electric start, fuel injection, oil injection, 10 modes of traction control, two different maps and even more other unique, performance-driven items; allowing it to be the best-in-performance competition model available in the market today.
Fantic’s XE300 will not be debuting alone; however, since the Fantic XEF 250 TL will also be available. The XEF 250 TL is the ultimate racing starter for enduro trails suitable for all ages and levels of riders. It has a liquid-cooled engine and electronic fuel injection and is the perfect combination of power and ease of riding, resulting from advanced technology and continuous research for improvement.
Fantic XEF 250 TL 4-stroke enduro bike.
Taking the lead in the USA is Gary Hazel, National Sales Manager. Gary’s experience includes years of successfully growing dealer networks and sales throughout the US for other brands. He’s also recognized in the off-road world for having owned a nationally known dirt bike business, Thumper Racing Company. “I am thrilled and honored to join the Fantic brand. The foundation they have established is impressive, and I am excited to build upon the brand in the USA,” stated Gary.
Central Powersports Distribution (CPD) will be handling all of the logistics from its Marshall, Texas location. “With CPD’s expert support team’s knowledge of off-road OEMs like Reiju, AJP and EM; Fantic is well-positioned to offer outstanding products and services to our dealer partners with CPD’s logistics, and I look forward to us delivering unparalleled value to the new Fantic partners and customers,” said Gary.
These motorcycles will be available for purchase in late May / early June 2025. Any dealer interested in becoming a Fantic dealer can begin the application process by visiting www.fanticmotorusa.com/dealer-inquiry. Customers will soon be able to locate a dealer at www.fantic.com/us-en/dealer-locator.
About Fantic USA
Fantic USA is the official U.S. importer of Fantic Motor, a premier Italian manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles known for their innovation, quality, and design. Fantic offers a wide range of electric products in the bicycle, scooter, off-road, enduro, and motocross motorcycles segment for riders of all skill levels.
About Central Powersports Distribution
CPD is a leading importer, logistics and distribution company, specializing in providing efficient and reliable solutions for the powersports industry. With a commitment to excellence, CPD ensures superior service and support to dealers and customers.
Instagram: @fanticmotor_usa
Facebook: fantic motor usa
About Fantic Motor
Fantic Motor S.P.A. was founded in 1968 in Barzago (Lecco-Milan, Italy). In the 1970s, Fantic became the second largest Italian motorcycle manufacturer and one of the most recognized motorcycle brands, thanks to Caballero (model), a true legend for the young people of that period. After great successes in the Enduro, such as the victories at the Six Days of Elba Island, European and National Championships, Fantic became a leader in the world of trial competitions, winning three World Titles with Thierry Michaud in 1985, 1986 and 1988.
Fantic in Italy, back in the day,
On October 1, 2014, Fantic was acquired by VeNetWork. Dr. Mariano Roman, who worked for more than twenty years as technical director of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Laverda, was appointed CEO.
In 2015, Fantic entered the e-bikes market with a new range of urban and off-road vehicles, alongside the enduro and motard motorcycle ranges. Just like motorcycles, Fantic e-bikes are characterized by their design, high quality Italian production and innovative technical solutions. Summer 2016 saw Fantic entering the U.S. market with its full range of e-bikes.
The new Fantic XF1 Integra, e-bike trail and enduro with integrated battery was presented in 2017. XF1 Integra 180 was awarded with the 2018 Design & Innovation Award, the most important European award for the German cycle market. At Eicma 2017, Fantic presented the new Caballero range in 2 models (Scrambler and Flat Track) and 3 engines (125cc, 250cc, 500cc).
In 2018 Fantic celebrated its 50 year anniversary with a big event in Treviso and announced at EICMA Milano of the same year: ISSIMO, Caballero Rally 500 and the concept of E-Cab, Fantic’s first electric motorcycle. ISSIMO is the connecting link between mopeds and e-bikes, winning the prestigious international 2019 Eurobike Award for its design (aluminum frame with specific shape) and innovation in mobility.
