Anthony’s Leatherworks And MotoAmerica Partner Again For 2023
Leather Repair, Alteration And Restoration Service Returns As An Official Partner For Fourth Successive Season
IRVINE, CA (June 8, 2023) – MotoAmerica, the premier motorcycle road racing series in North America, has announced that Anthony’s Leatherworks is again an official partner for the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship for a fourth successive season.
Based in Corona del Mar, California, Anthony’s Leatherworks has been in the business of leather repair, alterations and restoration service for over 25 years and is the preferred leather repair center for Dainese, Alpinestars, REV’IT!, Spidi, AGV Sport and Mithos. Anthony’s Leatherworks is also a business member of the AMA and prides itself on giving customers a superior service of leather repair that is required and demanded in the industry.
Anthony’s Leatherworks specializes in motorcycle racing leathers and its services include full reconditioning, dyeing, minor and major repair jobs, accessory replacement, alterations, section replacement, crash-damage repair and custom laser leather engraving and cutting. Anthony’s can also add all the required MotoAmerica patches on suits – either standard patches or those made of leather.
As part of Anthony Leatherworks’ sponsorship agreement, they will again be providing a drop-off option for customers at each of the 10 MotoAmerica rounds in 2022. Customers looking to get their garments repaired can drop off the leathers at the MotoAmerica hospitality tent, and they will be shipped back to California on the Monday after the races for repair. Upon completion of the repair, the leathers will then be shipped back to the customer.
“Four years ago, we started working with Anthony’s Leatherworks and its drop-off option at our events for our riders and our motorcycle-riding fans who can’t easily get to the shop in Southern California,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “It has proven to be a popular option as it is an easy and effective way to get your repairs completed. Anthony’s owner Greg (Sermabeikian) has been a wonderful partner of ours and we’re looking forward to another successful season in 2023.”
“We feel like we are part of the MotoAmerica family as we are in our fourth season as a partner,” said Anthony’s Leatherworks owner Greg Sermabeikian. “The series continues to grow, and we’re excited to be a part of it and grow with MotoAmerica. MotoAmerica’s fans and its riders make up a big part of our business and we’re excited for another year of great racing.”
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
“We need to push to the limit. I’m ready to go!”: Thursday talking points at Mugello
Hear from Bagnaia, Bezzecchi, Viñales, Marc Marquez, Binder, Martin, Quartararo and Bastianini!
Thursday, 08 June 2023
And we’re BACK! The Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley kicks off a triple header for MotoGP™ this weekend, with the stunning Mugello playing host. Ahead of track action, two press conferences covered some key talking points withe some key faces:
The first comprised Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), before the second saw Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) joined by Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and the returning Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).
(From left) Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Francesco Bagnaia, and Maverick Vinales. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Here are some key quotes!
Do you see this a big opportunity to take control of championship?
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “I’m very happy like always to start this race weekend because it’s one of my favourites at one of my favourite tracks. As an Italian it’s very important, very special, and I’m really looking forward to riding.”
On his ankle injury:
“Sincerely, I’m not 100% but I’m struggling more with walking than riding. Because after four days without knowing that I broke my ankle, I was riding here just to train. I was feeling pain, but nothing that with a bit of focus was impossible to ignore and think just about the riding so I think that it will not affect my race weekend. Let’s see, but I’m quite sure that there will be everything OK.”
Francesco Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
On MotoGP™ On Stage in Milan:
“It was great to be in a city where MotoGP has never been to. Looking at the stands and seeing many people cheering for us and being happy for us and supporting us was great. We had fun and maybe we’ll repeat it again!”
MARCO BEZZECCHI: “Here, as Pecco said, is a fantastic track and very special for the Italian riders, so it will be fantastic to start the weekend after the long break to finally get back on the bike on this amazing track and I hope with a lot of fans!”
Marco Bezzecchi. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Tech updates for the bike this weekend?
“I don’t know. I think so but I don’t know because I still have the meeting with my team so I will let you maybe tomorrow.”
