AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Arlington, Texas

David Swarts

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February 25, 2024

AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Arlington, Texas

Cooper Webb Wins Arlington Supercross, Extends Dallas-Area All-Time Win Record

Haiden Deegan Earns First Supercross Victory

Arlington, Texas (February 24, 2024) Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb took a thrilling win at Round 7 of the 17-round 2024 Monster Energy Supercross season inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The victory marks Webb’s sixth win in the Dallas region, extending his record as most wins in the area. For the third round in a row, record attendance was welcomed as 67,319 fans brought AT&T Stadium to life.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac recovered from an early fall to reach second place in Arlington, the Military Appreciation Race in the sport’s 50th Anniversary Season. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger landed the final spot on the podium on the rapidly deteriorating Texas track. In the second round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan took his first Supercross win in his 12th start.

Cooper Webb (2). Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sport.

“Obviously I got a little bit of a handout [when Jett crashed] but man, I just kept pushing my laps [and] was trying to stay as close as I could to Jett. The track got really tough, especially over where he fell; it was really hard to get that rhythm. And I just saw him down, I’m like, ‘Oh, man.’ What a ride! I’m pumped. I gotta give it up to my team. I had a terrible day, lost a lot of confidence and they came to me and told me, excuse my French, but I’m a bad MoFo and to pull my head out of my [rear], and that’s exactly what I needed… Jett was riding incredible and, man, I just can’t believe it still. I’m in shock. Gotta give it up to this place, it’s always good to me… I might as well just buy a suite here because I love this place.” – Cooper Webb

“I was trying my heart out out there. I made such a frustrating mistake over-jumping the triple there [early in the race]. I just tucked my front end and lost my hand off the grip. I’m sick of people calling me the old guy, so I’m just warming up, I’m getting better, I’m coming, so I’m ready to get going. Yeah, second will do for tonight.” – Eli Tomac

“I thought I got off to a good start, and I was like, ‘I’m going to push to the front.’ I knew Jett was up there, I knew Coop was up there, and I knew they were going to take off. Hunter was riding an awesome race and then out of nowhere I see the number 3 come through and I’m like ‘Dang, I gotta latch on or something, because this dude’s going fast.’ And I knew Hunter was right behind me… I just kept on two [wheels] and it was just a really, really good race. My heart rate was through the roof, and I was trying with everything I had to get back by Eli, but he was in ‘beast mode’ as they call it. [laughs] It was a good race, gained some points, and lucky to be back up here on the podium.” – Aaron Plessinger

“The bike was feeling great, I was feeling good, and yeah, just got caught off guard. Sometimes you’re the hammer, sometimes you’re the nail, and I ended up nailing that Tuff Blox… Just a little mistake, almost saved it; but got back up, bars were bent but we still had some fuel in the tank and I tried going after Cooper. And just, silly mistake [for the second crash], I should have seen the lapper was going to stop. I just didn’t think enough far ahead. But the boys were riding great tonight. Congrats to Eli, AP and Cooper, they were riding awesome. Another learning curve for me, and on to Daytona, [I’m] excited to race there.” – Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence, who led much of the race before two crashes in the closing minutes.

The Eastern Regional 250SX Class held its second round of 2024 and Haiden Deegan earned the win after Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner crashed dramatically out of the race in the final minutes. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo earned second after a seventh-place start. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle battled forward and landed the third-place spot when the checkered flag flew.

Haiden Deegan (38). Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.

“I am so amped right now. My first career win in Supercross, this is unreal…. Obviously, man, that’s terrible to see Austin, [he was] ripping, and to see that happen is sad, man. I wanted to fight for this with him, man. I wanted to go back and forth and bang bars this season. But it’s racing, and the pressure, you know, it gets to you… This is a very, very technical track. And I watched the heat race back and I saw Austin making several mistakes, and I was like, I mean, I made mistakes myself, but I was like, ‘If I clean up my riding and [can put on the] pressure, it’s any man’s race…’ I just had good flow around the whole track, and yeah, all I can say is: Welcome to the danger zone, baby!” – Haiden Deegan

