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Video: MotoAmerica “Pressure To Rise” Episode 6

David Swarts
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Video: MotoAmerica “Pressure To Rise” Episode 6
BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

 

In Episode 6 of “Pressure To Rise”, the Medallia Superbike riders are in Minnesota for the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Brainerd event. Brainerd International Raceway is a tough track to tame, and it leaves a lasting impression on many of the riders while also presenting season-changing implications. It’s a turning point in the 2023 Medallia Superbike Championship for many of the teams and riders, which is good for some and not so good for others.

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Watch all classes during the MotoAmerica 2023 season live and on demand on MotoAmerica Live+: http://bit.ly/MotoAmericaLive

Buy MotoAmerica 2023 Tickets: https://motoamerica.com/schedule/

Buy MotoAmerica Merch: https://bit.ly/ShopMotoAmerica

Championship Point Standings & Race Results: https://www.motoamerica.com/standings/

#MotoAmerica #Motorcycle #Motorsport #Racing

 

MotoE: Casadei Signs With LCR E-Team

David Swarts
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0
MotoE: Casadei Signs With LCR E-Team

MATTIA CASADEI TO JOIN LCR E-TEAM IN 2024

LCR E-Team is proud to announce the new addition to the team, current MotoE World Champion Mattia Casadei.
 
For the 2024 lineup, Italian Champion Mattia Casadei will join the LCR E-Team alongside Eric Granado. Casadei performed an impressive season in 2023, achieving five victories and five other podium results on his way to the crown. Ahead of the new adventure for the next year, the team is excited and eager to start a journey together. Welcome, Mattia!

 

Mattia Casadei (right) and Lucio Cecchinello (left). Photo courtesy LCR E-Team.
Mattia Casadei (right) and Lucio Cecchinello (left). Photo courtesy LCR E-Team.

 
Mattia Casadei, LCR E-Team rider
 

“I’m happy to join the LCR E-Team as it’s one of the best teams on the grid. I want to fight for the best results, and I know the whole team is eager to do a great job, so that’s an extra motivation. We can achieve amazing things together, and I can’t wait to start!”

 

Lucio Cecchinello, Team Principal

“Counting on the current MotoE World Champion is an honor to us. He’s already demonstrated his performance level, and we want to fight for the maximum results. The 2024 lineup is now completed, and it’s a strong one. We are ready to work towards our common goals”. 

Video: Jonathan Rea 2023 Race Vlog, E:3 – “A Pain In The Ass”

David Swarts
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Video: Jonathan Rea 2023 Race Vlog, E:3 – “A Pain In The Ass”

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has been producing a regular vlog for several seasons. As he begins his transition to Pata Yamaha Prometeon after spending the last nine seasons with Kawasaki Racing Team, we thought we would look back at Rea’s 2023 season through his own vlogs.

This episode is “A Pain In The Ass.”

 

Video: Ducati Collaborates With Bentley To Create Special Diavel V4

David Swarts
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Video: Ducati Collaborates With Bentley To Create Special Diavel V4

Editorial Note: Scroll down to watch the short video.

Ducati Diavel for Bentley: exclusivity, performance and craftsmanship in a true two-wheeled work of art

Bold inspires Bold: a numbered and limited edition of 500 units, inspired by the Bentley Batur and built on the technical base of the Diavel V4

Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner: a limited and numbered series of 50 additional units reserved for Bentley customers who will have the opportunity to make the bike even more unique

Characterized by a completely new design, unique and refined components and a special dedicated livery

Ducati Diavel for Bentley represents the first collaboration between the two brands

Miami, 8 December 2023 – Ducati and Bentley are proud to jointly announce a new, limited-edition motorcycle that celebrates the best of both iconic brands: the Ducati Diavel for Bentley. Born from the collaboration between the two manufacturers, the project links Ducati and Bentley with a vision of performance, craftsmanship and exclusivity. The result is a striking synthesis of technology, style and performance capable of making enthusiasts dream. The bike was revealed to the public with a ‘fuorisalone’ event in the context of the Art Basel week in Miami Beach, the overseas edition of the most prestigious European contemporary art fair.

 

A Ducati Diavel for Bentley. Photo courtesy Ducati.
A Ducati Diavel for Bentley. Photo courtesy Ducati.

 

On the sophisticated technical base of the high-performance and comfortable Diavel V4, Ducati has integrated many style characterizing elements of the Bentley Batur – a limited-series model handcrafted by Bentley – to create a motorcycle unique in terms of elegance and design. The Diavel for Bentley will be created in a numbered series limited to 500+50 examples, the latter reserved for Bentley customers.

The Centro Stile Ducati, in collaboration with Bentley designers, created a new design for this special motorbike, drawing inspiration from the Batur from which it takes the mainly horizontal lines of the side view. The Scarab Green colour, sophisticated and refined, rich in metallic shades, comes from the Bentley Mulliner palette and is used throughout the bodywork.

The decisive and aggressive lines of the Diavel V4 have also been profoundly revised through the technical components: many of the characteristic features of the Batur are taken up in different parts of the bike. The forged rims, designed and created for this motorbike, recall the shapes of those of the car and are painted in Dark Titanium Satin, leaving some machined surfaces visible.

The side air intakes reflect the two-tone front grille, one of the most recognizable elements of the Batur. The triangular rear extractors refer to the corresponding elements of the car. The front mudguard, the fairing and the upper view of the tank recall the ribs on the front bonnet, while the single-seater tail, which can be replaced with a passenger seat, takes many styling cues from the double-layer extractor on the back of the car.

Many of the bodywork components are made of high-quality carbon fibre (fenders, headlamp cover, engine, exhaust and radiator covers, radiator shrouds, side panels, tail piece).

The rider’s seat, in black Alcantara, is inspired by the interior of the car, is achieved with precision workmanship that reveals the underlying red fabric with the same texture of that of the Batur seats and with the Bentley logo embroidered on the rear pad. The dual outlet exhaust, with its cover, has been redesigned to harmonize with the refined lines of the bike.

Batur is Bentley’s most powerful production car ever, with a 740 PS twin-turbo W12 engine, coach-built in just 18 examples. More than that, the Batur combines benchmark Bentley craftsmanship with sculptured, muscular bodywork that defines a new design DNA for Bentley with previews a new design direction for the brand. The visual message communicates great power and elegance, without ostentation or excess. The 18 examples of the Batur are individually hand-crafted by Mulliner, the oldest coachbuilder in the world and Bentley’s in-house bespoke division.

