One year later, the all-electric, Eva Ribelle RS with the readily available KCC (Kit Corsa Clienti) returns to where it all began, ready to spearhead yet another attack on a whole field of ICE [Internal Combustion Engine] motorcycles. In what will be the first of five events for this year’s Roland Sands Design (RSD) Super Hooligan National Championship, run in conjunction with MotoAmerica, Energica partners once again with the top-level Tytlers Cycle Racing Team and with Stefano Mesa, who rode the Ribelle to what was the first-ever podium for an electric vehicle against traditionally powered machines (Austin, Race One) as well as rewriting how quick an electric motorcycle can be at the iconic Laguna Seca Raceway – all while finishing the debut season in fourth place overall.
But last year is in the books, and it is now time to focus on what is ahead. The 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship is shaping up to be as competitive as ever, with some of the best manufacturers of full-handlebar, naked bikes and a list of riders so long that at some events, one race is not enough to fit all of them.
With some good amount of experience in the bags, Mesa, Tytlers Cycle Racing and Energica are ready for this new challenge. It will not be easy (it never is), but that is what competition is all about, as racing has always been the best benchmark for the present, and the future.
The Daytona International Speedway, with its never-ending banking, is waiting for the Rebel to return. It is only a matter of days now, and the air is electric. The two races of the Super Hooligan National Championship at the iconic venue in Daytona Beach, Florida, will take place on Friday 7th (1:45 pm) and Saturday 8th of March (10:10 am). All times ET.
The 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship races are once again LIVE on MotoAmerica’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on demand shortly after each encounter.
Michael Kiley – Tytlers Cycle Racing Team Principal
“The Hooligans class has grown exponentially through the years as seen by the number of entrants and the variety of bikes. We are very grateful to Roland Sands and MotoAmerica for the opportunity to compete and to Energica for building a bike that has allowed us to be competitive. We’ve been writing the book on racing electric bikes and having fun doing it. At the end of the day we want a shot at the top of the podium in a fair race. We are happy to have that.”
Giampiero Testoni – Energica CTO
“We’re happy to be back with Tytlers Cycle Racing and Stefano Mesa in the 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship. Last year was a memorable one, with results that went even beyond our initial expectations. The series is going from strength to strength and there will be new manufacturers and international riders on the grid, so we expect some stiff competition. We are looking forward for the action to get underway and see where we’re at, and then build from there.”
MotoGP™ Race Direction updates from the Permanent Bureau
The Permanent Bureau, comprising the FIM and Dorna, confirms the structure of Race Direction in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship.
The three-person team of Race Directors for the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship will therefore comprise:
• MotoGP™ Race Director – Mike Webb
• Moto2™, Moto3™ & MotoE™ Race Director – Graham Webber
• Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup & Talent Cup Race Director – George Massaro
This experienced, cohesive team will ensure continuity throughout the competitions in the Grand Prix paddock, with each bringing their specialist knowledge to their respective classes and ensuring another year of sporting success for MotoGP™.
Please find below the complete list of permanent officials and bodies for the 2024 FIM Grand Prix World Championship:
Race Direction:
Race Director and Chairman: Mike WEBB
FIM Representative: Bartolome ALFONSO
Dorna Representative: Loris CAPIROSSI
Event Management Committee:
Race Director and Chairman: Mike WEBB
Deputy Race Director: Graham WEBBER
FIM Safety Officer: Bartolome ALFONSO
FIM Medical Director: Giancarlo di FILIPPO
GP Technical Director: Danny ALDRIDGE
FIM GP Technical Representative: Dominique HEBRARD
FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel:
FIM MotoGP Steward Chairman (nominated by IRTA): Freddie SPENCER
FIM MotoGP Stewards (nominated by FIM): Andrès SOMOLINOS and Tamara MATKO
FIM Appeal Stewards Panel:
This panel is composed of the Members of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission (CCR) mentioned below by rotation and a member representing the National Federation Affiliated to the FIM.
• Ralph BOHNHORST
• Raffaele De FABRITIIS
• Stuart HIGGS
• Franco UNCINI
In reserve or for a last-minute replacement:
Paul DUPARC
Paul KING
Grand Prix Commission:
DORNA representative and Chairman: Carmelo EZPELETA
The reigning FIM Endurance World Champions, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team riders Niccolò Canepa, Karel Hanika, and Marvin Fritz, will make their debut at the 82nd running of the legendary Daytona 200 in Florida from the 7th-9th of March.
After winning the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in sensational fashion during the final round of the season at the Bol d’Or, the YART Yamaha team decided to set their sights on a different goal and take on what is commonly referred to as the “Great American Motorcycle Race”.
The Daytona 200 was founded in 1937, with the original race using dirt bikes and the sands of Daytona Beach as a track before it moved to the famous banking of the Daytona International Speedway in 1961 and switched to using machines based on the Grand Prix bikes of the day.
In 1985, safety concerns due to the increased top speeds of GP bikes led to the organisers limiting the entries to superbike-based machines only. Then, in 2009, they chose to switch to supersport machinery, and since 2022, the Daytona 200 has formed a non-points-scoring round of the MotoAmerica Supersport class.
This famous race has always drawn a spectacular entry list, especially during its heyday in the 1970s, and regularly attracts some of the top riders from around the world, with 2024 being no exception.
Historically, it has proved a happy hunting ground for Yamaha with 27 victories in total, more than any other manufacturer, including 13 consecutive wins from 1972 to 1984. The list of winners for Yamaha includes legends such as Jarno Saarinen, Giacomo Agostini, Johnny Cecotto, Steve Baker, Kenny Roberts, and Eddie Lawson, while Brandon Pasch secured Yamaha’s last victory in 2021.
Unlike in the EWC, where Canepa, Hanika, and Fritz race the YART R1 as a team, in Daytona, they will swap their usual steed for a Bridgestone-shod R6, and all three will compete against each other under the YART – Prokasro banner.
To help get up to speed, Hanika and Fritz both took part in an ASRA race at Daytona International Speedway towards the end of last year, but for Canepa, this week will be the first time he has ridden at the circuit. However, the trio took part in a recent test at Almeria in Spain on the YART R6 to continue adapting to the new machinery and different tyre compounds.
The 5.64km Daytona 200 layout presents a unique challenge, with the 31-degree banking allowing high top speeds and ensuring that maintaining a slipstream during the 57-lap race becomes vital. Plus, with nine left turns compared to three right, combined with the time spent on the left-hand side of the tyre while on the banking, it can be tricky to keep enough temperature in the right-hand side of the tyre for the infield section.
The 2024 Daytona 200 kicks off on Thursday, the 7th of March, with Practice starting at 10:45 am local time (UTC-5) before the first qualifying sessions get underway at 2:50 pm. The second qualifying sessions kick off on Friday at 10:10 am, with the race start scheduled for 1:10 pm on Saturday.
Niccolò Canepa
YART – Prokasro
“I am extremely excited to race in the Daytona 200. It is a special place with so much history, and the track is completely different from anything we normally race in Europe. I have never raced there, and I am not used to riding a 600c bike, so it will be a challenge but very exciting. I am delighted to be able to come here with my teammates to experience this. It is an extraordinary opportunity that YART have given us to race here, and I want to enjoy it. I will try my best, but I honestly have no idea how strong we will be. The R6 feels great, the team is amazing, so we will try to have fun, and you never know what could happen.”
Karel Hanika
YART – Prokasro
“The Daytona 200 has been on my wish list for many years, and to get to take part in this epic race with my YART Yamaha family is incredible. I came here for an ASRA race with Marvin in November, and we were able to put in some laps around this fantastic circuit. We are obviously not used to racing the R6 or this unique track, so we have had to adapt quickly and find the right Bridgestone tyre combinations. While we will not be riding as teammates, we can share all the data and try to help each other with the best setup. This year features an incredibly strong lineup of riders, and we have no real reference to how we will perform, but we will give it our best shot.”
Marvin Fritz
YART – Prokasro
“I am so excited for the race. Karel and I managed to ride here towards the end of last year in an ASRA race, and wow…what a circuit! It was essential to try and understand the demands of this track because, with the banking and the infield section, it can be tricky. Especially as you spend so much time on the left-hand side of the tyre on the banking, it is easy to make a mistake when you take a right corner, as the right-hand side of the tyre can get cold. We are riding separately in this race, but we will still work together as a team to help us achieve the best result possible. It is key here to work together to stay in the slipstream as if you get dropped from the train of riders, it is easy to fall out of contention. We are one of the only teams on Bridgestone tyres, so we have had to adapt quickly, not only to the R6 but the unique demands of the track. It will be different from what we are used to, but we are excited and can’t wait to get racing.”
Mandy Kainz
YART – Prokasro – Team Manager
“After such an incredible season being crowned World Endurance Champions, we thought we would come here with our riders to give them a taste of something different and as a reward for winning the title. We have had to adapt quickly to the R6 and the Bridgestone tyres, as this is a completely different challenge from what we are used to, but we feel confident that we have a good package. It will be very odd to see the guys riding against each other, but even though they are not riding as a team, we will make sure that we work together to get the best result possible, and I am excited to see what the guys can do against such an illustrious field.”
The world’s most exciting sport returns as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar lights the fuse on 2024
Monday, 04 March 2024
The time has come. From those first glimpses in Valencia through a winter eager for more, pre-season was then packed with headlines. The wait feels like minutes and months at the same time. But now, it’s time for the lights to go on in Qatar before they go off for the first Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race of a record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season: the full grid, at full power, for the full thrill of the world’s most exciting sport. We don’t call it that for nothing… welcome to the ride of your life!
BACK IN THE RING
There’s no doubt after pre-season that reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and that #1 plate, are the package to beat. There’s also no doubt that teammate Enea Bastianini looked extremely convincing on the other side of the garage now he’s back to full power after a 2023 season marred by injury. Could we now get the real continuation of that rivalry that started to really heat up in the latter stages of 2022?
