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Monster Energy Supercross Previews 2025 Season: “Saturday Is Race Day”

In Advance of the 2025 Season, Monster Energy Supercross Boldly Proclaims “Saturday Is Race Day”

Monster Energy AMA Supercross, part of the SMX World Championship Series has unveiled a rebrand campaign that transforms Saturdays into the ultimate celebration of racing. With the launch of its “Saturday Is Race Day” campaign, Supercross is staking its claim as the ultimate form of motorsport competition while also embracing the global fandom that surrounds this storied American-born sport.

The campaign is a bold declaration that every Saturday—henceforth known as Race Day—belongs to Supercross fans. Featuring an electrifying new visual identity, a custom “Race Day” song, and an omnichannel ticketing initiative, the campaign is designed to immerse fans in the raw energy, excitement, and culture of Supercross events like never before. Across mobile, social, digital, and video—not to mention its own theme song—the campaign brings to life the experience beyond the race: a full-day, fan-first extravaganza packed with fun for the whole family.

“This campaign amplifies everything we love about Race Day and invites even more fans to join us in the experience,” said Dave Prater, Vice President – Supercross, Feld Motor Sports. “Supercross brings together the world’s best athletes at the pinnacle of off-road motorcycle racing, showcasing unmatched levels of skill, bravery, strength, and endurance. Seeing the sport up close and meeting these remarkable athletes at FanFest, while being part of the crowd takes the excitement to a whole new level. This campaign is an invitation to experience Supercross live and in person in an entirely new way.”

The new campaign is built around the momentum of Supercross’s record-breaking 2024 season, which marked the second year of the SMX World Championship. This groundbreaking series unified both disciplines of Supercross and Pro Motocross, culminating in the SMX World Championship Playoffs—a three-week postseason format—in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sept. 21. The event saw generational talents Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan both secure their second consecutive world championship titles in the 450 and 250 classes, respectively. With 2025 shaping up to be even bigger, the rebrand combines dynamic visuals with cutting-edge storytelling capturing the heart-pounding action and electric atmosphere of Supercross events.

“Supercross is all about community, energy, and the unforgettable feeling of being trackside,” said Sam Gomez, Senior Vice President of Digital Media and Communications at Feld Entertainment. “This campaign encapsulates the passion of our fans and the spirit of the sport while making it easier than ever for people to be part of the action. Thanks to Gupta Media’s storytelling and creative execution, we’re expanding our reach and delivering a campaign that lives up to the thrill of Supercross.”

Part of the crowd at a Supercross held in Charlotte. North Carolina last season. Feld photo.

Supercross FanFest typically draws NHL arena-sized audiences at each round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and is a big part of the overall Supercross experience.

“We knew that a campaign for Supercross had to match the intensity and passion of the sport itself,” said Gogi Gupta, Founder of Gupta Media, which developed the creative campaign in partnership with Feld Motor Sports. “Our team set out to create a campaign that not only drives ticket sales but also connects with fans on an emotional level, capturing the essence of what makes Supercross unforgettable.”

“Creating the ‘Saturday Is Race Day’ campaign was about capturing the raw energy and passion that make Supercross so special,” said Jen Perry, Executive Creative Director at Gupta Media. “We wanted to create something that not only resonates with fans but inspires them to engage and make it their own. Whether it’s through sharing their favorite Race Day moments with their families and friends or creating their own takes on the Race Day chant on social media, this is a rallying cry for the Supercross community to unite and amplify what they love about Race Day.”

A series ad featuring the new tag line, “Saturday Is Race Day.” The first Supercross of 2025 will be held at Angel Stadium on January 11th. Feld graphic.

Fans can expect to see the new Supercross campaign rolling out across digital channels, television, and social media in the coming weeks. Tickets for the upcoming Supercross season are available now at SupercrossLIVE.com. The 17-race Supercross schedule is poised to visit 16 cities across 13 states, from California and Arizona to Alabama and Pennsylvania, which includes four rounds in the Northeast as the SMX League continues to drive growth of the sport within the region. Additional stops include Tampa at Raymond James Stadium and East Rutherford, N.J. at MetLife Stadium. New to the schedule this season is a stop at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn, home to the six-time Superbowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers.

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah And Happy New Year (Part 3)

Solly Mervis/Ice Barn Racing.

 

Alessandro Di Mario

 

Champ School

 

MotoAmerica 2024 Super Hooligan Champion Cory West.

 

Arai’s founder back in the day…

 

EDR Performance

 

MotoGP

 

Suzuki International Series: Mitch Rees Wins Again On Cemetery Circuit In NZ

2024 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES WRAPS UP IN STYLE

The 2024 Suzuki International Series wrapped up in style on Whanganui’s world-famous Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day, December 26th.

With drizzle wetting the public street circuit early on Thursday morning, fears were held that this may dampen not only the twisty tarmac, but also the enthusiasm of the riders and spectators.

But this was not the case and, particularly as the circuit dried out brilliantly just before the first official races, the riders responded by producing some of the closest racing in the event’s history, with record-setting times recorded in many of the classes, and the crowds showed up anyway in large numbers for the post-Christmas blow-out.

The Cemetery Circuit street motorcycle racing event was the much-anticipated finale of the three-round annual Suzuki International Series and it was not hard to see why the annual motorcycling spectacle each December has a huge following, both domestically and internationally too.

The first two rounds were staged on purpose-built race tracks, in Taupo and Manfeild respectively, in the two weekends preceding Boxing Day and there riders had set themselves up for a thrilling final showdown at Whanganui.

The public street course at Whanganui is unique in world road-racing circles, affectionately regarded as the “Isle of Man of the Southern Hemisphere”, taking the speeding riders past headstones in the inner-city graveyard, not to mention the competitors zooming close to road-side curbs, across white-painted lines, over railway lines and near to traffic islands. It takes your breath away just to think about it, although serious safety measures were in place.

It was memorable again this year as Bay of Plenty father and son duo Tony and Mitch Rees led the way in the premier Formula One/Superbike class, the two men shading a couple of 2024 Isle of Man title winners from the United Kingdom, Davey Todd and Peter Hickman, as the competitors arrived in Whanganui on Boxing Day morning.

And, after a long day of intense action, featuring racing in 14 separate bike classes, that’s how the F1 class did end up, Rees junior No.1 and Rees senior No.2, followed by international stars Todd and Hickman.

This meant the just-turned 32-year-old Mitch Rees had made it four F1 title wins in a row in this popular Christmas-time series.

Mitch Rees previously won the Formula One class overall in the Suzuki International Series in 2020, 2022 and 2023 (the series was not run in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

It also meant he had added the Robert Holden Memorial feature race win to the ones he had celebrated in 2022 and last year too, now making it three wins in a row for this prestigious trophy.

The Robert Holden Memorial trophy probably holds a special place in the Rees family home, with Mitch Rees’ late younger brother Damon Rees having also won it in 2020 and it has been won their father Tony Rees on seven occasions (between 1990 and 2016), the now 57-year-old showing that age truly is just a number.

Hickman had won this trophy also on his previous visit to New Zealand in 2018.

There were plenty of stand-outs in the Suzuki International Series this year, but there was no going past the double-class wins achieved by young Aucklander Tyler King (the 18-year-old from Silverdale who won both the Formula Three and Supersport 300 classes) and home-town hero Richie Dibben (the Whanganui 35-year-old who won both the Supermoto class, for modified dirt bikes, and the inaugural Adventure Bikes class as well).

The Supermoto class was a crowd favourite on the public streets of Whanganui on Boxing Day, with UK rider Davey Todd (Suzuki RM-Z450 letter D) and local Whanganui hero Richie Dibben (Suzuki RM-Z450 No.1) close through every twist and turn. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

“It has been a fantastic series again this year, with great racing throughout the classes,” said Suzuki International Series organiser Allan ‘Flea’ Willacy.

“The competition has been good and we have seen some great crowds. The overseas competitors did not let us down and they really put on a great show.”

Meanwhile, German rider Wolfi Schuster and Frenchman Timothee Monot also added to the international flavour of racing this year, both of these riders entered in the Formula Two/600cc class, although Monot was at Whanganui only. Stuttgart’s Schuster finished a creditable third overall in the F2 class at Whanganui, behind Cambridge’s Morgan McLaren-Wood and Wanaka’s Seth Devereux, while Brittany resident Montot claimed 11th overall in the class on Boxing Day.

Class winners in the 2024 Suzuki International Series, which wrapped up in Whanganui on Boxing Day, are Whakatane’s Mitch Rees (Formula One/Superbikes class); Cambridge’s Morgan McLaren-Wood (Formula Two/Supersport 600); Auckland’s Tyler King (in both the Formula Three and Supersport 300 classes); Wellington’s Malcolm Beilski (Formula Sport, Senior); Whanganui’s Jeff Croot (Formula Sport, Junior); Glen Eden’s Daniel Mettam (Post Classics, Pre 95, Senior); Tauranga’s Darrick Kattenberg (Post Classics, Pre 95, Junior); Hastings’ Gian Louie (Post Classics, Pre 89, Senior); Lower Hutt’s Dean Bentley (Post Classics, Pre 89, Junior); Panmure’s Adam Unsworth and Whanganui’s Bryce Rose (Formula One Sidecars; Whanganui’s Tracey Bryan and Auckland’s Kendal Dunlop (Formula Two sidecars); and Whanganui’s Richie Dibben (in both the Supermoto and Adventure Bike classes).

Robert Holden Memorial feature race Top Five:

1. Mitch Rees

2. Davey Todd

3. Tony Rees

4. Morgan McLaren-Wood

5. Wellington’s Rogan Chandler.

More Results Follow Below

F1/Superbike Results and Points from the season Finale weekend
F1/Superbike Class Series Final Points from all three 2024 events
Robert Holden Memorial Race results

 

Supermoto class Round 3 Whanganui results 2024

 

Supermoto class series results 2024

 

The Suzuki International Series is supported by Suzuki New Zealand, Mondiale VGL, Auto Super Shoppe Tawa, Givi, I-Tools, Bridgestone tyres, Sharp As Linehaul Ltd Whanganui, TSS Motorcycles, Ipone, Inferno Design and Digital, Kiwibike Motorcycle Insurance Specialists, Cemetery Circuit Ltd.

DATES FOR 2024 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES:

• Round 1, Taupo, Dec 7th and 8th;

• Round 2, Manfeild, Feilding, Dec 14th and 15th;

• Round 3, Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit, Dec 26th.

