MotoGP: Martin Returning For Qatar Round

Michael Gougis

-

April 8, 2025

MotoGP: Martin Returning For Qatar Round

Aprilia Racing is preparing to tackle the fourth race of the season on Lusail International Circuit with a complete line-up: Jorge Martín, who will be back on the track after missing the first three races due to an injury, and Marco Bezzecchi who will be aiming to confirm his grand form.

Jorge Martín, absent from the first three races of the year due to an injury suffered during training, will return to the track to finally begin his season with Aprilia Racing. The Spanish rider, who had a complex fracture of the radius and scaphoid on the left hand, and an ipsilateral calcaneal fracture during a training session, underwent surgery on 25 February and then followed an intense physical therapy programme with the goal of returning to the track as quickly as possible. Before taking to the track, the defending world champion will need to be assessed by the World Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Championship medical delegation in order to be cleared to race.

After a difficult season start, marred by two injuries – first in the Sepang tests and then during training – Jorge Martín’s primary objective will be to assess his physical fitness after almost five months of inactivity.

Marco Bezzecchi is heading to Qatar with the goal of realizing his potential after a weekend at COTA marked by a growth trend. The Italian rider demonstrated speed and great determination in the first three races of the season and he is counting on continuing that positive trend and his good feeling with the RS-GP25.

Lusail International Circuit, located just outside the Qatar capital of Doha, is 5,400 metres long with a main straight that stretches out more than one kilometre. The track comprises 10 right-handers and 6 left-handers. In 2008, the first night GP in history was held in Qatar. The switch to night races was a success, making this one of the most spectacular rounds on the MotoGP calendar.

Jorge Martin:

I have a great desire to be back on the track and I’m happy to at least be able to try and race in Qatar. The goal will be to build up a bit of confidence with the RS-GP25 and to begin to turn some laps. I don’t know how my physical fitness will be – undoubtedly not 100%. We’ll try to do our best and to improve gradually. Physically, I’m not even sure I’ll be able to finish the race, but if we can manage, it will be a victory because that will mean that I’m beginning to recover. We need to take one step at a time to try and get back to our normal level as soon as possible.

Marco Bezzecchi:

I have always liked the Qatar track a lot. Racing at night is always exciting. This weekend will certainly be important to try and improve in the areas where we are struggling that we identified in the previous races. We’ll continue to work hard to try and achieve the maximum result.

California Superbike School: Why Coaches Like VIRginia Intl. Raceway

Mathilde Gasnier

-

April 8, 2025

0

California Superbike School: Why Coaches Like VIRginia Intl. Raceway

Track Spotlight: Virginia International Raceway (V.I.R.)

VIR is a long-time coach favorite track. It was built in 1957, closed in 1974, and reopened in 2000. We’ve attended every year since its reopening. Why is VIR such a standout favorite? Perhaps because of its flowing transitions, fun elevation changes, and exhilarating front straight featuring a kink. It’s a picturesque farm-like property with large red buildings resembling barns. The track offers upgraded lodging and a popular restaurant in the historic Oak Tree Lodge, dating back to the 1700s—perfect for dinner and a beer after a great track day.

VIRginia International Raceway, Alton, Virginia. Photo courtesy California Superbike School.

Coach Insights on VIR:

Cobie Fair: “VIR has it all: fun, challenging, with slow, medium, and fast turns, nice elevation changes, good asphalt, tons of runoff, all set in a country club atmosphere—a staff favorite for years.”
Johnny Haynes: “This is my favorite track in the USA and has been for many years. It’s challenging, exciting, and very satisfying to ride.”
James Toohey: “One of the best tracks in the country! Ultra fun and challenging, whether you’re a fast or slow rider. An absolute must!”
Jon Groom: “Sixteen corners through pristine Virginia countryside, offering something for everyone: slow esses, fast esses, uphill, downhill, and blind sections, culminating in the flat-out 5th-gear ‘kink’ that defines the front straight. A favorite of both students and coaches.”

2025 Virginia Dates:

April 28: Single-Day School (95% Full)
April 29: Single-Day School (85% Full)
April 30 & May 1: Two-Day Camp (90% Full)
August 4: Single-Day School (30% Full)
August 5: Single-Day School (30% Full)
August 6 & 7: Two-Day Camp (40% Full)

Message from Keith on VIR:

VIR was opened in ’57, and it’s easy to imagine car enthusiasts buying inexpensive real estate out in the woods and designing it. They picked the right spot, clearly intending to pack as much variety into the track as possible—and succeeded. Each section has unique characteristics, offering challenges that refine diverse technical riding skills. We’ve been going there for 25 years, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t thoroughly enjoy riding there—including every one of our staff.

