Jose Antonio Rueda led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, in Spain. Rueda used his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo to lap the 2.7-mile (4.42 km) track in 1:43.770, which led the field of 25 riders.
His teammate, Alvaro Carpe was second-best with a time of 1:44.812.
Taiyo Furusato, piloting his Team Asia Honda, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:44.827.
Classification practice moto3
Grip. Time after time, during his debrief, Jeremy Toye kept coming back to that word.
“This thing is hooked up front and rear,” Toye said after riding the 2025 KTM 450 SMR competition-only Supermoto machine at Apex Racing Center. “It produces more grip in more places than I’ve ever felt from a Supermoto.”
KTM turned journalists loose on the latest iteration of its dedicated Supermoto machine at Apex on Wednesday. The company’s goal was to increase grip and feel on the machine, which is based on the 450 SX-F 450 cc four-stroke Single. A new frame is the most important change compared to the prior SMR, which has been a cornerstone of KTM’s lineup. “Supermoto is in KTM’s DNA,” said Ryan Sarancha, product manager for KTM North America.
After a day of wheelies, powerslides and full-on aerial activities, Toye concluded that the new bike is a significant improvement over the prior model. “I wouldn’t change a thing on this,” Toye said.
KTM 450 SMR Specifications
The SMR’s 95 x 63.4 bore and stroke creates a displacement of 449.4 cc and produces a claimed 63 horsepower. Breathing is handled by a new, stiffer airbox/inlet that prevents the suction created on the intake side from collapsing it and reducing its volume, a 44mm throttle body, and a high-mounted single exhaust pipe. Electronic rider aids include a simple on/off traction control function, launch control, two engine maps, and a quickshifter for upshifts from second through fifth gears. A Suter slipper clutch operates on ball bearings and is easily adjustable. The whole engine weighs just a tick over 59 pounds.
The new frame is a combination of forged steel, stamped steel, and tubular steel sections welded together. The goal was increased rigidity in the lateral plane with more flex in the longitudinal (front-to-back) plane. The rear shock upper mount no longer has a straight frame section connecting it to the steering stem, and it has cutouts to absorb some of the input from the shock.
The bike features spoked Alpina rims, 16.5 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear. To accommodate bigger Supermoto rubber, the swingarm is designed specifically for the SMR. A Metzeler Supermoto-specific 125/75 slick is mounted up front, mated to the 165/55 in the rear.
The 48mm inverted forks use conventional springs, unlike the air forks found on the SMR’s motocross counterpart, and a closed cartridge design for more consistent damping. The rear dogbones/pullrod and knuckle are different from the motocrosser as well. The triple clamps are offset 16mm instead of 22mm for quicker steering, the seat height of 35.3 inches is lower, and suspension travel is reduced to 11.1 inches in the front and 10.4 inches in the rear.
The bike weighs in at a claimed 239.8 pounds without fuel. Suggested retail is $12,149, and it is for closed-course competition use only.
Riding The KTM 450 SMR
As mentioned, Toye was absolutely blown away by the grip and feel provided by the Metzeler Racetec SM slicks and the new chassis.
“The stereotypical Supermoto riding, you’re sideways going in, you wheelie coming out (of a corner) and you’re usually searching for grip, the thing shaking its head on the way out,” Toye says. “This thing doesn’t do any of that. That level of grip is producing so much confidence.” It was so impressive, Toye said, that he felt he needed more time to really come to grips with how much performance was available. “It’s like it’s a barrier right now, and it’s a good barrier to have, because there’s just nothing going wrong. You have to be aggressive. The stability is so good … the level is way up there.”
The engine response, Toye felt, was smooth and powerful, allowing him to get on the gas sooner. Although he felt the softer power map was better initially, he felt the more aggressive map would be the one he would chose as he got more familiar with the machine. The brakes didn’t fade, front or rear, and Toye’s only desire was for higher pegs, as the increased grip left him with greater lean angle and dragging his toes.
Watch for a full review in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World!
Alex Marquez topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One Friday morning at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, in Spain. Riding his Michelin-shod BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP24, the Spaniard turned a lap of 1:36.831 around the 2.7-mile (4.4 km) track and led the 23-rider field.
His brother, Marc Marquez was second-best with a 1:37.188 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
French sensation, Fabio Quartararo was third with a lap of 1:37.421 on his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1.