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah And Happy New Year! (Part 2, Updated)

(Send your digital greeting card to [email protected])

 

1993 World Champion Kevin Schwantz
Fastrack Riders

 

NGK/NTK

 

Lightning

 

Ural

 

Rahal Ducati Moto

Click Link Below To See Rahal Ducati Moto Rider Videos:

https://rahalducatimoto.com/christmasvideo2024

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah And Happy New Year! (Updated)

(Send your digital greeting card to [email protected])

 

Richie Escalante and family

 

American Flat Track

 

Steve McLaughlin

 

MotoUp

 

American Motorcyclist Assn. (AMA)
Sportbike Track Time

 

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
Hindle Exhaust Systems

 

Red Bull GasGas Tech3 Motul MotoGP

 

VIRginia International Raceway

 

Honda LCR MotoGP team

 

SSR Motorsports

American Kristian Daniel Jr. In 2025 MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Cup

American Kristian Daniel Jr. returns to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2025, following his successful first season (2024) in the program, in which he finished 11th in points.

Red Bull Rookies chasing World Champions in 2025 – Entry List

26 of the world’s best young riders representing 19 different nations will contest the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2025. Of the 13 newcomers, Yaroslav Karpushin adds Kyrgyzstan to the list of Cup nations, Luca Agostinelli represents Vietnam, Kerman Tinez Venezuela and Gabriel Tesini is from San Marino. So in the Cup’s 19th season, the 265 Rookies that are the Cup’s history represent 43 nations. Alejandra Garcia is the 4th female to join the Cup.

Of the Rookies that have graduated from the Cup, more than 50% have made a start in the World Championship and of those, 30% have won a GP. 11 ex Rookies have won 15 World Championships including this year’s MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martín, Rookies class of 2014. Ai Ogura, Class of 2017, has this season’s Moto2 title and David Alonso, Class of 2021, is Moto3 World Champion.

While Martín defends his MotoGP crown in 2025 he is joined in the premier class by Ogura as Alonso moves up to Moto2. Five of last year’s Rookies Cup graduates are all set to race in the Moto3 World Championship led by our 2024 champion Álvaro Carpe. He is joined by Valentin Perrone, Màximo Quiles, Ruche Moodley and Guido Pini.

Kristian Daniel, Jr. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
American Kristian Daniel, Jr. Photo courtesy Red Bull Rookies.
American Kristian Daniel Jr. (70) in action at the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
American Kristian Daniel Jr. (70), as seen during the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Red Bull Rookies.
American Kristian Daniel, Jr. (70) leads a group of riders at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
American Kristian Daniel, Jr. (70) leads a group of riders at Le Mans during the 2024 season. Photo courtesy Red Bull Rookies.

Provisional 2025 Entry List

4 Sullivan Mounsey (Great Britain GBR)

5 Leo Rammerstorfer (Austria AUT)

7 Beñat Fernandez (Spain SPA)

9 Luca Agostinelli (Vietnam VNM)

11 David González (Spain SPA)

13 Hakim Danish (Malaysia MAL)

16 Joel Pons (Spain SPA)

17 Yaroslav Karpushin (Kyrgyzstan KGZ)

22 Alejandra Fernández (Spain SPA)

24 Guillem Planques (France FRA)

29 Lucas Brown (Great Britain GBR)

31 Giulio Pugliese (Italy ITA)

32 Kiandra Ramadhipa (Indonesia INA)

34 Zen Mitani (Japan JPN)

36 Jurrien van Crugten (Netherlands NED)

40 Gabriel Tesini (San Marino SMR)

45 Kgopotso Mononyane (South Africa RSA)

48 Lenoxx Phommara (Switzerland SUI)

50 Carter Thompson (Australia AUS)

51 Brian Uriarte (Spain SPA)

54 Veda Pratama (Indonesia INA)

70 Kristian Daniel Jr. (United States USA)

72 David Da Costa (France FRA)

77 Kerman Tinez (Venezuela VEN)

85 Kiattisak Singhapong (Thailand THA)

95 Marco Morelli (Argentina ARG)

Provisional Calendar

TEST: March 26th 27th & 28th – Jerez (ESP)

RD 1: April 26-27 – Jerez (ESP)

RD 2: May 10-11 – Le Mans (FRA)

RD 3: June 7-8 – Aragon (ESP)

RD 4: June 21-22 – Mugello (ITA)

RD 5: July 12-13 – Sachsenring (GER)

RD 6: August 16-17 – Spielberg (AUT)

RD 7: September 13-14 – Misano (ITA)

Suzuki Series Finale Runs Thursday in New Zealand

WHANGANUI CITY BRACED FOR A MASSIVE STREET FIGHT

The population of Whanganui, New Zealand  is set to explode Thursday as the lower North Island city again hosts one of the most famous street races in the world.

The Cemetery Circuit street motorcycle racing event is the much-anticipated finale of the three-round annual Suzuki International Series and it’s set to blast off on Whanganui’s world-renowned Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day, December 26th, Thursday this week.

It’s not hard to see why the annual Suzuki International Series each December has a huge following, both domestically and internationally, too.

However, while the first two rounds of the 2024 edition of this motorcycle road-racing series have now been staged, it’s worth remembering that the best is always saved for last.

All that remains now for the 2024 Suzuki International Series to wrap up is for the world-renowned Cemetery Circuit races on Boxing Day, the massive annual post-Christmas festival of speed always a popular final blow-out before New Year celebrations begin.

The racing on the twists and turns of Whanganui’s public streets – with part of the circuit actually zig-zagging the riders past the Suzuki New Zealand headquarters on Heads Road – attracts worldwide interest every year, especially since this is one of the very few motorcycle street fights still being run anywhere in the world.

And, yes, the course does take the speeding riders past headstones in the inner-city graveyard, not to mention the competitors zooming close to road-side curbs, across white-painted lines, over railway lines and near to traffic islands. It takes your breath away just to think about it, although serious safety measures are in place.

Can Whakatane’s Mitch Rees win again on the famous streets of Whanganui on Boxing Day? Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

It may be memorable again this year as Bay of Plenty father and son duo Tony and Mitch Rees get set to bang handlebars once more in the premier Formula One/Superbike class and as Whanganui’s home-town hero Richie Dibben attempts to dish it up to international star Davey Todd in the Supermoto class (for modified dirt bikes).

With dual-class hero Todd also racing alongside fellow Brit and fellow 2024 Isle of Man winner Peter Hickman and Christchurch’s former national superbike champion Alastair Hoogenboezem in the F1 class, you just know there will be fireworks.

Whakatane’s Mitch Rees leads the way in this premier class, but he may be as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs on Thursday when he calculates the risks and rewards in his attempt to achieve a four-in-a-row win streak on Boxing Day.

Mitch Rees previously won the formula one class overall in the Suzuki International Series in 2020, 2022 and 2023 (the series was not run in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Meanwhile, the Robert Holden Memorial (RHM) feature race will no doubt be one of the highlights of Whanganui’s finale on the Cemetery Circuit.

It is a prestigious race that was won by Mitch Rees in 2022 and 2023, by his late brother Damon Rees in 2020 and by their father Tony Rees on seven occasions (between 1990 and 2016).

Other Robert Holden Memorial feature race winners in the past, who will also be racing in Whanganui this week include Taupo’s Scott Moir (the RHM winner in 2017) and Hickman (RHM winner in 2018).

Many eyes will perhaps also be on the racing between Dibben and Todd, with these two international stars separated by no more than the thickness of their plastic fairings throughout the Supermoto action so far.

All the other various classes too will provide nail-biting excitement, the Formula Three class, the Supersport 300 and Formula Sports classes always close affairs, while it’s worth noting that Whanganui crews will be out in force in the Formula One, Formula Two and Pre-82 Classic Sidecars classes.

Rounds one and two, at Taupo and Manfeild respectively, have given bike fans, enthusiasts, supporters, sponsors and even the riders themselves plenty to salivate over and they’ve shown how highly they value and love the competition that they’ve shown up in great numbers to watch it live and personal.

“It’s been a fantastic series so far, with great racing throughout the classes,” said Suzuki International Series organiser Allan ‘Flea’ Willacy.

“The competition has been good. The weather’s been perfect and we’ve seen great crowds. The overseas competitors have not let us down and they’ve put on a great show.

“We’re all looking forward now to the final round.”

Class leaders after the second round of three in the 2024 Suzuki International Series at Manfeild are Whakatane’s Mitch Rees (formula one/superbikes class); Cambridge’s Morgan McLaren-Wood (formula two/Supersport 600); Auckland’s Tyler King (in both the formula three and Supersport 300 classes); Wellington’s Malcolm Beilski (Formula Sport, Senior); Whanganui’s Jeff Croot (Formula Sport, junior); Glen Eden’s Daniel Mettam (Post Classics, Pre 95, Senior); Tauranga’s Darrick Kattenberg (Post Classics, Pre 95, Junior); Hastings’ Gian Louie (Post Classics, Pre 89, Senior); Lower Hutt’s Dean Bentley (Post Classics, Pre 89, Junior); Panmure’s Adam Unsworth and Whanganui’s Bryce Rose (F1 sidecars); Whanganui’s Tracey Bryan and Auckland’s Kendal Dunlop (F2 sidecars); Whanganui’s Richie Dibben (in both the Supermoto and Adventure Bike classes).

The Suzuki International Series is supported by Suzuki New Zealand, Mondiale VGL, Auto Super Shoppe Tawa, Givi, I-Tools, Bridgestone tyres, Sharp As Linehaul Ltd Whanganui, TSS Motorcycles, Ipone, Inferno Design and Digital, Kiwibike Motorcycle Insurance Specialists, Cemetery Circuit Ltd.    

DATES FOR 2024 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES:

  • Round 1, Taupo, Dec 7th and 8th;
  • Round 2, Manfeild, Feilding, Dec 14th and 15th;
  • Round 3, Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit, Dec 26th.

KTM Says It’s Here To Stay, Despite Parent Company’s Woes (Updated)

RISING THROUGH ADVERSITY:

KTM PLOTS A PATH TO THE FUTURE AND TO MORE VICTORY

KTM - HERE TO STAY!

 
READY TO RACE is more than a slogan for KTM. It defines our existence. In competition, there are highs and lows, daring and disappointment, and victory and defeat. 2024 has been a year of conquests but also challenges for the company. Heading into 2025 and the future, there are more jumps, ruts, and bumps ahead – but we are not letting off the throttle.
 

2024 has been a remarkable year for KTM, marked by bold innovation, thrilling victories, and unwavering customer dedication. While challenges are part of any great journey, we see them as an opportunity to accelerate toward an even brighter future.

It is no secret that KTM AG is navigating a shifting economic landscape. However, as our READY TO RACE mantra suggests, we are embracing this moment to realign, refuel, and reinvigorate. KTM remains fully committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our current and future customers. We will continue to thrill and find our way to the top of the podium again.

Racing is where we show our brand, our engineering and our passion for the chase. Over the past year, our motorsport teams continued to achieve greatness. We started the season with a staggering 341 FIM World Championship Titles. The globe-trotting calendars involved more than 1,480 race starts and brought us 246 podiums and 150 wins across various disciplines. Of course, there were hardships and injuries—these go with the turf—but KTM impressively added 11 more hard-fought titles to the record.

