ASRA: Mesa Breaks Lap Record At Summit Point

David Swarts

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August 15, 2023

ASRA: Mesa Breaks Lap Record At Summit Point

Stefano Mesa Breaks Lap Record at Summit Point Motorsports Park

Summit Point, WV – At Round 14 on August 13, 2023, during the Unlimited Supersport race, Stefano Mesa broke the existing lap record of 1:10:551 and set a new lap record of 1:10:417 in an exhilarating display of skill and speed.

During the event, the previous record of 1:10:551 was lowered to 1:10:498 by Mesa on lap three of the Unlimited GP race on a Pirelli Diablo Superbike SCX rear tire. Then, during lap three of the Unlimited Supersport race, Mesa used a Pirelli Diablo Superbike SCQ rear tire to set the new outright record at 1:10:417.

With a time that defied expectations, Mesa achieved the new lap record on his 2023 Kawasaki ZX-10R, leaving spectators and fellow competitors in awe at the American Superbike Racing Association (ASRA) event, hosted at Summit Point Motorsports Park.

Stefano Mesa said, “Breaking the lap record again at Summit Point Motorsports Park is a dream come true. The track’s challenging curves and straights demanded everything from me, and my team’s hard work paid off.”

ASRA’s Alex Spellman said, “We are thrilled to witness such a phenomenal performance at the track. Stefano Mesa’s team played an integral role in this victory, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving such remarkable results.”

Isle Of Man TT: Schedule Set For 2024

David Swarts

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August 15, 2023

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2024 ISLE OF MAN TT RACES DATES CONFIRMED

TT 2024 will once again commence on the Bank Holiday Monday (27th May) with free practice taking place in the morning followed by the first qualifying session in the afternoon and will conclude with the Milwaukee Senior TT Race taking place on Saturday 8th June 2024.

You can expect the race schedule to follow a similar format to 2023 with a second race for the Superstock and Supertwin classes. The ten race programme will take place across three sets of back-to-back race days split by two rest days.

2023 saw an incredible two weeks of history making and record breaking racing, as around the world we watched Michael Dunlop try to surpass his Uncle Joey’s record number of TT wins and become the most successful TT rider of all time. 2024 will be another year not to be missed with the chance to witness history in the making.

VISITING

Whether you’re a seasoned TT traveller or thinking about making your first trip, you won’t want to miss next year’s racing action and now is the perfect to time book.

Further travel opportunities will be available for TT 2024 thanks to the introduction of the new Isle of Man Steam Packet vessel. The ‘Manxman’ ferry will help you on and off the Island and give greater flexibility around peak travel times as it offers increased passenger capacity.

Official Travel Partners, Duke Travel, Sportsnet Holidays (Australia and New Zealand) and BeOutdoors (China) have a number of packages available to suit all your individual travel and budget needs, along with unbeatable knowledge of – and access to – a broad range of accommodation options, from hotels and guesthouses to camping and homestay.

Partners are also able to offer advice on flights and ferries from any destination in the world to connecting UK and Ireland ports at Belfast, Dublin, Heysham and Liverpool as well as most major UK airports.

See the full 2024 schedule HERE.

Canadian Superbike: Triple-Header Round Ahead Aug. 18-20 At CTMP

David Swarts

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August 15, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Triple-Header Round Ahead Aug. 18-20 At CTMP

Dumas, Young set for CTMP shootout in round four tripleheader

Toronto, ON – Very little has separated Alex Dumas and Ben Young in their time together in the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship, but both will get a key opportunity to swing that rivalry in their favour this weekend in round four at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, August 18-20.

Through 20 races together in the feature GP Bikes Pro Superbike class, both riders have tilted the scales in their favour at various tracks, with Young out-qualifying Dumas 5-2 in that span while Dumas owns a 12-8 advantage on race day, each securing one championship in the process (Young having also won the title in 2019).

Compare their records at CTMP, however, and it’s about as even as you can get.

Six races at the historic venue north of Bowmanville, ON have produced two wins for Dumas, two for Young, and two for Jordan Szoke. In their non-victories, both riders finished as the runner-up three times, and completed the podium in third a single time.

In fact, just five total points separate the two in their CTMP history, with Young taking the slight advantage thanks to qualifying and lap led points. Needless to say, it’s an impossible task picking a favourite for the penultimate round of the 2023 campaign.

