Not all classes run at every 2025 MotoAmerica event. This chart shows which classes are racing at each MotoAmerica event, with numbers indicating how many races each class runs at each event.
0425 web Competitor Bulletin 03-2025
The record-breaking crowds will welcome MotoGP for another five Grands Prix.
Le Mans set a new all-time attendance record for MotoGP in 2023 and then broke it again last year. Now, the unbelievable crowds at the French Grand Prix can look forward to another five editions guaranteed, with the event confirmed on the calendar until 2031.
The fans make the French GP a true spectacle every year as they flock to enjoy a weekend packed full of entertainment – even beyond the track action for the most exciting sport on Earth. From dawn till dusk, Le Mans has something happening to entertain every fan, from everywhere, as the organisers set a standard that continues to prove a benchmark.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports: “France already has an incredible legacy in motorsport, and we’re proud that our French Grand Prix has added to that at the same time as attracting a huge new wave of fans to the event, area and to the sport itself. We are the biggest sporting event in France and the grandstands reflect our growing and diverse audience, showcasing exactly what we want to see around the world as the sport continues to grow exponentially. France is a vital market for us and working with PHA Claude Michy, we couldn’t ask for more.”
Claude Michy, PHA Claude Michy: “The privilege is having met many years ago, Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO of Dorna, who has always placed his trust in me. I have great respect for him and deep gratitude because he has managed to evolve MotoGP and turn it into this incredible show.”Our promoter contract expires in 2026, and I am delighted, honoured, and proud to announce that it will be extended until 2031.”
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Primed for 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Title Fight
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne and Bobby Fong are eager to launch their 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike title campaigns this weekend in Alabama
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing is eager to get the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike season started this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. The championship-winning program looks to launch its campaign for a fifth title with returning three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne and new addition Bobby Fong.
Entering his sixth season with the team, Gagne is fired up for the 2025 season and looks to reclaim the crown. The Colorado rider has enjoyed a lot of success aboard the YZF-R1 during his tenure, including three successive titles (2021-2023) and an impressive 41 race victories. Gagne now sets his sights on 2025 and looks to add more wins to his record this weekend at the opening round in Alabama.
New to the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team for 2025, Fong is eager to get the season started. The 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion has five MotoAmerica Superbike wins to his resume and finished third overall last season with two wins and a total of eight podiums. After a productive off-season with his new team, Fong looks to battle for top honors and kick off his title run this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“After a long winter break, we’re excited to get back to racing and visit our fans at Barber Motorsports Park. We made some good progress with our Yamaha R1s during off-season testing, and the team is eager to show their capability. Jake is in a good place and ready to win. Bobby has been fast at every test and is living up to expectations. It will be an exciting season of racing.”
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #32
“I’m excited to get 2025 rolling! Last year was definitely tough, but the team and I are ready to get back in the fight. We’ve had some good testing this off-season and starting the year off at Barber will be cool as the R1 has always loved that track.”
Bobby Fong – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #50
“I’m excited to get the season kicked off. I feel like we made some steps on the Yamaha R1 and I look forward to bringing the fight this weekend at Barber.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A. (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.
Honda Ramps Up Participation in MotoAmerica
CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP to be campaigned in three classes
Real Steel leading Honda’s U.S. road racing effort
Jones Honda also fielding a serious road racing program
Ahead of MotoAmerica’s opening 2025 Superbike round in Birmingham, Alabama, this weekend, American Honda today announced their expanded involvement in the top U.S. road racing series. The program is headlined by a trio of racers aboard Honda’s flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, competing in three classes: the premier Superbike division, the production-based Stock 1000 category, and the Superbike Cup (a class within the Superbike class, for Stock 1000 racers who wish to campaign their bikes in that division).
Leading the charge is the Real Steel Honda Racing team, which features direct backing from American Honda, along with additional support from Chattanooga, Tennessee, dealership Southern Honda Powersports. Jerry Nickell is the Team Principal, with Mark Junge serving as Technical Director and Robbie Petersen in the Team Coordinator role.
The squad earned last year’s Stock 1000 title at the hands of Hayden Gillim, who this year will campaign the Fireblade in the Superbike division. A 30-year-old native of Owensboro, Kentucky, Gillim is a racing veteran, having won his first Amateur Dirt Track Grand Championship at age 6. A cousin of the famous racing Hayden brothers (who he is named after), Gillim typically runs number 69 as an homage to the late Nicky Hayden. He also has past accomplishments with other brands, including the 2023 Stock 1000 and King of the Baggers crowns.
In addition, Real Steel will field JD Beach in Stock 1000 and the Superbike Cup. Another veteran racer (he is 33) with experience in both dirt track and road racing, Beach has titles including the 2008 Red Bull Rookies Cup, the 2010 AMA Pro Supersport East crown and two MotoAmerica Supersport Championships (2015 and 2018). Although he was born in Washington State, Beach grew up with the Hayden and Gillim families in Kentucky.
“A couple years ago, Jerry and Hayden had the vision of creating a national-level Superbike team, and Honda was in their sights,” Petersen said. “They really made a statement last year, and they’ve established a relationship with Southern Powersports and American Honda. We’re very proud to be in a position where the team is welcoming Honda back into Superbike. Expectations in Superbike are a bit of a building process; it’s a big step up, but we’ve got realistic goals. I think we’re going to be on the podium sooner than some might expect, as the bike has a huge amount of potential.”
Also of note is the private Jones Honda squad, which operates out of the Columbia, Missouri, dealership of the same name. The team is again supporting Georgia-native Ashton Yates, who earned the 2024 Superbike Cup crown aboard a CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. The son of former factory AMA Superbike racer Aaron Yates (who is the team’s lead mechanic), Ashton will campaign both Superbike and Stock 1000. Darrel Jones is the Team Principal, John Blike is the Team Coordinator and Cameron Jones heads up data management. CJR Performance handles dyno tuning and electronics, and backing comes from American Honda, Progressive and Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals.
