MotoGP: Test Report at Misano

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 16, 2025

Acosta fastest on Monday, Yamaha steal the headlines at Misano. The Red Bull KTM rider tops testing by a margin but it’s the new V4-powered YZR-M1 that gets the paddock talking on Monday.

Sprint. Grand Prix. Celebrate. Test. The San Marino GP’s emotions and celebrations are parked and just a few hours later, it’s back to business for the post-round test. Taking top spot after Sunday frustrations, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) set the pace on Monday ahead of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing).

KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa on his Red Bull KTM RC16. Photo courtesy Dorna.

KTM: finding form after San Marino GP struggles

KTM had a fair dosage of ill fortune on Sunday but on Monday, Acosta had the hammer down from the start and topped the timesheets. Leading throughout the afternoon, he was close to the sub-90s barrier in the second session and finished with 0.340s advantage, despite not being entirely happy in the fast corners. Teammate Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) continued until the chequered flag and improved late on, finishing in 14^th.

Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and teammate Maverick Viñales also got down to business with ‘The Beast’ working on plenty of setup ideas and the #12 on getting strength and muscle back in his injured shoulder. Viñales improved his time in the final hour of the day, showing that the hard work was worthwhile. Test rider Dani Pedrosa Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was also in action and sported a swingarm update and new rear exhaust. Bastianini concluded the day with 12^th, one place ahead of Viñales with Pedrosa 21^st, just 1.9s from P1.

Francesco Bagnaia (63) at Misano Test. Photo courtesy Dorna.

DUCATI: Pecco crashes with old aero, Alex Marquez P2

Working on electronics, consistency and trying to improve corner entry, Alex Marquez was top Ducati at the end of the day and was content in second. Teammate Fermin Aldeguer (BK( Gresini Racing MotoGP) likewise carried out plenty of electronics work and with some focus on time attacks, taking tenth overall. In the VR46 camp, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) continued up until the chequered flag and rounded out the top five, with teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio two places and 0.156s behind the #21 in seventh.

A mix of 2024 aero and 2025 chassis for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the double MotoGP Champion looks to rekindle the feeling he’s been missing in recent rounds. He was inside the top ten but coming into the final hour, he crashed at Turn 1. Meanwhile, Championship-leading teammate Marc Marquez had a variety of swingarms to try out throughout the day as he homed in on improving corner exit. Finishing early due to the high grip level after the San Marino GP, he was sixth at the chequered flag with Pecco eighth. Michele Pirro (Ducati Team) was also in action and sported a radically different and reduced front aero package en-route to P23.

Jorge Martin (1) at the Misano Test. Photo courtesy Dorna.

APRILIA’S ASCENDENCY: ‘Bez’ continues form, Martin gets comfy

After the celebrations and elation of Sunday, it was back to the grind for Marco Bezzecchi who worked on testing a chassis that had previously been trialled in a specific configuration, but due to the progress of the RS-GP, was something to revisit. Aprilia also spent time working on electronics and mapping, something Jorge Martin alluded to but the #1 hailed progress on the rider ergonomics side and improved handlebar position.

Stating that the base setup is 75% there after Misano’s test, the reigning World Champion was pleased with his findings despite a late fall at Turn 8. Elsewhere, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) got plenty of laps in and featured inside the top ten across both sessions whilst teammate Ai Ogura sat out the test after his Sunday crash. At the end of the day, Bezzecchi took P3, Fernandez P4 and Martin P9, with all Aprilias in the top ten.

Luca Marini (10) t the Misano Test. Photo courtesy Dorna.

HONDA: progress confirmed on Monday

Whilst Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) sat out the test due to the pain from his Friday fall, the Japanese manufacturer continued their hard work with Luca Marini (Honda HRC CASTROL). The Italian had an updated chassis and different rear aero to try, similar to the one used at the beginning of 2025 and at the close of business, took P11. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) had a similar agenda with the aero and continued long into the last hour to take 15^th whilst Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) finished early in P22.

Fabio Quartararo (20) at the Misano Test. Photo courtesy Dorna.

V4 TALK: Yamaha make full-squad debut

Yamaha’s V4 development was the major news on Monday at Misano, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) getting one for the day, along with Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP). Whilst it’s in the early stages of development, there were plenty of encouraging signs, with the feedback from the riders consistent and all stating the potential is clear. Quartararo finished in 18^th and set a best lap time of 1’31.598 and whilst the lap time isn’t indicative at this point of the V4’s journey, it’s a good reference. Teammate Alex Rins’ morning time was quicker and beat ‘El Diablo’ by 0.027s to take 17^th whilst Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was the top Yamaha taking 16^th with teammate Miller 19^th.

That’s a wrap on a back-to-back and another record crowd at Misano. Come back for more from Motegi when we’re back to racing – and Marc Marquez has chance to lift the crown.

MotoAmerica: Dunlop Tires Sets New Lap Records at COTA

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 16, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Dunlop Tires Sets New Lap Records at COTA

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is excited to announce that new lap records have been established at The Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. This thrilling showcase of speed and skill wasn’t possible without the Sportmax Slick tires, and the following records were achieved:

Superbike:

Race Lap Record: 2:07.497 – Cameron Beaubier, Race 2 (9/14/2025)

Stock 1000:

Lap Record: 2:09.553 – Ashton Yates, Qualifying 2 (9/13/2025)

Supersport:

Lap Record: 2:11.675 – Mathew Scholtz, Qualifying 2 (9/13/2025)

King Of The Baggers:

Lap Record: 2:12.975 – Hayden Gillim, Qualifying 2 (9/13/2025)

Race Lap Record: 2:13.150 – Hayden Gillim, Race 2 (9/14/2025)

Talent Cup:

Lap Record & Race Lap Record: 2:26.620 – Alessandro Di Mario, Race 2 (9/14/2025)

These outstanding performances demonstrate the exceptional grip and reliability of Dunlop’s Sportmax Slick tires, further cementing their position as the tire of choice for all competitive road racing.

To learn more about Dunlop racing tires, please visit www.dunlopracing.com

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:

Dunlop is the number one selling and largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in North America. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, and X for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

MotoGP: Miller Tests Yamaha‘s YZR-M1 V4 Prototype at Misano

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 16, 2025

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MotoGP: Miller Tests Yamaha‘s YZR-M1 V4 Prototype at Misano

MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – P14 – 1:31.510 – 38 LAPS

JACK MILLER – P17 – 1:31.660 – 57 LAPS

GINO BORSOI – Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP

“The feeling of this first day with the YZR-M1 V4 prototype was nice from the beginning, because we are starting from a blank sheet of paper. For us it is very important to give Yamaha some feedback and our point of view regarding this new project. We know it will be a long journey, but we are very proud to be part of this new challenge with Yamaha. Starting from scratch is important for Pramac Racing, because we can put all our effort into developing the bike in the right way. The old YZR-M1 was already a complete bike, but with the new V4 prototype we can provide Yamaha‘s engineers with our feedback to help them. Yamaha now has a huge amount of work to do, and we are ready to do our part. Today‘s test was important to begin to understand the direction we need to work in. Jack‘s comments are already quite clear: in some areas we‘ve received good feedback and made improvements over the old bike, while in others we know there is still a lot to do.”

MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Rider

“We didn‘t have many things to test; we just tried to put some ideas together regarding the electronics, trying to create something more predictable when it comes to the rear tire, managing grip better to optimize the time attack. This weekend we‘ve improved our level, and finishing inside the top ten was a good result. Now a few races are coming up that might give us a good chance, and we have to make sure to extract the maximum from myself and from the whole package.”

JACK MILLER – Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Rider

“It has been very interesting for us to have the chance to do the shakedown of the new Yamaha V4 bike. It‘s been a good test to understand both the strong points of the machine and the weak ones, trying to maximize the strong areas and improve the weak ones. We are on the right path: the bike is working well, and in some areas we‘ve already made progress compared to this year’s YZR-M1, so we are going in a good direction. Coming from the old M1, whose strongest point was corner speed, we are now trying to find a new balance in terms of geometry, weight distribution, and all those aspects. The bike is doing all the right things, now we just need time, as these are still the very early days of the project.”

MotoGP: Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype Scores Two Points in Misano

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 16, 2025

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MotoGP: Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype Scores Two Points in Misano

The Yamaha Factory Racing Team used the Grand Prix of San Marino Sunday to collect more valuable dry-track data at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Wild-card entry Augusto Fernández completed the 27-lap MotoGP Race and rode the V4-Powered Prototype to a 14th place across the finish line.

The Yamaha Factory Racing Team completed their San Marino GP V4-Powered Prototype testing programme in today’s MotoGP Race at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Though the goal was to gather data over a full race distance, the team wrote history. Wild-card entry Augusto Fernández wrapped up the 27-lap contest in 14th place, scoring two points in the Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype’s first ever full-length MotoGP Race.

Augusto Fernández racing at Misano on his Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype. Photo by Yamaha Motor Racing Srl

Augusto Fernández started from P22 and climbed as high as 19th early on, but he soon received a double long-lap penalty for a jump start. This made the Misano Race a less exciting ride for him overall, but the wild card kept busy by focusing on gathering good data for bike development purposes and analysing the sensations on the new bike. Though Somkiat Chantra came charging in the final stages, Augusto Fernández had enough left in the tank to hold his position to the finish line. With seven riders failing to make it to the chequered flag overall, he crossed the finish line in 14th place, 1’01.504s from first.

Today’s results see Augusto Fernández in joint-24th place in the championship standings with 8 points, and Yamaha is in 5th position in the constructor championship with 168 points.

AUGUSTO FERNÁNDEZ – Yamaha Factory Racing Test Rider

“Today we did 27 laps in race pace on the new prototype bike, and we have a lot of work to do now to understand everything better. We need to be patient, because it’s not our time yet, but the potential is there. It was our first race, and we got some points. This weekend was a good start to the ‘real’ development process based on races. We are looking to create consistency, because when I have a good feeling on this new bike, it’s already better than on the other one. Let’s see what we can do tomorrow with Fabio and Álex testing the prototype and go from there.”

Ducati Presents The New Diavel V4 RS & Multistrada V4 RS

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 15, 2025

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Ducati Presents The New Diavel V4 RS & Multistrada V4 RS

Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia present the new Ducati V4 RS range at Misano, during the San Marino and Rimini Riviera GP
Produced in a numbered series, the Diavel V4 RS and Multistrada V4 RS showcase Ducati spirit, thanks to the Desmosedici Stradale engine, distinctive liveries, exclusive components, and premium materials such as titanium and carbon fiber
The Diavel V4 RS is the fastest accelerating Ducati production bike: 0 to 100 km/h in 2.52 seconds (0-60mph in 2.43s)
The new Multistrada V4 RS is upgraded and includes the Ducati Vehicle Observer system, developed in MotoGP, along with a more advanced electronics package.

Sunnyvale, Calif. – Ducati unveils the new RS range at the San Marino and Rimini Riviera GP. The Diavel V4 RS and the Multistrada V4 RS arrived in the pit lane of the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, ridden by the two Ducati Lenovo team riders, concluding the story told in the presentation video, in which Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia engage in a thrilling game, creating a spectacular showdown that highlights the soul and performance of each bike.

The new RS range is designed for those who live Ducati with absolute passion and recognize excellence at first sight—reserved for those who desire the best and seek the utmost in performance, lightness, and style. A range whose mission is to create models that represent the pinnacle of sporting excellence in their respective families , characterized by racing performance and technology, and made unique by distinctive liveries, exclusive components, and high-quality materials such as titanium and carbon fiber.

The Diavel V4 RS and Multistrada V4 RS are numbered series models that, thanks to the Desmosedici Stradale engine and exclusive carbon fiber and titanium components, bring their respective worlds closer to that of Superbike.

The 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine offers smoothness at low and medium revs, while delivering a lively and sporty feel at high revs, thanks to a very broad power curve enabled by desmodromic distribution. Smooth in its response at low revs, but near the redline, the V4 becomes exhilarating, complemented by the distinctive exhaust sound of the Twin Pulse firing order, which becomes even more thrilling during acceleration as the revs increase.

Diavel V4 RS: 0 to 100 in just two and a half seconds
The Diavel name has always been synonymous with blistering acceleration. With the new V4 RS, thanks to the MotoGP-derived Desmosedici Stradale engine with its counter-rotating crankshaft, Ducati pushes the limits even further.

The Diavel V4 RS, with its long and low profile thanks to technical solutions that bring it closer to dragsters, is in fact the Ducati with the best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h.Thanks to this, and thanks to the 182 horsepower of its Desmo V4 engine, along with a sophisticated and effective electronics package that allows its rider to maximize performance, the V4 RS achieves acceleration rates that were previously unthinkable for a street-legal motorcycle. In the hands of Marc Márquez, the Diavel V4 RS has proven capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.52 seconds (0-60 mph in 2.43 seconds).

The riding experience on the Diavel V4 RS is unique, thanks to its spirited and thrilling power delivery, as well as the unmistakable sound of the Desmosedici Stradale engine with a dry clutch. The Diavel V4 RS can command attention at low speeds but also excels in sporty riding, thanks to its Öhlins suspension, aluminum single-sided swingarm, Panigale V4-derived braking system, and forged wheels explicitly designed for this model.

The technical and stylistic details that define the Diavel V4 RS’s livery make it unforgettable. The RS logo, designed by the Centro Stile, appears on the livery, on the hands-free ignition key, in the dashboard graphics, and on the rear cylinder head cover, where the bike’s serial number is also located. The motorcycle also features a dedicated dashboard animation at key-on.

The Diavel V4 RS’s design is entirely new. Every component—from the air intakes to the single-seat tailpiece, to the mudguards and tank covers, all crafted from carbon fiber—contributes to a more distinctive and sporty appearance, reducing the bike’s weight by 6.6 lb without compromising the Diavel’s unmistakable identity.