Little has separated Ben Young (left) and Alex Dumas (right) during their time competing against each other in CSBK. The two Canadian Champions have shared podium chats like this one many times over the last few seasons. Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK. — Little has separated Ben Young (left) and Alex Dumas (right) during their time competing against each other in CSBK. The two Canadian Champions have shared podium chats like this one many times over the last few seasons. Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy CSBK.

However, it is almost certain that the weekend will swing their rivalry in a massive way, with Dumas looking to put one hand on the Canada Cup as he carries a comfortable 36-point advantage into “Old Mosport,” a gap that looks significantly more menacing after the cancellation of round three and subsequent loss of one feature class race.

It will take a mighty effort – and even mightier luck – for the Purple Skull Brewing/Liqui Moly Suzuki rider to officially wrap things up entering round five at Shannonville, as he would need to massively outscore Young at CTMP to offset the 85 points available in September, but even a single victory could go a long way in handing Dumas his second title in three years.

That said, the same opportunity remains available to Young, as a 36-point deficit seems a lot more palatable with six races and 170 points left on the board. The Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW rider scored his first-ever Pro Superbike win at this venue, after all, and has amassed nine podiums in his last ten races at CTMP, with his only absence being when he clinched the 2019 national title in a safe fourth place.

Young will also know that the super-fast, flowing nature of the circuit, combined with the long Andretti straightaway, often create large lead packs of riders with unpredictable results. While that can also jeopardize his efforts, it is a far bigger threat to Dumas as he aims to avoid any chaos over the final six contests.

Should a new winner emerge, though, it may seem like no better time than for Szoke to cap off his comeback story.

While his body has endured its fair share since his last CSBK victories in 2021, the ten-turn layout of CTMP is considered one of the least physically demanding tracks on the calendar, a key detail for Szoke with three races on the schedule.

The LDS Consultants Kawasaki rider unsurprisingly holds the record with 20 career Superbike wins at CTMP, four times as many as Pascal Picotte in second (5), and will be the first name in line to add to that total if Dumas or Young falter.

Just as Szoke chases victory number 79 in his career, a handful of names remain hungry for their first, and the wide-open nature of CTMP may be the place where the drought ends for one of Sam Guerin, Tomas Casas, or Trevor Daley.

The latter would need a significant turnaround from his broken femur suffered at round three just 24 days ago, but Daley is never one to count out if he can find a way to mount his OneSpeed Suzuki.

As for the two healthy names of the batch, Guerin and Casas have had opposite career paths at CTMP, but have seemingly ended up in the same situation entering the weekend tripleheader.

Guerin stormed out of the gates with second and third-place finishes in his first two pro races at the circuit in 2020, but the EFC Group BMW rider has managed just one top-five finish at the venue since, admittedly thanks to mechanical problems that have so far been fixed in 2023.

As for Casas, it’s been more of a consistent battle for the Parts Canada Yamaha rider at his home track, finishing a best of fourth in 2019, fifth in 2021, and fourth again (twice) a year ago, regularly in the lead group but thus far unable to stay at the front.

The status of Daley will also have huge implications on the Constructors Championship, where Suzuki currently leads BMW by 28 points. A healthy Guerin – as well as the consistent presence of IBEW BMW rider Jordan Royds – will help support Young up front, while an absent Daley would put plenty of pressure on RLS Contracting Suzuki rookie John Fraser in his first pro appearance at CTMP.

Szoke and Casas also figure to play a huge role in the scrap for third overall in the Constructors table, where Kawasaki currently trails Yamaha by 27 points.

The penultimate shootout will also prove to be a crucial one in a pair of awards battles, as Young looks to cement his second BS Battery Pole Award while the fight for the Brooklin Cycle Racing Pro Rookie of the Year Award rages on.

Young owns a six-point advantage over Dumas in the qualifying-based battle, and can clinch the award with another pole position and a third-or-worse grid spot for Dumas.

As for the Rookie of the Year contest, Acme Motorsports Yamaha newcomer Paul Macdonell currently leads 18-year-old Fraser by just a single point, with LDS Consultants Kawasaki star Trevor Dion a further 12 points back.

Keeping with tradition, the return to CTMP will also bring back the “King of Mosport” award, offered to the GP Bikes Pro Superbike rider that scores the most total points across the weekend.

Dumas was crowned the King of Mosport a year ago with a pair of wins, while Young took the honour (and literal crown to go with it) in both 2021 and 2019.

The full schedule for the GP Bikes Pro Superbike class can be found on the series’ official website at CSBK.ca.