Off the racing line, the KTM brand has also been extremely active this year. The brand unveiled 59 new models, hosted three international media launches with 152 media partners in attendance, successfully pulled off three customer events with 283 participants, and returned to EICMA, the world’s largest motorcycle show, with a massive 1,635 m² booth along with 17 new KTM products.
 

There has been a strong push behind these new motorcycles, as well as efforts to ensure we maintain momentum in the right areas.KTM is applying the same forward-thinking approach during this restructuring phase. Our goal over the next 90 days is to stabilize the business while setting the foundation for sustained growth and success.

Throughout this period, KTM guarantees the continuation of motorcycles being delivered through our Authorized KTM Dealer network. The same goes for our spare parts, technical accessories, customer service support and warranties which remain unchanged, ensuring ongoing and unwavering support throughout this period.

The work and the desire for the latest edgy, extreme and adventurous motorcycles goes on. KTM is preparing the launch of a brace of highly anticipated models, which will be in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2025. This again shows our pledge to remain as one of Europe’s leading motorcycle manufacturer well into the future.

Click HERE to watch a compelling video of the challenges and victories that have shaped the KTM brand.
 
 
More, from a news release issued by KTM, on its Supercross World Championship team:
 

A returning four-rider Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team will feature Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger in the 450 Class alongside 250 Class duo Tom Vialle and Julien Beaumer in the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), inclusive of the AMA Supercross, Pro Motocross and SMX Finals series.

RED-BULL-KTM-FACTORY-RACING-TEAM 2025.
The Red Bull KTM Factory motocross 2025 team. Photo courtesy KTM.

Equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, the 31-round marathon will see 25-year-old Sexton out to reclaim the 450SX title that he earned in 2023, before he aims to defend his 450MX championship outdoors, and then will target a first-career 450SMX crown in the post-season. With a full season with Red Bull KTM complete, the pair are in a strong position to build upon their success together into the new year.

Chase Sexton: “We’re getting close to the season now and I had a good off-season, took around five weeks off of the bike, so I feel refreshed and we’ve made a lot of progress – compared to last year I’m in a much better spot for 2025. The goal this season is to win more races than last year, so I feel good, and I’m ready to start the season.”

Alongside Sexton, Plessinger, 28, is entering his fourth term with Red Bull KTM and is coming off the strongest season of his career in winning a Supercross Main Event in San Diego. ‘The Cowboy’ finished third overall in Pro Motocross, before racing to P4 at the conclusion of the SMX season. Those results mean that Plessinger will enter Anaheim 1 with confidence on his side and with even larger targets to achieve.

Aaron Plessinger: “I’m super-stoked for the 2025 season! I’m ready to start where we left off in Supercross last year, where I won my first Main Event, and I only think we’re going to get better this year. The bike’s good, I’m feeling strong both physically and mentally, so I’m ready to show these guys that I’m here to stick around and that it ain’t no game. I’m ready to see the fans and have a good time doing it!”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s 250 line-up will once again be headlined by the exciting combination of 24-year-old Vialle – the reigning 250SX East Champion – and talented young American prospect Beaumer, each competing aboard the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

Already a two-time MX2 World Champion prior to his arrival in the United States, French standout Vialle will enter 2025 in search of a second 250SX title, while also firmly targeting his maiden American outdoor championship in 250MX. The Red Bull KTM rider placed runner-up in both Pro Motocross and SMX this year, showcasing his capabilities across the board during his second year being based in the U.S.

Tom Vialle: “Everything has been going good this off-season, I was able to win the Paris Supercross, and we have done a lot of testing with the team already. I’m really happy with the bike, the suspension, and also, we have some engine upgrades, so everything so far is working good together. I’m going into my third year of Supercross and was able to win the 250SX East Championship this year, and now I am working hard to try and defend it in 2025. I’m really happy to win my first title indoors and the goal is to win another one next season. It’s a little bit of extra pressure, but I wouldn’t say a lot.”

At 18 years of age, Beaumer is preparing to enter his second full season of professional competition after debuting with Red Bull KTM one year ago. He finished as Rookie of the Year in both 250SX and 250MX, before going on to capture a breakout 250SMX podium result during the SMX Playoffs. Added experience will be instrumental for ‘JuJu’ when the racing commences next season.

Julien Beaumer: “The off-season’s been going really good for me, I’m excited to get going, and the goal this year is to win. I’m in a spot right now where I’m confident that I have the fitness and speed to do that, because I’ve been feeling good on the bike and we’ve made a lot of progress. Last year I had speed, but I made quite a few rookie mistakes, so I have been learning to eliminate those and I’m confident that this upcoming season will be a lot better for me.”

Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “We’ve had a good off-season to prepare so far, and we are ready to start our second year with Chase, so hopefully we can expand on our success and get even better with him for 2025. Aaron had his best season ever this past year, and the plan is to improve on that too. Tom is the defending champion in 250SX East, it will be great to see the number 1 on our bike when the Eastern Region begins. Julien is going into his second season with us, so we are hoping that after a strong pre-season he will be in a position to really shine also. It’s always an exciting time leading up to Anaheim 1 and we are ready for the challenge ahead.”

Supercross will host its traditional opening round at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Saturday, January 11th, set to span 17 rounds. Teams will later turn their attention to the Pro Motocross Championship from Saturday, May 24th, at Fox Raceway in Pala, California, for an 11-round journey, before the three-round SMX Finals are due to take off in September.

 

More, from another  news release issued by KTM, on its 2025 Dakar RallyGP team:

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s three-man team of Kevin Benavides, Luciano Benavides, and Daniel Sanders are all set to take on the 2025 Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class. After a strong program of testing and training, the experienced trio are raring to go ahead of the world’s toughest rally-raid. Starting January 3, the event will commence with a short prologue, after which competitors will tackle 12 stages spanning nearly 8,000 km across Saudi Arabia.

Red Bull KTM Dakar Team
Red Bull KTM Dakar team. Photo by Sebas Romero.

Heading into the 2025 edition as a two-time Dakar champion, Kevin Benavides is fully focused on success. The Argentinian endured a difficult 2024 season, with injuries leaving him sidelined from competition for most of the year. However, after an intense program of training and recovery, Kevin aims to be as fit as possible for the upcoming Dakar as he hopes to claim a third win at the iconic event.

Kevin Benavides: “My preparation and training has been really positive, as I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym and cycling and I have prioritized recovery too. Combining that with time on my bike has worked well, and I’m feeling ready to go! Ahead of Dakar, I don’t have many expectations because I like to surprise myself every day, but the fight to win is now greater than ever, that’s for sure. I will give 100% every day and see where we go from there. Over the past two years I have learned the importance of keeping myself fit and riding smart to avoid injuries, because I want to keep doing what I love for as long as possible. I’m really excited to race with this amazing team and people, especially alongside Luciano, and I can’t wait to get going in January!”

Fresh off a solid third place result at the Rallye du Maroc, his first outing back riding the KTM 450 RALLY, Luciano Benavides is fired-up and ready to tackle the 2025 Dakar Rally. Despite suffering a leg injury in June, Luciano has worked hard to bounce back and prepare for Dakar as best as possible. As the 2023 FIM Rally-Raid World Champion and a multiple Dakar stage winner, the Argentinian has a wealth of experience to draw on to achieve his goal of finishing on the top step of the podium.

Luciano Benavides: “Testing went really well, and I’m feeling ready for the big one! I’ve been super busy preparing and training for Dakar with a lot of bike time in the desert in Argentina, Chile, and America, as well as a lot of cycling. My first goal for this Dakar is to arrive feeling 100%, because then I know I can perform at the top. It’s a long race, so we have to take it day by day, but I want to be competitive throughout. From my experience of previous Dakars, I know that you have to be able to bounce back from any bad days, stay focused and remember the ultimate goal, which is to win. Heading into the 2025 Dakar, I feel great and have put so much work in both mentally and physically to be up for it. It’s going to be a great race, and I can’t wait to get to Saudi and get started!”

Fired-up from his recent victory at the Rally du Maroc, Daniel Sanders is keen to carry his momentum into the 2025 Dakar Rally. As a stage winner at previous Dakars, the Australian is determined to push hard from the start. Having finished eighth in the last edition, Daniel is focused on building on his strong form and achieving a top result in Saudi Arabia in January.

Daniel Sanders: “We had some really great training as a team in America, with a lot of roadbook work over pretty demanding terrain to get us ready for Dakar. I feel even more comfortable on the bike since Morocco, and physically I’m feeling fit and strong too. The team have put in a lot of hard work to get the bike completely dialed in and I’ve spent a lot of hours on it testing and making sure it’s perfect. I think I have a really good chance of getting on the podium this year at Dakar, but of course you have to take it day by day. The first week looks tough and quite intense with both the chrono and marathon stages, but I am really looking forward to it. I’m more determined than ever to put KTM back on the top step, so my win in Morocco was a huge confidence boost in that sense. I can’t wait to get to Saudi and start the new year with a bang!”

For its 47th edition, this year’s Dakar Rally will be hosted in the Middle East for the sixth consecutive year. Setting off on January 3 from Bisha, riders will face a short, timed prologue, which will set the tone for the following 12 stages in the Saudi Arabian desert. Competitors will cover nearly 8,000 km, with 5,000 km raced against the clock in timed special stages. In an exciting twist for 2025, the race will feature the grueling 48-hour chrono stage on days two and three, followed almost instantly by the marathon stage, leaving competitors little time to catch their breath. A rest day in Ha’il on January 10 will be welcomed by all, with seven stages through the Empty Quarter then standing between the riders and the finish in Shubaytah on January 17.

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “Now we’re ready to race the 2025 Dakar! We have a really strong team, especially after Daniel’s win in Morocco, which proved that we have what it takes to be back on the podium. Daniel and Luciano have been training hard and are super motivated, and Kevin is a fighter so even though it will be tough, we have every faith that all three of them can perform. We can’t wait to get started!”

 

More, from another  news release issued by KTM, on its 2025 Dakar Rally2 entrys:

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has signed Edgar Canet to contest the 2025 Dakar Rally. The promising young talent will join the team to compete in the Rally2 class this coming January. Joining the experienced line-up of Kevin Benavides, Daniel Sanders, and Luciano Benavides, Canet will no doubt benefit from the trio’s expertise and advice throughout the event as he takes on Dakar for the first time.

Edgar Canet. Photo courtesy KTM.

Canet has had a busy year of competition, contesting the Rally Portugal, Rallye du Maroc, Desafio Ruta 40, Oasis Rally, and Baja Aragon in order to gain valuable experience and qualify for the 2025 Dakar Rally. Making his world championship debut at the age of 19 in the 2024 Rally Portugal, Edgar impressed by securing third place in his very first prologue stage. He went on to finish the event in 11th overall and claimed an impressive third place in the Rally2 category.