How Did We Get Along During COVID?

This historical photo shows Keith, Dylan, and Cobie at Willow Springs in March 2020, discussing COVID and what steps to take. Grocery stores emptied, and news spread fast, but at the track, everything seemed fine. We completed our scheduled schools, paused for two months, and then resumed operations, providing a much-needed outlet for riders eager to return to the track.

The Season Has Started in the USA

We kicked off the season in Las Vegas with postcard-perfect weather and a full house. We return to Vegas on April 4-5 (two spots left). We just wrapped our special Level V program at Willow Springs, receiving exceptional feedback. Next Level V: Willow Springs, September 13-14 (6 spots available).

New BMW Single R’s and Double R’s

Our new fleet of BMW Double R’s has arrived! We also received four Single R’s, perfect for riders who prefer an upright riding position.

Previous Quiz Results & New Quiz Question

Last Newsletter’s Question: Why are motorcycle engineers NOT interested in centrifugal forces?

Correct Answer: Centrifugal force is not a real force but a fictitious or pseudo-force due to inertia. The real force at play is centripetal force.

Winner: Christian from Texas (won a CSS hoodie). We had many correct answers!

New Quiz Question: What exactly does this tire code mean?

Prize: Two winners drawn from correct answers—choice between a CSS hat or shirt.

Fun Podcast Interview with Rocco Landers

Rocco Landers, a frequent CSS attendee since age 8, is MotoAmerica’s winningest rider for his age group. Rocco enthusiastically shares his experiences and affection for CSS in this candid and entertaining podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idJ44qXRhb8&t=3104s

From the Archives

This 1981 photo from Laguna Seca features the original Superbike School days, supported by Dennis Smith’s Cycle Tune and family. Those classic ringer tee shirts were iconic! Back then, trackdays didn’t exist—CSS pioneered the “arrive and ride” concept with provided bikes and gear.

MotoAmerica: Mesa Sidelined By Off-Season Surgeries

Michael Gougis

-

April 8, 2025

0

MotoAmerica: Mesa Sidelined By Off-Season Surgeries

“Where is Stefano?” I’ve asked myself that question repeatedly during the off-season and again at Daytona. And, when he name didn’t appear on any of the entry lists for this weekend’s round at Barber Motorsports Park, a phone call to the Mr. Mesa was in order, and long overdue.

“I crashed at Daytona last October and tore up my shoulder,” Mesa said. “I went into surgery, and they found three separate tears in my rotator cuff, so they fixed that. Plus, I also damaged my spleen in the crash, so I had to get that repaired, too.”

Dr. Anthony Miniachi treated Mesa’s shoulder.

Mesa’s initial shoulder surgery involved the implanting of a system of hooks to lift his shoulder back into proper position.

There were complications, so he had a consulation with Dr. Anthony Miniachi from the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute in South Miami, Florida. The result was that Mesa had to have a second surgery, which included repairing a complete rupture of his rotator cuff, arthroscopic shoulder debridement, subacrominal decompression, capsular release and RTC repair with a biologic patch and bicep tenodesis. In other words, it was complicated. Dr. Miniachi gave him strict instructions to give himself at least six to eight months to fully recover. “So, there went my season,” commented Mesa.

The ever-likeable Colombian, who lives in Florida, generally keeps a pretty low profile during the off-season, but this past off-season was different. “The injuries really set me back,” he said. “Not only the surgeries, but I was really down about the whole situation.”

Mesa has always been a survivor. He has built a very solid resume over the years by not only racing in MotoAmerica, but also competing in WERA, which he capitalizes on with the contingency money that the OEMs pay for racing their motorcycles.

Over the past few seasons, Mesa’s years of racing and noteriety attracted the attention of Michael Kiley and his team Tytlers Cycle Racing. He raced under the Tytlers banner last season in both Supersport aboard a Kawasaki ZX-6R and in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship in the saddle of a factory-backed Energica Eva Ribelle RS electric motorcycle. It was “fire-in-the-belly” time for Mesa as his career was at an all-time high, until it became “pain-in-the-shoulder-and-also-in-the-belly” time after his crash at Daytona.