“Last year, we were using the same bike for both classes, and it was amazing how well that Honda held up,” said Cameron Jones, who is a former MotoAmerica racer himself. “We ran the same clutch all year, and we never had a mechanical; that’s really what wins championships—getting points and staying on top of the box. This year we’re using two bikes, including a semi-stock bike in Superbike. We’d be ecstatic to get into the top five or six in that class, and for Stock 1000, the goal is to bring home the championship.”
The Jones Honda project is an example of what is possible with Honda’s generous MotoAmerica offering in the 2025 Red Rider Rewards contingency program. Available to riders of various Honda powersports models, the program offers a total of $1,425,500 in MotoAmerica alone, from $25,000 for a Superbike-class race win, to $50 for a third-place finish in a Mini Cup Stock 50 regional race.
“Honda has a proud heritage in U.S. road racing, so it’s exciting to be stepping up our representation in MotoAmerica for 2025,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing and Advertising at American Honda. “The Real Steel Honda Racing and Jones Honda teams are both very solid efforts headed by great people, and they’ve signed some talented riders. We’re looking forward to them showing what the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is capable of.”
The Real Steel and Jones Honda teams are also both fielding efforts in MotoAmerica’s Talent Cup, the first round of which was held this past weekend in conjunction with the U.S. MotoGP stop in Austin, Texas. Intended to develop up-and-comers for eventual international-level racing, the division features young riders competing aboard Kramer motorcycles tuned by different teams. Real Steel is campaigning the class with 14-year-old Ian Fraley, while Jones Honda is entering 16-year old Julian Correa. In the two races at the opening doubleheader, Fraley and Correa posted results of 13-14 and 5-4, respectively.
Following this coming weekend’s race at Barber Motorsports Park, MotoAmerica goes on to visit eight more circuits before concluding at New Jersey Motorsports Park on September 28.
About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Power Sports & Products Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
Cremona Circuit test offers first look at WorldWCR class of 2025
The 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship kicks off preparations for another thrilling year as all 24 riders head to Italy’s Cremona Circuit for a two-day test on April 3rd and 4th.
With multiple practice sessions scheduled and ample time to work on bike setups, this will be the riders’ first opportunity to gauge themselves against their rivals before the action officially begins at Assen next weekend. Returning stars will be joined by eager rookies, all keen to set an early benchmark for the season ahead aboard their Yamaha R7 machines.
Sonya Lloyd gets a taste of MotoGP
American motorcycle racer Sonya Lloyd enjoyed an inspiring visit to the MotoGP paddock at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, just days ahead of her participation in the official WorldWCR pre-season test at Cremona Circuit in Italy.
The 22-year-old rider, preparing for her full-season debut in WorldWCR with Team Trasimeno, attended the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas accompanied by Mia Rushten, who competed in the inaugural 2024 season of WorldWCR before her campaign was curtailed by injury. The pair had the opportunity to meet MotoGP stars including Yamaha riders Jack Miller and Alex Rins, as well as Moto2 talents Izan Guevara and Tony Arbolino from BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha.
“MotoGP was a fantastic experience,” Lloyd said. “Meeting riders like Jack Miller and Alex Rins was incredible. Alex even took Mia and me into the Yamaha garage to show us the bikes without their bodywork, explaining all the complexities involved. It was truly inspiring.”
Following her wildcard appearance at the 2024 WorldWCR finale in Jerez, Lloyd secured a full-season ride for 2025 aboard a Yamaha YZF-R7. Her teammate for the season will be South Africa’s Jessica Howden.
Meeting international MotoGP media in Austin, Lloyd discussed her preparations and expectations for her rookie season:
“European racing is different: new circuits, different tyres, more lean angle,” she explained. “I’ve been training hard with the Yamaha R7 back home, adapting to Pirelli tyres and the riding style I’ll need this season. I’m aiming for consistent top-15 finishes, and by the end of the year, pushing into top-10 lap times.”
Reflecting on the significance of WorldWCR, Lloyd emphasised its importance as a stepping stone: “The Women’s Championship is fantastic for launching careers. Eventually, the goal is to earn opportunities in WorldSSP or WorldSBK. It’s a strong starting point, but not the final destination.”
Lloyd and her fellow competitors will have their first official chance to fully acclimatise to their 2025 machinery during the Cremona Circuit test this week, before the championship begins with the Pirelli Dutch Round at Assen next week.
WorldSBK stars lend a hand with 2025 bike allocation
WorldSBK riders attending the Pirelli Portuguese Round in Portimao assisted in the draw to allocate Yamaha R7 bikes to WorldWCR riders for the 2025 season. The draw took place in front of the Portuguese crowd on Saturday evening during the Paddock Show “Supershow,” which traditionally gathers riders from all three classes following Race 1.
| Bike | Chassis | # | Rider | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x542 | 64 | Sara Sanchez | Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha |
| 2 | x537 | 4 | Emily Bondi | ZELOS Trasimeno |
| 3 | x541 | 96 | Roberta Ponziani | Klint Forward Racing Team |
| 4 | x543 | 32 | Sonya Lloyd | Team Trasimeno |
| 5 | x093 | 33 | Chun Mei Liu | WT Team Taiwan |
| 6 | x094 | 99 | Isis Carreno | Pons Italika Racing FIMLA |
| 7 | x096 | 14 | Mallory Dobbs | Diva Racing |
| 8 | x097 | 94 | Beatrice Barbera | Team GP3 AD11 |
| 9 | x098 | 20 | Natalia Rivera | Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha |
| 10 | x100 | 6 | Maria Herrera | Klint Forward Racing Team |
| 11 | x101 | 15 | Chloe Jones | GR Motosport |
| 12 | x335 | 16 | Lucy Michel | TSL-Racing |
| 13 | x105 | 28 | Ornella Ongaro | 511 Riders Experience |
| 14 | x243 | 22 | Madalena Simoes | FB Racing Team |
| 15 | x408 | 36 | Beatriz Neila | Ampito Crescent Yamaha |
| 16 | x092 | 8 | Tayla Relph | Full Throttle Racing |
| 17 | x245 | 21 | Avalon Lewis | Carl Cox Motorsports |
| 18 | x546 | 83 | Astrid Madrigal | Pons Italika Racing FIMLA |
| 19 | x551 | 29 | Billee Fuller | Carl Cox Motorsports |
| 20 | x618 | 17 | Lucie Boudesseul | GMT94-YAMAHA |
| 21 | x552 | 19 | Adela Ourednickova | Dafitmotoracing |
| 22 | x099 | 46 | Pakita Ruiz | PR46+1 Racing Team |
| 23 | x336 | 52 | Jessica Howden | Team Trasimeno |
| 24 | x345 | 76 | Jamie Hanks-Elliott | Hanks Racing |
About WorldWCR
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) is a groundbreaking single-make series exclusively for aspiring female riders, featuring the Yamaha R7. Building on the success of its inaugural season in 2024, which saw Ana Carrasco crowned, the series aims to continue advancing women’s motorsport by fostering new talent and showcasing competitive racing on a global stage.