Set to compete in his first ever Dakar Rally, the young Spaniard is fully focused on getting to know the race and successfully reaching the finish line, while a strong result in the Rally2 category would be an incredible bonus. Drawing on his extensive roadbook and navigation work, as well as his time spent training with Luciano, Daniel, and Kevin in America, Edgar is eager to get underway at the iconic event in the new year.

Edgar Canet: “I’m really excited to have qualified for Dakar 2025 and to be supported by KTM for my debut in the world’s most demanding rally is a dream come true. I’ve been racing on a KTM since I was four years old, so to join the factory team now is amazing. I spent a few days riding in the USA with my new teammates Luciano, Kevin and Daniel, and they helped me so much. I have adapted really well to the KTM 450 RALLY, which I know is a winning bike, so I can’t wait to race it at the Dakar. My goal is to get to the finish line and learn as much about the race as possible, and I feel mentally and physically ready for what is to come. Thank you to KTM for the support, and I can’t wait to get underway in Saudi Arabia!”

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We’re super happy to announce that Edgar Canet is joining us in Rally2 for Dakar! He has done a great job this season and is a very promising young talent. At only 19 years old, he is performing really well and we’re looking forward to supporting him through his first Dakar.”

MotoAmerica: Mission Mini Cup National Final Set For Road America

After a highly successful debut in 2024, MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, has announced that it will once again host the 2025 MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10.

The 2025 MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final will be held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10.

Champions will be crowned in six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP110 (ages 8-12), GP160 (ages 10-14), GP190 (ages 10-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up). The Stock 125 class has been replaced by GP 110.

“Our inaugural Mission Mini Cup National Final went extremely well,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “It was our first season of running regional qualifiers for the National, and we had young racers qualify from all over the country. Riders who compete in their local qualifiers will again automatically earn 10 bonus points toward the accumulation of points that contribute to their tally in the National Final. We hope to build on the success of the 2024 event with even more regional races, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”

In 2024, there were 18 Qualifier events held across 11 states, allowing young riders from diverse regions of the country to compete for a spot in the National Final. MotoAmerica is committed to expanding this program in 2025, with the goal of increasing the number of Qualifiers and providing even more opportunities for emerging talent. In case you missed last year’s Final, be sure to check it out on MotoAmerica’s YouTube channel.

In addition to crowning National Champions at the Mission Mini Cup National Final, Dunlop will select riders for the 2026 Team Dunlop Road Race Elite amateur program based on results from the Road America event. Select Champions from the National Final who intend to move up will also gain free entries into the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup Series.

For more information on becoming a Mini Cup National Qualifier host, email [email protected].

BMW Launches C 400 GT Mid-Size Scooter

The new 2025 BMW C 400 GT.

BMW Motorrad USA proudly presents the new, updated 2025 C 400 GT premium mid-size scooter. The BMW C 400 GT, or Gran Turismo, receives technical improvements, new standard equipment and enhancements to comfort and usability. Excellent handling and riding characteristics combined with comfort, and premium features mean that the C 400 GT continues to be at the forefront of the premium midsize scooter segment.

Features

350 cc water-cooled single-cylinder 34 hp motor with electronic throttle.

New EU5+ emissions compliance.

CVT transmission.

New standard ABS Pro with BDC Dynamic Brake Control.

New standard DTC Dynamic Traction Control and EBC Engine Brake Control.

New two-position manually adjustable windscreen.

New, reshaped seat, now 0.4-inches lower.

New, increased under seat storage, now 7.1-liters larger.

New, larger right-front storage compartment, now 3.2-liters larger.

New USB-C charging port(s), replaces previous USB-A.

New Style Exclusive in Diamond White Metallic.

New Ultimate Care Break-In Service included.

Powerful single-cylinder drive with EU-5+ homologation and ABS Pro with DBC, DTC and EBC as standard.

The engine remains the proven single-cylinder engine, making 34 hp at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 26 lb-ft. at 5,750 rpm. Power is transmitted via a continuously variable CVT transmission.

The BMW C 400 GT is now equipped with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro as standard, replacing the previously standard ABS. Thanks to ABS-assisted braking at a lean angle, ABS Pro offers more safety and stability when braking in turns. Optimal brake pressure is continuously calculated calculated input from a six-axis sensor and from a pressure sensor.

In addition, the new standard Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) function, linked to ABS Pro, offers an extra level of safety by controlling throttle input during braking. As soon as ABS detects that the front brake has been applied strongly and quickly, the system controls pressure build up, enabling controlled braking. If the throttle is opened during detected emergency braking, the system reduces engine torque, keeping braking more stable and braking distances to a minimum. EBC Engine Brake Control helps prevent rear wheel slip when the throttle is quickly released by monitoring rear wheel slip, depending on lean angle, and increasing engine rpms to maintain stability.

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR) are also now standard. DTC, which replaces the previous ASC, has the added benefit of slip control while leaning. It compares rotation speed between front and rear wheels to detect rear wheel slip. If rear wheel slip exceeds limits, engine power/torque are reduced to maintain traction.

Connectivity — standard large, readable 6.5-inch TFT display. Navigation preparation and a 10.25” display for the BMW C 400 GT are optional.

The BMW C 400 GT comes with a large 6.5-inch TFT display as standard. The variety of information, display quality and, last but not least, user friendliness are unmatched. In conjunction with the BMW Motorrad Connected app, the display is linked to the multi-controller on the left handlebar and can be operated quickly, safely, and conveniently. Connectivity Pro, part of the optional Premium package, includes a larger 10.25” TFT display.

Convenient calling, listening to music and navigating while riding are all possible. If, for example, a smartphone and helmet are connected to the BMW Motorrad communication system via Bluetooth, media playback and telephone functions can be easily accessed using the TFT-display. These functions can be used without installing an app. If there is an active Bluetooth connection to a standard smartphone, the rider can enjoy listening to music while riding and charge the smartphone in the actively cooled storage compartment. In addition, the free BMW Motorrad Connected app offers practical arrow navigation directly via the TFT display.

This basic navigation is particularly attractive for riders who want to comfortably handle everyday traffic or short trips without additional equipment. Navigation preparation with a holder for the BMW Motorrad Connected Ride Navigator or the BMW Motorrad Connected Ride Cradle is available as an accessory (not in conjunction with the 10.25” display).

Greatly expanded storage space. New accessories such as 43.5 liter top case, body protector and hand guards.

The 2025 BMW C 400 GT now has more storage space than ever. Combined storage volume, between the front and under seat compartments is increased by as much as 12 liters. BMW Motorrad engineers have taken care to extract the most possible storage room from all three storage compartments. The under seat compartment has been enlarged by 23%, from 30.5 liters to 37.6 liters and can now accommodate a 15-inch laptop. The right-front storage compartment has been enlarged by 346%, from 1.3 liters to 4.7 liters and can now accommodate a 16 oz. bottle. The left-front storage compartment has been slightly enlarged and with the Connectivity package, part of the optional Premium Package, now includes smartphone charging and cooling.

With 43.5 liters of storage space, the new top case not only offers 13.5 liters more volume than before, but can also now accommodate a payload of 22 lbs. instead of the previous 11 lbs. It also features interior lighting and a USB-C charging port. A back cushion and painted side panels are available as options for the new top case. It is attached to the vehicle via a vibration-isolated luggage rack. New original BMW Motorrad accessories, such as body protectors and hand guards, round off the range of offers.

The BMW C 400 GT now also comes with a standard manually adjustable windshield and can be fitted with an accessory luggage rack.

BMW C 400 GT features lower seat height and a new Style Exclusive variant.

The BMW C 400 GT’s ground accessibility has been improved with a reshaped and lower seat (30.1 inch seat height vs. previous 30.5 inch seat height) and reduced leg arch reach (now 68.6 inches vs previous 69.1 inches) to provide greater comfort and improved ergonomics.

In addition to the standard Black Storm Metallic version with black seat, black wheels and black front brake calipers, the BMW C 400 GT is available in the new Style Exclusive variant.

The Style Exclusive BMW C 400 GT is finished in Diamond White Metallic and looks decidedly elegant. Gold wheels, and graphics, a black seat with embroidered gold emblem complement the gold front brake calipers. Ground lighting with a BMW logo projection or stainless-steel floorboard inserts round off the design.

Standard Equipment

Stepless CVT with automatic centrifugal clutch.

Water-cooled 1-cylinder 350 cc engine with Ride-by-Wire.

ABS Pro.

Dynamic Brake Control.

Dynamic Engine Brake Control.

Dynamic Traction Control.

Twin Rear Shocks, Preload Adjustable.

35 mm Telescopic Forks.

Automatic Stability Control.

Electronic Immobilizer.

LED Headlight, taillight and turn signals.

12V Socket, and USB-C Port.

Twin Headlamp unit.

Comfort Turn Indicators.

6.5-inch Colored TFT screen with Connectivity.

Two position, manually adjustable windshield (+/- 2.5 inch positions).

Center Stand.

Lighted Flexcase storage compartment.

Ultimate Care Break-In Service.

Like all 2025 model year BMW motorcycle models, the new C 400 GT includes the Ultimate Care Break-In Service, or “600 Mile Service” as standard. This included service further provides BMW customers with a truly premium experience. Time and mileage limits apply – maximum 6 months from the in-service date or maximum 750 miles – whichever comes first.

Optional Packages and Equipment

Premium Package

Heated Grips.

Heated Seat.

10.25” TFT Display with Connectivity, split screen, and map navigation.

Luggage Grid.

Style Exclusives

Diamond White Metallic Paint.

Adjustable Tinted Windshield.

Gold colored wheels, front brake calipers, and graphics.

Floor lighting or alternative Floorboards.

Individual Options

Anti-Theft Alarm (dealer installed accessory).

Luggage Rack for new, larger 43.5 liter top case.

Top case, 43.5 liters with interior lighting and USB-C connection.

Optional Backrest Pad, Side Panels, Luggage Net, Top Case Liner.

Stainless Floorboard Inserts

Anodized Handlebar Weights.

Hand Guards.

Body Protectors.

 

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

www.bmwgroup.com and www.bmwmotorcycles.com

Monster Energy Supercross Previews 2025 Season: “Saturday Is Race Day”

A sold-out crowd at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California where the 2025 series will start anew on January 11th. Feld Motorsports photo.

In Advance of the 2025 Season, Monster Energy Supercross Boldly Proclaims “Saturday Is Race Day”

Monster Energy AMA Supercross, part of the SMX World Championship Series has unveiled a rebrand campaign that transforms Saturdays into the ultimate celebration of racing. With the launch of its “Saturday Is Race Day” campaign, Supercross is staking its claim as the ultimate form of motorsport competition while also embracing the global fandom that surrounds this storied American-born sport.