Classification motogp fp1
Deniz Oncu was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One Friday morning at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, in Spain. Riding his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex on the 2.7-mile (4.4 km) track, the Turkish rider recorded a 1:39.836 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Barry Baltus was the best of the rest with a 1:39.956 on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex.
Manuel Gonzalez was third-fastest with a 1:39.980 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 21st with a 1:41.457 on his Onlyfans American Racing Team Kalex.
Jose Antonio Rueda was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, in Spain. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.7-mile (4.42 km) road course in 1:44.299, topping the field of 26 riders.
His teammate, Alvaro Carpe was the best of the rest with a 1:45.077 and Adrian Fernandez was third on his Leopard Racing Honda with a lap time of 1:45.223.
FULL HOUSE at 2025 MRA Race School Sets the Tone for the Season
Deer Trail, CO — The Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) kicked off the 2025 season with a landmark success as its annual Race School, held at High Plains Raceway, sold out completely, drawing a record number of applicants and a full grid of aspiring racers.
Hosted on the Full Course layout at High Plains Raceway, just an hour east of Denver, the event enjoyed ideal weather conditions, with blue skies and highs reaching into the 90s. Backed by Ride On Motorcycle Training as the event sponsor, the school attracted 50 riders across a diverse range of classes and bike displacements.
At the end of a full day of instruction and on-track evaluation, 25 new racers successfully earned their MRA race licenses, ready to compete in the upcoming season. The school was meticulously organized by Orkun Krand, the MRA’s New Rider Director, whose leadership and coordination were instrumental in managing the full roster and ensuring a smooth, safe, and educational experience for all participants.
“This year’s school exceeded all expectations,” said Krand. “The turnout, the enthusiasm, and the level of preparation from our new racers were truly exceptional. It’s a great sign for the future of our sport.”
The MRA Race School is a critical first step for new riders looking to enter the world of motorcycle road racing. Participants receive classroom instruction and on-track training, including real-world scenarios and feedback from veteran racers and instructors. This year’s class included riders on everything from entry-level sportbikes to full-size superbikes, demonstrating the inclusive nature and growth of the sport at all levels.
As the organization prepares for the full 2025 race calendar, the momentum built from this record-setting school sets a high bar for what’s to come.
For more information on upcoming races, licensing, or how to get involved, visit https://www.mra-racing.org)
CVMA Racing Round 7 2024/2025 Winter Series
April 19-20, 2025 Chuckwalla Valley Raceway
The final round of the CVMA 2024/2025 winter series was ultra-competitive and exciting. With several class championships up for grabs, racers were looking to make the most of the double championship points available for the final round of racing. Fortunately, the weather was fantastic, making for perfect conditions to race hard and fast.
Saturday Qualifying
The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying, Owen Williams topped the field of middleweight bikes, turning a 1:45.108 lap time.
Aldo Rovirosa was fastest on an open-class bike, turning a 1:45.894 lap time.
Treston Morrison was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:51.639 lap time.
Sawyer Lafayette was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:54.780 lap time.
Alexander Calloway was fastest on an American Twin with a 1:55.174 lap time.
Corey Alexander was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:48.622 lap time.
Saturday Racing
Corey Alexander dominated the American Thunder and CVMA Hooligans races on his ARCH Racing/Suter Hooligans race bike. He set new lap records in both classes, lowering the records on the first lap from a standing start, then breaking them again with flying laps later in the races.
Lap records set:
Corey Alexander – American Thunder – 1:49.259
Corey Alexander – CVMA Hooligans – 1:49.609
Sunday Racing
In the premier race of the day, the Stock 1000 Shootout, Corey Alexander (BMW S 1000 RR) was out in front from the moment the lights went out until the checkered flag and was never challenged. Aldo Rovirosa (Yamaha YZF-R1) slotted into second at the start and held that position until the end. Igor Sokolov (Yamaha YZF-R1) was third at the start but made a mistake on the third lap and fell to fifth. Manuel Segura (Suzuki GSX-R1000) took over third place with Anthony Norton (Kawasaki ZX-10R) a bit further back in fourth. Norton worked hard to close the gap to Segura and was able to take third position on lap six. Norton and Segura ran nose to tail for the remaining lap, with Norton able to fend off Segura to take the final spot on the podium.