However, 2019 will be remembered especially for the announcement of the industrial cooperation between Fantic and Yamaha Motor Europe that allows Fantic to realize new models dedicated to the off-road racing segment. Today, the off-road range is complete with 9 different models: 5 Enduro and 4 motocross models allowing Fantic to cover the needs of all off-road bikers, both 2-stroke and 4-stroke enthusiasts. The last debut is the XE300 2-stroke enduro bike, competing in the biggest enduro segment in Europe and equipped with a new engine featuring cutting-edge technology developed by Motori Minarelli. Fantic’s acquisition of Motori Minarelli was another milestone in the collaboration with Yamaha: Motori Minarelli, an historic Italian company with proven technological and production excellence, was part of Yamaha Group since the 1980s.
Fantic is the only Italian brand competing in four different disciplines—motocross, enduro, rally, and Grand Prix motorcycle racing—through its dedicated racing division, Fantic Racing. In just five seasons, its recent history boasts an impressive total of 40 international and national titles. Fantic’s “New Racing Era” began in 2020 with its official debut in the premier Enduro and Motocross championships. In 2022, Fantic entered the Dakar Rally, followed by its debut in the FIM Grand Prix World Championship with the Fantic Racing Moto2 team in 2023.
Inside a Fantic facility in In Italy.
Racing is in Fantic’s DNA: competition, the pursuit of excellence, and passion are the beating heart of the company that designs, develops, and manufactures in Italy. The experience gained on the racetrack continuously enhances its production range. The latest example of this seamless transfer of expertise is the introduction of two brand-new street sport bikes: the naked Stealth and the fully faired Imola, both set to arrive on the market in 2025. These models complete an already extensive range, which includes everything from motards for young riders to a comprehensive selection of Enduro and Motocross bikes. The common thread between past and present is the Caballero family, which has recently expanded with the twin-cylinder Caballero 700.
A Fantic CABALLERO 700 twin-cylinder
All Fantic products, motorcycles and e-bikes, are 100% made in Italy. With over 50 years of experience, Fantic designs, engineers and assembles all its products in house, reinforcing its premium image in its 4 facilities with state-of-the-art components and technology. The HQ is in Santa Maria di Sala (Venice), in a new building constructed in 2021. Veneto region is also the production site for the e-bike range, while 20,000 motorbikes per year are assembled in the Motori Minarelli Factory in Bologna.
At EICMA 2024, Fantic unveiled a new 460cc DOHC single-cylinder engine, developed and manufactured by Motori Minarelli. This new Italian heart joins the recent 300cc Enduro model, ready to power the new Caballero 500 and, in 2025, the new street models Stealth 500 and Imola 500. For Fantic, “Cuore Italiano” – the “Italian Heart” – is more than just a slogan; it embodies a true passion and deep love for two wheels. It represents a full commitment to the development of every new model, from quality and design to the relentless pursuit of excellence in racing and competition. “Cuore Italiano” means reaching into the soul of every enthusiast, conveying Italian pride and emotion through each and every bike.
Fantic Stealth streetbikes.
Today, the Fantic range is more complete, and its models are even more capable of satisfying the needs of modern mobility, always looking at the passion for two wheels, in every situation and at every age.
MotoGP race start at Lusail International Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the six-time World Champion won the 22-lap race by 4.535 seconds.
His teammate and two-time World Champion Francesco Bagnaia was the runner-up.
Franco Morbidelli placed third on Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
French sensation, Johann Zarco took fourth on his Castrol Honda LCR RC213V.
Fermin Aldeguer was fifth on his BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
For the championship, Alex Marquez is 17 points behind his principal rival Marc Marquez who has 123 points. Bagnaia is third with 97 points.
UPDATE: Maverick Viñales finished the race P2 but demoted to P14 after receiving a 16-second penalty due to low tyre pressure.
Marquez vs Viñales lights up Doha as Bagnaia earns podium. The Championship leader eventually gets the better of Top Gun but a post-race tyre pressure penalty for the #12 sees Morbidelli promoted to the podium.
