2024 AMA Flat Track Grand Championship Scheduled 6/30-7/6 In Du Quoin

David Swarts

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October 30, 2023

2024 AMA Flat Track Grand Championship Scheduled 6/30-7/6 In Du Quoin

2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship Set For June 30-July 6

The week-long amateur competition returns to Du Quoin, Ill.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — America’s premier amateur flat track competition will return to Du Quoin, Ill., as the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship will run from June 30-July 6 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.

The AMA will operate and promote the event, which is the only race in the United States where a rider can earn an AMA National No. 1 plate in amateur flat track racing.

“We’re pleased to announce the upcoming AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, and we’re grateful to Mission Foods for their continued commitment as our title sponsor for the third consecutive year,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “We eagerly anticipate another exceptional week of racing and look forward to seeing the many outstanding competitors at this year’s event.”

The week-long amateur competition will bring together flat track’s budding stars, hosting multiple age groups across four dirt-track disciplines — Short Track, TT, Half-Mile and Mile.

In addition to the many AMA National No. 1 plates that will be awarded at the conclusion of the event, the AMA will also crown winners of several special awards — including the Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, which is given to the most promising amateur rider that is set to make the jump to the professional ranks. Past winners of the Horizon Award include Chase Saathoff, Kody Kopp, Dallas Daniels, Briar Bauman, Jared Mees, Bryan Smith and Roger Lee Hayden.

The Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award — which is granted to the rider who shows ability both on the track and in the classroom — will also be awarded during the event.

The AMA will also recognize the Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and the Youth Racer of the Year at the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship.

More information on the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship can be found at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/flat-track-racing/.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

WorldSBK: Pata Yamaha Prometeon Welcomes Rea Ahead Of Jerez Test

David Swarts

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October 30, 2023

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WorldSBK: Pata Yamaha Prometeon Welcomes Rea Ahead Of Jerez Test

Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Welcomes Jonathan Rea

Just 24 hours after the end of the 2023 season, six-time FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea stepped into the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK pit box for the first time to meet his #65 Yamaha R1 WorldSBK – featuring a special grey, white and carbon fibre winter test livery which hints at some of Yamaha’s historical colour schemes.

Welcomed by his new crew and Yamaha’s engineers, Rea enjoyed a detailed riding position fitting in advance of one of the most highly-anticipated manufacturer changes in WorldSBK history. Tomorrow will be the first chance to see Rea and the #65 R1 WorldSBK on track, as two days of testing commence at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto.

Jonathan Rea and the Pata Yamaha Prometeon team focused on setting up the ergonomics on his new YZF-R1 Monday at Jerez. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Jonathan Rea: Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK

“It’s been an incredible first day and it was so surreal putting on my Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK polo – the feeling in blue is really nice – and when I walked into the box, everyone was so enthusiastic. I felt a lot of love and support straight away – the attention to detail on the team is amazing. From even my rider office having personalised logos in there already, to getting perfectly fitted on the bike – the attention to detail on that process was incredible. I just can’t wait now to spin my first laps on the R1. It’s a bike that I’ve seen up close on track but never had an opportunity to ride, so for tomorrow the main idea is to get comfortable on the bike – to understand my crew, for them to understand me and of course, to learn and have a positive outcome. Between now and Phillip Island we have a lot of time, but first impressions are always important and today was a really good one. I’m really excited to start and I want to thank everyone from Crescent Racing, Yamaha Motor Europe and all the sponsors for this opportunity because I think it’s going to be a great partnership and I’m looking forward to it.”

Paul Denning: Team Principal, Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK

“We witnessed one of the most exciting race performances ever in WorldSBK yesterday afternoon, and here we are only 24 hours later looking forward to a surreal moment. Back in the day, I honestly never dreamed we would get a rider of Jonathan Rea’s stature to join our team and to see him climbing on the R1 today with a huge smile on his face has created an incredibly enthusiastic atmosphere and a lot of hope for the 2024 season. The next two days will be extremely interesting, but we want to start in a very step-by-step way without any pressure. The plan is to allow Jonathan to learn the R1 after so many years on a different bike and to treat this as the “first touch”, the first experience together and build from here. “JR” is a rider that history has shown will always deliver the goods, and we can’t wait to start this journey together.”

WorldSBK: Lowes Gets New Crew Chief At Kawasaki

David Swarts

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October 30, 2023

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WorldSBK: Lowes Gets New Crew Chief At Kawasaki

Winter Test Marks New Start Towards 2024 For KRT

Just days after the end of the 2023 WorldSBK Championship at the Jerez circuit in Spain intense preparations for a new look 2024 season will begin for the official Kawasaki Racing Team, between 31 October to 1 November.

The 2024 rider line up will consist of long-time colleague Alex Lowes, now joined by new signing Axel Bassani.

Alex is a proven race winner and podium finisher about to enter his fifth season as a KRT rider, while Axel has been the Independent Teams’ Rider Champion for the past two seasons. The 2024 season will be Axel’s first year inside an official WorldSBK team set-up.

KRT’s tradition of unveiling a special winter test livery will continue at this test, with the unique off-season team branding to be used in all tests before the start of the 2024 season itself.

With a new KRT riding line up and a wide-ranging set of new technical rules to be met in 2024, KRT has been planning the shape and scale of the 2024 team for some time. The new personnel structure will work together for the first time at the forthcoming Jerez test, as will some of the technical modifications required to suit the new regulations covering combined bike and rider weight, crankshaft and balance shaft mass, fuel load restrictions, RPM limits and more.

(From left) Alex Lowes' new Crew Chief Pere Riba, rider Alex Lowes, Kawasaki Team Manager Guim Roda, rider Axel Bassani, and Bassani's Crew Chief Marcel Duinker. Photo courtesy Kawasaki. — (From left) Alex Lowes’ new Crew Chief Pere Riba, rider Alex Lowes, Kawasaki Team Manager Guim Roda, rider Axel Bassani, and Bassani’s Crew Chief Marcel Duinker. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

For 2024 Alex will have Pere Riba as his crew chief, while Axel will work with long time KRT crew chief Marcel Duinker. Other internal changes are also ongoing to meet the challenge of what all expect to be an exciting immediate future, full of new ambitions and opportunities.

For the riders this test is an important one for many reasons, if in a slightly different way, given their contrasting experiences of the Ninja ZX-10RR to date.

Alex will be building on all the info he has acquired so far and is determined to set the scene to achieve race wins in 2024.

Axel will obviously require time to get used to his new environment, team and machine. He is understandably super-excited about his new opportunity but will arrive with a professional approach to make as much progress as quickly as possible.

Alex Lowes, stated: “We are already focused on 2024. We know the areas we want to improve with our package so now we must work hard to get the data we need to step forward in those areas. We’re changing some of the staff in the garage so I’m excited to get to work on the new relationships, with the target being to bring out more of our potential next year.”

Axel Bassani, stated: “I am happy to start with this new adventure with Kawasaki. It is like a dream for me because it is a really good team with a lot of history. It is important for me to start with a relaxed mood, try to understand the bike, my new team and after we will see what happens.”

Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We have finished an era, nine years together with Johnny and now we start a new chapter together with Alex. In the beginning there will be some differences because they are two different human beings, riders, characters, so for sure I will need my time to understand to match together with Alex. But I am motivated with this new challenge. We know Alex has good speed and then I will try my best together with my guys to get the best from him and improve the package. He knows the bike and the team and I will try to focus more on himself and get the best from him. Now we start the winter tests and the target for these two days is know each other, step-by-step to build the package.”

Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Axel Bassani, stated: “It is a shame in some ways how the season finished because Alex was very competitive. It was a pleasure working with him all these years and we have a good relationship. Even though he has moved I am sure this good relationship will remain. Now we start a new chapter with Axel. I met him for the first time the other day and instantly we had a good conversation. He is young but he is already experienced, very competitive and incredibly motivated. I am sure he will help lift us in KRT to an even higher level. At this test we will go one step at a time but I am already excited to start the 2024 season.”

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “We start new season with a big motivation to learn from our past experience and with the aim to keep improving our Ninja ZX-10RR package in a variety of ways. We have been working hard with FIM, Dorna and MSMA to balance a bit more the show for the fans. Our actual package still has potential to work better, but the rules need to allow us to flex more within what are strict Stock Rules and be more “racing spirit” oriented. Let’s see if new rules give us a measure of this help. That will not be the only change required, and we will need to work on the right way to implement any changes but it is the correct direction. Also we are making some changes internally at KRT and the most obvious will be Alex working with Pere Riba, while Marcel Duinker will have the task to build the speed and understanding of Axel on our Ninja ZX-10RR. Additionally, Pau, one of mechanics of Alex, is moving to work with Arturo, while Uri is leaving to follow Johnny on his blue adventure. Mattia will be moved up again to the first line and more changes will be introduced in the team for next season all aimed at staying competitive with the strong expectation of machine innovations from other manufacturers – nothing stands still in WorldSBK. We all are so motivated, and changes like this are always good, to try new things, so let’s go for it, and defend green colours in 2024 even stronger and prouder than ever.”

#KRTNewStart2024

WorldSBK: Cremona Circuit To Host Series For Next Five Years

David Swarts

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October 30, 2023

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WorldSBK: Cremona Circuit To Host Series For Next Five Years

WorldSBK welcomes Cremona Circuit as new venue for 2024

Round 10 of the 2024 World Championship will feature racing across three series: WorldSBK, WorldSSP, and the FIM Women’s Motorcycling World Championship. A five-year contract was signed between the Lombard circuit and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO), which secures their place in the Championship from 2024 to 2028. It was designed by Jarno Zaffelli’s Studio Dromo, which has a reputation for its work on prominent racetracks.

Located just south of Milan, Cremona Circuit is now set to undergo the homologation process and is actively preparing for this significant event by implementing several important modifications and improvements, including:

Track Layout Enhancements: Changes to the layout of the track, with a notable focus on turns #11, #12, and #13.

High-Quality Resurfacing: Refurbishing specific areas of the track with quality materials to enhance the track’s condition.

Track Length Extension: An extension of approximately 90 meters to the track’s length to enrich racing dynamics.

Spectator Facilities Expansion: Construction of new grandstands and public areas to accommodate the ever-growing WorldSBK fan base.

Modern Race Direction Facilities: The addition of a contemporary structure to house offices for Race Direction and support staff to manage the entirety of the event effectively.

The Cremona Circuit, near Milan, Italy. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director:

“WorldSBK is thrilled to introduce Cremona Circuit to the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. The addition of Cremona to our calendar marks a significant milestone and we’re fully committed to delivering top-quality racing experiences to our fans. This five-year agreement stands as a clear testament to that unwavering dedication as we’re looking forward propelling this venue onto the global scene.”

Alessandro Canevarolo, Cremona Circuit CEO:

“We are really happy, excited and hyped for this new great challenge. It will be an opportunity to take an extra, important step to grow, and with great satisfaction bring back the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship to Lombardy, missing for ten long years. After some negotiations, we immediately got to work to make the necessary changes for hosting this major event. Together with the management, the goal is to create an event that can showcase the area, the region and represent Italy in all its values. The goal has been clear ever since I started this adventure eight years ago. We started from afar, facing every moment with great spirit, passion, and dedication. Only in this way were we able to fulfil the big dream: seeing the Superbike World Championship race on the asphalt of our Cremona Circuit.”

Honda CR Electric Prototype Makes Successful Race Debut In Japan

David Swarts

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October 30, 2023

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Honda CR Electric Prototype Makes Successful Race Debut In Japan

Honda CR Electric Proto Shows Leading Pace in Valuable Debut Weekend

Team HRC completes a successful competitive debut for the CR Electric Proto

Trey Canard (41) leading the start of an All-Japan Motocross Championship moto on the Honda CR Electric Prototype. Photo courtesy Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).

SAITAMA, Japan – After a successful qualifying run yesterday, Sunday’s race day brought mixed fortunes for Team HRC but a race-leading demonstration of pace of the new CR Electric Proto at round 8 of the All Japan Motocross Championship.

In the morning’s practice, Team Honda HRC advisor and test rider Trey Canard—racing as a wildcard entry—followed on seamlessly from his Saturday pace to go second-fastest on the all-electric #41, making its global competitive debut this weekend in the premier IA1 class against 450cc gas-powered machinery.

Then came the first-ever race for Honda’s new prototype machine, in the form of the first moto. The opening race was smooth, with Canard starting strongly, settling into a rhythm and crossing the line second aboard the CR Electric Proto. As learning, development and ultimately the pace continued to improve throughout the weekend, Canard closed to just 0.7 seconds off the fastest lap and was looking fast.

In the second moto, Canard again started well and looked to be set to keep building on the weekend’s momentum, but an early crash with moto 1 rival Jay Wilson unfortunately put him out of the race.

Returning for the third moto, Canard made best use of the Honda’s instant electric torque and again started strongly, taking the lead exiting the first corner. In fact, Canard took two of the three holeshots on CR Electric Proto.

Starting to stretch that lead from his weekend-long rival, the #27 of Wilson, it would have been the perfect culmination of the weekend’s learning and work on the CR Electric Proto to take the machine’s first win in its first-ever competitive weekend—but unfortunately, as the track continued to get ever more rutted, Canard crashed with 12 and a half minutes remaining of the 15-minute race.

Nonetheless, with the opportunity provided by racing to learn, develop and prove the prototype machine in the heat of battle for the first time, it has been a successful and encouraging debut for the CR Electric Proto—a weekend that has provided valuable data for ongoing development of Honda’s all-electric motocross initiative.

Trey Canard

“This weekend was definitely a big challenge for me, but it was a great race for our development. Each time I was on the track, we improved the motorcycle and the CR Electric Proto team adapted to the challenge. We had some shines of brilliance as a team, the starts being one of them, with two of the three holeshots. There were also some sections on the track that were very impressive, and that makes me excited for the future of this motorcycle. I’m disappointed to not finish all of the motos after all of the hard work the team has put in, but I think we showed that the potential of the bike is quite high, especially for our very first attempt at racing. I’m grateful to be a part of this effort, and I’m very proud of each and every person who has worked so hard.”

Taichi Honda: Team HRC Team Manager

“First of all, I would like to thank the development team and everyone involved for preparing the CR Electric Proto to be ready for competition in such a short time. I would also like to thank Trey Canard for showing his potential, even though he has only had a few tests. We had three heats for the first time today, and we will take what we learned from each race and feed it back to the ongoing development of the CR Electric project.”

Video: Pata Yamaha Thanks Toprak Razgatlioglu For His Service

David Swarts

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October 30, 2023

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Video: Pata Yamaha Thanks Toprak Razgatlioglu For His Service

For All the Great Things You Gave Us. Thank you, Toprak

The final race weekend of the 2023 season was an emotional one for Yamaha as they acknowledged the parting of Toprak Razgatlıoğlu with several special nods to the title winning Turk – including a farewell video which has been released to sum up the best moments shared and sentiments felt.

The 27-year-old has taken 131 race starts with Yamaha in WorldSBK since 2020 and in this time he has achieved a remarkable 100 podiums, 37 wins and 12 pole positions with the brand, as well as a superb World Championship crown in 2021. Toprak not only brought success, celebrations and a supreme riding style to the blue corner, but his unique personality, humour and showmanship too. Naturally, all those who worked with him have fond and funny memories of their time with the #54 rider.

These were revealed in special interviews carried out with the Pata Yamaha Prometeon team and key figures from Yamaha Racing ahead of the final round, and they made for interesting viewing with a wide range of, sometimes surprising, answers.

