Yamaha Champions Riding School Launches Champ U: Traffic Survival

David Swarts

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December 5, 2023

Yamaha Champions Riding School Launches Champ U: Traffic Survival

Yamaha Champions Riding School Announces Champ U: Traffic Survival.

November 2023 – Yamaha Champions Riding School, the premier motorcycle riding school in North America, is proud to announce a new Champions University digital curriculum: Traffic Survival. This is the fourth curriculum and arguably the most important Champ U online course to date.

Riding on the street is often considered dangerous and unpredictable. Distracted drivers, traffic, dilapidated roads, and insufficient training have become the norm. In fact, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to lose their lives in a fatal accident than other drivers.

The best way to stay safe on the street is to master motorcycle vehicle dynamics, understand the unique dangers of the road, and learn how the best riders in the world avoid them. As our skills and safety increase, so does the fun – and at the end of the day, that’s why we all love this sport! Traffic Survival is designed to give any rider, on any bike, the skills and strategies needed to enjoy every street ride and have more fun on two wheels for many years to come.

Derived from Multi-Time World Champion Freddie Spencer’s curriculum, ChampSchool has been in business since 2014 and has trained some of the best riders in the world with multi-day curriculums for street riders, racers, police officers, motorcycle manufactures, and the US Marine Corps. Yamaha Champions Riding School is at the forefront of motorcycle vehicle dynamics training.

We gathered subject matter experts with diverse backgrounds that include police motor officers, veteran street riders, international moto-journalists, and national road racing champions with one goal: create a complete curriculum on how to thrive and survive on the street.

Traffic Survival combines over forty videos, quizzes, and drills to form the definitive guide for street riding techniques and strategies, derived from data driven best practices, not internet-based theory.

Unlike our $2500.00 + exclusive multi-day training events, Champ U: Traffic Survival is available to any rider with an internet connection, and at a price any motorcyclist can afford. New riders and veteran street riders will learn the best techniques and approaches to handle a wide variety of situations, especially those that account for the majority of street crashes.

Traffic Survival will retail for $99.95 but is available until the end of the year for a very special introductory price of $79.95.

The weather may be getting colder, and your motorcycle might be going into storage for a while. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your skills on your preferred device. When warmer days arrive, you will be ready!

Learn more about Champ U: Traffic Survival, our other online and in-person courses at https://ridelikeachampion.com/courses-page/

About Yamaha Champions Riding School:

Yamaha Champions Riding School (ChampSchool) is the nation’s premier motorcycle training program. ChampSchool is the evolution of the Freddie Spencer High-Performance Riding School and is led by racer, author, and former right-hand man of Spencer, Nick Ienatsch. ChampSchool uses “Champions Habits” to teach all riders the skills and techniques used by the top riders in the world to go faster safer, while concentrating on the way in which modern motorcycles are designed to be ridden. ChampSchool is dedicated to making all motorcycle riders safer and more in control of their riding, no matter what type of riding they do. For more information visit www.champschool.com

Yamaha Champions Riding School is proudly sponsored by: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Dainese, Arai Helmets, YamaLube, GYTR, Chatterbox, GB Racing, ModOp, Chickenhawk Tire Warmers, Tech Spec, Payless Rental Cars, and N2 Track Days.

More Information: Yamaha Champions Riding School – www.champschool.com

AHRMA: Charles Not Returning As Road Race Director

David Swarts

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December 5, 2023

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AHRMA: Charles Not Returning As Road Race Director

AHRMA Thanks Al Charles for Service as Road Race Director

(December 5, 2023, Knoxville, TN) – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) thanks Al Charles for his service as AHRMA Road Race Director. Appointed in January, 2023, Al oversaw AHRMA’s road racing program and ushered in a new era of cooperation and partnerships with other motorcycle road racing organizations.

“I have elected not to return as the AHRMA Road Race Director in 2024. I am honored to have held the position for the past year and met so many incredible AHRMA members. 2023 was a recovery year for AHRMA and I am glad I was part of it. There are a lot of good things on the horizon for AHRMA and as members we will all benefit from them,” said Al.