Multistrada V4 RS: track performance, Multistrada soul
The first Multistrada V4 RS was introduced in 2023 with the mission of being the most sporty, sophisticated, and distinctive Multistrada ever. This achievement was made possible by the Desmosedici Stradale engine, a chassis that offers both rider and passenger a perfect blend of sportiness and comfort, along with a state-of-the-art electronics package.

With its 180 horsepower V4 engine, featuring desmodromic timing with dry clutch and an Akrapovič silencer, Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, and the all-new, dedicated forged wheels, the Multistrada V4 RS offers an unmistakable performance and riding experience while maintaining the balance that has always set the Multistrada family apart.

On the new Multistrada V4 RS, the electronics package has been updated with the Ducati Vehicle Observer algorithm, which includes 70 sensors for more precise and safer electronic controls. The chassis, featuring an event-based Öhlins front fork and shock absorber, is even more effective thanks to new suspension strategies, a larger 280 mm rear disc, and a braking system with ABS cornering. The ultra-lightweight titanium rear subframe is now sized to accommodate a top case.

The new Ducati Multistrada V4 RS features a new RS livery with various carbon fiber components, such as the front mudguard, handguards, heat shields, and front beak, along with forged wheels, a lightweight lithium-ion battery, and a techno-polymer tail fairing (designed specifically for this model) mounted on the titanium subframe, contribute to a weight saving of 4.4 lb compared to the Multistrada Pikes Peak.

The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is produced in a numbered series. The sequential numbering is displayed on a black anodized aluminum plate attached to the triple clamp and features the Italian flag. And here too, the dashboard will greet the rider with a dedicated animation at key-on.

Availability and Pricing
In the United States, deliveries of the Multistrada V4 RS will begin in December 2025, while the Diavel V4 RS will arrive in dealerships in March 2026. Pricing for the Multistrada V4 RS and Diavel V4 RS in the United States will be $39,995.

A video featuring the two official Ducati Lenovo MotoGP riders and their two bikes is available on the Ducati YouTube channel. Press kits and additional images of these special and exclusive motorcycles are available on Ducati Media House.

#Ducati #DucatiDiavelV4RS #DucatiMultistradaV4RS

Diavel V4 RS

Colors

Dedicated “RS” livery

Main standard features
- 1,103 cc Ducati Desmosedici Stradale engine with valve clearance adjustment every 18,000 miles
- High-permeability Sprint Filter P08 air filter
- Titanium exhaust end cap
- Dry clutch
- Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0
- Maximum power of 182 hp at 11,750 rpm
- Maximum torque of 89 lb-ft at 9,500 rpm
- Aluminum monocoque frame and aluminum single-sided swingarm
- Dedicated single seat, air intake ducts, and tail fairing, with two-seater kit supplied as standard
- Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
- Carbon fiber details
- Fully adjustable Öhlins NIX30 fork with 48 mm stanchions
- Fully adjustable Öhlins STX 46 shock absorber
- 17-inch forged aluminum wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, 120/70 ZR17 front and 240/45 ZR17 rear
- Bosch-Brembo ABS 10.3ME Cornering braking system
- 330 mm diameter front discs with Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial calipers
- Full LED headlight
- 5-inch TFT dashboard with color screen and dedicated graphics and display*
- Dedicated Hands-Free key with laser-etched “RS”
- 3 Power Modes (High, Medium, Low)
- 4 Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Wet)
- Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
- Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
- Lithium-ion battery
- Hands-free start
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- USB port

Multistrada V4 RS

Colors
- Dedicated RS livery
Main standard features
- 1,103 cc Ducati Desmosedici Stradale engine with valve clearance check every 18,000 miles
- Dry clutch
- Aluminum monocoque frame and aluminum single-sided swingarm
- Titanium rear subframe*
- Carbon fiber details*
- Semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based electronic suspension with improved strategies
- New 17-inch Marchesini forged aluminum wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear
- Bosch-Brembo 10.3ME ABS Cornering braking system with Front-to-Rear strategy
- 330 mm diameter front discs with Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial calipers
- Full LED headlight
- 6.5″ TFT dashboard with color screen and dedicated graphics and display*
- Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
- Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO)
- 4 Power Modes (Full, High, Medium, Low)
- 5 Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet)
- Front and rear radar technology (Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection)
- Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) DVO
- Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
- Engine Brake Control (EBC)
- Hands-Free Start
- Ducati Connect with phone, music, and map navigation apps
- Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0
- Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)
- Ducati Brake Light (DBL) EVO

* Unique to the RS version

FIM Flat Track: Halbert Takes 2025 Championship Lead In Vasad

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 15, 2025

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FIM Flat Track: Halbert Takes 2025 Championship Lead In Vasad

Turning a two-point deficit into a four-point advantage, defending champion Sammy Halbert burst into the lead of the 2025 FIM Flat Track World Championship powered by HKC Koopmann, Anlas, Kineo and Blackburst for the first time this season with a dominant performance at Vasad in Hungary on Saturday (13 September).

Reigning champion Sammy Halbert takes series lead in Hungary
Back-to-back victories see American star seize series control
Britain’s Tim Neave second from title contender Ervin Krajčovič

With clear blue skies overhead, conditions in the Moto Track Arena were ideal and the loose, sandy surface looked perfectly prepared for the fifth and penultimate round of the series.

A comfortable winner last time out at Scheessel where he clearly gelled with the fast one-thousand-metre German track, the big question was would Halbert be equally at home on the much shorter three-hundred-and-thirteen-metre Hungarian circuit? The answer was an unequivocal yes and the Flat Track fans who had made the journey to Vasad, about fifty kilometres south-west of the Hungarian capital Budapest, did not have long to wait before the rider from Washington State gave a clear indication of his form.

It was Britain’s Tim Neave (GASGAS) who got the afternoon programme under way with victoryahead of Spain’s 2022 champion Gerard Bailo (Zaeta) before Halbert won his opening Heat with a comfortable winning margin from Italy’s Kevin Corradetti (Yamaha) and 2023 champion and series leader Ervin Krajčovič (KTM) from the Czech Republic.

Still finding his feet in his first season in the championship, Germany’s Marius Kircher (KTM) gave the crowd a flash of his potential when he closed the opening block of Heats with a win from series front-runners Ondřej Švédík (KTM) from the Czech Republic and Italy’s Daniele Tonelli (TM) who were both looking to bounce back from disappointing scores in Scheessel.

Krajčovič threw down a challenge in his second Heat when he led home Halbert, who only just got the better of Neave for second, before Tonelli – who had failed to win a Heat in Scheessel – took the chequered flag in his second Heat ahead of Germany’s Christian Stange (Kawasaki) and Švédík.

Kircher then raced to his second win of the programme, this time chased by Argentina’s Santiago Arangio (Yamaha), to turn more than a few heads and lead the field into the third block of Heats on a perfect score of fourteen, one clear of Halbert and two ahead of a three-way tie for third between Neave, Krajčovič and Tonelli.