The double in Doha – who’d have thought it? Some might, but not Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team). However, that’s exactly how it unfolded for the #93 as a frantic MotoGP battle played out in a Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar that saw Maverick Viñales clinch a first podium in Red Bull KTM Tech3 colours – or so we thought. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) recovered to P3 at the line after a dissatisfying Saturday, as drama unfolded for Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who was forced to settle for P7, which was then P6.
Why? Because after a tyre pressure penalty for Viñales post-race, most of the points scorers were promoted one position. It saw Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) elevated to P3 – and, of course, Bagnaia to P2. Those +16s demoted Viñales to P14.
A FRANTIC OPENING
Marc Marquez was the rider to earn the holeshot into Turn 1, but as the field exited the opening corner, contact was made between the #93 and Alex Marquez, with a piece of bodywork pinging off the rear end of the red machine. This allowed Morbidelli to take the lead into Turn 2 as Viñales made life harder for Alex Marquez. Top Gun was P3 through the fast Turn 3 but fair play to Marquez, he bit back to get behind his older brother once more.
Morbidelli’s lead was up to 0.8s at the beginning of Lap 3, as Bagnaia made a decent start. The Americas GP winner was up to sixth before more contact! Alex Marquez was trying to muscle his way back past Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) into Turn 12 but he misjudged it. Both went wide with Marquez dropping to P7 and the luckless Di Giannantonio being forced back to P21. And for the incident, Alex Marquez was handed a Long Lap penalty.
Meanwhile, Bagnaia was on the move. On the anchors heading into Turn 1 on Lap 5, Bagnaia breezed past Marc Marquez to climb into second place. That meant the Championship leader was third, Viñales was fourth, Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol) was running in P5 with Fermin Aldeguer and BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP teammate Marquez in P6 and P7.
On Lap 6, Marquez completed his Long Lap penalty. The #73 went from P6 to P12, 4.9s away from Morbidelli. At the front, Marc Marquez forced his way back through on Bagnaia for P2 with 16 laps left, and right behind them, Viñales set the fastest lap of the race as Morbidelli’s lead continued to shrink. What were we saying about Viñales? At the end of Lap 7, the #12 passed Bagnaia for P3 and then set his sights on Marquez.
VIÑALES LEADS, MARQUEZ PLOTS RESPONSE
And with 13 laps to go, Viñales got the better of his second factory Ducati. This was stunning from the Tech3 star, and a lap later, he led. Same spot, same outcome. Morbidelli lost the lead for the first time, and Marquez powered past the Italian as well. Bagnaia was then desperate to pass Morbidelli as the VR46 Academy duo swapped positions five times on Lap 11 of 22, but it cost the pair crucial ground. Over the line, Bagnaia was 0.9s behind Marquez.
Zarco was the next rider to get the better of Morbidelli as the Frenchman grabbed P4, and the Italian started to immediately lose ground. With eight laps to go, Viñales was still holding Marquez at bay, with Pecco 0.8s behind the top two. Then, a mistake. Viñales was slightly wide at Turn 6 and that opened the door for Marquez to take the race lead baton with seven laps to go, so what could Viñales and Pecco do now?
PIN PULLED – MARC MARQUEZ STYLE
The answer, for now, was not a lot. Marquez was the fastest of the trio, but only by a tenth over Bagnaia. However, Viñales was 0.3s slower than Marquez on Lap 17, so was this the KTM start beginning to run out of grip and steam? It wasn’t – it was Marquez finding pace. The fastest lap of the race was landed by the six-time MotoGP World Champion – it was two tenths quicker than Viñales and seven tenths faster than Pecco.
Three to go. Another fastest lap of the race for Marquez saw the #93 stretch his lead up to a second, as Bagnaia slipped 1.4s behind Viñales. And heading onto the last lap, it was as you were. Marquez led Viñales by 1.5s, Bagnaia was in a comfortable third and sure enough, as the chequered flag waved, Marc Marquez bounced back from his Austin disappointment with an almighty bang. For the first time since 2014, Marquez claimed victory and with it, strengthened his Championship position ahead of a date with Jerez.
Viñales’ P2 result is a huge boost for KTM – what a ride from Top Gun in Doha. Bagnaia will be disappointed to lose ground in the title chase but after a below par Saturday, a comeback ride to P3 was a job well done by the Italian.