The rivalry that did the same last season, meanwhile, also looks set to continue. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) had a pre-season shared between statement laps and signs he needed a little more time to settle in on the new bike, but we know when the lights go out he’ll be elbows out. 2024 is likely to bring us plenty more #PECCOvsMARTIN, and we can’t wait. On the other side of his garage there’s a whole different conundrum after Franco Morbidelli was sidelined from pre-season though, so his progress will be interesting amongst the Ducati ranks.
Completing the top three in 2023 was Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), and on paper it looked like he had a tougher pre-season. On paper, however, it also didn’t look like he was going to make it seem like he’d unlocked easy mode at a number of GPs last year. So has he got more in the locker to overturn the charge of new teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, who very much picked up where he’d left off in terms of pace?
His former teammate, Alex Marquez, now has a new one at Gresini Racing MotoGP™ too. For AM73, the goal for the year has got to be a Grand Prix win, as he’s now got Sprint victories and some podiums. For his new teammate, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez, it’s hard to tell what that goal really is. Pace? Proving a legacy? A ninth World Championship? Pure enjoyment? There are probably 93 answers to that question that people on all sides could argue, and we may never know the answer. However, we do get to come long for the ride. Qatar has never been his greatest track, so first time out as he’s still finding the limits may not prove a crystal ball, but it’s one of the most exciting moves in the history of the sport and we get to watch it.
TAKING THE FIGHT TO DUCATI?
That set of challengers is just Ducati. There are plenty more! At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, there’s plenty to get excited about after a good pre-season and a really solid 2023 too, especially from Brad Binder as he finished just behind the top three. He also did it becoming a Sprint winner and taking some big podiums, satisfyingly sideways in the heat of the battle at the front. Can he do it again? And can teammate Jack Miller even out a tougher 2023 at times to bring that Jerez form to the fore?
At Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, meanwhile, Augusto Fernandez is looking for some steps forward as the spotlight continues shining down on rookie Pedro Acosta. The hype was only fuelled throughout pre-season and, as ever, suffering less talk about his prospects would require him to go a whole lot slower. That seems unlikely. But what can we really expect? A whole range of results from stunning to steady is likely the truth, none of which by itself will have much to say about what we’ll be seeing from him by Jerez or Silverstone or Motegi. (He does have until the Sachsenring to beat Marc Marquez’ record as the youngest premier class winner though…)
At Aprilia, it was an interesting pre-season. Aleix Espargaro’s experience of the new machine was a near-immediate storming of the top echelons of the timesheets, whereas teammate Maverick Viñales and Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) took more time fitting the puzzle together. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) had even less of that as he sat out much of the Sepang Test after a crash.
By the start of the season proper, however, there are plenty of reasons to be looking forward to what the Noale Factory can do. Can Aprilia, with more factory collaboration with the brand new Trackhouse team and what looks like another serious challenger, add a little more consistency in 2024 to sustain that charge?
FIGHTING BACK TO THE FRONT
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™, the search continues to bridge the gap and unlock one-lap pace. But the new concession system has already seen the Iwata marque able to use more track time with race riders in pre-season, and we saw some updates appear too. Those race riders, 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo and new arrival Alex Rins, will be very eager to get back to work and see where they fit in the pecking order over full race distance, not least of all with that new top speed.
Honda likewise used the new concessions to field race riders in the Shakedown and, like Yamaha, won’t have their engine spec frozen. They also have some new faces to welcome, with Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) bringing his methodical approach to a factory team for the first time as he partners up with 2020 Champion Joan Mir. Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) and his experience stays put, but he welcomes Johann Zarco to the CASTROL Honda LCR side of the box – and in testing, the Frenchman was both very fast and very positive. We know it’s a whole new bike and we know they’ve moved forward, but can they bridge the gap even more as the season starts in earnest?
It was a six-race calendar across Europe when the world’s first motorsport World Championship was born in 1949. Now we’re ready for more than 20 events across the globe, with 777 points up for grabs across 21 Tissot Sprints and 21 Grand Prix races. There is history on the line even as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, so join us at the starting line as the lights go on at Lusail International Circuit and then go out to welcome the world’s most exciting sport back into action.
What’s happening at the #QatarGP
Thursday will be action-packed even before the engines fires up. The podcast is shown live at 15:00 local time welcoming Davide Brivio, Team Principal of the all-new Trackhouse Racing, as the American team get ready to take on MotoGP™.
Then, are two pre-event Press Conferences:
16:00: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).
16:35: Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).
That’s all against the backdrop of the classic start-of-season class photos, with Moto3™ at 17:30, Moto2™ at 18:10 and then MotoGP™ from 18:45, the latter with bikes first before bikes and riders.
The time schedule tweaks for 2024, giving all classes a Free Practice on Friday morning, then get the weekend in gear.
Alongside the Grand Prix action, QSSP and QSBK will also take to the track, and the very first race weekend for a Road to MotoGP™ programme in 2024 will also get underway: Round 1 of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup. Race 1 on Saturday and Race 2 on Sunday are both live and free on social media. Check out the full schedule below!
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto2™: Can Aldeguer pick up where he left off?
Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) went on a serious run at the end of 2023, and despite that not ultimately proving enough to challenge for the crown, it was enough to make most believe he starts 2024 as the favourite for this one. His performances in testing also did little to dispel that as the Pirelli era begins, but there is a strong field looking to get in the way.
Last year’s runner up Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will be looking to go one better, and Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) wants that race win – and then another, and another in a serious challenge for the crown. Celestino Vietti also moves to the coveted Red Bull KTM Ajo seat left by reigning Champion Pedro Acosta, and there’s more teased by testing: Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) was just 0.044s adrift of Aldeguer, and Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) within the same tenth in third. Add in the likes of long-term frontrunners Jake Dixon (CFMoto Aspar Team) and Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) and the season promises much.
The rookies, meanwhile, are an interesting bunch too. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Deniz Öncü was top of the debutants in Jerez, but he’ll be battling a raft of former rivals in the fight for Rookie of the Year: reigning Moto3™ Champion Jaume Masia (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team), runner up Ayumu Sasaki (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team), Mario Aji (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), Xavi Artigas (KLINT Forward Factory Team) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), as well as European Moto2™ Champ Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
The first showdown kicks off just before sundown in Qatar, so tune in for the first Moto2™ race of the year this Sunday!
Jose Antonio Rueda (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto3™: a field full of contenders
Six of the top 10 from last year return to Moto3™ for another season, with 2023’s star rookie David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) likely a favourite on the way in, but fellow sophomore Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was quickest in testing. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), meanwhile, enters his third season as another pre-season favourite after leading the way for much of 2023, and the likes of Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) have already shown their speed at the front and won Grands Prix.
Then there are those with podiums looking for wins, like David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), his new teammate Joel Kelso and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), as well as the veterans like Tatsuki Suzuki, now at Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP, who have a point to prove too.
In terms of rookies, we wait to see if 2023 Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup and JuniorGP™ title winner Angel Piqueras will be passed fit to debut with Leopard Racing after a pre-season training injury, and we know we’ll have to wait to see Xabi Zurutuza at Red Bull KTM Ajo as he is not yet at the age limit. Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia), Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), Noah Dettwiler (CIP Green Power) and Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Aspar Team) complete the list of exciting rookies to enter the Grand Prix scene. David Almansa (Rivacold Snipers Team) has already made too many appearances to fight for Rookie of the Year.
Who will take those first 25 points? Tune in for the season opener on Sunday as we find out!
VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI RETURNS FOR 2024, EXPANDS TO TWINS CUP CLASS
Six-Rider Team Will Race Suzuki GSX-Rs and GSX-8Rs
Brea, CA (March 4, 2024) – Team Hammer, Inc. and Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) will continue their racing partnership in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship for the next two seasons. The team will race as Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki.
Long recognized for a winning tradition, both Suzuki and Team Hammer have a proud racing history. This season will be Team Hammer’s 44th straight in American motorcycle racing paddocks and promises to be one of the best yet.
In addition to the Supersport and Superbike classes racing Suzuki GSX-Rs, the team will also compete in the Twins Cup class in 2024 with the new Suzuki middleweight, parallel-twin-powered GSX-8R sportbike.
2020 Supersport Champion Richie Escalante (54) aims for 2024 to be a breakthrough year in Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch (96) looks to bring consistent results in his first full Superbike season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Richie Escalante (54) and Brandon Paasch (96) will race again in the MotoAmerica Superbike class on Suzuki GSX-R1000R race bikes after showing remarkable promise in 2023. Tyler Scott and Teagg Hobbs both return as Supersport contestants after a season of vying for wins and podiums on Suzuki GSX-R750s. They will be joined in 2024 in Supersport by Joel Ohman. Young hotshot Rossi Moor will race in the Twins Cup class for the team, joining a long line of top young talent for Suzuki and Team Hammer.
Tyler Scott (70) looks to be in the mix for the 2024 Supersport championship aboard the Suzuki GSX-R750. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Teagg Hobbs (79) anticipates continued progression in his second Supersport season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
“We are confident in the team we have assembled for our 44th season,” said Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich. “We’re back with Suzuki again and we have had a lot of success together over the years. We have some great sponsors, suppliers, and partners, plus some very talented riders. We are all excited for 2024,” said Ulrich.
“Now, for the first time since winning the championship in 2019 and 2020, we are returning to the Twins Cup class with the new Suzuki GSX-8R and, for us, developing a new motorcycle is exciting. For Supersport, we’re continuing our development of the Suzuki GSX-R750 next-generation program, and our ride-by-wire system will now also be used in the Dutch Supersport Championship and in Germany in addition to the Isle of Man and BSB. We’ve also made some good gains in Superbike with the Suzuki GSX-R1000R and are looking forward to having two healthy riders back and ready to go into the season with momentum,” added Ulrich.