I reminded Mesa that he is a fan favorite, and we need to let everyone know what happened and where he is. Mesa appreciated the sentiment and the phone call.

He admits it’s a pretty big setback, but his entire career has been underscored by his many triumphs over adversity. “I’ll be back,” he said. It’s just going to take some time.”

MotoAmerica: Strack Racing Adds Forés As Davis Supersport Crew Chief

Michael Gougis

-

April 7, 2025

0

MotoAmerica: Strack Racing Adds Forés As Davis Supersport Crew Chief

Strack Racing, which captured the 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport crown, is back for 2025, and their incumbent rider Mathew Scholtz will defend his championship with the number-one plate emblazoned on a brand-new Yamaha motorcycle. Scholtz and company are campaigning the much-talked-about Yamaha YZF-R9, and Strack Racing Technical Director Jordan Strange will be Scholtz’s crew chief.

As previously reported, Strack Racing has doubled in size for 2025 with Virginian Blake Davis joining the squad. Davis is also be aboard a Yamaha R9 with his “22” loaded and ready to take a shot at unseating his stablemate Scholtz, along with the rest of the contenders in what is widely considered to be the most talent-rich and competitive Supersport class in MotoAmerica’s decade-long championship series.

Young Mr. Davis and his crew will be guided by Strack Racing’s new crew chief Xavi Forés, the renowned MotoGP and WorldSBK rider who has raced for the past several years in MotoAmerica and also won the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.

Well-known for his setup skills and technical knowledge, in addition to his prowess behind the handlebars, Forés will impart his wisdom on Davis, his crew, and the entire Strack Racing team. The Spaniard will also continue to serve as a test rider for the factory Bimota World Superbike team.

“This is an exciting a new challenge for me working from another side,” Forés said. “Joining Strack Racing alongside Blake Davis is a new chapter in my career. Having the experience from rider perspective, I think I can bring good support to Blake and the whole team. My target is to help him grow as a rider and also for me to develop myself as a crew chief and rider performance coach. I want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to Peter Strack for always trusting me and giving me an opportunity to begin this new chapter.”

On those occasions when Forés has commitments overseas with Bimota, Strack Racing has enlisted the help of long-time MotoAmerica road racer Kyle Wyman. A veteran of Supersport racing himself, including being a former Daytona 200 winner, Wyman also competed in MotoAmerica’s premier Superbike class on his own self-run team. He currently races in the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship for the Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing team and, in addition, owns KWR Harley-Davidson, which fields three riders in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship. Wyman will certainly be busy this season, but that’s nothing new for the hard-working New Yorker.

“Working with Blake as he’s climbed the ladder in MotoAmerica has been a pleasure,” commented Wyman. “He has shown incredible speed in Supersport already, and I expect him to fight for a championship on the all-new Yamaha YZF-R9 platform. With the rapid growth and success of Strack Racing, it’s a great fit to have Blake as a part of their team, and I look forward to being a small piece of the puzzle at select rounds this season.”

Wyman joined the Strack Racing team, Blake Davis, and his crew at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, on April 4 through 6 for the debut of the 2025 Motovation Supersport Championship, Scholtz’s debut as the defending class champion, and also Scholtz’s and Davis’ debut on the Strack Racing Yamaha R9s.

Forés will begin his crew chief duties with Davis and Strack Racing at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on May 2 through 4 for round two of the 2025 Motovation Supersport Championship.

Follow Strack Racing, Mathew Scholtz, and Blake Davis on their social media channels for updates, insights, and more.

RACER Motorsports Network Acquires, Rebrands MAVTV

Michael Gougis

-

April 7, 2025

0

RACER Motorsports Network Acquires, Rebrands MAVTV

The lead investors behind North America’s foremost motorsports news and information source RACER announced that they have acquired MAVTV and will rename the TV network – that’s available on 350 million devices – RACER to create the most followed and diverse motorsports media platform in North America.

“We have been partners for many years and over time the parties realized this made complete sense,” said RACER Chairman of the Board Chris Dyson. “The combination makes RACER the central multi-media motorsports hub for fans and provides brands with the most comprehensive array of marketing solutions to activate their involvement in the sport and its adjacent sectors.”

CJ Olivares, president of MAVTV and former executive of FUEL TV, Street League Skateboarding and World Surf League, will continue overseeing the network’s expansion and will lead the brand transition of the network.

The combination will provide the Irvine-based RACER brand with a substantial additional base of operations in another of the United States’ motorsports and automotive centers, Indianapolis, where MAVTV is located. The company expects no changes to staffing or operations, ensuring continuity in operations and production.

“This is an exciting day for motorsports media,” said Olivares. “We are deeply grateful to the Lucas family and Lucas Oil Products, whose support and vision shaped MAVTV into the success it is today. Now, under the RACER banner, we will redefine the way content for motorsports and its adjacent sectors is delivered and experienced, and establish the largest, most comprehensive motorsports media platform in North America.”

The TV network and recently launched APP will combine to broadcast 300+ live races in 2025, along with race highlight shows, racing talk shows and additional racing programming, car collecting auction and build shows, automotive documentaries and lifestyle series, which aligns with RACER’s expansion into the motorsports adjacent sectors of performance automotive, car culture, car collecting and off-road.

“Since we completed our capital raise last September, our business, our content offering, our marketing solutions and our team have evolved rapidly. Additional signals of our change and our future are literally days away, and we can’t wait to share those with the marketplace, as well,” added RACER founder and Chief Executive Officer Paul Pfanner. “This acquisition fortifies two of the four strategic pillars we’re pursuing as a brand, pillars we call ‘follow’ and ‘market’, which relate to amassing the largest motorsports following in North America – the most important motorsports and automotive market in the world – and offering our partners, customers and brands the tools they need to succeed.”

The rebrand from MAVTV to RACER will take place progressively over the next few months, allowing for the necessary television logistics and operational steps to be executed seamlessly. However, some branding elements, such as logos and digital assets, will change immediately to reflect the new brand identity. This approach ensures no disruption for viewers, partners, and stakeholders while delivering an enhanced motorsports media experience.

“What started as grassroots grew into something much bigger: a home for motorsports fans, car lovers, gear heads, people like us who live and breathe the culture. The network’s expansion and evolution over the years will always be one of our greatest success stories and a reflection of our love for motorsports and its people,” said Morgan Lucas, CEO of Lucas Oil, who added that Lucas Oil remains deeply committed to motorsports, continuing to support drivers, teams and racing series through sponsorships, technical partnerships and unmatched product research and development. “We take immense pride in what MAVTV has become, and we are excited for RACER to lead the network into its next chapter, building on its strong foundation to elevate the standard of motorsports broadcasting for fans everywhere.”

About Racer Media & Marketing

Founded in 1992, RACER is the premier motorsports media brand in North America, delivering industry-leading content across multiple platforms, including the newly-launched RACER Creator Network and RACER Podcasts along with motorsport culture-defining touchstones RACER.com and RACER magazine. The company also operates a strategic consulting, branding and marketing agency – RACER Studio – and produces live streamed events. Its clients have included BMW, Dodge SRT, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Porsche, Toyota, IMSA, IndyCar, Laguna Seca, SCCA, Trans-Am, Monster Energy, American Legion, Lime Rock Park, Piloti and many others.

About MAVTV (Now RACER Network)

RACER Network, formerly MAVTV, is the premier motorsports broadcast and digital platform dedicated exclusively to delivering the most comprehensive motorsports and automotive enthusiast content across cable TV, FAST channels and streaming. With a passion for the culture at its core, RACER Network offers an unparalleled lineup of live racing, documentary series, news and analysis, and car culture shows high-quality original programming to millions of fans worldwide.

About Lucas Oil

For more than 35 years, Lucas Oil has set the world standard in superior engine oils, additives, appearance and lubricant products – powering lifestyles across the automotive, trucking, marine, outdoor, motorsports, industrial and home product worlds. The hard-charging American brand’s commitment to bring the ultimate in performance solutions impacts every customer and partner equally – from jointly-engineered oil for racing teams like Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Monster Jam®, sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts, to additives that deliver unrivaled fuel economy, power and extended engine life to an everyday driver.

Based in Indianapolis, the company’s rapidly expanding global footprint is highlighted by cutting-edge research and development operations, evolving retail channels and high-tech manufacturing. More than 300 premium products make up the largest variety of shelf products of any oil company in the United States with a distribution network across 48 different countries and big-name retailers that include Advance Auto Parts, Amazon, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, Walmart, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Rural King, Tractor Supply and more.

Bridgestone CSBK: TSN And RDS Plan 36 Broadcasts This Season

Mathilde Gasnier

-

April 7, 2025

0

Bridgestone CSBK: TSN And RDS Plan 36 Broadcasts This Season

Hamilton, ON – April 7, 2025 – Every race of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship’s two feature pro categories will be broadcast nationwide again in 2025, with TSN and its French-language affiliate RDS confirming 36 episodes for this upcoming race season.

Each network will air 18 episodes covering both the GP Bikes Pro Superbike class and newly rebranded Pro Supersport class, bringing all the action across four rounds and nine races for each of the two main pro categories.

Episodes will be produced separately for TSN and RDS, bringing dedicated French-language broadcasting for viewers in Quebec, a partnership that was launched with great success in 2024. However, RDS will now expand its coverage to include the Pro Supersport category, having only followed the feature Superbike class last season.

TSN will continue with the same broadcasting duo for 2025, as Marshall Ferguson (a notable voice of CFL football on TSN) again hosts the English-language episodes alongside longtime CSBK commentator Colin Fraser.

The broadcast duo for RDS will be confirmed at a later date, with the search still underway for Francophone announcers. All 36 broadcasts will be produced behind the scenes by CSBK senior editor Cameron McFadyen and will feature bilingual pit lane reporting from Sarah Said.

The Canadian Superbike Championship began its partnership with TSN (The Sports Network) in 1995, an affiliate of ESPN and considered to be Canada’s premier sports broadcasting service. The series expanded its coverage to include dedicated Francophone broadcasting on RDS (Réseau des Sports) in 2024. Both networks are primarily owned and operated by Bell Media.

The 2025 Bridgestone CSBK season will feature two of the most anticipated championship battles in years, with reigning Canada Cup winner Ben Young moving to Honda to defend his Superbike crown against the new-look BMW duo of Alex Dumas and Sam Guerin, while Sebastien Tremblay aims for a third Supersport championship against a loaded field of middleweight challengers.

Both classes will kick off their four-round, nine-race campaign on May 16-18 at historic Shannonville Motorsport Park, just an hour west of Kingston, Ontario.

USCRA Releases 2025 Season Schedule

Mathilde Gasnier

-

April 7, 2025

0

Loudon, New Hampshire – The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the U.S., has announced their 2025 season, featuring a full schedule including five road racing events, and the historic Tower Hill Climb.

USCRA 2025 Schedule:

May 31- June 1: The United States Vintage Grand Prix- Thompson Motor Speedway, Thompson, Connecticut
The USCRA returns to Thompson Speedway for a weekend full of the finest and fastest in vintage racing.

June 17: The Tower Hill Climb- Downtown Weirs Beach, Laconia, New Hampshire
The USCRA is back on the hill again this year, celebrating the 102th Annual Laconia Motorcycle Week®. The event, held on the site of the original hill climb dating back to 1916, features a collection of exquisite and unique vintage machines as they compete against the clock to determine who will be “King” or “Queen of the Hill” in 2025.

June 21/22: – 2025 FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships – New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, New Hampshire
The USCRA closes out Bike Week on June 21/22 with two days of vintage and modern motorcycle and sidecar racing action.

July 12/13: The Belknap Cup- Canaan Motor Club, Canaan, New Hampshire

August 9/10: – Canaan TT- Canaan Motor Club, Canaan, New Hampshire

September 1: – Granite State Championships- New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, New Hampshire

More information on all scheduled events can be found at www.race-uscra.com.

About the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) www.race-uscra.com
The USCRA is the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the United States and includes over 400 active members. The club promotes four general types of events: Road racing on both proprietary built road race circuits and real roads courses (Gunstock® and the Streets of Laconia®), as well as Observed Trials, and Pewter Run® touring events held on open public roads. All USCRA events are sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) https://americanmotorcyclist.com/

MotoAmerica Podcast: King Kenny Roberts Talks Talent Cup

Mathilde Gasnier

-

April 7, 2025

0

MotoAmerica Podcast: King Kenny Roberts Talks Talent Cup

The statement “needs no introduction” is somewhat overused. But in the case of this week’s guest on Off Track With Carruthers And Bice, it’s accurate. Three-time AMA Grand National Champion and three-time 500cc GP World Champion Kenny Roberts truly needs no introduction. We were fortunate enough to catch up with Roberts at Circuit of The Americas with the legend in Texas for MotoGP and, more importantly, the road-racing debut of his Team Roberts’ protégé Kody Kopp in MotoAmerica’s new Parts Unlimited Talent Cup By Motul series. Roberts is all-in on the new class that is designed to find the next American MotoGP racer, and we chatted with the “King” about that and so much more.

Here, Kenny Roberts Talks Talent Cup : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr_AwWnydwY

MotoAmerica Live+ 2025: Come And Get It

Mathilde Gasnier

-

April 7, 2025

0

Can’t get enough racing? We’ve got you covered.

We’re getting ready for all the action of the 2025 season, and right now you can get your Live+ subscription for $89.99!

This early bird offer gives you access to all of your favorite racing moments from 2024, highlights, interviews and exclusive content on-demand, so you can get your racing fix in the off-season. Offer will be automatically applied at checkout for new LIVE+ subscribers.

Subscribe here : https://www.motoamericaliveplus.com/

Mel Harder Named President And General Manager Of Laguna Seca

Mathilde Gasnier

-

April 7, 2025

0

Mel Harder Named President And General Manager Of Laguna Seca

Friends of Laguna Seca announced today that Mel Harder has been named president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Harder brings three decades of motorsports experience to his new role after most recently serving as team manager at Chip Ganassi Racing. His previous positions include senior vice president and general manager of Circuit of The Americas and senior vice president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Harder’s experience provides him with an extensive background in hosting international, world-class events and facility management.

“Our board and team are very enthusiastic about having Mel join us and his background makes him uniquely qualified to strengthen our efforts at WeatherTech Raceway and Laguna Seca Recreation Area,” said Lauri Eberhart, CEO of Friends of Laguna Seca. “His insight and operational expertise will play a pivotal role in facilitating our long-term commitment to the local and motorsports communities, our partners and dedicated fans, and our efforts to revitalize Laguna Seca for generations to come.”

In his new role, Harder will collaborate closely with Eberhart and the entire Raceway team to implement Friends’ business model designed to enhance operational performance and develop new experiences and services for guests, motorsports series, and partners.

“The vision of Friends of Laguna Seca fuels the passion and energy needed to drive this venue forward, and I’m thrilled to bring my experience and enthusiasm for the world of motorsports to help lead the team,” Harder said. “I look forward to collaborating with our partners and the entire community to create unforgettable experiences as we continue the legacy of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as a world-class entertainment destination.”

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca located in Monterey, California is operated and managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the revitalization and modernization of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Find out more at www.friendsoflagunaseca.org.

MotoGP: Martin Returning For Qatar Round

April 8, 2025

Martin Aspar-Circuit-Manu-Tormo-6-1536x1024 — MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin (89) on an Aprilia RSV4 at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.

Aprilia Racing is preparing to tackle the fourth race of the season on Lusail International Circuit with a complete line-up: Jorge Martín, who will be back on the track after missing the first three races due to an injury, and Marco Bezzecchi who will be aiming to confirm his grand form.

Jorge Martín, absent from the first three races of the year due to an injury suffered during training, will return to the track to finally begin his season with Aprilia Racing. The Spanish rider, who had a complex fracture of the radius and scaphoid on the left hand, and an ipsilateral calcaneal fracture during a training session, underwent surgery on 25 February and then followed an intense physical therapy programme with the goal of returning to the track as quickly as possible. Before taking to the track, the defending world champion will need to be assessed by the World Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Championship medical delegation in order to be cleared to race.

After a difficult season start, marred by two injuries – first in the Sepang tests and then during training – Jorge Martín’s primary objective will be to assess his physical fitness after almost five months of inactivity.

Marco Bezzecchi is heading to Qatar with the goal of realizing his potential after a weekend at COTA marked by a growth trend. The Italian rider demonstrated speed and great determination in the first three races of the season and he is counting on continuing that positive trend and his good feeling with the RS-GP25.

Lusail International Circuit, located just outside the Qatar capital of Doha, is 5,400 metres long with a main straight that stretches out more than one kilometre. The track comprises 10 right-handers and 6 left-handers. In 2008, the first night GP in history was held in Qatar. The switch to night races was a success, making this one of the most spectacular rounds on the MotoGP calendar.

Jorge Martin:

I have a great desire to be back on the track and I’m happy to at least be able to try and race in Qatar. The goal will be to build up a bit of confidence with the RS-GP25 and to begin to turn some laps. I don’t know how my physical fitness will be – undoubtedly not 100%. We’ll try to do our best and to improve gradually. Physically, I’m not even sure I’ll be able to finish the race, but if we can manage, it will be a victory because that will mean that I’m beginning to recover. We need to take one step at a time to try and get back to our normal level as soon as possible.