“First of all I want to shout out my sister Mackenzie, this one’s for you, I’ve been telling you all day. She’s in the military and I tried getting her off the Navy base but she didn’t think that would go over very well. So shout out to her, all the military members out here and in our country. You guys are why we can do this, so I want to start with that. But yeah, I felt I needed to be patient with this track. With my condition currently – I came into Detroit a little banged up, banged up myself a little bit again in Detroit with my knee, so it was nice to just get out front and just do my laps. I think I had something to prove after last weekend, and I’m hoping this one gives me a little bit better press than last weekend did. But yeah, I’m happy to get the heat win, second place [in the main and] recoup some points. I’m thinking about Austin, too, I’m not sure how he is right now but I know he was on the side of the track for a while, so hopefully the best for him, he’s had a tough road.” – Cameron McAdoo

“I had a huge crash in the practice, I’m glad to be okay; I’m so happy to be here. It’s my second year in Supercross, I’ve had a lot of crashes and I’ve been through tough times… I mean, racing here in front of so many people in the stadium is amazing and I’m glad to be here… and can’t wait to be at the next race.” – Tom Vialle

Each Monster Energy AMA Supercross race also pays points toward the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. The next round takes place inside Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Like every Supercross and SuperMotocross round, live coverage is available on PeacockTV, with select rounds available on NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. Next-day encore presentations of all 31 rounds of 2024 racing can be seen on CNBC. Race coverage is available internationally through the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv), with live presentations broadcast in both English and Spanish.

The 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will deliver ten more rounds in ten different states. Catching the race action live, as well as taking in the daytime sights and activities at FanFest, is family entertainment that should not be missed. For the full race schedule, broadcast information, highlight videos, race results, and ticket sales please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

Australian Superbike: Report From Race Two And Race Three At Phillip Island

David Swarts

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February 25, 2024

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Australian Superbike: Report From Race Two And Race Three At Phillip Island

Waters resumes normal service to complete ASBK Phillip Island clean sweep

Round one of the 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) concluded at Phillip Island on February 25, with circuit master Josh Waters completing a full quota of victories on his Ducati.

The Mildura flyer undoubtedly produces his most scintillating work at the 4.448km grand prix venue, and so it was again this weekend as he won all three Australian Superbike races, including two on Sunday, on his Panigale V4 R.

He now takes a healthy lead into round two under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 22-23, where he will again have to be at his towering best against a crack field of seasoned veterans and talented teenagers.

The final races were also held today in Michelin Supersport and Race and Road Supersport 300, with 17-year-old Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha) producing another masterclass in the former and 15-year-old Harrison Watts (Kawasaki) breaking through for his first victory in the latter.

With Superbike Masters and the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup joining the Sydney roster, there’s going to be plenty to look forward to at the Night Race.

Results for Phillip Island are here.

mi-bike insurance Australian Superbike

The second Superbike race was a combative affair, with as many as seven riders fighting for the lead at one stage with grip levels a little lower than yesterday.

The two constants at the sharp end of the pack for a majority of the 11-lapper were teammates Waters and Harrison Voight, while Troy Herfoss (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R) went back and forth as he struggled to find rhythm. However, the reigning Australian Superbike champion – as he so often does – found a way, passing Voight on the final lap to finish second behind Waters.

Cru Haliday (Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1) was fourth and right on the bumper of lap record holder Voight, followed by Ant West (Addicted to Track YZF-R1) and Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R).

Halliday also set the fastest lap of the race – a 1:31.066 on lap three.

Cameron Dunker (Penrite Racing YZF-R1), Bryan Staring (MotoGo YZF-R1), Max Stauffer (Penrite Racing YZF-R1) and Glenn Allerton (GT Racing BMW M 1000 RR) rounded out the top 10.

After such a sensational morning bout, race three was short-lived after the Aprilia RSV4 of Matt Walters imploded in a massive plume of smoke at turn one, with the New South Welshman then crashing in his own oil trail.

The race was immediately red-flagged, with half points awarded. At that time, Waters was nearly two seconds in front of Voight, followed by Herfoss, West, Halliday, birthday boy Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1M), Stauffer and Pearson.

It’s been a great start to the year. To qualify on pole and then win the two-and-a-half races is great,” said Waters. “I’m not sure what it is about this track that I connect well with, other than that I just really enjoy the circuit.

“I like riding in Sydney, too, but I know that everyone in the Australian Superbike field is going to keep working hard and we need to keep on our toes also to make sure we stay ahead of them.”

Waters now takes a 15.5pt (65.5 to 48) lead over Voight into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 22-23. Herfoss is on 47pts, Halliday 42 and West 38.5.

Michelin Supersport

No-one has been more in the ASBK groove than Nahlous Yamaha YZF-R6) at Phillip Island, and his sublime Michelin Superbike campaign was bookended with a third consecutive victory.