Lap Records set:
Corey Alexander lowered the lap record for the CVMA Hooligans class he set the day prior to a 1:48.508
Justin Bordonaro – Formula Twins – 1:49.943
Full race results can be found on Speedhive: https://speedhive.mylaps.com/events/2981442
CVMA would like to thank all the racers for coming out and making the 2024/2025 Winter Series our best yet! We will continue to do everything we can to make CVMA the most competitive and best racing experience anywhere. We look forward to making even more improvements to our program and making the 2025/2026 Winter series even better!
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.
CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.
CVMA. Built for racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!
CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, RoadRace City/Bridgestone, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, Galfer USA, Criterion Plumbers
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop
MotoAmerica fans get small glimpses of what being part of a privateer team is like from social media videos and other media coverage. Freddy Carswell’s Superbike Unlimited brand is raising the bar on sharing that narrative with the launch of its “Finding the Limit” documentary series, which portrays the highs and lows he and the rest of the FLO4LAW/SBU Racing team encounter during a MotoAmerica season.
The multi-part YouTube video series is set to feature at least 10 episodes in 2025. The series uses interviews and behind-the-scenes footage to give road racing fans a focused and in-depth perspective of what a privateer MotoAmerica team both enjoys and endures as it campaigns its full-Superbike-spec Yamaha YZF-R1 in this year’s 20-race MotoAmerica Superbike season.
Carswell is no stranger to the MotoAmerica paddock or motorcycle performance tuning. In addition to fielding Superbike Class entries at several MotoAmerica rounds since 2020, Superbike Unlimited has provided technical support to dozens of riders and teams in MotoAmerica and amateur road racing, including the former Westby Racing team. Outside of professional racing, Superbike Unlimited is the sole importer of Capit Tire Warmers and Aliant Ultra Light Batteries in the United States, as well as an established distribution and retail outlet for specialized motorcycle parts. The Superbike Unlimited shop in Asheville, N.C., also provides ECU, engine and suspension tuning services.
“We’ve been working on our media program for a long time now,” Carswell said. “Last year, we decided to take a deep dive into more professional equipment and methodology. This series is about telling our story as a team and bringing people closer to what we do. It’s a great place to further showcase our great series – MotoAmerica – as well as the team itself and its partners. I am really happy with the content we’re getting from our media program and the emotional connection it helps bring to the viewer.”
To check out the first episode of “Finding the Limit,” visit https://youtu.be/RDCoFHkeJcw?si=NCdhUukPdM-DNtnN.
To check out future episodes of “Finding the Limit” and additional content on Superbike Unlimited’s YouTube channel, visit http://www.youtube.com/@SuperbikeUnlimited.
FLO4LAW/SBU Racing’s technical and promotional partners for the 2025 MotoAmerica season include Yamaha Motor USA, Bitubo, Evol Technology, FLEX Racing, Sprint Filter, Suter, TK Dischi and Vortex / EK Chain.
Learn more about Superbike Unlimited’s products and services by visiting www.superbikeunlimited.com .
Marco Bezzecchi and Lorenzo Savadori, subbing for Jorge Martín, head to the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto.
Aprilia Racing is ready to return on track for the fifth round of the season – the first in Europe – at the historic Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto. Marco Bezzecchi and Lorenzo Savadori will be there, the latter called upon to sub for Jorge Martín after the injury he sustained in the crash during the Qatar race.
For Marco Bezzecchi, fresh from a complicated weekend in Qatar, the weekend on the Andalusian track represents an important chance to confirm his competitiveness. The Italian rider has already demonstrated an outstanding feeling with this track, where he took a MotoGP podium in 2024 and two podiums in the lower categories – 2nd in Moto3 in 2018, and 2nd in Moto2 in 2021.
Completing the line-up will be Lorenzo Savadori, who is back to sub for Martín. The Italian rider will also use the weekend to continue developing the RS-GP25 on a circuit where he has had vast experience through testing and wild card participations.
The Circuito di Jerez, named for Ángel Nieto, is one of the most popular rounds on the calendar. Out of 4,423 metres, there are 13 corners – 8 righthanders and 5 lefthanders, with numerous places for overtaking.