With six rounds scheduled for 2025, the WorldWCR offers emerging talent an equal platform to showcase their skills alongside the world’s best riders. By addressing disparities and breaking down barriers, the series empowers women to reach new heights in professional racing. As a dedicated space for female riders, WorldWCR celebrates skill, passion, and diversity. It inspires the next generation of female racers while shaping a more inclusive motorsport landscape.
The 2025 WorldWCR calendar at a glance
1. Dutch Round, TT Circuit Assen – 11-13 April
2. Acerbis Italian Round, Cremona Circuit, 2-4 May
3. Prosecco DOC UK Round, Donington Park, 11-13 July
4. Hungarian Round, Balaton Park Circuit* – 25-27 July
5. French Round, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, 5-7 September
6. Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto – 17-19 October
* Subject to homologation
MotoAmerica’s Talent Cup series kicked off in front of a global audience, sharing the track with the MotoGP World Championship at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at the Circuit of The Americas.
In each of two races, 14 of the 15 riders entered finished, with Alessandro Di Mario winning Race One in a runaway and Bodie Paige holding off Di Mario by just over a second in Race Two.
At first glance, the Talent Cup paddock looked a bit like a downsized MotoAmerica race weekend paddock. Between the Parts Unlimited tractor semi-trailer, the MotoAmerica rig and support setups from Dunlop were full-scale trailer setups from some of the bigger teams in MotoAmerica. Warhorse HSBK Ducati, fresh off the win at the Daytona 200, teamed with Moto2’s American Racing to field Di Mario in Fast by Ferracci leathers. Tytlers Cycle Racing backed Hank Vossberg. Real Steel Honda backed Ian Fraley, MP13 fielded Ella Dreher, and the new Kenny Roberts team with Kody Kopp had a pit setup that would be the envy of many teams in the Superbike World Championship support series.
And the bikes would not have looked out of place at an International-level event where smaller, sub-Moto3 Grand Prix bikes are campaigned. The Kramer APX-350 MA comes with race-ready suspension, data acquisition equipment mounting points, race handlebar switches, and a track-ready chassis.
Riders found a bike that was different than what they had been racing elsewhere in the States. Dreher, who moved to the Talent Cup series from Junior Cup, was moving from a bike that made about 45 horsepower to one that makes a claimed 55 horsepower from a KTM EXC-F 350cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. And the Kramer weighed at least 60 pounds less that the Junior Cup machine she raced last year.
“It’s a little faster, but the difference isn’t that big,” Dreher said. “The biggest difference is that it’s so much lighter. You go to turn it in and it’s like, holy crap!”
In addition to racing in Talent Cup, Di Mario also races an Aprilia RS660 in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup class. As such, he compares the Kramer to his Aprilia racebike that weighs nearly 100 pounds more and makes nearly twice the horsepower.
“This one, obviously, doesn’t have as much power,” Di Mario said. “But in the transitions it’s just flick-flick-flick. What it teaches you is just how fast you can go to full lean. You’re going from straight up to on its side immediately.”
The next Talent Cup round is set for the MotoAmerica season-opener at Barber Motorsports Park on April 4-6.
Team Suzuki CN Challenge is returning to the FIM Endurance World Championship this summer when it contests the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race – only this time it will do so with 100% sustainable fuel.
Following its debut in Japan’s EWC counter last season with a motorcycle using 40% bio-sourced fuel, Team Suzuki Challenge is shifting to 100% sustainable fuel as it goes for back-to-back wins in the Experimental class.
A Team Suzuki CN Challenge communication read: “Aiming to achieve both a higher level of environmental load reduction and improved competitiveness, Team Suzuki CN Challenge, which is composed of Suzuki employees, will promote machine development for functioning various sustainable items, including 100% sustainable fuel shifted from last year’s 40% bio-sourced fuel. Together with the partner companies, we will take on the challenge of exceeding the previous year’s result of eighth place overall.
“To further accelerate the development of environmental performance technologies through competition under the demanding conditions of endurance racing, we will work with higher targets to aim for technical feedback for future products.”
Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, said: “Although it was a whole new challenge for the company in the previous year’s participation, thanks to the support of partner companies including Yoshimura Japan, as well as enthusiastic cheers from our fans, we were able to achieve eighth place overall. We will continue to participate this year in the Suzuka 8 Hours as a part of the company’s technology development in the sustainability field. This not only means that we’re simply continuing our activity, but we’re also having the purpose of overcoming various issues by setting higher goals, and I believe that by making products as one team along with our partner companies, it would lead to realizing a better future. I kindly ask for everyone’s cheers.”
Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Executive General Manager, Motorcycle Operations, said: “Last year, Team Suzuki CN Challenge completed the severe endurance of Suzuka 8 Hours while reducing environmental loads, and by doing so, we were able to take one significant step toward the future of internal combustion and motorsports. While overcoming the issues revealed from our previous activity, this year we will expand the use of sustainable items and make efforts for technology development toward taking on the challenge of further sustainability performance. We will challenge in this year’s 8 Hours by going beyond the field of CN (Carbon Neutrality) and holding a theme of broadly reducing environmental loads. I ask for your kind support.”
