WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Reigns In FP2 At Autodrom Most

David Swarts

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July 19, 2024

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WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Reigns In FP2 At Autodrom Most

WSBK FP2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

TITANIC TRIO RETURNS: familiar faces, new colours as Razgatlioglu leads Bautista and Rea on Friday at Most

Four manufacturers were in the top four on Friday at Most with plenty to dissect from the two practice sessions

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was once again the rider to beat in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the #54 just beat Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by a tenth at the Autodrom Most. Razgatlioglu and Bautista were the only two riders inside the 1’31s bracket on the first day of the Czech Round.

RAZGATLIOGLU ON TOP: leading the away again

Razgatlioglu continued exactly how he started the weekend by posting an uncatchable lap time in FP2, posting a 1’31.519s, almost four tenths quicker than he went in the morning and once again leading BMW’s charge. Teammate Michael van der Mark was one of two more BMW riders inside the top ten as he claimed eighth, just ahead of Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) in ninth with only 0.030s separating the pair. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) improved on his final lap to move into 13th place.

BAUTISTA’S BEST FRIDAY OF 2024? second place, just a tenth behind…

Reigning Champion Bautista claimed second place after posting a 1’31.622s with him and Razgatlioglu the only two riders in the 1’31s bracket. Teammate Nicolo Bulega (was fifth, half-a-second down on Razgatlioglu and four tenths away from the #1. Independent star Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) made it three Ducatis in the top six as he claimed sixth with a 1’32.110s, just a tenth away from Bulega ahead. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) had a difficult Friday morning with several off-track excursions, but he bounced back in the afternoon for P10, just a couple of hundredths ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in 11th in FP2 and 12th overall. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) had a really challenging Friday afternoon with the #21 not setting a lap time with his bike only running on two cylinders. However, his FP1 time of 1’32.800s was good enough for 10th in that session and 17th overall.

STRONG FRIDAY FOR REA: third place and top Yamaha

Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) seems to have been able to continue with the momentum he built at Donington as he finished third on Friday after setting a 1’32.033s. The #65 was the lead Yamaha rider once again, with Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in seventh. Gardner was one of a handful of riders unable to improve in the afternoon’s warmer conditions but his 1’32.233s from FP1 still secured a spot in the top seven. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) completed the top ten after ‘Loka’ had a crash at Turn 2 in FP2, but he was able to post a 1’32.369s to secure a top ten spot. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 14th, Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 19th and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) 21st.

LOWES IN FOURTH: four manufacturers in the top four

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the lead Kawasaki rider once again as he secured fourth place with a 1’32.052s, just a couple of hundredths away from Rea in front. The #22’s P4 means four different manufacturers secured a place in the top four. Teammate Axel Bassani was quick out of the blocks in FP1 and FP2 but fell down the order to 15th, while Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) completed the Kawasaki runners with 18th place.

GOOD MORNING, DIFFICULT AFTERNOON: mixed day for Honda

Honda had a good Friday morning but neither Team HRC could improve in the afternoon. Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge were, as always, closely matched with just half-a-tenth between the two Spaniards. Vierge’s day was disrupted by a technical issue in FP2. Leandro Mercado (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) was the fastest of the MIE Honda riders after setting a 1’34.344s, finishing around four tenths clear of teammate Hayden Gillim, who, on his first visit to Most, had a solid start to his debut WorldSBK weekend.

The top six from WorldSBK’s Friday action, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’31.519s

2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.103s

3. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.514s

4. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.533s

5. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.552s

6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.591s

World Supersport: Montella P1, Debise P2 In FP1 At Autodrom Most

David Swarts

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July 19, 2024

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World Supersport: Montella P1, Debise P2 In FP1 At Autodrom Most

Yari Montella was quickest in World Supersport Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodrom Most, in the Czech Republic. Riding his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 on Pirelli control tires, the Italian lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:34.882 to lead the field of 33 riders.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was second-best with a 1:35.042 on his Evan Bros. Yamaha YZF-R6.

Valentin Debise (53). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Stefano Manzi was third-fastest with a 1:25.165 on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing machine.

Stefano Manzi (62). Photo courtesy Dorna.