Must give you confidence Ducati are working to give you more support…
“Yeah Ducati are working very well and already before giving me any update they were supporting me a lot and also in Le Mans they helped me quite a lot before the race. I feel a lot of support from them, I feel good with them so I can’t complain about anything.”
Gigi told motogp.com Ducati will start talks about 2024, what’s plan A?
“For the moment my plan is to continue in this way, trying to improve each race and trying to get positive results. My dream is to step on a factory bike and if it’s a Ducati then it’s better because I already know the bike and I feel very good, but for the moment I don’t know what I can do.”
On MotoGP™ On Stage in Milan:
“I enjoyed it a lot. In the end, it was really nice to get in touch with a lot of our fans and to see them from very closely and also to give them the possibility to meet us and to get a signature, a picture and to spend some time with us. It was fantastic. So yeah also we were in a very beautiful place in Italy so I enjoyed it a lot!”
MAVERICK VIÑALES: “These three weeks have been fantastic to understand. To internally process all the information received and all the potential we have. It’s been good to understand how to improve. Three weeks training hard, understanding and put my best version here for Mugello, which is an important track for Aprilia but it is important in any case because we need to push, we need to go on the limit, to fight at the front and I think this is what we are capable of. I work with this mentality and yeah I’m ready to go…honestly I’ve only worked these three weeks, I never stopped and I feel in really good shape!”
Maverick Vinales. Photo courtesy Dorna.
So what about the Aprilia at Mugello?
The bike is good at any track. At any track I’ve been to, in at least the lap times, to be fighting at the front of races. It doesn’t matter the track, we need to take the maximum out of the bike and to put up a performance and if we do we know we will be fighting for the victories and that’s what we are working to do.”
And how was MotoGP™ On Stage in Milan?
“Obviously, I’m not an Italian but the crowd were fantastic! They cheered the riders a lot. We really like it. It’s nice to get in touch with people not involved in racing. Yeah, the place was unbelievable. I had never been there and it was such a nice moment.”
MARC MARQUEZ: “In Le Mans I enjoyed it a lot. During the weekend and during the race especially the pace was much better than what they expected. But it’s true that I took a lot of risks, especially in the end of the race, the limit was more my physical condition than the bike. And I was destroyed with some arm pump, but then is where I forgot and I didn’t think about where I was coming from. I just kept going and to keep going and when you are not riding well on these MotoGP bikes that you can do a small mistake as as I did. But yeah I feel that I’m in a very good moment about physical condition I am back to my top level like in Portimao. But let’s see, I mean here I think we will struggle more because there’s many weak points of our bike, one of my riding style are in this circuit. But anyway, we’ll try to do our best.”
Marc Marquez. Photo courtesy Dorna.
“I mean in 2022 at the Mugello GP it was one of the most difficult of my career, because my head was in America at the Clinica Mayo and my body was here riding a MotoGP bike. Even like this I was able to finish in the top ten. I don’t remember well But yeah, we will see this year of course the target is not to be in the top 10 it’s to try to be a bit closer to the top guys. It’s true that there are 8 Ducatis plus two Aprilias that are very very fast and they are riding very well. But we will try to do our best. We will try to find, as we did in Le Mans and try to understand where is our position and work from FP1 until the race.
On the future re: Ducati:
“I mean I have contract next year with Honda. I’m fully committed to them because this will be always my plan A. But it is true that always I will look for a winning project. Doesn’t matter the colours, doesn’t matter the names, and doesn’t matter where. I mean, I know that the years are passing, and this is something that we already know for every rider but anyway, I’m trying my best. I’ve had my first surgery on the arm to try to come back at my top level in terms of physical condition. Now I am, so I’m ready to fight for the championship. Let’s see, my plan A will always be Honda.”
BRAD BINDER: “This whole season so far has been good for us. It started off a bit tough but so far it has been getting better, and I really believe that Mugello is going to be a good circuit for us. It was really good for us here in 2021. Last year it was a little bit challenging, but I’m confident with the way things are at the moment. With our new package we can definitely be competitive here. I think Mugello is such a special place that it’s not only my favourite tracks, but I think almost everybody’s. So it’s going to be a cool weekend, I’m looking forward to it it’ll be fun.”