Jean-Baptiste Ley, Motorsport Events Director, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, said: “Once again, we can only applaud Suzuki for this vital initiative and for all it is doing to promote sustainable motorsport. The debut of Team Suzuki CN Challenge at Suzuka last season was not only very impressive with eighth place overall, it also underlined Suzuki’s environmental credentials and commitment. The developments for this season, including the switch to 100% sustainable fuel, simply amplifies this incredible effort. Hopefully other motorcycle manufacturers will emulate Suzuki’s achievements in the near future.”
Team Suzuki CN Challenge essentials :
Motorcycle: Suzuki GSX-R1000R
Race number: #0
Fuel: TotalEnergies’ Excellium Racing 100 (100% certified* sustainable fuel)
Tyres: Bridgestone racing tyres with increased ratio of recycled and recyclable materials
Engine oil: Motul engine oil made using bio-sourced base oil
Fairings: JHI recycled carbon material (pre-preg material)
Fenders: Tras, Bcomp® (Unbleached natural flax fibre composite material)
Front brake: Sunstar Engineering non-heat-treatment steel discs, Sunstar Engineering / Tokai Carbon low-dust pads
Battery: ELIIY Power LFP battery for motorcycle, storage battery for the garage
Silencer: Yoshimura Japan silencer made of TranTixxii™ -Eco (Eco-friendly titanium)
Uniform: RS Taichi team polo shirt made of 100% recycled fabric
*Excellium Racing 100 is a certified 100% sustainable product according to the mass balanced system applied by a voluntary certification organization approved by the European Union
*Bcomp is a registered trademark of Switzerland Bcomp Ltd
Team Suzuki CN Challenge team structure:
Team name: Team Suzuki CN Challenge
Test rider: Takuya Tsuda
Project leader/Team director: Shinichi Sahara
Technical manager: Koji Tamura
Crew chief: Takeshi Konno
Find out more:
https://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/race/teamsuzukicnchallenge/2025/
The 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race takes place from 1-3 August as round three of the season, while the 24 Heures Motos forms the opening round from 17-20 April. Ticket information is available HERE
In addition to all of the starting grid confusion just before the start of the MotoGP Grand Prix race on Sunday at the Circuit of The Americas, the BMW safety car also crashed. Fan footage of the car spinning and hitting the wall has been posted on YouTube. Note how dark the track is here, and you start to understand why the majority of MotoGP teams had chosen to start the race on rain tires. You can watch it here:
The 2024 British Superbike Championship-winning team has withdrawn from the 2025 season, according to statements released by the series promoter and the team.
“We have been advised today (Tuesday) by our reigning Bennetts British Superbike Championship-winning team OMG Racing Yamaha that due to a significant unforeseen commercial matter they are unable to participate in the 2025 Championship,” said a statement by Motorsport Vision Racing, which promotes several British motorcycle road racing series.
OMG Racing entered the series in 2018 and won the 2024 title with Kyle Ryde and the 2022 Championship with Bradley Ray.
“As the promoter we are both shocked and saddened by this news, naturally this is devastating for the team and staff with such close proximity to the start of the season. However, in terms of the riders, MSVR as the promoter is actively pursuing alternative routes for their participation this season.
“The Bennetts British Superbike Championship recognise OMG Racing’s achievements since first entering the series in 2018, celebrating title victories in 2022 and 2024.”
OMG posted on its website confirmation of the MSVR report.
“OMG Racing are deeply saddened to announce that due to significant commercial circumstances beyond our control, the reigning Champions will no longer be competing in the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
“Since our entry in 2018, we have strived relentlessly to become arguably the strongest team in the series, and thanks to the drive & determination of Team Principal Paul Curran & the wider team, have achieved two Riders’ & Teams’ Championship titles, alongside the Manufacturers’ title with Yamaha in 2024,” the statement read.
The first official test of the BSB season is set for April 6-7 at Circuito de Navarra in Spain, with the first race meeting scheduled for May 3-5 at Oulton Park.
On the Front Cover: Josh Hayes turned 50 years old and won his 89th AMA Pro/Moto America National race at Barber, breaking the record for career wins and beating
racers decades younger! He did it in Supersport on a BPR Racing Yamaha
YZF-R9 built by Bryce Kornbau (nee Prince). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
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APRIL 2025 ISSUE
FEATURES
Inside Info: BMW launches its 1300cc R 1300 R Horizontally-Opposed
Twin; Ducati introduces the Desmo450 MX racebike; Aprilia is backing an RSV4 1100 in MotoAmerica Stock 1000, and more…
Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1970 Kawasaki H1R Triple
Quick Look: KTM 990 Duke: More, More, More!
Intro: Yamaha YZF-R9: The Sportbike Transition
Interview: Aldo Drudi, MotoGP Painter And Designer
Hanging With: Sean Dylan Kelly, MotoAmerica Superbike Winner
RACING
MotoGP: Marquez & Bagnaia Win In The Americas
MotoGP Notes: Marc Marquez Creates Starting Grid Chaos
MotoAmerica Superbike: Beaubier & Gagne Win Again At Barber
MotoAmerica Inside Info: Yamaha YZF-R9’s Winning Debut
MotoAmerica Talent Cup: Part Of The Road To MotoGP Program
World Superbike: : Return Of The Toprak Cup In Portugal
World Superbike Notes: Toprak & BMW Return To Form
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: : A Reader With No Kids Offers Advice To Racer
Parents, and more…
10 Years Ago: Racing Editor Chris Ulrich is on the cover of the April 2015
issue, testing the new Yamaha YZF-R1 in Australia. Historic Racebike
Illustrations featured the 1978 0W35K, the 500cc four-cylinder two-stroke Yamaha that Kenny Roberts used to win his first World Championship. Mat Oxley recounted the 40th anniversary of Giacomo Agostini becoming the first rider to win the 500cc World Championship on a two-stroke.
The Crash Page: : Bagnaia’s Ducati, Upside Down
Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride
High Performance Parts & Services Directory
Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer—Riding In The Wet And Dry At Sonoma
*******************************************************************
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Not all classes run at every 2025 MotoAmerica event. This chart shows which classes are racing at each MotoAmerica event, with numbers indicating how many races each class runs at each event.