WSS FP1

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Quickest Again In FP1 At Autodrom Most

David Swarts

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July 19, 2024

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WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Quickest Again In FP1 At Autodrom Most

Results

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

The 2021 Champion was unbeatable at Donington, and he’s started the Czech Round in the same fashion with the fastest FP1 time

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) continued where he left Donington last weekend by topping Free Practice 1 at the Autodrom Most. The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has travelled east to the Czech Republic for Round 6 of the 2024 season and the Turkish superstar’s form has continued as he lapped almost three tenths quicker than his rivals as the Czech Round got underway.

Razgatlioglu initially went for an out lap before returning to the pits for a while, eventually setting a lap time later than his rivals. However, his delayed start to his hot laps didn’t prevent him from immediately going fastest. The #54 was straight into the 1’32s before setting a 1’31.947s around halfway through the 45-minute Free Practice 1 session. Straight away, he was six tenths clear of his rivals, although the gap did close slightly as the session progressed. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) claimed second as he continued to be the lead Yamaha rider, lapping just under three tenths slower than the 2021 Champion, while Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was third as he had a strong start to his weekend.

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was another who started the weekend in a good way, often being in the top three but finishing in fourth. He set a 1’32.362s to finish 0.415s behind Razgatlioglu as he finished as the top Independent rider. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) continued his Donington form in FP1 as he claimed fifth, just 0.003s behind Petrucci, while Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) completed the top six finishing exactly a tenth behind the #45.

Seventh place belonged to Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) as he posted a 1’32.507s, 0.031s clear of Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) in eighth. After admitting on Thursday that he was expecting a tough weekend, it’ll give Honda confidence after a decent start to the weekend with Lecuona in P8 and Xavi Vierge just outside the top ten. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the lead Kawasaki rider in ninth with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) rounding out the top ten.

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’31.947s

2. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.286s

3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.293s

4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.415s

5. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) +0.418s

6. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.518s

World Endurance: YART Yamaha On Provisional Pole At Suzuka 8-Hours

David Swarts

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July 19, 2024

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World Endurance: YART Yamaha On Provisional Pole At Suzuka 8-Hours

Suzuka 8 Hours - FIM Endurance World Championship - Overall Qualifying Ranking (average of the 2 best times) - Overall Qualifying Ranking

More, from a press release issued by FIM EWC:

EWC CHAMPION TEAM YART FASTEST SO FAR WITH SUZUKA TOP 10 TRIAL TO COME

Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team has completed Second Qualifying for the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race on top of the timing screens – but must now replicate its impressive pace in Saturday’s Top 10 Trial if it’s to land pole position for Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship on Sunday.

Ducati Team Kagayama is second in the overall classification and secures its place in the Top 10 Trial followed by Team HRC with Japan Post, which is chasing a third consecutive victory in the Suzuka 8 Hours.

With Suzuki-powered Yoshimura SERT Motul fourth, it means four different motorcycle manufacturers are represented in the combined qualifying top four.

The fastest 10 teams according to the combined qualifying results will now prepare for the Top 10 Trial to decide the first 10 places on the starting grid for Sunday’s eight-hour contest.

Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda, AutoRace Ube Racing Team, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, F.C.C. TSR Honda France and Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda have also made it through to the Top 10 Trial according to the provisional classification.

Meanwhile, Teramoto@J-Trip Racing is on the provisional Superstock pole position in the Dunlop-supplied category followed by Team Étoile and Taira Promote Racing.

HOW SECOND QUALIFYING UNFOLDED

BLUE RIDER MIZUNO AT THE DOUBLE

Ducati Team Kagayama’s Ryo Mizuno was once again the Blue Rider to beat with a best time of 2m05.789s. Kohta Nozane was second fastest for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing with a 2m05.923s effort followed by Takuya Tsuda, who produced a 2m06.911s run for AutoRace Ube Racing Team. Satoru Iwata (TeamATJ with docomo business) was fourth quickest followed by Kazuki Ito (Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda). With his work essentially done in First Qualifying, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team’s Niccolò Canepa went sixth quickest ahead of Team HRC with Japan Post’s Takumi Takahashi seventh. Mario Aji was next up for SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda as Randy de Puniet went ninth quickest on his KM 99 Yamaha. Leading Superstock contender Ryosuke Iwato rounded out the top 10 for Kawasaki Plaza Racing Team. Masahiro Shinjo was a faller for Team Tatara Aprilia at the Hairpin, while Takafumi Kato crashed his Honda Soyukai Tochigi Racing & Kohyohkai Dream Racing Team entry at Turn 3. The 20-minute session was red-flagged and not restarted with 1m38s remaining after Mitsuhiro Yoshida (Honda Hamamatsu Escargot & Kumamoto Racing) and Sébastien Suchet (National Motos Honda FMA) collided at Turn 5.