The win, by 2.451 seconds over Tom Bramich (YZF-R6), saw 17-year-old Nahlous take home the ‘full monty’: pole position, three race wins and a new lap record.

“It was a great weekend; it couldn’t have gone any better,” said Nahlous.”Race three was much harder than the others and I had to adapt on the run so I could put myself in a position to win, which took a while.

“From about lap four, I understood how to ride the track better which was beneficial to me, so I couldn’t have asked for a better way to complete the round.”

Nahlous and Olly Simpson (Yamaha) ran line astern in the first half of the race before Nahlous put the hammer down and pulled clear – circulating just shy of his one-day old lap record – leaving Simpson to deal with the advances of Bramich.

After electrical issues in the first two races – but still without a quickshifter in the finale – Bramich was galvanised for a big finish, and he passed Simpson on the last lap.

Jake Farnsworth (YZF-R6) finished a lonely fourth, ahead of Mark Chiodo (Honda CBR600RR), Hayden Nelson (Kawasaki ZX-6RR), rookie Marcus Hamod (CBR600R) and Declan Van Rosmalen (YZF-R6).

Meanwhile, Jack Mahaffy (YZF-R6) was on track for a top-five finish before crashing at turn 11.

Race and Road Supersport 300

The final Race and Road Supersport 300 eight-lapper was box office from start to finish, with Harrison Watts prevailing after a thrilling four-way drag to the finish line.

After knocking on the door with a slew of top-five finishes in 2023, it was Watts’ first win in the class. The 15-year-old edged out fellow Kawasaki Ninja 400 riders Tara Morrison and Pete Svoboda in the cliffhanger, with just 0.044 seconds separating the trio at the chequered flag.

Josh Newman (Ninja 400) was fourth, right on the hammer of the top three, ahead of Varis Fleming (Ninja 400) and the first Yamaha rider home, Valentino Knezovic (YZF-R3).

The race was another ‘routine’ Supersport 300 battle with too many positional moves to track, but this time there was some extra spice after Svoboda – who won races one and two – ran off the circuit at the ultra-fast turn 12 on lap one.

After dropping to 21st, his cause looked lost – but that didn’t faze the Czech, who pinned his ears back and carved through the pack. The rapid advance saw him hit the lead by lap seven alongside a new lap record of 1:46.529.

However, he couldn’t complete the three-peat as Watts and Morrison flashed across the line in front of him.

But with Svoboda now heading back to Europe to begin his 2024 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship campaign, Newman is the notional leader.

WorldSBK: Race Two Results From Phillip Island

David Swarts

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February 25, 2024

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WorldSBK: Race Two Results From Phillip Island

Alex Lowes used a thrilling last-lap move to win shortened World Superbike Race Two Sunday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, Lowes rode around the outside of two-time and defending Champion Alvaro Bautista with less than half a lap to go to claim the victory.

Bautista, who led most of the race on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, came up 0.028 second short in second place.

Danilo Petrucci was a close third on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati.

American Garrett Gerloff finished eighth, the highest BMW rider, just 4.1 seconds behind Lowes on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.

The original start of the race was red flagged due to a big crash by Pata Yamaha by Prometeon rider Jonathan Rea, who was stretchered off the track and taken to the medical center. The six-time World Champion later reported that he had no serious injuries, but it was his second bruising crash of the week.

Prior to Rea’s crash, Toprak Razgatlioglu’s ROKiT BMW suffered a mechanical problem, knocking him out of the race.

The race was restarted for 11 laps and the requirement for a pit stop and tire change mid-race was removed.

WSBK R2 Results
WSBK Points after R2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Lowes lights up the land down under with double triumph

Alex Lowes (22) narrowly defeated Alvaro Bautista (1) in WorldSBK Race Two in Australia. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Alex Lowes secured victory in both the Tissot Superpole Race and Race 2, putting an end to a four-year drought in style.

Despite being a strong contender, Toprak Razgatlioglu faced disappointment in Race 2 as a technical issue forced him to retire, although he had earlier secured his first BMW podium in the Tissot Superpole Race.

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) emerged victorious in an exhilarating Race 2 at Phillip Island, securing a remarkable double win. Lowes’ triumph was sealed with a breathtaking last-lap maneuver at Turn 9, overtaking Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in a display of sheer brilliance.