Vision Wheel returns as the team’s title sponsor. A leading aftermarket custom wheel supplier for many vehicle types, Vision Wheel strives to reach present and future customers through racing.
“We’re glad to extend our partnership with Team Hammer,” said Vision Wheel CEO Roger Minor. “We’ve already had a lot of success together and Vision Wheel is looking forward to continuing that momentum in MotoAmerica competition. Race fans are our customers, and we feel it’s important for Vision Wheel to have a strong presence with a successful organization.”
Mission Foods, a Texas-based maker of Mexican food products, also returns with the team for 2024.
Long-time exhaust partner M4 Performance Exhaust will once again support and supply the team. “M4 Performance Exhaust looks forward to another year of racing with Team Hammer,” said Vice President Kyle Martin. “The MotoAmerica series looks to be as competitive as ever, which brings extra excitement. After 26 years of this commitment together, we absolutely know this team will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.”
ECSTAR is the global brand of Suzuki Genuine Oils & Chemicals, and supplies high-quality ECSTAR lubricants to the team again in 2024.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki will race in the 82nd Daytona 200 March 7-9, 2024, fielding Escalante, Paasch, Hobbs, and Scott on Supersport GSX-R750s, and Moor will make his team debut on a GSX-8R in Twins Cup at the storied speedway. Ohman will join the team starting with the second round of the series, at Road Atlanta April 19-21.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 133 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 361 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheels of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
MotoAmerica/AFT Team Up To Offer Combined Ticket Package For Flat Track And Road Racing At Daytona
Exclusive Ticket Package Provides A One-Stop Shop For The Daytona Short Track Doubleheader And The 82nd Daytona 200
IRVINE, CA (March 4, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Progressive American Flat Track to, once again, offer the “America Super Ticket,” a combo ticket package that will give race fans admission to both series’ opening rounds at Daytona International Speedway, March 7-9.
Following the incredible reception to last year’s introduction, the America Super Ticket will again be priced at just $100. For that price, fans will have the opportunity to attend the epic twin-series season openers in full, including four classes of road racing at Daytona International Speedway, March 7-9, including the Daytona 200 and both nights of Progressive AFT at the Daytona Short Track on Thursday, March 7, and Friday, March 8.
MotoAmerica action inside Daytona International Speedway will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 9 with the opening practice session for the BellissiMoto Twins Cup class and will conclude at 4 p.m. with Mission Super Hooligan National Championship qualifying. On Friday, BellissiMoto Twins Cup will take to the track for qualifying at 9 a.m. and racing action will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race followed in quick succession by BellissiMoto Twins Cup race one (2:10 p.m.) and Mission King Of The Baggers race one (3:10 p.m.). On Saturday, racing action will begin at 9:35 a.m. with the second of two Mission Super Hooligan National Championship races followed at 10:30 a.m. by the second BellissiMoto Twins Cup race. Next up is the Daytona 200 at 1:10 p.m. with Mission King Of The Baggers set to close out the weekend with its second race set to begin at 4 p.m.
Gates open at 3:00 p.m. both days at the Daytona Short Track, which is located outside NASCAR Turn 2 at the World Center of Racing, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 7 p.m. Along with the opening two rounds of the highly anticipated 2024 Mission AFT SuperTwins and Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championships, the Progressive AFT action will include Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program, which highlights, celebrates, and encourages the involvement of women in racing, on Thursday and Friday.
“Last year was our first year of the Super Ticket and it was very successful,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Since a lot of our fans are also flat track fans and vice versa, it makes perfect sense to offer those fans a ticket that works for both. This season promises to be an exciting one for both MotoAmerica and AFT and starting it off with a bang at Daytona is ideal. We look forward to sharing MotoAmerica racing to the fans of AFT and we hope our fans take advantage of the Super Ticket to go watch the Daytona Short Track.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for fans to see the world’s greatest motorcycle dirt trackers and the nation’s elite road racers on a single weekend at one of the most famous motorsports venues in the United States,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “Last year’s introduction of the America Super Ticket was a huge success, and we’re thrilled to partner with MotoAmerica to kick off another season in landmark fashion – where and when it belongs – at Daytona Bike Week.”
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
Writing a Future Together: Ducati Corse and Francesco Bagnaia Sign Renewal for Another Two Seasons
The Italian Rider, Two-Time World Champion with the Ducati Lenovo Team, Will Ride the factory Desmosedici GP in 2025 and 2026 as Well
Just days before the start of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, Ducati Corse and Francesco Bagnaia solidified their future together by putting pen to paper, announcing the signing of an agreement that binds the two-time MotoGP World Champion to the Borgo Panigale manufacturer for the 2025 and 2026 seasons as well.
The contract renewal ensures continuity for an all-Italian winning pair: a perfect combination of the technology and performance of the Desmosedici GP and the talent, passion, and determination of Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia.
Born in Turin in 1997 and residing in Pesaro, Bagnaia joined Ducati with Pramac Racing in 2019. With the extension of his current contract, he will further solidify his place in the history of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, becoming the second rider to be linked with Ducati for a total of eight years.
Bagnaia made a name for himself in 2020 by securing his first MotoGP podium in his home race at Misano Adriatico, and in 2021, he was promoted to the factory team. During his first year riding the red Ducati Lenovo Team machine, he narrowly missed out on winning the World Title, finishing as the runner-up after an exhilarating season finale. The year 2022 marked Bagnaia’s breakthrough, as he clinched his first MotoGP Riders’ World Title, also becoming the first Italian to do so on an Italian bike: the Desmosedici GP. This victory marked Ducati’s second Riders’ World Title, following Casey Stoner’s success in 2007, 15 years earlier. With the number 1 on his bike’s front fairing, Bagnaia was again crowned World Champion in 2023, thanks to another remarkable season that saw him claim 15 podiums, 7 victories, and 7 pole positions.
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“I am so happy to continue racing with the team of my dreams! Wearing these colours is an honour for me. It’s fantastic and a source of pride. Together with Ducati, my team, and all the guys at Ducati Corse, we’ve achieved incredible things. In these three more years (including 2024) ahead of us, we’ll continue to give our best to achieve as much success as possible. I am overjoyed and ready to hit the track in Qatar for the first race of the year.”
Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding)
“Pecco is truly the perfect rider for Ducati. He represents our values at their best: style, elegance, and performance. Not only is he fast, determined, and tenacious on track, but he also stands out for his elegance and education off the track. I am very happy for this renewal, which I am sure Ducatisti all over the world will welcome with enthusiasm.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)
“We are extremely happy to have Bagnaia with us again for 2025 and 2026. Together, we have written an important page of motorcycling history: Pecco was the first Italian rider to win a World Title in MotoGP with an Italian bike, our Desmosedici GP. Together, we brought back a Riders’ World Title that had been missing for 15 years, and we did it again last year. He is a two-time World Champion and has proven on more than one occasion that he truly deserves the number 1 on the fairing of his bike. In addition to these results, Bagnaia continues to demonstrate that he is in perfect harmony with his bike and team. For all these reasons, it was natural for us to want to continue with him. Therefore, we look forward to this new chapter together, confident that we can achieve other important results.”
Statistics from 2019 to date
GP Starts with Ducati in MotoGP: 86
First GP: Qatar 2019
Wins: 18
First GP Win: Aragón 2021
Podiums: 35
First Podium: San Marino 2020
Pole Positions: 18
First Pole: Qatar 2021
Fastest Laps: 13
Points: 1085
World Titles: 2 (MotoGP 2023, MotoGP 2022)
Bagnaia and the Ducati Lenovo Team will hit the track for the opening Grand Prix of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship from March 8th to 10th at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
Tour Kicks Off At Daytona Bike Week, Travels To Key Races, Rallies, and Suzuki Dealers Nationwide
BREA, CA (March 2, 2024) – Suzuki Motor USA LLC (Suzuki) has kicked off its 2024 Demo Tour with a full range of exciting 2024 models to demo ride and will be on the scene at some of motorcycling’s highest-profile events, as well as visiting Suzuki dealers nationwide.
The Tour gives riders a chance to throw their leg over and test-ride a wide range of awesome 2024 Suzuki motorcycles. The Tour launched at Bike Week at Daytona International Speedway March 1-9, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
You’ll have a great opportunity to test ride, experience, and learn more about Suzuki’s latest motorcycles on the Tour. Demo rides are available from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM EST every day of Daytona Bike Week.
Riders looking to experience Suzuki’s latest and greatest may visit the Suzuki display at Daytona International Speedway. There, riders may book a Suzuki demo ride in just minutes.
The 2024 Suzuki Demo Tour features Suzuki’s world-class GSX-R and Hayabusa sportbikes, V-STROM adventure tourers, high-performance GSX-S1000GT+ sport-tourers, power cruisers, dual sports, and more.
In addition, Suzuki will have on display many fully accessorized models, custom bikes, Suzuki racing bikes, and a selection of Genuine Suzuki Accessories. Pro rider autograph sessions at key stops are also planned.
The 2024 Suzuki demo tour offers licensed riders seat time on the latest Suzuki models including:
• GSX-8R sportbike
• GSX-8S
• V-STROM 800DE and 800 Adventure Tourers
• V-STROM 1050DE and 1050 Adventure Tourers
• Hayabusa – the ultimate sportbike
• Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
• GSX-R1000R, GSX-R750, GSX-R600 sportbikes
• GSX-S1000GT+ high-performance sport-tourers
• GSX-S1000
• DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM Supermoto
• DR-650S DualSport
• M109R Power Cruisers and more
New for 2024, the Suzuki GSX-8R sportbike brings its spirited performance and fresh styling to Suzuki demo rides this year, starting with Daytona Bike Week. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
A key highlight of the Suzuki Demo Tour is the all-new Suzuki parallel-twin 800cc motorcycle range, headed up by the exciting new Suzuki GSX-8R sportbike, and including the GSX-8S standard as well as the V-STROM 800 range of adventure tourers.