0425 web Competitor Bulletin 03-2025
The record-breaking crowds will welcome MotoGP for another five Grands Prix.
Le Mans set a new all-time attendance record for MotoGP in 2023 and then broke it again last year. Now, the unbelievable crowds at the French Grand Prix can look forward to another five editions guaranteed, with the event confirmed on the calendar until 2031.
The fans make the French GP a true spectacle every year as they flock to enjoy a weekend packed full of entertainment – even beyond the track action for the most exciting sport on Earth. From dawn till dusk, Le Mans has something happening to entertain every fan, from everywhere, as the organisers set a standard that continues to prove a benchmark.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports: “France already has an incredible legacy in motorsport, and we’re proud that our French Grand Prix has added to that at the same time as attracting a huge new wave of fans to the event, area and to the sport itself. We are the biggest sporting event in France and the grandstands reflect our growing and diverse audience, showcasing exactly what we want to see around the world as the sport continues to grow exponentially. France is a vital market for us and working with PHA Claude Michy, we couldn’t ask for more.”
Claude Michy, PHA Claude Michy: “The privilege is having met many years ago, Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO of Dorna, who has always placed his trust in me. I have great respect for him and deep gratitude because he has managed to evolve MotoGP and turn it into this incredible show.”Our promoter contract expires in 2026, and I am delighted, honoured, and proud to announce that it will be extended until 2031.”
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Primed for 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Title Fight
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne and Bobby Fong are eager to launch their 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike title campaigns this weekend in Alabama
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing is eager to get the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike season started this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. The championship-winning program looks to launch its campaign for a fifth title with returning three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne and new addition Bobby Fong.
Entering his sixth season with the team, Gagne is fired up for the 2025 season and looks to reclaim the crown. The Colorado rider has enjoyed a lot of success aboard the YZF-R1 during his tenure, including three successive titles (2021-2023) and an impressive 41 race victories. Gagne now sets his sights on 2025 and looks to add more wins to his record this weekend at the opening round in Alabama.
New to the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing team for 2025, Fong is eager to get the season started. The 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion has five MotoAmerica Superbike wins to his resume and finished third overall last season with two wins and a total of eight podiums. After a productive off-season with his new team, Fong looks to battle for top honors and kick off his title run this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“After a long winter break, we’re excited to get back to racing and visit our fans at Barber Motorsports Park. We made some good progress with our Yamaha R1s during off-season testing, and the team is eager to show their capability. Jake is in a good place and ready to win. Bobby has been fast at every test and is living up to expectations. It will be an exciting season of racing.”
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #32
“I’m excited to get 2025 rolling! Last year was definitely tough, but the team and I are ready to get back in the fight. We’ve had some good testing this off-season and starting the year off at Barber will be cool as the R1 has always loved that track.”
Bobby Fong – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #50
“I’m excited to get the season kicked off. I feel like we made some steps on the Yamaha R1 and I look forward to bringing the fight this weekend at Barber.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A. (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.
Honda Ramps Up Participation in MotoAmerica
CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP to be campaigned in three classes
Real Steel leading Honda’s U.S. road racing effort
Jones Honda also fielding a serious road racing program
Ahead of MotoAmerica’s opening 2025 Superbike round in Birmingham, Alabama, this weekend, American Honda today announced their expanded involvement in the top U.S. road racing series. The program is headlined by a trio of racers aboard Honda’s flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, competing in three classes: the premier Superbike division, the production-based Stock 1000 category, and the Superbike Cup (a class within the Superbike class, for Stock 1000 racers who wish to campaign their bikes in that division).
Leading the charge is the Real Steel Honda Racing team, which features direct backing from American Honda, along with additional support from Chattanooga, Tennessee, dealership Southern Honda Powersports. Jerry Nickell is the Team Principal, with Mark Junge serving as Technical Director and Robbie Petersen in the Team Coordinator role.
The squad earned last year’s Stock 1000 title at the hands of Hayden Gillim, who this year will campaign the Fireblade in the Superbike division. A 30-year-old native of Owensboro, Kentucky, Gillim is a racing veteran, having won his first Amateur Dirt Track Grand Championship at age 6. A cousin of the famous racing Hayden brothers (who he is named after), Gillim typically runs number 69 as an homage to the late Nicky Hayden. He also has past accomplishments with other brands, including the 2023 Stock 1000 and King of the Baggers crowns.
In addition, Real Steel will field JD Beach in Stock 1000 and the Superbike Cup. Another veteran racer (he is 33) with experience in both dirt track and road racing, Beach has titles including the 2008 Red Bull Rookies Cup, the 2010 AMA Pro Supersport East crown and two MotoAmerica Supersport Championships (2015 and 2018). Although he was born in Washington State, Beach grew up with the Hayden and Gillim families in Kentucky.
“A couple years ago, Jerry and Hayden had the vision of creating a national-level Superbike team, and Honda was in their sights,” Petersen said. “They really made a statement last year, and they’ve established a relationship with Southern Powersports and American Honda. We’re very proud to be in a position where the team is welcoming Honda back into Superbike. Expectations in Superbike are a bit of a building process; it’s a big step up, but we’ve got realistic goals. I think we’re going to be on the podium sooner than some might expect, as the bike has a huge amount of potential.”
Also of note is the private Jones Honda squad, which operates out of the Columbia, Missouri, dealership of the same name. The team is again supporting Georgia-native Ashton Yates, who earned the 2024 Superbike Cup crown aboard a CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. The son of former factory AMA Superbike racer Aaron Yates (who is the team’s lead mechanic), Ashton will campaign both Superbike and Stock 1000. Darrel Jones is the Team Principal, John Blike is the Team Coordinator and Cameron Jones heads up data management. CJR Performance handles dyno tuning and electronics, and backing comes from American Honda, Progressive and Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals.