Prior to his appointment, Al was an active AHRMA member and competitor. The entire AHRMA family wishes Al every success in his future endeavors. AHRMA will immediately begin the search process for his replacement.

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

MotoGP: NASCAR’s Trackhouse Racing Takes Over Aprilia Satellite Team

David Swarts

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December 5, 2023

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MotoGP: NASCAR’s Trackhouse Racing Takes Over Aprilia Satellite Team

Trackhouse Racing lands in MotoGP™

New team. New approach. New chapter. MotoGP™ welcomes a fresh presence to the grid for 2024

Tuesday, 05 December 2023

2024 will see a new team land in MotoGP™: Trackhouse Racing. Trackhouse have already enjoyed impressive success in the NASCAR Cup series, and now the American team will take their racing ambition onto two wheels as they join MotoGP™ as an Independent Team, partnered with Aprilia to run their RS-GP MotoGP™ prototypes.

The announcement was made in Milan on Tuesday, with the presentation beamed live around the world. At the launch, Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks was joined on stage by Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola, Dorna Sports Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta and Dorna Sports Chief Commercial Officer Dan Rossomondo to talk about the new venture.

Trackhouse Racing will run two Aprilia RS-GPs, ridden by multiple-MotoGP™ winner #88 Miguel Oliveira and rising talent #25 Raul Fernandez. The full 2024 livery will be revealed early next season but as part of the launch, the team unveiled a symbolic American flag-liveried bike, paying tribute to both previous testing colours used by Nicky Hayden and to the incredible motorcycle racing heritage of the USA.

Adding to that heritage and writing a new chapter, with a new approach, is a key goal for Trackhouse and one MotoGP™ shares. The addition of an American team, representing one of the world’s largest markets, offers a wealth of opportunity for both parties to create an exciting new project from the ground up – built on foundations of established success.

Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing Founder and Owner: “Joining the MotoGP World Championship is a very exciting moment for our young company. Trackhouse has worked from day one to recognize unique and compelling motorsport opportunities and being able to expand to a global series like MotoGP is a massive step in scaling the company. We believe deeply in the mission of Dorna and are committed to bringing something new and exciting to the championship while working hard to help grow and amplify this amazing sport to millions of new fans in North America and beyond.”

Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO: “We are happy and proud to welcome Trackhouse into the Aprilia Racing family. What they have been able to build in a very short time in NASCAR is an extraordinary presentation card, which anticipates the potential of this partnership. This is thanks to Justin Marks and his team, whom I got to know through my long-time friend PJ Rashidi, and with whom we were immediately in sync both in terms of technical ambitions and marketing and communication developments in such an important market as the US. Our commitment will increase significantly, a responsibility we gladly take on because, I am sure, it will allow us to grow even more.”

Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports Chief Sporting Officer: “We’re super happy to welcome Trackhouse to MotoGP. We know this new team is a perfect fit for our sport: they’ve already shown they know how to win and arrive with a great personality. In the most competitive era the sport has ever seen, it’s even more vital than ever to have strong Independent Teams on the grid with solid projects. Trackhouse working with Aprilia, who will offer extensive support, is a really exciting prospect too. The RS-GP is a winning motorcycle and the combination of the bike, factory and Trackhouse’s approach with this team is something super exciting for MotoGP fans everywhere. We can’t wait to see Trackhouse come racing with us.”

Dan Rossomondo, Dorna Sports Chief Commercial Officer: “Trackhouse coming to MotoGP is great news. They get it – the racing success, which they’ve had plenty of already – and the marketing and promotion that comes with running a top level motorsport team. That combination of operational excellence, paired with their expertise off-track, is a standard we want throughout MotoGP. We know Trackhouse’s influence will be positive and an ally for our business objectives.”

More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:

Aprilia Racing and Trackhouse together in MotoGP

THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE YOUNG AMERICAN STRUCTURE, ALREADY A PROTAGONIST IN NASCAR

Aprilia Racing has signed a three-year agreement with US outfit Trackhouse, already a major player in the NASCAR motorsport championship. Captained by former racer Justin Marks, the American team will bring the RS-GPs to the track as an Independent Team. Confirmed are riders Miguel Oliveira and Raùl Fernandez, in their second season riding the Italian prototypes.