The GSX-8R has been lauded by the press as the new standard in sport, and uses the powerful and compact new 776cc Suzuki parallel-twin engine cradled in a strong, compact frame. The GSX-8R rewards riders with performance, technology, and style to lead the middleweight class in rideability and fun.
With stellar performance and features, riders are sure to enjoy all the GSX-8R has to offer as well as the rest of the 800cc Suzuki middleweight line during Bike Week.
The Tour continues throughout 2024 with planned stops at key MotoAmerica races, the US round of MotoGP, displays at select NHRA drag races, key national and adventure rallies, and more. Not to mention tour stops at Suzuki dealerships around the US.
Visit SuzukiCycles.com/events for more information and to see the complete schedule of Suzuki demo ride events.
Demo riders interested in purchasing a new Suzuki will also find several aggressive retail offers entering the 2024 riding season by clicking to SuzukiCycles.com/offers. It’s never been easier than right now to demo and buy a phenomenal new Suzuki.
Click your browser or smartphone to SuzukiCycles.com often as demo events are added throughout the season. Be sure to keep an eye on Suzuki’s social media channels on Facebook, X, and Instagram @suzukicycles for information on upcoming events, locations, and times as more events are finalized.
There is no better way to explore and ride the new Suzuki you’ve been wanting than at a Suzuki Demo Tour event. Bring your gear and ride with us at the 2024 Suzuki Demo Tour at Daytona, or a Suzuki dealer or event near you.
Jett Lawrence Wins Daytona Supercross and Extends Points Lead
Tom Vialle Earns Career-First Supercross Victory on Challenging Track
Daytona Beach, Fla., (March 3, 2024) Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence took an impressive win, his third of the season, at Round 8 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship inside the Daytona International Speedway. Daytime rain and the soft soil of the track built into the speedway Trioval made for one of the most challenging Daytona Supercross tracks ever.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac scored a strong second place finish, ending his streak of five straight wins at the venue. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton led the pack at the start and finished up with a third-place finish in front of record-high attendance for Daytona Supercross. This marks four races in a row this season where record highs for attendance were set. In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle earned his first Supercross victory in the United States.
Jett Lawrence. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
“It felt great. I felt good all day, but like I said, we came here for business… I’m just happy to come out of here with a win. Now I only hope we can keep clicking them off. I improved on my mistakes from last weekend, so I’m pumped about that and I’m ready to go on to the next few… [This win] means the world. The first time coming here and already winning a Daytona, it’s awesome. It’s like a home race for me. I gotta thank the crowd, they’re wild.” – Jett Lawrence
“No, to be totally honest I didn’t look over at my pit board so I didn’t see anything, I didn’t feel anything, the motorcycle’s fine. There are treacherous conditions out there. For me, I’m on the clutch a lot and with the ruts that deep, obviously [those conditions] make the bike hot. But I powered through there. Thinking back to the race, [I’m] frustrated I didn’t do the quad; [that] cost me. So gotta take more risks next time. That’s that. So, yeah, second place.” [When asked more about not jumping the quad jump] “Yeah, that’s all what it came down to. And then I moved over to the right side and… the depth of the rut was a lot smaller, and [I’m] just bummed that I didn’t take that [line] earlier. But, ah, try to live and learn and go to the next one.” – Eli Tomac, when asked if he was aware of the smoke coming from his motorcycle during the second half of the race.
“It’s definitely a step in right direction. I’ve had a rough couple weeks with my hand being hurt… It was a good first couple laps. I was doing this section next to the tunnel jump pretty good. Then I started getting a little sketchy and stopped doing it, and I paid the price for it [with slower lap times]. So overall this is a building block, and we’ll go back to work this week. I finally got to ride this week with my [injured but healing] hand, and yeah, we’re not done yet. Just gotta keep building and keep moving forward.” – Chase Sexton
The Eastern Regional 250SX Class held its third round and Tom Vialle fought forward to earn his career-first Monster Energy AMA Supercross win. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo led early but a mistake sent him off track and into second place. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker rode strong on the challenging track to nab a third-place finish.
Tom Vialle. Photo credit Feld Motor Sports.
“It’s nice to grab that win. I had my first podium last weekend and first win today in Daytona. Track was tough. I actually feel good, I could have [ridden] like 30 minutes, I think. So, it’s pretty nice, bike was nice. I didn’t have a great start, but I passed a lot of guys and just feel so good. It’s amazing to win and I want to thank everyone – my team, everyone who works with me during the week, my trainer – really everyone who supports me; and all those fans, it’s amazing to ride here in Daytona, so thank you everyone.” – Tom Vialle
“Yeah, it was really about patience, and I think I did run out of a little bit of patience a couple times, and maybe [that] cost me that lead; but gosh, this was awesome. I love coming to Daytona… And just for the opportunity to be here and do what I love to do is awesome. I had a great time out there and we’re just going to keep plugging away…. This is a dream life that I get and I’m just so grateful for it. If you would’ve told Cameron McAdoo, even five years ago, that this would be his life, he would’ve laughed. So this is my dream, it’s coming true. I love what I get to do, and yeah, shout out to everyone, my family back home, my mom and dad, they didn’t get to make it out. Without them none of this is possible… I’m just grateful for the position I’m in and I’m excited to keep working at this.” – Cameron McAdoo, when asked if the Daytona race strategy was about patience.
“[I’m] stoked on that ride. Like you said, I got off to a pretty good start and me and Haiden were going at it for the first couple laps. He bobbled in the sand, got around him, and I was actually able to pull a gap on them, so that felt nice. I just kind of failed to hit my lines consistently, but yeah, [overall I’m] stoked on that ride here at Daytona.” – Seth Hammaker
The second Supercross Futures race of 2024 lined up the future stars of the sport. Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Drew Adams fought hard for the win. Troy Lee Designs GASGAS’s Cole Davies challenged for the top spot and crossed the line in a very close second place. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran fought forward from a poor start to grab the final spot on the SX Futures podium at Daytona.
“My arms got pumped up, [and then] it’s hard to pull the clutch in. Yeah, I had a few mishaps, and I was worried for the last two laps there. But I just rode solid the whole time, got a good start this time and had a great race. You know, it’s awesome to get [a win] here at Daytona. A little bit of wet dirt, something different this year, and it was a great time. And thank you to all the fans, I love you guys!” – Drew Adams when asked if he was having clutch issues after stalling his bike a couple times.
During the Daytona race, the dates and venues for the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final were announced. After 28 rounds of Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross conclude, the top 20 riders in combined points for both series will be seeded into the post-season racing. Riders who finish in positions 21-30 will compete in an LCQ at each event to round out the 22-rider field. Before post-season racing begins the points will be reset, with each rider retaining points for one round of racing based on their seeded position. Two Playoff races and one Final, each with increasing points payouts, will determine a SuperMotocross World Champion in both the 450cc and 250cc classes. The dates and venues are:
Next Saturday the series takes the Supercross racing to a new venue, Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The event will pay points as Round 9 of both the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship.
Every race is available live through the PeacockTV app, with several races also broadcast or streamed via NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. For fans watching from outside the US, live and on-demand coverage with both English and Spanish commentary can be had through the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv).
Tickets are available now for each remaining Monster Energy AMA Supercross event. For points standings, highlight videos, rider power rankings, broadcast-team insights, and to purchase tickets for an upcoming round, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
On the weekend before the MotoGP 2024 season opener at Lusail International Circuit, nine-time motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Valentino Rossi finished just off the podium in his World Endurance Championship sports car debut at the Qatar 1812km as the MotoGP legend geared up for racing in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Driving the factory Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 in the production-based LMGT3 class, Rossi and teammates Ahmad Al Harthy and Maxime Martin finished fourth, one lap down to the winning Porsche 911 GT3 R but only 12.647 seconds behind the Aston Martin Vantage AMR in third after nearly 10 hours of racing.
“It’s a good start to the season as finishing P4 is quite good but it’s a shame to be so close to the podium,” Rossi said. “It was a perfect race for us with no mistakes. The guys did an amazing job in the pits as well and we just missed a little bit of speed to make it to the podium.”
The fan experience for the WEC event at Lusail International Circuit included free bottled water, live bands, video arcades and viewing areas where spectators could lounge on beanbag chairs and watch the race on big-screen monitors. A double-decker shuttle bus carried spectators to three different viewing platforms around the outer perimeter of the track, giving them the chance to see the racing from several perspectives.
The WEC event and the MotoGP tickets were sold only as a package – individual event general admission tickets were not available. The two events were billed as the 2024 Lusail Speed Fest 2024. In addition to the amenities listed above, the package included free parking, free admission to the main straight grandstands and the Turn One “Lusail Hill” stands for three days of the WEC event and all three days of the MotoGP event for 200 Qatar riyal, approximately $55 U.S. dollars.
Stefano Mesa (137) on his Energica EVA Ribelle RS during a MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan race at Daytona in 2023. Photo courtesy Energica USA.
The Rebel Returns – Destination Daytona
One year later, the all-electric, Eva Ribelle RS with the readily available KCC (Kit Corsa Clienti) returns to where it all began, ready to spearhead yet another attack on a whole field of ICE [Internal Combustion Engine] motorcycles. In what will be the first of five events for this year’s Roland Sands Design (RSD) Super Hooligan National Championship, run in conjunction with MotoAmerica, Energica partners once again with the top-level Tytlers Cycle Racing Team and with Stefano Mesa, who rode the Ribelle to what was the first-ever podium for an electric vehicle against traditionally powered machines (Austin, Race One) as well as rewriting how quick an electric motorcycle can be at the iconic Laguna Seca Raceway – all while finishing the debut season in fourth place overall.
