Buell® Motorcycles to Unveil Super Cruiser Prototypes and SuperTouring® Preproduction Model at Daytona Bike Week
Grand Rapids, MI – Buell Motorcycles, manufacturer of the highest-performing superbikes in America, is gearing up for its premier showcase at Daytona Bike Week, March 1-10, 2024. The event’s highlight will be the debut of the highly anticipated Super Cruiser prototypes, marking a milestone in Buell’s relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to eager fans.
Following the resounding success of its Super Cruiser concept bike in 2023, Buell is thrilled to present the exciting evolution of their production intent prototypes. These represent our engineering and design teams’ ingenuity and Buell’s dedication to redefining the riding experience.
In addition to the Super Cruiser prototypes, Buell will unveil their preproduction 185hp 1190 SuperTouring modular superbike featuring several refinements from the version showcased at last year’s Daytona event. Set to hit the market in late 2024, the SuperTouring model promises to elevate the standard of touring motorcycles and become the world’s fastest adaptive motorcycle.
Attendees at Daytona Bike Week can also expect an exciting lineup of 2023 and 2024
Hammerhead and SX models, including exclusive one-off paint schemes created especially for the occasion. Buell enthusiasts are invited to visit the Buell tent located along Destination Daytona to see these remarkable machines up close and talk shop with our team members.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycles, expressed his
excitement: “Daytona Bike Week is a super fun highlight to start our 2024 calendar, and this year’s going to be awesome showing off company growth, innovations, and the hot energy for the Super Cruisers. Buell’s committed to pushing the boundaries of performance and design, while fulfilling the needs of the American biker community.”
As Buell continues to lead the charge in high-performance American motorcycles, Daytona Bike Week is a testament to our dedication to excellence and innovation. For more information about Buell Motorcycles and our latest developments, visit buellmotorcycle.com and join us on social media.
About Buell Motorcycles:
Buell Motorcycles is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its rich heritage, exceptional performance, and unwavering commitment to rider satisfaction. With 40 years of experience, Buell Motorcycles continues to push boundaries and deliver exhilarating two-wheeled experiences.
For more information, please visit www.buellmotorcycle.com, and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and news.
Josh Hayes to compete in Daytona 200 aboard CSU One Cure Yamaha R6
Oceanside, CA: Josh Hayes will compete in the 82nd running of the Daytona 200 aboard the CSU One Cure Yamaha YZF-R6. Already the winningest rider in American road racing history, Josh will be fighting to finally take the top step at the historic race while also promoting CSU One Cure’s mission to fight cancer in both humans and their pets.
Josh Hayes comes to Daytona after a fantastic 2023 season in MotoAmerica’s ultra competitive Supersport class where he secured third place in the championship with two wins and eight total visits to the podium. While he currently has no solid plans for racing in 2024, he hasn’t ruled it out if the opportunity arrives.
Josh Hayes:
“I think by now it’s clear that I love racing motorcycles and I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to race my Yamaha YZF-R6. I’m excited to grid up and see if we can make it to the front in 200 miles. It’s an honor to help promote the mission of CSU One Cure along the way. I’ve taken my training very seriously this winter and I know I’m arriving in Daytona with the same preparation as when I was a factory Superbike racer.”
Dr. Christine Hardy, One Cure Program Lead, Flint Animal Cancer Center:
“One Cure is deeply committed to conquering cancer in all species. The only way we can do that is through cutting-edge clinical trials that push for better diagnostics, treatments, and ultimately, outcomes for people and pets. Two Wheels One Cure is helping us race toward a cure by raising awareness and funds for this work. We simply could not do this without the support of our friends who dare to reach new speeds and milestones. We thank the entire team for racing with us.”
Besides One Cure, Josh would also like to thank all the other people and organizations that have made this adventure possible: The Pierce Family, The Trails Preservation Alliance, J4orce Training, Maxima, Dunlop Tires, Evan Steel Performance, Yamaha, RS Taichi, Arai, TCX, Speedcell, GHD Designs, Quinn Knives, and M4 Performance Exhausts.
About CSU One Cure:
The One Cure program is founded on the principle that cancer affects all creatures and that breakthroughs come when scientists, veterinarians, and doctors collaborate on treatments for both people and pets. One Cure’s goal is to raise awareness and funding to support the Flint Animal Cancer Center’s clinical trials program and other comparative oncology research. The One Cure clinical trials program is one of the largest in veterinary medicine and includes seven dedicated staff members. In 2023, the program managed 31 clinical trials to study more effective therapies for a variety of cancer types including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and more.
Multi-Million Dollar Repaving and Renovation Project Phase 1 Nears Completion
NJMP’s Thunderbolt Receives Final Preparations for Season Opening
With over 2.25 miles of new pavement, upgraded curbing and runoff, fresh paint, and a wider entry to Turn 1, the major repave and renovation of New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Thunderbolt Circuit will be ready to open the 2024 motorsports season for a members-only debut March 2nd and 3rd 2024.
And with an action-packed schedule of events announced for 2024, there will be new track records set, personal bests achieved, and many smiles ahead for drivers, riders, and spectators on the completely renovated yet classic road racing venue.
As work continues aggressively ahead of opening day, NJMP’s Director of Track Operations Mike Murphy and veteran driver Tom Smith took to the track in the NJMP Ciocca Corvettes for a filming session, to inspect the track, and to share their observations.
Murphy, who joined NJMP after a number of years with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), said as he came off the track: “I’ve had the opportunity to drive many world-class circuits around the country, and today’s experience on Thunderbolt was the best one yet – taking the first hot laps around its 2.25 miles is something I’ll remember the rest of my life. As I drove down the new pit lane and entered the track, there was immediately a different feeling.”
Smith agreed. “While there is still curbing and landscaping work underway, and a slick ‘green’ new track covered with the dust and debris, after pushing for a number of laps I can say with confidence I will be going faster around Thunderbolt in 2024 than ever before. The grip will be fantastic as the track gets rubber laid down and cleaned off when drivers take to it in earnest.”
In its 16 seasons of motorsports activities – beginning in August 2008 with the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Supercar Life 250 race – New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Thunderbolt circuit has been enjoyed by professional automobile and motorcycle drivers and riders, by grassroots racing clubs with national and regional events, by NJMP Drivers and Riders Club members, and it has played a role in driver and rider education through the many schools and development days held there.
“The buzz around here has been incredible since we broke ground on the project four months ago,” commented Brad Scott, President and COO of New Jersey Motorsports Park. “The construction equipment, trucks, and people, the designers and engineers and quality testing, every day has been a new challenge and a new milestone met.”
He also highlighted the ongoing nature of the project. “It’s like completing a new construction house. There’s landscaping which will need to come in. Paint and accessories to be finished up. Details to be addressed once we move in, as it were. And Phase 2 with the new track configurations ahead beyond that.”