Roadracing World Action Fund Donor Profile: Mark Mitchell

David Swarts

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August 15, 2023

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“Why Wouldn’t You Do That?”

By Michael Gougis

Mark Mitchell got his start on two wheels doing moderately crazy things on a minibike. These days, he’s most often found on a Ducati Multistrada, and he’s giving back to those who are laying it all on the line for glory, fortune, and the entertainment of the fans.

“I was at Laguna Seca visiting one of the World Superbike events. I used to ride up there quite often from SoCal with friends,” says Mitchell, a wealth fund manager and contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund. “I remember thinking that, being a motorcycle rider for so many years, I was aware of the risks that (racers) face while we enjoy the entertainment provided by these warriors who are competing on the race track.”

When given the opportunity to help make the sport safer by increasing the amount of inflatable barriers available for deployment at tracks around the nation, Mitchell says he thought, “Why wouldn’t you do that?”

Mitchell serves on the board of a nonprofit with Gordon McCall, who oversees The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, and through McCall found out about the annual “Rainey’s Ride To The Races” event. The ride, held prior to the MotoAmerica round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, offers participants a chance to help raise money for the Action Fund, in part by purchasing a section of Alpina inflatable barrier.

Mitchell attended, and he purchased.

“I thought, let’s kick this off, so I bought a section,” Mitchell says.

Mitchell has raced amateur motocross and the occasional desert race, competing once in the famous Barstow to Vegas event. He has ridden in events across the nation and in Europe, a long way from his start as a seven-year-old ripping around on the streets of Carson in Southern California in the late 1960s.

“My first ‘legit’ motorcycle was a Yamaha, a JT1, a 60cc mini-enduro,” Mitchell says. “But before that, I had a Taco minibike. The thing to do when you wanted to go faster was to reach under the gas tank and get your right hand on the governor and press down. You’d try to get it to move a millimeter or two to get a little more speed. So you’d be trying to go faster and then increase the risk factor by taking your hand off the bar. It made perfect sense back then!

“My mother knew I was hooked. I was so fascinated by the speed of these two-wheeled rockets. So she got me the JT1. She was so supportive. And I started riding with my friends, and it all went from there.”

Mitchell says tracks and race organizers shouldn’t be in a position where they are trying to prioritize which sections of the circuit gets soft barrier protection, so it is crucial for rider and racer safety to ensure that they have all that they need on hand.

“All too often, (crashes) happen where you don’t expect it to happen,” Mitchell says. “In a perfect world, there would be (soft barriers) everywhere it was needed, all around the track.”

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Roadracing World Action Fund, go here.

Video: Garrett Gerloff “I’ve Had Enough – Donington Park”

David Swarts

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August 15, 2023

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Video: Garrett Gerloff “I’ve Had Enough – Donington Park”

DONINGTON PARK CIRCUIT

Okay first of all, I need y’all’s opinions about my hair LOL We definitely changed things up, is it a go or no go? Second, we’re making progress! Even if the positions have been roughly the same, we are getting closer and closer to where we want to be. The gap to the front is the smallest it’s been CMON 👊🏽

Thanks for watching, let me know what your favorite part of the video was and let me know when I’ll see you at one of the races! Much love 🫶🏽

Subscribe 🫡

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Watch all the World SuperBike action LIVE here! 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/WorldSBK31

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Shot & edited by Brad Schwartzrock (@bradschwartzrock)

#GG31 #WorldSBK #BMWM1000RR

0:00 New Rules

0:45 Lez’s Eyebrows

1:00 I’m Unstable

1:43 Track Walk

2:55 Saturday

6:00 MotoCalifornia

6:48 Sunday

10:21 Weekend Recap

11:28 Put the Gloves On

11:58 I Get My Payback

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: MotoGP – The Chicane Chicanery

David Swarts

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August 14, 2023

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Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: MotoGP – The Chicane Chicanery

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

This week’s podcast is “MotoGP – The Chicane Chicanery.”

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

Ural Motorcycles Releases 2WD Gear Up Expedition

David Swarts

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August 14, 2023

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Ural Motorcycles Releases 2WD Gear Up Expedition

Ural Motorcycles Announces the Gear Up Expedition: Ready For Anything

The Expedition is the Gear Up’s top trim level
Equipped with nearly every accessory available in Ural’s catalog, the Expedition was developed with the the ultimate motorcycle adventure in mind
The expedition comes in three unique colorways—Colza Field (green/yellow), Ember Flame (terracotta/silver), and Polar Dawn (blue/orange)
MSRP is $31,440 (CAD 42,100)

Redmond, WA. August 14, 2023 – Ural Motorcycles, the world’s leading producer of sidecar motorcycles, released the top-of-the-line trim level for its legendary 2WD Gear Up model—the Expedition.