Sammy Halbert at 2025 FIM Flat Track World Championship in Vasad. Photo credit Štěpán Ševčík / courtesy FIM Track Racing — Sammy Halbert at 2025 FIM Flat Track World Championship in Vasad. Photo credit Štěpán Ševčík / courtesy
FIM Track Racing

Halbert was straight back to his winning ways with victory in his third Heat chased by Krajčovič and Tonelli and then Neave took his second win of the afternoon, this time from Bailo, before Dutchman Menno Van Meer (Honda) – who had been limited to a pair of sixth-placed finishes in his opening two Heats – led home Švédík and Kircher.

With just one more Heat to decide the ten automatic qualifiers for the Grand Final, the pressure was firmly on and Corradetti booked his place with victory from Van Meer, Bailo and Kircher who all made the cut as well before Halbert ensured first gate pick for the Grand Final with his third win of the day, this time in front of Švédík who also progressed.

Securing their automatic places in the Grand Final, Czech series newcomer Vít Janoušek won the last Heat race of the day from Neave, Corradetti and Krajčovič which forced the next ten riders into the Last Chance Heat where the final two positions behind the tapes for the Grand Final were decided in favour of Arangio and Italian Michele Guerra (Husqvarna).

The Grand Final was all about Halbert who delivered a masterclass in cool, controlled racing. Choosing the second gate from the inside on the front row, the American started behind Kircher – who was quickly passed through the opening turn by Neave and Krajčovič – before threading his way through to the front by the start of lap two.

For the remaining ten laps Neave kept the pressure on Halbert, but the former American Motorcyclist Association Grand National Champion barely put a wheel wrong and gave himself a thirty-eighth birthday present two days early by taking his second consecutive Grand Final win with Krajčovič and Švédík slowing dropping off the pace in third and fourth.

Delighted to record a season-best finish of fifth, Kircher led home Bailo, Corradetti and Tonelli with Janoušek and Arangio completing the top ten.

With Halbert once again collecting the bonus point for the fastest lap in the Grand Final, he heads to the sixth and concluding round of the 2025 FIM Flat Track World Championship – that takes place this coming Saturday (20 September) at Pardubice in the Czech Republic – leading Krajčovič by just four points.

To stay fully up to date with the 2025 FIM Flat Track World Championship powered by HKC Koopmann, Anlas, Kineo and Blackburst please download the Sportity App and use the password FIMFT to access Flat Track news.

FULL RESULTS HERE.

AFT: Dallas Daniels Crowned 2025 Grand National Champion

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 15, 2025

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AFT: Dallas Daniels Crowned 2025 Grand National Champion

Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) fulfilled his lifelong ambition of becoming Grand National Champion as a thrilling 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, came to its conclusion in tonight’s Arby’s Lake Ozark Short Track presented by Arrowhead Brass at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri.

Competing before packed grandstands as a featured attraction of the 19th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, Daniels needed to finish seventh or better to lock up the title in the event of a victory on the part of his Mission AFT SuperTwins title rival, Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R).

And as expected, Bauman did all he could to pile the pressure on Daniels, locking down the top spot on the charts all day long.

Daniels grabbed the lead early but the potential for disaster was quickly made evident. With multiple riders dicing for the lead and only inches separating them, James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) crashed following contact with Bauman.

Ott’s bike caromed off the wall in the incident, creating a chain reaction that also collected Billy Ross (No. 29 Mission Foods/Digitrace Kawasaki Ninja 650), Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Racing Unlimited/Parts Bros Kawasaki Ninja 650), and Logan McGrane (No. 14 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 790 Duke).

While Daniels came into the night having finished inside the top five in 47 consecutive races, the collective misfortune of his fellow competitors and subsequent red-flag delay forced him to sit and contemplate what might possibly go wrong.

When the race was restarted, Daniels resumed in the lead temporarily. However, he was quickly overhauled by Bauman, who subsequently raced off to victory. Bauman was followed home by Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) to give Harley-Davidson a season finale 1-2 and the 2025 Mission AFT SuperTwins Manufacturer Championship.

Daniels, meanwhile, held off a charging Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp) – fresh off his Springfield stunner – to secure the final spot on the box and his first Grand National Championship in the process.

Just behind, Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Mike Butler Racing/Mission Foods Yamaha MT-07) finished fifth, with Davis Fisher(No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Luczak Racing Yamaha MT-07), Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) rounding out the top ten.

This season marks the culmination of the first stage of Daniels’ professional career. The Estenson Racing Yamaha star was widely projected as a future premier-class king as early as his amateur days, in which he became the first rider to win the Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Award in both flat track and roadracing.

He’s only continued to accumulate accomplishments since joining the pro ranks. Daniels became the first-ever two-time AFT Singles champion and followed that up by authoring a run that ranks as among the greatest first four seasons the Mission AFT SuperTwins category has ever witnessed.

In winning the 2025 crown, Daniels now stands as the seventh youngest rider to earn a first-career Grand National Championship, both as measured by age and experience. He’s been a title contender throughout the entirety of his time in the class, proving himself a historically relentless and constant threat at the front of the pack, regardless of time or place.

Additionally, Daniels joins “King” Kenny Roberts (1973 & 1974) to become just the second rider to win the sport’s greatest prize aboard Yamaha racebikes exclusively.

The new champ said, “The emotions are overwhelming. It’s been a bit of an overwhelming season. Last year, I really had a breakout season and was doing really good. I had a nice little points lead and then had a huge heartbreak. When we came into this year, we did really good at Daytona, and from then on the season was super tough for a lot of reasons. A lot of it was on me, trying to come back from an injury, and Briar was firing on all cylinders immediately.

“When I look at this season – it was kind of like today – just a grind. We struggled with a lot of stuff, and it was such a tough season, but the whole Estenson Racing Monster Energy Yamaha team never gave up, and I never gave up on them. We believed in each other. 

“I don’t even know how to put this into words… I’ve got to thank my parents and my whole family, who have sacrificed so much. I’ve dreamed of this my whole life. I’d go to sleep at six years old wanting to be Grand National Champion. It almost slipped away at times this year, but I never lost belief in myself, and I never lost belief in my team. I worked my whole life to be here.”

While ultimately unable to overcome Daniels’ peerless consistency, Bauman closed out a spectacular season that only further enhanced the reputation of the two-time Grand National Champion. In ‘25, Bauman and his Rick Ware Racing team took the previously winless Harley-Davidson XG750R and won more races than any other rider this season (eight) while giving Daniels and the Estenson Racing squad all they could handle until the very end. 

Bauman said, “I’ve got to give a huge thanks to the Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus/Latus Motors team. I ask so much of these guys. We had high hopes and a lot of heart. Congrats to Dallas Daniels and the whole Estenson Racing team. They are so good. This was the best year of my career statistically, and it wasn’t good enough. That’s crazy.”

Daniels won the 2025 Mission AFT SuperTwins title with 313 points. Bauman ended up second with 307, followed by Robinson at 217.

Meanwhile, Lowe secured Mission AFT SuperTwins Rookie of the Year honors by finishing a superb fourth overall with 186 points.

Briar Bauman (3) and Dallas Daniels (32) congratulate each other immediately following the Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event Saturday night. [Photo: American Flat Track / Tim Lester] — Briar Bauman (3) and Dallas Daniels (32) congratulate each other immediately following the Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event Saturday night. Photo by Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track.