Phase 1 has included the milling and removal of the track surface, followed by the base paving and surface paving of the original Thunderbolt circuit layout, pit lane, and chicanes. Select curbing has been removed and renovated based on the input of a panel of riders, drivers, and partners.
The entry to Turn 1 has been improved. The front straight no longer narrows approaching Turn 1, eliminating the prior funneling effect, and setting up for more racing and passing both braking into and accelerating out of Turn 1.
Murphy noted the improved visibility through Turn 1, from both the racetrack and for cars exiting the pits.
Smith agreed. “Having driven thousands of laps around Thunderbolt since 2008, today was like seeing it for the first time again. Something totally new to experience, while still the classic Thunderbolt lap.”
“This project is an investment to sustain NJMP far into the future. Everyone on the team is committed to delivering the best product possible. I know I speak for many people when I say this – I can’t wait to see the first cars hit the track on opening day on the new Thunderbolt,” Scott concluded.
Sammy Halbert Set to Race Daytona Short Track with Dodge Bros. Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Veteran Mission SuperTwins ace Sammy Halbert will contest the season-opening Daytona Short Track I & II , along with other select rounds of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track championship, aboard a Dodge Bros. Racing/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750.
The union pairs championship-winning team owners Tony and Andy Dodge with the highly decorated Halbert, who boasts an overall AMA Pro Flat Track Championship, a Grand National Singles Championship, and an X Games gold medal, among his many racing accomplishments.
Dodge Bros. Racing is well known for its immaculately prepared and beautiful Harley XR750s. Teaming with Halbert provides a unique opportunity to see one of the sport’s top riders compete aboard history’s most iconic flat track bike in what could potentially prove to be its last, best chance to battle up front in Grand National Championship competition.
Halbert who runs the number 69 in honor of his late brother Jethro, is the winningest rider of the Daytona Short Track with four wins to his credit. Along with the double Daytona opener, Halbert is already committed to racing at the Silver Dollar Short Track in Chico, California, and the Ventura Short Track, in Ventura, California.
“At this point in my career, I’m racing very select events and having fun with it,” said Halbert. “The opportunity to race the Dodge Bros. XRs makes perfect sense for me. It’s the bike that I had the most success on in my career, and I’m excited to give the old girl another ride at the big dance.”
Tony Dodge said, “We’re really looking forward to going racing with Sammy on the XR750. It’s always a great time working with him. We’ve got the bikes looking brand new and we’re ready to represent for all the Harley XR750 fans out there.”
Sammy Halbert’s racing efforts are supported by the following partners: Castrol, Cardo Systems, Martin Trucking, 6D Helmets, Kibblewhite, Penske, Shimano, Pro Plates, Mika, Enerlon, Saddlemen, RSRK10-J2Motorsports, Regina Chain, Boswell’s Harley-Davidson, Oakley, CTI, MS, Fly Racing, Lightshoe, Motion Pro, Access Media Lab, Hathaway Racing, Fredericktown Cycles
Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia shattered the lap record in Qatar, the only rider in the 1:50 range as he led a factory Ducati 1-2 on the second and last day of the final pre-season test.
Bagnaia’s 1:50.952 was 0.120 seconds faster than Lenovo Ducati teammate Enea Bastianini, and ominously for the rest of the field, the 2024 version of the Desmosedici already seems faster than the fully-sorted and Championship-winning 2023 machine. Bagnaia was more than eight-tenths of a second clear of the 1:51.762 set last year by Luca Marini.
Most of the field had gone through the new parts and features by the end of Monday, leaving Tuesday free for refining the setup on the bike configuration they had chosen for the first race of the year, also at Lusail International Circuit. Times were dramatically quicker than during last year’s race weekend, with the top 11 going faster than the previous outright best lap.
Italian machines dominated the top of the time sheet, with factory Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro third, 0.308 seconds down. “We were flying,” Espargaro said. “It is the best bike I have ever had.” Eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez spent the first day of the test talking down his chances, saying he still was learning to ride the 2023 Gresini Ducati he is set to campaign this season after years on the Honda RC213V. Then he went out on the second day and set the fourth-fastest time, 0.383 seconds from the top on a track he says is not one of his best. Marquez’s test ended with a crash in Turn Four, which left him uninjured. “It was time to increase the risk,” he said.
Fifth went to Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez, still not at 100 percent after his injury in a crash at the prior test in Malaysia and riding a 2023 version of the Aprilia RS-GP. The American-based team’s 2024 machine is in the hands of Miguel Oliveira, who struggled most of the test but recovered to 12th on the final day of testing.
Sixth went to the factory Aprilia of Maverick Vinales, just ahead of Jorge Martin on the Prima Pramac Ducati. Last year’s title runner-up finisher, Martin complained of a vibration with his machine and could not match the speed of Bagnaia and Bastianini, finishing 0.514 seconds off the pace.
The best non-Italian motorcycle was the factory KTM of Brad Binder, who finished the test ninth and just ahead of Marco Bezzecchi.
Practice for the season-opening Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar is set for March 8.
Enea Bastianini (23) was second-quickest and suggested that there was more performance to come from the factory Desmosedici GP24. Photo by Michael Gougis.Aleix Espargaro (41) called his 2024 Aprilia RS-GP the best racebike he’s ever had. Photo by Michael Gougis.Marc Marquez (93) said it was time to up the risk factor, crashed but still finished fourth. Photo by Michael Gougis.Raul Fernandez (25) took his 2023 Trackhouse Racing Aprilia to fifth overall. Photo by Michael Gougis.Classification - Tuesday
Razgatlioglu leads the charge: WorldSBK Official Test hints at thrillling season opener
Toprak Razgatlioglu set a blistering pace, obliterating the lap record with a time of 1’28.511s at Phillip Island, showcasing his strong form ahead of the 2024 season.
Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega impressed with a competitive time of 1’28.585s despite suffering a crash at Turn 4, demonstrating potential as a top contender.
In the final test before the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicks off, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) emerged as the standout performer, obliterating the lap record with an impressive time of 1’28.511s at Phillip Island. His dominance was closely contested by Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who despite a crash at Turn 4, managed to set an impressive time of 1’28.585s.
Meanwhile, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) showcased consistent form, securing third place overall. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) also made waves with a strong performance, finishing in fourth position. The top five was rounded out by Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing). Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) showed promising form, consistently in the mix and eventually finishing in fifth place overall.
Both Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) had a challenging final day of testing. Bautista struggled with discomfort aboard his machine due to a nagging injury, leading to a mixed performance as he finished in seventh place overall. Meanwhile, Rea endured a significant crash at Turn 11, leaving him visibly uncomfortable and down the order in 15th place.