However, the race was not short of drama as Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) promising run in the race was abruptly halted on Lap 3 at Turn 9, as a technical issue which led to his untimely retirement. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), unfortunately crashed out at Turn 11 in the early stages, leading to a red flag and subsequent race restart. He was taken to the medical centre and declared unfit with multiple contusions and abrasions.

Despite the challenges, Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) showcased an impressive performance, swiftly climbing from P6 to challenge Bautista for the lead after the restart. However, it was Lowes who ultimately prevailed, with Bautista settling for second place.

Meanwhile, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) staged a remarkable comeback before unfortunately crashing out on the final lap while battling for position. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed a well-deserved third place, rounding off the podium. Notably, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) showcased a commendable recovery from a poor start to secure fifth place, with Rinaldi finishing just behind in sixth.

More on worldsbk.com

P1 | Alex Lowes | Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK

“It was an unbelievable day! The second race was chaos from the start. It was a little bit delayed, and in the first part of the race Toprak’s bike blew up. I was nearly off track, I did well to stay on. Then, Jonathan had a big crash, so I hope he’s okay. I was dropping back a little bit, but just before the red flag, I had a couple of good sectors to get back on my brother. I had some good speed, and the temperature was down a little bit. My focus in the restart was to make a good start, put myself in the first three or four positions. I knew Toprak wasn’t there, and when he is, you have to ride a little bit more defensively because he’s always going to have a pass. Once I got settled into the race, I was struggling to stay with Bautista a little bit and Michael.

Locatelli passed me at Turn 4. He was going to hit the back of Bautista, so he went wide and then I managed to stay on the line, stay close to Alvaro because, in my head, I was thinking he was struggling to enter the corner because the grip was going. I knew I could be really fast through Turn 8 and into Turn 9. This was my chance to pass him and try to stop the bike into Turn 10 and 11. I had a little plan, and it went quite well. In the end, I had a lot more grip than Alvaro which allowed me to make this pass.”

World Supersport: Race Two Results From Phillip Island

David Swarts

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February 25, 2024

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World Supersport: Race Two Results From Phillip Island

Yari Montella won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. The Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V2 rider won the nine-lap race by just 0.203 second.

Marcel Schroetter was a close second on his Reparto Corse MV Agusta F3 800 RR, and Adrian Huerta got third on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati.

Former MotoAmerica regular Valentin Debise finished fifth, just 5.5 seconds behind the winner, on his Evan Bros. Racing Yamaha.

The race was delayed by over two hours due to an oil spill during an Australian National Championship race and the required clean up. This resulted in the race being shortened to just nine laps and the mandatory pit stop due to tire wear concerns being eliminated.

WSS R2
WSS Points after R2

WorldSBK: Superpole Race Results From Phillip Island

David Swarts

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February 25, 2024

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WorldSBK: Superpole Race Results From Phillip Island

Alex Lowes won the World Superbike Superpole Race Sunday morning at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, the British racer won the 10-lap race by 1.157 seconds.

Andrea Locatelli was the runner-up on his Pata Yamaha by Prometeon YZF-R1, and Toprak Razgatlioglu was right behind his former teammate in third on his new ROKiT BMW M 1000 RR.

American Garrett Gerloff finished 13th on his Bonovo Action BMW.

WSBK SP Race
WSBK Points after SP Race

MotoAmerica: Gus Rodio Racing In Daytona 200, Gloddy Returns To Twins Cup

David Swarts

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February 24, 2024

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MotoAmerica: Gus Rodio Racing In Daytona 200, Gloddy Returns To Twins Cup

Gus Rodio to compete in Daytona 200 aboard Ducati Panigale V2, Gloddy to return to Twins Cup racing for Daytona round

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering to field three Aprilia RS 660s in Twins Cup races at Daytona International Speedway in March

This year’s Daytona 200 will mark the MotoAmerica Supersport Class debut for Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering rider Gus Rodio. The 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup runner-up and 2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup runner-up will compete aboard a Ducati Panigale V2 at the 82nd running of the event on March 7-9.

Rodio will have a busy weekend at Daytona International Speedway, as he’ll also take part in both MotoAmerica Twins Cup races aboard an Aprilia RS 660 as part of his quest to win that title after coming up just short in 2023.

Joining the team’s Twins Cup lineup for the Daytona round will be MotoAmerica veteran Ben Gloddy. The New Hampshirite raced with the team in 2022 and 2023 and will be back on an Aprilia RS 660s alongside Gus Rodio and Twins Cup rookie and 2022 Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award winner Alessandro Di Mario.