AFT Singles presented by KICKER

While Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) locked up the 2025 AFT Singles presented by KICKER title two rounds early, there was still much in play at the ‘25 finale. 

Even with the remainder of the field seeking both personal milestones and momentum to carry into the offseason, Drane continued to own the spotlight.

However, earlier in the contest, the rider of ‘25 found himself chasing a couple of riders of the future. Second-year pilot Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F) took the early advantage before being displaced by rookie ace Kage Tadman (No. 288 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450).

At half-distance, newly crowned champ Drane switched up his line, cutting down low entering Turn 1 and making up big chunks of ground in the process. Once in striking distance, he used the same line to dive under Pfanders to take control of second before attempting to do the same to Tadman in first.

The Californian had an answer the first time around, squaring Drane back up to reclaim the lead. However, the Estenson Racing star made it stick on his second attempt.

A curveball was thrown moments later in the form of a red-flag reset with just 59 seconds remaining on the clock following a crash on the part of Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).

Even though that development put Tadman back out in front for the staggered restart, Drane immediately slung it low entering Turn 1 to snatch the lead right back.

The restart still had significant implications as it thrust a previously quiet Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R) back into the fray near the front. Given new life, Santero nudged ahead of Tadman to take over second. He then subsequently gave Drane a scare to the checkered flag before finishing as the race’s runner-up.

Drane’s victory closed out his historic ‘25 campaign with a record-tying eighth win on the season, equaling the previous best marks of Dallas Daniels and Kody Kopp. It also represented his 19th-career win in the class, tying him with Shayna Texter-Bauman for second all-time.

His victory also sealed the 2025 AFT Singles Manufacturer crown for Yamaha.

Afterward, Drane said, “I can’t thank my whole Estenson Racing Monster Energy team enough. They worked their butts off all year and gave me a great bike. That race, I got to the front earlier, but for the restart, I had to reset my mind. I had to get out there, get the start, and take the lead as quick as I could. Once I was there, I felt I could lead and be comfortable at the front. It was really good.”

Tadman held on for third, with Pfanders and Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) completing the top five.

As a result of tonight’s order, Tadman and Santero ended the season equal with 175 points apiece in their battle for fourth in the final rankings, trailing only the previously decided 1-2-3 of Drane, Brunner, and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R).

That position ultimately went to Tadman via the tiebreaker due to his race-winning Progressive AFT debut.

Build. Train. Race.

Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program, which serves to highlight, celebrate, and encourage the involvement of women in flat track racing, closed out its 2025 season with a double finale at Lake Ozark Short Track.

Main Event 1 saw Madicela Rodriguez (No. 113 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited) fend off Taia Little (No. 11 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited) by a narrow 0.009 seconds at the checkered flag with Emma Gottsch (No. 5 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited) less than a second in arrears in third.

Little got her revenge in Main Event 2, shaking loose to win ahead of Gottsch and Rodriguez and secure the 2025 BTR championship.

Next Up:

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://flosports.link/aft.

FOX Sports coverage of the Arby’s Lake Ozark Short Track presented by Arrowhead Brass, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

Royal Enfield BTR Flat Track Finale at Lake Ozark 2025

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 15, 2025

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Royal Enfield BTR Flat Track Finale at Lake Ozark 2025

Taia Little wins 2025 BTR Flat Track Championship in Gripping Season of Racing.

ELDON, Mo. — The Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) Flat Track program held its final race of the 2025 season at the Lake Ozark Raceway in Eldon, Missouri. While the Missouri weather was hot, the racers were dialed in and determined to show how much they have grown over the course of the season in this final weekend of racing.

In a head to head battle for first place, Madicela Rodgriguez narrowly bested Taia Little by just 0.009 seconds in the first race of the weekend. The victory marked Rodriguez’s second win of the season, while Emma Gottsch rounded out the podium with a third-place finish. In the second race of the weekend, Little capped an impressive season with a win. In a slight re-shuffle of the podium, Gottsch was next in line followed by Rodriguez.

With her win this weekend, Taia Little claimed the championship for the 2025 Build. Train. Race Flat Track program, marking the first time a Canadian has won the honors. Gottsch and Rodriguez finished second and third, respectively. Outside of the race results and standings, all of the riders showed marked development and growth over the course of the season.

“After a season of competitive racing, this was such a great way to send off the Flat Track program in 2025,” said Adrian Sellers, Head – Custom & Motorsport at Royal Enfield. “The weather was not exactly comfortable, but that didn’t deter anyone from giving it their all on the track. We’re extremely proud of how all the riders have grown this season, while still remaining supportive and competitive at the same time. Already counting down the days until next season.”

Now in its fifth season, Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program is the first of its kind– an all-woman initiative that teaches building and racing motorcycles. The program format brings riders together from various backgrounds to compete in different track events, uniquely highlighting women and motorcycle culture in North America.

The 2025 BTR season has concluded, but the program expects to return in full form in 2026 to inspire another set of racers to reach their full racing potential.. For more information on Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. Program visit https://buildtrainrace.com/events/

Lake Ozark Short Track Race 1 Results, September 13

1. Madicela Rodriguez*

2. Taia Little

3. Emma Gottsch*

4. Mikaela Nichols-Lionetti

5. Mya Maffei

6. Mallory McGill*

7. Kristiana Ross

8. Hannah Lange*

9. Justine Marsh

10. Nina Shipman*

Lake Ozark Short Track Race 2 Results, September 13

1. Taia Little

2. Emma Gottsch*

3. Madicela Rodriguez*

4. Mikaela Nichols-Lionetti

5. Mya Maffei

6. Mallory McGill*

7. Nina Shipman*

8. Kristiana Ross

9. Hannah Lange*

10. Justine Marsh

2025 Season Final Standings

1. Taia Little

2. Madicela Rodriguez*

3. Emma Gottsch*

4. Mya Maffei

5. Mikaela Nichols-Lionetti

6. Mallory McGill*

7. Kristiana Ross

8. Hannah Robertson

9. Nina Shipman*

10. Hannah Lange*

11. Justine Marsh

12. Julia Hees

*First-year BTR competitor

For detailed results, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com/results/default.

About Royal Enfield:

The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.

RENA has continued to expand its model portfolio, currently offering the all-new Guerrilla 450 and game-changing Himalayan 450cc liquid-cooled motorcycles, the recently-launched Bear 650 in addition to a host of other 650cc models, a great range of 350cc models such as the Hunter 350 and Classic 350, along with a complementary offering of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.

For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit:

www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/

www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA

www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica

AHRMA Announces Larry Poons’ Original Art To Be Auctioned

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 15, 2025

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AHRMA Announces Larry Poons’ Original Art To Be Auctioned

Larry Poons’ Original Art to be Auctioned again at the 20th Barber Vintage Festival.

Knoxville, TN – Renowned artist and motorcycle road racer Larry Poons is adding an artistic touch to a world class motorsports festival.

Poons is donating an original, 2012 matted-and-framed watercolor on paper creation that will be auctioned at the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) event during the Barber Vintage Festival in Leeds, AL.