Marco Bezzecchi : “I’m happy to be heading back to race in Jerez. The weekend in Qatar was complicated and I left with the feeling that I did not fully express my potential. The Jerez race is always exciting and there is always a big crowd. It will be great to race in front of so many fans. It will be an emotional experience to ride the Aprilia on such a fantastic track for the first time. Our goals remain the same: to improve and grow along with the bike. We’ll be working hard to do this as best as possible.”
Lorenzo Savadori : “My first thought goes to Jorge. I’m really sorry he can’t be at Jerez, and I hope he’ll be back soon. Racing at Jerez is always special—it’s a track I know very well and where we’ve collected a lot of data over the years. I can’t wait to get on track: it will be a great opportunity to continue the development work on the RS-GP25 during a race weekend. We have several elements to test, especially since we couldn’t work as planned during the last private test at Misano due to the low temperatures. I’ll give it my all, and our goal remains to keep improving the bike.”
Over the Easter weekend, the Bugatti circuit hosted the 48th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the opening round of the 2025 FIM EWC championship.
The extremely tricky wet track conditions in the opening hours of the race resulted in a record number of crashes and an ever-changing classification.
Starting from 7th on the grid, Grégory Leblanc, co-record holder for victories with 5 wins at Le Mans, doubled his first stint and put the #11 Kawasaki Njnja ZX-10RR firmly in 3rd position thanks to a solid pace. Roman Ramos Alvaro, who rode a very good race gaining another position despite particularly tricky track conditions. For his first stint aboard the Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Mike Di Meglio started from 2nd position and, after a few cautious laps, also set a very good pace which enabled him and the team to take the lead of the race at dusk.
There followed a fierce battle for the lead with his pursuer for a few laps, before Spanish rider Roman Ramos Alvaro managed to get the better of him and extend his lead during the night.
The Kawasaki team achieved maximum bonus of 10 vital intermediate points at the 8-hour mark. The #11 Kawasaki avoided the pitfalls of the night and was up to 4 laps ahead of the second placed team in the early hours thanks to the combined efforts of the three riders. A further 10 points were earned as the team passed the 16-hour mark in the lead.
While the Kawasaki Webike Trickstar team bike was the only official machine without a crash since the start of the race, Mike Di Meglio sadly went down with three and a half hours to go. The crash, which was not serious, led to minor repairs which reduced the team’s lead to less than two minutes.
Towards the end of the race, the rain intensified, forcing most of the field to change tyres. Thanks to an intelligent strategy, Roman Ramos Alvaro put on rain tyres at the right moment, but another incident sidelined the team with just over an hour to go. The experience and commitment of the technical team enabled the repairs to be carried out in just four minutes. Mike Di Meglio returned to the track just one lap behind the leader.
The riders and the team did not relax their concentration until the chequered flag, which the #11 Kawasaki crossed under in 2nd position. With a total of 53 points from qualifying and the race, the Kawasaki Webike Trickstar team is now placed second in the provisional world championship standings.
The players in the championship will meet again on June 7 for the 8 Hours of Spa (Belgium), the second round of the 2025 FIM EWC season.
Roman Ramos Alvaro – rider
“If someone had told me before arriving at Le Mans that I would finish on the podium in a race like this, I would have signed up straight away! Honestly, I’m happy, even if our performance over most of the race left us hoping for even better.”
Mike Di Meglio – rider
“It’s a cruel result because I think we did a very good job. We set a good pace. With all the tricky conditions we had, we managed to stay on our wheels. I got caught out in the early morning probably because the temperature rose and we continued on the soft tyres. Fortunately, the bike was OK but we lost a bit of time. We did a great job to try and hold on to first place. It’s good for the team to start the championship by taking the points for the lead at 8 and 16 hours of racing, plus the points for second place.”
Grégory Leblanc – rider
“It was my 15th time at Le Mans and the tenth year I’ve ridden this #11 bike. We rode a perfect race as I was coming back from far after my injury at Suzuka last year. To come back and win this legendary race for the sixth time and take the record for victories would, I think, have been the right moment to retire. Unfortunately it didn’t happen. The bike, the tyres, everything worked well. We were one of the only teams that didn’t crash and we got caught out. And as Roman said, if anyone had told me beforehand that we’d have this podium, we’d have signed up straight away. But after that race, we’re disappointed. Now, for the championship it’s good, we’ve scored some big points, it’s great to see Kawasaki back in front. And of course, it’s only the first race of the season.”