“I’ve been watching the [Daytona] 200 for years and always thought about giving it a shot,” Gus Rodio said. “When the team asked me if I wanted to do it, I thought about it for a little while and agreed. Who would argue about having over double the track time? Our primary focus is still obviously the Twins Cup. Since I’m used to the a twin-cylinder bike, Rodio Racing and Robem Engineering prepped a Ducati Panigale V2 for the Daytona 200. I’ve ridden the Panigale, and it feels a lot like my Robem Engineering Aprilia — but with a lot more power. I’m excited to get to Daytona and learn something new.”

After missing most of the 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup season due to an injury at the season-opening Daytona round, Gloddy returned to Twins Cup racing for the season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in September. He scored a fourth-place and a fifth-place finish despite not having competed on a Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660 in about six months.

Ben Gloddy (72). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing. — Ben Gloddy (72). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering.

“I am super excited that Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering has given me the opportunity to join them at Daytona for the first round of the MotoAmerica season,” Gloddy said. “After being away from the paddock for most of the 2023 season and after having a decent return at NJMP, I feel more ready than ever — both mentally and physically — to kick off this race season. I am not sure what the remainder 2024 season will look like for me after Daytona due to lack of funding. For now, all I am focused on is doing well at Daytona for both myself and the team.”

The season-opening MotoAmerica round at Daytona International Speedway takes place March 7-9, with the Twins Cup slated to race Friday afternoon and Saturday morning before the Daytona 200 gets underway at 1:10 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.

To tune in to all three races the Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering riders are set to compete in at Daytona, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming service, MotoAmerica Live Plus. Subscribers can watch races in all MotoAmerica classes live or on-demand, as well as view highlights, interviews and races from years past. To learn more about MotoAmerica Live Plus, visit http://motoamericaliveplus.com.

Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s technical partners for the 2024 season include Spellcaster Productions, Luxestar VIP, Geoscape Solar, MAR Contractors, Blud Lubricants, Spiegler Performance, Woodcraft Technologies, Dymag Performance Wheels, Millennium Technologies, Sprint Filter, Dunlop, SC Project, MVR Endeavor, GRG Designs, REB Graphics, NGK Spark Plugs, EvolveGT and N2 Racing.

Australian Superbike: Report From Race One At Phillip Island

David Swarts

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February 24, 2024

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Australian Superbike: Report From Race One At Phillip Island

Waters powers to season-opening ASBK Superbike victory at Phillip Island

Josh Waters’ affinity with the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit has continued this afternoon with the Victorian scoring an emphatic victory in race one of the season-opening 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK).

Waters took maximum advantage of pole position on his On Ya Bike Adventures Ducati Panigale V4 R to scythe through the 12-lap race, finishing ahead of teammate and exceptionally gifted rookie Harrison Voight.

Reigning Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss was third in his debut for DesmoSport Ducati, followed by Yamaha Racing Team duo Cru Halliday and Mike Jones.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha) continued an imposing day for the teenage brigade with two runaway victories in the Michelin Supersport class, and the local Race and Road Supersport 300 brigade is yet to find a chink in the armour of Czech visitor Petr Svoboda (Kawasaki). The wildcard has now won two races from as many starts as he ramps up his preparation for the 2024 FIM Supersport World Championship.

All three ASBK Championship classes will again be in action on Sunday – two races for Australian Superbike and one apiece for Michelin Supersport and Race and Road Supersport 300 – as well as the World Superbike and Supersport classes with Aussies Remy Gardner, Oli Bayliss and Tom Toparis to feature.

mi-bike insurance Australian Superbike

After edging out Herfoss, Jones and Halliday in qualifying with a new Australian Superbike best lap of 1m30.379s, there was an air of inevitability when Waters blitzed the race one start and Herfoss struggled to get off the line.

Waters immediately set about putting the sword to the opposition – but it was early disaster for Ted Collins (BMW) whose race only lasted two corners before he was cannoned into by another rider and crashed out.

Meanwhile, Waters was in charge from Jones (YZF-R1), Voight (McMartin Racing Panigale V4 R), Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R) and 16-year-old rookie Cameron Dunker (Penrite Racing YZF-R1).

Voight was then, in his own words, “pushed and shoved” by his more experienced Australian Superbike rivals and ran wide at turn four on lap two as a result, dropping him back to sixth position.