But last year is in the books, and it is now time to focus on what is ahead. The 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship is shaping up to be as competitive as ever, with some of the best manufacturers of full-handlebar, naked bikes and a list of riders so long that at some events, one race is not enough to fit all of them.
With some good amount of experience in the bags, Mesa, Tytlers Cycle Racing and Energica are ready for this new challenge. It will not be easy (it never is), but that is what competition is all about, as racing has always been the best benchmark for the present, and the future.
The Daytona International Speedway, with its never-ending banking, is waiting for the Rebel to return. It is only a matter of days now, and the air is electric. The two races of the Super Hooligan National Championship at the iconic venue in Daytona Beach, Florida, will take place on Friday 7th (1:45 pm) and Saturday 8th of March (10:10 am). All times ET.
The 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship races are once again LIVE on MotoAmerica’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as on demand shortly after each encounter.
Michael Kiley – Tytlers Cycle Racing Team Principal
“The Hooligans class has grown exponentially through the years as seen by the number of entrants and the variety of bikes. We are very grateful to Roland Sands and MotoAmerica for the opportunity to compete and to Energica for building a bike that has allowed us to be competitive. We’ve been writing the book on racing electric bikes and having fun doing it. At the end of the day we want a shot at the top of the podium in a fair race. We are happy to have that.”
Giampiero Testoni – Energica CTO
“We’re happy to be back with Tytlers Cycle Racing and Stefano Mesa in the 2024 Super Hooligan National Championship. Last year was a memorable one, with results that went even beyond our initial expectations. The series is going from strength to strength and there will be new manufacturers and international riders on the grid, so we expect some stiff competition. We are looking forward for the action to get underway and see where we’re at, and then build from there.”
The start of the MotoGP race at Silverstone in 2023 with Jack Miller (43) and Marco Bezzecchi (72) contesting the lead. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP™ Race Direction updates from the Permanent Bureau
The Permanent Bureau, comprising the FIM and Dorna, confirms the structure of Race Direction in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship.
The three-person team of Race Directors for the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship will therefore comprise:
• MotoGP™ Race Director – Mike Webb
• Moto2™, Moto3™ & MotoE™ Race Director – Graham Webber
• Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup & Talent Cup Race Director – George Massaro
This experienced, cohesive team will ensure continuity throughout the competitions in the Grand Prix paddock, with each bringing their specialist knowledge to their respective classes and ensuring another year of sporting success for MotoGP™.
Please find below the complete list of permanent officials and bodies for the 2024 FIM Grand Prix World Championship:
Race Direction:
Race Director and Chairman: Mike WEBB
FIM Representative: Bartolome ALFONSO
Dorna Representative: Loris CAPIROSSI
Event Management Committee:
Race Director and Chairman: Mike WEBB
Deputy Race Director: Graham WEBBER
FIM Safety Officer: Bartolome ALFONSO
FIM Medical Director: Giancarlo di FILIPPO
GP Technical Director: Danny ALDRIDGE
FIM GP Technical Representative: Dominique HEBRARD
FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel:
FIM MotoGP Steward Chairman (nominated by IRTA): Freddie SPENCER
FIM MotoGP Stewards (nominated by FIM): Andrès SOMOLINOS and Tamara MATKO
FIM Appeal Stewards Panel:
This panel is composed of the Members of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission (CCR) mentioned below by rotation and a member representing the National Federation Affiliated to the FIM.
• Ralph BOHNHORST
• Raffaele De FABRITIIS
• Stuart HIGGS
• Franco UNCINI
In reserve or for a last-minute replacement:
Paul DUPARC
Paul KING
Grand Prix Commission:
DORNA representative and Chairman: Carmelo EZPELETA
YART Yamaha riders Marvin Fritz (left), Karel Hanika (center), and Niccolo Canepa (right). Photo courtesy YART Yamaha.
YART Yamaha Riders Ready to Take on Daytona 200
The reigning FIM Endurance World Champions, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team riders Niccolò Canepa, Karel Hanika, and Marvin Fritz, will make their debut at the 82nd running of the legendary Daytona 200 in Florida from the 7th-9th of March.
After winning the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in sensational fashion during the final round of the season at the Bol d’Or, the YART Yamaha team decided to set their sights on a different goal and take on what is commonly referred to as the “Great American Motorcycle Race”.
The Daytona 200 was founded in 1937, with the original race using dirt bikes and the sands of Daytona Beach as a track before it moved to the famous banking of the Daytona International Speedway in 1961 and switched to using machines based on the Grand Prix bikes of the day.
In 1985, safety concerns due to the increased top speeds of GP bikes led to the organisers limiting the entries to superbike-based machines only. Then, in 2009, they chose to switch to supersport machinery, and since 2022, the Daytona 200 has formed a non-points-scoring round of the MotoAmerica Supersport class.
This famous race has always drawn a spectacular entry list, especially during its heyday in the 1970s, and regularly attracts some of the top riders from around the world, with 2024 being no exception.
Historically, it has proved a happy hunting ground for Yamaha with 27 victories in total, more than any other manufacturer, including 13 consecutive wins from 1972 to 1984. The list of winners for Yamaha includes legends such as Jarno Saarinen, Giacomo Agostini, Johnny Cecotto, Steve Baker, Kenny Roberts, and Eddie Lawson, while Brandon Pasch secured Yamaha’s last victory in 2021.
Unlike in the EWC, where Canepa, Hanika, and Fritz race the YART R1 as a team, in Daytona, they will swap their usual steed for a Bridgestone-shod R6, and all three will compete against each other under the YART – Prokasro banner.
To help get up to speed, Hanika and Fritz both took part in an ASRA race at Daytona International Speedway towards the end of last year, but for Canepa, this week will be the first time he has ridden at the circuit. However, the trio took part in a recent test at Almeria in Spain on the YART R6 to continue adapting to the new machinery and different tyre compounds.
The 5.64km Daytona 200 layout presents a unique challenge, with the 31-degree banking allowing high top speeds and ensuring that maintaining a slipstream during the 57-lap race becomes vital. Plus, with nine left turns compared to three right, combined with the time spent on the left-hand side of the tyre while on the banking, it can be tricky to keep enough temperature in the right-hand side of the tyre for the infield section.
The 2024 Daytona 200 kicks off on Thursday, the 7th of March, with Practice starting at 10:45 am local time (UTC-5) before the first qualifying sessions get underway at 2:50 pm. The second qualifying sessions kick off on Friday at 10:10 am, with the race start scheduled for 1:10 pm on Saturday.
Niccolò Canepa
YART – Prokasro
“I am extremely excited to race in the Daytona 200. It is a special place with so much history, and the track is completely different from anything we normally race in Europe. I have never raced there, and I am not used to riding a 600c bike, so it will be a challenge but very exciting. I am delighted to be able to come here with my teammates to experience this. It is an extraordinary opportunity that YART have given us to race here, and I want to enjoy it. I will try my best, but I honestly have no idea how strong we will be. The R6 feels great, the team is amazing, so we will try to have fun, and you never know what could happen.”
Karel Hanika
YART – Prokasro
“The Daytona 200 has been on my wish list for many years, and to get to take part in this epic race with my YART Yamaha family is incredible. I came here for an ASRA race with Marvin in November, and we were able to put in some laps around this fantastic circuit. We are obviously not used to racing the R6 or this unique track, so we have had to adapt quickly and find the right Bridgestone tyre combinations. While we will not be riding as teammates, we can share all the data and try to help each other with the best setup. This year features an incredibly strong lineup of riders, and we have no real reference to how we will perform, but we will give it our best shot.”
Marvin Fritz
YART – Prokasro
“I am so excited for the race. Karel and I managed to ride here towards the end of last year in an ASRA race, and wow…what a circuit! It was essential to try and understand the demands of this track because, with the banking and the infield section, it can be tricky. Especially as you spend so much time on the left-hand side of the tyre on the banking, it is easy to make a mistake when you take a right corner, as the right-hand side of the tyre can get cold. We are riding separately in this race, but we will still work together as a team to help us achieve the best result possible. It is key here to work together to stay in the slipstream as if you get dropped from the train of riders, it is easy to fall out of contention. We are one of the only teams on Bridgestone tyres, so we have had to adapt quickly, not only to the R6 but the unique demands of the track. It will be different from what we are used to, but we are excited and can’t wait to get racing.”
Mandy Kainz
YART – Prokasro – Team Manager
“After such an incredible season being crowned World Endurance Champions, we thought we would come here with our riders to give them a taste of something different and as a reward for winning the title. We have had to adapt quickly to the R6 and the Bridgestone tyres, as this is a completely different challenge from what we are used to, but we feel confident that we have a good package. It will be very odd to see the guys riding against each other, but even though they are not riding as a team, we will make sure that we work together to get the best result possible, and I am excited to see what the guys can do against such an illustrious field.”
Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Lights on, lights out… RACE! Are you ready?
The world’s most exciting sport returns as the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar lights the fuse on 2024
Monday, 04 March 2024
The time has come. From those first glimpses in Valencia through a winter eager for more, pre-season was then packed with headlines. The wait feels like minutes and months at the same time. But now, it’s time for the lights to go on in Qatar before they go off for the first Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race of a record-breaking 2024 MotoGP™ season: the full grid, at full power, for the full thrill of the world’s most exciting sport. We don’t call it that for nothing… welcome to the ride of your life!
BACK IN THE RING
There’s no doubt after pre-season that reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and that #1 plate, are the package to beat. There’s also no doubt that teammate Enea Bastianini looked extremely convincing on the other side of the garage now he’s back to full power after a 2023 season marred by injury. Could we now get the real continuation of that rivalry that started to really heat up in the latter stages of 2022?