Additionally, Honda encountered troubles with Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) sustaining an injury following a highside at Turn 11, sidelining him for the remainder of the test, while Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) also endured a crash at Turn 3, resulting in significant damage to his bike.
More on worldsbk.com
P1 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
“I was worried before, because I’m not usually strong at this track. But we started very strong, with a strong race pace. The problem was the rear tyre. After 10 laps, it was a bit destroyed with the new track surface because we have too much grip. I did a very good lap time; this is the lap record, but this is testing and not the race weekend. I’m just focused on the race and today, I was working for the race. For me, it’s important to get a good result, a podium, and I hope to fight for the win. The race won’t be easy because the tyre’s life is different. We don’t know yet if it will be a flag-to-flag race.”
WorldSBK Combined Results after FP2
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’28.511s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.074s
3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.324s
4. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +0.490s
5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.700s
6. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) +0.702s
The 2024 season commences with the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round, running from Friday, February 23rd, to Sunday, February 25th.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AND ROLAND SANDSDESIGN® COLLABORATE ON HOOLIGAN-INSPIRED, LIMITED-EDITION FTR
From the Track to the Street,
New FTR x RSD Super Hooligan® Inspires Riders to Unleash their Inner Hooligan – Expertly Designed with Race Graphics and Premium Performance Componentry
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 20, 2024 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced a collaboration with Roland Sands Design (RSD) ® on a limited-edition FTR. Expertly designed by Indian Motorcycle and Roland Sands®, the all-new FTR celebrates the RSD® hooligan lifestyle – a “run-what-ya-brung,” bar-banging spirit of unbridled, fearless freedom found in this style of motorcycle racing.
From the track to the street, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan® inspires riders to unleash their inner hooligan. The new limited-edition FTR features Black Metallic bodywork with authentic Super Hooligan® race graphics, a classic Indian Motorcycle Red frame with matching wheels featuring gold accent, and Indian Motorcycle Racing’s No. 1 championship logo on the front and side number plates. For an extra layer of authenticity, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan® features race team sponsors’ logos on its rear seat cowl. Additional graphics for the radiator shroud, front fender, and front forks will be supplied to owners for optional application. These premium components were thoughtfully curated to deliver an authentic, race-like experience to the rider.
“The term ‘hooligan’ has taken on an entirely new meaning in the world of motorcycles, characterized by a rebellious, fearless attitude that places having fun on a motorcycle above all else, and that’s what this new FTR is all about,” said Aaron Jax, vice president, Indian Motorcycle. “Roland Sands has blazed this trail and built the RSD brand around the hooligan lifestyle. From spinning laps on dirt ovals on mid-size cruisers, to today’s competitive racing within the MotoAmerica series, the ethos of hooligan riding has not changed.”
“Super Hooligan has always been about more than just racing. It’s about pushing boundaries and having a blast riding motorcycles with your friends,” said Roland Sands, Founder of RSD®. “Far from the full fairing machines you normally see on the racetrack, a Super Hooligan bike has effortless attitude and a custom aesthetic with an exposed powertrain. When Indian Motorcycle approached us to codesign an Indian FTR for consumers, it was a natural fit, and something we were very excited to be a part of.”
Built upon the FTR R Carbon model, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan® offers performance branded parts and premium ride-enhancing technology. Fully adjustable Öhlins® inverted front forks and rear piggyback shock delivers exceptional ride and handling, while dual-disc Brembo® brakes provide ultimate stopping power. The bike’s four-inch round touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers vital bike and ride information, selectable ride modes for a customizable ride experience, along with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The capabilities of RIDE COMMAND allow riders to take control like never before by enjoying seamless integration with their smartphones, tracking ride routes, keeping up to date with automated alerts of the motorcycle’s maintenance and health. In addition, an Akrapovič muffler and heat shield add style and improve sound, while Gilles Tooling parts, including adjustable rear-sets, oil cap, radiator cap, and bar-end weights, add to the bike’s premium finish – delivering authentic RSD® Hooligan race style for the rider.
With only 300 available globally, each FTR x RSD® Super Hooligan bike is individually numbered with a commemorative tank console. The 2024 FTR x RSD® Super Hooligan starts at $18,499 and is now shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Brembo® is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy; Akrapovic® is a registered trademark of Igor Akrapovic; Öhlins® is a registered trademark of Öhlins Racing AB CORPORATION SWEDEN; RSD®, Roland Sands Design and RSD Super Hooligan are registered trademarks of Roland W. Sands; Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia left it late in the day to put Ducati’s latest technical innovations to the test, but when he did, he was fastest on Day One of the final pre-season test.
Bagnaia turned a 1:52.040 on the 36th lap of the 51 he put in at Lusail International Circuit, where MotoGP teams are testing before they return for the 2024 season-opening race. Bagnaia’s time was well under the race record of 1:52.978, set last year by factory Ducati rider and teammate Enea Bastianini, but shy of the outright best lap of 1:51.762 set by Luca Marini in qualifying last year.
Last year’s bitter title rival Jorge Martin was again Bagnaia’s closest challenger. Martin did 58 laps with a best of 1:52.260 on his Prima Pramac Ducati, just ahead of Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro, whose 1:52.332 edged factory KTM rider Brad Binder by 0.004 second.
MotoGP rookie Pedro Acosta continued his steady progression, finishing the test 15th, 0.898 seconds off of Bagnaia’s time. The American-based Trackhouse Racing team continued to come to terms with their new satellite Aprilia RS-GP machines, a 2024-spec for Miguel Oliveira and a 2023-spec for Raul Fernandez. Fernandez will race the 2023 bike until a second factory specification machine is available for him.
Jorge Martin (89) continued his pursuit of Francesco Bagnaia, turning the second-fastest lap on Day One of the final MotoGP pre-season test. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Moto2 World Champion Pedro Acosta (31) continued his adaptation to his Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 MotoGP machine, finishing less than nine-tenths of a second off the best time on Day One of the test at Qatar. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Trackhouse Racing’s Miguel Oliveira (88) struggled on the first day at Qatar, finishing 21st. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez (25) was 12th quickest on his 2023 Aprilia RS-GP at Qatar. Photo by Michael Gougis.
#QatarTest: Bagnaia heads Martin as Aprilia and KTM close in
The rivalry continues but the competition is on the chase on Day 1 in the desert
Monday, 19 February 2024
After Day 1 of action in the desert, it’s a familiar name on top: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). But the reigning Champion was closely trailed by his key 2023 rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), just 0.220s adrift, and they had some closer company in Qatar. Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro kept pace with the GP24s once again for P3, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder close on the chase in fourth.
The day started a little dusty and windy, but once the sun began to set, we saw a flurry of time attacks come in. Bagnaia led the charge, though he still has a ways to go if he wants to reach the all-time lap record 1:51:762 set by Luca Marini during the 2023 Qatar GP.