World Endurance: Team HRC Quickest In Final Suzuka 8 Hours Test

David Swarts

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July 18, 2024

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World Endurance: Team HRC Quickest In Final Suzuka 8 Hours Test

Suzuka 8 Hours - FIM Endurance World Championship - Unofficial Test Session 5 (16h30-18h00) - General Ranking of the Day

More, from a press release issued by HRC:

Team HRC with Japan Post Completes Suzuka 8 Hours Final Test Sessions On Top

On Wednesday, July 17, the final test sessions were conducted at the Suzuka Circuit in preparation for the 2024 FIM World Endurance Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 HoursRoad Race 45th Annual Event.

All 46 teams participated in Session 1, which ran for 90 minutes from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The fastest time of 2 min 6.746s was set by Team HRC with Japan Post (Takumi Takahashi / Teppei Nagoe / Johann Zarco), the only team to set a 2 min 6s time during the session. YART – YAMAHA (Yamaha) was second fastest, followed by DUCATI Team KAGAYAMA (Ducati) in 3rd, and Yoshimura SERT Motul (Suzuki) in 4th. Team ATJ with docomo business (Satoru Iwata / Kouki Suzuki / Yuta Okaya) was 5th with a lap time of 2 min 7.967s.

In the 75-minute Session 2 from 10:45 am to 12:00 pm, YART – YAMAHA set the top time of 2 min 7.195s, followed by Yoshimura SERT Motul 2nd with 2 min 7.364s, Team HRC with Japan Post 3rd with 2 min 7.653s, and SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda (Yuki Kunii / Naomichi Uramoto / Mario Aji) 4th with 2 min 8.102s.

Session 3 was held over 60 minutes from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, with DUCATI Team KAGAYAMA setting the fastest lap of 2 minutes 6.819s. Team HRC with Japan Post was 4th with 2 minutes 8.183 seconds. Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda (Kazuki Ito / Daijiro Hiura) was 5th with 2 min 8.383 seconds.

Session 4 was held over 90 minutes from 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm. The conditions were delicate, as light rain had fallen and the track was beginning to dry. Although some teams opted not to run, the top time of 2 min 14.670s was set by TATI TEAM BERINGER RACING (Hugo Clere / Randy Krummenacher / Corentin Perolari). Team HRC with Japan Post was 5th with a time of 2 min 18.153s.

The final session, Session 5, began at 4:30 pm and lasted 90 minutes. Team HRC with Japan Post set the top time of 2 min 6.119s, followed by DUCATI Team KAGAYAMA in 2nd with 2 min 6.724s, and Yoshimura SERT Motul 3rd with 2 min 6.812s. The top three teams were in the 2 min 6s range. YART – YAMAHA was 4th with 2 min 7.429s, followed by F.C.C. TSR Honda France (Josh Hook / Mike Di Meglio / Alan Techer) in 5th with 2 min 7.693s.

All teams conducted long runs in the final test, and despite numerous red flags and resumptions, Team HRC with Japan Post managed to complete the test without incident. Takahashi set the fastest time of 2 min 6.119s. Nagoe and Zarco set best laps of 2 min 7.630s and 2 min 7.096s respectively.

Team Manager Matsubara commented, “We made efficient use of the two race bikes. We prioritized Zarco having enough time to get a feel for the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP in his switch from MotoGP bikes. Likewise, we asked Nagoe to ride so he could regain the good feel he had during the previous tests. Takahashi was able to make progress with the setup, although he had to pit more often than usual, because he had to adjust the bike to clear the issues that came up in the previous tests. It rained in Session 4, but we were able to ride in the dry in Session 5 and get solid results.”

The next scheduled session is timed qualifying on Friday the 19th. The EWC qualifying grid will determined by each rider’s average time. Team HRC with Japan Post will continue to make adjustments to the bike in preparation for qualifying.

Full Results* Courtesy of EWC & ITS

Takumi Takahashi 30

I honestly wanted more time to test. I am used to riding Suzuka 8 Hours bikes, but both Zarco and Nagoe have only done a few runs, so I wish they had more time to get used to the bike. We still haven’t reached the ideal situation that I had expected, but they are professionals, so I think they will be able to adjust by the time of the race. My times have improved compared to last year, but I still want to do better, and I think I can. I will continue to prepare for the race.