YOUR POINTS SCORERS IN QATAR
Morbidelli did fight back in the end to earn P4 across the line but as mentioned, that’s now P3 as Zarco held off the efforts of Aldeguer to earn a career best Honda result in P4, while the latter earned his best Grand Prix result in MotoGP with a P5. Alex Marquez’s recovery ended with a P6, a top job to get back there from the Spaniard, but that’s the run of P2s and podiums over.
Starting from the front row for the first time since 2023, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) bags P7 ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) – the Italian completed the top 10.
Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) claimed P11, Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) takes home a P12 as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Viñales after his penalty and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) collected the final points.
Unfortunately, Jorge Martin’s (Aprilia Racing) Grand Prix Sunday comeback ended prematurely after the World Champion suffered a crash. The #1 was taken to the medical centre for a check-up, and an update from Aprilia said:
“Jorge Martin suffered a chest trauma, the rider is conscious without problems with his limbs. Rib contusion on the right thorax with pneumothorax. He will be taken to the hospital to perform a CT for in-depth investigation.”
Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious for the reigning Champ and we see him back on track at his home Grand Prix next time out.
NEXT UP: JEREZ
Seven wins from eight. And now, a trip home beckons. Marc Marquez leads the MotoGP World Championship ahead of the Spanish GP and we can absolutely promise a party atmosphere awaits in Jerez. The question is, can anyone halt the #93’s momentum?
Moto2 race start at Doha, in Qatar. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aron Canet won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard won the 18-lap race by 1.103 second.
Deniz Oncu was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.
Manuel Gonzalez was a close third on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.
Daniel Holgado finished fourth on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex and Diogo Moreira took fifth on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished Sunday’s race 15th on his American Racing Team Kalex.
For the championship, Gonzalez is 10 points behind his principal rival Canet who has 71 points. Dixon is third with 59 points.
Canet claims classy comeback victory in Qatar. It was P14 on the first lap to the top step for the #44 as Öncü returns to podium and Dixon crashes.
The best win of his career? Surely the answer is yes. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) completed a stunning comeback ride to claim a first victory of the season and with it, the Moto2 World Championship lead. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) finished P2 and P3 in Qatar, as Argentina and USA winner Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) crashed out of the race.
Gonzalez got the getaway he would have wanted from pole, with Dixon also launching well from the middle of the front row – but it was a disastrous start for Canet. A big wheelie as the lights went out saw the Spaniard got from third down to P14 on Lap 1, as Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) made a rapid start – the rookie was P3 on Lap 1.
That was then P2 on Lap 2. Holgado shoved his Kalex up the inside of Dixon’s Boscoscuro, before Öncü and Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) carved past the Championship leader too. Then, those aforementioned riders attacked Gonzlaez. Öncü led from Holgado and Arenas, with Gonzalez shuffled down to P4 ahead of Dixon on Lap 4 of 18.
Aron Canet, Moto2 race winner in Qatar. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Canet’s climb back through the pack was impressive. The #44 was up to P5 on Lap 7, ahead of Gonzalez, as Öncü still led the pack that were locked together in the victory battle. That was then P2 with eight laps to go, as teammate Barry Baltus set the fastest lap of the race to cling onto the back of the top seven. Then, it was the top six because title race leader, Dixon, crashed at Turn 13 as he tried to chase down Gonzlaez. Not the night the #96 was searching for in Lusail.
With five laps to go, Canet hit the front for the first time after a small mistake from Öncü handed the Spaniard the lead and from there, Canet began to stretch his legs. Heading onto the final lap, Canet was 1.1s clear of Öncü who in turn was doing a great job to keep Gonzalez behind him. And that’s how it stayed. A classy Canet comeback ride sees him clinch a first win of the season and the World Championship lead heading to Jerez, as Öncü grabbed a first podium of the year to finish ahead of third place Gonzalez.
Rookie Holgado finished 2.7s away from the podium in P4, a fantastic effort from the #96, as Diogo Moriera (Italtrans Racing Team) beat Baltus in the P5 battle. Celestino Vietti (Team HDR Heidrun) was the lead Boscoscuro machine over the line in seventh, with Marcos Ramirez (American Racing Team), Arenas and Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) completing the top 10.