In addition to the 500 Diavel for Bentley examples, Ducati also offers a series of just 50 examples, called Diavel for Bentley Mulliner. The 50 Diavel for Bentley Mulliners will be available exclusively to Bentley customers, who through direct collaboration with the designers of the Centro Stile Ducati, will be able to configure their Diavel for Bentley Mulliner with different colours for the saddle, front brake calipers, carbon fibre parts and rims. They will also be able to choose the same colour as their car for the bodywork parts or one of those from the exclusive palette selected by the designers of the Crewe company.

The Diavel for Bentley, like all collectible Ducatis, is delivered with a certificate of authenticity, a passenger seat and a motorcycle cover. The name of the model and the production number of the unit are engraved on a plate inserted in the carbon fibre cover of the vertical head , on the right side of the motorcycle. Both the dashboard, equipped as standard with turn-by-turn navigator, and the LED matrix of the rear light cluster offer a special animation at the key-on which makes the Diavel for Bentley even more unmistakable. Finally, each Diavel for Bentley will be delivered in an exclusive personalized wooden case.

The collaboration between the two manufacturers has also led to the creation of a Capsule Collection, reserved for Diavel for Bentley owners, which allows customers to complete their look with a jet helmet and a technical jacket (available in both men’s and women’s versions) in a limited edition, characterized by a colour scheme that reflects that of the motorbike.

The Diavel for Bentley adopts the 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine, a central element of its design and at the same time a highly refined technical choice. Powerful (168 hp), rich in torque but also extremely light and compact, it is at the same time fluid, regular and usable right from the lowest revs. The Twin Pulse combustion order, together with the dedicated exhaust system, unmistakably characterize the timbre of the exhaust.

#DucatiDiavelV4 #DiavelforBentley #Boldinspiresbold

 

World Supersport 300: American Clark Signs With Accolade Smrz Racing Team

David Swarts
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0
World Supersport 300: American Clark Signs With Accolade Smrz Racing Team

Chris joins Accolade Smrz Racing for WorldSSP300 assault in 2024 – becomes the first full time American on the grid

Chris Clark has inked a deal with the Accolade Smrz Racing team that will see the teenager become the first American to compete full time in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship in 2024. 
 
Chris, who has raced successfully in MotoAmerica, and who took a sensational win this season as a wildcard rider in the Thai bLU cRU Championship at Buriram in Thailand, will begin his 2024 world championship campaign at the Catalunya circuit in Spain in March. The series will once again run alongside the prestigious FIM Superbike World Championship.
 
The Accolade Smrz team are both well respected and proven. Fronted by former GP and WorldSBK star Jakub “Kuba” Smrz the team finished second in the 2023 WorldSSP300 series. They also ran Chris in the final two rounds of the year, with Smrz sufficiently impressed that a full season with the Czech based squad in 2024 is now happening. 
 
Chris Clark: ”I am so thankful to Kuba and to the team for giving me this opportunity. I am really looking forward to work with the mechanics and Kuba to become a better racer. I learned so much in the final two races this year and I knew that racing is Europe is where I needed to be and to be starting my first full year on the world stage with a team like Accolade Smrz Racing is like a dream. I know that being with this team will allow me to become a better racer than I ever thought possible, and I cannot wait to get started. I want to thank everyone that has helped make this happen. See you in the World Superbike paddock.”
 
Over the coming weeks Chris will announce his partners for the year ahead and re-launch a new interactive website and merchandise range. 

World Endurance: Guintoli And Smith Join BMW Factory Test Team

David Swarts
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World Endurance: Guintoli And Smith Join BMW Factory Test Team

Sylvain Guintoli and Bradley Smith are joining the BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider family.
 

  • Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli and Briton Bradley Smith will contribute significantly to development work in the new test team as BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory riders.
  • Extensive experience in the pinnacle of motorcycle racing with various manufacturers.
  • Appearances in the FIM Endurance World Championship FIM EWC are also planned for Guintoli.
  • Marc Bongers: “This lineup is a clear indication of BMW Motorrad’s strong commitment to motorsport.”

 
Munich. The BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider family is expanding further with the addition of Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli and Briton Bradley Smith. Both have been fixtures in international racing for many years, participating in various world championships with high-displacement racing motorcycles from different manufacturers. Now, as riders of the newly formed test team, they will bring their extensive expertise to the development and testing of the BMW M 1000 RR.

 

Sylvain Guintoli. Photo by Jonathan Godin, courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
Sylvain Guintoli. Photo by Jonathan Godin, courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

 
41-year old Guintoli has comprehensive experience in various areas of motorcycle racing. He has been a two-time world champion, winning the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in 2014 and the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) in 2021. He also spent several years in MotoGP. In addition to his work in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport test team, Guintoli is set to participate in the FIM EWC with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. The detailed rider lineup for the team will be announced shortly.

 

Bradley Smith. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
Bradley Smith. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

 
33-year old Smith is primarily known for his time in MotoGP. The Briton began his lengthy international career in the 125cc class of the world championship. After two years in the Moto2 class, Smith moved up to MotoGP in 2013, where he remained active until 2020. Additionally, Smith won the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race in 2015. Now, he joins the BMW Motorrad Motorsport family as a test rider.
 

“Welcome aboard, Sylvain and Bradley,” says Christian Gonschor, Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport. “It’s fantastic that their wealth of experience strengthens our project. Sylvain brings extensive knowledge from many years in the Superbike and Endurance World Championships, where he also secured the titles, as well as from MotoGP. Bradley complements this knowledge perfectly with his extensive experience as a race and test rider in MotoGP. They are the perfect riders for our new test team, which focuses solely on testing work on the track, independent of race commitments.”
 

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers adds: “I am proud that, under Chris’s leadership, we have assembled such a strong lineup to support our factory commitments in WorldSBK and FIM EWC with the test team in the background. It is also a clear indication of BMW Motorrad’s strong commitment to motorsport. The significant input provided by the test team has already shown promise in recent months, and we are confident that this structure will contribute to success.”
 

Guintoli says: “I am very happy to join the BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK factory project as a test rider, the project is very exciting and I am looking forward to bring my experience into it. I can’t wait to get started and enjoy the BMW M 1000 RR.”
 