Jose Antonio Rueda led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, in Spain. Rueda used his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo to lap the 2.7-mile (4.42 km) track in 1:43.770, which led the field of 25 riders.
His teammate, Alvaro Carpe was second-best with a time of 1:44.812.
Taiyo Furusato, piloting his Team Asia Honda, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:44.827.
Classification practice moto3
Grip. Time after time, during his debrief, Jeremy Toye kept coming back to that word.
“This thing is hooked up front and rear,” Toye said after riding the 2025 KTM 450 SMR competition-only Supermoto machine at Apex Racing Center. “It produces more grip in more places than I’ve ever felt from a Supermoto.”
KTM turned journalists loose on the latest iteration of its dedicated Supermoto machine at Apex on Wednesday. The company’s goal was to increase grip and feel on the machine, which is based on the 450 SX-F 450 cc four-stroke Single. A new frame is the most important change compared to the prior SMR, which has been a cornerstone of KTM’s lineup. “Supermoto is in KTM’s DNA,” said Ryan Sarancha, product manager for KTM North America.
After a day of wheelies, powerslides and full-on aerial activities, Toye concluded that the new bike is a significant improvement over the prior model. “I wouldn’t change a thing on this,” Toye said.
KTM 450 SMR Specifications
The SMR’s 95 x 63.4 bore and stroke creates a displacement of 449.4 cc and produces a claimed 63 horsepower. Breathing is handled by a new, stiffer airbox/inlet that prevents the suction created on the intake side from collapsing it and reducing its volume, a 44mm throttle body, and a high-mounted single exhaust pipe. Electronic rider aids include a simple on/off traction control function, launch control, two engine maps, and a quickshifter for upshifts from second through fifth gears. A Suter slipper clutch operates on ball bearings and is easily adjustable. The whole engine weighs just a tick over 59 pounds.
The new frame is a combination of forged steel, stamped steel, and tubular steel sections welded together. The goal was increased rigidity in the lateral plane with more flex in the longitudinal (front-to-back) plane. The rear shock upper mount no longer has a straight frame section connecting it to the steering stem, and it has cutouts to absorb some of the input from the shock.
The bike features spoked Alpina rims, 16.5 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear. To accommodate bigger Supermoto rubber, the swingarm is designed specifically for the SMR. A Metzeler Supermoto-specific 125/75 slick is mounted up front, mated to the 165/55 in the rear.
The 48mm inverted forks use conventional springs, unlike the air forks found on the SMR’s motocross counterpart, and a closed cartridge design for more consistent damping. The rear dogbones/pullrod and knuckle are different from the motocrosser as well. The triple clamps are offset 16mm instead of 22mm for quicker steering, the seat height of 35.3 inches is lower, and suspension travel is reduced to 11.1 inches in the front and 10.4 inches in the rear.
The bike weighs in at a claimed 239.8 pounds without fuel. Suggested retail is $12,149, and it is for closed-course competition use only.
Riding The KTM 450 SMR
As mentioned, Toye was absolutely blown away by the grip and feel provided by the Metzeler Racetec SM slicks and the new chassis.
“The stereotypical Supermoto riding, you’re sideways going in, you wheelie coming out (of a corner) and you’re usually searching for grip, the thing shaking its head on the way out,” Toye says. “This thing doesn’t do any of that. That level of grip is producing so much confidence.” It was so impressive, Toye said, that he felt he needed more time to really come to grips with how much performance was available. “It’s like it’s a barrier right now, and it’s a good barrier to have, because there’s just nothing going wrong. You have to be aggressive. The stability is so good … the level is way up there.”
The engine response, Toye felt, was smooth and powerful, allowing him to get on the gas sooner. Although he felt the softer power map was better initially, he felt the more aggressive map would be the one he would chose as he got more familiar with the machine. The brakes didn’t fade, front or rear, and Toye’s only desire was for higher pegs, as the increased grip left him with greater lean angle and dragging his toes.
Watch for a full review in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World!
Alex Marquez topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One Friday morning at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, in Spain. Riding his Michelin-shod BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP24, the Spaniard turned a lap of 1:36.831 around the 2.7-mile (4.4 km) track and led the 23-rider field.
His brother, Marc Marquez was second-best with a 1:37.188 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
French sensation, Fabio Quartararo was third with a lap of 1:37.421 on his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1.