Bids for the silent auction will be accepted in the AHRMA road race registration area until 5:00pm Saturday, October 4 and a live auction will bring the auction to a conclusion during the road race awards ceremony Saturday evening. Proceeds from the auction will benefit AHRMA, which is a not-for-profit organization.

“Among AHRMA road racers, Larry Poons is a familiar and intriguing presence in the paddock,” said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees for 2025. “In the world of fine art, he’s a renowned and highly collectible painter, with his work in high demand. One of the standout moments of our race weekend at Barber is the live auction of one of Larry’s original pieces during Saturday’s awards ceremony — an event not to be missed. We’re honored to count Larry as part of the AHRMA community and deeply appreciate his generous donation, with all auction proceeds benefiting AHRMA’s Benevolent and Safety Funds.”

Poons has competed in a variety of AHRMA road racing events for decades aboard Ducati and Seeley-framed machines. He was the 500 Premier class champion in 1998 and 2003. In 2003, he and his wife Paula received AHRMA’s John & Ginny Demoisey Memorial Award for outstanding husband and wife racing team.

His career as an artist was kickstarted in 1963 with his first solo exhibition at Richard Bellamy’s Green Gallery in New York. His works have appeared in shows along with other notable artists including Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. He pioneered ground-breaking techniques along with his contemporary and collaborator Frank Stella.

Poons continues to create original works including the piece to be auctioned during the Barber Vintage Festival. Read more about Larry Poons and his art at larrypoons.com.

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.

SMX: Lawrence Wins Playoff 2 Thriller in St. Louis

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 15, 2025

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SMX: Lawrence Wins Playoff 2 Thriller in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS – Team Honda HRC Progressive ‘s Hunter Lawrence earned the overall win at Playoff 2 of the SMX World Championship™ inside the Dome at America’s Center. Both 450SMX Class motos delivered intense action down to the final corner, and Hunter’s (1-3) moto finishes netted him the event win and the double-points payout in St. Louis. The victory puts Hunter just 6 points down in the championship with only the Final, which pays triple points, remaining on the 2025 calendar.

Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence put in an inspiring charge in the first moto to come from 21^st place to fourth; he was just a tick of the stopwatch away from second place as three riders crossed the checkered nearly in unison. Lawrence was part of another close, three-rider finish in the second moto but this time taking the win and retaining the championship points lead. Jett’s (4-1) motos were good for second overall on the night. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac was part of both close finishes and took home third overall with (3-2) moto scores. Tomac sits 16 points down in the championship going into the Las Vegas Final next weekend. The 250SMX Class was equally dramatic and exciting; Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda’s (2-2) moto scores earned him the St. Louis victory in spite of being severely under the weather.

Hunter Lawrence – 1st Place – 450SMX. Photo courtesy SMX.

“Great night. [I’m] happy, though it’s weird, it’s like a coincidence, like we’re in the second round over and over. But it’s nice, you know we’re trying to build a house so, fellas, if that bonus could hit Monday that would be wonderful. A little money always helps, so yeah we’d like some nice things and they cost money [laughs]. So, big thanks to the team, everyone that’s helped out, yeah, [I’m] stoked, what a good night.” – Hunter Lawrence, joking around on the podium when it was pointed out that he also won Playoff 2 in 2024 with (1-3) moto scores.

Jett Lawrence – 2nd Place – 450SMX. Photo courtesy SMX

“[Leading the second moto] I was pretty calm, and then in the sand section there was a lapper on the inside. And it’s just as bad following in the sand because it just goes everywhere, it blinds you, so you just like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna go outside.’ And there was another lapper there, and he was cruising; he was [heeding] the blue flags and getting out of the way. So, I got screwed in that. The two seconds I had [over Tomac] shrunk really quickly. And then that last, like lap or two, was hectic. I was gassing it, I was sliding out in certain spots, and it was a wild last two laps. But we’re happy to turn it around; I definitely wasn’t going to suck on the start then like I did the first one, so I was glad to execute a good start and I’m happy with P2 especially how the first [moto] went.” – Jett Lawrence

Eli Tomac – 3rd Place – 450SMX. Photo courtesy SMX

“That was some good racing there, just good, fun racing. Of course I would like to finish up top. I did what I could. I felt like I rode better that moto, busted out some good lines, but once again not quite enough. So, we’ll keep pushing. Yes, I’m down 16 [points], which is a little unfortunate, but it is what it is now. We’re in the mix, we’re in the hunt, so we’ll take it to Vegas. Thank you to Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for the day and yeah, it was good.” – Eli Tomac

450SMX Class podium (riders left to right) Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence, and Eli Tomac. Photo courtesy SMX.

450Overall_Results_920464

Jo Shimoda Takes 250SMX Overall in Wild Racing in St. Louis

In 250SMX Class racing, Jo Shimoda earned the overall with (2-2) moto finishes. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker also used consistency to his advantage, taking second overall via (3-3) moto scores. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher took the final spot on the podium with (6-4) moto results.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, the defending SMX250 Class Champion and points leader going into St. Louis, had a dramatic collision with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen on the opening lap of the second moto. Deegan recovered to 14^th place despite a damaged front brake lever. Deegan’s (1-14) motos earned him sixth overall; it dropped him 10 points back in the title hunt with one round remaining. A win in Vegas would gain 9 points over second place, so a win by Deegan in Vegas would not guarantee a third SMX World Championship.

Jo Shimoda – 1st Place – 250SMX. Photo courtesy SMX.

“All I can say is we’ve been working so hard all year. I just want to finish good, and I don’t want to give anything away. I think that was probably the toughest moto I ever felt, actually. Today, we had just enough. Any more laps, I mean – I got really sketchy [on the] last lap. But I’m proud of everyone, I’m proud of my team, the bike was dialed, and I’m excited for next weekend. Hopefully… I’m done with [this interview] [laughs].” – Jo Shimoda, feeling completely run-down on the podium due to an illness.

Seth Hammaker – 2nd Place – 250SMX. Photo courtesy SMX.

“Yeah, I set myself up [well] going into the third and final SMX [World Championship] race in Las Vegas next weekend, so I’m super pumped about that. It was just two solid [motos] tonight, nothing spectacular but I just put myself in good positions and didn’t panic, just rode what the track gave me. I felt better this week and I think that showed. I tried to put a push on Jo, there, like half-way to three-quarters of the way through that [moto], but I just was getting a little sketchy and the track was really tearing down. I decided to play it smart, and Jo rode a great race, so congrats to him. Like I said, overall, a pretty good day and thankfully back on the podium. We’re gonna give it everything we’ve got next weekend in Las Vegas, so I’m really excited. Shout out to Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, my whole family, everybody watching; it means a lot, so see you in Vegas next week.” – Seth Hammaker

Nate Thrasher – 3rd Place – 250SMX. Photo courtesy SMX.