“I’ll never forget it, in 2021 we were in Indonesia and we spent so much time talking about the championship, it was amazing. He was really excited and we were eating a pizza and French fries together and it was really fun, especially because he then became champion.” – Andrea Locatelli, team-mate

“All the way back to the start, our first race together. He was sick with the ‘flu, he was struggling, but Kenan Sofuoğlu (Toprak’s Manager) told us that he could win the race. That’s exactly what he did. From that moment everything moved forward. But the wider picture is what I’ll remember most; the rider he became with us and the friendships made that I hope will last long term.” – Paul Denning, Team Principal, Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK

“The first stoppie I saw him do was just massive, I was standing in pitlane thinking ‘what is this?’ There’s been lots of fun along the way. Winning the title was unbelievable, a total dream come true. He made that happen, it was really emotional.” – Russ Joyner, Chief Mechanic

“Standing on the podium with him after his first victory with Yamaha is a memory that will stay in my heart forever.” – Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager

When asked to describe Toprak in one word the simple yet powerful answers were testament to the talent and determination he’s shown during the past four seasons with Yamaha…

“Extraordinary”

“Incomparable”

“Relentless”

“Magic”

“Outstanding”

For the victories, the joys, the humour and the humility. For everything you gave us. Thank you, Toprak.

WorldSBK: Race Two Results From Jerez

David Swarts

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October 29, 2023

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WSBK R2
WSBK Points after R2 FINAL

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Drama in Jerez: Bautista claims victory as Razgatlioglu is penalised in WorldSBK Season Finale

Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) and Alvaro Bautista (1) crossed the finish line practically side-by-side with Dominique Aegerter (77) close behind in third at the end of Race Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.

In an unforgettable showdown, the top two contenders for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship engaged in a fierce duel at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) secured the win, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) initially crossing the finish line first but was promptly docked one position for stepping outside the track limits. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), aiming for a high note farewell with Kawasaki, was in the lead before an unfortunate crash on Lap 5.

In a day of highs for Yamaha, Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) achieved his second career podium, capping off a brilliant season for the GYTR GRT Yamaha team as his team mate Remy Gardner took fourth place. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) emerged as the top Independent rider in fifth position. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) secured sixth place, securing fifth overall in the Championship standings.

Bautista’s win at Jerez concluded his exceptional season, marked by consistent victories and his second World Championship title.

P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati

“For sure it’s been a really good season. It wasn’t perfect because of course we made mistakes but it’s the best way to finish the season so far here in Jerez winning three races. Especially in Race 2, the battle was amazing. With Toprak we did a lot of overtakes, all were very special and agressive but at the same time we were correct between us. For sure, I enjoyed a lot this race, even more than the one of Portimao because here I had nothing to lose. The support here with the Spanish fans was incredible. I was so happy to end the season here.”

Razgatlioglu took second place, finishing runner-up in the Championship and leaving Yamaha with numerous remarkable performances.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) and Alvaro Bautista (1) fought all the way to the finish. Michael Rinaldi (21) finished sixth. Photo courtesy Dorna. — Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) and Alvaro Bautista (1) fought all the way to the finish. Michael Rinaldi (21) got sixth. Photo courtesy Dorna.

P2 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK

“I passed the chequered flag in P1, this is good for me. I touched the green for track limits, but I didn’t understand as I felt the bike sliding. Maybe, after sliding, I touched it. I didn’t gain an advantage, but rules are rules. For my last day with Yamaha, I just tried to finish in a good position. I needed to try to have good memories of my last race and winning with Yamaha. I’m a little bit sad, but I did a very good job. I gave more than 100% just like at Portimao; I am really fighting with him. I needed some luck because, in the last two races, I didn’t have luck. I’m sad but generally happy for my last race with Yamaha, because everybody could see I gave more than 100%.”

Rea’s season ended on a bittersweet note as he aimed for a high farewell with Kawasaki but suffered an unfortunate crash at Jerez.

Jonathan Rea crashed while leading Race Two, picked his bike up, and still finished 17th in his final race with Kawasaki. Photo courtesy Dorna.

P17 | Jonathan Rea | Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK

“Strange feelings overall to be honest, not from a performance or results side but because I’m leaving an incredible team. My last day in green and that’s what is strange. Obviously, not the result I wanted to finish off with for my team, they deserved a lot better. What we did prove was that the Ninja ZX-10RR still has potential and up until that point of the race, I felt quite in control with a really good rhythm. There were times when I was like ‘ooof, I’ve got a magic tyre’! The bike was hooking up well and going forwards. Pere made a bold decision to make an incredible change, something quite big on the bike that we wanted to try. We didn’t go down without a fight and it was really frustrating to lose the front. Potentially, I could have just gave up the corner a bit, I was a bit fast on entry but I tried to pull it down and with too much lean angle, I was down.

I wanted to finish the race as it would be too easy to pull in. My footpeg had broken off and my handlebar bent forward but I was still able to lap in the 1’41s. It makes me even more disappointed with what could’ve been but that was our race. It sums up the highs and lows we’ve had this year; some incredible highs but difficult moments but it can’t darken the moments I’ve had at KRT. It’s been a whirlwind journey and something I’ll never forget.”

World Supersport: Race Two Results From Jerez

David Swarts

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October 29, 2023

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World Supersport: Race Two Results From Jerez

WSS R2
WSS Points after R2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Thrilling conclusion: Bulega’s dominance and Oncu’s return shine in WorldSSP Race 2

Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Race 2 at Jerez marked a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 WorldSSP season. On Lap 3, Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) crashed at Turn 13 with his bike hitting the fence on the exit of the corner, leading to a red flag and a race restart over a seven-lap distance due to safety conditions.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) capped off his season in style with a 16th win. Bulega’s remarkable season included a record-breaking 21 podiums. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) engaged in an intense battle for second place, marking his 22nd career podium, while Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) made a triumphant return to the podium in third.

Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) secured fourth, Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) took fifth, and Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) finished sixth.

The 2023 WorldSSP Champion continued his dominant form, securing a double victory at the Prometeon Spanish Round for his final WorldSSP race.

P1 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team

“It was an amazing season because we had many wins, a lot of fastest laps, and numerous pole positions. It was the best year of my life. When I came here two years ago, my team gave me everything I needed to bring out my talent and speed. Thanks to them for helping me a lot, and we worked hard to achieve these important results.

I will always remember this season because, as I said, it was the best season of my life. Now, we have to celebrate because a season like this doesn’t come around every year. So, it’s time to celebrate now! And yes, starting tomorrow, we begin from scratch. I want to continue giving my maximum, and we will see how I can adapt to the Superbike.”

Can Warrior Monk Johann Zarco Save Honda? In The October Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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October 29, 2023

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Can Warrior Monk Johann Zarco Save Honda? In The October Issue

Featured In the October 2023 issue of Roadracing World:

Halfway through this season it seemed like Johann’s Zarco’s MotoGP career was over. The paddock rumor machine had VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi gaining a promotion to Pramac Ducati for 2024, so he could have a latest-spec Desmosedici GP24 to ride alongside Jorge Martin, thus leaving no room for the Frenchman who has ridden Ducatis for the last four seasons, scoring many podiums, but no wins.

Most likely Ducati would demote Zarco to World Superbike, said the rumor machine. But life moves fast in the MotoGP paddock. Honda’s RC213V project is in meltdown, with Marc Marquez wanting to escape his 2024 contract and Alex Rins escaping his during August, quitting the LCR Honda team to ride a factory Yamaha next year, alongside Fabio Quartararo. So LCR owner Lucio Cecchinello contacted Zarco and asked, do you want to ride an RC213V next year?

“Johann Zarco: Can The Warrior Monk Save Honda?” by Mat Oxley

Johann Zarco joins Honda next year, after riding MotoGP’s best motorcycle for the last four seasons, so he could be Honda’s most useful asset in its fight back from the most disastrous period of its racing history. Or will Zarco’s second full-factory-team deal turn out to be another nightmare? Read MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley’s analysis in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

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WorldSBK: Superpole Race Results From Jerez

David Swarts

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October 29, 2023

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WorldSBK: Superpole Race Results From Jerez

Alvaro Bautista won the restarted World Superbike Superpole Race Sunday morning at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, in Spain. The newly crowned two-time World Champion won the eight-lap race by 1.487 seconds on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R. It was his seventh Superpole Race win of the season.

Dominique Aegerter was the best of the rest on his GYTR GRT Yamaha YZF-R1, earning his first World Superbike podium finish. Jonathan Rea placed third on his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.

American Garrett Gerloff crashed out of the race in an incident that also saw Axel Bassani fall.

The original start of the Superbike Race was stopped when Aegerter suffered an engine failure that put fluid down on the track.

WSBK SP Race
WSBK Points after SP Race

6 In Du Quoin

October 30, 2023

America's premier amateur flat track competition will return to the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Illinois. Photo courtesy AMA.

2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship Set For June 30-July 6

The week-long amateur competition returns to Du Quoin, Ill.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — America’s premier amateur flat track competition will return to Du Quoin, Ill., as the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship will run from June 30-July 6 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.

The AMA will operate and promote the event, which is the only race in the United States where a rider can earn an AMA National No. 1 plate in amateur flat track racing.

“We’re pleased to announce the upcoming AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, and we’re grateful to Mission Foods for their continued commitment as our title sponsor for the third consecutive year,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “We eagerly anticipate another exceptional week of racing and look forward to seeing the many outstanding competitors at this year’s event.”

The week-long amateur competition will bring together flat track’s budding stars, hosting multiple age groups across four dirt-track disciplines — Short Track, TT, Half-Mile and Mile.

In addition to the many AMA National No. 1 plates that will be awarded at the conclusion of the event, the AMA will also crown winners of several special awards — including the Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, which is given to the most promising amateur rider that is set to make the jump to the professional ranks. Past winners of the Horizon Award include Chase Saathoff, Kody Kopp, Dallas Daniels, Briar Bauman, Jared Mees, Bryan Smith and Roger Lee Hayden.

The Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award — which is granted to the rider who shows ability both on the track and in the classroom — will also be awarded during the event.

The AMA will also recognize the Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and the Youth Racer of the Year at the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship.

More information on the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship can be found at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/flat-track-racing/.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

WorldSBK: Pata Yamaha Prometeon Welcomes Rea Ahead Of Jerez Test

October 30, 2023

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea (right) and his new Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1. Photo courtesy Yamaha. — Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea and his new Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Welcomes Jonathan Rea

Just 24 hours after the end of the 2023 season, six-time FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea stepped into the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK pit box for the first time to meet his #65 Yamaha R1 WorldSBK – featuring a special grey, white and carbon fibre winter test livery which hints at some of Yamaha’s historical colour schemes.

Welcomed by his new crew and Yamaha’s engineers, Rea enjoyed a detailed riding position fitting in advance of one of the most highly-anticipated manufacturer changes in WorldSBK history. Tomorrow will be the first chance to see Rea and the #65 R1 WorldSBK on track, as two days of testing commence at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto.

Jonathan Rea: Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK

“It’s been an incredible first day and it was so surreal putting on my Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK polo – the feeling in blue is really nice – and when I walked into the box, everyone was so enthusiastic. I felt a lot of love and support straight away – the attention to detail on the team is amazing. From even my rider office having personalised logos in there already, to getting perfectly fitted on the bike – the attention to detail on that process was incredible. I just can’t wait now to spin my first laps on the R1. It’s a bike that I’ve seen up close on track but never had an opportunity to ride, so for tomorrow the main idea is to get comfortable on the bike – to understand my crew, for them to understand me and of course, to learn and have a positive outcome. Between now and Phillip Island we have a lot of time, but first impressions are always important and today was a really good one. I’m really excited to start and I want to thank everyone from Crescent Racing, Yamaha Motor Europe and all the sponsors for this opportunity because I think it’s going to be a great partnership and I’m looking forward to it.”

Paul Denning: Team Principal, Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK

“We witnessed one of the most exciting race performances ever in WorldSBK yesterday afternoon, and here we are only 24 hours later looking forward to a surreal moment. Back in the day, I honestly never dreamed we would get a rider of Jonathan Rea’s stature to join our team and to see him climbing on the R1 today with a huge smile on his face has created an incredibly enthusiastic atmosphere and a lot of hope for the 2024 season. The next two days will be extremely interesting, but we want to start in a very step-by-step way without any pressure. The plan is to allow Jonathan to learn the R1 after so many years on a different bike and to treat this as the “first touch”, the first experience together and build from here. “JR” is a rider that history has shown will always deliver the goods, and we can’t wait to start this journey together.”

WorldSBK: Lowes Gets New Crew Chief At Kawasaki

October 30, 2023