Built with the ultimate motorcycle adventure in mind, the Expedition is a fully equipped, go anywhere, do anything machine that can tackle nearly any situation on or off the road.

Straight from the factory the Expedition comes with everything a rider and a passenger may need to travel to the edge of the world and back. On top of the standard Gear Up’s already respectable loadout, the Expedition comes with more luggage space, tougher bike and sidecar protection, matching windshields, upgraded suspension, and more.

The new Expedition comes in three unique colorways, representing the various types of terrain that travelers may choose to explore. Colza Field is a bright yellow over OD Green paint scheme meant to invoke lush prairies full of green leaves and yellow flowers. The dramatic orange over blue Polar Dawn recalls a fiery sunrise in the arctic circle and is a homage to Gear Up’s Siberian roots. Ember Flame—a dashing terracotta over silver affair—suggests an urban landscape of steel, glass, asphalt, and glittering lights, and designed to remind riders that adventures can be had anywhere, even in their own back yard.

The line that divides the colors slashes across the bike at a rakish 23.5 degrees, the same as Earth’s axial tilt. It’s a fun little easter egg and a nod to the Expedition’s ability to tackle any terrain and to Ural’s off-kilter character.

The 2023 Ural Gear Up Expedition has an MSRP of $31,440 (CAD 42,100) and is available now at Ural dealers. For more information, check out the Gear Up Expedition page on Ural’s Website and be sure to follow Ural on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

High-resolution still images and short videos of the Gear Up Expedition in action for editorial use can be found here. Please make a copy of the photos or videos for yourself and move the copies out of the folder instead of the main named files.

Ural Motorcycles has been the world’s leading producer of sidecar motorcycles for more than 80 years. Urals are known for their rugged construction and distinctive styling. This mix of old and new, classic and modern, has gained these iconic machines a passionate following among adventurers, nonconformists, and motorcycle aficionados around the world. To learn more about Ural Motorcycles, visit imz-ural.com

MotoGP: World Championship Heading To The Red Bull Ring

David Swarts

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August 14, 2023

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MotoGP: World Championship Heading To The Red Bull Ring

The stage is set! Who will run the show at the Red Bull Ring?

Happy hunting grounds for some, home turf for others. Austria welcomes MotoGP™ back for what could prove a pivotal weekend

Monday, 14 August 2023

After an adrenaline-fuelled Silverstone that saw Aprilia get back on the top step at one of their emblematic venues, it’s time to head for Austria and the Red Bull Ring – more common hunting grounds for Ducati and KTM. In fact, since the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, the last five races at the venue have proven a pattern of Ducati – KTM – Ducati – KTM – Ducati in terms of wins. Those early Borgo Panigale days of glory on MotoGP™’s return to the Red Bull Ring aren’t necessarily over, but they certainly have serious competition. So does that hold some clues as to what awaits us in Styria this season?

In the red corner

Last year, reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took the glory in Austria, and after a performance under serious pressure at Silverstone when he arguably had the luxury of not pushing to the edge, but very much still did, he must arrive as a favourite this year too. Now with a good advantage in hand after a tougher Tissot Sprint in the UK became a big opportunity to gain on key rivals on Sunday, there’s even less of that pressure now as well. Pecco must surely be the rider in the crosshairs.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), however, took his first premier class win at the Red Bull Ring in 2021 – in fact, he started both races at the Red Bull Ring from pole in his rookie season, won the first and took a podium in the second. Now an even better rider and on quite a run of form come 2023, he’s the closest on the chase behind Bagnaia after the British GP shuffle. After getting battered back down the order on Sunday at Silverstone as well, it wasn’t a lack of speed that saw the number 89 lose out on valuable points, or really his own mistake. But the cookie crumbled that way and after losing 10 points to Bagnaia in the Grand Prix race at Silverstone, surely he arrives into Austria thinking it’s a good opportunity to gain some back… on Saturday AND Sunday.