“There through outdoors I was really struggling with bike set-up, and at those last two rounds we really found something. We really changed a lot with the rear end – it was pushing me a little bit too far forward. And then coming into SMX [postseason] at the practice track I’ve been ripping the whole time. Last weekend I actually rode really good, I was quite a bit faster than the guys in front of me, I just wasn’t aggressive enough… It’s just tough to pass on these tracks and I feel like Supercross is a little bit more ‘me,’ and so I just came in here tonight – that first race I think I was 13th or 14th [at the start] – and man, I just was aggressive early. I made a lot of passes and got up into sixth. And in that [second moto] I was a little smoked from that first [moto], just didn’t quite have the pace I had in that first one, but we were able to salvage a fourth. Going into Vegas I’m going to give it all that I’ve got. I’m normally pretty good on the speedways [SX and SMX layouts], in the past, so maybe go out there and win it and get top three in points.” – Nate Thrasher, when asked about his inconsistency on the podium.

250SMX Class podium (riders left to right) Seth Hammaker, Jo Shimoda, and Nate Thrasher. Photo courtesy SMX.

250 Overall_Results_920460

The SMX Next World All-Stars raced a unique two-day double header in St. Louis after their Playoff 1 Main Event in Charlotte was cancelled due to lightning. On Friday’s running of the Playoff 1 Main Event, Yamaha’s Kayden Minear took over the lead on the opening lap and was never challenged for the top spot. Monster Energy Yamaha’s Carson Wood battled forward from a 14^th place start to earn a second-place finish. Honda Racing’s Tiger Wood held the second-place spot for most of the race but dropped back to third position as the riders crossed the white flag then held that position to the end.

On Saturday, the SMX Next World All-Stars were back on the line for the SMX Next Class’ Final. Paying double points, the single-race format saw Yamaha’s Ryder Malinoski win the Main Event wire-to-wire. Kayden Minear recovered from an eighth place start to earn second place and enough points to earn the SMX Next World All-Stars Championship. Yamaha’s Kade Johnson put together consistent laps to capture the final podium spot in front of the St. Louis fans.

Kayden Minear – SMX Next World All-Stars Champion. Photo courtesy SMX

“I felt good out there all weekend. The bike is performing unbelievably. Shout out to the whole team. Shout out to my trainer, Swanie [Gareth Swanepoel], Wil [Hahn], Ms. Jeannie Carmichael at home. We’ve been putting in so much effort and so much overtime, so I’m happy it pays off.” – Kayden Minear, on the podium after receiving the SMX Next World All Star Championship #1 plate

SMX Next World All-Stars podium (riders left to right) Kayden Minear, Ryder Malinoski, Kade Johnson. Photo courtesy SMX.

The SMX World Championship Final will crown two champions at the series finale on Saturday, September 20^th, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The excitement will intensify as the 2025 series peaks with a triple-points payout to determine the final standings. The 450SMX Champion will receive a one-million-dollar title win bonus and the 250SMX Champion will pocket a $500,000 title payout.

Like each round of the combined Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross seasons, the Las Vegas Final will allow fans incredible access to the athletes, equipment, and race rigs. Race fans have one final opportunity to experience the thrill of the SMX World Championship in person. Tickets, VIP-level access opportunities, and camping & travel packages are available now. For more information, please go to supermotocross.com.

Every round of the 2025 SMX World Championship, including Saturday’s Final, is available live and on-demand on Peacock; the network also provides live and on-demand qualifying and pre-race coverage. The Final will also air live on USA Network; as well as on Telemundo Deportes in both English and Spanish via the NBC app, YouTube, X or Facebook. International coverage is available in English, Spanish, and French, both live and on-demand, with the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv). Live audio coverage of each SMX World Championship event can be heard on NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM Channel 85.

The 2025 race season wraps up next weekend. Following that, on September 30^th the 2026 Supercross and motocross regular-season race schedules will be announced, and presale tickets will become available. General public ticket sales will follow on October 7^th. For race results, video highlights, points standings, and ticket sales, please visit supermotocross.com.

MotoGP: Test Report at Misano

September 16, 2025

Acosta fastest as Yamaha steal the headlines at Misano. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Acosta fastest on Monday, Yamaha steal the headlines at Misano. The Red Bull KTM rider tops testing by a margin but it’s the new V4-powered YZR-M1 that gets the paddock talking on Monday.

Sprint. Grand Prix. Celebrate. Test. The San Marino GP’s emotions and celebrations are parked and just a few hours later, it’s back to business for the post-round test. Taking top spot after Sunday frustrations, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) set the pace on Monday ahead of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing).

KTM: finding form after San Marino GP struggles

KTM had a fair dosage of ill fortune on Sunday but on Monday, Acosta had the hammer down from the start and topped the timesheets. Leading throughout the afternoon, he was close to the sub-90s barrier in the second session and finished with 0.340s advantage, despite not being entirely happy in the fast corners. Teammate Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) continued until the chequered flag and improved late on, finishing in 14^th.

Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and teammate Maverick Viñales also got down to business with ‘The Beast’ working on plenty of setup ideas and the #12 on getting strength and muscle back in his injured shoulder. Viñales improved his time in the final hour of the day, showing that the hard work was worthwhile. Test rider Dani Pedrosa Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was also in action and sported a swingarm update and new rear exhaust. Bastianini concluded the day with 12^th, one place ahead of Viñales with Pedrosa 21^st, just 1.9s from P1.

DUCATI: Pecco crashes with old aero, Alex Marquez P2

Working on electronics, consistency and trying to improve corner entry, Alex Marquez was top Ducati at the end of the day and was content in second. Teammate Fermin Aldeguer (BK( Gresini Racing MotoGP) likewise carried out plenty of electronics work and with some focus on time attacks, taking tenth overall. In the VR46 camp, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) continued up until the chequered flag and rounded out the top five, with teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio two places and 0.156s behind the #21 in seventh.

A mix of 2024 aero and 2025 chassis for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the double MotoGP Champion looks to rekindle the feeling he’s been missing in recent rounds. He was inside the top ten but coming into the final hour, he crashed at Turn 1. Meanwhile, Championship-leading teammate Marc Marquez had a variety of swingarms to try out throughout the day as he homed in on improving corner exit. Finishing early due to the high grip level after the San Marino GP, he was sixth at the chequered flag with Pecco eighth. Michele Pirro (Ducati Team) was also in action and sported a radically different and reduced front aero package en-route to P23.

APRILIA’S ASCENDENCY: ‘Bez’ continues form, Martin gets comfy

After the celebrations and elation of Sunday, it was back to the grind for Marco Bezzecchi who worked on testing a chassis that had previously been trialled in a specific configuration, but due to the progress of the RS-GP, was something to revisit. Aprilia also spent time working on electronics and mapping, something Jorge Martin alluded to but the #1 hailed progress on the rider ergonomics side and improved handlebar position.

Stating that the base setup is 75% there after Misano’s test, the reigning World Champion was pleased with his findings despite a late fall at Turn 8. Elsewhere, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) got plenty of laps in and featured inside the top ten across both sessions whilst teammate Ai Ogura sat out the test after his Sunday crash. At the end of the day, Bezzecchi took P3, Fernandez P4 and Martin P9, with all Aprilias in the top ten.