A partnership that will see Aprilia Racing take charge of all technical aspects, collaborating closely with Trackhouse Racing on track and taking care of development during the season, through a dedicated structure that represents an important step forward in Aprilia’s MotoGP project.

MASSIMO RIVOLA – CEO Aprilia Racing

“We are happy and proud to welcome Trackhouse into the Aprilia Racing family. What they have been able to build in a very short time in NASCAR is an extraordinary presentation card, which anticipates the potential of this partnership. This is thanks to Justin Marks and his team, whom I got to know through my long-time friend PJ Rashidi, and with whom we were immediately in sync both in terms of technical ambitions and marketing and communication developments in such an important market as the US. Our commitment will increase significantly, a responsibility we gladly take on because, I am sure, it will allow us to grow even more”.

Video: Jonathan Rea’s World, Episode Four “Phillip Island Calm Before The Storm”

David Swarts

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December 5, 2023

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Video: Jonathan Rea’s World, Episode Four “Phillip Island Calm Before The Storm”

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.

Here is Episode Four “Phillip Island Calm Before The Storm.”

Final Call: Roadracing World Now Accepting Applications For Young Guns 2024

David Swarts

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December 4, 2023

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Final Call: Roadracing World Now Accepting Applications For Young Guns 2024

We are now accepting nominations and applications for the 28th Annual Roadracing World Young Guns feature, highlighting up-and-coming young road racers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

To be considered for the Young Guns feature, a racer must be between the ages of 11 and 18 years old at the start of the 2024 season; have finished in the top three in a sanctioned Expert-level road race or Championship and reside within the United States, Canada, or Mexico or be a citizen of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.

Amateurs/Novices with extraordinary road racing accomplishments will also be considered.

Riders can nominate themselves. Race sanctioning bodies, sponsors and race teams are encouraged to nominate young riders, but riders or their parents must request and then submit completed applications and provide photos suitable for publication by our deadline to be considered.

Riders who have previously been recognized as a Young Gun should call David Swarts at 909-654-4779 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) Monday through Friday to quickly update their profile information and arrange submission of up-to-date photos.

For new candidates who wish to be considered for the next Young Guns feature, obtain, fill out and return a 2024 Young Guns questionnaire to Roadracing World by December 4, 2023. Requests for questionnaires should be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

Questionnaires must be filled out completely in English and be returned as a Word document . Completed questionnaires should be returned to the same e-mail address.

In addition to completed questionnaires, candidates must also submit an action photo and a head shot (a photo clearly showing the rider’s face without sunglasses) suitable for magazine reproduction. Each submitted photo must include written permission (an e-mail is acceptable) from the photographer (even if the photographer is a parent) specifically giving Roadracing World Publishing the right to publish that photo(s) free of charge in the Young Guns feature and on www.roadracingworld.com.

Digital images must be high-resolution, or 3000 pixels wide or tall at 4 inches. All photos must be accompanied by the name of the photographer along with when and where the photo was taken, including the name of the racetrack. Photos should not have any watermarks or graphics added, and photo editing should be kept to a minimum. Digital photos are preferred.

Late and incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Young Guns features to date have appeared in the November 1997, March 1999, February 2000, March 2001, February 2002, April 2003, April 2004, May 2005, June 2006, April 2007, April 2008, April 2009, April 2010, April 2011, April 2012, March 2013, April 2014, April 2015, April 2016, April 2017, April 2018, April 2019, April 2020, April 2021, April 2022, and April 23 issues of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology. The Young Guns Classes of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 were also featured individually on www.roadracingworld.com.

Please familiarize yourself with our previously published Young Guns features before contacting us to ask questions.

If you still have questions, call 909-654-4779 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak to David Swarts or e-mail [email protected].