The stakes are high

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will likely have something to say about that. The South African took KTM’s second and most recent home win at the venue in 2021, rolling the dice for one of the most edge-of-your-seat victories ever – and arguably one of the best. He’ll be absolutely elbows out to grab some more home glory for the Austrian factory, and teammate Jack Miller will be the same. They’ve had serious speed in 2023 too, wet or dry or sketchy, and already made a good few visits to parc ferme. If there’s one place both riders will be razor-sharp focused on some more trophies, it’s here.

That home glory on offer also extends to GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3’s Augusto Fernandez and Pol Espargaro, with both in the points at Silverstone too. The former hasn’t finished outside them all year, and the latter put together an impressive weekend on his long-awaited return from injury. What have they got in the locker?

There’s also not home glory, but title sponsor glory on the line for CrytoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team… and right after Miguel Oliveira took his best result of the season so far, fourth, thanks to a truly impressive charge up from 16th on the grid. He only just missed out on the podium at Silverstone and will be aiming high, having also won at the Red Bull Ring in 2020 when riding with KTM. Teammate Raul Fernandez took a top ten at the British GP too, but he’ll be looking to keep moving forward.

That’s something Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) did in style at Silverstone. After qualifying 12th and storming to the win, he became the first rider to win from P12 or lower on the grid since the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix. And he did it beating the reigning Champion on the last lap. If that isn’t a confidence boost heading into the next round, such a thing probably doesn’t exist. Teammate Maverick Viñales was also strong at Silverstone and in that fight at the front, and both will want to show it’s not just the venue that suits them, but what they’re really capable of everywhere. Starting with another storming start, as both riders made good progress off the line last time out– and Aleix Espargaro said Aprilia’s work in the area was most definitely paying off. They’ll also have wildcard Lorenzo Savadori on track with them too, as that work very much continues.

Looking to hit back

Then there’s Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Saturday was a good one as he took pole and then second in the Sprint as Bagnaia failed to score. But on Sunday, a first mistake in some time saw the Italian slide out when chasing Bagnaia, ultimately costing him 20 points to the Championship leader. He’s also been passed in the standings by Martin once again… but Austria is a chance to fight back. History says it will require quite a push to overhaul Bagnaia and Martin here, but Bezzecchi’s form this season has cared less for track records and more for unabating speed whatever the venue. Can he make a statement?

Another looking to do so, but on the flip side after a technical issue last time out, is Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The number 73 took his first Tissot Sprint win on Saturday, escaping and holding off Bezzecchi, and was right in the podium fight on Sunday before that issue caused him to need to pull in. With a new contract in his back pocket to boot, Alex Marquez will be arriving with expectations, in the best way. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is another arriving after a tougher Sunday. He pulled in after getting rear ended and will want the chance to show his steps forward as he gets back to full fitness and back in the groove. Can he upset the apple cart at the front?

Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), meanwhile, will want a lot more. Zarco had a good Sprint in fourth but then a middling Sunday, and Marini didn’t manage to fully challenge at the front at Silverstone. Can they turn that around in Austria? And can Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) home in on his fellow Ducatis?

Full factory reset

Silverstone was a tough one for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ pairing Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli. For Quartararo, the wet qualifying in which he crashed out left him last on the grid, and it didn’t get much better in the Sprint. Come race day though, the Frenchman was on a real charge up the order, so there were some positives until a clash with Marini saw him lose and then run over his own fairing. Only a year ago Quartararo was fighting for the win in Austria too, something to remember as the Misano Test approaches and the 2021 Champion’s vocal expectations of some real progress keep hitting the headlines. Meanwhile, we now know Morbidelli is leaving the factory, which adds an extra arc of storyline. What can Yamaha find in Austria?

Finally, at Honda, the vibe seems to have changed. We know that Alex Rins is leaving the factory to replace the aforementioned Morbidelli – and we await confirmation of when Rins will be back this season alongside Takaaki Nakagami at LCR Honda, with Iker Lecuona subbing this weekend – but for the rest it’s all hands on deck at Honda.

In the Sprint at Silverstone, Marc Marquez rode behind Repsol Honda teammate Joan Mir to get a look at their bike in action. On Sunday the number 93 crashed out but had some positives to find from the weekend. The maelstrom of noise and rumours about the future, stretching all the way back to the German GP, now seems to have gone quieter, and in its place it seems there’s an eight-time World Champion rolling his sleeves up and accepting not defeat, but what’s needed in the here and now to get back to glory. Information. Kilometers. Direction. Is that the reality on the inside? We can’t know for now, so we’ll just have to watch this space…

SHOWTIME IN STYRIA

The CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich sees us return to usual order, with MotoGP™ last on the menu.

Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +2)

Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +2)

Moto2™: Acosta arrives ahead on KTM home turf

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) couldn’t really have taken the Championship lead with better timing. With a podium at Silverstone he arrives into KTM’s home race with two points in hand, and he’ll want to leave the Red Bull Ring with even more. His form since that DNF in France would likely convince few to bet against him. So what has he got in the locker for Austria? And could the stage be set for some silly season pieces of the puzzle to fall into place?

Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), meanwhile, will want to hit back after that difficult race at Silverstone, but he’ll need to find that few tenths he was missing. And Jake Dixon (Autosolar GASGAS Aspar Team) wants to find some luck as well after a crash in qualifying sent him mid-pack on the grid and then a tangle in the race sent him off into the gravel. Can they strike back?

New winner Fermin Aldeguer (SpeedUp) could prove one to watch once more though. We’ve often seen a first Grand Prix win open the floodgates and the injection of confidence, for a rider who’s already shown great speed, could get very interesting as the season rolls on.

Join us for more Moto2™ this weekend!

Moto3™: home glory on the line in Austria

At the Red Bull Ring in 2022, Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) overcame a double Long Lap to take a truly impressive win, and as the paddock arrives back in Austria the Japanese rider is on a run of podium finishes – and he’s up to second in the standings. He’ll be looking to take that elusive first win of the season on a stage he’s ruled before.

Speaking of first wins though, David Alonso (GASGAS Aspar Team) got the job done last time out, and in some style. From the back of the grid the rookie made history as the first Colombian Grand Prix winner, and he made it look easy. Can he keep the roll going?

Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), meanwhile, was back on the podium at Silverstone and still has quite an advantage, and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) only just lost out on a rostrum finish at Silverstone after that last lap shuffle. There’s something serious at stake for all too: home glory at KTM’s home track, as all fly the flag for brands racing under the Austrian factory’s umbrella.

The rider looking to truly bounce back is Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing), who crashed out the lead at Silverstone, but he continues to lead the Honda resistance. Can he spoil the party? Styria could stage another classic so tune in this weekend for more Moto3™ action!

Video: Yamaha Racing Heritage Club Goes Back To The Future At Mugello

David Swarts

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August 14, 2023

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Yamaha Racing Heritage Club Goes Back to the Future at Mugello

The Yamaha Racing Heritage Club enjoyed a spectacular two days at Mugello on the 21st-22nd of July as part of the Yamaha Racing Experience, uniting legendary riders and their modern-day contemporaries on some historic two-stroke machinery.

Do you own a Yamaha race bike, whether on or off-road? Find out if you are eligible to become a member of the YRHC and start the registration process by clicking here.

Now in its second year, in 2023, the Yamaha Racing Heritage Club (YRHC) is honouring the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary two-cylinder liquid-cooled TZ350 production racer that was brought out in 1973, based on the factory YZ634 ridden by Jaarno Saarinen to second in the 1972 FIM 350cc World Championship.

Plus, 2023 also marks the 25th anniversary of the ground-breaking R1 superbike, which has achieved numerous successes over the years since its introduction in 1998, including two FIM Superbike World Championships (2009 & 2021) and four consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victories (2015-2018).

The Yamaha Racing Experience (YRE) at the magical Mugello Circuit in Italy provided the perfect opportunity for stars of the past and present to come together to celebrate both of these iconic machines in what proved to be a truly memorable occasion. The YRE is usually an exclusive event only open to owners of Yamaha’s flagship R1M, but for the first time, it was expanded to include invited members of the YRHC to allow them to join in the fun.

Over the two days, the YRHC members got to take part in several dedicated track sessions alongside two legendary Venezuelan riders whose names are synonymous with the TZ, 1975 FIM 350cc World Champion and 1978 FIM Formula 750 World Champion Johnny Cecotto and double FIM 250cc World Champion (1983 & 1986) Carlos Lavado.

To complete the connection from the past to the present, they were joined by Yamaha’s current crop of riding superstars from the FIM Superbike World Championship and the Endurance World Championship, who all race the R1.