Teppei Nagoe 30

It has been a while, a little less than a month, since our last test. I rode so that I could get back the riding feel. I left the setup to Takahashi, so I could concentrate on my own riding. I think I was able to make good progress despite the limited number of tires. My best time today was set in my fourth run with wet patches on the track. I did not have time for hot laps, so I hope to contribute to the team by setting a good time in Friday’s qualifying session and hopefully set the team’s best lap time.

Johann Zarco 30

I’m glad to be back in Suzuka again, I have been training and preparing for Suzuka 8 Hours in between MotoGP races, and I think I can ride naturally, overcoming the change from MotoGP. I am matching the style of my teammates and riding faster. I could confirm the bike’s setup today, and it was a good test. Tomorrow I will rest well, and then I will work had again from Friday.

Canadian Superbike: Collins Racing Again At Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

David Swarts

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July 18, 2024

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Canadian Superbike: Collins Racing Again At Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Torin Collins Joins Economy Lube & Kawasaki for CSBK Round 5

Torin Collins will make a surprise wildcard appearance at Round 5 of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike championship, courtesy of Kawasaki and Economy Lube.

In this, the 40th anniversary of the Ninja nameplate, Kawasaki will add a third rider to the deep CSBK field alongside Jordan Szoke and Connor Campbell.

The 19-year-old Collins made a sensational CSBK debut at Rad-Torque Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta, scoring a home-track win in race two aboard a prior-generation ZX-10R.

Said Torin, “I’m super excited to get to ride in another wildcard in CSBK. I’m looking forward to learning at one of the most famous tracks in North America, and I’m really excited to test myself against the best riders in Canada. I’m glad I was able to get this opportunity and a big thanks to Canadian Kawasaki and Economy Lube & Tire for making this happen.”

That performance at Alberta captured the attention of series supporter Economy Lube, who immediately set to work finding a bike for CTMP.

That bike will end up coming from Economy Lube boss Stephen Moxey’s own stable, in the form of an ex-Waznie Racing Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R last ridden by 14-time champ Jordan Szoke.

“I just knew we had to get this kid on a bike,” Moxey enthused. “Watching the way he rode on a mostly-stock, much older bike in Alberta was incredible. I’m excited to see what he can do on this one!”

The bike will be familiar to Economy Lube crew chief Scott Miller, whose Fast Company shop does engine work for Waznie Racing Ninja racebikes.

Fourteen-time CSBK champion Szoke will setup the bike and also host Collins under the Waznie Racing/Kawasaki tent at CTMP.

“It’s important to me to help build Canadian racing and the depth of talent we have in the series right now is just amazing,” said Szoke. “Obviously in my career I’ve had great success with Kawasaki, and I think Waznie Racing can help Torin add to the Team Green legacy.”

Kawasaki has a long history of supporting Canadian talent, having enjoyed success with names like Jordan Szoke, Sebastien Tremblay, and most recently, 2023 Pro Sportbike champion David MacKay.

Torin’s return gives Kawasaki three riders with a genuine shot at the podium and a race win during the August event, in the form of Szoke, Collins, and Rookie Pro of the Year contender Connor Campbell all aboard Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machines.

The fifth round of the CSBK championship kicks off August 9 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

For tickets or more information visit CSBK.ca.

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: Sachsenring 2024 – Germans Call It Schadenfreude

David Swarts

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July 18, 2024

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Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: Sachsenring 2024 – Germans Call It Schadenfreude

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This podcast is “Sachsenring 2024 – The Germans Call It Schadenfreude.”

The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.

From the Oxley Bom Podcast:

Do you want to know the guilty pleasure of any rider? It’s that split second during a heated battle, that magic moment where you see your opponent’s movements slipping, slipping and then, finally, the crash. Nothing serious, mind you. He’ll be back next race.

But that’s next race. Today, you own the track.

It’s a story as old as time, and this weekend it was performed by Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia at Sachsenring.

But besides the great battles, there are some other incredibly interesting observations to be made. For example, this is the first time in the history of MotoGP that one manufacturer has dominated the podium six time in a row. So what is the secret of Ducati’s succes here? And, going all the way to the opposite end of the spectrum, why is KTM still struggling? Mat and Peter have some ideas.