HONDA: progress confirmed on Monday

Whilst Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) sat out the test due to the pain from his Friday fall, the Japanese manufacturer continued their hard work with Luca Marini (Honda HRC CASTROL). The Italian had an updated chassis and different rear aero to try, similar to the one used at the beginning of 2025 and at the close of business, took P11. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) had a similar agenda with the aero and continued long into the last hour to take 15^th whilst Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) finished early in P22.

V4 TALK: Yamaha make full-squad debut

Yamaha’s V4 development was the major news on Monday at Misano, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) getting one for the day, along with Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP). Whilst it’s in the early stages of development, there were plenty of encouraging signs, with the feedback from the riders consistent and all stating the potential is clear. Quartararo finished in 18^th and set a best lap time of 1’31.598 and whilst the lap time isn’t indicative at this point of the V4’s journey, it’s a good reference. Teammate Alex Rins’ morning time was quicker and beat ‘El Diablo’ by 0.027s to take 17^th whilst Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was the top Yamaha taking 16^th with teammate Miller 19^th.

That’s a wrap on a back-to-back and another record crowd at Misano. Come back for more from Motegi when we’re back to racing – and Marc Marquez has chance to lift the crown.

MotoAmerica: Dunlop Tires Sets New Lap Records at COTA

September 16, 2025

Cameron Beaubier (6) at COTA. Photo by Brian J Nelson.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is excited to announce that new lap records have been established at The Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. This thrilling showcase of speed and skill wasn’t possible without the Sportmax Slick tires, and the following records were achieved:

Superbike:

Race Lap Record: 2:07.497 – Cameron Beaubier, Race 2 (9/14/2025)

Stock 1000:

Lap Record: 2:09.553 – Ashton Yates, Qualifying 2 (9/13/2025)

Supersport:

Lap Record: 2:11.675 – Mathew Scholtz, Qualifying 2 (9/13/2025)

King Of The Baggers:

Lap Record: 2:12.975 – Hayden Gillim, Qualifying 2 (9/13/2025)

Race Lap Record: 2:13.150 – Hayden Gillim, Race 2 (9/14/2025)

Talent Cup:

Lap Record & Race Lap Record: 2:26.620 – Alessandro Di Mario, Race 2 (9/14/2025)

These outstanding performances demonstrate the exceptional grip and reliability of Dunlop’s Sportmax Slick tires, further cementing their position as the tire of choice for all competitive road racing.

To learn more about Dunlop racing tires, please visit www.dunlopracing.com

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:

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MotoGP: Miller Tests Yamaha‘s YZR-M1 V4 Prototype at Misano

September 16, 2025

Jack Miller testing Yamaha‘s YZR-M1 V4 Prototype at Misano. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Racing Srl

MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – P14 – 1:31.510 – 38 LAPS

JACK MILLER – P17 – 1:31.660 – 57 LAPS

GINO BORSOI – Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP

“The feeling of this first day with the YZR-M1 V4 prototype was nice from the beginning, because we are starting from a blank sheet of paper. For us it is very important to give Yamaha some feedback and our point of view regarding this new project. We know it will be a long journey, but we are very proud to be part of this new challenge with Yamaha. Starting from scratch is important for Pramac Racing, because we can put all our effort into developing the bike in the right way. The old YZR-M1 was already a complete bike, but with the new V4 prototype we can provide Yamaha‘s engineers with our feedback to help them. Yamaha now has a huge amount of work to do, and we are ready to do our part. Today‘s test was important to begin to understand the direction we need to work in. Jack‘s comments are already quite clear: in some areas we‘ve received good feedback and made improvements over the old bike, while in others we know there is still a lot to do.”

MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Rider

“We didn‘t have many things to test; we just tried to put some ideas together regarding the electronics, trying to create something more predictable when it comes to the rear tire, managing grip better to optimize the time attack. This weekend we‘ve improved our level, and finishing inside the top ten was a good result. Now a few races are coming up that might give us a good chance, and we have to make sure to extract the maximum from myself and from the whole package.”

JACK MILLER – Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Rider

“It has been very interesting for us to have the chance to do the shakedown of the new Yamaha V4 bike. It‘s been a good test to understand both the strong points of the machine and the weak ones, trying to maximize the strong areas and improve the weak ones. We are on the right path: the bike is working well, and in some areas we‘ve already made progress compared to this year’s YZR-M1, so we are going in a good direction. Coming from the old M1, whose strongest point was corner speed, we are now trying to find a new balance in terms of geometry, weight distribution, and all those aspects. The bike is doing all the right things, now we just need time, as these are still the very early days of the project.”

MotoGP: Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype Scores Two Points in Misano

September 16, 2025

The Yamaha Factory Racing Team used the Grand Prix of San Marino Sunday to collect more valuable dry-track data at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Wild-card entry Augusto Fernández completed the 27-lap MotoGP Race and rode the V4-Powered Prototype to a 14th place across the finish line.

The Yamaha Factory Racing Team completed their San Marino GP V4-Powered Prototype testing programme in today’s MotoGP Race at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Though the goal was to gather data over a full race distance, the team wrote history. Wild-card entry Augusto Fernández wrapped up the 27-lap contest in 14th place, scoring two points in the Yamaha V4-Powered Prototype’s first ever full-length MotoGP Race.

Augusto Fernández started from P22 and climbed as high as 19th early on, but he soon received a double long-lap penalty for a jump start. This made the Misano Race a less exciting ride for him overall, but the wild card kept busy by focusing on gathering good data for bike development purposes and analysing the sensations on the new bike. Though Somkiat Chantra came charging in the final stages, Augusto Fernández had enough left in the tank to hold his position to the finish line. With seven riders failing to make it to the chequered flag overall, he crossed the finish line in 14th place, 1’01.504s from first.

Today’s results see Augusto Fernández in joint-24th place in the championship standings with 8 points, and Yamaha is in 5th position in the constructor championship with 168 points.

AUGUSTO FERNÁNDEZ – Yamaha Factory Racing Test Rider

“Today we did 27 laps in race pace on the new prototype bike, and we have a lot of work to do now to understand everything better. We need to be patient, because it’s not our time yet, but the potential is there. It was our first race, and we got some points. This weekend was a good start to the ‘real’ development process based on races. We are looking to create consistency, because when I have a good feeling on this new bike, it’s already better than on the other one. Let’s see what we can do tomorrow with Fabio and Álex testing the prototype and go from there.”

Ducati Presents The New Diavel V4 RS & Multistrada V4 RS

September 15, 2025

Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia present the new Ducati V4 RS range at Misano, during the San Marino and Rimini Riviera GP
Produced in a numbered series, the Diavel V4 RS and Multistrada V4 RS showcase Ducati spirit, thanks to the Desmosedici Stradale engine, distinctive liveries, exclusive components, and premium materials such as titanium and carbon fiber
The Diavel V4 RS is the fastest accelerating Ducati production bike: 0 to 100 km/h in 2.52 seconds (0-60mph in 2.43s)
The new Multistrada V4 RS is upgraded and includes the Ducati Vehicle Observer system, developed in MotoGP, along with a more advanced electronics package.