The rivalry that did the same last season, meanwhile, also looks set to continue. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) had a pre-season shared between statement laps and signs he needed a little more time to settle in on the new bike, but we know when the lights go out he’ll be elbows out. 2024 is likely to bring us plenty more #PECCOvsMARTIN, and we can’t wait. On the other side of his garage there’s a whole different conundrum after Franco Morbidelli was sidelined from pre-season though, so his progress will be interesting amongst the Ducati ranks.
Completing the top three in 2023 was Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), and on paper it looked like he had a tougher pre-season. On paper, however, it also didn’t look like he was going to make it seem like he’d unlocked easy mode at a number of GPs last year. So has he got more in the locker to overturn the charge of new teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, who very much picked up where he’d left off in terms of pace?
His former teammate, Alex Marquez, now has a new one at Gresini Racing MotoGP™ too. For AM73, the goal for the year has got to be a Grand Prix win, as he’s now got Sprint victories and some podiums. For his new teammate, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez, it’s hard to tell what that goal really is. Pace? Proving a legacy? A ninth World Championship? Pure enjoyment? There are probably 93 answers to that question that people on all sides could argue, and we may never know the answer. However, we do get to come long for the ride. Qatar has never been his greatest track, so first time out as he’s still finding the limits may not prove a crystal ball, but it’s one of the most exciting moves in the history of the sport and we get to watch it.
TAKING THE FIGHT TO DUCATI?
That set of challengers is just Ducati. There are plenty more! At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, there’s plenty to get excited about after a good pre-season and a really solid 2023 too, especially from Brad Binder as he finished just behind the top three. He also did it becoming a Sprint winner and taking some big podiums, satisfyingly sideways in the heat of the battle at the front. Can he do it again? And can teammate Jack Miller even out a tougher 2023 at times to bring that Jerez form to the fore?
At Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, meanwhile, Augusto Fernandez is looking for some steps forward as the spotlight continues shining down on rookie Pedro Acosta. The hype was only fuelled throughout pre-season and, as ever, suffering less talk about his prospects would require him to go a whole lot slower. That seems unlikely. But what can we really expect? A whole range of results from stunning to steady is likely the truth, none of which by itself will have much to say about what we’ll be seeing from him by Jerez or Silverstone or Motegi. (He does have until the Sachsenring to beat Marc Marquez’ record as the youngest premier class winner though…)
At Aprilia, it was an interesting pre-season. Aleix Espargaro’s experience of the new machine was a near-immediate storming of the top echelons of the timesheets, whereas teammate Maverick Viñales and Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) took more time fitting the puzzle together. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) had even less of that as he sat out much of the Sepang Test after a crash.
By the start of the season proper, however, there are plenty of reasons to be looking forward to what the Noale Factory can do. Can Aprilia, with more factory collaboration with the brand new Trackhouse team and what looks like another serious challenger, add a little more consistency in 2024 to sustain that charge?
FIGHTING BACK TO THE FRONT
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™, the search continues to bridge the gap and unlock one-lap pace. But the new concession system has already seen the Iwata marque able to use more track time with race riders in pre-season, and we saw some updates appear too. Those race riders, 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo and new arrival Alex Rins, will be very eager to get back to work and see where they fit in the pecking order over full race distance, not least of all with that new top speed.
Honda likewise used the new concessions to field race riders in the Shakedown and, like Yamaha, won’t have their engine spec frozen. They also have some new faces to welcome, with Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) bringing his methodical approach to a factory team for the first time as he partners up with 2020 Champion Joan Mir. Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) and his experience stays put, but he welcomes Johann Zarco to the CASTROL Honda LCR side of the box – and in testing, the Frenchman was both very fast and very positive. We know it’s a whole new bike and we know they’ve moved forward, but can they bridge the gap even more as the season starts in earnest?
It was a six-race calendar across Europe when the world’s first motorsport World Championship was born in 1949. Now we’re ready for more than 20 events across the globe, with 777 points up for grabs across 21 Tissot Sprints and 21 Grand Prix races. There is history on the line even as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, so join us at the starting line as the lights go on at Lusail International Circuit and then go out to welcome the world’s most exciting sport back into action.
What’s happening at the #QatarGP
Thursday will be action-packed even before the engines fires up. The podcast is shown live at 15:00 local time welcoming Davide Brivio, Team Principal of the all-new Trackhouse Racing, as the American team get ready to take on MotoGP™.
Then, are two pre-event Press Conferences:
16:00: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).
16:35: Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).
That’s all against the backdrop of the classic start-of-season class photos, with Moto3™ at 17:30, Moto2™ at 18:10 and then MotoGP™ from 18:45, the latter with bikes first before bikes and riders.
The time schedule tweaks for 2024, giving all classes a Free Practice on Friday morning, then get the weekend in gear.
Alongside the Grand Prix action, QSSP and QSBK will also take to the track, and the very first race weekend for a Road to MotoGP™ programme in 2024 will also get underway: Round 1 of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup. Race 1 on Saturday and Race 2 on Sunday are both live and free on social media. Check out the full schedule below!
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto2™: Can Aldeguer pick up where he left off?
Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) went on a serious run at the end of 2023, and despite that not ultimately proving enough to challenge for the crown, it was enough to make most believe he starts 2024 as the favourite for this one. His performances in testing also did little to dispel that as the Pirelli era begins, but there is a strong field looking to get in the way.
Last year’s runner up Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will be looking to go one better, and Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) wants that race win – and then another, and another in a serious challenge for the crown. Celestino Vietti also moves to the coveted Red Bull KTM Ajo seat left by reigning Champion Pedro Acosta, and there’s more teased by testing: Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) was just 0.044s adrift of Aldeguer, and Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) within the same tenth in third. Add in the likes of long-term frontrunners Jake Dixon (CFMoto Aspar Team) and Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) and the season promises much.
The rookies, meanwhile, are an interesting bunch too. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Deniz Öncü was top of the debutants in Jerez, but he’ll be battling a raft of former rivals in the fight for Rookie of the Year: reigning Moto3™ Champion Jaume Masia (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team), runner up Ayumu Sasaki (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team), Mario Aji (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), Xavi Artigas (KLINT Forward Factory Team) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), as well as European Moto2™ Champ Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
The first showdown kicks off just before sundown in Qatar, so tune in for the first Moto2™ race of the year this Sunday!
Jose Antonio Rueda (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto3™: a field full of contenders
Six of the top 10 from last year return to Moto3™ for another season, with 2023’s star rookie David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) likely a favourite on the way in, but fellow sophomore Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was quickest in testing. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), meanwhile, enters his third season as another pre-season favourite after leading the way for much of 2023, and the likes of Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) have already shown their speed at the front and won Grands Prix.
Then there are those with podiums looking for wins, like David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), his new teammate Joel Kelso and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), as well as the veterans like Tatsuki Suzuki, now at Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP, who have a point to prove too.
In terms of rookies, we wait to see if 2023 Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup and JuniorGP™ title winner Angel Piqueras will be passed fit to debut with Leopard Racing after a pre-season training injury, and we know we’ll have to wait to see Xabi Zurutuza at Red Bull KTM Ajo as he is not yet at the age limit. Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia), Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), Noah Dettwiler (CIP Green Power) and Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Aspar Team) complete the list of exciting rookies to enter the Grand Prix scene. David Almansa (Rivacold Snipers Team) has already made too many appearances to fight for Rookie of the Year.
Who will take those first 25 points? Tune in for the season opener on Sunday as we find out!
(From left) Richie Escalante, Brandon Paasch, Tyler Scott, and Teagg Hobbs. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI RETURNS FOR 2024, EXPANDS TO TWINS CUP CLASS
Six-Rider Team Will Race Suzuki GSX-Rs and GSX-8Rs
Brea, CA (March 4, 2024) – Team Hammer, Inc. and Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) will continue their racing partnership in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship for the next two seasons. The team will race as Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki.
Long recognized for a winning tradition, both Suzuki and Team Hammer have a proud racing history. This season will be Team Hammer’s 44th straight in American motorcycle racing paddocks and promises to be one of the best yet.
In addition to the Supersport and Superbike classes racing Suzuki GSX-Rs, the team will also compete in the Twins Cup class in 2024 with the new Suzuki middleweight, parallel-twin-powered GSX-8R sportbike.
2020 Supersport Champion Richie Escalante (54) aims for 2024 to be a breakthrough year in Superbike. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch (96) looks to bring consistent results in his first full Superbike season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Richie Escalante (54) and Brandon Paasch (96) will race again in the MotoAmerica Superbike class on Suzuki GSX-R1000R race bikes after showing remarkable promise in 2023. Tyler Scott and Teagg Hobbs both return as Supersport contestants after a season of vying for wins and podiums on Suzuki GSX-R750s. They will be joined in 2024 in Supersport by Joel Ohman. Young hotshot Rossi Moor will race in the Twins Cup class for the team, joining a long line of top young talent for Suzuki and Team Hammer.
Tyler Scott (70) looks to be in the mix for the 2024 Supersport championship aboard the Suzuki GSX-R750. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Teagg Hobbs (79) anticipates continued progression in his second Supersport season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
“We are confident in the team we have assembled for our 44th season,” said Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich. “We’re back with Suzuki again and we have had a lot of success together over the years. We have some great sponsors, suppliers, and partners, plus some very talented riders. We are all excited for 2024,” said Ulrich.
“Now, for the first time since winning the championship in 2019 and 2020, we are returning to the Twins Cup class with the new Suzuki GSX-8R and, for us, developing a new motorcycle is exciting. For Supersport, we’re continuing our development of the Suzuki GSX-R750 next-generation program, and our ride-by-wire system will now also be used in the Dutch Supersport Championship and in Germany in addition to the Isle of Man and BSB. We’ve also made some good gains in Superbike with the Suzuki GSX-R1000R and are looking forward to having two healthy riders back and ready to go into the season with momentum,” added Ulrich.
Vision Wheel returns as the team’s title sponsor. A leading aftermarket custom wheel supplier for many vehicle types, Vision Wheel strives to reach present and future customers through racing.
“We’re glad to extend our partnership with Team Hammer,” said Vision Wheel CEO Roger Minor. “We’ve already had a lot of success together and Vision Wheel is looking forward to continuing that momentum in MotoAmerica competition. Race fans are our customers, and we feel it’s important for Vision Wheel to have a strong presence with a successful organization.”
Mission Foods, a Texas-based maker of Mexican food products, also returns with the team for 2024.
Long-time exhaust partner M4 Performance Exhaust will once again support and supply the team. “M4 Performance Exhaust looks forward to another year of racing with Team Hammer,” said Vice President Kyle Martin. “The MotoAmerica series looks to be as competitive as ever, which brings extra excitement. After 26 years of this commitment together, we absolutely know this team will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.”
ECSTAR is the global brand of Suzuki Genuine Oils & Chemicals, and supplies high-quality ECSTAR lubricants to the team again in 2024.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki will race in the 82nd Daytona 200 March 7-9, 2024, fielding Escalante, Paasch, Hobbs, and Scott on Supersport GSX-R750s, and Moor will make his team debut on a GSX-8R in Twins Cup at the storied speedway. Ohman will join the team starting with the second round of the series, at Road Atlanta April 19-21.
The 2024 season marks Team Hammer’s 44th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 133 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 361 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheels of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
Fans in the infield grandstands watch Cameron Petersen (45) lead Josh Herrin (1), Josh Hayes (4), Brandon Paasch (96), Hayden Gillim (95), Geoff May (behind Paasch), Teagg Hobbs (behind Hayes), Danny Eslick (69), Blake Davis (behind Eslick), PJ Jacobsen (66), and the rest in the restarted 2023 Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
MotoAmerica/AFT Team Up To Offer Combined Ticket Package For Flat Track And Road Racing At Daytona
Exclusive Ticket Package Provides A One-Stop Shop For The Daytona Short Track Doubleheader And The 82nd Daytona 200
IRVINE, CA (March 4, 2024) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Progressive American Flat Track to, once again, offer the “America Super Ticket,” a combo ticket package that will give race fans admission to both series’ opening rounds at Daytona International Speedway, March 7-9.
Following the incredible reception to last year’s introduction, the America Super Ticket will again be priced at just $100. For that price, fans will have the opportunity to attend the epic twin-series season openers in full, including four classes of road racing at Daytona International Speedway, March 7-9, including the Daytona 200 and both nights of Progressive AFT at the Daytona Short Track on Thursday, March 7, and Friday, March 8.
MotoAmerica action inside Daytona International Speedway will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 9 with the opening practice session for the BellissiMoto Twins Cup class and will conclude at 4 p.m. with Mission Super Hooligan National Championship qualifying. On Friday, BellissiMoto Twins Cup will take to the track for qualifying at 9 a.m. and racing action will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race followed in quick succession by BellissiMoto Twins Cup race one (2:10 p.m.) and Mission King Of The Baggers race one (3:10 p.m.). On Saturday, racing action will begin at 9:35 a.m. with the second of two Mission Super Hooligan National Championship races followed at 10:30 a.m. by the second BellissiMoto Twins Cup race. Next up is the Daytona 200 at 1:10 p.m. with Mission King Of The Baggers set to close out the weekend with its second race set to begin at 4 p.m.
Gates open at 3:00 p.m. both days at the Daytona Short Track, which is located outside NASCAR Turn 2 at the World Center of Racing, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 7 p.m. Along with the opening two rounds of the highly anticipated 2024 Mission AFT SuperTwins and Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championships, the Progressive AFT action will include Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program, which highlights, celebrates, and encourages the involvement of women in racing, on Thursday and Friday.
“Last year was our first year of the Super Ticket and it was very successful,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Since a lot of our fans are also flat track fans and vice versa, it makes perfect sense to offer those fans a ticket that works for both. This season promises to be an exciting one for both MotoAmerica and AFT and starting it off with a bang at Daytona is ideal. We look forward to sharing MotoAmerica racing to the fans of AFT and we hope our fans take advantage of the Super Ticket to go watch the Daytona Short Track.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for fans to see the world’s greatest motorcycle dirt trackers and the nation’s elite road racers on a single weekend at one of the most famous motorsports venues in the United States,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “Last year’s introduction of the America Super Ticket was a huge success, and we’re thrilled to partner with MotoAmerica to kick off another season in landmark fashion – where and when it belongs – at Daytona Bike Week.”
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
Writing a Future Together: Ducati Corse and Francesco Bagnaia Sign Renewal for Another Two Seasons
The Italian Rider, Two-Time World Champion with the Ducati Lenovo Team, Will Ride the factory Desmosedici GP in 2025 and 2026 as Well
Just days before the start of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, Ducati Corse and Francesco Bagnaia solidified their future together by putting pen to paper, announcing the signing of an agreement that binds the two-time MotoGP World Champion to the Borgo Panigale manufacturer for the 2025 and 2026 seasons as well.
The contract renewal ensures continuity for an all-Italian winning pair: a perfect combination of the technology and performance of the Desmosedici GP and the talent, passion, and determination of Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia.
Born in Turin in 1997 and residing in Pesaro, Bagnaia joined Ducati with Pramac Racing in 2019. With the extension of his current contract, he will further solidify his place in the history of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, becoming the second rider to be linked with Ducati for a total of eight years.
Bagnaia made a name for himself in 2020 by securing his first MotoGP podium in his home race at Misano Adriatico, and in 2021, he was promoted to the factory team. During his first year riding the red Ducati Lenovo Team machine, he narrowly missed out on winning the World Title, finishing as the runner-up after an exhilarating season finale. The year 2022 marked Bagnaia’s breakthrough, as he clinched his first MotoGP Riders’ World Title, also becoming the first Italian to do so on an Italian bike: the Desmosedici GP. This victory marked Ducati’s second Riders’ World Title, following Casey Stoner’s success in 2007, 15 years earlier. With the number 1 on his bike’s front fairing, Bagnaia was again crowned World Champion in 2023, thanks to another remarkable season that saw him claim 15 podiums, 7 victories, and 7 pole positions.
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“I am so happy to continue racing with the team of my dreams! Wearing these colours is an honour for me. It’s fantastic and a source of pride. Together with Ducati, my team, and all the guys at Ducati Corse, we’ve achieved incredible things. In these three more years (including 2024) ahead of us, we’ll continue to give our best to achieve as much success as possible. I am overjoyed and ready to hit the track in Qatar for the first race of the year.”
Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding)
“Pecco is truly the perfect rider for Ducati. He represents our values at their best: style, elegance, and performance. Not only is he fast, determined, and tenacious on track, but he also stands out for his elegance and education off the track. I am very happy for this renewal, which I am sure Ducatisti all over the world will welcome with enthusiasm.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)
“We are extremely happy to have Bagnaia with us again for 2025 and 2026. Together, we have written an important page of motorcycling history: Pecco was the first Italian rider to win a World Title in MotoGP with an Italian bike, our Desmosedici GP. Together, we brought back a Riders’ World Title that had been missing for 15 years, and we did it again last year. He is a two-time World Champion and has proven on more than one occasion that he truly deserves the number 1 on the fairing of his bike. In addition to these results, Bagnaia continues to demonstrate that he is in perfect harmony with his bike and team. For all these reasons, it was natural for us to want to continue with him. Therefore, we look forward to this new chapter together, confident that we can achieve other important results.”
Statistics from 2019 to date
GP Starts with Ducati in MotoGP: 86
First GP: Qatar 2019
Wins: 18
First GP Win: Aragón 2021
Podiums: 35
First Podium: San Marino 2020
Pole Positions: 18
First Pole: Qatar 2021
Fastest Laps: 13
Points: 1085
World Titles: 2 (MotoGP 2023, MotoGP 2022)
Bagnaia and the Ducati Lenovo Team will hit the track for the opening Grand Prix of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship from March 8th to 10th at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
The Suzuki GSX-8R and GSX-8S (not pictured) have been homologated to race in MotoAmerica Twins Cup. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
SUZUKI EXPANDS 2024 NATIONAL DEMO TOUR
Tour Kicks Off At Daytona Bike Week, Travels To Key Races, Rallies, and Suzuki Dealers Nationwide
BREA, CA (March 2, 2024) – Suzuki Motor USA LLC (Suzuki) has kicked off its 2024 Demo Tour with a full range of exciting 2024 models to demo ride and will be on the scene at some of motorcycling’s highest-profile events, as well as visiting Suzuki dealers nationwide.
The Tour gives riders a chance to throw their leg over and test-ride a wide range of awesome 2024 Suzuki motorcycles. The Tour launched at Bike Week at Daytona International Speedway March 1-9, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
You’ll have a great opportunity to test ride, experience, and learn more about Suzuki’s latest motorcycles on the Tour. Demo rides are available from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM EST every day of Daytona Bike Week.
Riders looking to experience Suzuki’s latest and greatest may visit the Suzuki display at Daytona International Speedway. There, riders may book a Suzuki demo ride in just minutes.
The 2024 Suzuki Demo Tour features Suzuki’s world-class GSX-R and Hayabusa sportbikes, V-STROM adventure tourers, high-performance GSX-S1000GT+ sport-tourers, power cruisers, dual sports, and more.
In addition, Suzuki will have on display many fully accessorized models, custom bikes, Suzuki racing bikes, and a selection of Genuine Suzuki Accessories. Pro rider autograph sessions at key stops are also planned.