Classification motogp fp1
Deniz Oncu was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One Friday morning at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, in Spain. Riding his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex on the 2.7-mile (4.4 km) track, the Turkish rider recorded a 1:39.836 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Barry Baltus was the best of the rest with a 1:39.956 on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex.
Manuel Gonzalez was third-fastest with a 1:39.980 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 21st with a 1:41.457 on his Onlyfans American Racing Team Kalex.
Jose Antonio Rueda was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, in Spain. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.7-mile (4.42 km) road course in 1:44.299, topping the field of 26 riders.
His teammate, Alvaro Carpe was the best of the rest with a 1:45.077 and Adrian Fernandez was third on his Leopard Racing Honda with a lap time of 1:45.223.
FULL HOUSE at 2025 MRA Race School Sets the Tone for the Season
Deer Trail, CO — The Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) kicked off the 2025 season with a landmark success as its annual Race School, held at High Plains Raceway, sold out completely, drawing a record number of applicants and a full grid of aspiring racers.
Hosted on the Full Course layout at High Plains Raceway, just an hour east of Denver, the event enjoyed ideal weather conditions, with blue skies and highs reaching into the 90s. Backed by Ride On Motorcycle Training as the event sponsor, the school attracted 50 riders across a diverse range of classes and bike displacements.
At the end of a full day of instruction and on-track evaluation, 25 new racers successfully earned their MRA race licenses, ready to compete in the upcoming season. The school was meticulously organized by Orkun Krand, the MRA’s New Rider Director, whose leadership and coordination were instrumental in managing the full roster and ensuring a smooth, safe, and educational experience for all participants.
“This year’s school exceeded all expectations,” said Krand. “The turnout, the enthusiasm, and the level of preparation from our new racers were truly exceptional. It’s a great sign for the future of our sport.”
The MRA Race School is a critical first step for new riders looking to enter the world of motorcycle road racing. Participants receive classroom instruction and on-track training, including real-world scenarios and feedback from veteran racers and instructors. This year’s class included riders on everything from entry-level sportbikes to full-size superbikes, demonstrating the inclusive nature and growth of the sport at all levels.
As the organization prepares for the full 2025 race calendar, the momentum built from this record-setting school sets a high bar for what’s to come.
For more information on upcoming races, licensing, or how to get involved, visit https://www.mra-racing.org)
CVMA Racing Round 7 2024/2025 Winter Series
April 19-20, 2025 Chuckwalla Valley Raceway
The final round of the CVMA 2024/2025 winter series was ultra-competitive and exciting. With several class championships up for grabs, racers were looking to make the most of the double championship points available for the final round of racing. Fortunately, the weather was fantastic, making for perfect conditions to race hard and fast.
Saturday Qualifying
The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying, Owen Williams topped the field of middleweight bikes, turning a 1:45.108 lap time.
Aldo Rovirosa was fastest on an open-class bike, turning a 1:45.894 lap time.
Treston Morrison was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:51.639 lap time.
Sawyer Lafayette was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:54.780 lap time.
Alexander Calloway was fastest on an American Twin with a 1:55.174 lap time.
Corey Alexander was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:48.622 lap time.
Saturday Racing
Corey Alexander dominated the American Thunder and CVMA Hooligans races on his ARCH Racing/Suter Hooligans race bike. He set new lap records in both classes, lowering the records on the first lap from a standing start, then breaking them again with flying laps later in the races.
Lap records set:
Corey Alexander – American Thunder – 1:49.259
Corey Alexander – CVMA Hooligans – 1:49.609
Sunday Racing
In the premier race of the day, the Stock 1000 Shootout, Corey Alexander (BMW S 1000 RR) was out in front from the moment the lights went out until the checkered flag and was never challenged. Aldo Rovirosa (Yamaha YZF-R1) slotted into second at the start and held that position until the end. Igor Sokolov (Yamaha YZF-R1) was third at the start but made a mistake on the third lap and fell to fifth. Manuel Segura (Suzuki GSX-R1000) took over third place with Anthony Norton (Kawasaki ZX-10R) a bit further back in fourth. Norton worked hard to close the gap to Segura and was able to take third position on lap six. Norton and Segura ran nose to tail for the remaining lap, with Norton able to fend off Segura to take the final spot on the podium.
Lap Records set:
Corey Alexander lowered the lap record for the CVMA Hooligans class he set the day prior to a 1:48.508
Justin Bordonaro – Formula Twins – 1:49.943
Full race results can be found on Speedhive: https://speedhive.mylaps.com/events/2981442
CVMA would like to thank all the racers for coming out and making the 2024/2025 Winter Series our best yet! We will continue to do everything we can to make CVMA the most competitive and best racing experience anywhere. We look forward to making even more improvements to our program and making the 2025/2026 Winter series even better!
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.
CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.
CVMA. Built for racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!
CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, RoadRace City/Bridgestone, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, Galfer USA, Criterion Plumbers
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop
MotoAmerica fans get small glimpses of what being part of a privateer team is like from social media videos and other media coverage. Freddy Carswell’s Superbike Unlimited brand is raising the bar on sharing that narrative with the launch of its “Finding the Limit” documentary series, which portrays the highs and lows he and the rest of the FLO4LAW/SBU Racing team encounter during a MotoAmerica season.
The multi-part YouTube video series is set to feature at least 10 episodes in 2025. The series uses interviews and behind-the-scenes footage to give road racing fans a focused and in-depth perspective of what a privateer MotoAmerica team both enjoys and endures as it campaigns its full-Superbike-spec Yamaha YZF-R1 in this year’s 20-race MotoAmerica Superbike season.
Carswell is no stranger to the MotoAmerica paddock or motorcycle performance tuning. In addition to fielding Superbike Class entries at several MotoAmerica rounds since 2020, Superbike Unlimited has provided technical support to dozens of riders and teams in MotoAmerica and amateur road racing, including the former Westby Racing team. Outside of professional racing, Superbike Unlimited is the sole importer of Capit Tire Warmers and Aliant Ultra Light Batteries in the United States, as well as an established distribution and retail outlet for specialized motorcycle parts. The Superbike Unlimited shop in Asheville, N.C., also provides ECU, engine and suspension tuning services.
“We’ve been working on our media program for a long time now,” Carswell said. “Last year, we decided to take a deep dive into more professional equipment and methodology. This series is about telling our story as a team and bringing people closer to what we do. It’s a great place to further showcase our great series – MotoAmerica – as well as the team itself and its partners. I am really happy with the content we’re getting from our media program and the emotional connection it helps bring to the viewer.”
To check out the first episode of “Finding the Limit,” visit https://youtu.be/RDCoFHkeJcw?si=NCdhUukPdM-DNtnN.
To check out future episodes of “Finding the Limit” and additional content on Superbike Unlimited’s YouTube channel, visit http://www.youtube.com/@SuperbikeUnlimited.
FLO4LAW/SBU Racing’s technical and promotional partners for the 2025 MotoAmerica season include Yamaha Motor USA, Bitubo, Evol Technology, FLEX Racing, Sprint Filter, Suter, TK Dischi and Vortex / EK Chain.
Learn more about Superbike Unlimited’s products and services by visiting www.superbikeunlimited.com .
Marco Bezzecchi and Lorenzo Savadori, subbing for Jorge Martín, head to the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto.
Aprilia Racing is ready to return on track for the fifth round of the season – the first in Europe – at the historic Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto. Marco Bezzecchi and Lorenzo Savadori will be there, the latter called upon to sub for Jorge Martín after the injury he sustained in the crash during the Qatar race.
For Marco Bezzecchi, fresh from a complicated weekend in Qatar, the weekend on the Andalusian track represents an important chance to confirm his competitiveness. The Italian rider has already demonstrated an outstanding feeling with this track, where he took a MotoGP podium in 2024 and two podiums in the lower categories – 2nd in Moto3 in 2018, and 2nd in Moto2 in 2021.
Completing the line-up will be Lorenzo Savadori, who is back to sub for Martín. The Italian rider will also use the weekend to continue developing the RS-GP25 on a circuit where he has had vast experience through testing and wild card participations.
The Circuito di Jerez, named for Ángel Nieto, is one of the most popular rounds on the calendar. Out of 4,423 metres, there are 13 corners – 8 righthanders and 5 lefthanders, with numerous places for overtaking.
Marco Bezzecchi : “I’m happy to be heading back to race in Jerez. The weekend in Qatar was complicated and I left with the feeling that I did not fully express my potential. The Jerez race is always exciting and there is always a big crowd. It will be great to race in front of so many fans. It will be an emotional experience to ride the Aprilia on such a fantastic track for the first time. Our goals remain the same: to improve and grow along with the bike. We’ll be working hard to do this as best as possible.”
Lorenzo Savadori : “My first thought goes to Jorge. I’m really sorry he can’t be at Jerez, and I hope he’ll be back soon. Racing at Jerez is always special—it’s a track I know very well and where we’ve collected a lot of data over the years. I can’t wait to get on track: it will be a great opportunity to continue the development work on the RS-GP25 during a race weekend. We have several elements to test, especially since we couldn’t work as planned during the last private test at Misano due to the low temperatures. I’ll give it my all, and our goal remains to keep improving the bike.”
Over the Easter weekend, the Bugatti circuit hosted the 48th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the opening round of the 2025 FIM EWC championship.
The extremely tricky wet track conditions in the opening hours of the race resulted in a record number of crashes and an ever-changing classification.
Starting from 7th on the grid, Grégory Leblanc, co-record holder for victories with 5 wins at Le Mans, doubled his first stint and put the #11 Kawasaki Njnja ZX-10RR firmly in 3rd position thanks to a solid pace. Roman Ramos Alvaro, who rode a very good race gaining another position despite particularly tricky track conditions. For his first stint aboard the Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Mike Di Meglio started from 2nd position and, after a few cautious laps, also set a very good pace which enabled him and the team to take the lead of the race at dusk.
There followed a fierce battle for the lead with his pursuer for a few laps, before Spanish rider Roman Ramos Alvaro managed to get the better of him and extend his lead during the night.
The Kawasaki team achieved maximum bonus of 10 vital intermediate points at the 8-hour mark. The #11 Kawasaki avoided the pitfalls of the night and was up to 4 laps ahead of the second placed team in the early hours thanks to the combined efforts of the three riders. A further 10 points were earned as the team passed the 16-hour mark in the lead.
While the Kawasaki Webike Trickstar team bike was the only official machine without a crash since the start of the race, Mike Di Meglio sadly went down with three and a half hours to go. The crash, which was not serious, led to minor repairs which reduced the team’s lead to less than two minutes.
Towards the end of the race, the rain intensified, forcing most of the field to change tyres. Thanks to an intelligent strategy, Roman Ramos Alvaro put on rain tyres at the right moment, but another incident sidelined the team with just over an hour to go. The experience and commitment of the technical team enabled the repairs to be carried out in just four minutes. Mike Di Meglio returned to the track just one lap behind the leader.
The riders and the team did not relax their concentration until the chequered flag, which the #11 Kawasaki crossed under in 2nd position. With a total of 53 points from qualifying and the race, the Kawasaki Webike Trickstar team is now placed second in the provisional world championship standings.
The players in the championship will meet again on June 7 for the 8 Hours of Spa (Belgium), the second round of the 2025 FIM EWC season.
Roman Ramos Alvaro – rider
“If someone had told me before arriving at Le Mans that I would finish on the podium in a race like this, I would have signed up straight away! Honestly, I’m happy, even if our performance over most of the race left us hoping for even better.”
Mike Di Meglio – rider
“It’s a cruel result because I think we did a very good job. We set a good pace. With all the tricky conditions we had, we managed to stay on our wheels. I got caught out in the early morning probably because the temperature rose and we continued on the soft tyres. Fortunately, the bike was OK but we lost a bit of time. We did a great job to try and hold on to first place. It’s good for the team to start the championship by taking the points for the lead at 8 and 16 hours of racing, plus the points for second place.”
Grégory Leblanc – rider
“It was my 15th time at Le Mans and the tenth year I’ve ridden this #11 bike. We rode a perfect race as I was coming back from far after my injury at Suzuka last year. To come back and win this legendary race for the sixth time and take the record for victories would, I think, have been the right moment to retire. Unfortunately it didn’t happen. The bike, the tyres, everything worked well. We were one of the only teams that didn’t crash and we got caught out. And as Roman said, if anyone had told me beforehand that we’d have this podium, we’d have signed up straight away. But after that race, we’re disappointed. Now, for the championship it’s good, we’ve scored some big points, it’s great to see Kawasaki back in front. And of course, it’s only the first race of the season.”