“Last year, we were using the same bike for both classes, and it was amazing how well that Honda held up,” said Cameron Jones, who is a former MotoAmerica racer himself. “We ran the same clutch all year, and we never had a mechanical; that’s really what wins championships—getting points and staying on top of the box. This year we’re using two bikes, including a semi-stock bike in Superbike. We’d be ecstatic to get into the top five or six in that class, and for Stock 1000, the goal is to bring home the championship.”
The Jones Honda project is an example of what is possible with Honda’s generous MotoAmerica offering in the 2025 Red Rider Rewards contingency program. Available to riders of various Honda powersports models, the program offers a total of $1,425,500 in MotoAmerica alone, from $25,000 for a Superbike-class race win, to $50 for a third-place finish in a Mini Cup Stock 50 regional race.
“Honda has a proud heritage in U.S. road racing, so it’s exciting to be stepping up our representation in MotoAmerica for 2025,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing and Advertising at American Honda. “The Real Steel Honda Racing and Jones Honda teams are both very solid efforts headed by great people, and they’ve signed some talented riders. We’re looking forward to them showing what the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is capable of.”
The Real Steel and Jones Honda teams are also both fielding efforts in MotoAmerica’s Talent Cup, the first round of which was held this past weekend in conjunction with the U.S. MotoGP stop in Austin, Texas. Intended to develop up-and-comers for eventual international-level racing, the division features young riders competing aboard Kramer motorcycles tuned by different teams. Real Steel is campaigning the class with 14-year-old Ian Fraley, while Jones Honda is entering 16-year old Julian Correa. In the two races at the opening doubleheader, Fraley and Correa posted results of 13-14 and 5-4, respectively.
Following this coming weekend’s race at Barber Motorsports Park, MotoAmerica goes on to visit eight more circuits before concluding at New Jersey Motorsports Park on September 28.
About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Power Sports & Products Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
Cremona Circuit test offers first look at WorldWCR class of 2025
The 2025 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship kicks off preparations for another thrilling year as all 24 riders head to Italy’s Cremona Circuit for a two-day test on April 3rd and 4th.
With multiple practice sessions scheduled and ample time to work on bike setups, this will be the riders’ first opportunity to gauge themselves against their rivals before the action officially begins at Assen next weekend. Returning stars will be joined by eager rookies, all keen to set an early benchmark for the season ahead aboard their Yamaha R7 machines.
Sonya Lloyd gets a taste of MotoGP
American motorcycle racer Sonya Lloyd enjoyed an inspiring visit to the MotoGP paddock at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, just days ahead of her participation in the official WorldWCR pre-season test at Cremona Circuit in Italy.
The 22-year-old rider, preparing for her full-season debut in WorldWCR with Team Trasimeno, attended the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas accompanied by Mia Rushten, who competed in the inaugural 2024 season of WorldWCR before her campaign was curtailed by injury. The pair had the opportunity to meet MotoGP stars including Yamaha riders Jack Miller and Alex Rins, as well as Moto2 talents Izan Guevara and Tony Arbolino from BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha.
“MotoGP was a fantastic experience,” Lloyd said. “Meeting riders like Jack Miller and Alex Rins was incredible. Alex even took Mia and me into the Yamaha garage to show us the bikes without their bodywork, explaining all the complexities involved. It was truly inspiring.”
Following her wildcard appearance at the 2024 WorldWCR finale in Jerez, Lloyd secured a full-season ride for 2025 aboard a Yamaha YZF-R7. Her teammate for the season will be South Africa’s Jessica Howden.
Meeting international MotoGP media in Austin, Lloyd discussed her preparations and expectations for her rookie season:
“European racing is different: new circuits, different tyres, more lean angle,” she explained. “I’ve been training hard with the Yamaha R7 back home, adapting to Pirelli tyres and the riding style I’ll need this season. I’m aiming for consistent top-15 finishes, and by the end of the year, pushing into top-10 lap times.”
Reflecting on the significance of WorldWCR, Lloyd emphasised its importance as a stepping stone: “The Women’s Championship is fantastic for launching careers. Eventually, the goal is to earn opportunities in WorldSSP or WorldSBK. It’s a strong starting point, but not the final destination.”
Lloyd and her fellow competitors will have their first official chance to fully acclimatise to their 2025 machinery during the Cremona Circuit test this week, before the championship begins with the Pirelli Dutch Round at Assen next week.
WorldSBK stars lend a hand with 2025 bike allocation
WorldSBK riders attending the Pirelli Portuguese Round in Portimao assisted in the draw to allocate Yamaha R7 bikes to WorldWCR riders for the 2025 season. The draw took place in front of the Portuguese crowd on Saturday evening during the Paddock Show “Supershow,” which traditionally gathers riders from all three classes following Race 1.
| Bike | Chassis | # | Rider | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x542 | 64 | Sara Sanchez | Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha |
| 2 | x537 | 4 | Emily Bondi | ZELOS Trasimeno |
| 3 | x541 | 96 | Roberta Ponziani | Klint Forward Racing Team |
| 4 | x543 | 32 | Sonya Lloyd | Team Trasimeno |
| 5 | x093 | 33 | Chun Mei Liu | WT Team Taiwan |
| 6 | x094 | 99 | Isis Carreno | Pons Italika Racing FIMLA |
| 7 | x096 | 14 | Mallory Dobbs | Diva Racing |
| 8 | x097 | 94 | Beatrice Barbera | Team GP3 AD11 |
| 9 | x098 | 20 | Natalia Rivera | Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha |
| 10 | x100 | 6 | Maria Herrera | Klint Forward Racing Team |
| 11 | x101 | 15 | Chloe Jones | GR Motosport |
| 12 | x335 | 16 | Lucy Michel | TSL-Racing |
| 13 | x105 | 28 | Ornella Ongaro | 511 Riders Experience |
| 14 | x243 | 22 | Madalena Simoes | FB Racing Team |
| 15 | x408 | 36 | Beatriz Neila | Ampito Crescent Yamaha |
| 16 | x092 | 8 | Tayla Relph | Full Throttle Racing |
| 17 | x245 | 21 | Avalon Lewis | Carl Cox Motorsports |
| 18 | x546 | 83 | Astrid Madrigal | Pons Italika Racing FIMLA |
| 19 | x551 | 29 | Billee Fuller | Carl Cox Motorsports |
| 20 | x618 | 17 | Lucie Boudesseul | GMT94-YAMAHA |
| 21 | x552 | 19 | Adela Ourednickova | Dafitmotoracing |
| 22 | x099 | 46 | Pakita Ruiz | PR46+1 Racing Team |
| 23 | x336 | 52 | Jessica Howden | Team Trasimeno |
| 24 | x345 | 76 | Jamie Hanks-Elliott | Hanks Racing |
About WorldWCR
The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) is a groundbreaking single-make series exclusively for aspiring female riders, featuring the Yamaha R7. Building on the success of its inaugural season in 2024, which saw Ana Carrasco crowned, the series aims to continue advancing women’s motorsport by fostering new talent and showcasing competitive racing on a global stage.
With six rounds scheduled for 2025, the WorldWCR offers emerging talent an equal platform to showcase their skills alongside the world’s best riders. By addressing disparities and breaking down barriers, the series empowers women to reach new heights in professional racing. As a dedicated space for female riders, WorldWCR celebrates skill, passion, and diversity. It inspires the next generation of female racers while shaping a more inclusive motorsport landscape.
The 2025 WorldWCR calendar at a glance
1. Dutch Round, TT Circuit Assen – 11-13 April
2. Acerbis Italian Round, Cremona Circuit, 2-4 May
3. Prosecco DOC UK Round, Donington Park, 11-13 July
4. Hungarian Round, Balaton Park Circuit* – 25-27 July
5. French Round, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, 5-7 September
6. Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto – 17-19 October
* Subject to homologation
MotoAmerica’s Talent Cup series kicked off in front of a global audience, sharing the track with the MotoGP World Championship at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at the Circuit of The Americas.
In each of two races, 14 of the 15 riders entered finished, with Alessandro Di Mario winning Race One in a runaway and Bodie Paige holding off Di Mario by just over a second in Race Two.
At first glance, the Talent Cup paddock looked a bit like a downsized MotoAmerica race weekend paddock. Between the Parts Unlimited tractor semi-trailer, the MotoAmerica rig and support setups from Dunlop were full-scale trailer setups from some of the bigger teams in MotoAmerica. Warhorse HSBK Ducati, fresh off the win at the Daytona 200, teamed with Moto2’s American Racing to field Di Mario in Fast by Ferracci leathers. Tytlers Cycle Racing backed Hank Vossberg. Real Steel Honda backed Ian Fraley, MP13 fielded Ella Dreher, and the new Kenny Roberts team with Kody Kopp had a pit setup that would be the envy of many teams in the Superbike World Championship support series.
And the bikes would not have looked out of place at an International-level event where smaller, sub-Moto3 Grand Prix bikes are campaigned. The Kramer APX-350 MA comes with race-ready suspension, data acquisition equipment mounting points, race handlebar switches, and a track-ready chassis.
Riders found a bike that was different than what they had been racing elsewhere in the States. Dreher, who moved to the Talent Cup series from Junior Cup, was moving from a bike that made about 45 horsepower to one that makes a claimed 55 horsepower from a KTM EXC-F 350cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. And the Kramer weighed at least 60 pounds less that the Junior Cup machine she raced last year.
“It’s a little faster, but the difference isn’t that big,” Dreher said. “The biggest difference is that it’s so much lighter. You go to turn it in and it’s like, holy crap!”
In addition to racing in Talent Cup, Di Mario also races an Aprilia RS660 in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup class. As such, he compares the Kramer to his Aprilia racebike that weighs nearly 100 pounds more and makes nearly twice the horsepower.
“This one, obviously, doesn’t have as much power,” Di Mario said. “But in the transitions it’s just flick-flick-flick. What it teaches you is just how fast you can go to full lean. You’re going from straight up to on its side immediately.”
The next Talent Cup round is set for the MotoAmerica season-opener at Barber Motorsports Park on April 4-6.
Team Suzuki CN Challenge is returning to the FIM Endurance World Championship this summer when it contests the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race – only this time it will do so with 100% sustainable fuel.
Following its debut in Japan’s EWC counter last season with a motorcycle using 40% bio-sourced fuel, Team Suzuki Challenge is shifting to 100% sustainable fuel as it goes for back-to-back wins in the Experimental class.
A Team Suzuki CN Challenge communication read: “Aiming to achieve both a higher level of environmental load reduction and improved competitiveness, Team Suzuki CN Challenge, which is composed of Suzuki employees, will promote machine development for functioning various sustainable items, including 100% sustainable fuel shifted from last year’s 40% bio-sourced fuel. Together with the partner companies, we will take on the challenge of exceeding the previous year’s result of eighth place overall.
“To further accelerate the development of environmental performance technologies through competition under the demanding conditions of endurance racing, we will work with higher targets to aim for technical feedback for future products.”
Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, said: “Although it was a whole new challenge for the company in the previous year’s participation, thanks to the support of partner companies including Yoshimura Japan, as well as enthusiastic cheers from our fans, we were able to achieve eighth place overall. We will continue to participate this year in the Suzuka 8 Hours as a part of the company’s technology development in the sustainability field. This not only means that we’re simply continuing our activity, but we’re also having the purpose of overcoming various issues by setting higher goals, and I believe that by making products as one team along with our partner companies, it would lead to realizing a better future. I kindly ask for everyone’s cheers.”
Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Executive General Manager, Motorcycle Operations, said: “Last year, Team Suzuki CN Challenge completed the severe endurance of Suzuka 8 Hours while reducing environmental loads, and by doing so, we were able to take one significant step toward the future of internal combustion and motorsports. While overcoming the issues revealed from our previous activity, this year we will expand the use of sustainable items and make efforts for technology development toward taking on the challenge of further sustainability performance. We will challenge in this year’s 8 Hours by going beyond the field of CN (Carbon Neutrality) and holding a theme of broadly reducing environmental loads. I ask for your kind support.”
Jean-Baptiste Ley, Motorsport Events Director, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, said: “Once again, we can only applaud Suzuki for this vital initiative and for all it is doing to promote sustainable motorsport. The debut of Team Suzuki CN Challenge at Suzuka last season was not only very impressive with eighth place overall, it also underlined Suzuki’s environmental credentials and commitment. The developments for this season, including the switch to 100% sustainable fuel, simply amplifies this incredible effort. Hopefully other motorcycle manufacturers will emulate Suzuki’s achievements in the near future.”
Team Suzuki CN Challenge essentials :
Motorcycle: Suzuki GSX-R1000R
Race number: #0
Fuel: TotalEnergies’ Excellium Racing 100 (100% certified* sustainable fuel)
Tyres: Bridgestone racing tyres with increased ratio of recycled and recyclable materials
Engine oil: Motul engine oil made using bio-sourced base oil
Fairings: JHI recycled carbon material (pre-preg material)
Fenders: Tras, Bcomp® (Unbleached natural flax fibre composite material)
Front brake: Sunstar Engineering non-heat-treatment steel discs, Sunstar Engineering / Tokai Carbon low-dust pads
Battery: ELIIY Power LFP battery for motorcycle, storage battery for the garage
Silencer: Yoshimura Japan silencer made of TranTixxii™ -Eco (Eco-friendly titanium)
Uniform: RS Taichi team polo shirt made of 100% recycled fabric
*Excellium Racing 100 is a certified 100% sustainable product according to the mass balanced system applied by a voluntary certification organization approved by the European Union
*Bcomp is a registered trademark of Switzerland Bcomp Ltd
Team Suzuki CN Challenge team structure:
Team name: Team Suzuki CN Challenge
Test rider: Takuya Tsuda
Project leader/Team director: Shinichi Sahara
Technical manager: Koji Tamura
Crew chief: Takeshi Konno
Find out more:
https://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/race/teamsuzukicnchallenge/2025/
The 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race takes place from 1-3 August as round three of the season, while the 24 Heures Motos forms the opening round from 17-20 April. Ticket information is available HERE
In addition to all of the starting grid confusion just before the start of the MotoGP Grand Prix race on Sunday at the Circuit of The Americas, the BMW safety car also crashed. Fan footage of the car spinning and hitting the wall has been posted on YouTube. Note how dark the track is here, and you start to understand why the majority of MotoGP teams had chosen to start the race on rain tires. You can watch it here:
The 2024 British Superbike Championship-winning team has withdrawn from the 2025 season, according to statements released by the series promoter and the team.
“We have been advised today (Tuesday) by our reigning Bennetts British Superbike Championship-winning team OMG Racing Yamaha that due to a significant unforeseen commercial matter they are unable to participate in the 2025 Championship,” said a statement by Motorsport Vision Racing, which promotes several British motorcycle road racing series.
OMG Racing entered the series in 2018 and won the 2024 title with Kyle Ryde and the 2022 Championship with Bradley Ray.
“As the promoter we are both shocked and saddened by this news, naturally this is devastating for the team and staff with such close proximity to the start of the season. However, in terms of the riders, MSVR as the promoter is actively pursuing alternative routes for their participation this season.
“The Bennetts British Superbike Championship recognise OMG Racing’s achievements since first entering the series in 2018, celebrating title victories in 2022 and 2024.”
OMG posted on its website confirmation of the MSVR report.
“OMG Racing are deeply saddened to announce that due to significant commercial circumstances beyond our control, the reigning Champions will no longer be competing in the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
“Since our entry in 2018, we have strived relentlessly to become arguably the strongest team in the series, and thanks to the drive & determination of Team Principal Paul Curran & the wider team, have achieved two Riders’ & Teams’ Championship titles, alongside the Manufacturers’ title with Yamaha in 2024,” the statement read.
The first official test of the BSB season is set for April 6-7 at Circuito de Navarra in Spain, with the first race meeting scheduled for May 3-5 at Oulton Park.
On the Front Cover: Josh Hayes turned 50 years old and won his 89th AMA Pro/Moto America National race at Barber, breaking the record for career wins and beating
racers decades younger! He did it in Supersport on a BPR Racing Yamaha
YZF-R9 built by Bryce Kornbau (nee Prince). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
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APRIL 2025 ISSUE
FEATURES
Inside Info: BMW launches its 1300cc R 1300 R Horizontally-Opposed
Twin; Ducati introduces the Desmo450 MX racebike; Aprilia is backing an RSV4 1100 in MotoAmerica Stock 1000, and more…
Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1970 Kawasaki H1R Triple
Quick Look: KTM 990 Duke: More, More, More!
Intro: Yamaha YZF-R9: The Sportbike Transition
Interview: Aldo Drudi, MotoGP Painter And Designer
Hanging With: Sean Dylan Kelly, MotoAmerica Superbike Winner
RACING
MotoGP: Marquez & Bagnaia Win In The Americas
MotoGP Notes: Marc Marquez Creates Starting Grid Chaos
MotoAmerica Superbike: Beaubier & Gagne Win Again At Barber
MotoAmerica Inside Info: Yamaha YZF-R9’s Winning Debut
MotoAmerica Talent Cup: Part Of The Road To MotoGP Program
World Superbike: : Return Of The Toprak Cup In Portugal
World Superbike Notes: Toprak & BMW Return To Form
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: : A Reader With No Kids Offers Advice To Racer
Parents, and more…
10 Years Ago: Racing Editor Chris Ulrich is on the cover of the April 2015
issue, testing the new Yamaha YZF-R1 in Australia. Historic Racebike
Illustrations featured the 1978 0W35K, the 500cc four-cylinder two-stroke Yamaha that Kenny Roberts used to win his first World Championship. Mat Oxley recounted the 40th anniversary of Giacomo Agostini becoming the first rider to win the 500cc World Championship on a two-stroke.
The Crash Page: : Bagnaia’s Ducati, Upside Down
Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride
High Performance Parts & Services Directory
Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer—Riding In The Wet And Dry At Sonoma
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