The Roadracing World Young Guns series started as an answer to critics who said North America lacked up-and-coming young riders. Current or former Roadracing World Young Guns have: Raced in all classes of the MotoGP World Championship (including the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series) and FIM Superbike and Supersport World Championships, winning races and capturing World Championships; competed in European Championships and well as British, Canadian, Chinese, Czech Republic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Mexican, and Spanish National series; raced in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Championships (winning many races and Championships in all classes, including multiple Superbike titles); finished on the podium at the Suzuki GSX-R World Cup and the KTM RC Cup World Finals; won Superbike Shootout races in the Superbike and Pro Sportbike classes and won the 2014 Dynojet Pro Sportbike Championship; won Suzuki Cup Championships in the U.S.; earned WERA National Challenge, National Endurance and Sportsman National Championships; won ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships; collected USGPRU titles; and won many local and regional Championships.

Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;

five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier;

MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;

former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, and 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2000 AMA Pro 750 Supersport Champion, 2001 AMA Pro Formula Xtreme Champion, 2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up, and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current Moto2 World Championship competitor Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Bryce Prince;

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, and 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;

and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Says BMW Is “Unbelievable Fast”

David Swarts

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December 4, 2023

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WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Says BMW Is “Unbelievable Fast”

Toprak Razgatlioglu, the 2021 Superbike World Champion, got his first taste of his new ROKiT BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR during a short test Sunday, December 3 at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal.

The Turkish rider’s first stint was cut to just two laps by an oil leak and he only ended up getting 11-12 total laps in his half-day of testing, but Razgatlioglu was able to get a good first impression of the machine he will race in the next two Superbike World Championship seasons.

“First, I say, finally! We were waiting for my contract to finish, but finally, I’m riding a BMW,” Razgatlioglu said in English in a video interview with Dorna posted on the official series website, www.worldsbk.com. “For me, it’s very positive, I like hard braking but the engine braking was working a lot. Inside the team, my feeling is very warm and everyone is a very good [person], so I’m happy for this. The first day is done. I think the total was only 11-12 laps, but it was important to have a feeling. The first ride was very good and positive.

“We tried to put my setup, but today we didn’t start [in the morning] because the bike wasn’t ready. We used half a day from 12:00 p.m. We had a problem and everyone said it was the engine, but actually it was an oil problem. I lost time due to that, but my last run was very positive as I rode eight laps. I learnt the bike, as both this and my old one are different. I’m very happy as every lap I’m improving and learning the bike’s style. I need my style, but in the slow corners I feel better now.

“On the first lap, I was just smiling, especially on the corner exit. I know my old bike very well after four years but on the exit of the last corner I felt unbelievable power, and over the hill, it was still going. This bike keeps getting faster. I had to adapt the braking at the first corner because I was trying it like I had before but I stopped a lot. Also, after the problem at Turn One, there was oil on the left side of the track so we used the middle. This wasn’t easy for me to turn into Turn One. Anyway, every lap I was getting better, understanding the bike and the traction. The throttle connection is much better. I’m very happy and we have many parts to try.”

Asked to describe his first test in one word, Razgatlioglu said, “Very fast day. I say this because on the straights the bike [is] unbelievable fast.”

More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:

Preparation for WorldSBK 2024: Toprak Razgatlioglu’s first test with the BMW M 1000 RR.

Toprak Razgatlioglu completes first test as a BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory rider in Portimão.

Toprak Razgatlioglu: “In general, I am really happy because it has been a very positive test”.

Marc Bongers: “I am positive after these first days”.

Portimão. Preparations for the 2024 season of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) are picking up the pace. Newcomer Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) completed his first days of testing as a BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory rider on Sunday and Monday. Together with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team and his team-mate Michael van der Mark (NED), Razgatlioglu took to the track in Portimão in Portugal.

Razgatlioglu used the first test to familiarise himself with the BMW M 1000 RR and to get to know his new team. There will be two more days of testing on Tuesday and Wednesday in Jerez de la Frontera in Spain.

Reaction after the Portimão test.