Oh, and we might make a little diversion to a different type of racing that takes place in desolate deserts…Enjoy!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP: Pol Espargaro Racing As Wild Card At Red Bull Ring

David Swarts

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July 18, 2024

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MotoGP: Pol Espargaro Racing As Wild Card At Red Bull Ring

POL ESPARGARO BACK ON THE MOTOGP™ GRID FOR RED BULL RING

Pol Espargaro will ride out of the pit box alongside Red Bull KTM Factory Racing to make his second official wildcard competitive appearance of 2024 at the Austrian Grand Prix on August 16-18. The 33-year-old will rejoin the grid with his KTM RC16 at the Red Bull Ring for round 11 of 20.

Pol, new to the KTM MotoGP testing program for 2024, entered the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello in early June. He was immediately up to pace and roaming the top fifteen of the time sheets, earning a decent 14th in the Sprint and was then 17th in the Grand Prix.

The Spaniard was a Red Bull KTM rider between 2017 and 2020 and gained KTM’s first ever podium finish in the premier class in 2018. He stepped away from fulltime racing in 2023, and current wildcard outings allow valuable data gathering and orientation for his testing duties. Pol climbed the podium at Red Bull Ring for the 2020 Styrian Grand Prix with the KTM RC16. 2024 will be his ninth MotoGP at the circuit.

Pol Espargaro: “I’m ready to go again! Mugello was a special circuit to make my return for Red Bull KTM but it also doesn’t get much more special than Red Bull Ring. For the track, the place, the fans and the atmosphere and for how much this Grand Prix means to KTM it also feels a bit like a home race for me. I have some good memories of fighting for the win there but, like in Italy, the goal will be to get on the track with the KTM RC16 and continue our testing program. We will have work to do but I know the Austrian GP will also be a lot of fun.”

WorldSBK: Gillim Subbing For Mackenzie At Autodrom Most

David Swarts

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July 17, 2024

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WorldSBK: Gillim Subbing For Mackenzie At Autodrom Most

Gillim Set For World Superbike Debut This Weekend In Czech Republic

Defending MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Hayden Gillim is getting an opportunity he never thought he would get this weekend as he travels to the Czech Republic to race at the Czech round of the Superbike World Championship at Autodrom Most.

Gillim, who currently leads the 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 points chase, was asked on Sunday morning at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca if he’d be interested in making the trek for the race to replace Tarran Mackenzie on the Petronas MIE Racing Honda. He had an hour to decide and wasted little time in saying yes.

There was one little hiccup: Gillim’s passport had long since expired.

“I never thought something like this would ever happen for me, so my passport was expired.”

Where there’s a will there’s a way, and Gillim and his wife Summer arrived in Germany on Wednesday morning with passports in hand. The Gillims will meet up with Mark Junge later today.

“I’m in Germany,” Gillim said this morning. “The best part was that my passport was expired. We flew straight to Chicago on Monday morning and got it expedited. It will be pretty cool and I’m excited about it.”

In addition to learning a new racetrack and the Pirelli tires, Gillim will find a Honda CBR1000RR-R SP unlike the one he races in MotoAmerica Stock 1000.

“The bike is going to be quite a bit different,” Gillim said of Mackenzie’s Honda. “It’s going to have all the Superbike stuff on it… swingarms, triple clamps, electronics, and I’m sure the transmission is different. We’ll see. It’s also a new track for me and all that fun stuff.”

Gillim’s first time on track at Most will be Friday at 4:20 a.m. Eastern Time for Free Practice 1. World Superbike race one will take place on Saturday at 8 a.m. Eastern and Sunday’s race two will also be at 8 a.m. Eastern.

WorldSBK: Championship Hits Halfway Point At Autodrom Most

David Swarts

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July 17, 2024

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WorldSBK: Championship Hits Halfway Point At Autodrom Most

Most awaits: WorldSBK set for Czech Round

What to look out for in Most

As WorldSBK heads to the Autodrom Most for the Czech Round, marking the halfway point of the season, the stage is set for an exciting showdown.

Championship Standings

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) arrives as the championship leader with 241 points, fresh off a remarkable hat trick of wins at Donington Park. His impressive form puts him in a strong position as he aims to extend his lead and potentially reach the milestone of 50 WorldSBK wins. Following Razgatlioglu in the standings are Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), with 200 and 186 points respectively. Bautista is only one podium short of reaching 100. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), bolstered by two podium finishes at Donington Park, has narrowed the gap to third place to just 21 points. Lowes is just three podiums short of his best season in 2019 (9 podiums) and has already scored more points than the entire last season.