Marco Bezzecchi:

I have always liked the Qatar track a lot. Racing at night is always exciting. This weekend will certainly be important to try and improve in the areas where we are struggling that we identified in the previous races. We’ll continue to work hard to try and achieve the maximum result.

California Superbike School: Why Coaches Like VIRginia Intl. Raceway

April 8, 2025

Track Spotlight: Virginia International Raceway (V.I.R.)

VIR is a long-time coach favorite track. It was built in 1957, closed in 1974, and reopened in 2000. We’ve attended every year since its reopening. Why is VIR such a standout favorite? Perhaps because of its flowing transitions, fun elevation changes, and exhilarating front straight featuring a kink. It’s a picturesque farm-like property with large red buildings resembling barns. The track offers upgraded lodging and a popular restaurant in the historic Oak Tree Lodge, dating back to the 1700s—perfect for dinner and a beer after a great track day.

Coach Insights on VIR:

Cobie Fair: “VIR has it all: fun, challenging, with slow, medium, and fast turns, nice elevation changes, good asphalt, tons of runoff, all set in a country club atmosphere—a staff favorite for years.”
Johnny Haynes: “This is my favorite track in the USA and has been for many years. It’s challenging, exciting, and very satisfying to ride.”
James Toohey: “One of the best tracks in the country! Ultra fun and challenging, whether you’re a fast or slow rider. An absolute must!”
Jon Groom: “Sixteen corners through pristine Virginia countryside, offering something for everyone: slow esses, fast esses, uphill, downhill, and blind sections, culminating in the flat-out 5th-gear ‘kink’ that defines the front straight. A favorite of both students and coaches.”

2025 Virginia Dates:

April 28: Single-Day School (95% Full)
April 29: Single-Day School (85% Full)
April 30 & May 1: Two-Day Camp (90% Full)
August 4: Single-Day School (30% Full)
August 5: Single-Day School (30% Full)
August 6 & 7: Two-Day Camp (40% Full)

Message from Keith on VIR:

VIR was opened in ’57, and it’s easy to imagine car enthusiasts buying inexpensive real estate out in the woods and designing it. They picked the right spot, clearly intending to pack as much variety into the track as possible—and succeeded. Each section has unique characteristics, offering challenges that refine diverse technical riding skills. We’ve been going there for 25 years, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t thoroughly enjoy riding there—including every one of our staff.

How Did We Get Along During COVID?

This historical photo shows Keith, Dylan, and Cobie at Willow Springs in March 2020, discussing COVID and what steps to take. Grocery stores emptied, and news spread fast, but at the track, everything seemed fine. We completed our scheduled schools, paused for two months, and then resumed operations, providing a much-needed outlet for riders eager to return to the track.

The Season Has Started in the USA

We kicked off the season in Las Vegas with postcard-perfect weather and a full house. We return to Vegas on April 4-5 (two spots left). We just wrapped our special Level V program at Willow Springs, receiving exceptional feedback. Next Level V: Willow Springs, September 13-14 (6 spots available).

New BMW Single R’s and Double R’s

Our new fleet of BMW Double R’s has arrived! We also received four Single R’s, perfect for riders who prefer an upright riding position.

Previous Quiz Results & New Quiz Question

Last Newsletter’s Question: Why are motorcycle engineers NOT interested in centrifugal forces?

Correct Answer: Centrifugal force is not a real force but a fictitious or pseudo-force due to inertia. The real force at play is centripetal force.

Winner: Christian from Texas (won a CSS hoodie). We had many correct answers!

New Quiz Question: What exactly does this tire code mean?

Prize: Two winners drawn from correct answers—choice between a CSS hat or shirt.

Fun Podcast Interview with Rocco Landers

Rocco Landers, a frequent CSS attendee since age 8, is MotoAmerica’s winningest rider for his age group. Rocco enthusiastically shares his experiences and affection for CSS in this candid and entertaining podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idJ44qXRhb8&t=3104s

From the Archives

This 1981 photo from Laguna Seca features the original Superbike School days, supported by Dennis Smith’s Cycle Tune and family. Those classic ringer tee shirts were iconic! Back then, trackdays didn’t exist—CSS pioneered the “arrive and ride” concept with provided bikes and gear.

MotoAmerica: Mesa Sidelined By Off-Season Surgeries

April 8, 2025

Mesa BJND3788_P-2048x1365 — Stefano Mesa (37). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.