The campaign is a bold declaration that every Saturday—henceforth known as Race Day—belongs to Supercross fans. Featuring an electrifying new visual identity, a custom “Race Day” song, and an omnichannel ticketing initiative, the campaign is designed to immerse fans in the raw energy, excitement, and culture of Supercross events like never before. Across mobile, social, digital, and video—not to mention its own theme song—the campaign brings to life the experience beyond the race: a full-day, fan-first extravaganza packed with fun for the whole family.

“This campaign amplifies everything we love about Race Day and invites even more fans to join us in the experience,” said Dave Prater, Vice President – Supercross, Feld Motor Sports. “Supercross brings together the world’s best athletes at the pinnacle of off-road motorcycle racing, showcasing unmatched levels of skill, bravery, strength, and endurance. Seeing the sport up close and meeting these remarkable athletes at FanFest, while being part of the crowd takes the excitement to a whole new level. This campaign is an invitation to experience Supercross live and in person in an entirely new way.”

The new campaign is built around the momentum of Supercross’s record-breaking 2024 season, which marked the second year of the SMX World Championship. This groundbreaking series unified both disciplines of Supercross and Pro Motocross, culminating in the SMX World Championship Playoffs—a three-week postseason format—in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sept. 21. The event saw generational talents Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan both secure their second consecutive world championship titles in the 450 and 250 classes, respectively. With 2025 shaping up to be even bigger, the rebrand combines dynamic visuals with cutting-edge storytelling capturing the heart-pounding action and electric atmosphere of Supercross events.

“Supercross is all about community, energy, and the unforgettable feeling of being trackside,” said Sam Gomez, Senior Vice President of Digital Media and Communications at Feld Entertainment. “This campaign encapsulates the passion of our fans and the spirit of the sport while making it easier than ever for people to be part of the action. Thanks to Gupta Media’s storytelling and creative execution, we’re expanding our reach and delivering a campaign that lives up to the thrill of Supercross.”

Part of the crowd at a Supercross held in Charlotte. North Carolina last season. Feld photo.

Supercross FanFest typically draws NHL arena-sized audiences at each round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and is a big part of the overall Supercross experience.

“We knew that a campaign for Supercross had to match the intensity and passion of the sport itself,” said Gogi Gupta, Founder of Gupta Media, which developed the creative campaign in partnership with Feld Motor Sports. “Our team set out to create a campaign that not only drives ticket sales but also connects with fans on an emotional level, capturing the essence of what makes Supercross unforgettable.”

“Creating the ‘Saturday Is Race Day’ campaign was about capturing the raw energy and passion that make Supercross so special,” said Jen Perry, Executive Creative Director at Gupta Media. “We wanted to create something that not only resonates with fans but inspires them to engage and make it their own. Whether it’s through sharing their favorite Race Day moments with their families and friends or creating their own takes on the Race Day chant on social media, this is a rallying cry for the Supercross community to unite and amplify what they love about Race Day.”

A series ad featuring the new tag line, “Saturday Is Race Day.” The first Supercross of 2025 will be held at Angel Stadium on January 11th. Feld graphic.

Fans can expect to see the new Supercross campaign rolling out across digital channels, television, and social media in the coming weeks. Tickets for the upcoming Supercross season are available now at SupercrossLIVE.com. The 17-race Supercross schedule is poised to visit 16 cities across 13 states, from California and Arizona to Alabama and Pennsylvania, which includes four rounds in the Northeast as the SMX League continues to drive growth of the sport within the region. Additional stops include Tampa at Raymond James Stadium and East Rutherford, N.J. at MetLife Stadium. New to the schedule this season is a stop at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn, home to the six-time Superbowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers.

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah And Happy New Year (Part 3)

Woodcraft
Solly Mervis/Ice Barn Racing.

 

Alessandro Di Mario

 

Champ School

 

MotoAmerica 2024 Super Hooligan Champion Cory West.

 

Arai’s founder back in the day…

 

EDR Performance

 

MotoGP

 

Suzuki International Series: Mitch Rees Wins Again On Cemetery Circuit In NZ

Whakatane’s Mitch Rees (92) cracked the ‘double’ once again, winning both the premier Formula one/Superbike class overall and taking the Robert Holden Memorial feature race win as well. He is congratulated here by visiting UK rider Davey Todd (D). Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

2024 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES WRAPS UP IN STYLE

The 2024 Suzuki International Series wrapped up in style on Whanganui’s world-famous Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day, December 26th.

With drizzle wetting the public street circuit early on Thursday morning, fears were held that this may dampen not only the twisty tarmac, but also the enthusiasm of the riders and spectators.

But this was not the case and, particularly as the circuit dried out brilliantly just before the first official races, the riders responded by producing some of the closest racing in the event’s history, with record-setting times recorded in many of the classes, and the crowds showed up anyway in large numbers for the post-Christmas blow-out.

The Cemetery Circuit street motorcycle racing event was the much-anticipated finale of the three-round annual Suzuki International Series and it was not hard to see why the annual motorcycling spectacle each December has a huge following, both domestically and internationally too.

The first two rounds were staged on purpose-built race tracks, in Taupo and Manfeild respectively, in the two weekends preceding Boxing Day and there riders had set themselves up for a thrilling final showdown at Whanganui.

The public street course at Whanganui is unique in world road-racing circles, affectionately regarded as the “Isle of Man of the Southern Hemisphere”, taking the speeding riders past headstones in the inner-city graveyard, not to mention the competitors zooming close to road-side curbs, across white-painted lines, over railway lines and near to traffic islands. It takes your breath away just to think about it, although serious safety measures were in place.

It was memorable again this year as Bay of Plenty father and son duo Tony and Mitch Rees led the way in the premier Formula One/Superbike class, the two men shading a couple of 2024 Isle of Man title winners from the United Kingdom, Davey Todd and Peter Hickman, as the competitors arrived in Whanganui on Boxing Day morning.

And, after a long day of intense action, featuring racing in 14 separate bike classes, that’s how the F1 class did end up, Rees junior No.1 and Rees senior No.2, followed by international stars Todd and Hickman.

This meant the just-turned 32-year-old Mitch Rees had made it four F1 title wins in a row in this popular Christmas-time series.

Mitch Rees previously won the Formula One class overall in the Suzuki International Series in 2020, 2022 and 2023 (the series was not run in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

It also meant he had added the Robert Holden Memorial feature race win to the ones he had celebrated in 2022 and last year too, now making it three wins in a row for this prestigious trophy.

The Robert Holden Memorial trophy probably holds a special place in the Rees family home, with Mitch Rees’ late younger brother Damon Rees having also won it in 2020 and it has been won their father Tony Rees on seven occasions (between 1990 and 2016), the now 57-year-old showing that age truly is just a number.

Hickman had won this trophy also on his previous visit to New Zealand in 2018.

There were plenty of stand-outs in the Suzuki International Series this year, but there was no going past the double-class wins achieved by young Aucklander Tyler King (the 18-year-old from Silverdale who won both the Formula Three and Supersport 300 classes) and home-town hero Richie Dibben (the Whanganui 35-year-old who won both the Supermoto class, for modified dirt bikes, and the inaugural Adventure Bikes class as well).

The Supermoto class was a crowd favourite on the public streets of Whanganui on Boxing Day, with UK rider Davey Todd (Suzuki RM-Z450 letter D) and local Whanganui hero Richie Dibben (Suzuki RM-Z450 No.1) close through every twist and turn. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

“It has been a fantastic series again this year, with great racing throughout the classes,” said Suzuki International Series organiser Allan ‘Flea’ Willacy.

“The competition has been good and we have seen some great crowds. The overseas competitors did not let us down and they really put on a great show.”

Meanwhile, German rider Wolfi Schuster and Frenchman Timothee Monot also added to the international flavour of racing this year, both of these riders entered in the Formula Two/600cc class, although Monot was at Whanganui only. Stuttgart’s Schuster finished a creditable third overall in the F2 class at Whanganui, behind Cambridge’s Morgan McLaren-Wood and Wanaka’s Seth Devereux, while Brittany resident Montot claimed 11th overall in the class on Boxing Day.

Class winners in the 2024 Suzuki International Series, which wrapped up in Whanganui on Boxing Day, are Whakatane’s Mitch Rees (Formula One/Superbikes class); Cambridge’s Morgan McLaren-Wood (Formula Two/Supersport 600); Auckland’s Tyler King (in both the Formula Three and Supersport 300 classes); Wellington’s Malcolm Beilski (Formula Sport, Senior); Whanganui’s Jeff Croot (Formula Sport, Junior); Glen Eden’s Daniel Mettam (Post Classics, Pre 95, Senior); Tauranga’s Darrick Kattenberg (Post Classics, Pre 95, Junior); Hastings’ Gian Louie (Post Classics, Pre 89, Senior); Lower Hutt’s Dean Bentley (Post Classics, Pre 89, Junior); Panmure’s Adam Unsworth and Whanganui’s Bryce Rose (Formula One Sidecars; Whanganui’s Tracey Bryan and Auckland’s Kendal Dunlop (Formula Two sidecars); and Whanganui’s Richie Dibben (in both the Supermoto and Adventure Bike classes).

Robert Holden Memorial feature race Top Five:

1. Mitch Rees

2. Davey Todd

3. Tony Rees

4. Morgan McLaren-Wood

5. Wellington’s Rogan Chandler.

More Results Follow Below

F1/Superbike Results and Points from the season Finale weekend
F1/Superbike Class Series Final Points from all three 2024 events
Robert Holden Memorial Race results

 

Supermoto class Round 3 Whanganui results 2024

 

Supermoto class series results 2024

 

The Suzuki International Series is supported by Suzuki New Zealand, Mondiale VGL, Auto Super Shoppe Tawa, Givi, I-Tools, Bridgestone tyres, Sharp As Linehaul Ltd Whanganui, TSS Motorcycles, Ipone, Inferno Design and Digital, Kiwibike Motorcycle Insurance Specialists, Cemetery Circuit Ltd.

DATES FOR 2024 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES:

• Round 1, Taupo, Dec 7th and 8th;

• Round 2, Manfeild, Feilding, Dec 14th and 15th;

• Round 3, Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit, Dec 26th.

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah And Happy New Year! (Part 2, Updated)

ROKit BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team

(Send your digital greeting card to [email protected])

 

1993 World Champion Kevin Schwantz
Fastrack Riders

 

NGK/NTK

 

Lightning

 

Ural

 

Rahal Ducati Moto

Click Link Below To See Rahal Ducati Moto Rider Videos:

https://rahalducatimoto.com/christmasvideo2024

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah And Happy New Year! (Updated)

Mithos

(Send your digital greeting card to [email protected])

 

Richie Escalante and family

 

American Flat Track

 

Steve McLaughlin

 

MotoUp

 

American Motorcyclist Assn. (AMA)
Sportbike Track Time

 

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
Hindle Exhaust Systems

 

Red Bull GasGas Tech3 Motul MotoGP

 

VIRginia International Raceway

 

Honda LCR MotoGP team

 

SSR Motorsports

American Kristian Daniel Jr. In 2025 MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Cup

Red Bull Rookies line up in 2024. Kristian Daniel Jr. is the only American in the program for 2025. Red Bull photo.

American Kristian Daniel Jr. returns to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2025, following his successful first season (2024) in the program, in which he finished 11th in points.

Red Bull Rookies chasing World Champions in 2025 – Entry List

26 of the world’s best young riders representing 19 different nations will contest the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2025. Of the 13 newcomers, Yaroslav Karpushin adds Kyrgyzstan to the list of Cup nations, Luca Agostinelli represents Vietnam, Kerman Tinez Venezuela and Gabriel Tesini is from San Marino. So in the Cup’s 19th season, the 265 Rookies that are the Cup’s history represent 43 nations. Alejandra Garcia is the 4th female to join the Cup.

Of the Rookies that have graduated from the Cup, more than 50% have made a start in the World Championship and of those, 30% have won a GP. 11 ex Rookies have won 15 World Championships including this year’s MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martín, Rookies class of 2014. Ai Ogura, Class of 2017, has this season’s Moto2 title and David Alonso, Class of 2021, is Moto3 World Champion.

While Martín defends his MotoGP crown in 2025 he is joined in the premier class by Ogura as Alonso moves up to Moto2. Five of last year’s Rookies Cup graduates are all set to race in the Moto3 World Championship led by our 2024 champion Álvaro Carpe. He is joined by Valentin Perrone, Màximo Quiles, Ruche Moodley and Guido Pini.

Kristian Daniel, Jr. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
American Kristian Daniel, Jr. Photo courtesy Red Bull Rookies.
American Kristian Daniel Jr. (70) in action at the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
American Kristian Daniel Jr. (70), as seen during the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Red Bull Rookies.
American Kristian Daniel, Jr. (70) leads a group of riders at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
American Kristian Daniel, Jr. (70) leads a group of riders at Le Mans during the 2024 season. Photo courtesy Red Bull Rookies.

Provisional 2025 Entry List

4 Sullivan Mounsey (Great Britain GBR)

5 Leo Rammerstorfer (Austria AUT)

7 Beñat Fernandez (Spain SPA)

9 Luca Agostinelli (Vietnam VNM)

11 David González (Spain SPA)

13 Hakim Danish (Malaysia MAL)

16 Joel Pons (Spain SPA)

17 Yaroslav Karpushin (Kyrgyzstan KGZ)

22 Alejandra Fernández (Spain SPA)

24 Guillem Planques (France FRA)

29 Lucas Brown (Great Britain GBR)

31 Giulio Pugliese (Italy ITA)

32 Kiandra Ramadhipa (Indonesia INA)

34 Zen Mitani (Japan JPN)

36 Jurrien van Crugten (Netherlands NED)

40 Gabriel Tesini (San Marino SMR)

45 Kgopotso Mononyane (South Africa RSA)

48 Lenoxx Phommara (Switzerland SUI)

50 Carter Thompson (Australia AUS)

51 Brian Uriarte (Spain SPA)

54 Veda Pratama (Indonesia INA)

70 Kristian Daniel Jr. (United States USA)

72 David Da Costa (France FRA)

77 Kerman Tinez (Venezuela VEN)

85 Kiattisak Singhapong (Thailand THA)

95 Marco Morelli (Argentina ARG)

Provisional Calendar

TEST: March 26th 27th & 28th – Jerez (ESP)

RD 1: April 26-27 – Jerez (ESP)

RD 2: May 10-11 – Le Mans (FRA)

RD 3: June 7-8 – Aragon (ESP)

RD 4: June 21-22 – Mugello (ITA)

RD 5: July 12-13 – Sachsenring (GER)

RD 6: August 16-17 – Spielberg (AUT)

RD 7: September 13-14 – Misano (ITA)

Suzuki Series Finale Runs Thursday in New Zealand

The Supermoto class is sure to be a crowd favorite on the public streets of Whanganui on Boxing Day, especially if UK rider Davey Todd (Suzuki RM-Z450 letter D) and local hero Richie Dibben (Suzuki RM-Z450 No.1) have anything to do with it. This is an image from the Cemetery Circuit last season. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

WHANGANUI CITY BRACED FOR A MASSIVE STREET FIGHT

The population of Whanganui, New Zealand  is set to explode Thursday as the lower North Island city again hosts one of the most famous street races in the world.

The Cemetery Circuit street motorcycle racing event is the much-anticipated finale of the three-round annual Suzuki International Series and it’s set to blast off on Whanganui’s world-renowned Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day, December 26th, Thursday this week.

It’s not hard to see why the annual Suzuki International Series each December has a huge following, both domestically and internationally, too.

However, while the first two rounds of the 2024 edition of this motorcycle road-racing series have now been staged, it’s worth remembering that the best is always saved for last.

All that remains now for the 2024 Suzuki International Series to wrap up is for the world-renowned Cemetery Circuit races on Boxing Day, the massive annual post-Christmas festival of speed always a popular final blow-out before New Year celebrations begin.

The racing on the twists and turns of Whanganui’s public streets – with part of the circuit actually zig-zagging the riders past the Suzuki New Zealand headquarters on Heads Road – attracts worldwide interest every year, especially since this is one of the very few motorcycle street fights still being run anywhere in the world.

And, yes, the course does take the speeding riders past headstones in the inner-city graveyard, not to mention the competitors zooming close to road-side curbs, across white-painted lines, over railway lines and near to traffic islands. It takes your breath away just to think about it, although serious safety measures are in place.

Can Whakatane’s Mitch Rees win again on the famous streets of Whanganui on Boxing Day? Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

It may be memorable again this year as Bay of Plenty father and son duo Tony and Mitch Rees get set to bang handlebars once more in the premier Formula One/Superbike class and as Whanganui’s home-town hero Richie Dibben attempts to dish it up to international star Davey Todd in the Supermoto class (for modified dirt bikes).

With dual-class hero Todd also racing alongside fellow Brit and fellow 2024 Isle of Man winner Peter Hickman and Christchurch’s former national superbike champion Alastair Hoogenboezem in the F1 class, you just know there will be fireworks.

Whakatane’s Mitch Rees leads the way in this premier class, but he may be as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs on Thursday when he calculates the risks and rewards in his attempt to achieve a four-in-a-row win streak on Boxing Day.

Mitch Rees previously won the formula one class overall in the Suzuki International Series in 2020, 2022 and 2023 (the series was not run in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Meanwhile, the Robert Holden Memorial (RHM) feature race will no doubt be one of the highlights of Whanganui’s finale on the Cemetery Circuit.

It is a prestigious race that was won by Mitch Rees in 2022 and 2023, by his late brother Damon Rees in 2020 and by their father Tony Rees on seven occasions (between 1990 and 2016).

Other Robert Holden Memorial feature race winners in the past, who will also be racing in Whanganui this week include Taupo’s Scott Moir (the RHM winner in 2017) and Hickman (RHM winner in 2018).

Many eyes will perhaps also be on the racing between Dibben and Todd, with these two international stars separated by no more than the thickness of their plastic fairings throughout the Supermoto action so far.

All the other various classes too will provide nail-biting excitement, the Formula Three class, the Supersport 300 and Formula Sports classes always close affairs, while it’s worth noting that Whanganui crews will be out in force in the Formula One, Formula Two and Pre-82 Classic Sidecars classes.

Rounds one and two, at Taupo and Manfeild respectively, have given bike fans, enthusiasts, supporters, sponsors and even the riders themselves plenty to salivate over and they’ve shown how highly they value and love the competition that they’ve shown up in great numbers to watch it live and personal.

“It’s been a fantastic series so far, with great racing throughout the classes,” said Suzuki International Series organiser Allan ‘Flea’ Willacy.

“The competition has been good. The weather’s been perfect and we’ve seen great crowds. The overseas competitors have not let us down and they’ve put on a great show.

“We’re all looking forward now to the final round.”

Class leaders after the second round of three in the 2024 Suzuki International Series at Manfeild are Whakatane’s Mitch Rees (formula one/superbikes class); Cambridge’s Morgan McLaren-Wood (formula two/Supersport 600); Auckland’s Tyler King (in both the formula three and Supersport 300 classes); Wellington’s Malcolm Beilski (Formula Sport, Senior); Whanganui’s Jeff Croot (Formula Sport, junior); Glen Eden’s Daniel Mettam (Post Classics, Pre 95, Senior); Tauranga’s Darrick Kattenberg (Post Classics, Pre 95, Junior); Hastings’ Gian Louie (Post Classics, Pre 89, Senior); Lower Hutt’s Dean Bentley (Post Classics, Pre 89, Junior); Panmure’s Adam Unsworth and Whanganui’s Bryce Rose (F1 sidecars); Whanganui’s Tracey Bryan and Auckland’s Kendal Dunlop (F2 sidecars); Whanganui’s Richie Dibben (in both the Supermoto and Adventure Bike classes).

The Suzuki International Series is supported by Suzuki New Zealand, Mondiale VGL, Auto Super Shoppe Tawa, Givi, I-Tools, Bridgestone tyres, Sharp As Linehaul Ltd Whanganui, TSS Motorcycles, Ipone, Inferno Design and Digital, Kiwibike Motorcycle Insurance Specialists, Cemetery Circuit Ltd.    

DATES FOR 2024 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES:

  • Round 1, Taupo, Dec 7th and 8th;
  • Round 2, Manfeild, Feilding, Dec 14th and 15th;
  • Round 3, Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit, Dec 26th.

KTM Says It’s Here To Stay, Despite Parent Company’s Woes (Updated)

Pedro Acosta recently testing a 2025 KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike. Photo by Michael Gougis,

RISING THROUGH ADVERSITY:

KTM PLOTS A PATH TO THE FUTURE AND TO MORE VICTORY

KTM - HERE TO STAY!

 
READY TO RACE is more than a slogan for KTM. It defines our existence. In competition, there are highs and lows, daring and disappointment, and victory and defeat. 2024 has been a year of conquests but also challenges for the company. Heading into 2025 and the future, there are more jumps, ruts, and bumps ahead – but we are not letting off the throttle.
 

2024 has been a remarkable year for KTM, marked by bold innovation, thrilling victories, and unwavering customer dedication. While challenges are part of any great journey, we see them as an opportunity to accelerate toward an even brighter future.

It is no secret that KTM AG is navigating a shifting economic landscape. However, as our READY TO RACE mantra suggests, we are embracing this moment to realign, refuel, and reinvigorate. KTM remains fully committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our current and future customers. We will continue to thrill and find our way to the top of the podium again.