Ducati Lenovo, Prima Pramac, Pertamina Enduro VR46 & Gresini
Ducati’s momentum from Sepang seems unabated, with a focused testing regime centered on refining the new engine and evaluating different fairings and exhaust setups. Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) both left it late until they went out on the full-spec 2024 machine, and found immediate improvements in their one lap pace.
Fabio Di Giannantonio’s (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) hugely encouraging pre-season continues as he took P5 to help back up his Sepang performance, while Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) finds himself outside the top 10 on Day 1. At Gresini Racing, Alex Marquez claimed seventh on the timesheets with Marc Marquez in P16. However, the eight-time World Champion recorded 58 laps on Monday, meaning he has now clocked over 280 laps aboard the Desmosedici without crashing.
Aprilia & Trackhouse Racing
Sporting their sleek 2024 livery, Aprilia can certainly be encouraged by their performances on Day 1. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) spent a large portion of the day in P1 before slipping to sixth, while Aleix Espargaro surged up to that P3.
At one stage, three RS-GPs occupied the top three places on the timesheets, with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) putting in a brilliant effort to join his factory counterparts at the business end of proceedings before ending the day 12th. Teammate Miguel Oliveira, meanwhile, was further down the order as the Noale factory continue working towards 2024.
Red Bull KTM & Red Bull GASGAS Tech3
There’s plenty of encouragement on the timesheets for the RC16s once again, with Brad Binder taking fourth just thousandths off Espargaro ahead. Meanwhile, the good reading continued as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) both in the 1:52s, while the latter spun the most laps of anyone with 73. Augusto Fernandez’ (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) pre-season frustrations continued on Day 1 though, with the 2022 Moto2™ World Champion placing P20 while also suffering a crash in addition to some technical issues earlier in the day.
From a testing perspective too, the Austrian machinery was quite busy with two new specs of engine plus a range of different aero set ups on the programme.
Repsol Honda & Castrol/Idemitsu Honda LCR
There are plenty of reasons to smile if you’re a Honda fan, as it seems that progress seen in Sepang has kept rolling at Lusail. Johann Zarco (Castrol LCR Honda) was the top Honda rider in P9, and he did his time attack on the new aero they brought to Qatar. Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) was next Honda, a couple of tenths in further arrears, before Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda LCR) and then Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team), the latter of whom was feeling under the weather on Day 1. It seems the Japanese brand have settled on their new engine though, while all four riders used the new swingarm seen in Sepang.
Monster Energy Yamaha
Having claimed an opening day top 10, Tuesday will be an intense day according to Fabio Quartararo as the Yamaha star looks to find a way to make the M1 smoother and improve their grip on time attacks. That is the major issue facing the Iwata factory, and the 2021 World Champion believes they still have a lot of work to do to achieve that next step. New teammate Alex Rins was a little further down the order, but the all hands on deck continues for the Iwata marque with test rider Cal Crutchlow still putting in the laps too.
That’s it from Day 1! Tuesday sees MotoGP™ back on track in Qatar, with more track action from 14:00 to 21:00 (UTC + 3) – followed by a 15-minute practice start session. So join us on motogp.com, across social media and then live from Lusail for the last session of pre-season!
THE BIG APRILIA FESTIVAL IS BACK PROTAGONISTS ON TRACK, THE FABULOUS RS-GP MACHINES OF THE MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE APRILIA RACING RIDERS: VIÑALES, ESPARGARÓ, SAVADORI, OLIVEIRA, AND FERNÁNDEZ
JACOPO CERUTTI AND FRANCESCO MONTANARI WILL BE WITH THEM, DOMINATORS WITH THE APRILIA TUAREG IN THE AFRICA ECO RACE
MAX BIAGGI WILL LEAD THE TEAM OF GREAT CHAMPIONS WHO, IN THE EXTRAORDINARY ATMOSPHERE OF APRILIA ALL STARS, WILL CELEBRATE THE ITALIAN BRAND WITH THE MOST VICTORIES IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GP MOTORCYCLE RACING ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF FANS
THERE WILL BE LOTS OF BIKES, TEST RIDES, EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND THE MUSIC OF RADIO DEEJAY FOR A FESTIVAL UNDER THE BANNER OF PASSION AND LOVE FOR MOTORSPORT
Noale, 19 February 2024 – The Aprilia All Stars event is back, the huge Aprilia festival that gives motorsport fans a unique day of incredible bikes and legendary champions.
Misano World Circuit, Saturday, 8 June is the date and place that fans will want to put on their calendars and not miss. A unique opportunity – entirely free – to see and enjoy firsthand the on-track performance of the magnificent Aprilia RS-GP machines participating in the MotoGP championship and meet the riders.
As always, the brightest stars will be the Aprilia Racing riders, Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales, Lorenzo Savadori, Miguel Oliveira, and Raúl Fernández, MotoGP competitors. Champions who will be protagonists, not only on the track but, in true Aprilia All Stars tradition, they will also be among the fans in the paddock to celebrate Aprilia, the European brand with the most victories in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, with 297 GP triumphs. All the greats of Aprilia history will be with them, led by six-time world champion Max Biaggi.
Something new for this edition will be the participation of Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, fresh from the triumphant début astride the Aprilia Tuareg in the Africa Eco Race. Cerutti, dominator of the African race, and Montanari will also meet their fans in the festive and informal atmosphere of Aprilia All Stars and they will be showing off the fabulous Aprilia Tuareg, dominator of the desert.
As always, Aprilia All Stars will be an all-around festival for fans and for the entire family. The paddock will be constantly buzzing with fabulous test rides where enthusiasts will be able to put the bikes from the Aprilia range through their paces on the Romagna roads, all free of charge, as well as the Racing Museum, with the racing bikes that built the legend of the Italian brand, a must-see for any enthusiast.
The music of Radio DeeJay will provide the soundtrack of an event which will be rich with initiatives, such as the “Aprilia vista dall’Oriente” exhibit, with the spectacular photos of Japanese photographer Aki Kusudo, a total immersion in the racing world that tells the story of Aprilia’s commitment in the MotoGP championship.
There will also be spaces for eSport, shopping dedicated to Aprilia Racing brand apparel and merchandising, food areas, and much more.
Buell Super Cruiser prototypes being prepared at the factory in Michigan, before heading to Daytona Bike Week. Photo courtesy Buell Motorcycles.
Buell® Motorcycles to Unveil Super Cruiser Prototypes and SuperTouring® Preproduction Model at Daytona Bike Week
Grand Rapids, MI – Buell Motorcycles, manufacturer of the highest-performing superbikes in America, is gearing up for its premier showcase at Daytona Bike Week, March 1-10, 2024. The event’s highlight will be the debut of the highly anticipated Super Cruiser prototypes, marking a milestone in Buell’s relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to eager fans.
Following the resounding success of its Super Cruiser concept bike in 2023, Buell is thrilled to present the exciting evolution of their production intent prototypes. These represent our engineering and design teams’ ingenuity and Buell’s dedication to redefining the riding experience.
In addition to the Super Cruiser prototypes, Buell will unveil their preproduction 185hp 1190 SuperTouring modular superbike featuring several refinements from the version showcased at last year’s Daytona event. Set to hit the market in late 2024, the SuperTouring model promises to elevate the standard of touring motorcycles and become the world’s fastest adaptive motorcycle.
Attendees at Daytona Bike Week can also expect an exciting lineup of 2023 and 2024
Hammerhead and SX models, including exclusive one-off paint schemes created especially for the occasion. Buell enthusiasts are invited to visit the Buell tent located along Destination Daytona to see these remarkable machines up close and talk shop with our team members.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycles, expressed his
excitement: “Daytona Bike Week is a super fun highlight to start our 2024 calendar, and this year’s going to be awesome showing off company growth, innovations, and the hot energy for the Super Cruisers. Buell’s committed to pushing the boundaries of performance and design, while fulfilling the needs of the American biker community.”
As Buell continues to lead the charge in high-performance American motorcycles, Daytona Bike Week is a testament to our dedication to excellence and innovation. For more information about Buell Motorcycles and our latest developments, visit buellmotorcycle.com and join us on social media.
About Buell Motorcycles:
Buell Motorcycles is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its rich heritage, exceptional performance, and unwavering commitment to rider satisfaction. With 40 years of experience, Buell Motorcycles continues to push boundaries and deliver exhilarating two-wheeled experiences.
For more information, please visit www.buellmotorcycle.com, and connect with us on social media for the latest updates and news.
Jeff Hargis (84) leads Tony Read (50) and
Mark Morrow (9X) during a Formula 750 race at Roebling Road Raceway. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
Josh Hayes, the winningest rider in AMA Pro/MotoAmerica history. Photo courtesy CSU One Cure Yamaha Racing.
Josh Hayes to compete in Daytona 200 aboard CSU One Cure Yamaha R6
Oceanside, CA: Josh Hayes will compete in the 82nd running of the Daytona 200 aboard the CSU One Cure Yamaha YZF-R6. Already the winningest rider in American road racing history, Josh will be fighting to finally take the top step at the historic race while also promoting CSU One Cure’s mission to fight cancer in both humans and their pets.
Josh Hayes comes to Daytona after a fantastic 2023 season in MotoAmerica’s ultra competitive Supersport class where he secured third place in the championship with two wins and eight total visits to the podium. While he currently has no solid plans for racing in 2024, he hasn’t ruled it out if the opportunity arrives.
Josh Hayes:
“I think by now it’s clear that I love racing motorcycles and I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to race my Yamaha YZF-R6. I’m excited to grid up and see if we can make it to the front in 200 miles. It’s an honor to help promote the mission of CSU One Cure along the way. I’ve taken my training very seriously this winter and I know I’m arriving in Daytona with the same preparation as when I was a factory Superbike racer.”
Dr. Christine Hardy, One Cure Program Lead, Flint Animal Cancer Center:
“One Cure is deeply committed to conquering cancer in all species. The only way we can do that is through cutting-edge clinical trials that push for better diagnostics, treatments, and ultimately, outcomes for people and pets. Two Wheels One Cure is helping us race toward a cure by raising awareness and funds for this work. We simply could not do this without the support of our friends who dare to reach new speeds and milestones. We thank the entire team for racing with us.”
Besides One Cure, Josh would also like to thank all the other people and organizations that have made this adventure possible: The Pierce Family, The Trails Preservation Alliance, J4orce Training, Maxima, Dunlop Tires, Evan Steel Performance, Yamaha, RS Taichi, Arai, TCX, Speedcell, GHD Designs, Quinn Knives, and M4 Performance Exhausts.
About CSU One Cure:
The One Cure program is founded on the principle that cancer affects all creatures and that breakthroughs come when scientists, veterinarians, and doctors collaborate on treatments for both people and pets. One Cure’s goal is to raise awareness and funding to support the Flint Animal Cancer Center’s clinical trials program and other comparative oncology research. The One Cure clinical trials program is one of the largest in veterinary medicine and includes seven dedicated staff members. In 2023, the program managed 31 clinical trials to study more effective therapies for a variety of cancer types including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and more.
NJMP staffers sampling the new pavement on Thunderbolt Raceway ahead of a members-only open house in March. Photo courtesy New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Multi-Million Dollar Repaving and Renovation Project Phase 1 Nears Completion
NJMP’s Thunderbolt Receives Final Preparations for Season Opening
With over 2.25 miles of new pavement, upgraded curbing and runoff, fresh paint, and a wider entry to Turn 1, the major repave and renovation of New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Thunderbolt Circuit will be ready to open the 2024 motorsports season for a members-only debut March 2nd and 3rd 2024.
And with an action-packed schedule of events announced for 2024, there will be new track records set, personal bests achieved, and many smiles ahead for drivers, riders, and spectators on the completely renovated yet classic road racing venue.
As work continues aggressively ahead of opening day, NJMP’s Director of Track Operations Mike Murphy and veteran driver Tom Smith took to the track in the NJMP Ciocca Corvettes for a filming session, to inspect the track, and to share their observations.
Murphy, who joined NJMP after a number of years with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), said as he came off the track: “I’ve had the opportunity to drive many world-class circuits around the country, and today’s experience on Thunderbolt was the best one yet – taking the first hot laps around its 2.25 miles is something I’ll remember the rest of my life. As I drove down the new pit lane and entered the track, there was immediately a different feeling.”
Smith agreed. “While there is still curbing and landscaping work underway, and a slick ‘green’ new track covered with the dust and debris, after pushing for a number of laps I can say with confidence I will be going faster around Thunderbolt in 2024 than ever before. The grip will be fantastic as the track gets rubber laid down and cleaned off when drivers take to it in earnest.”
In its 16 seasons of motorsports activities – beginning in August 2008 with the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Supercar Life 250 race – New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Thunderbolt circuit has been enjoyed by professional automobile and motorcycle drivers and riders, by grassroots racing clubs with national and regional events, by NJMP Drivers and Riders Club members, and it has played a role in driver and rider education through the many schools and development days held there.
“The buzz around here has been incredible since we broke ground on the project four months ago,” commented Brad Scott, President and COO of New Jersey Motorsports Park. “The construction equipment, trucks, and people, the designers and engineers and quality testing, every day has been a new challenge and a new milestone met.”