Brad Binder. Photo courtesy Dorna.
How important is consistency?
“Yeah, for sure. I think it’s been so easy to see how up and down the order of the riders are this season. I think with this new format and there’s so many points on offer and small little mistakes can really hurt in the long run. So it’s of course really important to finish. I wanna be fighting for podiums and at the sharp end.”
Did that first quarter go better than expected?
“I think of course the preseason was tricky. In Portimao, the guys brought us a small update, which for me just made everything start to work much better. And yeah, I think even though the points are looking quite good and it hasn’t been a bad start to the year, it’s been a tricky one too. I mean out of the five main races I’ve had three where we’ve had some sort of issue. One falling off myself, once I got wiped out, and last week going back to 20th and then going off track and in a long lap didn’t help either. So yeah, it’s I think so much can happen nowadays and things were so tight, and you know when you’re strong you really need to take advantage of it. But when things aren’t going well, it’s important to bring the points home.”
JORGE MARTIN: “For sure Le Mans was a great weekend in general, but not only Le Mans. I think I’ve been fast all season so this is the most important thing for me. Coming to Mugello, last season I struggled a lot but I also struggled last year in Le Mans and I was super fast so I’m confident. I’m with another mindset this season, trying to get the maximum out of the situation and I feel with a strong package and I think we can do a good job.
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Ready for a title fight?
“Yeah I think I’m one of the strongest this season, one of the fastest, but I need to be clever. I need to finish races but it’s too soon to understand this, I need to focus on every weekend and yeah I hope to do these three races in a good way, go into the summer break in a good position in the Championship and in the end we will think about it.”
And what about 2024 talk?
“I know nothing about it, I just focus on racing.”
FABIO QUARTARARO: “Here we arrive in a different situation than the past. In 21 and 22 we arrived with more speed and more podiums but anyways, it’s a new race and we’ll give our best to fight for the best position as possible. Saturday will be most important for us and hopefully we can do a great qualifying.”
Fabio Quartararo with his new helmet design. Photo courtesy Dorna.
How to improve in QP?
“We are struggling much more than the past. I think in the past four years I missed Q2 just once and this year twice already. For sure I can improve myself, we have to find a different mode to fight for better positions in qualifying. For the upcoming three races we will keep the same bike for the three races and stop touching it to try find something better. We will just go with the safe setting and try to see if it is working.”
And we saw that special moment with a young fan in Le Mans…
“Actually I thought he was feeling bad because he had the head down. I was asking if he was ok because he was crying, yeah, it’s always a pleasure to make kids happy! It was the gesture to do at the moment. He was surprised (when I gave him the boot). He came from being there squeezed out by everyone to having this souvenir from Le Mans, it was a great thing for him!”
ENEA BASTIANINI: “For me, it’s really beautiful to be here again especially also at my home Grand Prix. This break has been really long for me but now I have to reset and I have to restart well. I’m ready now. The shoulder is working it’s working well, probably I’m not at my 100%, but I’m really close to it and I have to bring the confidence tomorrow again with my bike because I haven’t ridden the bike a lot. I’ve only done one test two weeks ago it was okay but let’s see tomorrow how it is in MotoGP because it’s a little bit different!”
Enea Bastianini. Photo courtesy Dorna.
How did you feel riding again recently?
“Yeah, I was comfortable. The second day I was a little bit tired, especially at the end but I imagined it would be like this. Also, the day after I was a little bit tired but it’s normal but the weekend before I worked a lot better I’ve been training a lot more, and I think I can be a little bit more competitive during this weekend, but it won’t be simple, especially on Sunday’s race because it’s very long but I’m confident!”
“Here it’s like a test for me but I have to check tomorrow my goal. This weekend is to try to be in the top 10. It could be a great result for me and then after I have to improve at the next one at Sachsenring and then at the final one before the break in Assen, but now I have to stay focused on this race because it’s one of my favourites. Let’s see how it will be tomorrow!”
Royal Enfield Continues to Expand Global Presence With the Commencement of its Fifth International CKD Assembly Unit
● Royal Enfield growing and strengthening its presence outside India with the launch of its 5th global CKD assembly unit in 3 years
● The Fifth CKD facility outside India is to be located in Nepal and is expected to boost the burgeoning demand for premium middleweight motorcycles in the market
● With an annual capacity of 20,000 units, the CKD unit will begin operations with local assembly of the new Classic 350 and the SCRAM 411 for Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal – Royal Enfield, a global leader in mid-size (250cc-750cc) motorcycle segment, today announced the commencement of operations of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility in Nepal. Set up in collaboration with the Triveni Group, this announcement is a significant boost to the company’s business in the SAARC region and further reiterates Royal Enfield’s commitment to Nepal. Located in Birgunj, the new facility is the Royal Enfield’s fifth CKD assembly unit in the world – after Brazil, Thailand, Colombia and Argentina – in addition to its state-of-the-art manufacturing and ancillary facilities located in Tamil Nadu, India.
Congratulating the team on the inauguration of the Nepal CKD unit and speaking about Royal Enfield’s global ambitions, B Govindarajan, CEO, Royal Enfield, said “It has been our endeavour to grow and expand the middleweight motorcycle segment globally, and over the last few years, we have seen immense success in our international operations. Royal Enfield now ranks among the top mid-segment motorcycle brands in markets such as the UK, Korea, Australia-New Zealand, among others. Our strategic intent to be closer to global markets has worked really well, as we have successfully set up four CKD facilities across APAC and Latin America, and we have recently also commenced our direct to market strategy in the UK. This new CKD facility in Nepal is in line with our ambitious global expansion strategy of investing in markets with huge potential to grow. We are committed to bringing our globally awarded line-up of gorgeous motorcycles, and pure motorcycling experiences to passionate riders in Nepal”
The motorcycle market in Nepal is on a confident rebound journey, and Royal Enfield sees huge potential for the market to grow substantially. Pre-pandemic the motorcycle segment in Nepal was nearly 1.7 million units per year, with almost 60%-65% of that being motorcycles sold in the >150cc premium segment. With the market expected to grow at 10%-15% in upcoming years, Royal Enfield believes that the trend of premiumization of motorcycles will only increase and Royal Enfield’s resilient, reliable and high torque machines will be perfectly suited for riding styles and the rugged terrains of Nepal.
Here in Kathmandu to inaugurate the CKD unit, as well launch the new motorcycles for Nepal market, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield – Yadvinder Singh Guleria said “Today marks an important chapter in our journey in the Nepal market as we announce the commencement of our CKD operations in Birgunj. This is a testament to our commitment to the market potential and the growing motorcycling community. The local topography of Nepal provides the ideal setting for our kind of motorcycling. Further to our commitment of growing the market in the country, we will expand our retail network from 18 currently, to 35 touchpoints across 30 cities, over the next year. We are confident that we will be able to attract a new set of consumers and also grow the middle weight segment in Nepal.”
With an assembly capacity of 20,000 units per year, the local assembly unit in Birgunj is a state-of-the-art, modern facility spread over 1 lac sq ft that will cater to growing demand in the country. To begin with, the facility will engage in local assembly of the new Classic 350 and the Scram 411. With this setup, Royal Enfield is committed to a seamless purchase process for its motorcycles in Nepal as well as to nurture the growing middleweight segment in the country.
About Royal Enfield:
The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted motorcycles since 1901. From its British roots, a manufacturing plant was established in Madras in 1955, a foothold from which Royal Enfield spearheaded the growth of India’s mid-sized two-wheeler segment. Royal Enfields are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible, and fun to ride; a vehicle for exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls Pure Motorcycling.
Royal Enfield’s premium line-up includes the stylish Hunter 350, the timeless Classic 350, the Meteor 350 cruiser, the 650 parallel twin motorcycles – New Super Meteor 650, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The adventure motorcycles – Himalayan adventure tourer and the Scram 411 ADV Crossover, and the iconic Bullet 350. Riders and a passionate community are fostered with a rich profusion of events at a local, regional and international level. Most notable are Rider Mania, an annual gathering of thousands of Royal Enfield enthusiasts in Goa, and Himalayan Odyssey, a yearly pilgrimage over some of the toughest terrain and highest mountain passes.