Racing is where we show our brand, our engineering and our passion for the chase. Over the past year, our motorsport teams continued to achieve greatness. We started the season with a staggering 341 FIM World Championship Titles. The globe-trotting calendars involved more than 1,480 race starts and brought us 246 podiums and 150 wins across various disciplines. Of course, there were hardships and injuries—these go with the turf—but KTM impressively added 11 more hard-fought titles to the record.

Off the racing line, the KTM brand has also been extremely active this year. The brand unveiled 59 new models, hosted three international media launches with 152 media partners in attendance, successfully pulled off three customer events with 283 participants, and returned to EICMA, the world’s largest motorcycle show, with a massive 1,635 m² booth along with 17 new KTM products.
 

There has been a strong push behind these new motorcycles, as well as efforts to ensure we maintain momentum in the right areas.KTM is applying the same forward-thinking approach during this restructuring phase. Our goal over the next 90 days is to stabilize the business while setting the foundation for sustained growth and success.

Throughout this period, KTM guarantees the continuation of motorcycles being delivered through our Authorized KTM Dealer network. The same goes for our spare parts, technical accessories, customer service support and warranties which remain unchanged, ensuring ongoing and unwavering support throughout this period.

The work and the desire for the latest edgy, extreme and adventurous motorcycles goes on. KTM is preparing the launch of a brace of highly anticipated models, which will be in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2025. This again shows our pledge to remain as one of Europe’s leading motorcycle manufacturer well into the future.

Click HERE to watch a compelling video of the challenges and victories that have shaped the KTM brand.
 
 
More, from a news release issued by KTM, on its Supercross World Championship team:
 

A returning four-rider Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team will feature Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger in the 450 Class alongside 250 Class duo Tom Vialle and Julien Beaumer in the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), inclusive of the AMA Supercross, Pro Motocross and SMX Finals series.

RED-BULL-KTM-FACTORY-RACING-TEAM 2025.
The Red Bull KTM Factory motocross 2025 team. Photo courtesy KTM.

Equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, the 31-round marathon will see 25-year-old Sexton out to reclaim the 450SX title that he earned in 2023, before he aims to defend his 450MX championship outdoors, and then will target a first-career 450SMX crown in the post-season. With a full season with Red Bull KTM complete, the pair are in a strong position to build upon their success together into the new year.

Chase Sexton: “We’re getting close to the season now and I had a good off-season, took around five weeks off of the bike, so I feel refreshed and we’ve made a lot of progress – compared to last year I’m in a much better spot for 2025. The goal this season is to win more races than last year, so I feel good, and I’m ready to start the season.”

Alongside Sexton, Plessinger, 28, is entering his fourth term with Red Bull KTM and is coming off the strongest season of his career in winning a Supercross Main Event in San Diego. ‘The Cowboy’ finished third overall in Pro Motocross, before racing to P4 at the conclusion of the SMX season. Those results mean that Plessinger will enter Anaheim 1 with confidence on his side and with even larger targets to achieve.

Aaron Plessinger: “I’m super-stoked for the 2025 season! I’m ready to start where we left off in Supercross last year, where I won my first Main Event, and I only think we’re going to get better this year. The bike’s good, I’m feeling strong both physically and mentally, so I’m ready to show these guys that I’m here to stick around and that it ain’t no game. I’m ready to see the fans and have a good time doing it!”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s 250 line-up will once again be headlined by the exciting combination of 24-year-old Vialle – the reigning 250SX East Champion – and talented young American prospect Beaumer, each competing aboard the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

Already a two-time MX2 World Champion prior to his arrival in the United States, French standout Vialle will enter 2025 in search of a second 250SX title, while also firmly targeting his maiden American outdoor championship in 250MX. The Red Bull KTM rider placed runner-up in both Pro Motocross and SMX this year, showcasing his capabilities across the board during his second year being based in the U.S.

Tom Vialle: “Everything has been going good this off-season, I was able to win the Paris Supercross, and we have done a lot of testing with the team already. I’m really happy with the bike, the suspension, and also, we have some engine upgrades, so everything so far is working good together. I’m going into my third year of Supercross and was able to win the 250SX East Championship this year, and now I am working hard to try and defend it in 2025. I’m really happy to win my first title indoors and the goal is to win another one next season. It’s a little bit of extra pressure, but I wouldn’t say a lot.”

At 18 years of age, Beaumer is preparing to enter his second full season of professional competition after debuting with Red Bull KTM one year ago. He finished as Rookie of the Year in both 250SX and 250MX, before going on to capture a breakout 250SMX podium result during the SMX Playoffs. Added experience will be instrumental for ‘JuJu’ when the racing commences next season.

Julien Beaumer: “The off-season’s been going really good for me, I’m excited to get going, and the goal this year is to win. I’m in a spot right now where I’m confident that I have the fitness and speed to do that, because I’ve been feeling good on the bike and we’ve made a lot of progress. Last year I had speed, but I made quite a few rookie mistakes, so I have been learning to eliminate those and I’m confident that this upcoming season will be a lot better for me.”

Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “We’ve had a good off-season to prepare so far, and we are ready to start our second year with Chase, so hopefully we can expand on our success and get even better with him for 2025. Aaron had his best season ever this past year, and the plan is to improve on that too. Tom is the defending champion in 250SX East, it will be great to see the number 1 on our bike when the Eastern Region begins. Julien is going into his second season with us, so we are hoping that after a strong pre-season he will be in a position to really shine also. It’s always an exciting time leading up to Anaheim 1 and we are ready for the challenge ahead.”

Supercross will host its traditional opening round at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Saturday, January 11th, set to span 17 rounds. Teams will later turn their attention to the Pro Motocross Championship from Saturday, May 24th, at Fox Raceway in Pala, California, for an 11-round journey, before the three-round SMX Finals are due to take off in September.

 

More, from another  news release issued by KTM, on its 2025 Dakar RallyGP team:

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s three-man team of Kevin Benavides, Luciano Benavides, and Daniel Sanders are all set to take on the 2025 Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class. After a strong program of testing and training, the experienced trio are raring to go ahead of the world’s toughest rally-raid. Starting January 3, the event will commence with a short prologue, after which competitors will tackle 12 stages spanning nearly 8,000 km across Saudi Arabia.

Red Bull KTM Dakar Team
Red Bull KTM Dakar team. Photo by Sebas Romero.

Heading into the 2025 edition as a two-time Dakar champion, Kevin Benavides is fully focused on success. The Argentinian endured a difficult 2024 season, with injuries leaving him sidelined from competition for most of the year. However, after an intense program of training and recovery, Kevin aims to be as fit as possible for the upcoming Dakar as he hopes to claim a third win at the iconic event.

Kevin Benavides: “My preparation and training has been really positive, as I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym and cycling and I have prioritized recovery too. Combining that with time on my bike has worked well, and I’m feeling ready to go! Ahead of Dakar, I don’t have many expectations because I like to surprise myself every day, but the fight to win is now greater than ever, that’s for sure. I will give 100% every day and see where we go from there. Over the past two years I have learned the importance of keeping myself fit and riding smart to avoid injuries, because I want to keep doing what I love for as long as possible. I’m really excited to race with this amazing team and people, especially alongside Luciano, and I can’t wait to get going in January!”

Fresh off a solid third place result at the Rallye du Maroc, his first outing back riding the KTM 450 RALLY, Luciano Benavides is fired-up and ready to tackle the 2025 Dakar Rally. Despite suffering a leg injury in June, Luciano has worked hard to bounce back and prepare for Dakar as best as possible. As the 2023 FIM Rally-Raid World Champion and a multiple Dakar stage winner, the Argentinian has a wealth of experience to draw on to achieve his goal of finishing on the top step of the podium.

Luciano Benavides: “Testing went really well, and I’m feeling ready for the big one! I’ve been super busy preparing and training for Dakar with a lot of bike time in the desert in Argentina, Chile, and America, as well as a lot of cycling. My first goal for this Dakar is to arrive feeling 100%, because then I know I can perform at the top. It’s a long race, so we have to take it day by day, but I want to be competitive throughout. From my experience of previous Dakars, I know that you have to be able to bounce back from any bad days, stay focused and remember the ultimate goal, which is to win. Heading into the 2025 Dakar, I feel great and have put so much work in both mentally and physically to be up for it. It’s going to be a great race, and I can’t wait to get to Saudi and get started!”

Fired-up from his recent victory at the Rally du Maroc, Daniel Sanders is keen to carry his momentum into the 2025 Dakar Rally. As a stage winner at previous Dakars, the Australian is determined to push hard from the start. Having finished eighth in the last edition, Daniel is focused on building on his strong form and achieving a top result in Saudi Arabia in January.

Daniel Sanders: “We had some really great training as a team in America, with a lot of roadbook work over pretty demanding terrain to get us ready for Dakar. I feel even more comfortable on the bike since Morocco, and physically I’m feeling fit and strong too. The team have put in a lot of hard work to get the bike completely dialed in and I’ve spent a lot of hours on it testing and making sure it’s perfect. I think I have a really good chance of getting on the podium this year at Dakar, but of course you have to take it day by day. The first week looks tough and quite intense with both the chrono and marathon stages, but I am really looking forward to it. I’m more determined than ever to put KTM back on the top step, so my win in Morocco was a huge confidence boost in that sense. I can’t wait to get to Saudi and start the new year with a bang!”

For its 47th edition, this year’s Dakar Rally will be hosted in the Middle East for the sixth consecutive year. Setting off on January 3 from Bisha, riders will face a short, timed prologue, which will set the tone for the following 12 stages in the Saudi Arabian desert. Competitors will cover nearly 8,000 km, with 5,000 km raced against the clock in timed special stages. In an exciting twist for 2025, the race will feature the grueling 48-hour chrono stage on days two and three, followed almost instantly by the marathon stage, leaving competitors little time to catch their breath. A rest day in Ha’il on January 10 will be welcomed by all, with seven stages through the Empty Quarter then standing between the riders and the finish in Shubaytah on January 17.

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “Now we’re ready to race the 2025 Dakar! We have a really strong team, especially after Daniel’s win in Morocco, which proved that we have what it takes to be back on the podium. Daniel and Luciano have been training hard and are super motivated, and Kevin is a fighter so even though it will be tough, we have every faith that all three of them can perform. We can’t wait to get started!”

 

More, from another  news release issued by KTM, on its 2025 Dakar Rally2 entrys:

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has signed Edgar Canet to contest the 2025 Dakar Rally. The promising young talent will join the team to compete in the Rally2 class this coming January. Joining the experienced line-up of Kevin Benavides, Daniel Sanders, and Luciano Benavides, Canet will no doubt benefit from the trio’s expertise and advice throughout the event as he takes on Dakar for the first time.