He also highlighted the ongoing nature of the project. “It’s like completing a new construction house. There’s landscaping which will need to come in. Paint and accessories to be finished up. Details to be addressed once we move in, as it were. And Phase 2 with the new track configurations ahead beyond that.”
Phase 1 has included the milling and removal of the track surface, followed by the base paving and surface paving of the original Thunderbolt circuit layout, pit lane, and chicanes. Select curbing has been removed and renovated based on the input of a panel of riders, drivers, and partners.
The entry to Turn 1 has been improved. The front straight no longer narrows approaching Turn 1, eliminating the prior funneling effect, and setting up for more racing and passing both braking into and accelerating out of Turn 1.
Murphy noted the improved visibility through Turn 1, from both the racetrack and for cars exiting the pits.
Smith agreed. “Having driven thousands of laps around Thunderbolt since 2008, today was like seeing it for the first time again. Something totally new to experience, while still the classic Thunderbolt lap.”
“This project is an investment to sustain NJMP far into the future. Everyone on the team is committed to delivering the best product possible. I know I speak for many people when I say this – I can’t wait to see the first cars hit the track on opening day on the new Thunderbolt,” Scott concluded.
Sammy Halbert Set to Race Daytona Short Track with Dodge Bros. Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Veteran Mission SuperTwins ace Sammy Halbert will contest the season-opening Daytona Short Track I & II , along with other select rounds of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track championship, aboard a Dodge Bros. Racing/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750.
The union pairs championship-winning team owners Tony and Andy Dodge with the highly decorated Halbert, who boasts an overall AMA Pro Flat Track Championship, a Grand National Singles Championship, and an X Games gold medal, among his many racing accomplishments.
Dodge Bros. Racing is well known for its immaculately prepared and beautiful Harley XR750s. Teaming with Halbert provides a unique opportunity to see one of the sport’s top riders compete aboard history’s most iconic flat track bike in what could potentially prove to be its last, best chance to battle up front in Grand National Championship competition.
Halbert who runs the number 69 in honor of his late brother Jethro, is the winningest rider of the Daytona Short Track with four wins to his credit. Along with the double Daytona opener, Halbert is already committed to racing at the Silver Dollar Short Track in Chico, California, and the Ventura Short Track, in Ventura, California.
“At this point in my career, I’m racing very select events and having fun with it,” said Halbert. “The opportunity to race the Dodge Bros. XRs makes perfect sense for me. It’s the bike that I had the most success on in my career, and I’m excited to give the old girl another ride at the big dance.”
Tony Dodge said, “We’re really looking forward to going racing with Sammy on the XR750. It’s always a great time working with him. We’ve got the bikes looking brand new and we’re ready to represent for all the Harley XR750 fans out there.”
Sammy Halbert’s racing efforts are supported by the following partners: Castrol, Cardo Systems, Martin Trucking, 6D Helmets, Kibblewhite, Penske, Shimano, Pro Plates, Mika, Enerlon, Saddlemen, RSRK10-J2Motorsports, Regina Chain, Boswell’s Harley-Davidson, Oakley, CTI, MS, Fly Racing, Lightshoe, Motion Pro, Access Media Lab, Hathaway Racing, Fredericktown Cycles
Francesco Bagnaia (1) smashed the lap record and topped the final day of MotoGP pre-season testing. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia shattered the lap record in Qatar, the only rider in the 1:50 range as he led a factory Ducati 1-2 on the second and last day of the final pre-season test.
Bagnaia’s 1:50.952 was 0.120 seconds faster than Lenovo Ducati teammate Enea Bastianini, and ominously for the rest of the field, the 2024 version of the Desmosedici already seems faster than the fully-sorted and Championship-winning 2023 machine. Bagnaia was more than eight-tenths of a second clear of the 1:51.762 set last year by Luca Marini.
Most of the field had gone through the new parts and features by the end of Monday, leaving Tuesday free for refining the setup on the bike configuration they had chosen for the first race of the year, also at Lusail International Circuit. Times were dramatically quicker than during last year’s race weekend, with the top 11 going faster than the previous outright best lap.
Italian machines dominated the top of the time sheet, with factory Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro third, 0.308 seconds down. “We were flying,” Espargaro said. “It is the best bike I have ever had.” Eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez spent the first day of the test talking down his chances, saying he still was learning to ride the 2023 Gresini Ducati he is set to campaign this season after years on the Honda RC213V. Then he went out on the second day and set the fourth-fastest time, 0.383 seconds from the top on a track he says is not one of his best. Marquez’s test ended with a crash in Turn Four, which left him uninjured. “It was time to increase the risk,” he said.
Fifth went to Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez, still not at 100 percent after his injury in a crash at the prior test in Malaysia and riding a 2023 version of the Aprilia RS-GP. The American-based team’s 2024 machine is in the hands of Miguel Oliveira, who struggled most of the test but recovered to 12th on the final day of testing.
Sixth went to the factory Aprilia of Maverick Vinales, just ahead of Jorge Martin on the Prima Pramac Ducati. Last year’s title runner-up finisher, Martin complained of a vibration with his machine and could not match the speed of Bagnaia and Bastianini, finishing 0.514 seconds off the pace.
The best non-Italian motorcycle was the factory KTM of Brad Binder, who finished the test ninth and just ahead of Marco Bezzecchi.
Practice for the season-opening Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar is set for March 8.
Enea Bastianini (23) was second-quickest and suggested that there was more performance to come from the factory Desmosedici GP24. Photo by Michael Gougis.Aleix Espargaro (41) called his 2024 Aprilia RS-GP the best racebike he’s ever had. Photo by Michael Gougis.Marc Marquez (93) said it was time to up the risk factor, crashed but still finished fourth. Photo by Michael Gougis.Raul Fernandez (25) took his 2023 Trackhouse Racing Aprilia to fifth overall. Photo by Michael Gougis.Classification - Tuesday
Razgatlioglu leads the charge: WorldSBK Official Test hints at thrillling season opener
Toprak Razgatlioglu set a blistering pace, obliterating the lap record with a time of 1’28.511s at Phillip Island, showcasing his strong form ahead of the 2024 season.
Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega impressed with a competitive time of 1’28.585s despite suffering a crash at Turn 4, demonstrating potential as a top contender.
In the final test before the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicks off, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) emerged as the standout performer, obliterating the lap record with an impressive time of 1’28.511s at Phillip Island. His dominance was closely contested by Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who despite a crash at Turn 4, managed to set an impressive time of 1’28.585s.
Meanwhile, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) showcased consistent form, securing third place overall. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) also made waves with a strong performance, finishing in fourth position. The top five was rounded out by Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing). Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) showed promising form, consistently in the mix and eventually finishing in fifth place overall.