A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield operates through more than 2050 stores across all major cities and towns in India and through nearly 1150+ touchpoints in more than 60 countries around the globe. Royal Enfield also has two world-class technical centres, in Bruntingthorpe, UK, and in Chennai, India. The company’s two state-of-the-art production facilities are located at Oragadam and Vallam Vadagal, near Chennai. Across the world, Royal Enfield has four modern CKD assembly facilities in Brazil, Thailand, Argentina and Colombia. With more than 35% CAGR for the last 5 years, Royal Enfield is the leader in the global mid-size motorcycle market.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit:
MotoGP™23 has landed! New videogame released worldwide
MotoGP™23 is now available worldwide on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™ and Steam
Thursday, 08 June 2023
The day has arrived: the official videogame of the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship, MotoGP™23, is now available worldwide! This latest instalment from videogame developer and publisher Milestone puts every rider and circuit across the MotoGP™, Moto2™, Moto3™ AND MotoE™ seasons at fans’ fingertips, including the spectacular new Tissot Sprint!
A RENEWED CAREER MODE
MotoGP™23 features a redesigned career mode, offering players a unique journey to becoming legends of the sport. In an exciting new feature, the game introduces Turning Points to shape careers and bike development based on the performance and choices of each player. For the first time in the franchise, the game also integrates a fictional social network, a new feature that will enable interaction with other riders and teams – beyond the racetrack. It can be used to forge alliances or instigate rivalries, as AI behaviour during races will be influenced by players’ actions on the platform.
UNPREDICTABLE AND IMMERSIVE: DYNAMIC WEATHER AND FLAG-TO-FLAG
MotoGP™23 introduces two new features that are set to significantly redefine the game experience by enhancing realism even further. Dynamic Weather and Flag-to-Flag** races will bring the unpredictability of real-world racing conditions into the franchise, adding a strategic touch to the gaming experience and making it more engaging and immersive than ever.
LEARN TO RIDE WITH NEURAL AIDS
To meet newcomers’ needs, MotoGP™23 introduces new Neural Aids for braking, acceleration, and handling. These aids aim to provide an accessible yet challenging gaming experience that allows players of all skill levels to feel the adrenaline rush of real MotoGP™ racing. In addition, the popular MotoGP™ Academy is back to assist players whether they’re learning the basics or refining their techniques through specialized training sessions.
REVVING UP THE MULTIPLAYER ACTION
MotoGP™23 offers a diverse range of options designed to make the game more interactive – and social as players get the chance to foster their real-life rivalries too! Cross-play*** allows players to race against each other regardless of their gaming platform, while the introduction of Ranked Races ensures fair competition by matching players with others at the same level. Additionally, the beloved 2-player local split-screen** feature makes a return, allowing friends to share a screen and compete side-by-side on the couch.
MAKE YOUR MARK
MotoGP™23 also gives players a range of customization tools. The helmet editor offers the opportunity to add flamboyant colours to their avatars or maintain a sleek and minimalist design. The sticker editor provides a wide selection of original creations to customise bikes, while the racing number editor gives the freedom to add an extra layer of individuality. Finally, with the butt patch editor, players can design their own patches to be applied to their racing suits for another dash of flair.
Luisa Bixio, Milestone CEO: “After more than ten years of partnership, I can say that the MotoGP™ franchise has truly become an integral part of Milestone’s identity. We work hard to let players all around the world experience the thrills of the official championships, and we can’t wait to see the reactions to the new MotoGP™23. We are honoured to work with Dorna Sports as we share a deep passion for two-wheels; having the chance to spread it throughout the video game industry is something we are extremely proud of.”
Marc Saurina, Head of Global Commercial Partnerships at Dorna Sports: “We’re very excited for the launch of MotoGP™23, with some very cool new features to take the game to the next level once again. There’s more MotoGP™ than ever on track in 2023, and there are more reasons than ever for our millions of fans to play MotoGP™23! After more than a decade working together, Milestone continue to deliver a great game and we’re very much looking forward to seeing everyone get to play it – and watching it in action in the 2023 MotoGP™ eSport Championship later this season too.”