2024 Moto3 World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) claimed more points in P11, Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) was 12th as Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Joe Roberts (American Racing) collected the final points on offer in Doha.
What a ride from Canet. We have a new leader in the title chase heading to Jerez as Round 5 now beckons.
Moto3 race start at Doha, in Qatar. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Angel Piqueras won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Using his Pirelli-shod Frinsa – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, the Spaniard won the 16-lap race by just 0.009 second.
Japanese rider Taiyo Furusato was the runner-up on his Team Asia Honda.
His countryman and Piqueras’ teammate Ryusei Yamanaka was third, just 0.042 second behind winner Piqueras.
Australian rider Joel Kelso finished the race with a very close fourth, just 0.097 second behind Piqueras on his Levelup-MTA KTM.
Spaniard, Jose Antonio Rueda stopped his race with technical issue on his Red Bull KTM Ajo.
For the championship, Rueda is 1 point behind his principal rival Piqueras who has 67 points. Kelso is third with 41 points.
Piqueras denies Furusato first win in Lusail photo finish. The Spaniard pips the Japanese rider to take the lead by a single point as Rueda suffers a technical problem in Qatar.
Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) is the new Moto3 Championship leader after defeating Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) on the drag to the line in Doha, with the duo split by just 0.009. Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) completes the podium for his second GP rostrum from a maiden pole position, with drama hitting late on for Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) as a technical problem dropped him out the fight for the win.
Yamanaka grabbed the holeshot and there wasn’t too much drama at the start, with the freight train forming from the off. But the penalty notifications came in quickly for those with Long Laps to serve – one for Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and two for rookie Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – dropping them down the order, and a crash for Dennis Foggia (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) that saw him tag David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) took them out the front group, Foggia out of the race and Muñoz dropped down the order.
At the front, it became a leading quartet of Yamanaka, Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA), Rueda and Piqueras, with a gap back to David Almansa (Leopard Racing) heading the fight for the top five. It closed up again as the laps ticked down though and Almansa slid out of contention, leaving six riders battling before Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team) faded from the group to make it five.
Just before the final lap, huge drama suddenly hit in the title chase as Rueda sat up. The former Championship leader had a mechanical and was out of the fight, leaving four riders to fight for three places on the podium. As ever at Lusail, the chopping and changing went right to the wire. At Turn 14 on the last lap, Furusato took over in front as he decided to be the defender at the final corner, and defend he did – but maybe too much.
Podium picture (from left to right) with Furusato, Piqueras and Yamanaka. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The #72 stayed well on the inside and was ahead on the exit too, but Piqueras got the hammer down and just beat him to the line by 0.009. Furusato just misses out on that maiden win, but Piqueras makes a 25-point gain on Rueda to just take over in the Championship leader. Yamanaka fended off Kelso to follow up a maiden pole with a second ever podium.
Kelso is forced to settle for fourth this time round, ahead of Rossi and an impressive comeback from Muñoz after getting forced wide by Foggia’s crash. He just beat SIC58 Squadra Corse duo Luca Lunetta and Stefano Nepa. Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) pipped top rookie Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) as they completed the top ten, just ahead of Carpe who stormed back through to P11 despite his double Long Lap.
WorldSSP race in TT Assen Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Can Oncu won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at TT Assen Circuit, in the Netherlands. The BLU CRU Evan Bros Team Yamaha YZF R9 rider won the 18-lap race by just 0.012 second.
Stefano Manzi was a very close second on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF R9, and Bo Bendsneyder got third on his MV Agusta Reparto Corse F3 800 RR.
Former MotoAmerica regular Valentin Debise finished fourth, just 3.422 seconds behind the winner and just 0.272 behind Bendsneyder on his Renzi Corse Ducati Panigale V2.
Oncu claims Race 2 win in dramatic return to Assen after career threatening injury in 2023. Manzi takes P2 after a move by Oncu in the final chicane, Dutchman Bendsneyder takes in P3 takes his second podium at his home round.