The 2024 Suzuki demo tour offers licensed riders seat time on the latest Suzuki models including:
• GSX-8R sportbike
• GSX-8S
• V-STROM 800DE and 800 Adventure Tourers
• V-STROM 1050DE and 1050 Adventure Tourers
• Hayabusa – the ultimate sportbike
• Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
• GSX-R1000R, GSX-R750, GSX-R600 sportbikes
• GSX-S1000GT+ high-performance sport-tourers
• GSX-S1000
• DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM Supermoto
• DR-650S DualSport
• M109R Power Cruisers and more
New for 2024, the Suzuki GSX-8R sportbike brings its spirited performance and fresh styling to Suzuki demo rides this year, starting with Daytona Bike Week. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
A key highlight of the Suzuki Demo Tour is the all-new Suzuki parallel-twin 800cc motorcycle range, headed up by the exciting new Suzuki GSX-8R sportbike, and including the GSX-8S standard as well as the V-STROM 800 range of adventure tourers.
The GSX-8R has been lauded by the press as the new standard in sport, and uses the powerful and compact new 776cc Suzuki parallel-twin engine cradled in a strong, compact frame. The GSX-8R rewards riders with performance, technology, and style to lead the middleweight class in rideability and fun.
With stellar performance and features, riders are sure to enjoy all the GSX-8R has to offer as well as the rest of the 800cc Suzuki middleweight line during Bike Week.
The Tour continues throughout 2024 with planned stops at key MotoAmerica races, the US round of MotoGP, displays at select NHRA drag races, key national and adventure rallies, and more. Not to mention tour stops at Suzuki dealerships around the US.
Visit SuzukiCycles.com/events for more information and to see the complete schedule of Suzuki demo ride events.
Demo riders interested in purchasing a new Suzuki will also find several aggressive retail offers entering the 2024 riding season by clicking to SuzukiCycles.com/offers. It’s never been easier than right now to demo and buy a phenomenal new Suzuki.
Click your browser or smartphone to SuzukiCycles.com often as demo events are added throughout the season. Be sure to keep an eye on Suzuki’s social media channels on Facebook, X, and Instagram @suzukicycles for information on upcoming events, locations, and times as more events are finalized.
There is no better way to explore and ride the new Suzuki you’ve been wanting than at a Suzuki Demo Tour event. Bring your gear and ride with us at the 2024 Suzuki Demo Tour at Daytona, or a Suzuki dealer or event near you.
In perfect celebration of the 50th anniversary season of AMA Supercross racing, the Daytona International Speedway is the only venue to host a Supercross race every season, uninterrupted, since the start of the series. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
Jett Lawrence Wins Daytona Supercross and Extends Points Lead
Tom Vialle Earns Career-First Supercross Victory on Challenging Track
Daytona Beach, Fla., (March 3, 2024) Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence took an impressive win, his third of the season, at Round 8 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship inside the Daytona International Speedway. Daytime rain and the soft soil of the track built into the speedway Trioval made for one of the most challenging Daytona Supercross tracks ever.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac scored a strong second place finish, ending his streak of five straight wins at the venue. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton led the pack at the start and finished up with a third-place finish in front of record-high attendance for Daytona Supercross. This marks four races in a row this season where record highs for attendance were set. In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle earned his first Supercross victory in the United States.
Jett Lawrence. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.
“It felt great. I felt good all day, but like I said, we came here for business… I’m just happy to come out of here with a win. Now I only hope we can keep clicking them off. I improved on my mistakes from last weekend, so I’m pumped about that and I’m ready to go on to the next few… [This win] means the world. The first time coming here and already winning a Daytona, it’s awesome. It’s like a home race for me. I gotta thank the crowd, they’re wild.” – Jett Lawrence
“No, to be totally honest I didn’t look over at my pit board so I didn’t see anything, I didn’t feel anything, the motorcycle’s fine. There are treacherous conditions out there. For me, I’m on the clutch a lot and with the ruts that deep, obviously [those conditions] make the bike hot. But I powered through there. Thinking back to the race, [I’m] frustrated I didn’t do the quad; [that] cost me. So gotta take more risks next time. That’s that. So, yeah, second place.” [When asked more about not jumping the quad jump] “Yeah, that’s all what it came down to. And then I moved over to the right side and… the depth of the rut was a lot smaller, and [I’m] just bummed that I didn’t take that [line] earlier. But, ah, try to live and learn and go to the next one.” – Eli Tomac, when asked if he was aware of the smoke coming from his motorcycle during the second half of the race.
“It’s definitely a step in right direction. I’ve had a rough couple weeks with my hand being hurt… It was a good first couple laps. I was doing this section next to the tunnel jump pretty good. Then I started getting a little sketchy and stopped doing it, and I paid the price for it [with slower lap times]. So overall this is a building block, and we’ll go back to work this week. I finally got to ride this week with my [injured but healing] hand, and yeah, we’re not done yet. Just gotta keep building and keep moving forward.” – Chase Sexton
The Eastern Regional 250SX Class held its third round and Tom Vialle fought forward to earn his career-first Monster Energy AMA Supercross win. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo led early but a mistake sent him off track and into second place. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker rode strong on the challenging track to nab a third-place finish.
Tom Vialle. Photo credit Feld Motor Sports.
“It’s nice to grab that win. I had my first podium last weekend and first win today in Daytona. Track was tough. I actually feel good, I could have [ridden] like 30 minutes, I think. So, it’s pretty nice, bike was nice. I didn’t have a great start, but I passed a lot of guys and just feel so good. It’s amazing to win and I want to thank everyone – my team, everyone who works with me during the week, my trainer – really everyone who supports me; and all those fans, it’s amazing to ride here in Daytona, so thank you everyone.” – Tom Vialle
“Yeah, it was really about patience, and I think I did run out of a little bit of patience a couple times, and maybe [that] cost me that lead; but gosh, this was awesome. I love coming to Daytona… And just for the opportunity to be here and do what I love to do is awesome. I had a great time out there and we’re just going to keep plugging away…. This is a dream life that I get and I’m just so grateful for it. If you would’ve told Cameron McAdoo, even five years ago, that this would be his life, he would’ve laughed. So this is my dream, it’s coming true. I love what I get to do, and yeah, shout out to everyone, my family back home, my mom and dad, they didn’t get to make it out. Without them none of this is possible… I’m just grateful for the position I’m in and I’m excited to keep working at this.” – Cameron McAdoo, when asked if the Daytona race strategy was about patience.
“[I’m] stoked on that ride. Like you said, I got off to a pretty good start and me and Haiden were going at it for the first couple laps. He bobbled in the sand, got around him, and I was actually able to pull a gap on them, so that felt nice. I just kind of failed to hit my lines consistently, but yeah, [overall I’m] stoked on that ride here at Daytona.” – Seth Hammaker
The second Supercross Futures race of 2024 lined up the future stars of the sport. Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Drew Adams fought hard for the win. Troy Lee Designs GASGAS’s Cole Davies challenged for the top spot and crossed the line in a very close second place. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran fought forward from a poor start to grab the final spot on the SX Futures podium at Daytona.
“My arms got pumped up, [and then] it’s hard to pull the clutch in. Yeah, I had a few mishaps, and I was worried for the last two laps there. But I just rode solid the whole time, got a good start this time and had a great race. You know, it’s awesome to get [a win] here at Daytona. A little bit of wet dirt, something different this year, and it was a great time. And thank you to all the fans, I love you guys!” – Drew Adams when asked if he was having clutch issues after stalling his bike a couple times.
During the Daytona race, the dates and venues for the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final were announced. After 28 rounds of Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross conclude, the top 20 riders in combined points for both series will be seeded into the post-season racing. Riders who finish in positions 21-30 will compete in an LCQ at each event to round out the 22-rider field. Before post-season racing begins the points will be reset, with each rider retaining points for one round of racing based on their seeded position. Two Playoff races and one Final, each with increasing points payouts, will determine a SuperMotocross World Champion in both the 450cc and 250cc classes. The dates and venues are:
Next Saturday the series takes the Supercross racing to a new venue, Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The event will pay points as Round 9 of both the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship.
Every race is available live through the PeacockTV app, with several races also broadcast or streamed via NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. For fans watching from outside the US, live and on-demand coverage with both English and Spanish commentary can be had through the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv).
Tickets are available now for each remaining Monster Energy AMA Supercross event. For points standings, highlight videos, rider power rankings, broadcast-team insights, and to purchase tickets for an upcoming round, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi (46) uses all of the curbing at the Lusail International Circuit en route to fourth in class in his World Endurance Championship sports car debut. Photo by Michael Gougis
On the weekend before the MotoGP 2024 season opener at Lusail International Circuit, nine-time motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Valentino Rossi finished just off the podium in his World Endurance Championship sports car debut at the Qatar 1812km as the MotoGP legend geared up for racing in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Driving the factory Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 in the production-based LMGT3 class, Rossi and teammates Ahmad Al Harthy and Maxime Martin finished fourth, one lap down to the winning Porsche 911 GT3 R but only 12.647 seconds behind the Aston Martin Vantage AMR in third after nearly 10 hours of racing.
“It’s a good start to the season as finishing P4 is quite good but it’s a shame to be so close to the podium,” Rossi said. “It was a perfect race for us with no mistakes. The guys did an amazing job in the pits as well and we just missed a little bit of speed to make it to the podium.”
The fan experience for the WEC event at Lusail International Circuit included free bottled water, live bands, video arcades and viewing areas where spectators could lounge on beanbag chairs and watch the race on big-screen monitors. A double-decker shuttle bus carried spectators to three different viewing platforms around the outer perimeter of the track, giving them the chance to see the racing from several perspectives.
The WEC event and the MotoGP tickets were sold only as a package – individual event general admission tickets were not available. The two events were billed as the 2024 Lusail Speed Fest 2024. In addition to the amenities listed above, the package included free parking, free admission to the main straight grandstands and the Turn One “Lusail Hill” stands for three days of the WEC event and all three days of the MotoGP event for 200 Qatar riyal, approximately $55 U.S. dollars.
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www.roadracingworld.com
April 15, 2026
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Disability profiles supported in our website
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Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
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Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