*Career mode includes Kazakhstan Grand Prix.
**Flag-to-Flag, split-screen and online multiplayer not supported on Nintendo Switch. 8 players local multiplayer available on Nintendo Switch.
***Cross-play not available on PC and Nintendo Switch versions. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.
About Milestone
Founded in Milan in 1996, Milestone S.r.l. is one of the leading and longest established racing game developers in the world. The 200+ people team is responsible for hit series like MotoGP™, MXGP and Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame, the acclaimed Hot Wheels™ Unleashed, as well as own IPs RIDE and Gravel. For more information please visit www.milestone.it
About MotoGP™ & Dorna Sports
The FIM Grand Prix World Championship, MotoGP™, is the world’s most exciting motorsport. 22 of the fastest riders compete on purpose-built prototype motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, creating one of the most thrilling shows on Earth. Since it was inaugurated in 1949, the sport has grown to comprise 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world.
Dorna Sports became the sole commercial and television rights holder of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship in 1991. Based in Madrid, Spain, with premises in Barcelona and a subsidiary in Rome, the Dorna Group is a leader in sports management, marketing and media, and has seen continued growth over the years; expanding from solely MotoGP™ to include other leading motorcycle racing championships across the globe.
The Italian is inducted into the Hall of Fame at Mugello
Thursday, 08 June 2023
Andrea Dovizioso is now officially a MotoGP™ Legend! The 2004 125ccc World Champion and three-time MotoGP™ runner up was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley on Thursday as Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta presented the Italian with his MotoGP™ Legend medal. The Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello provided the perfect backdrop, a venue Dovizioso has reigned in MotoGP™, and there was a packed house present for the ceremony.
Dovizioso won the 125cc World Championship in 2004, moved up to become a consistent challenger in the 250 class and then made his MotoGP™ debut in 2008, taking his first premier class podium as a rookie. The following season Dovizioso took his first premier class win and until his departure from Honda at the end of 2011, was a consistent podium threat. His next season saw him debut with Yamaha Tech3, where he again took a number of rostrums, before a move to the Ducati factory team for 2013 saw the two begin a long journey to the top.
Andrea Dovizioso (34/1) in 2004 when he won the 125cc World Championship. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In 2014 Dovizioso garnered two podiums, in 2015 five and in 2016 another five – including a history-making win in the Malaysian Grand Prix, his first since 2009. That kicked off a renaissance of incredible frontrunning form as Dovizioso was Championship runner up in 2017, 2018 and 2019, taking 12 wins across just three seasons. His final win came in his final season with Ducati at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix.
Andrea Dovizioso, after winning the MotoGP race at Sepang in 2016. Photo courtesy Dorna.
After a brief break from racing, Dovizioso got back on track in the latter part of 2021 as an Independent Team rider with Yamaha before retiring after Misano in 2022. His final hurrah saw the paddock come out to applaud both the achievements and class of a key figure in the modern era – and protagonist of some of the sport’s best duels!
Andrea Dovizioso (04) held off Marc Marquez (93) to win in Austria in 2019. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Now, Dovizioso joins a list of MotoGP™ Legends that includes Valentino Rossi, Giacomo Agostini, Hugh Anderson, Kork Ballington, Max Biaggi, Alex Crivillé, Mick Doohan, Stefan Dörflinger, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Nicky Hayden, Jorge Lorenzo, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Anton Mang, Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez, Angel Nieto, Dani Pedrosa, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Luigi Taveri, Carlo Ubbiali and Franco Uncini.
Andrea Dovizioso’s last MotoGP race was at Misano in 2022. Photo courtesy Dorna.
QUOTES
CARMELO EZPELETA, CEO OF DORNA: “It has been a big pleasure to be working with you all these years. I have a special memory, and maybe you remember, when you were racing in 125s, I was at the Sachsenring and you were on track, stopping before the end of the straight. We hadn’t talked personally yet, but I congratulated you for the results that season, and I saw immediately your eyes… it was important for me to realise that someone like you was thinking about being stronger, going the next season to 250s and then in MotoGP… there have been some incredible races and an incredible history. Thank you very much for that.