The Pirelli Dutch Round is officially in the books as the final race of the last round of the day has seen the chequered flag. The FIM Supersport World Championship’s Race 2 at Assen featured a dramatic last lap overtake, Turkish young star Can Oncu overtook Stefano Manzi who led most of the affair to take his first race win of the weekend. The win was a special moment for Oncu, as it was here in Assen back in 2023 when he suffered a very concerning arm injury which cast doubts on his ability to return to competition. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) was up in the podium battle once again, until an unfortunate spill late in the running on Turn 10 dashed his podium dreams. He was however able to continue, and without a fairing, he took P15 to salvage a point.
TRIUMPHANT RETURN: Oncu’s late move on Manzi claims Race 2 win in Assen
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) led the race for a majority of the contest, fighting off constant pressure from Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) and Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) repeatedly until the final chicane. Oncu passed Manzi, and while Manzi passed him back upon the exit of the chicane, he did so by cutting the corner, riding onto the green and was applied a one position penalty for Exceeding Track Limits. Oncu had a blistering start to the race, jumping up from a P5 grid start position to nip at Manzi’s heels until his late move. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) lacked the pace to catch up to Oncu and Manzi ahead of him for the race but powered forward to lead the second group for his second podium of his home round. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) similarly battled his way up into the podium battle before crashing out late in the race in Turn 10 to miss out on the podium however salvage a point from the round to finish P15.
SCHROETTER SAVES RACE 2: climbs 8 positions for P6
Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) partook in the spirited battle P5 among Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) and Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing), eventually coming out on top of the group to finish P4. Masia started from P3 on the grid, enjoying a strong start to the race before falling back to P6. Later he recovered a position to finish P5. Marcel Schroetter‘s (WRP Racing) P6 undersells the work the German had to put in to earn it, starting in P14, Schroetter made up 8 positions to help his Championship position.
TOUGH BREAK FOR MAHENDRA: P8 in Race 1, involved in podium fight until running wide
Another solid performance by Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) earned the grid’s only Kawasaki rider a P7 to cap off the weekend. Aldi Mahendra (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) had another strong showing at Assen, much improved from his prior rounds. He hung with his teammate Oncu in the podium battle before unfortunately running wide onto the grass on Turn 15, falling down to finish in P8, tying his best ever WorldSSP result achieved in Race 1. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME Air Racing) made Schroetter’s effort look small however, converting his P29 grid start position into a P9 finish. Rounding out the top 10, Corentin Perolari (Honda Racing World Supersport) earned Honda their best result of the weekend with his P10 placement, just a quarter of a second behind Caricasulo.
DEMOLITION DERBY: 7 riders forced to retire early
Glenn van Straalen (D34G WorldSSP Racing Team) crashed out of the Race on Lap 6, ending his day early. Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) cruised up the grid early to P5 in Lap 2 from his P11 start; until a collision with Philipp Oettl sent him sprawling into the gravel. FIM WorldSBK Stewards later ruled a Long Lap Penalty for Oettl for Irresponsible Riding for the incident. Leonardo Taccini’s (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) race ended ahead of schedule as he crashed out of the race on Lap 8 at turn 10. Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) suffered a tech issue a lap later on Lap 9, retiring to the garage shortly after. Dutch Duo Loris Veneman (EAB Racing Team) and Melvin van Der Voort (Track and Trades Wixx Racing) retired due to separate tech issues on laps 10 nd 12 respectively. Kaito Toba (PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team) crashed out of the race in the final lap of the race in Turn 16.
Marc Marquez in Parc fermé after the Tissot Sprint race. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez was fastest in the MotoGP warmup session Sunday morning at Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the Sprint race winner led the 22-rider field with a time of 1:52.644 around the 3.34-mile (5.38 km) circuit.
Maverick Viñales was second-best with a 1:53.182 on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16, and defending World Champion Jorge Martin jumped up the order to third with a time of 1:53.253 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Marquez’s teammate, Francesco Bagnaia finished the Warm Up 6th with a lap time of 1:53.313.
The full-length MotoGP race is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. Local Time.
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
June 9, 2025
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