Toprak Razgatlioglu: “In general, I am really happy because it has been a very positive test. My feeling for the BMW M 1000 RR is very good. Now I understand the bike and we did also very good lap times regarding the track conditions which were not the best so I did not push towards a fast lap time and we did not use the softer tyre. I am enjoying it even if I could not do so many laps. We are learning because this bike is completely different for me but I now start to adapt to it. Especially on Monday I had a much better feeling for the front than before. And the power and the engine brake are unbelievable and the bike is very fast on the straight. I am very positive, we just need to do more laps. Thank you to all the guys, they gave me are warm welcome and everybody tries to improve, which we immediately did. We will see, I need more time. If we have good track conditions, I think that I can ride a good lap time because especially the front feeling when I enter the corner is now much better. The traction is working very well and I have more power. In general, I am very happy and after the first laps I would say that we are not far. We are coming.”

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “For sure, it has been a test under difficult conditions. It turned out very clearly that we missed five weeks, we would have preferred to test in November in sunny weather. In addition, you are anxious to see how the first test will be. On Sunday, we made a very short-term call to use a few sessions of a track day with the guys just to get some dry time, because the weather forecast for Monday was bad, as it was proven then. Still we got about 30 laps in of Toprak on the BMW M 1000 RR and that is very valuable input. We did not test a lot but for sure it was important to get his first feedback, to get the ergonomics right, getting him to know the system. And from here we are going to head to Jerez where again the weather forecast does not look so good so we have to use every single dry time we might have. In general, I am positive after these first days. There have been a lot of positive comments, no dramas, we just went through a couple of points what we could offer him and what he feels and that was very good. He was not only very positive about the power of the BMW M 1000 RR but also about our electronics, turning and so on. Everything he said is a base to work from and built on. It confirmed that we have a good package and now we need to get the most out of it with him and the other guys as well. Mickey did some laps on Sunday but obviously with a lot of track day guys on the track it has been not so easy. But we wanted Mickey to go out just to have that reference. Then on Monday we said that it makes no sense for him to go out in tricky conditions as he knows the bike and the package.”

Shaun Muir, Team Principal ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “First of all, welcome to Toprak and to all the new mechanics who have joined the team for 2024. The test itself was a bit strange at the beginning. We took the opportunity to get some dry lap time on Sunday afternoon which was less than ideal but the weather was good. Monday morning, on the official test day for us, the weather was not ideal but we took the opportunity to go out in the afternoon. The track was still damp but it was a good start. The feedback from Toprak was super, it was precisely what we were hoping for. We know his riding style, we’ve watched him, we know what we need to do to adapt the bike to him and we’ve taken the first steps in doing that. I feel happy that the test has been of some use even if the conditions have not been ideal. We ticked some boxes and that was really important. For Jerez, we hope to get dry track conditions. Toprak still needs more laps to adapt to the bike before we can even start to compare lap times and to work on the fine tuning. For Michael, the test has been a bit strange. He did not have a lot to gain and a lot to lose. For him, it wasn’t ideal. We tested some parts on Sunday afternoon which was only a very small outing for him. He supported Toprak and will be back on the bike in Jerez.”

Michael van der Mark: “Unfortunately, I did not do so many laps during the test. That has been bad luck. But it was nice to be with the team and to have Toprak in the garage. There are some new mechanics and it was nice to spend a few days with the guys. Hopefully we have some better luck in Jerez. There are so many things to test, so hopefully we can finally go out with the bike. My first impression was that the whole atmosphere in the team is really good. I really enjoyed it even if I did not ride very much.”

Video: Registration Now Open For 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup

David Swarts

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December 4, 2023

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Video: Registration Now Open For 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup

Registration Now Open for the 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup

After another successful season in 2023, aspiring young racers can now sign up for the renamed 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup, which will once again support selected rounds of the FIM Superbike World Championship.

Register for the 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup by clicking here.

After its inaugural campaign in 2021, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship opened the door to world championship racing for several young riders, including the 2023 winner Italian Emiliano Ercolani, plus former victors Brazilian Enzo Valentim (2022) and Spaniard Iker Garcia Abella (2021).

After attracting ten overseas riders to compete in the championship during 2023, for 2024, the one-make series has a new name to reflect its growing nature and global appeal more accurately, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup, as it continues to represent the perfect opportunity for young riders from around the world to showcase their ability on the world stage.