The 17-year-old immediately rallied, though, initially battling with his old dirt track nemesis Dunker as he methodically worked his way back into second position by lap eight. He also set a new lap record (1:30.790) during his offensive.

Waters’ disappearing act saw him win the race – his sixth in the last nine Phillip Island races – by 1.250 seconds over Voight, followed by Herfoss, the slow-starting Halliday, Jones, Pearson, Anthony West (Addicted to Track YZF-R1) and Dunker.

“That was a really good race and a great reward for all the effort the team is putting in to continually improve every time we go out,” said Waters. “After I pulled out a good lead, I just played it safe as I had no idea how the tyres were going to wear.

“I’m really happy but we’ve got two races to go and I’m under no illusions how hard tomorrow is going to be. But for now, we’ll enjoy this one.”

Glenn Allerton (GT Racing M 1000 RR) and Max Stauffer (Penrite Racing YZF-R1) completed the top 10, while Arthur Sissis (Unitech Racing Yamaha YZF-R1) joined Collins on the DNF list.

Races two and three of the mi-bike insurance Australian Superbike program at Phillip Island will be held at 9:45am and 1:40pm tomorrow.

Michelin Supersport

Nahlous’ Michelin Supersport victories were achieved with absolute precision, defeating Mark Chiodo (Honda) in race one and last year’s No. 2 Olly Simpson (Yamaha) in the two 10-lappers.

The 17-year-old also set a new lap record of 1:34.682, obliterating Voight’s old mark of 1:34.979.

“I’m over the moon with my weekend so far,” said Nahlous. “Pole position, two wins and a new lap record is something that I am very proud of and a reward for all the hard work we’ve been putting in.

“The bike is riding on rails at the moment, and I can’t wait to get back out on track tomorrow.”

Race one saw Nahlous, from NSW, lead from start to finish on his way to a 4.573-second victory over Chiodo and Simpson.

Chiodo (Honda) moved into second place just before mid-race distance – his dive underneath Simpson at turn 10 a highlight – but by then Nahlous had already put the winning equation beyond doubt.

Nonetheless, an impressive return to Michelin Supersport for the CBR600RR, which was also extremely fast down Gardner Straight in the hands of not only Chiodo, but 2023 Supersport 300 champion Marcus Hamod.

Tom Bramich (Yamaha), back in action after injury cruelled his 2023 Supersport campaign, was also heavily involved in the scrap for second place early on before a gear shifter issue saw him fall through the pack and finish 11th.

Jack Mahaffy (Yamaha) was a solid fourth, well ahead of Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and Archie McDonald (Yamaha).

Race two saw Nahlous and Simpson scrap hard for the first half before the former pulled away for another easy win, with Mahaffy completing the trifecta from Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha), Hamod and Bramich, who was as far back as 12th in the opening laps.

Hayden Nelson (Kawasaki ZX-6R) and McDonald saw out the top eight.

Race three is at 11:25am on Sunday, as Nahlous looks to make it a clean sweep.

Race and Road Supersport 300

Two from two for Czech Petr Svoboda in the Race and Road Superport 300 class, with the FIM WorldSSP300 rider pulling clear of the pack in the final three laps to win by just over one second from fellow Kawasaki rider Josh Newman – the same 1-2 as Friday’s race one.

Ryan Larkin (Yamaha) put in a stirring final lap to finish third, just 0.03 seconds behind Newman. Mitch Simpson (Yamaha), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha), Harrison Watts (Kawasaki) and Ryder Gilbert (Yamaha) all flashed across the line in rapid succession to fill positions 3-8 in the eight-lapper.

Gilbert again set the fastest lap of the race, today’s 1:47.348 set in ideal conditions. The current lap record for Supersport 300 is of the oldest benchmarks at Phillip Island – Luke Jhonston’s 1:47.187 set in 2020.

Race three of the Race and Road Supersport 300 class will be held at 9:10am tomorrow.

WorldSBK: Race One Results From Phillip Island

David Swarts

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February 24, 2024

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WorldSBK: Race One Results From Phillip Island

Rookie Nicolo Bulega won FIM Superbike World Championship Race One – his career-first WorldSBK race – Saturday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Bulega started from pole position, made his mandatory mid-race pit stop, and rode his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R to a 2.28-second margin of victory in the 20-lap race.

Andrea Locatelli was the runner-up on his Pata Yamaha by Prometeon YZF-R1 and just held off Andrea Iannone, who rode his Team Go Eleven Ducati to third in his first WorldSBK race and his first professional motorcycle road race of any kind in four years.