Historical Performance at Autodrom Most

In 2023, the Czech Round featured three different winners across the weekend, with Alvaro Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu, and Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) each securing a victory. Razgatlioglu, the current championship leader, boasts the most wins at Most with five victories since the track joined the WorldSBK calendar in 2021, making him the man to beat at this circuit. Additionally, he holds the record for the most podiums at Most with eight. This upcoming race at the Czech Circuit will mark his first-time racing at Most with BMW, following extensive preparation as the German manufacturer conducted testing at Autodrom Most with its test team in May.

Rea has also shown strong performance at Most, achieving two pole positions in 2021 and 2022, while Razgatlioglu secured one in 2023. Additionally, rookies Nicolo Bulega celebrated victories at Most in 2023 while competing in WorldSSP.

More on worldsbk.com

WorldSBK | KEY STAT

100 Alvaro Bautista is only one podium short of reaching 100: he would be the 7th rider in history at this milestone after Jonathan Rea (264 podiums), Troy Corser (130), Toprak Razgatlioglu (127), Noriyuki Haga (116), Tom Sykes (114), Carl Fogarty (109).

The start of a Supersport World Championship race at Donington Park. Photo courtesy Dorna. — The start of a Supersport World Championship race at Donington Park with Adrian Huertas (99) getting a good launch from pole position and Valentin Debise (53) not far behind him. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Championship showdown: WorldSSP hits halfway mark at Czech Round

What to look out for in Most

WorldSSP heads to the Autodrom Most for the Czech Round, marking the halfway point of the season with Round 6 out of 12.

Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) arrives in the Czech Republic riding high after a dominant performance in the UK Round, where he secured a double victory. This impressive feat has allowed Huertas to extend his lead in the championship standings, now sitting comfortably with 186 points. Chasing him is Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), who is currently second in the standings, 25 points behind Huertas. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) is in third place with 147 points, keeping the competition tight at the top.

One rider who stands out with past success at Most is Lorenzo Baldassarri (WRP-RT Motorsport by SKM-Triumph). Baldassarri is the only rider from the current permanent grid with a win at Most in WorldSSP. However, he won’t be the only one with a winning history on the track. Steven Odendaal, who achieved the first-ever WorldSSP victory at Most in 2021, will be racing as a wildcard for WRP-RT Motorsport by SKM-Triumph and is expected to leverage his past experience.

Another duo to watch out for are Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) and his teammate Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse). Both riders had a strong showing at the Czech Round in 2023, each securing podium finishes. Currently sitting fourth in the Championship standings, Schroetter, alongside Sofuoglu, will be eager to replicate their performances and challenge for the top spots again.

More on worldsbk.com

The start of a Supersport 300 World Championship race earlier this season. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Battle at Most: Iglesias and Mahendra headline strong contenders

What to look out for in Most

Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) leads the championship standings with 98 points, having secured two victories this season. His consistent performance has kept him at the top, making him the rider to beat at Most. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse), sitting second in the standings with 86 points, is hot on Iglesias’ heels. Mahendra comes into this round with momentum, having won the previous race at Misano. The Indonesian rider also has a special connection to Most, where he took his maiden WorldSSP300 win in 2023. His familiarity and previous success at this circuit make him a strong contender for another victory.

Daniel Mogeda (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kawasaki) is third in the standings, trailing Iglesias by 35 points and Mahendra by 23. Mogeda was declared unfit at Misano and will miss the Czech Round. He will be replaced by Kavin Samaar Quintal, the first Indian rider to compete in WorldSSP300.

Among the current grid, Mahendra, Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing), and Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) have all tasted victory at Most. Buis, a former champion, is known for his tactical acumen and speed. His experience and past success here could play a crucial role in shaping the race.

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WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Reigns In FP2 At Autodrom Most

July 19, 2024

"Stoprak" Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) continued his strong recent run of form by topping World Superbike Free Practice One at Autodrom Most. Photo courtesy Dorna. — "Stoprak" Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) continued his strong recent run of form by topping both World Superbike practice session at Autodrom Most. Photo courtesy Dorna.