Both Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) had a challenging final day of testing. Bautista struggled with discomfort aboard his machine due to a nagging injury, leading to a mixed performance as he finished in seventh place overall. Meanwhile, Rea endured a significant crash at Turn 11, leaving him visibly uncomfortable and down the order in 15th place.
Additionally, Honda encountered troubles with Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) sustaining an injury following a highside at Turn 11, sidelining him for the remainder of the test, while Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) also endured a crash at Turn 3, resulting in significant damage to his bike.
More on worldsbk.com
P1 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
“I was worried before, because I’m not usually strong at this track. But we started very strong, with a strong race pace. The problem was the rear tyre. After 10 laps, it was a bit destroyed with the new track surface because we have too much grip. I did a very good lap time; this is the lap record, but this is testing and not the race weekend. I’m just focused on the race and today, I was working for the race. For me, it’s important to get a good result, a podium, and I hope to fight for the win. The race won’t be easy because the tyre’s life is different. We don’t know yet if it will be a flag-to-flag race.”
WorldSBK Combined Results after FP2
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’28.511s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.074s
3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.324s
4. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +0.490s
5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.700s
6. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) +0.702s
The 2024 season commences with the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round, running from Friday, February 23rd, to Sunday, February 25th.
A 2024-model Indian FTR x RSD Super Hooligan. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AND ROLAND SANDSDESIGN® COLLABORATE ON HOOLIGAN-INSPIRED, LIMITED-EDITION FTR
From the Track to the Street,
New FTR x RSD Super Hooligan® Inspires Riders to Unleash their Inner Hooligan – Expertly Designed with Race Graphics and Premium Performance Componentry
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 20, 2024 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced a collaboration with Roland Sands Design (RSD) ® on a limited-edition FTR. Expertly designed by Indian Motorcycle and Roland Sands®, the all-new FTR celebrates the RSD® hooligan lifestyle – a “run-what-ya-brung,” bar-banging spirit of unbridled, fearless freedom found in this style of motorcycle racing.
From the track to the street, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan® inspires riders to unleash their inner hooligan. The new limited-edition FTR features Black Metallic bodywork with authentic Super Hooligan® race graphics, a classic Indian Motorcycle Red frame with matching wheels featuring gold accent, and Indian Motorcycle Racing’s No. 1 championship logo on the front and side number plates. For an extra layer of authenticity, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan® features race team sponsors’ logos on its rear seat cowl. Additional graphics for the radiator shroud, front fender, and front forks will be supplied to owners for optional application. These premium components were thoughtfully curated to deliver an authentic, race-like experience to the rider.
“The term ‘hooligan’ has taken on an entirely new meaning in the world of motorcycles, characterized by a rebellious, fearless attitude that places having fun on a motorcycle above all else, and that’s what this new FTR is all about,” said Aaron Jax, vice president, Indian Motorcycle. “Roland Sands has blazed this trail and built the RSD brand around the hooligan lifestyle. From spinning laps on dirt ovals on mid-size cruisers, to today’s competitive racing within the MotoAmerica series, the ethos of hooligan riding has not changed.”
“Super Hooligan has always been about more than just racing. It’s about pushing boundaries and having a blast riding motorcycles with your friends,” said Roland Sands, Founder of RSD®. “Far from the full fairing machines you normally see on the racetrack, a Super Hooligan bike has effortless attitude and a custom aesthetic with an exposed powertrain. When Indian Motorcycle approached us to codesign an Indian FTR for consumers, it was a natural fit, and something we were very excited to be a part of.”
Built upon the FTR R Carbon model, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan® offers performance branded parts and premium ride-enhancing technology. Fully adjustable Öhlins® inverted front forks and rear piggyback shock delivers exceptional ride and handling, while dual-disc Brembo® brakes provide ultimate stopping power. The bike’s four-inch round touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers vital bike and ride information, selectable ride modes for a customizable ride experience, along with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The capabilities of RIDE COMMAND allow riders to take control like never before by enjoying seamless integration with their smartphones, tracking ride routes, keeping up to date with automated alerts of the motorcycle’s maintenance and health. In addition, an Akrapovič muffler and heat shield add style and improve sound, while Gilles Tooling parts, including adjustable rear-sets, oil cap, radiator cap, and bar-end weights, add to the bike’s premium finish – delivering authentic RSD® Hooligan race style for the rider.
With only 300 available globally, each FTR x RSD® Super Hooligan bike is individually numbered with a commemorative tank console. The 2024 FTR x RSD® Super Hooligan starts at $18,499 and is now shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Brembo® is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy; Akrapovic® is a registered trademark of Igor Akrapovic; Öhlins® is a registered trademark of Öhlins Racing AB CORPORATION SWEDEN; RSD®, Roland Sands Design and RSD Super Hooligan are registered trademarks of Roland W. Sands; Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Two-time and defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (1) was quickest on the first day of the final pre-season test. Photo by Michael Gougis.
MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia left it late in the day to put Ducati’s latest technical innovations to the test, but when he did, he was fastest on Day One of the final pre-season test.
Bagnaia turned a 1:52.040 on the 36th lap of the 51 he put in at Lusail International Circuit, where MotoGP teams are testing before they return for the 2024 season-opening race. Bagnaia’s time was well under the race record of 1:52.978, set last year by factory Ducati rider and teammate Enea Bastianini, but shy of the outright best lap of 1:51.762 set by Luca Marini in qualifying last year.
Last year’s bitter title rival Jorge Martin was again Bagnaia’s closest challenger. Martin did 58 laps with a best of 1:52.260 on his Prima Pramac Ducati, just ahead of Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro, whose 1:52.332 edged factory KTM rider Brad Binder by 0.004 second.
MotoGP rookie Pedro Acosta continued his steady progression, finishing the test 15th, 0.898 seconds off of Bagnaia’s time. The American-based Trackhouse Racing team continued to come to terms with their new satellite Aprilia RS-GP machines, a 2024-spec for Miguel Oliveira and a 2023-spec for Raul Fernandez. Fernandez will race the 2023 bike until a second factory specification machine is available for him.
Jorge Martin (89) continued his pursuit of Francesco Bagnaia, turning the second-fastest lap on Day One of the final MotoGP pre-season test. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Moto2 World Champion Pedro Acosta (31) continued his adaptation to his Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 MotoGP machine, finishing less than nine-tenths of a second off the best time on Day One of the test at Qatar. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Trackhouse Racing’s Miguel Oliveira (88) struggled on the first day at Qatar, finishing 21st. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez (25) was 12th quickest on his 2023 Aprilia RS-GP at Qatar. Photo by Michael Gougis.
#QatarTest: Bagnaia heads Martin as Aprilia and KTM close in
The rivalry continues but the competition is on the chase on Day 1 in the desert
Monday, 19 February 2024
After Day 1 of action in the desert, it’s a familiar name on top: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). But the reigning Champion was closely trailed by his key 2023 rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), just 0.220s adrift, and they had some closer company in Qatar. Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro kept pace with the GP24s once again for P3, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder close on the chase in fourth.
The day started a little dusty and windy, but once the sun began to set, we saw a flurry of time attacks come in. Bagnaia led the charge, though he still has a ways to go if he wants to reach the all-time lap record 1:51:762 set by Luca Marini during the 2023 Qatar GP.
Ducati Lenovo, Prima Pramac, Pertamina Enduro VR46 & Gresini
Ducati’s momentum from Sepang seems unabated, with a focused testing regime centered on refining the new engine and evaluating different fairings and exhaust setups. Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) both left it late until they went out on the full-spec 2024 machine, and found immediate improvements in their one lap pace.
Fabio Di Giannantonio’s (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) hugely encouraging pre-season continues as he took P5 to help back up his Sepang performance, while Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) finds himself outside the top 10 on Day 1. At Gresini Racing, Alex Marquez claimed seventh on the timesheets with Marc Marquez in P16. However, the eight-time World Champion recorded 58 laps on Monday, meaning he has now clocked over 280 laps aboard the Desmosedici without crashing.
Aprilia & Trackhouse Racing
Sporting their sleek 2024 livery, Aprilia can certainly be encouraged by their performances on Day 1. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) spent a large portion of the day in P1 before slipping to sixth, while Aleix Espargaro surged up to that P3.
At one stage, three RS-GPs occupied the top three places on the timesheets, with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) putting in a brilliant effort to join his factory counterparts at the business end of proceedings before ending the day 12th. Teammate Miguel Oliveira, meanwhile, was further down the order as the Noale factory continue working towards 2024.
Red Bull KTM & Red Bull GASGAS Tech3
There’s plenty of encouragement on the timesheets for the RC16s once again, with Brad Binder taking fourth just thousandths off Espargaro ahead. Meanwhile, the good reading continued as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) both in the 1:52s, while the latter spun the most laps of anyone with 73. Augusto Fernandez’ (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) pre-season frustrations continued on Day 1 though, with the 2022 Moto2™ World Champion placing P20 while also suffering a crash in addition to some technical issues earlier in the day.
From a testing perspective too, the Austrian machinery was quite busy with two new specs of engine plus a range of different aero set ups on the programme.
Repsol Honda & Castrol/Idemitsu Honda LCR
There are plenty of reasons to smile if you’re a Honda fan, as it seems that progress seen in Sepang has kept rolling at Lusail. Johann Zarco (Castrol LCR Honda) was the top Honda rider in P9, and he did his time attack on the new aero they brought to Qatar. Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) was next Honda, a couple of tenths in further arrears, before Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda LCR) and then Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team), the latter of whom was feeling under the weather on Day 1. It seems the Japanese brand have settled on their new engine though, while all four riders used the new swingarm seen in Sepang.
Monster Energy Yamaha
Having claimed an opening day top 10, Tuesday will be an intense day according to Fabio Quartararo as the Yamaha star looks to find a way to make the M1 smoother and improve their grip on time attacks. That is the major issue facing the Iwata factory, and the 2021 World Champion believes they still have a lot of work to do to achieve that next step. New teammate Alex Rins was a little further down the order, but the all hands on deck continues for the Iwata marque with test rider Cal Crutchlow still putting in the laps too.
That’s it from Day 1! Tuesday sees MotoGP™ back on track in Qatar, with more track action from 14:00 to 21:00 (UTC + 3) – followed by a 15-minute practice start session. So join us on motogp.com, across social media and then live from Lusail for the last session of pre-season!
Aleix Espargaro leads a fan parade lap at the 2023 Aprilia All Stars event at Misano. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
THE BIG APRILIA FESTIVAL IS BACK PROTAGONISTS ON TRACK, THE FABULOUS RS-GP MACHINES OF THE MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE APRILIA RACING RIDERS: VIÑALES, ESPARGARÓ, SAVADORI, OLIVEIRA, AND FERNÁNDEZ
JACOPO CERUTTI AND FRANCESCO MONTANARI WILL BE WITH THEM, DOMINATORS WITH THE APRILIA TUAREG IN THE AFRICA ECO RACE
MAX BIAGGI WILL LEAD THE TEAM OF GREAT CHAMPIONS WHO, IN THE EXTRAORDINARY ATMOSPHERE OF APRILIA ALL STARS, WILL CELEBRATE THE ITALIAN BRAND WITH THE MOST VICTORIES IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GP MOTORCYCLE RACING ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF FANS
THERE WILL BE LOTS OF BIKES, TEST RIDES, EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND THE MUSIC OF RADIO DEEJAY FOR A FESTIVAL UNDER THE BANNER OF PASSION AND LOVE FOR MOTORSPORT
Noale, 19 February 2024 – The Aprilia All Stars event is back, the huge Aprilia festival that gives motorsport fans a unique day of incredible bikes and legendary champions.
Misano World Circuit, Saturday, 8 June is the date and place that fans will want to put on their calendars and not miss. A unique opportunity – entirely free – to see and enjoy firsthand the on-track performance of the magnificent Aprilia RS-GP machines participating in the MotoGP championship and meet the riders.
As always, the brightest stars will be the Aprilia Racing riders, Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales, Lorenzo Savadori, Miguel Oliveira, and Raúl Fernández, MotoGP competitors. Champions who will be protagonists, not only on the track but, in true Aprilia All Stars tradition, they will also be among the fans in the paddock to celebrate Aprilia, the European brand with the most victories in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, with 297 GP triumphs. All the greats of Aprilia history will be with them, led by six-time world champion Max Biaggi.
Something new for this edition will be the participation of Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, fresh from the triumphant début astride the Aprilia Tuareg in the Africa Eco Race. Cerutti, dominator of the African race, and Montanari will also meet their fans in the festive and informal atmosphere of Aprilia All Stars and they will be showing off the fabulous Aprilia Tuareg, dominator of the desert.
As always, Aprilia All Stars will be an all-around festival for fans and for the entire family. The paddock will be constantly buzzing with fabulous test rides where enthusiasts will be able to put the bikes from the Aprilia range through their paces on the Romagna roads, all free of charge, as well as the Racing Museum, with the racing bikes that built the legend of the Italian brand, a must-see for any enthusiast.
The music of Radio DeeJay will provide the soundtrack of an event which will be rich with initiatives, such as the “Aprilia vista dall’Oriente” exhibit, with the spectacular photos of Japanese photographer Aki Kusudo, a total immersion in the racing world that tells the story of Aprilia’s commitment in the MotoGP championship.
There will also be spaces for eSport, shopping dedicated to Aprilia Racing brand apparel and merchandising, food areas, and much more.
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
April 13, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