These included Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Official Team’s 2021 Superbike World Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and 2020 Supersport World Champion Andrea Locatelli, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s double Supersport World Champion (2021 & 2022) Dominique Aegerter and 2020 Moto2 World Champion Remy Gardner, GMT94 WorldSBK Team’s 2022 Supersport World Championship runner-up Lorenzo Baldassari, Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team’s 2022 British Superbike Champion Bradley Ray, plus Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team’s 2017 Endurance World Champion Niccolò Canepa.

Toprak Razgatlioglu enjoying the smell of the exhaust from an ex-Eddie Lawson Yamaha YZR500. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

During the event, the modern-day Yamaha riders got to fulfil their childhood dreams by trying out some seminal two-stroke machines, including Eddie Lawson’s 1986 FIM 500cc World Championship-winning YZR500 0W81, Freddie Spencer’s 1993 ROC Yamaha YZR500, Christian Sarron’s 1978 TZ750, plus replicas of the YZR750 0W31s that Steve Baker and Cecotto rode to the FIM Formula 750 World Championship in 1977 and 1978 respectively.

Toprak Razgatioglu (32) sampling a replica of Steve Baker's 1977 FIM Formula 750 World Championship-winning Yamaha YZR750 0W31. Photo courtesy Yamaha. — Toprak Razgatioglu (32) sampling a replica of Steve Baker’s 1977 FIM Formula 750 World Championship-winning Yamaha YZR750 0W31. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Having been given a taste of what it was like to race on a classic two-stroke, the WorldSBK and EWC riders returned the favour by giving Cecotto and Lavado a chance to take to the track on something more akin to what they ride competitively, a pair of the latest-spec R1Ms. Both sets of riders embraced the opportunity in a joyous celebration of all things Yamaha, showcasing how racing is truly a part of the manufacturer’s DNA.

To complete its second year, the YRHC will honour Yamaha’s long history of success in off-road racing and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the YZ series of bikes at the Veterans MX of Nations at Foxhills in England on the 24th-28th of August. The event will feature three-time 125cc MX World Champion Alessio Chiodi, former Yamaha factory motocross team manager Michele Rinaldi, and several historic YZ machines from throughout its fifty years of racing.

As you can see, the YRHC was set up to safeguard and recognise Yamaha’s rich racing legacy by allowing owners of classic race bikes to become members, register their bikes on the official database, receive advanced technical support, and participate in some very special events.

Would you like to join the YRHC? If you own a Yamaha race bike, whether on or off-road, find out if you are eligible to become a member and start the registration process by clicking here.

Paolo Pavesio

Director Marketing & Motorsport – Yamaha Motor Europe

“What an event! It is the first time we have invited members of the YRHC to the YRE, and it turned out to be a truly memorable moment. I have rarely seen so many smiling faces, and to see the YRHC members get to ride on track alongside Johnny and Carlos, as well as our today stars from WorldSBK and EWC. It was incredible to see the younger riders try out our legendary two-stroke bikes and, for Carlos and Johnny to get the chance to ride the R1M. It was a wonderful event that brought together the past and present of Yamaha to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the TZ alongside the 25th anniversary of the R1, and I think it was something extraordinary for the YRHC members to experience. Technology may have moved on a lot, but racers share a similar passion no matter the era they are from, and it was great to see that shared with the YRE customers and YRHC members over the two unforgettable days in Mugello.”

Turn 14 Distribution Acquiring Tucker Powersports

David Swarts

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August 14, 2023

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Turn 14 Distribution Acquiring Tucker Powersports

Tucker Powersports To Be Acquired by Turn 14 Distribution

Fort Worth, TX – August 14, 2023 – Tucker Powersports announced today that its business will be acquired by Turn 14 Distribution, one of the largest automotive aftermarket distributors in the United States. The purchase includes certain assets of Tucker and all of its private label brands, which include well-known brands such as Kuryakyn, Answer Racing, Pro Taper, and QuadBoss.

“The change in ownership will provide a huge injection of resources to better serve Tucker dealers around the country,” said Marc McAllister, President and CEO of Tucker Powersports. “I am confident that Turn 14 will have a significant impact on the powersports industry with its approach to inventory and its high-quality customer service.”

Turn 14 Distribution is noted for its customer-first approach, proprietary technology, and logistics efficiency in the automotive industry. Turn 14 Distribution is a sixteen-year-old, national, B2B only distributor based outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It operates facilities in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, and Nevada, and has over five hundred employees across three distribution centers and two office locations. The company, named after the 14th turn in the legendary Road America racecourse, was awarded SEMA’s Warehouse Distributor of the Year in 2016, 2018, and 2021. In 2022 it was awarded SEMA Channel Partner of the Year, previously the Warehouse Distributor of the Year award, for excellence in distribution. It will apply to the powersports industry many of the principles the company was founded upon and is known for, including building favorable relationships with partners and employees and leveraging the company’s strengths in operations, technology, and customer service.