Edgar Canet. Photo courtesy KTM.

Canet has had a busy year of competition, contesting the Rally Portugal, Rallye du Maroc, Desafio Ruta 40, Oasis Rally, and Baja Aragon in order to gain valuable experience and qualify for the 2025 Dakar Rally. Making his world championship debut at the age of 19 in the 2024 Rally Portugal, Edgar impressed by securing third place in his very first prologue stage. He went on to finish the event in 11th overall and claimed an impressive third place in the Rally2 category.

Set to compete in his first ever Dakar Rally, the young Spaniard is fully focused on getting to know the race and successfully reaching the finish line, while a strong result in the Rally2 category would be an incredible bonus. Drawing on his extensive roadbook and navigation work, as well as his time spent training with Luciano, Daniel, and Kevin in America, Edgar is eager to get underway at the iconic event in the new year.

Edgar Canet: “I’m really excited to have qualified for Dakar 2025 and to be supported by KTM for my debut in the world’s most demanding rally is a dream come true. I’ve been racing on a KTM since I was four years old, so to join the factory team now is amazing. I spent a few days riding in the USA with my new teammates Luciano, Kevin and Daniel, and they helped me so much. I have adapted really well to the KTM 450 RALLY, which I know is a winning bike, so I can’t wait to race it at the Dakar. My goal is to get to the finish line and learn as much about the race as possible, and I feel mentally and physically ready for what is to come. Thank you to KTM for the support, and I can’t wait to get underway in Saudi Arabia!”

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We’re super happy to announce that Edgar Canet is joining us in Rally2 for Dakar! He has done a great job this season and is a very promising young talent. At only 19 years old, he is performing really well and we’re looking forward to supporting him through his first Dakar.”

MotoAmerica: Mission Mini Cup National Final Set For Road America

The 2025 MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final will be held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10. Photo by Larry Lawrence
The 2025 MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final will be held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10. Photo by Larry Lawrence

After a highly successful debut in 2024, MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, has announced that it will once again host the 2025 MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10.

The 2025 MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup National Final will be held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10.

Champions will be crowned in six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP110 (ages 8-12), GP160 (ages 10-14), GP190 (ages 10-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up). The Stock 125 class has been replaced by GP 110.

“Our inaugural Mission Mini Cup National Final went extremely well,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “It was our first season of running regional qualifiers for the National, and we had young racers qualify from all over the country. Riders who compete in their local qualifiers will again automatically earn 10 bonus points toward the accumulation of points that contribute to their tally in the National Final. We hope to build on the success of the 2024 event with even more regional races, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”

In 2024, there were 18 Qualifier events held across 11 states, allowing young riders from diverse regions of the country to compete for a spot in the National Final. MotoAmerica is committed to expanding this program in 2025, with the goal of increasing the number of Qualifiers and providing even more opportunities for emerging talent. In case you missed last year’s Final, be sure to check it out on MotoAmerica’s YouTube channel.

In addition to crowning National Champions at the Mission Mini Cup National Final, Dunlop will select riders for the 2026 Team Dunlop Road Race Elite amateur program based on results from the Road America event. Select Champions from the National Final who intend to move up will also gain free entries into the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup Series.

For more information on becoming a Mini Cup National Qualifier host, email [email protected].

BMW Launches C 400 GT Mid-Size Scooter

The 2025 BMW C 400 GT scooter has a single-cylinder engine and CVT transmission.

The new 2025 BMW C 400 GT.

BMW Motorrad USA proudly presents the new, updated 2025 C 400 GT premium mid-size scooter. The BMW C 400 GT, or Gran Turismo, receives technical improvements, new standard equipment and enhancements to comfort and usability. Excellent handling and riding characteristics combined with comfort, and premium features mean that the C 400 GT continues to be at the forefront of the premium midsize scooter segment.

Features

350 cc water-cooled single-cylinder 34 hp motor with electronic throttle.

New EU5+ emissions compliance.

CVT transmission.

New standard ABS Pro with BDC Dynamic Brake Control.

New standard DTC Dynamic Traction Control and EBC Engine Brake Control.

New two-position manually adjustable windscreen.

New, reshaped seat, now 0.4-inches lower.

New, increased under seat storage, now 7.1-liters larger.

New, larger right-front storage compartment, now 3.2-liters larger.

New USB-C charging port(s), replaces previous USB-A.

New Style Exclusive in Diamond White Metallic.

New Ultimate Care Break-In Service included.

Powerful single-cylinder drive with EU-5+ homologation and ABS Pro with DBC, DTC and EBC as standard.

The engine remains the proven single-cylinder engine, making 34 hp at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 26 lb-ft. at 5,750 rpm. Power is transmitted via a continuously variable CVT transmission.

The BMW C 400 GT is now equipped with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro as standard, replacing the previously standard ABS. Thanks to ABS-assisted braking at a lean angle, ABS Pro offers more safety and stability when braking in turns. Optimal brake pressure is continuously calculated calculated input from a six-axis sensor and from a pressure sensor.

In addition, the new standard Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) function, linked to ABS Pro, offers an extra level of safety by controlling throttle input during braking. As soon as ABS detects that the front brake has been applied strongly and quickly, the system controls pressure build up, enabling controlled braking. If the throttle is opened during detected emergency braking, the system reduces engine torque, keeping braking more stable and braking distances to a minimum. EBC Engine Brake Control helps prevent rear wheel slip when the throttle is quickly released by monitoring rear wheel slip, depending on lean angle, and increasing engine rpms to maintain stability.

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR) are also now standard. DTC, which replaces the previous ASC, has the added benefit of slip control while leaning. It compares rotation speed between front and rear wheels to detect rear wheel slip. If rear wheel slip exceeds limits, engine power/torque are reduced to maintain traction.

Connectivity — standard large, readable 6.5-inch TFT display. Navigation preparation and a 10.25” display for the BMW C 400 GT are optional.

The BMW C 400 GT comes with a large 6.5-inch TFT display as standard. The variety of information, display quality and, last but not least, user friendliness are unmatched. In conjunction with the BMW Motorrad Connected app, the display is linked to the multi-controller on the left handlebar and can be operated quickly, safely, and conveniently. Connectivity Pro, part of the optional Premium package, includes a larger 10.25” TFT display.

Convenient calling, listening to music and navigating while riding are all possible. If, for example, a smartphone and helmet are connected to the BMW Motorrad communication system via Bluetooth, media playback and telephone functions can be easily accessed using the TFT-display. These functions can be used without installing an app. If there is an active Bluetooth connection to a standard smartphone, the rider can enjoy listening to music while riding and charge the smartphone in the actively cooled storage compartment. In addition, the free BMW Motorrad Connected app offers practical arrow navigation directly via the TFT display.

This basic navigation is particularly attractive for riders who want to comfortably handle everyday traffic or short trips without additional equipment. Navigation preparation with a holder for the BMW Motorrad Connected Ride Navigator or the BMW Motorrad Connected Ride Cradle is available as an accessory (not in conjunction with the 10.25” display).

Greatly expanded storage space. New accessories such as 43.5 liter top case, body protector and hand guards.

The 2025 BMW C 400 GT now has more storage space than ever. Combined storage volume, between the front and under seat compartments is increased by as much as 12 liters. BMW Motorrad engineers have taken care to extract the most possible storage room from all three storage compartments. The under seat compartment has been enlarged by 23%, from 30.5 liters to 37.6 liters and can now accommodate a 15-inch laptop. The right-front storage compartment has been enlarged by 346%, from 1.3 liters to 4.7 liters and can now accommodate a 16 oz. bottle. The left-front storage compartment has been slightly enlarged and with the Connectivity package, part of the optional Premium Package, now includes smartphone charging and cooling.

With 43.5 liters of storage space, the new top case not only offers 13.5 liters more volume than before, but can also now accommodate a payload of 22 lbs. instead of the previous 11 lbs. It also features interior lighting and a USB-C charging port. A back cushion and painted side panels are available as options for the new top case. It is attached to the vehicle via a vibration-isolated luggage rack. New original BMW Motorrad accessories, such as body protectors and hand guards, round off the range of offers.

The BMW C 400 GT now also comes with a standard manually adjustable windshield and can be fitted with an accessory luggage rack.

BMW C 400 GT features lower seat height and a new Style Exclusive variant.

The BMW C 400 GT’s ground accessibility has been improved with a reshaped and lower seat (30.1 inch seat height vs. previous 30.5 inch seat height) and reduced leg arch reach (now 68.6 inches vs previous 69.1 inches) to provide greater comfort and improved ergonomics.

In addition to the standard Black Storm Metallic version with black seat, black wheels and black front brake calipers, the BMW C 400 GT is available in the new Style Exclusive variant.

The Style Exclusive BMW C 400 GT is finished in Diamond White Metallic and looks decidedly elegant. Gold wheels, and graphics, a black seat with embroidered gold emblem complement the gold front brake calipers. Ground lighting with a BMW logo projection or stainless-steel floorboard inserts round off the design.

Standard Equipment

Stepless CVT with automatic centrifugal clutch.

Water-cooled 1-cylinder 350 cc engine with Ride-by-Wire.

ABS Pro.

Dynamic Brake Control.

Dynamic Engine Brake Control.

Dynamic Traction Control.

Twin Rear Shocks, Preload Adjustable.

35 mm Telescopic Forks.

Automatic Stability Control.

Electronic Immobilizer.

LED Headlight, taillight and turn signals.

12V Socket, and USB-C Port.

Twin Headlamp unit.

Comfort Turn Indicators.

6.5-inch Colored TFT screen with Connectivity.

Two position, manually adjustable windshield (+/- 2.5 inch positions).

Center Stand.

Lighted Flexcase storage compartment.

Ultimate Care Break-In Service.

Like all 2025 model year BMW motorcycle models, the new C 400 GT includes the Ultimate Care Break-In Service, or “600 Mile Service” as standard. This included service further provides BMW customers with a truly premium experience. Time and mileage limits apply – maximum 6 months from the in-service date or maximum 750 miles – whichever comes first.

Optional Packages and Equipment

Premium Package

Heated Grips.

Heated Seat.

10.25” TFT Display with Connectivity, split screen, and map navigation.

Luggage Grid.

Style Exclusives

Diamond White Metallic Paint.

Adjustable Tinted Windshield.

Gold colored wheels, front brake calipers, and graphics.

Floor lighting or alternative Floorboards.

Individual Options

Anti-Theft Alarm (dealer installed accessory).

Luggage Rack for new, larger 43.5 liter top case.

Top case, 43.5 liters with interior lighting and USB-C connection.

Optional Backrest Pad, Side Panels, Luggage Net, Top Case Liner.

Stainless Floorboard Inserts

Anodized Handlebar Weights.

Hand Guards.

Body Protectors.

 

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

www.bmwgroup.com and www.bmwmotorcycles.com