American Garrett Gerloff went from 14th on the grid to ninth at the finish on his Bonovo Action BMW.

WSBK R1
WSBK Points after R1

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Rookie sensation: Nicolo Bulega makes history with maiden win

Nicolo Bulega (11) leads WorldSBK Race One at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Nicolo Bulega achieved a remarkable feat by winning Race 1 at Phillip Island on his WorldSBK debut, becoming the first rider to accomplish this since Alvaro Bautista in 2019.
After four years away from racing, Andrea Iannone made a stunning return, leading the race and ultimately securing a podium finish.

Despite initially finishing in fourth place, Toprak Razgatlioglu received a penalty for a Pit Intervention Time infringement, which dropped him to fifth.

WorldSBK Race 1 at Phillip Island provided thrilling action and historic moments with intense battles among the leading riders and strategic maneuvers during the pit stop phase between Laps 9 and 11.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) stole the show by claiming victory on his WorldSBK debut, achieving a remarkable feat as the first WorldSSP Reigning Champion to win on his first SBK race, marking an unprecedented accomplishment in the championship’s history.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) displayed impressive pace and strategy to claim second place. Making a sensational return to racing, Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) secured third place after leading in the early stages of the race. Locatelli and Iannone completed an all-Italian podium sweep, echoing a milestone last achieved in 1993.

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) demonstrated strong competitiveness, finishing in fourth position, followed closely by Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK), who initially crossed the line in fourth but was demoted to fifth.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) struggled to find his rhythm, ultimately finishing in 15th position after a crash, while Jonathan Rea’s (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) difficulties persisted as he crossed the line outside the points in 17th place. Australian Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK), encountered misfortune during the race, as a collision with another rider led to an early retirement.

More on worldsbk.com

P1 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati

“Maybe it’s the best day of my life! It’s difficult to already believe it but it is something incredible; I was dreaming about this for many months but now it’s reality. I took pole position; I won my first race and got the lap record. It’s something special that I’ll never forget.

I started to cry a little bit and then, there were good emotions as I saw all my guys on the finish line and all my guys with a big, incredible smile. It was so nice for me. It’s incredible because this team is like my second family, and they always believed in me. When I came here from Moto2™, I was in a bad moment, but they kept believing. This is my third year with them, and we started in a very good way. I’ll try to continue giving them a lot of smiles. I’m ready for my first Tissot Superpole Race and I’ll try to do my best.”

World Supersport: Race One Results From Phillip Island

David Swarts

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February 24, 2024

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World Supersport: Race One Results From Phillip Island

Yari Montella won FIM Supersport World Championship Race One Saturday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2, the Italian won the 18-lap race by 6.666 seconds.

Montella’s countryman Stefano Manzi was the runner-up on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF-R6, just 0.302 second ahead of third-place finisher Marcel Schroetter, who rode a factory MV Agusta F3 800 RR.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise crashed his Evan Bros Yamaha shortly after the mandatory mid-race pit stop and Did Not Finish (DNF).

WSS R1
WSS Points after R1

WorldSBK: Rookie Bulega Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position At Phillip Island

David Swarts

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February 24, 2024

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WorldSBK: Rookie Bulega Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position At Phillip Island

Rookie sensation Nicolo Bulega took pole position during World Superbike Superpole qualifying Saturday at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, in Australia. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R on the newly repaved track, Bulega recorded a lap time of 1:27.916, which was not only good enough to top the 22-rider field and secure pole position it also eclipsed the All-Time Lap Record Bulega set, 1:28.716, during Free Practice Three (FP3) Saturday morning.

In his first professional racing event in four years, Andrea Iannone qualified second with a 1:28.154 on his Team Go Eleven Ducati. Alex Lowes did a 1:28.239 on his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR to earn the third and final spot on the front row.

Row two starters include GYTR GRT Yamaha’s Dominique Aegerter (1:28.403), ROKiT BMW’s Toprak Razgatlioglu (1:28.520), and Pata Yamaha by Prometeon’s Andrea Locatelli (1:28.540).

American Garrett Gerloff qualified 14th with a 1:29.045 on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.

WSBK SP Qual

AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Arlington, Texas

February 25, 2024

AT&T Stadium upheld the Dallas-area tradition of hosting great Supercross racing that started in 1975. The 2024 Arlington Supercross marked the 46th event in the area. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.