You can follow in these riders’ footsteps and pursue your dream of racing full-time by signing up to join the 2024 R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup grid and become a part of Yamaha’s award-winning bLU cRU program that forms the foundation of the Yamaha Racing pyramid, which is designed to cultivate the next generation of young riding talent in road and off-road racing.

It creates the perfect platform for young riders to benefit from professional coaching, technical support, and mentoring from some of the biggest names in racing, designed to encourage, develop, and nurture the stars of tomorrow while providing an uninterrupted career path from national to world championship level, with over 600 youngsters benefitting from the scheme in 2023.

Open to riders aged 14-20, the 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup will run alongside six rounds of the WorldSBK campaign, giving youngsters the perfect platform to showcase their talent in front of the top teams and riders.

Provisional 2024 R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup Calendar

TBA: Preseason Test

22-24 Mar: Barcelona, Spain

19-21 Apr: Assen, The Netherlands

14-16 Jun: Misano, Italy

12-14 Jul: Donington, United Kingdom

06-08 Sep: Magny Cours, France

27-29 Sep: Aragon, Spain

This talent doesn’t go unnoticed, with a number of former bLU cRU riders lining up on the grid during the 2023 WorldSSP300 Championship alongside several of the current crop of talented youngsters getting the opportunity to run as wild cards.

At each race weekend, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup riders will be based at the dedicated bLU cRU village inside the WorldSBK paddock. All entrants will receive coaching and technical support, while Yamaha R3 machinery and a complete riding package, including race leathers, gloves, boots, helmet, tyres and fuel, are provided, with season entry fees of just €30,500 ($33,017 USD).

The overall champion will earn a place on the 2025 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship grid with full Yamaha Motor Europe support, providing they are over the minimum age for entry into the class. Second in the standings will be offered a 50 percent discount on their 2025 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU FIM World Cup registration, while the rider who finishes third will receive a 25 percent discount.

A number of riders will also be selected from the championship to attend the exclusive VR46 Yamaha Master Camp in Italy, where they will receive coaching from the same team responsible for advising the VR46 Academy Riders.

Following the success of this year’s series, interest is expected to be high, and with only 30 grid slots available for the 2024 season, early sign-up is essential to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Register Now

ASRA: Angles, Keesee, Sullivan Win At Homestead-Miami Speedway

David Swarts

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December 4, 2023

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ASRA: Angles, Keesee, Sullivan Win At Homestead-Miami Speedway

Max Angles, Trenton Keesee, and Ed Sullivan won the ASRA National Sprint Series races Sunday, December 3 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in Homestead, Florida.

Angles won the ASRA Superstock 1000 and ASRA Supersport 600 races, Keesee took first place in ASRA 400, and Ed Sullivan, the Crew Chief of MotoAmerica Superbike racer Mathew Scholtz, earned the victory in ASRA Thunderbike.

ASRA SUPERSTOCK 1000
ASRA SUPERSPORT 600
ASRA OUTLAW-THUNDERBIKE
ASRA 400

Young Gun Julian Correa (40), who normally competes in the British Talent Cup, won six of the seven ASRA races he entered on his DBP-prepared Honda CBR600RR and finished second to Max Angles in the ASRA Supersport 600 National. Photo by Phenry Photography, courtesy Julian Correa.

Video: Jonathan Rea’s World, Episode Three “I Decided To Ride In The Mud”

David Swarts

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December 4, 2023

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Video: Jonathan Rea’s World, Episode Three “I Decided To Ride In The Mud”

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.

Here is Episode Three “I Decided To Ride In The Mud.”

Australian Superbike: Race Report From Season Finale At “The Bend”

David Swarts

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December 3, 2023

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Australian Superbike: Race Report From Season Finale At “The Bend”

Herfoss soars to third ASBK title at The Bend

A superb final round clean sweep from Troy Herfoss in the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, at The Bend has secured the Queenslander a stunning third Australian Superbike title.

The 36-year-old was peerless in round seven Alpinestars Superbike action on the South Australian circuit, with his maximum points haul on the immaculately prepared Penrite Honda CBR1000RR-R keeping the door firmly shut on his main championship rival, Josh Waters (McMartin Racing with K-Tech Ducati V4R).