“We understand the importance of the dealer in the motorcycle and UTV owner experience,” said Jon Pulli, CEO of Turn 14 Distribution. “We are confident that powersports dealers will benefit from working with us, and we are excited to continue the legacy of Ed Tucker and others who have played an important role in this company’s history.”

Piper Sandler & Company is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Tucker.

ASRA: Mesa Breaks Lap Record At Summit Point

August 15, 2023

Stefano Mesa (37) used Pirelli tires to set a new motorcycle lap record at Summit Point Motorsports Park. Photo by Noisless Productions, courtesy ASRA. — Stefano Mesa (37) used Pirelli tires to set a new motorcycle lap record at Summit Point Motorsports Park. Photo by Noiseless Productions, courtesy ASRA.

Stefano Mesa Breaks Lap Record at Summit Point Motorsports Park

Summit Point, WV – At Round 14 on August 13, 2023, during the Unlimited Supersport race, Stefano Mesa broke the existing lap record of 1:10:551 and set a new lap record of 1:10:417 in an exhilarating display of skill and speed.

During the event, the previous record of 1:10:551 was lowered to 1:10:498 by Mesa on lap three of the Unlimited GP race on a Pirelli Diablo Superbike SCX rear tire. Then, during lap three of the Unlimited Supersport race, Mesa used a Pirelli Diablo Superbike SCQ rear tire to set the new outright record at 1:10:417.

With a time that defied expectations, Mesa achieved the new lap record on his 2023 Kawasaki ZX-10R, leaving spectators and fellow competitors in awe at the American Superbike Racing Association (ASRA) event, hosted at Summit Point Motorsports Park.

Stefano Mesa said, “Breaking the lap record again at Summit Point Motorsports Park is a dream come true. The track’s challenging curves and straights demanded everything from me, and my team’s hard work paid off.”

ASRA’s Alex Spellman said, “We are thrilled to witness such a phenomenal performance at the track. Stefano Mesa’s team played an integral role in this victory, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving such remarkable results.”

Isle Of Man TT: Schedule Set For 2024

August 15, 2023

Dean Harrison. Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office. — Dean Harrison in action during the 2023 Isle of Man TT. Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.

2024 ISLE OF MAN TT RACES DATES CONFIRMED

TT 2024 will once again commence on the Bank Holiday Monday (27th May) with free practice taking place in the morning followed by the first qualifying session in the afternoon and will conclude with the Milwaukee Senior TT Race taking place on Saturday 8th June 2024.

You can expect the race schedule to follow a similar format to 2023 with a second race for the Superstock and Supertwin classes. The ten race programme will take place across three sets of back-to-back race days split by two rest days.

2023 saw an incredible two weeks of history making and record breaking racing, as around the world we watched Michael Dunlop try to surpass his Uncle Joey’s record number of TT wins and become the most successful TT rider of all time. 2024 will be another year not to be missed with the chance to witness history in the making.

VISITING

Whether you’re a seasoned TT traveller or thinking about making your first trip, you won’t want to miss next year’s racing action and now is the perfect to time book.

Further travel opportunities will be available for TT 2024 thanks to the introduction of the new Isle of Man Steam Packet vessel. The ‘Manxman’ ferry will help you on and off the Island and give greater flexibility around peak travel times as it offers increased passenger capacity.

Official Travel Partners, Duke Travel, Sportsnet Holidays (Australia and New Zealand) and BeOutdoors (China) have a number of packages available to suit all your individual travel and budget needs, along with unbeatable knowledge of – and access to – a broad range of accommodation options, from hotels and guesthouses to camping and homestay.

Partners are also able to offer advice on flights and ferries from any destination in the world to connecting UK and Ireland ports at Belfast, Dublin, Heysham and Liverpool as well as most major UK airports.

See the full 2024 schedule HERE.

Canadian Superbike: Triple-Header Round Ahead Aug. 18-20 At CTMP

August 15, 2023

Alex Dumas (23) carries a comfortable CSBK championship lead into the upcoming Canadian Tire Motorsport Park round, but the challenge will be maintaining that lead with three Superbike races scheduled for the round four weekend. Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK.