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Podium Club Holding 2-Day Class With Racers Hayes & Ungvarsky

Podium Club Racing Academy Announces Exclusive 2-Day Motorcycle Class with Guest Coaches: MotoAmerica Pro Road Racers Josh Hayes & Sean Ungvarsky

(Casa Grande, AZ) The Podium Club Racing Academy is excited to announce a new 2-day high-performance motorcycle course designed for riders of all skill levels, to be held April 14 & 15, 2025, at the Podium Club at Attesa in Casa Grande, Arizona.

This unique experience features special guest coaches and MotoAmerica riders Josh Hayes and Sean Ungvarsky, who will share their expertise and insights with a limited number of students, in conjunction with Brake Free Track Time instructors.

This special class will offer an exceptional learning environment with a personalized 2:1 coach-to-student ratio and exclusive track access. The carefully designed curriculum, endorsed by Hayes, a 4-time Superbike champion, and MotoAmerica Twins Cup racer Ungvarsky, is tailored to help riders enhance their track racing techniques, whether they are new to the sport or looking to refine their existing skills.

“This will be our first time hosting a PCRA event with the likes of Josh and Sean,” said Jayson Citron, Podium Club Sales & Marketing Manager. “Motorcyclists who are fans of the sport will have the opportunity to ride with their heroes. Josh Hayes has a resume that separated him from almost any other rider in the MotoAmerica paddock. To have both him and Sean at our event will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students.”

There will be track walks, classroom instruction, video reviews, and plentiful track time on the most motorcycle-friendly circuit in the southwest, all designed to accelerate any rider’s learning curve in a safe, controlled setting. The price is just $1499 for both days. Spots are filling up fast so riders should register soon, by going to podiumclub.com/motorcycleacademy.

About Podium Club at Attesa

The Podium Club at Attesa is a membership motorsport facility located in the heart of the Arizona Sun Corridor, in Casa Grande, about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. The motorplex caters to automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts, professional racers, and both pro and amateur racing teams. The 15-turn, 2.32-mile track was created to meet FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) safety specifications at buildout, featuring large runoff areas, a challenging circuit with smart elevation changes.

The Podium Club is located at 6870 S. Bianco Road, Casa Grande, AZ 85193, a half-mile south of Interstate 8. To learn more about the Podium Club, go to podiumclub.com, or call 602-702-7077.

MotoAmerica: Talent Cup Debut At COTA Draws 15 Entries

The first MotoAmerica Talent Cup race of 2025 is being held in conjunction with the MotoGP round at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) this coming weekend. There are 15 riders entered.

Here is a look at the entry list:

 

Alpinestars Presents Spring 2025 MM93 Collection

Alpinestars teams up once again with eight-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez for the sixth capsule collection. Inspired by his 2025 MotoGP season and striking new Ducati red livery, this lineup fuses Márquez’s signature racing style with Alpinestars’ technical innovation.

Staying true to his signature look, the collection features a bold mix of red, black, white, and dark blue—designed to stand out whether worn solo or as a full set.

“I’m excited to team up with Alpinestars again for the Spring 2025 MM93 Capsule. Every piece reflects the speed I bring to the track and the style I live off it. It’s all about delivering the same performance, protection, and look I trust when I race.”

– Marc Márquez

Gear Up for Performance

The 2025 Spring MM93 Collection delivers premium jackets, gloves, performance shoes, and technical accessories—including backpacks and waist bags. The hoodies are Tech-Air® Ready, offering seamless compatibility with Alpinestars’ leading airbag protection systems.

MM93 T-SPS Air v2 Jacket and MM93 T-GP Ignition Air Jacket (*Asia only)

MM93 Radium Tech Hoodie and MM93 Chrome v2 Sport Hoodie

MM93 Reef v2 and SP X 1 Gloves, and MM93 SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves (*Asia only)

MM93 Faster-4 Shoes

MM93 City Hunter Backpacks, Waist Bags, and Neck Tubes

Innovation Meets Racing Spirit

Marc’s relentless drive for perfection matches Alpinestars’ commitment to pushing the limits of protective gear. As a leader in racing tech and MotoGP airbag systems, Alpinestars blends pro-level innovation with everyday performance. This collection brings that technology straight to the street—in unmistakable MM93 style.

With a perfect 4-for-4 start to the 2025 season, Marc is making waves with the Ducati Factory Team. His hunger to win powers every corner he takes—and every piece in this collection.

Ride with the Spirit of MM93

The Spring 2025 Alpinestars x MM93 Capsule Collection is now available at alpinestars.com and authorized Alpinestars dealers.

Triumph Launches 250cc And 450cc Enduro Racebikes

Triumph Motorcycles has officially launched the competition only all-new TF 250-E and TF 450-E for model year 2026, designed and developed with World Enduro Champions to excel in competitive racing, across both technical terrain and high-speed sections.

The precision-engineered 250cc and 450cc powertrains deliver class-leading performance, coupled with the optimum blend of unparalleled low-speed agility and confidence-inspiring high-speed stability.

Developed entirely by Triumph in close collaboration with five-time World Champion Iván Cervantes and four-time World Enduro Champion Paul Edmondson, the TF 250-E and TF 450-E share a unique, lightweight aluminum chassis, engineered for agility and strength. The new spine frame design provides exceptional handling and stability across all terrains.

Triumph’s new Enduro models are equipped with premium brand components and feature the latest off-road technology, together with a rider-focused ergonomics package and race-inspired styling. Sleek bodywork, Triumph Performance Yellow graphics, and integrated LED lighting give the bikes a bold, aggressive look that stands out on the start line.
Building on Triumph’s reputation for excellent quality and reliability, the new models will also have world-class support, backed by a nationwide network of Triumph Off-Road dealers and a 24/7 parts ordering and supply system.

Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, Triumph Motorcycles:

“We are entering the competitive Enduro scene with new models that introduce cutting-edge advancements in Enduro performance and technology. Featuring a brand-new chassis and engine platform, the 2026 Enduro models are designed to elevate performance, handling, comfort, and usability, meeting the diverse needs of both professional and amateur riders.

Working with Paul Edmondson’s team to test these bikes in real-world environments, our team have refined the agility and performance of these models, ensuring they excel whether a rider is new to Enduro or racing competitively. This level of all-round usability and excellence has not been seen in this sector before.”

Paul Edmondson has played a key role in the development and testing of the new range and will be leading the new Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team into the EnduroGP Championship in April.

Paul Edmondson, Team Manager, Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team:

“Triumph Enduro bikes are built for limitless adventure, engineered with precision handling, powerful engines, and race-proven technology to dominate rugged trails, steep climbs, and unpredictable landscapes with confidence.

From technical enduro sections to untamed wilderness, these bikes deliver exceptional performance, control, and durability – empowering riders to push their boundaries. We have all been working so hard to make these new models as agile, fast, and lightweight as possible, refusing to compromise on functionality or usability.”

The TF 450-E’s 450cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine delivers impressive power and torque with a linear power curve, ensuring smooth acceleration across varied conditions, from technical ascents to high-speed straights.

The TF 450-E is designed to excel in high-speed enduro racing, ideal for experienced riders seeking power, speed and versatility on open trails and hills. With its greater low-end and mid-range torque, it tackles hill climbs, sand dunes, and situations requiring less gear shifting with ease. Its smooth, tractable power delivery and controllable, connected engine character ensure riders can feel the bike’s rear wheel traction and the seamless transfer of power to the ground.

Triumph’s all-new 250 enduro engine is the most powerful engine in its class, delivering responsive, manageable power with a purposeful character, perfectly suited for technical sections, tight enduro challenges, and ideal for riders seeking fun and accessible performance.

Providing 41.7 HP (42.3 PS) of power and 20.5 ft-lb (27.8 Nm) of torque, with a broad power curve and strong bottom-end, the TF 250-E excels in slow-speed technical sections and drives through to a powerful top-end at 12,800 RPM.

Both powertrains have been developed to have more inertia than the motocross engine, providing a more stable, tractable power delivery across diverse, unpredictable race conditions. This is complemented by the six-speed Exedy racing clutch, which allows smooth, clutch-less upshifts, maintaining momentum in tight, technical sections.

Advanced fuel injection and ignition systems manage power efficiently, ensuring instant throttle response and reliable performance throughout demanding rides. A bespoke Dellorto 1.7” (44mm) throttle body provides an air bypass system for cold starts and a manually adjustable idle speed. Del West titanium valves and a forged König aluminum piston ensure consistent performance during prolonged high-RPM operation, significantly reducing servicing requirements.

For the TF 450-E, the gudgeon pin and rockers are further enhanced with Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coatings, which improves durability and reduces friction. The high-capacity radiator and auxiliary fan combined with tool-free Dual-stage filter provided by Twin-air, provide consistent engine cooling, ensuring reliable power delivery on long, demanding rides.

Triumph and Athena have combined their extensive off-road experience to create a perfect synergy, resulting in the development of new software strategies with a strong emphasis on drivability and tractability. The engine management system for the TF 250-E and TF 450-E features completely bespoke software. This new system benefits from co-developed mapping and traction control strategies, specifically tailored by Triumph and Athena to enhance performance and reliability.

Dual Engine Maps adapt performance for different conditions at the touch of a button giving riders the edge to adapt and excel in varying race conditions. Riders can switch between two distinct engine maps on the fly. One for aggressive performance, the other for smoother, more controlled delivery on technical terrain. Additional maps can also be added with the optional Wi-Fi module and the Triumph MX Tune Pro app.

The lightweight stainless steel exhaust system on the TF 250-E boasts an integrated Helmholtz resonator in the header pipe, enhancing cylinder evacuation and performance.
The TF 450-E features a side-resonator in the silencer, specifically designed for targeted noise attenuation, resulting in a deep, powerful exhaust note.

Both models feature Triumph’s unique, lightweight aluminum spine frame, with optimized mass, stiffness, and a low center of gravity. This provides exceptional agility, enhanced high-speed stability, and delivers sharp directional control and confidence. Post-fabrication machining enhances dimensional accuracy while the frame also features in-house hand TIG-welded craftsmanship.

The fully adjustable KYB coil-sprung 1.9” (48mm) forks and 3-way adjustable linkage-driven rear suspension are specifically tuned for Enduro challenges, ensuring responsive control, excellent power transfer and maximum traction in demanding conditions. With a reduction of .4 inches (10mm) compared to Triumph’s motocross models and enhanced settings, it offers an outstanding balance between handling and bump absorption, while minimizing pitch during cornering.

Easy to set up and service, this market-leading suspension offers high-level adjustability for rider weight and riding style, and exceptional tunability for varying terrains, from muddy tracks to rocky paths.

Enduro-specific swingarm geometry ensures accurate front-end feedback, which empowers riders to make rapid adjustments to navigate obstacles, and delivers intuitive and inspiring handling for competition.

Ensuring the new TF 250-E and TF 450-E are best-in-class, both models are equipped with an impressive selection of premium brand specification and cutting-edge technologies, optimizing performance in all conditions.

These can be accessed using intuitive handlebar-mounted controls featuring illuminated buttons for quick and easy adjustments, while the digital speedo screen provides real-time data, including engine temperature, trip information, and gear position. The advanced traction control system monitors rear-wheel slip and modulates power output to provide consistent grip on unpredictable surfaces, while the optimized launch control manages torque delivery to maximize traction off the line, helping riders achieve consistent, competitive starts. The Triumph-designed quickshifter enables seamless, clutch-less upshifts between second and sixth gear for uninterrupted power delivery and preserves momentum during race-critical sections.

More premium components, included as standard, include the Galfer performance braking system with 10.2” (260mm) front brake disc and 8.7” (220mm) rear brake disc, combined with Brembo twin .94 “(24mm) piston floating front caliper, a single 1.02” (26mm) piston floating rear caliper and adjustable span brake lever.

Both models are fitted with Michelin Enduro 2 tires, featuring an innovative tread pattern that provides better grip and traction, designed for diverse terrains (soft to hard) and conditions (mud to dry). The D.I.D DirtStar 7000 series aluminum rims, with a black anodized finish and Triumph-designed lightweight cast and machined aluminum hubs completes the look.

Built for the demands of competitive endurance racing, the ergonomics of the TF 250-E and TF 450-E have been designed to maximize both performance and rider comfort. Pro Taper ACF Carbon Core handlebars with adjustable mounts enable riders to personalize the fit and feel, perfecting the positioning between the handlebar, seat, and footpegs. This can minimize fatigue, enhance control during sharp turns, and reduce rider strain during prolonged standing. The ODI half-waffle lock-on grips offer exceptional hold and durability, ensuring control in all conditions.

A 37.6” (955mm) seat height provides optimal clearance while maintaining a manageable stand-over for technical sections while a non-slip Pyramid seat offers excellent grip and a rubbery consistency to improve positioning in both dry and wet conditions. The ergonomic design and high-quality foam padding provide superior comfort, allowing racers to ride longer without discomfort. The seat cover material is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for off-road conditions. Tough, purposeful, and unmistakably race-ready, both Enduro models are styled with sharp lines and an aggressive stance. They feature aggressive, minimalistic bodywork, developed and manufactured in-house by Triumph to be lightweight and durable. Racing-inspired graphics in Triumph Performance Yellow, Black and White and magnesium engine covers, which also make trackside servicing easier, complete the look.

The 2.2 gallon (8.3 liter) fuel tank provides a long range for long laps, and the compact, integrated LED lights enhance visibility in low-light conditions.

The all-new TF 250-E or TF 450-E motorcycle are exclusively available as competition use only motorcycles in the United States and Canada. To ensure racers have the highest level of dealer support, there is a nationwide network of qualified Triumph Off-Road dealers offering sales, servicing and parts.

The authorized dealer network also stocks Triumph’s dedicated Enduro clothing range, designed in partnership with Alpinestars, including Enduro boots and apparel. The dealer network is backed by a mobile-optimized 24/7 online parts support system, so customers can easily identify the parts they need and find stocking Triumph dealers at any time.

In addition to the high level of specification already included as standard, Triumph has worked with the biggest, premium brands to create a dedicated range of competition accessories to further enhance performance and capability, ranging from an Akrapovič silencer to a radiator shroud graphics kit.

The TF 250-E will start from $9,795 USD / $12,395 CAD and the TF 450-E will start from $10,795 USD / $13,295. Orders can be placed now at Triumph Dealers with bikes available for delivery from June, 2025.

World Supersport: QJMOTOR Factory Team Starting 2025 Season At Portimao

The moment is finally here. After winter testing and a lot of hard work by QJ MOTOR and the QJMOTOR Factory Racing Team during said tests, Raffaele De Rosa and Niki Tuuli are ready to take on the first round of the 2025 WorldSSP Challenge that will take place on 28-30 March at the Autodromo do Algarve in Portimao, Portugal.

Having debuted in the championship last year with Raffaele De Rosa and SRK 800 RR, the factory QJMOTOR team will redouble its efforts this year, with the experienced Italian joined on track by Niki Tuuli, the Finnish rider who knows the category well.

And the Chinese manufacturer’s commitment goes beyond a second rider, in that as of June, the SRK 800 RR will be replaced with a new model, now in an advanced phase of development. The new bike has been tested at Chinese circuits, with a prototype having also been tested by De Rosa during the winter tests at Jerez.

At Portimao the two QJMOTOR Factory Racing riders and their technical staff will aim to continue with the development of the SRK 800 RR, which will boast many new elements, as they target the points zone, something that they just missed out on several times last year and that would represent a real milestone.

The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve was inaugurated on 2 November 2008 with the final round of the Superbike World Championship. Aside from the circuit, the project also involved a karting track, a technology part, a five-star hotel and a sports complex. Spanning a total area of 300 hectares, it represents the largest ever investment in the Algarve. The track used for the Superbike races measures 4.692 km, though there are 64 possible configurations to suit any kind of motorsport event, F1 included.

Raffaele De Rosa:

“It’s always great to tackle the first round of the year, and it’s fantastic to do so at Portimao, a track that all the riders really enjoy. We’ll be using a SRK 800 RR that is significantly better than what we had last year, and we’ll try to harness its full potential to achieve the best possible result.”

Niki Tuuli:

“I’m excited to be able to start my 2025 season with the QJMOTOR Factory Racing Team. Us riders and the team are all ready to work hard on this project, which clearly has great potential. We’ll give it our all to exploit all the hard work done by the Chinese manufacturer and the team. It’s all new for me, but during testing I had great feeling with the team’s technicians and with the bike and so I can’t wait to race at Portimao!”

MotoGP: Valencia On The Schedule Through 2031

MotoGP will race in Valencia until 2031. A new contract confirms the Circuit Ricardo Tormo as host of five more Grands Prix, from 2027 until 2031 inclusive.

Valencia provides an incredible amphitheatre atmosphere, where every seat in the house offers a near full view of every apex for the hundreds of thousands of fans who come to see the most exciting sport on Earth.

The circuit is also a paddock favourite with fantastic organisation and promotion, making the most of its position close to one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities.

For all that and more, Valencia has won the Best Grand Prix award a number of times, and will almost certainly compete for the award again until 2031 thanks to this new contract.

Carlos Mazón, President of the Generalitat Valenciana: “Thank you for your commitment to Valencia. I think it’s a safe bet! There is no other Grand Prix that hangs the sold out sign up as far in advance as the one in Valencia. Here there is a huge fandom, a love of motorsport, for motorcycling. It’s fundamental for Valencia, for Cheste, for the province of Valencia and for the Valencian Community. This renewal comes in a context of greater competitiveness than ever and we were always convinced that we had the winning card. The great differential, apart from these magnificent facilities and team, is the fans.

“I also don’t want to fail to mention the economic impact MotoGP has, and when we are working on recovery – not only emotional recovery, but economic recovery. And with fans behind us like the ones we have, the winning card is there. I want to congratulate you all: the entire Valencian motorcycling family, the Spanish motorcycling family and that of the entire world, which will now once again have one of the circuits, and if I may, the circuit with the most soul and after this last year even more, that it can offer to this great sport.”

Nicolás Collado, General Manager of the Circuit Ricardo Tormo: “This is the best news we could bring to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, that we’re in 2025 and we can guarantee the Valencia GP until at least 2031. For the circuit, it’s a great source of pride as we know this means that we have been doing things well for the past 25 years. We’re very grateful for the support of the Valencia government which supports us and MotoGP. Motorcycling has deep roots in Valencian society. We’re also very grateful to Dorna and MotoGP, after a year without a Grand Prix due to the floods, they’ve been supporting us and now we’re working on the reconstruction to create the best Valencia GP ever in November.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports: “We are very happy to announce our future in Valencia. The track is unique with the view it offers to the spectators, and the fans make it unique for us with the incredible atmosphere they create. It is always full of people, the promoter does a fantastic job, and we’re proud to be able to keep delivering a spectacle that rewards their passion for the sport. After what happened in 2024, we hope our return for another five Grands Prix underlines our longer term commitment to Valencia too. We’re looking forward to coming back this season, and to celebrating more fantastic Grands Prix until 2031.”

Video Review: Alpinestars’ New Tech-Air 5 Plasma Airbag System

Roadracing World Editor at Large Michael Gougis details the new Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma inflatable body armor system after a day of riding on the street and on the Streets of Willow course at Willow Springs International Raceway.

 

Quick Look: 2024 KTM 990 Duke

KTM’s 2024 990 Duke publicity photos show a test rider doing burnouts, wheelies and riding knee-down in what appears to be an abandoned parking lot. After riding this machine, I get it. The power, agility, and maneuverability combine to create a bike that’s easy to ride and encourages the rider to explore its performance boundaries. That’s a polite way of saying that it makes its rider want to do burnouts, wheelies and ride knee-down all the time, under any and all circumstances. Any bike that can make me want to act like that is more than OK in my book.

KTM 990 Duke Technical Specifications

KTM’s LC8c Parallel-Twin, four-stroke, four-valve DOHC engine powers the 990 Duke. A 92.5mm x 70.4mm bore and stroke gives the bike a 946cc displacement, a claimed 121.36 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 76.0 lbs.-ft. of torque at 6,750 rpm. New cams with more aggressive profiles and longer valve openings, plus a new exhaust system, bump up the power. The assisted slipper clutch operates with clutchless up- and down-shifting as an option.

Suspension is via WP Apex 3343 inverted front forks with 43mm tubes, and a WP Apex 3146 rear monoshock. The front forks have five clicks of rebound and compression damping, each representing a fairly significant change, and the shock has a new linear-rate spring, five clicks of rebound adjustment, and six spring preload settings.

A pair 300mm discs and four-piston radial-mount calipers handling braking at the front, and a single 240mm disc and single-piston caliper are at the rear. The steel-tube trellis frame is all-new with a gravity-die-cast alumium-alloy swingarm. The aluminum-alloy wheels carry Bridgestone Battlax S22 radials, 120/70R-17 in the front, 180/55R-17 in the rear.

The rider gets five riding modes – Rain, Street, Sport, Performance and Track. Traction control and wheelie control come standard; an enhanced wheelie control and electronic rear slip management system and electronic launch control are optional. The ABS can be switched off at the rear. Ready to ride, the bike weighs in at 424 pounds, and suggested retail price in the U.S.A. is $12,499.

Riding The KTM 990 Duke On The Street

On the street, the bike remains just as friendly as the smaller 790 Duke. The seat is narrow at the front and makes it easier for shorter riders to reach the ground. The throttle response is quick but not overly so and can be easily adjusted. The clutch pull is light, the brake response immediate. The seating position is standard-aggressive, somehow managing to combine a racer crouch, comfort, and legroom into a nicely managed compromise.

The torque and power are just like the 790, except there’s more of both, and it’s pretty much everywhere. It’s like someone took a 790 dyno graph and just moved the whole line up! The 990 has 18 more horsepower and 11 more lbs.-ft of torque, bumping up the throttle fun factor.

The suspension feels more controlled and still absorbs street irregularities. Brakes can handle anything a rider should be doing on the street, and the clutchless shifting feels immediate and direct. It’s a bike built to ride, not just cruise, and the Duke allows the rider to feel and enjoy everything about the ride.

Riding The KTM 990 Duke On The Track

A morning at the tight Streets of Willow course at Willow Springs International Raceway on the 990 Duke, during one of Compact Octane’s small-displacement, non-supersport track day, demonstrated what a difference power and torque can make in changing the riding experience.

Smaller Dukes are amazing on corner entry, with the upright seating position, relatively light weight, and easy-to-manage power making them incredibly precise on tip-in. The 990 requires the rider to be a little more deliberate in this phase of the corner to get the bike exactly where they want it and to full lean angle quickly.

But the extra torque, backed up by the electronic safety net of slip control and traction control, gets the bike out of the corner more quickly. So the focus shifts from entry and lean angle to exit and drive, which the 990 Duke does very well for a wide variety of riders.

Exactly as it comes out of the showroom, with the stock Bridgestone Battlax S22 radials, the 990 Duke is good for a full day of track-day fun, with only some pumping at the rear when on the power, over bumps. It’s easy to ride and it’s easy to enjoy its ample performance capabilities. That makes for a rewarding experience, on street or track.

Look for a full review in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World magazine!

MotoAmerica: Team Roberts And Kody Kopp Target Talent Cup

THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION KENNY ROBERTS MENTORING FLAT-TRACKER KODY KOPP IN NEW MOTOAMERICA TALENT CUP CLASS

Three-time FIM 500cc Grand Prix World Champion “King” Kenny Roberts begins a new chapter in his hall-of-fame international motorcycle racing career this weekend, March 28-30, at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Returning to professional competition following an 18-year hiatus, the 73-year-old American is leaning on his decades of experience to steer 20-year-old Kody Kopp in his transition from flat-track champion to rookie road racer in the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup class.

Part of the “Road To MotoGP,” the Talent Cup debuting at COTA in conjunction with the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas is a “spec” class. Riders aged 14 to 21 compete exclusively on the race-only Krämer APX-350 MA, which is powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke KTM engine. Kopp, a three-time American Flat Track Singles champion, is the son of 2000 AMA Pro Grand National Champion Joe Kopp. Roberts won back-to-back GNC titles in 1973 and ’74 before becoming America’s first Grand Prix world champion in 1978.

Stepping into battle once again as “Team Roberts,” which earned four world titles in the early 1990s with American riders Wayne Rainey and John Kocinski, Roberts intends to base his resurgent race program in Birmingham, Alabama, near Barber Motorsports Park. “We always wanted to help Kody,” admitted Roberts, “but there was never an opportunity. He’s never road raced before. It will probably be the toughest thing that he’s had to master since he started racing, but it’s there to have. Without doing it, we’ll never know. In the past, it was easy to help young kids because you could put them on a Yamaha TZ250. You could always see the talent because everyone had pretty much the same equipment. The Krämer is the only thing that came along where I went, ‘That’s the way to go.’”

A Krämer APX-350 MA racebike on display at the Barber Museum. It is the spec racebike for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Photo courtesy Barber Museum.
A Krämer APX-350 MA racebike seen in the workshop area at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. It is the spec racebike for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Photo courtesy Barber Museum.

One week after its debut, April 4-6, the Talent Cup will travel to Barber Motorsports Park for “MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber.” The 16-turn, 2.38-mile race course is among the best tracks in the U.S. and the go-to venue for cars and motorcycles alike.

Fans are encouraged to visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum to experience the “World Champions” exhibit unveiled in October at the Barber Vintage Festival. Three machines from the Roberts collection acquired by the museum in 2024 are featured at the center of the display. Two world-championship-winning motorcycles, Roberts’ 1980 Yamaha YZR500 and Kenny Roberts Jr.’s 2000 Suzuki RGV500, are paired with the three-cylinder KR3 on which Roberts Jr. contested the 1998 500cc title. Roberts family racing memorabilia is showcased, as well.

A pair of new Krämer APX-350 MA spec racebikes are seen after being uncrated at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. From left are Kody Kopp, his father Joe Kopp, Krämer Motorcycles USA owner Joe Karvonen, Kenny Roberts’ grandson Logan Roberts, and Kenny Roberts. Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motor Sports Museum.

Roberts Jr., 51, is expected to lap the Barber road course on the Team Roberts KR211V that he rode to sixth overall in the 2006 MotoGP World Championship. Highlights from that 17-race campaign included podium finishes in Spain and Portugal, plus a fourth at the lone U.S. round. Recommissioned by the museum, the KR211V was a unique collaboration between GP Motorsports, the U.K.-based firm founded by Roberts in 1996, and Honda. GP Motorsports fabricated the chassis, and the Japanese manufacturer supplied 990cc five-cylinder engines.

Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Kody Kopp (1), airborne during an AFT TT. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

“The museum has long celebrated racing history, both on two and four wheels, and we are proud to show our support for this new Talent Cup class in the MotoAmerica series,” said Brian Case, executive director of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “Kenny Roberts’ legacy runs deep here, and seeing him mentor the next generation of American champions is special. This moment highlights the evolution of motorcycle racing and our commitment to preserving its rich heritage.”

AFT Singles Champion Kody Kopp being interviewed at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

About the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit located at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, the museum focuses on various aspects of motorsports design, from displaying motorcycles and cars spanning over 100 years of production to the Barber Advanced Design Center—a high-tech workspace for design exploration. The museum embraces the culture of motorsports enthusiasts by hosting programs such as Barber Design Camp and events such as Barber Vintage Festival. With five floors housing 1,800 motorcycles, over 60 Lotus race cars, and numerous vintage and iconic vehicles, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the ultimate family-friendly environment for education, inspiration, and exploration with the mission to preserve, interpret and exhibit the history of motorcycles and vintage vehicles in motorsports. The public is welcome, and more information is available at www.BarberMuseum.org.

AHRMA Vintage Cup: Iconic 250 GP Will Blaze The 2026 Season

AHRMA Vintage Cup Roars Back: Iconic 250 Grand Prix to blaze the 2026 season

Get ready for a high-octane blast from the past! The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is thrilled to introduce 250GP as the featured class for the 2026 Vintage Cup.

Sponsored by Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2026 Vintage Cup will feature 250GP which includes any fully GP-kitted 250cc OHV/OHC four-stroke; 250cc air-cooled single-cylinder two stroke; 175cc liquid-cooled single cylinder two-stroke; or 175cc air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke built before December 31, 1968. It’s a showdown of classic speed and engineering that’ll leave fans on the edge of their seats.

“I’ve talked a lot lately about getting bikes of the golden era of grand prix racing out of people’s living rooms and onto the racetrack,” says Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton, 2026 Vintage Cup sponsor. “The 250 class opens doors to increase the grids by promoting a more economical yet genuine GP level Vintage Cup class. In the past the 250GP class has brought an international flair to our club with Juan Bulto from Spain, competing on his Bultaco Single, and we’d like to nurture the international aspect again. So, whether you’ve got a Honda 6 or a CB160 and everything in between, let’s get them out onto the track in 2026.”

Typical AHRMA 250GP grids include a wide variety of motorcycles such as Aermacchi, Bultaco, Greeves, Montesa, Ducati, NSU, Ossa, and more.

“As we look ahead to the 2026 AHRMA Vintage Cup, we’re thrilled to feature the 250GP class, a class that represents one of the most competitive and technically refined eras in motorcycle racing history. These machines were the proving ground for some of the greatest riders and teams, pushing the limits of performance and innovation. Showcasing them in the Vintage Cup honors their legacy while giving today’s racers and fans the chance to experience the excitement of true Grand Prix competition,” said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees

“AHRMA continues to do the sport a great service by running a series for people to ride historic race bikes on the track, where they can be seen and heard in action. Roadracing World is happy to be involved with the Vintage Cup program again in 2026. Now go out and have fun on old bikes!” said John Ulrich, Founder & Editor of Roadracing World.”

The Vintage Cup will be highlighted during and after each of the 2026 AHRMA National road races. Added enhancements for the 2026 season include:

*Enhanced trophies throughout the season.

*Special awards for series champion.

*Articles and photos on Roadracingworld.com to spotlight the class.

*Roadracing World print magazine enhanced exposure for AHRMA and 250GP.

*Discounted race entry fees.

*Racer spotlight features in AHRMA MAG.

*Class champion on cover of the AHRMA MAG.

Motorcycles eligible for AHRMA’s 250GP class include any of the following types of fully GP-kitted motorcycles built before December 31, 1968, and like design: 250cc OHV/OHC four-stroke; 250cc air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke; 175cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke; 175cc air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke. A list of eligible machines can be found in the AHRMA Handbook in Section 10.2.4 (www.ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).

The first American to win an Isle of Man TT, Dave Roper, who is also a multi-time AHRMA champion and frequent 250GP competitor shared the following:

“The 250 Grand Prix class has been one of the mainstays of motorcycle road racing since near the beginning. The Isle of Man adopted the 250 Lightweight class in 1922. Ironically, the race was won this first year by a two-stroke Levis. For the next 15 years, the Lightweight 250 TT was won by a four-stroke.

“The World Championship started in 1949, and the 250 class was one of the four initial classes along with 500, 350, and sidecar. The 250 World Championship has been won by two-strokes and four-strokes, singles, twins, fours and sixes. This has been mirrored in the AHRMA 250GP class. 2008-2015, either Paul Germain (6X) or Jack Parker (2X) won the Championship on a Yamaha two-stroke single, then Jeff Henise won on a Kawasaki two-stroke single, then Juan Bulto on a Bultaco single. In 2018, Kevin Burns won the Championship on a Honda four-stroke twin, in 2019 Germain won again on his Yamaha two-stroke single, 2020 saw John Scales win on a Honda four stroke twin, 2021 it was me on a Aermacchi four-stroke single, 2022 John Scales again on his Honda four-stroke twin, 2023 Paul Germain again on his Yamaha two-stroke single, and last year Craig Light on his Bultaco two-stroke single.

“Whether you have a single or twin, two stroke or four stroke, Japanese or European, bring it out for next year’s Vintage Cup.”

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

Podium Club Holding 2-Day Class With Racers Hayes & Ungvarsky

A composite photo showing Sean Ungvarsky (left) and Josh Hayes, who will be headlining the debut of the new Podium Club Racing Academy. Podium Club photo.

Podium Club Racing Academy Announces Exclusive 2-Day Motorcycle Class with Guest Coaches: MotoAmerica Pro Road Racers Josh Hayes & Sean Ungvarsky

(Casa Grande, AZ) The Podium Club Racing Academy is excited to announce a new 2-day high-performance motorcycle course designed for riders of all skill levels, to be held April 14 & 15, 2025, at the Podium Club at Attesa in Casa Grande, Arizona.

This unique experience features special guest coaches and MotoAmerica riders Josh Hayes and Sean Ungvarsky, who will share their expertise and insights with a limited number of students, in conjunction with Brake Free Track Time instructors.

This special class will offer an exceptional learning environment with a personalized 2:1 coach-to-student ratio and exclusive track access. The carefully designed curriculum, endorsed by Hayes, a 4-time Superbike champion, and MotoAmerica Twins Cup racer Ungvarsky, is tailored to help riders enhance their track racing techniques, whether they are new to the sport or looking to refine their existing skills.

“This will be our first time hosting a PCRA event with the likes of Josh and Sean,” said Jayson Citron, Podium Club Sales & Marketing Manager. “Motorcyclists who are fans of the sport will have the opportunity to ride with their heroes. Josh Hayes has a resume that separated him from almost any other rider in the MotoAmerica paddock. To have both him and Sean at our event will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students.”

There will be track walks, classroom instruction, video reviews, and plentiful track time on the most motorcycle-friendly circuit in the southwest, all designed to accelerate any rider’s learning curve in a safe, controlled setting. The price is just $1499 for both days. Spots are filling up fast so riders should register soon, by going to podiumclub.com/motorcycleacademy.

About Podium Club at Attesa

The Podium Club at Attesa is a membership motorsport facility located in the heart of the Arizona Sun Corridor, in Casa Grande, about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. The motorplex caters to automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts, professional racers, and both pro and amateur racing teams. The 15-turn, 2.32-mile track was created to meet FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) safety specifications at buildout, featuring large runoff areas, a challenging circuit with smart elevation changes.

The Podium Club is located at 6870 S. Bianco Road, Casa Grande, AZ 85193, a half-mile south of Interstate 8. To learn more about the Podium Club, go to podiumclub.com, or call 602-702-7077.

MotoAmerica: Talent Cup Debut At COTA Draws 15 Entries

The Team Roberts transporter and one of Kody Kopp's MotoAmerica Talent Cup Kramer racebikes. MotoAmerica photo.

The first MotoAmerica Talent Cup race of 2025 is being held in conjunction with the MotoGP round at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) this coming weekend. There are 15 riders entered.

Here is a look at the entry list:

 

Alpinestars Presents Spring 2025 MM93 Collection

Alpinestars has released the 2025 Marc Marquez-themed MM93 collection. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.

Alpinestars teams up once again with eight-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez for the sixth capsule collection. Inspired by his 2025 MotoGP season and striking new Ducati red livery, this lineup fuses Márquez’s signature racing style with Alpinestars’ technical innovation.

Staying true to his signature look, the collection features a bold mix of red, black, white, and dark blue—designed to stand out whether worn solo or as a full set.

“I’m excited to team up with Alpinestars again for the Spring 2025 MM93 Capsule. Every piece reflects the speed I bring to the track and the style I live off it. It’s all about delivering the same performance, protection, and look I trust when I race.”

– Marc Márquez

Gear Up for Performance

The 2025 Spring MM93 Collection delivers premium jackets, gloves, performance shoes, and technical accessories—including backpacks and waist bags. The hoodies are Tech-Air® Ready, offering seamless compatibility with Alpinestars’ leading airbag protection systems.

MM93 T-SPS Air v2 Jacket and MM93 T-GP Ignition Air Jacket (*Asia only)

MM93 Radium Tech Hoodie and MM93 Chrome v2 Sport Hoodie

MM93 Reef v2 and SP X 1 Gloves, and MM93 SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves (*Asia only)

MM93 Faster-4 Shoes

MM93 City Hunter Backpacks, Waist Bags, and Neck Tubes

Innovation Meets Racing Spirit

Marc’s relentless drive for perfection matches Alpinestars’ commitment to pushing the limits of protective gear. As a leader in racing tech and MotoGP airbag systems, Alpinestars blends pro-level innovation with everyday performance. This collection brings that technology straight to the street—in unmistakable MM93 style.

With a perfect 4-for-4 start to the 2025 season, Marc is making waves with the Ducati Factory Team. His hunger to win powers every corner he takes—and every piece in this collection.

Ride with the Spirit of MM93

The Spring 2025 Alpinestars x MM93 Capsule Collection is now available at alpinestars.com and authorized Alpinestars dealers.

Triumph Launches 250cc And 450cc Enduro Racebikes

The 2025 Triumph TF 250-E and TF 450-E. Photo courtesy Triumph.

Triumph Motorcycles has officially launched the competition only all-new TF 250-E and TF 450-E for model year 2026, designed and developed with World Enduro Champions to excel in competitive racing, across both technical terrain and high-speed sections.

The precision-engineered 250cc and 450cc powertrains deliver class-leading performance, coupled with the optimum blend of unparalleled low-speed agility and confidence-inspiring high-speed stability.

Developed entirely by Triumph in close collaboration with five-time World Champion Iván Cervantes and four-time World Enduro Champion Paul Edmondson, the TF 250-E and TF 450-E share a unique, lightweight aluminum chassis, engineered for agility and strength. The new spine frame design provides exceptional handling and stability across all terrains.

Triumph’s new Enduro models are equipped with premium brand components and feature the latest off-road technology, together with a rider-focused ergonomics package and race-inspired styling. Sleek bodywork, Triumph Performance Yellow graphics, and integrated LED lighting give the bikes a bold, aggressive look that stands out on the start line.
Building on Triumph’s reputation for excellent quality and reliability, the new models will also have world-class support, backed by a nationwide network of Triumph Off-Road dealers and a 24/7 parts ordering and supply system.

Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, Triumph Motorcycles:

“We are entering the competitive Enduro scene with new models that introduce cutting-edge advancements in Enduro performance and technology. Featuring a brand-new chassis and engine platform, the 2026 Enduro models are designed to elevate performance, handling, comfort, and usability, meeting the diverse needs of both professional and amateur riders.

Working with Paul Edmondson’s team to test these bikes in real-world environments, our team have refined the agility and performance of these models, ensuring they excel whether a rider is new to Enduro or racing competitively. This level of all-round usability and excellence has not been seen in this sector before.”

Paul Edmondson has played a key role in the development and testing of the new range and will be leading the new Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team into the EnduroGP Championship in April.

Paul Edmondson, Team Manager, Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team:

“Triumph Enduro bikes are built for limitless adventure, engineered with precision handling, powerful engines, and race-proven technology to dominate rugged trails, steep climbs, and unpredictable landscapes with confidence.

From technical enduro sections to untamed wilderness, these bikes deliver exceptional performance, control, and durability – empowering riders to push their boundaries. We have all been working so hard to make these new models as agile, fast, and lightweight as possible, refusing to compromise on functionality or usability.”

The TF 450-E’s 450cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine delivers impressive power and torque with a linear power curve, ensuring smooth acceleration across varied conditions, from technical ascents to high-speed straights.

The TF 450-E is designed to excel in high-speed enduro racing, ideal for experienced riders seeking power, speed and versatility on open trails and hills. With its greater low-end and mid-range torque, it tackles hill climbs, sand dunes, and situations requiring less gear shifting with ease. Its smooth, tractable power delivery and controllable, connected engine character ensure riders can feel the bike’s rear wheel traction and the seamless transfer of power to the ground.

Triumph’s all-new 250 enduro engine is the most powerful engine in its class, delivering responsive, manageable power with a purposeful character, perfectly suited for technical sections, tight enduro challenges, and ideal for riders seeking fun and accessible performance.

Providing 41.7 HP (42.3 PS) of power and 20.5 ft-lb (27.8 Nm) of torque, with a broad power curve and strong bottom-end, the TF 250-E excels in slow-speed technical sections and drives through to a powerful top-end at 12,800 RPM.

Both powertrains have been developed to have more inertia than the motocross engine, providing a more stable, tractable power delivery across diverse, unpredictable race conditions. This is complemented by the six-speed Exedy racing clutch, which allows smooth, clutch-less upshifts, maintaining momentum in tight, technical sections.

Advanced fuel injection and ignition systems manage power efficiently, ensuring instant throttle response and reliable performance throughout demanding rides. A bespoke Dellorto 1.7” (44mm) throttle body provides an air bypass system for cold starts and a manually adjustable idle speed. Del West titanium valves and a forged König aluminum piston ensure consistent performance during prolonged high-RPM operation, significantly reducing servicing requirements.

For the TF 450-E, the gudgeon pin and rockers are further enhanced with Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coatings, which improves durability and reduces friction. The high-capacity radiator and auxiliary fan combined with tool-free Dual-stage filter provided by Twin-air, provide consistent engine cooling, ensuring reliable power delivery on long, demanding rides.

Triumph and Athena have combined their extensive off-road experience to create a perfect synergy, resulting in the development of new software strategies with a strong emphasis on drivability and tractability. The engine management system for the TF 250-E and TF 450-E features completely bespoke software. This new system benefits from co-developed mapping and traction control strategies, specifically tailored by Triumph and Athena to enhance performance and reliability.

Dual Engine Maps adapt performance for different conditions at the touch of a button giving riders the edge to adapt and excel in varying race conditions. Riders can switch between two distinct engine maps on the fly. One for aggressive performance, the other for smoother, more controlled delivery on technical terrain. Additional maps can also be added with the optional Wi-Fi module and the Triumph MX Tune Pro app.

The lightweight stainless steel exhaust system on the TF 250-E boasts an integrated Helmholtz resonator in the header pipe, enhancing cylinder evacuation and performance.
The TF 450-E features a side-resonator in the silencer, specifically designed for targeted noise attenuation, resulting in a deep, powerful exhaust note.

Both models feature Triumph’s unique, lightweight aluminum spine frame, with optimized mass, stiffness, and a low center of gravity. This provides exceptional agility, enhanced high-speed stability, and delivers sharp directional control and confidence. Post-fabrication machining enhances dimensional accuracy while the frame also features in-house hand TIG-welded craftsmanship.

The fully adjustable KYB coil-sprung 1.9” (48mm) forks and 3-way adjustable linkage-driven rear suspension are specifically tuned for Enduro challenges, ensuring responsive control, excellent power transfer and maximum traction in demanding conditions. With a reduction of .4 inches (10mm) compared to Triumph’s motocross models and enhanced settings, it offers an outstanding balance between handling and bump absorption, while minimizing pitch during cornering.

Easy to set up and service, this market-leading suspension offers high-level adjustability for rider weight and riding style, and exceptional tunability for varying terrains, from muddy tracks to rocky paths.

Enduro-specific swingarm geometry ensures accurate front-end feedback, which empowers riders to make rapid adjustments to navigate obstacles, and delivers intuitive and inspiring handling for competition.

Ensuring the new TF 250-E and TF 450-E are best-in-class, both models are equipped with an impressive selection of premium brand specification and cutting-edge technologies, optimizing performance in all conditions.

These can be accessed using intuitive handlebar-mounted controls featuring illuminated buttons for quick and easy adjustments, while the digital speedo screen provides real-time data, including engine temperature, trip information, and gear position. The advanced traction control system monitors rear-wheel slip and modulates power output to provide consistent grip on unpredictable surfaces, while the optimized launch control manages torque delivery to maximize traction off the line, helping riders achieve consistent, competitive starts. The Triumph-designed quickshifter enables seamless, clutch-less upshifts between second and sixth gear for uninterrupted power delivery and preserves momentum during race-critical sections.

More premium components, included as standard, include the Galfer performance braking system with 10.2” (260mm) front brake disc and 8.7” (220mm) rear brake disc, combined with Brembo twin .94 “(24mm) piston floating front caliper, a single 1.02” (26mm) piston floating rear caliper and adjustable span brake lever.

Both models are fitted with Michelin Enduro 2 tires, featuring an innovative tread pattern that provides better grip and traction, designed for diverse terrains (soft to hard) and conditions (mud to dry). The D.I.D DirtStar 7000 series aluminum rims, with a black anodized finish and Triumph-designed lightweight cast and machined aluminum hubs completes the look.

Built for the demands of competitive endurance racing, the ergonomics of the TF 250-E and TF 450-E have been designed to maximize both performance and rider comfort. Pro Taper ACF Carbon Core handlebars with adjustable mounts enable riders to personalize the fit and feel, perfecting the positioning between the handlebar, seat, and footpegs. This can minimize fatigue, enhance control during sharp turns, and reduce rider strain during prolonged standing. The ODI half-waffle lock-on grips offer exceptional hold and durability, ensuring control in all conditions.

A 37.6” (955mm) seat height provides optimal clearance while maintaining a manageable stand-over for technical sections while a non-slip Pyramid seat offers excellent grip and a rubbery consistency to improve positioning in both dry and wet conditions. The ergonomic design and high-quality foam padding provide superior comfort, allowing racers to ride longer without discomfort. The seat cover material is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for off-road conditions. Tough, purposeful, and unmistakably race-ready, both Enduro models are styled with sharp lines and an aggressive stance. They feature aggressive, minimalistic bodywork, developed and manufactured in-house by Triumph to be lightweight and durable. Racing-inspired graphics in Triumph Performance Yellow, Black and White and magnesium engine covers, which also make trackside servicing easier, complete the look.

The 2.2 gallon (8.3 liter) fuel tank provides a long range for long laps, and the compact, integrated LED lights enhance visibility in low-light conditions.

The all-new TF 250-E or TF 450-E motorcycle are exclusively available as competition use only motorcycles in the United States and Canada. To ensure racers have the highest level of dealer support, there is a nationwide network of qualified Triumph Off-Road dealers offering sales, servicing and parts.

The authorized dealer network also stocks Triumph’s dedicated Enduro clothing range, designed in partnership with Alpinestars, including Enduro boots and apparel. The dealer network is backed by a mobile-optimized 24/7 online parts support system, so customers can easily identify the parts they need and find stocking Triumph dealers at any time.

In addition to the high level of specification already included as standard, Triumph has worked with the biggest, premium brands to create a dedicated range of competition accessories to further enhance performance and capability, ranging from an Akrapovič silencer to a radiator shroud graphics kit.

The TF 250-E will start from $9,795 USD / $12,395 CAD and the TF 450-E will start from $10,795 USD / $13,295. Orders can be placed now at Triumph Dealers with bikes available for delivery from June, 2025.

World Supersport: QJMOTOR Factory Team Starting 2025 Season At Portimao

From left, Raffaele De Rosa and Niki Tuuli. Photo courtesy QJMOTOR.

The moment is finally here. After winter testing and a lot of hard work by QJ MOTOR and the QJMOTOR Factory Racing Team during said tests, Raffaele De Rosa and Niki Tuuli are ready to take on the first round of the 2025 WorldSSP Challenge that will take place on 28-30 March at the Autodromo do Algarve in Portimao, Portugal.

Having debuted in the championship last year with Raffaele De Rosa and SRK 800 RR, the factory QJMOTOR team will redouble its efforts this year, with the experienced Italian joined on track by Niki Tuuli, the Finnish rider who knows the category well.

And the Chinese manufacturer’s commitment goes beyond a second rider, in that as of June, the SRK 800 RR will be replaced with a new model, now in an advanced phase of development. The new bike has been tested at Chinese circuits, with a prototype having also been tested by De Rosa during the winter tests at Jerez.

At Portimao the two QJMOTOR Factory Racing riders and their technical staff will aim to continue with the development of the SRK 800 RR, which will boast many new elements, as they target the points zone, something that they just missed out on several times last year and that would represent a real milestone.

The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve was inaugurated on 2 November 2008 with the final round of the Superbike World Championship. Aside from the circuit, the project also involved a karting track, a technology part, a five-star hotel and a sports complex. Spanning a total area of 300 hectares, it represents the largest ever investment in the Algarve. The track used for the Superbike races measures 4.692 km, though there are 64 possible configurations to suit any kind of motorsport event, F1 included.

Raffaele De Rosa:

“It’s always great to tackle the first round of the year, and it’s fantastic to do so at Portimao, a track that all the riders really enjoy. We’ll be using a SRK 800 RR that is significantly better than what we had last year, and we’ll try to harness its full potential to achieve the best possible result.”

Niki Tuuli:

“I’m excited to be able to start my 2025 season with the QJMOTOR Factory Racing Team. Us riders and the team are all ready to work hard on this project, which clearly has great potential. We’ll give it our all to exploit all the hard work done by the Chinese manufacturer and the team. It’s all new for me, but during testing I had great feeling with the team’s technicians and with the bike and so I can’t wait to race at Portimao!”

MotoGP: Valencia On The Schedule Through 2031

Crowd at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Cheste, Spain, near Valencia. Photo courtesy MotoGP.com.

MotoGP will race in Valencia until 2031. A new contract confirms the Circuit Ricardo Tormo as host of five more Grands Prix, from 2027 until 2031 inclusive.

Valencia provides an incredible amphitheatre atmosphere, where every seat in the house offers a near full view of every apex for the hundreds of thousands of fans who come to see the most exciting sport on Earth.

The circuit is also a paddock favourite with fantastic organisation and promotion, making the most of its position close to one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities.

For all that and more, Valencia has won the Best Grand Prix award a number of times, and will almost certainly compete for the award again until 2031 thanks to this new contract.

Carlos Mazón, President of the Generalitat Valenciana: “Thank you for your commitment to Valencia. I think it’s a safe bet! There is no other Grand Prix that hangs the sold out sign up as far in advance as the one in Valencia. Here there is a huge fandom, a love of motorsport, for motorcycling. It’s fundamental for Valencia, for Cheste, for the province of Valencia and for the Valencian Community. This renewal comes in a context of greater competitiveness than ever and we were always convinced that we had the winning card. The great differential, apart from these magnificent facilities and team, is the fans.

“I also don’t want to fail to mention the economic impact MotoGP has, and when we are working on recovery – not only emotional recovery, but economic recovery. And with fans behind us like the ones we have, the winning card is there. I want to congratulate you all: the entire Valencian motorcycling family, the Spanish motorcycling family and that of the entire world, which will now once again have one of the circuits, and if I may, the circuit with the most soul and after this last year even more, that it can offer to this great sport.”

Nicolás Collado, General Manager of the Circuit Ricardo Tormo: “This is the best news we could bring to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, that we’re in 2025 and we can guarantee the Valencia GP until at least 2031. For the circuit, it’s a great source of pride as we know this means that we have been doing things well for the past 25 years. We’re very grateful for the support of the Valencia government which supports us and MotoGP. Motorcycling has deep roots in Valencian society. We’re also very grateful to Dorna and MotoGP, after a year without a Grand Prix due to the floods, they’ve been supporting us and now we’re working on the reconstruction to create the best Valencia GP ever in November.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports: “We are very happy to announce our future in Valencia. The track is unique with the view it offers to the spectators, and the fans make it unique for us with the incredible atmosphere they create. It is always full of people, the promoter does a fantastic job, and we’re proud to be able to keep delivering a spectacle that rewards their passion for the sport. After what happened in 2024, we hope our return for another five Grands Prix underlines our longer term commitment to Valencia too. We’re looking forward to coming back this season, and to celebrating more fantastic Grands Prix until 2031.”

Video Review: Alpinestars’ New Tech-Air 5 Plasma Airbag System

The new Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma is lighter, smaller and breathes better, all characteristics that are important to the track rider. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.

Roadracing World Editor at Large Michael Gougis details the new Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma inflatable body armor system after a day of riding on the street and on the Streets of Willow course at Willow Springs International Raceway.

 

Quick Look: 2024 KTM 990 Duke

The 2024 990 Duke is fun on the street, fun on the track and apparently, according to KTM, even fun in a parking lot. After riding it, it's easy to see why KTM thinks that way. Photo by First Place Visuals.

KTM’s 2024 990 Duke publicity photos show a test rider doing burnouts, wheelies and riding knee-down in what appears to be an abandoned parking lot. After riding this machine, I get it. The power, agility, and maneuverability combine to create a bike that’s easy to ride and encourages the rider to explore its performance boundaries. That’s a polite way of saying that it makes its rider want to do burnouts, wheelies and ride knee-down all the time, under any and all circumstances. Any bike that can make me want to act like that is more than OK in my book.

KTM 990 Duke Technical Specifications

KTM’s LC8c Parallel-Twin, four-stroke, four-valve DOHC engine powers the 990 Duke. A 92.5mm x 70.4mm bore and stroke gives the bike a 946cc displacement, a claimed 121.36 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 76.0 lbs.-ft. of torque at 6,750 rpm. New cams with more aggressive profiles and longer valve openings, plus a new exhaust system, bump up the power. The assisted slipper clutch operates with clutchless up- and down-shifting as an option.

Suspension is via WP Apex 3343 inverted front forks with 43mm tubes, and a WP Apex 3146 rear monoshock. The front forks have five clicks of rebound and compression damping, each representing a fairly significant change, and the shock has a new linear-rate spring, five clicks of rebound adjustment, and six spring preload settings.

A pair 300mm discs and four-piston radial-mount calipers handling braking at the front, and a single 240mm disc and single-piston caliper are at the rear. The steel-tube trellis frame is all-new with a gravity-die-cast alumium-alloy swingarm. The aluminum-alloy wheels carry Bridgestone Battlax S22 radials, 120/70R-17 in the front, 180/55R-17 in the rear.

The rider gets five riding modes – Rain, Street, Sport, Performance and Track. Traction control and wheelie control come standard; an enhanced wheelie control and electronic rear slip management system and electronic launch control are optional. The ABS can be switched off at the rear. Ready to ride, the bike weighs in at 424 pounds, and suggested retail price in the U.S.A. is $12,499.

Riding The KTM 990 Duke On The Street

On the street, the bike remains just as friendly as the smaller 790 Duke. The seat is narrow at the front and makes it easier for shorter riders to reach the ground. The throttle response is quick but not overly so and can be easily adjusted. The clutch pull is light, the brake response immediate. The seating position is standard-aggressive, somehow managing to combine a racer crouch, comfort, and legroom into a nicely managed compromise.

The torque and power are just like the 790, except there’s more of both, and it’s pretty much everywhere. It’s like someone took a 790 dyno graph and just moved the whole line up! The 990 has 18 more horsepower and 11 more lbs.-ft of torque, bumping up the throttle fun factor.

The suspension feels more controlled and still absorbs street irregularities. Brakes can handle anything a rider should be doing on the street, and the clutchless shifting feels immediate and direct. It’s a bike built to ride, not just cruise, and the Duke allows the rider to feel and enjoy everything about the ride.

Riding The KTM 990 Duke On The Track

A morning at the tight Streets of Willow course at Willow Springs International Raceway on the 990 Duke, during one of Compact Octane’s small-displacement, non-supersport track day, demonstrated what a difference power and torque can make in changing the riding experience.

Smaller Dukes are amazing on corner entry, with the upright seating position, relatively light weight, and easy-to-manage power making them incredibly precise on tip-in. The 990 requires the rider to be a little more deliberate in this phase of the corner to get the bike exactly where they want it and to full lean angle quickly.

But the extra torque, backed up by the electronic safety net of slip control and traction control, gets the bike out of the corner more quickly. So the focus shifts from entry and lean angle to exit and drive, which the 990 Duke does very well for a wide variety of riders.

Exactly as it comes out of the showroom, with the stock Bridgestone Battlax S22 radials, the 990 Duke is good for a full day of track-day fun, with only some pumping at the rear when on the power, over bumps. It’s easy to ride and it’s easy to enjoy its ample performance capabilities. That makes for a rewarding experience, on street or track.

Look for a full review in an upcoming issue of Roadracing World magazine!

MotoAmerica: Team Roberts And Kody Kopp Target Talent Cup

Kody Kopp with his custom Thom Duma Fine Jewelers ring, memorializing one of his AFT Singles Championships. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
Kody Kopp with his custom Thom Duma Fine Jewelers ring, memorializing one of his AFT Singles Championships. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.

THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION KENNY ROBERTS MENTORING FLAT-TRACKER KODY KOPP IN NEW MOTOAMERICA TALENT CUP CLASS

Three-time FIM 500cc Grand Prix World Champion “King” Kenny Roberts begins a new chapter in his hall-of-fame international motorcycle racing career this weekend, March 28-30, at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Returning to professional competition following an 18-year hiatus, the 73-year-old American is leaning on his decades of experience to steer 20-year-old Kody Kopp in his transition from flat-track champion to rookie road racer in the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup class.

Part of the “Road To MotoGP,” the Talent Cup debuting at COTA in conjunction with the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas is a “spec” class. Riders aged 14 to 21 compete exclusively on the race-only Krämer APX-350 MA, which is powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke KTM engine. Kopp, a three-time American Flat Track Singles champion, is the son of 2000 AMA Pro Grand National Champion Joe Kopp. Roberts won back-to-back GNC titles in 1973 and ’74 before becoming America’s first Grand Prix world champion in 1978.

Stepping into battle once again as “Team Roberts,” which earned four world titles in the early 1990s with American riders Wayne Rainey and John Kocinski, Roberts intends to base his resurgent race program in Birmingham, Alabama, near Barber Motorsports Park. “We always wanted to help Kody,” admitted Roberts, “but there was never an opportunity. He’s never road raced before. It will probably be the toughest thing that he’s had to master since he started racing, but it’s there to have. Without doing it, we’ll never know. In the past, it was easy to help young kids because you could put them on a Yamaha TZ250. You could always see the talent because everyone had pretty much the same equipment. The Krämer is the only thing that came along where I went, ‘That’s the way to go.’”

A Krämer APX-350 MA racebike on display at the Barber Museum. It is the spec racebike for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Photo courtesy Barber Museum.
A Krämer APX-350 MA racebike seen in the workshop area at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. It is the spec racebike for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Photo courtesy Barber Museum.

One week after its debut, April 4-6, the Talent Cup will travel to Barber Motorsports Park for “MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber.” The 16-turn, 2.38-mile race course is among the best tracks in the U.S. and the go-to venue for cars and motorcycles alike.

Fans are encouraged to visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum to experience the “World Champions” exhibit unveiled in October at the Barber Vintage Festival. Three machines from the Roberts collection acquired by the museum in 2024 are featured at the center of the display. Two world-championship-winning motorcycles, Roberts’ 1980 Yamaha YZR500 and Kenny Roberts Jr.’s 2000 Suzuki RGV500, are paired with the three-cylinder KR3 on which Roberts Jr. contested the 1998 500cc title. Roberts family racing memorabilia is showcased, as well.

A pair of new Krämer APX-350 MA spec racebikes are seen after being uncrated at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. From left are Kody Kopp, his father Joe Kopp, Krämer Motorcycles USA owner Joe Karvonen, Kenny Roberts’ grandson Logan Roberts, and Kenny Roberts. Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motor Sports Museum.

Roberts Jr., 51, is expected to lap the Barber road course on the Team Roberts KR211V that he rode to sixth overall in the 2006 MotoGP World Championship. Highlights from that 17-race campaign included podium finishes in Spain and Portugal, plus a fourth at the lone U.S. round. Recommissioned by the museum, the KR211V was a unique collaboration between GP Motorsports, the U.K.-based firm founded by Roberts in 1996, and Honda. GP Motorsports fabricated the chassis, and the Japanese manufacturer supplied 990cc five-cylinder engines.

Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Kody Kopp (1), airborne during an AFT TT. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

“The museum has long celebrated racing history, both on two and four wheels, and we are proud to show our support for this new Talent Cup class in the MotoAmerica series,” said Brian Case, executive director of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “Kenny Roberts’ legacy runs deep here, and seeing him mentor the next generation of American champions is special. This moment highlights the evolution of motorcycle racing and our commitment to preserving its rich heritage.”

AFT Singles Champion Kody Kopp being interviewed at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

About the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit located at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, the museum focuses on various aspects of motorsports design, from displaying motorcycles and cars spanning over 100 years of production to the Barber Advanced Design Center—a high-tech workspace for design exploration. The museum embraces the culture of motorsports enthusiasts by hosting programs such as Barber Design Camp and events such as Barber Vintage Festival. With five floors housing 1,800 motorcycles, over 60 Lotus race cars, and numerous vintage and iconic vehicles, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the ultimate family-friendly environment for education, inspiration, and exploration with the mission to preserve, interpret and exhibit the history of motorcycles and vintage vehicles in motorsports. The public is welcome, and more information is available at www.BarberMuseum.org.

AHRMA Vintage Cup: Iconic 250 GP Will Blaze The 2026 Season

Paul Germain (61) leads Jack Parker (18) in AHRMA 250GP at Barber Motorsports Park. etechphoto.com
Paul Germain (61) leads Jack Parker (18) in AHRMA 250GP at Barber Motorsports Park. etechphoto.com

AHRMA Vintage Cup Roars Back: Iconic 250 Grand Prix to blaze the 2026 season

Get ready for a high-octane blast from the past! The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is thrilled to introduce 250GP as the featured class for the 2026 Vintage Cup.

Sponsored by Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2026 Vintage Cup will feature 250GP which includes any fully GP-kitted 250cc OHV/OHC four-stroke; 250cc air-cooled single-cylinder two stroke; 175cc liquid-cooled single cylinder two-stroke; or 175cc air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke built before December 31, 1968. It’s a showdown of classic speed and engineering that’ll leave fans on the edge of their seats.

“I’ve talked a lot lately about getting bikes of the golden era of grand prix racing out of people’s living rooms and onto the racetrack,” says Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton, 2026 Vintage Cup sponsor. “The 250 class opens doors to increase the grids by promoting a more economical yet genuine GP level Vintage Cup class. In the past the 250GP class has brought an international flair to our club with Juan Bulto from Spain, competing on his Bultaco Single, and we’d like to nurture the international aspect again. So, whether you’ve got a Honda 6 or a CB160 and everything in between, let’s get them out onto the track in 2026.”

Typical AHRMA 250GP grids include a wide variety of motorcycles such as Aermacchi, Bultaco, Greeves, Montesa, Ducati, NSU, Ossa, and more.

“As we look ahead to the 2026 AHRMA Vintage Cup, we’re thrilled to feature the 250GP class, a class that represents one of the most competitive and technically refined eras in motorcycle racing history. These machines were the proving ground for some of the greatest riders and teams, pushing the limits of performance and innovation. Showcasing them in the Vintage Cup honors their legacy while giving today’s racers and fans the chance to experience the excitement of true Grand Prix competition,” said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees

“AHRMA continues to do the sport a great service by running a series for people to ride historic race bikes on the track, where they can be seen and heard in action. Roadracing World is happy to be involved with the Vintage Cup program again in 2026. Now go out and have fun on old bikes!” said John Ulrich, Founder & Editor of Roadracing World.”

The Vintage Cup will be highlighted during and after each of the 2026 AHRMA National road races. Added enhancements for the 2026 season include:

*Enhanced trophies throughout the season.

*Special awards for series champion.

*Articles and photos on Roadracingworld.com to spotlight the class.

*Roadracing World print magazine enhanced exposure for AHRMA and 250GP.

*Discounted race entry fees.

*Racer spotlight features in AHRMA MAG.

*Class champion on cover of the AHRMA MAG.

Motorcycles eligible for AHRMA’s 250GP class include any of the following types of fully GP-kitted motorcycles built before December 31, 1968, and like design: 250cc OHV/OHC four-stroke; 250cc air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke; 175cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke; 175cc air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke. A list of eligible machines can be found in the AHRMA Handbook in Section 10.2.4 (www.ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).

The first American to win an Isle of Man TT, Dave Roper, who is also a multi-time AHRMA champion and frequent 250GP competitor shared the following:

“The 250 Grand Prix class has been one of the mainstays of motorcycle road racing since near the beginning. The Isle of Man adopted the 250 Lightweight class in 1922. Ironically, the race was won this first year by a two-stroke Levis. For the next 15 years, the Lightweight 250 TT was won by a four-stroke.

“The World Championship started in 1949, and the 250 class was one of the four initial classes along with 500, 350, and sidecar. The 250 World Championship has been won by two-strokes and four-strokes, singles, twins, fours and sixes. This has been mirrored in the AHRMA 250GP class. 2008-2015, either Paul Germain (6X) or Jack Parker (2X) won the Championship on a Yamaha two-stroke single, then Jeff Henise won on a Kawasaki two-stroke single, then Juan Bulto on a Bultaco single. In 2018, Kevin Burns won the Championship on a Honda four-stroke twin, in 2019 Germain won again on his Yamaha two-stroke single, 2020 saw John Scales win on a Honda four stroke twin, 2021 it was me on a Aermacchi four-stroke single, 2022 John Scales again on his Honda four-stroke twin, 2023 Paul Germain again on his Yamaha two-stroke single, and last year Craig Light on his Bultaco two-stroke single.

“Whether you have a single or twin, two stroke or four stroke, Japanese or European, bring it out for next year’s Vintage Cup.”

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

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