Herfoss defeated Waters in a tight race one finish, before a mid-race crash from Waters in the decider took all the pressure off the new 2023 champion, who signed off from his career with Honda in fairytale fashion. After the anguish of losing previous ASBK Championships by slim margins, today’s victory was all about pure adulation.

Herfoss completed the seven-round championship on 344pts, ahead of Waters (324) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1, 260), the latter nabbing third from Glenn Allerton (GT Racing BMW M 1000 RR, 259) at the death knell.

As well as the two race wins and the championship spoils, Herfoss now owns the fastest Superbike lap around the 4.95km circuit – icing on the cake for what was a brutally efficient campaign from first practice on Friday until today’s heroics. Herfoss methodically piled on the pressure bit by bit, which ultimately proved too much for the opposition – even Waters.

THE BEND SUPERBIKE RESULTS AND STANDINGS

A jubilant Troy Herfoss (left) flanked by outgoing champion, Mike Jones (right). Photo by RB Moto Lens, courtesy ASBK.

Herfoss’ previous ASBK titles came in 2016 and 2018, while it’s now a dominant 12 championships for Honda in the 35-year history of Australia’s premier road racing category.

“It doesn’t get any better than this, as the riders I compete against are so hard to beat,” said Herfoss.

“To be able to finish up with Honda with a championship is just incredible. We have grown a lot as a team this year and just got better and better. And this is the best I have ever ridden a motorbike.

“But I want to pay credit to my opposition, and particularly Josh who I also battled with in the 2017 championship. He’s such a tough competitor and literally rode his bike into the ground to try and beat me. And I know he’s in a lot of pain with his injuries: I’ve got a of respect for him and his team.

“I just love racing and it’s not going to get better than this.”

Mission accomplished: Troy Herfoss (17) wins the the 2023 championship. Photo courtesy ASBK.

Waters, who was chasing a fourth ASBK title, was philosophical in defeat.

“It started to hurt us yesterday when Troy got pole position and the bonus point,” said Waters.

“Race one was good and I looked at the positives, and then in race two I wanted to lead from the start and pull away from the others. When I crashed I wasn’t pushing that hard, but the bike had been risky into turn six all weekend.

“I am disappointed in the outcome but at least I know I gave it everything. Congratulations to Troy on winning the championship.”

The opening 11-lap race saw Herfoss lead from start to finish, with Waters running line astern for the majority of the journey save for a brief period when defending ASBK champion Mile Jones (Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1) slotted into second.

Waters’ move back into second coincided with Herfoss setting a new race lap record (1m50.529s), which saw him stretch his lead to just under one second.

Waters dug in his heels, though, and he was running with Herfoss by the final lap. However, Herfoss was impregnable and held on by 0.253sec and increased his championship lead to 6pts, with the slow-starting Halliday third ahead of Jones, Allerton, Max Stauffer (GTR Moto Stars YZF-R1), Bryan Staring (MotoGo YZF-R1) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track YZF-R1).

Cru Halliday's (65) rich vein of season-ending form saw him finish third in the championship. Photo courtesy ASBK. — Cru Halliday’s (65) rich vein of season-ending form saw him finish third in the championship. Photo courtesy ASBK.

Race two saw Stauffer and Staring both crash out within the first two laps, but the most telling departure was Waters after losing the front end on his V4R at turn six while in second place.

He remounted and finished 10th, but Herfoss only had to keep his powder dry over the final four laps to guarantee championship success. He was duly untroubled, and could even acknowledge the crowd on the final lap – an early reward for a stellar season which yielded eight wins and 12 podiums.

Halliday passed Jones on the final lap in the battle for second, while Allerton was fourth from West, Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati V4R), Marcus Chiodo (CBR100RR-R) and Ted Collins (Livson Racing M 1000 RR).

The 2004 ASBK Championship will begin from February 23-25 in conjunction with the FIM Motul Superbike World Championship.

Yamaha Champions Riding School Launches Champ U: Traffic Survival

December 5, 2023

Yamaha Champions Riding School CEO/Chief Instructor Nick Ienatsch. Photo courtesy Yamaha Champions Riding School.