WSBK FP2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

TITANIC TRIO RETURNS: familiar faces, new colours as Razgatlioglu leads Bautista and Rea on Friday at Most

Four manufacturers were in the top four on Friday at Most with plenty to dissect from the two practice sessions

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was once again the rider to beat in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the #54 just beat Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by a tenth at the Autodrom Most. Razgatlioglu and Bautista were the only two riders inside the 1’31s bracket on the first day of the Czech Round.

RAZGATLIOGLU ON TOP: leading the away again

Razgatlioglu continued exactly how he started the weekend by posting an uncatchable lap time in FP2, posting a 1’31.519s, almost four tenths quicker than he went in the morning and once again leading BMW’s charge. Teammate Michael van der Mark was one of two more BMW riders inside the top ten as he claimed eighth, just ahead of Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) in ninth with only 0.030s separating the pair. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) improved on his final lap to move into 13th place.

BAUTISTA’S BEST FRIDAY OF 2024? second place, just a tenth behind…

Reigning Champion Bautista claimed second place after posting a 1’31.622s with him and Razgatlioglu the only two riders in the 1’31s bracket. Teammate Nicolo Bulega (was fifth, half-a-second down on Razgatlioglu and four tenths away from the #1. Independent star Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) made it three Ducatis in the top six as he claimed sixth with a 1’32.110s, just a tenth away from Bulega ahead. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) had a difficult Friday morning with several off-track excursions, but he bounced back in the afternoon for P10, just a couple of hundredths ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in 11th in FP2 and 12th overall. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) had a really challenging Friday afternoon with the #21 not setting a lap time with his bike only running on two cylinders. However, his FP1 time of 1’32.800s was good enough for 10th in that session and 17th overall.

STRONG FRIDAY FOR REA: third place and top Yamaha

Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) seems to have been able to continue with the momentum he built at Donington as he finished third on Friday after setting a 1’32.033s. The #65 was the lead Yamaha rider once again, with Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in seventh. Gardner was one of a handful of riders unable to improve in the afternoon’s warmer conditions but his 1’32.233s from FP1 still secured a spot in the top seven. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) completed the top ten after ‘Loka’ had a crash at Turn 2 in FP2, but he was able to post a 1’32.369s to secure a top ten spot. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 14th, Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 19th and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) 21st.

LOWES IN FOURTH: four manufacturers in the top four

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the lead Kawasaki rider once again as he secured fourth place with a 1’32.052s, just a couple of hundredths away from Rea in front. The #22’s P4 means four different manufacturers secured a place in the top four. Teammate Axel Bassani was quick out of the blocks in FP1 and FP2 but fell down the order to 15th, while Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) completed the Kawasaki runners with 18th place.

GOOD MORNING, DIFFICULT AFTERNOON: mixed day for Honda

Honda had a good Friday morning but neither Team HRC could improve in the afternoon. Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge were, as always, closely matched with just half-a-tenth between the two Spaniards. Vierge’s day was disrupted by a technical issue in FP2. Leandro Mercado (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) was the fastest of the MIE Honda riders after setting a 1’34.344s, finishing around four tenths clear of teammate Hayden Gillim, who, on his first visit to Most, had a solid start to his debut WorldSBK weekend.

The top six from WorldSBK’s Friday action, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’31.519s

2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.103s

3. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.514s

4. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.533s

5. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.552s

6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.591s

World Supersport: Montella P1, Debise P2 In FP1 At Autodrom Most

July 19, 2024

Yari Montella (55). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Yari Montella was quickest in World Supersport Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodrom Most, in the Czech Republic. Riding his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 on Pirelli control tires, the Italian lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:34.882 to lead the field of 33 riders.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was second-best with a 1:35.042 on his Evan Bros. Yamaha YZF-R6.

Stefano Manzi was third-fastest with a 1:25.165 on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing machine.

WSS FP1

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Quickest Again In FP1 At Autodrom Most

July 19, 2024

Results

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

The 2021 Champion was unbeatable at Donington, and he’s started the Czech Round in the same fashion with the fastest FP1 time

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) continued where he left Donington last weekend by topping Free Practice 1 at the Autodrom Most. The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has travelled east to the Czech Republic for Round 6 of the 2024 season and the Turkish superstar’s form has continued as he lapped almost three tenths quicker than his rivals as the Czech Round got underway.