Smith says: “To be asked by BMW Motorrad to join the test team is a great privilege. I will work my hardest to deliver what our four WorldSBK factory riders need to battle with the best in the championship.”

Video: MotoAmerica “Pressure To Rise” Episode 5

David Swarts
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0
Video: MotoAmerica “Pressure To Rise” Episode 5
WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA

 

The teams and riders in the Medallia Superbike series circle the calendar every year for the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca round. The MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey is always a special event because the track delivers the action and excitement like no other…especially after it’s been recently repaved. In Episode 5 of “Pressure To Rise,” watch how things panned out for MotoAmerica’s premier Superbike road racers at the world-famous home of the Corkscrew.

Never miss new content again. Subscribe for FREE now to MotoAmerica’s YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMotoAmerica

Support MotoAmerica on YouTube and get access to MotoAmerica specific YouTube perks: https://bit.ly/MotoAmericaYouTubeMemb…

Watch all classes during the MotoAmerica 2023 season live and on demand on MotoAmerica Live+: http://bit.ly/MotoAmericaLive

Buy MotoAmerica 2023 Tickets: https://motoamerica.com/schedule/

Buy MotoAmerica Merch: https://bit.ly/ShopMotoAmerica

Championship Point Standings & Race Results: https://www.motoamerica.com/standings/

#MotoAmerica #Motorcycle #Motorsport #Racing

 

Video: Jonathan Rea 2023 Race Vlog, E:2 – “It’s Going To Be A Tough Year”

David Swarts
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0
Video: Jonathan Rea 2023 Race Vlog, E:2 – “It’s Going To Be A Tough Year”

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has been producing a regular vlog for several seasons. As he begins his transition to Pata Yamaha Prometeon after spending the last nine seasons with Kawasaki Racing Team, we thought we would look back at Rea’s 2023 season through his own vlogs.

This episode is “It’s Going To Be A Tough Year.”

 

AMA Supercross: Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Announced

David Swarts
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AMA Supercross: Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Announced

ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TEAM TARGETS 2024 SMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS

MALCOLM STEWART, CHRISTIAN CRAIG, RJ HAMPSHIRE, GUILLEM FARRES AND CASEY COCHRAN FORM ROSTER

An expanded five-rider Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will take centerstage when the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season commences with the AMA Supercross Championship season-opener at Anaheim on Saturday, January 6, led by 450SX duo Malcolm Stewart and Christian Craig, alongside 250SX contenders RJ Hampshire, Guillem Farres and Casey Cochran.

The Nathan Ramsey-managed official Husqvarna Motorcycles U.S. team will be equipped with the Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition and the Husqvarna FC 250 Rockstar Edition, forming a strong foundation for all five riders to build upon as the gates drop on what is a highly anticipated new season.
 

In addition to the on-track action, Rockstar Energy Drink has renewed its commitment as title sponsor of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team in a multi-year commitment, which will span the entire 31-race SMX series. The team will contest 17 rounds of AMA Supercross, 11 rounds in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and a three-round, post-season SMX Finals series.
 

“We’re incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Husqvarna Motorcycles. Over the past 10 years, the relationship with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team has been more than just a sponsorship and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow together, said Jennifer Kalban, Senior Motorsports Marketing Manager, PepsiCo North America. “The team is as strong as it’s ever been and the 2024 season should be an exciting one.”
 

Each step of that journey will be documented in Season 3 of the Grit and Grind docuseries, which will continue to be broadcast on the Husqvarna Motorcycles YouTube channel in 2024. A collaboration between Rockstar Energy and Husqvarna Motorcycles, it will once again provide an all-access insight into the season of Stewart, Craig, Hampshire, Farres, and Cochran.
 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager, Nathan Ramsey, is confident that all five riders will be competitive across next year’s SMX series, determined to iron out any kinks that have proven costly in the past and to ensure that all riders can consistently deliver strong results in 2024.
 

“2024 is looking good for us, the guys are having a really good off-season, and we are working hard to be ready for the season,” explained Ramsey. “I think that ultimately, we’re going to come out swinging and avoid the major ups and downs and ride it out as steady as possible and put our Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team riders up front. We have looked a lot at things that have cost us or possibly pushed us out of championship hopes in the past, and I think we have highlighted a few of those areas and we are all – the team, the crew, the riders, everyone – committed to correcting those areas and hopefully it works and pays off, because if they are corrected, I think we’re in the hunt, for sure.”
 

Making a welcome return to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will be Stewart, the 31-year-old who was unfortunately sidelined in the early stages of last season and is in line to pick up where he left off almost 12 months ago. The fan favorite finished a career-high third in the 450SX standings in 2022, now excited to get back behind the gates in a bid to rebuild his form in a competitive environment.
 

“The focus for 2024 is honestly just to get back out there and get my feet wet again,” said Stewart. “2023 was a pretty short-lived year for me, it was kind of more for me to get back going and to finish what I started last year. I was looking really good, A1 was going very well, we had one little incident and we won a heat race, so we had some big flashes, but it just ended too quickly. This is part of racing and things happen, but I have had a really good recovery so far, and training has been going well this off-season with a good group of guys that I’m surrounded with. Everyone has been positive through the whole recovery and I’m glad I locked myself in for another two more years! I really want to win next year and I’m looking forward to getting back into the bunch with the team for the upcoming season.”
 

Entering his second year with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Craig was also affected by injury in 2023 but was able to return and represent Team USA at the FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in September. At 32, Craig has the desire to establish himself toward the front of the premier class and has been enjoying the pre-season to date.
 

“I’m feeling pretty good entering another year with the team, so I’m more comfortable, learning everyone around me, and obviously learning the bike more with more seat time,” commented Craig. “I’m coming off a pretty serious injury, so just trying to build back up from that and we’re kind of in the middle of boot camp right now. I am excited for the new year, I need to put in some results, so am very focused and driven for this one. This past season was a big learning year for me, so this time I know what to expect with the training program, riding program, and what the team brings – I need to step up and try to be upfront as much as possible.”
 

As one of the most experienced riders in the 250 Class, RJ Hampshire has his sights firmly set on achieving title success in the new year. He was runner-up in 250SX West last year and raced to third position in the inaugural 250SMX standings, now motivated to capture a first-career championship with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.
 

“My goal is to definitely try and get a championship,” Hampshire stated. “We’ve been close the last two years in a row, so I’ll just come into the season, take it race-by-race, and build from where were last year. The team has worked really hard to make the bike as good as possible, and there are a lot of improvements already. We were in a good spot last season, so if we can be a bit better this year, I definitely think we can get it done. Supercross was massive for me because I had seven podiums in seven years and then last year I had eight in total, so that was a really big step in my career. The next step is to get the red plate, so that is the goal going into the season. The team has been awesome, there is nowhere else I would rather be, and I just renewed my deal for two more years – it just goes to show how much I believe in this team and how much I believe in myself, because we’ve grown a lot together. They believe in me a lot to go out there and perform also, and I definitely think that this year will be another big step in our relationship.”
 

For Farres, the chance to join Rockstar Energy Husqvarna sees him preparing for his maiden 250SX campaign, in which the 20-year-old Spanish revelation is looking to develop important Supercross experience during the upcoming season, before turning his attention outdoors.
 

“The transition to the Husqvarna FC 250 and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team has been really good,” Farres said. “This is my first time ever here in Clermont, Florida, training and first time in California. So far, so good. Everyone has been really welcoming on the team, I’ve been having a good time, and I’m excited for the 2024 season. It’s going to be my rookie season in Supercross, so I am going to focus on staying healthy, being at every round, and improving every day with every lap. I’ve never raced in a stadium before, so I’m sure it’s going to be something new and I’m going to be a little nervous, but hopefully it gets better after the first round.”
 

Exciting teenage prospect Cochran has graduated to the professional ranks with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna full-time for 2024, the 17-year-old looking to build upon the Supercross Futures AMA National Championship that he won in 2023, while learning his craft as a professional in the sport.
 

“It’s my first official pro season, so I’m looking forward to getting out there with the big guys and mixing it up, getting good results,” Cochran commented. “Nothing too extravagant so far, but my goal is to get used to the whole program. It’s a super-cool opportunity because we have worked our whole lives for this deal, this contract, to be on a factory team, so I am super-excited to be here and have a great team around me and ready to get to work. I have always personally liked Supercross better than outdoors, so I am excited to race indoors. I raced Futures last year and that was a good experience, so the more indoors, the better!”

AMA Supercross: American Honda Announces Its Riders

David Swarts
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AMA Supercross: American Honda Announces Its Riders

American Honda Presents Race Teams Ahead of 2024 Season
 

TORRANCE, Calif. – 

Team Honda HRC expecting success following dominant 2023 performance

Supported teams to field strong athlete lineups in motocross, off-road and more

During a special event this evening, American Honda presented its race plans for the fast-approaching 2024 racing season. Held in the new Collection Hall and meeting space at the manufacturer’s Torrance, California, campus, the event was attended by team sponsors and members of the media, and was highlighted by the factory Team Honda HRC lineup, including riders, managers and technicians. The factory squad is coming off a record-setting 2023 season that saw it take a record six professional AMA championships. In addition, an impressive list of Honda-supported teams was presented, including SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts Honda, SLR Honda, JCR Honda, Turner Racing Honda, Honda Off-Road Factory Racing and Raceco-USA Honda. Also present was Phoenix Racing Honda, celebrating the recent signing of two-time AMA Pro Motocross Champion Dylan Ferrandis, to campaign the premier class in AMA Supercross.

Heading up Team Honda HRC is Jett Lawrence, who at 20 years old has already accumulated six AMA crowns, including three in 2023—the 250SX West title, the AMA Pro Motocross 450 championship and the inaugural SuperMotocross title. The 2024 season will be Jett’s first campaigning the premier class indoors. Joining Jett aboard another factory CRF450RWE is his brother Hunter Lawrence, who last season earned the 250SX East and AMA Pro Motocross 250 crowns. As previously announced, Jo Shimoda takes Hunter’s old spot aboard the team’s CRF250R, along with returning racer Chance Hymas. The four-rider lineup is among the strongest ever fielded by the squad, which is intent on carrying its success forward into the coming season.

That confidence is thanks also in part to the return of top members within the team and crew, including manager Lars Lindstrom and 450 and 250 crew chiefs Grant Hutcheson and Jordan Troxell, respectively. Christien Ducharme is Jett Lawrence’s mechanic, while Hunter’s technician is Cameron Camera. Ben Griffith and Thomas Harris will serve as mechanics for Shimoda and Hymas, respectively.

The 17-round 2024 AMA Supercross season commences on January 6 in Anaheim, California, followed by the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross series and the three-round SuperMotocross Championship.

Brandon Wilson: Manager of Racing and Experiential Marketing

“While it’s gratifying that we were able to get Team Honda HRC back on top where it belongs in 2023, this team’s proud legacy wasn’t built on a one-and-done philosophy; in fact, the recent success just makes us even more determined to keep it going in 2024. Fortunately, I think we have all the pieces needed to accomplish that: an incredibly talented rider roster, a capable crew, competitive machinery and valuable sponsors. And while of course the factory squad is the focus, I’m also very proud of the lineup of support teams we’re fielding in various disciplines. I can’t wait for the new season to get started.”

Lars Lindstrom: Team Manager

“We just finished our 2024 season introduction for Team Honda HRC and the support teams. We’ve had an incredibly rigorous off-season compared to normal, with a lot of different events and traveling. Now it feels like this was kind of the last thing on the agenda before Anaheim. Everyone worked extremely hard to make this event happen, but we planned well and it went off without a hitch. I’m really proud of the whole team, and the riders for being troopers—especially Jett and Hunter after coming from the Honda Racing Thanks Day in Japan. Now it’s all about dialing in the bikes, getting trucks ready and preparing for the first race. I’m super-excited for the season coming and really stoked to have these guys on the team right now. Our team atmosphere last year was great, and it’s even better now. I feel like we’re going to have an incredible vibe all year.”

Video: MotoAmerica “Pressure To Rise” Episode 6

Jake Gagne (1) leads the start of MotoAmerica Superbike Race One at Brainerd, before it all went bad for Cameron Beaubier (6) and Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Jake Gagne (1) leads the start of MotoAmerica Superbike Race One at Brainerd, before it all went bad for Cameron Beaubier (6) and Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

 

In Episode 6 of “Pressure To Rise”, the Medallia Superbike riders are in Minnesota for the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Brainerd event. Brainerd International Raceway is a tough track to tame, and it leaves a lasting impression on many of the riders while also presenting season-changing implications. It’s a turning point in the 2023 Medallia Superbike Championship for many of the teams and riders, which is good for some and not so good for others.

Never miss new content again. Subscribe for FREE now to MotoAmerica’s YouTube: http://bit.ly/SubscribeMotoAmerica

Support MotoAmerica on YouTube and get access to MotoAmerica specific YouTube perks: https://bit.ly/MotoAmericaYouTubeMemb…

Watch all classes during the MotoAmerica 2023 season live and on demand on MotoAmerica Live+: http://bit.ly/MotoAmericaLive

Buy MotoAmerica 2023 Tickets: https://motoamerica.com/schedule/

Buy MotoAmerica Merch: https://bit.ly/ShopMotoAmerica

Championship Point Standings & Race Results: https://www.motoamerica.com/standings/

#MotoAmerica #Motorcycle #Motorsport #Racing

 

MotoE: Casadei Signs With LCR E-Team

Mattia Casadei (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Mattia Casadei (40), as seen during the 2023 season. Photo courtesy Dorna.

MATTIA CASADEI TO JOIN LCR E-TEAM IN 2024

LCR E-Team is proud to announce the new addition to the team, current MotoE World Champion Mattia Casadei.
 
For the 2024 lineup, Italian Champion Mattia Casadei will join the LCR E-Team alongside Eric Granado. Casadei performed an impressive season in 2023, achieving five victories and five other podium results on his way to the crown. Ahead of the new adventure for the next year, the team is excited and eager to start a journey together. Welcome, Mattia!

 

Mattia Casadei (right) and Lucio Cecchinello (left). Photo courtesy LCR E-Team.
Mattia Casadei (right) and Lucio Cecchinello (left). Photo courtesy LCR E-Team.

 
Mattia Casadei, LCR E-Team rider
 

“I’m happy to join the LCR E-Team as it’s one of the best teams on the grid. I want to fight for the best results, and I know the whole team is eager to do a great job, so that’s an extra motivation. We can achieve amazing things together, and I can’t wait to start!”

 

Lucio Cecchinello, Team Principal

“Counting on the current MotoE World Champion is an honor to us. He’s already demonstrated his performance level, and we want to fight for the maximum results. The 2024 lineup is now completed, and it’s a strong one. We are ready to work towards our common goals”. 

Video: Jonathan Rea 2023 Race Vlog, E:3 – “A Pain In The Ass”

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Pirelli.
Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Pirelli.

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has been producing a regular vlog for several seasons. As he begins his transition to Pata Yamaha Prometeon after spending the last nine seasons with Kawasaki Racing Team, we thought we would look back at Rea’s 2023 season through his own vlogs.

This episode is “A Pain In The Ass.”

 

Video: Ducati Collaborates With Bentley To Create Special Diavel V4

A Ducati Diavel for Bentley and a Bentley Batur. Photo courtesy Ducati.
A Ducati Diavel for Bentley and a Bentley Batur. Photo courtesy Ducati.

Editorial Note: Scroll down to watch the short video.

Ducati Diavel for Bentley: exclusivity, performance and craftsmanship in a true two-wheeled work of art

Bold inspires Bold: a numbered and limited edition of 500 units, inspired by the Bentley Batur and built on the technical base of the Diavel V4

Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner: a limited and numbered series of 50 additional units reserved for Bentley customers who will have the opportunity to make the bike even more unique

Characterized by a completely new design, unique and refined components and a special dedicated livery

Ducati Diavel for Bentley represents the first collaboration between the two brands

Miami, 8 December 2023 – Ducati and Bentley are proud to jointly announce a new, limited-edition motorcycle that celebrates the best of both iconic brands: the Ducati Diavel for Bentley. Born from the collaboration between the two manufacturers, the project links Ducati and Bentley with a vision of performance, craftsmanship and exclusivity. The result is a striking synthesis of technology, style and performance capable of making enthusiasts dream. The bike was revealed to the public with a ‘fuorisalone’ event in the context of the Art Basel week in Miami Beach, the overseas edition of the most prestigious European contemporary art fair.

 

A Ducati Diavel for Bentley. Photo courtesy Ducati.
A Ducati Diavel for Bentley. Photo courtesy Ducati.

 

On the sophisticated technical base of the high-performance and comfortable Diavel V4, Ducati has integrated many style characterizing elements of the Bentley Batur – a limited-series model handcrafted by Bentley – to create a motorcycle unique in terms of elegance and design. The Diavel for Bentley will be created in a numbered series limited to 500+50 examples, the latter reserved for Bentley customers.

The Centro Stile Ducati, in collaboration with Bentley designers, created a new design for this special motorbike, drawing inspiration from the Batur from which it takes the mainly horizontal lines of the side view. The Scarab Green colour, sophisticated and refined, rich in metallic shades, comes from the Bentley Mulliner palette and is used throughout the bodywork.

The decisive and aggressive lines of the Diavel V4 have also been profoundly revised through the technical components: many of the characteristic features of the Batur are taken up in different parts of the bike. The forged rims, designed and created for this motorbike, recall the shapes of those of the car and are painted in Dark Titanium Satin, leaving some machined surfaces visible.

The side air intakes reflect the two-tone front grille, one of the most recognizable elements of the Batur. The triangular rear extractors refer to the corresponding elements of the car. The front mudguard, the fairing and the upper view of the tank recall the ribs on the front bonnet, while the single-seater tail, which can be replaced with a passenger seat, takes many styling cues from the double-layer extractor on the back of the car.

Many of the bodywork components are made of high-quality carbon fibre (fenders, headlamp cover, engine, exhaust and radiator covers, radiator shrouds, side panels, tail piece).

The rider’s seat, in black Alcantara, is inspired by the interior of the car, is achieved with precision workmanship that reveals the underlying red fabric with the same texture of that of the Batur seats and with the Bentley logo embroidered on the rear pad. The dual outlet exhaust, with its cover, has been redesigned to harmonize with the refined lines of the bike.

Batur is Bentley’s most powerful production car ever, with a 740 PS twin-turbo W12 engine, coach-built in just 18 examples. More than that, the Batur combines benchmark Bentley craftsmanship with sculptured, muscular bodywork that defines a new design DNA for Bentley with previews a new design direction for the brand. The visual message communicates great power and elegance, without ostentation or excess. The 18 examples of the Batur are individually hand-crafted by Mulliner, the oldest coachbuilder in the world and Bentley’s in-house bespoke division.

In addition to the 500 Diavel for Bentley examples, Ducati also offers a series of just 50 examples, called Diavel for Bentley Mulliner. The 50 Diavel for Bentley Mulliners will be available exclusively to Bentley customers, who through direct collaboration with the designers of the Centro Stile Ducati, will be able to configure their Diavel for Bentley Mulliner with different colours for the saddle, front brake calipers, carbon fibre parts and rims. They will also be able to choose the same colour as their car for the bodywork parts or one of those from the exclusive palette selected by the designers of the Crewe company.

The Diavel for Bentley, like all collectible Ducatis, is delivered with a certificate of authenticity, a passenger seat and a motorcycle cover. The name of the model and the production number of the unit are engraved on a plate inserted in the carbon fibre cover of the vertical head , on the right side of the motorcycle. Both the dashboard, equipped as standard with turn-by-turn navigator, and the LED matrix of the rear light cluster offer a special animation at the key-on which makes the Diavel for Bentley even more unmistakable. Finally, each Diavel for Bentley will be delivered in an exclusive personalized wooden case.

The collaboration between the two manufacturers has also led to the creation of a Capsule Collection, reserved for Diavel for Bentley owners, which allows customers to complete their look with a jet helmet and a technical jacket (available in both men’s and women’s versions) in a limited edition, characterized by a colour scheme that reflects that of the motorbike.

The Diavel for Bentley adopts the 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine, a central element of its design and at the same time a highly refined technical choice. Powerful (168 hp), rich in torque but also extremely light and compact, it is at the same time fluid, regular and usable right from the lowest revs. The Twin Pulse combustion order, together with the dedicated exhaust system, unmistakably characterize the timbre of the exhaust.

#DucatiDiavelV4 #DiavelforBentley #Boldinspiresbold

 

World Supersport 300: American Clark Signs With Accolade Smrz Racing Team

Chris Clark (27) as seen at MotorLand Aragon in 2023. Photo courtesy Chris Clark Racing.
Chris Clark (27) as seen at MotorLand Aragon in 2023. Photo courtesy Chris Clark Racing.

Chris joins Accolade Smrz Racing for WorldSSP300 assault in 2024 – becomes the first full time American on the grid

Chris Clark has inked a deal with the Accolade Smrz Racing team that will see the teenager become the first American to compete full time in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship in 2024. 
 
Chris, who has raced successfully in MotoAmerica, and who took a sensational win this season as a wildcard rider in the Thai bLU cRU Championship at Buriram in Thailand, will begin his 2024 world championship campaign at the Catalunya circuit in Spain in March. The series will once again run alongside the prestigious FIM Superbike World Championship.
 
The Accolade Smrz team are both well respected and proven. Fronted by former GP and WorldSBK star Jakub “Kuba” Smrz the team finished second in the 2023 WorldSSP300 series. They also ran Chris in the final two rounds of the year, with Smrz sufficiently impressed that a full season with the Czech based squad in 2024 is now happening. 
 
Chris Clark: ”I am so thankful to Kuba and to the team for giving me this opportunity. I am really looking forward to work with the mechanics and Kuba to become a better racer. I learned so much in the final two races this year and I knew that racing is Europe is where I needed to be and to be starting my first full year on the world stage with a team like Accolade Smrz Racing is like a dream. I know that being with this team will allow me to become a better racer than I ever thought possible, and I cannot wait to get started. I want to thank everyone that has helped make this happen. See you in the World Superbike paddock.”
 
Over the coming weeks Chris will announce his partners for the year ahead and re-launch a new interactive website and merchandise range. 

World Endurance: Guintoli And Smith Join BMW Factory Test Team

Sylvan Guintoli (50). Photo courtesy Team Suzuki ECSTAR.
Sylvan Guintoli (50), as seen in 2021 during his days as Suzuki's MotoGP test rider. Photo courtesy Team Suzuki ECSTAR.

Sylvain Guintoli and Bradley Smith are joining the BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider family.
 

  • Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli and Briton Bradley Smith will contribute significantly to development work in the new test team as BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory riders.
  • Extensive experience in the pinnacle of motorcycle racing with various manufacturers.
  • Appearances in the FIM Endurance World Championship FIM EWC are also planned for Guintoli.
  • Marc Bongers: “This lineup is a clear indication of BMW Motorrad’s strong commitment to motorsport.”

 
Munich. The BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider family is expanding further with the addition of Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli and Briton Bradley Smith. Both have been fixtures in international racing for many years, participating in various world championships with high-displacement racing motorcycles from different manufacturers. Now, as riders of the newly formed test team, they will bring their extensive expertise to the development and testing of the BMW M 1000 RR.

 

Sylvain Guintoli. Photo by Jonathan Godin, courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
Sylvain Guintoli. Photo by Jonathan Godin, courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

 
41-year old Guintoli has comprehensive experience in various areas of motorcycle racing. He has been a two-time world champion, winning the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in 2014 and the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) in 2021. He also spent several years in MotoGP. In addition to his work in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport test team, Guintoli is set to participate in the FIM EWC with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. The detailed rider lineup for the team will be announced shortly.

 

Bradley Smith. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
Bradley Smith. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

 
33-year old Smith is primarily known for his time in MotoGP. The Briton began his lengthy international career in the 125cc class of the world championship. After two years in the Moto2 class, Smith moved up to MotoGP in 2013, where he remained active until 2020. Additionally, Smith won the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race in 2015. Now, he joins the BMW Motorrad Motorsport family as a test rider.
 

“Welcome aboard, Sylvain and Bradley,” says Christian Gonschor, Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport. “It’s fantastic that their wealth of experience strengthens our project. Sylvain brings extensive knowledge from many years in the Superbike and Endurance World Championships, where he also secured the titles, as well as from MotoGP. Bradley complements this knowledge perfectly with his extensive experience as a race and test rider in MotoGP. They are the perfect riders for our new test team, which focuses solely on testing work on the track, independent of race commitments.”
 

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers adds: “I am proud that, under Chris’s leadership, we have assembled such a strong lineup to support our factory commitments in WorldSBK and FIM EWC with the test team in the background. It is also a clear indication of BMW Motorrad’s strong commitment to motorsport. The significant input provided by the test team has already shown promise in recent months, and we are confident that this structure will contribute to success.”
 

Guintoli says: “I am very happy to join the BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK factory project as a test rider, the project is very exciting and I am looking forward to bring my experience into it. I can’t wait to get started and enjoy the BMW M 1000 RR.”
 

Smith says: “To be asked by BMW Motorrad to join the test team is a great privilege. I will work my hardest to deliver what our four WorldSBK factory riders need to battle with the best in the championship.”

Video: MotoAmerica “Pressure To Rise” Episode 5

The start of MotoAmerica Superbike Race Two at Laguna Seca in 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The start of MotoAmerica Superbike Race Two at Laguna Seca in 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA

 

The teams and riders in the Medallia Superbike series circle the calendar every year for the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca round. The MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey is always a special event because the track delivers the action and excitement like no other…especially after it’s been recently repaved. In Episode 5 of “Pressure To Rise,” watch how things panned out for MotoAmerica’s premier Superbike road racers at the world-famous home of the Corkscrew.

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Championship Point Standings & Race Results: https://www.motoamerica.com/standings/

#MotoAmerica #Motorcycle #Motorsport #Racing

 

Video: Jonathan Rea 2023 Race Vlog, E:2 – “It’s Going To Be A Tough Year”

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Pirelli.
Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Pirelli.

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has been producing a regular vlog for several seasons. As he begins his transition to Pata Yamaha Prometeon after spending the last nine seasons with Kawasaki Racing Team, we thought we would look back at Rea’s 2023 season through his own vlogs.

This episode is “It’s Going To Be A Tough Year.”

 

AMA Supercross: Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Announced

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team 450 riders Malcolm Stewart (27) and Christian Craig (28) and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team 250 riders RJ Hampshire (24), Guillem Farres (83), and Casey Cochran (166). Photo courtesy Husqvarna.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team 450 riders Malcolm Stewart (27) and Christian Craig (28) and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team 250 riders RJ Hampshire (24), Guillem Farres (83), and Casey Cochran (166). Photo courtesy Husqvarna.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TEAM TARGETS 2024 SMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS

MALCOLM STEWART, CHRISTIAN CRAIG, RJ HAMPSHIRE, GUILLEM FARRES AND CASEY COCHRAN FORM ROSTER

An expanded five-rider Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will take centerstage when the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season commences with the AMA Supercross Championship season-opener at Anaheim on Saturday, January 6, led by 450SX duo Malcolm Stewart and Christian Craig, alongside 250SX contenders RJ Hampshire, Guillem Farres and Casey Cochran.

The Nathan Ramsey-managed official Husqvarna Motorcycles U.S. team will be equipped with the Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition and the Husqvarna FC 250 Rockstar Edition, forming a strong foundation for all five riders to build upon as the gates drop on what is a highly anticipated new season.
 

In addition to the on-track action, Rockstar Energy Drink has renewed its commitment as title sponsor of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team in a multi-year commitment, which will span the entire 31-race SMX series. The team will contest 17 rounds of AMA Supercross, 11 rounds in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and a three-round, post-season SMX Finals series.
 

“We’re incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Husqvarna Motorcycles. Over the past 10 years, the relationship with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team has been more than just a sponsorship and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow together, said Jennifer Kalban, Senior Motorsports Marketing Manager, PepsiCo North America. “The team is as strong as it’s ever been and the 2024 season should be an exciting one.”
 

Each step of that journey will be documented in Season 3 of the Grit and Grind docuseries, which will continue to be broadcast on the Husqvarna Motorcycles YouTube channel in 2024. A collaboration between Rockstar Energy and Husqvarna Motorcycles, it will once again provide an all-access insight into the season of Stewart, Craig, Hampshire, Farres, and Cochran.
 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager, Nathan Ramsey, is confident that all five riders will be competitive across next year’s SMX series, determined to iron out any kinks that have proven costly in the past and to ensure that all riders can consistently deliver strong results in 2024.
 

“2024 is looking good for us, the guys are having a really good off-season, and we are working hard to be ready for the season,” explained Ramsey. “I think that ultimately, we’re going to come out swinging and avoid the major ups and downs and ride it out as steady as possible and put our Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team riders up front. We have looked a lot at things that have cost us or possibly pushed us out of championship hopes in the past, and I think we have highlighted a few of those areas and we are all – the team, the crew, the riders, everyone – committed to correcting those areas and hopefully it works and pays off, because if they are corrected, I think we’re in the hunt, for sure.”
 

Making a welcome return to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will be Stewart, the 31-year-old who was unfortunately sidelined in the early stages of last season and is in line to pick up where he left off almost 12 months ago. The fan favorite finished a career-high third in the 450SX standings in 2022, now excited to get back behind the gates in a bid to rebuild his form in a competitive environment.
 

“The focus for 2024 is honestly just to get back out there and get my feet wet again,” said Stewart. “2023 was a pretty short-lived year for me, it was kind of more for me to get back going and to finish what I started last year. I was looking really good, A1 was going very well, we had one little incident and we won a heat race, so we had some big flashes, but it just ended too quickly. This is part of racing and things happen, but I have had a really good recovery so far, and training has been going well this off-season with a good group of guys that I’m surrounded with. Everyone has been positive through the whole recovery and I’m glad I locked myself in for another two more years! I really want to win next year and I’m looking forward to getting back into the bunch with the team for the upcoming season.”
 

Entering his second year with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Craig was also affected by injury in 2023 but was able to return and represent Team USA at the FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in September. At 32, Craig has the desire to establish himself toward the front of the premier class and has been enjoying the pre-season to date.
 

“I’m feeling pretty good entering another year with the team, so I’m more comfortable, learning everyone around me, and obviously learning the bike more with more seat time,” commented Craig. “I’m coming off a pretty serious injury, so just trying to build back up from that and we’re kind of in the middle of boot camp right now. I am excited for the new year, I need to put in some results, so am very focused and driven for this one. This past season was a big learning year for me, so this time I know what to expect with the training program, riding program, and what the team brings – I need to step up and try to be upfront as much as possible.”
 

As one of the most experienced riders in the 250 Class, RJ Hampshire has his sights firmly set on achieving title success in the new year. He was runner-up in 250SX West last year and raced to third position in the inaugural 250SMX standings, now motivated to capture a first-career championship with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.
 

“My goal is to definitely try and get a championship,” Hampshire stated. “We’ve been close the last two years in a row, so I’ll just come into the season, take it race-by-race, and build from where were last year. The team has worked really hard to make the bike as good as possible, and there are a lot of improvements already. We were in a good spot last season, so if we can be a bit better this year, I definitely think we can get it done. Supercross was massive for me because I had seven podiums in seven years and then last year I had eight in total, so that was a really big step in my career. The next step is to get the red plate, so that is the goal going into the season. The team has been awesome, there is nowhere else I would rather be, and I just renewed my deal for two more years – it just goes to show how much I believe in this team and how much I believe in myself, because we’ve grown a lot together. They believe in me a lot to go out there and perform also, and I definitely think that this year will be another big step in our relationship.”
 

For Farres, the chance to join Rockstar Energy Husqvarna sees him preparing for his maiden 250SX campaign, in which the 20-year-old Spanish revelation is looking to develop important Supercross experience during the upcoming season, before turning his attention outdoors.
 

“The transition to the Husqvarna FC 250 and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team has been really good,” Farres said. “This is my first time ever here in Clermont, Florida, training and first time in California. So far, so good. Everyone has been really welcoming on the team, I’ve been having a good time, and I’m excited for the 2024 season. It’s going to be my rookie season in Supercross, so I am going to focus on staying healthy, being at every round, and improving every day with every lap. I’ve never raced in a stadium before, so I’m sure it’s going to be something new and I’m going to be a little nervous, but hopefully it gets better after the first round.”
 

Exciting teenage prospect Cochran has graduated to the professional ranks with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna full-time for 2024, the 17-year-old looking to build upon the Supercross Futures AMA National Championship that he won in 2023, while learning his craft as a professional in the sport.
 

“It’s my first official pro season, so I’m looking forward to getting out there with the big guys and mixing it up, getting good results,” Cochran commented. “Nothing too extravagant so far, but my goal is to get used to the whole program. It’s a super-cool opportunity because we have worked our whole lives for this deal, this contract, to be on a factory team, so I am super-excited to be here and have a great team around me and ready to get to work. I have always personally liked Supercross better than outdoors, so I am excited to race indoors. I raced Futures last year and that was a good experience, so the more indoors, the better!”

AMA Supercross: American Honda Announces Its Riders

Team Honda HRC 250 riders Chance Hymas (48) and Jo Shimoda (30) and Team Honda HRC 450 riders Jett Lawrence (18) and Hunter Lawrence (96). Photo courtesy American Honda.
Team Honda HRC 250 riders Chance Hymas (48) and Jo Shimoda (30) and Team Honda HRC 450 riders Jett Lawrence (18) and Hunter Lawrence (96). Photo courtesy American Honda.

American Honda Presents Race Teams Ahead of 2024 Season
 

TORRANCE, Calif. – 

Team Honda HRC expecting success following dominant 2023 performance

Supported teams to field strong athlete lineups in motocross, off-road and more

During a special event this evening, American Honda presented its race plans for the fast-approaching 2024 racing season. Held in the new Collection Hall and meeting space at the manufacturer’s Torrance, California, campus, the event was attended by team sponsors and members of the media, and was highlighted by the factory Team Honda HRC lineup, including riders, managers and technicians. The factory squad is coming off a record-setting 2023 season that saw it take a record six professional AMA championships. In addition, an impressive list of Honda-supported teams was presented, including SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts Honda, SLR Honda, JCR Honda, Turner Racing Honda, Honda Off-Road Factory Racing and Raceco-USA Honda. Also present was Phoenix Racing Honda, celebrating the recent signing of two-time AMA Pro Motocross Champion Dylan Ferrandis, to campaign the premier class in AMA Supercross.

Heading up Team Honda HRC is Jett Lawrence, who at 20 years old has already accumulated six AMA crowns, including three in 2023—the 250SX West title, the AMA Pro Motocross 450 championship and the inaugural SuperMotocross title. The 2024 season will be Jett’s first campaigning the premier class indoors. Joining Jett aboard another factory CRF450RWE is his brother Hunter Lawrence, who last season earned the 250SX East and AMA Pro Motocross 250 crowns. As previously announced, Jo Shimoda takes Hunter’s old spot aboard the team’s CRF250R, along with returning racer Chance Hymas. The four-rider lineup is among the strongest ever fielded by the squad, which is intent on carrying its success forward into the coming season.

That confidence is thanks also in part to the return of top members within the team and crew, including manager Lars Lindstrom and 450 and 250 crew chiefs Grant Hutcheson and Jordan Troxell, respectively. Christien Ducharme is Jett Lawrence’s mechanic, while Hunter’s technician is Cameron Camera. Ben Griffith and Thomas Harris will serve as mechanics for Shimoda and Hymas, respectively.

The 17-round 2024 AMA Supercross season commences on January 6 in Anaheim, California, followed by the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross series and the three-round SuperMotocross Championship.

Brandon Wilson: Manager of Racing and Experiential Marketing

“While it’s gratifying that we were able to get Team Honda HRC back on top where it belongs in 2023, this team’s proud legacy wasn’t built on a one-and-done philosophy; in fact, the recent success just makes us even more determined to keep it going in 2024. Fortunately, I think we have all the pieces needed to accomplish that: an incredibly talented rider roster, a capable crew, competitive machinery and valuable sponsors. And while of course the factory squad is the focus, I’m also very proud of the lineup of support teams we’re fielding in various disciplines. I can’t wait for the new season to get started.”

Lars Lindstrom: Team Manager

“We just finished our 2024 season introduction for Team Honda HRC and the support teams. We’ve had an incredibly rigorous off-season compared to normal, with a lot of different events and traveling. Now it feels like this was kind of the last thing on the agenda before Anaheim. Everyone worked extremely hard to make this event happen, but we planned well and it went off without a hitch. I’m really proud of the whole team, and the riders for being troopers—especially Jett and Hunter after coming from the Honda Racing Thanks Day in Japan. Now it’s all about dialing in the bikes, getting trucks ready and preparing for the first race. I’m super-excited for the season coming and really stoked to have these guys on the team right now. Our team atmosphere last year was great, and it’s even better now. I feel like we’re going to have an incredible vibe all year.”

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