Razgatlioglu initially went for an out lap before returning to the pits for a while, eventually setting a lap time later than his rivals. However, his delayed start to his hot laps didn’t prevent him from immediately going fastest. The #54 was straight into the 1’32s before setting a 1’31.947s around halfway through the 45-minute Free Practice 1 session. Straight away, he was six tenths clear of his rivals, although the gap did close slightly as the session progressed. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) claimed second as he continued to be the lead Yamaha rider, lapping just under three tenths slower than the 2021 Champion, while Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was third as he had a strong start to his weekend.

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was another who started the weekend in a good way, often being in the top three but finishing in fourth. He set a 1’32.362s to finish 0.415s behind Razgatlioglu as he finished as the top Independent rider. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) continued his Donington form in FP1 as he claimed fifth, just 0.003s behind Petrucci, while Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) completed the top six finishing exactly a tenth behind the #45.

Seventh place belonged to Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) as he posted a 1’32.507s, 0.031s clear of Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) in eighth. After admitting on Thursday that he was expecting a tough weekend, it’ll give Honda confidence after a decent start to the weekend with Lecuona in P8 and Xavi Vierge just outside the top ten. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the lead Kawasaki rider in ninth with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) rounding out the top ten.

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’31.947s

2. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.286s

3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.293s

4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.415s

5. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) +0.418s

6. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.518s

World Endurance: YART Yamaha On Provisional Pole At Suzuka 8-Hours

July 19, 2024

Marvin Fritz (1) at speed on the Yamalube YART Yamaha YZF-R1 at Suzuka. Photo by Kohei Hirota.

Suzuka 8 Hours - FIM Endurance World Championship - Overall Qualifying Ranking (average of the 2 best times) - Overall Qualifying Ranking

More, from a press release issued by FIM EWC:

EWC CHAMPION TEAM YART FASTEST SO FAR WITH SUZUKA TOP 10 TRIAL TO COME

Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team has completed Second Qualifying for the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race on top of the timing screens – but must now replicate its impressive pace in Saturday’s Top 10 Trial if it’s to land pole position for Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship on Sunday.

Ducati Team Kagayama is second in the overall classification and secures its place in the Top 10 Trial followed by Team HRC with Japan Post, which is chasing a third consecutive victory in the Suzuka 8 Hours.

With Suzuki-powered Yoshimura SERT Motul fourth, it means four different motorcycle manufacturers are represented in the combined qualifying top four.

The fastest 10 teams according to the combined qualifying results will now prepare for the Top 10 Trial to decide the first 10 places on the starting grid for Sunday’s eight-hour contest.

Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda, AutoRace Ube Racing Team, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, F.C.C. TSR Honda France and Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda have also made it through to the Top 10 Trial according to the provisional classification.

Meanwhile, Teramoto@J-Trip Racing is on the provisional Superstock pole position in the Dunlop-supplied category followed by Team Étoile and Taira Promote Racing.

HOW SECOND QUALIFYING UNFOLDED

BLUE RIDER MIZUNO AT THE DOUBLE

Ducati Team Kagayama’s Ryo Mizuno was once again the Blue Rider to beat with a best time of 2m05.789s. Kohta Nozane was second fastest for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing with a 2m05.923s effort followed by Takuya Tsuda, who produced a 2m06.911s run for AutoRace Ube Racing Team. Satoru Iwata (TeamATJ with docomo business) was fourth quickest followed by Kazuki Ito (Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda). With his work essentially done in First Qualifying, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team’s Niccolò Canepa went sixth quickest ahead of Team HRC with Japan Post’s Takumi Takahashi seventh. Mario Aji was next up for SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda as Randy de Puniet went ninth quickest on his KM 99 Yamaha. Leading Superstock contender Ryosuke Iwato rounded out the top 10 for Kawasaki Plaza Racing Team. Masahiro Shinjo was a faller for Team Tatara Aprilia at the Hairpin, while Takafumi Kato crashed his Honda Soyukai Tochigi Racing & Kohyohkai Dream Racing Team entry at Turn 3. The 20-minute session was red-flagged and not restarted with 1m38s remaining after Mitsuhiro Yoshida (Honda Hamamatsu Escargot & Kumamoto Racing) and Sébastien Suchet (National Motos Honda FMA) collided at Turn 5.

World Endurance: Team HRC Quickest In Final Suzuka 8 Hours Test

July 18, 2024

Johann Zarco (30) in action at Suzuka. Photo courtesy Team HRC .