“You are a great rider, but an even better person, our relationship has always been fantastic. You’ve told us many things and your presence in the Safety Commission has been something important for us, and I also want to thank you for that… your presence has always been a great help. You’ve been able to give many ideas to us, and the only thing I can say is that’s it’s a great honour for me to induct you into the Hall of Fame. Thank you, Andrea.”
ANDREA DOVIZIOSO: “Thank you very much, it’s a big pleasure to listen to what Carmelo said, I’m very proud. There are the results, everyone wants to win, but in the end if you come back here and hear something like that, you can be proud. So I’m really happy about the relationship we had over this long period and I’m so happy to be back today at Mugello, a special place for Italian riders, and to become a MotoGP™ Legend. It’s something I didn’t expect and I’m so happy to be alongside these names, it’s something crazy. And I’m so happy to see everyone here!”
STATS
– 24 Grand Prix wins: 15 x MotoGP™, 4 x 250cc, 5 x 125cc
– 103 GP podiums: Dovizioso is one of 10 riders who has reached the milestone of 100 podiums. He has 62 in MotoGP™, 26 in the 250cc class and 15 in the 125cc class.
– 20 pole positions and 22 fastest laps
– 2004 125cc World Champion
– 15 MotoGP™ wins: Dovizioso is the third most successful Italian rider in the premier class in terms of victories
– 248 premier class starts: Dovizioso is second on the list of riders with most premier class starts, behind only Valentino Rossi
Mayhew Tools Announces 2023 Season Title Sponsorship of the NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing Series (NEMRR)
The premium hand tool manufacturer will also serve as the title sponsor of the 100th Loudon Classic and the official tool supplier of the NEMRR series
Turners Falls, MA, June 7, 2023 – Mayhew Steel Products, Inc. (Mayhew Tools) announces their 2023 season title sponsorship of the NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing Series LLC (NEMRR), as well as the 100th Loudon Classic, being held June 16th-18th at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This will be the third consecutive year Mayhew has served as a title sponsor to the series, which will consist of seven rounds of racing this season.
As part of being the title sponsor of the NEMRR series and 100th Loudon Classic, Mayhew’s branding will be found on motorcycles as well as various apparel, and tools will be supplied to the series by Mayhew. During the 100th Loudon Classic, Mayhew will sponsor the qualifying pole award, rewarding the winner with both a $250 check and a Mayhew’s Dominator® “Big Stick”, a 13 lb., 54” long, heavy-duty pry bar.
Additionally, Mayhew team members will be attending the highly anticipated race event, providing an opportunity for attendees to speak with employees, ask questions, learn about and purchase products, participate in contests to win different tools and prizes, and more. If attending, look for the Mayhew Tent on June 16th and 17th. Tickets for the 100th Loudon Classic can be purchased at nemrr.com.
“We are proud to once again be a sponsor of the NEMRR Series and its 100th Loudon Classic event,” said John Lawless, President of Mayhew. “To be able to support an organization such as NEMRR, is an honor as we know it extends benefits to not only us in terms of awareness and visibility, but to the racers, mechanics, the fans, as well as the racing industry as a whole. We trust and know our tools bring tremendous value to the end user and it’s this quality craftmanship that we proudly stand behind.”
The NEMRR 2023 series kicked off with round one in April and round two in May, leaving five remaining races scheduled at New Hampshire Motor Speedway as follows:
June 16-18 Round Three Races: 100th Loudon Classic
August 5-6 Round Four Races
August 19-20 Round Five Races
September 9-10 Round Six Races
September 30-October 1 Round Seven Races: Double Points, All Classes
Mayhew Steel Products (Mayhew Tools), are sold through an extensive network of global distributors, serving the industrial, automotive, and hardware markets. For more information, contact Mayhew Tools at 800.872.0037 or visit mayhew.com.
BIRCHALLS BREAK LAP RECORD ONCE MORE IN 3WHEELING.MEDIA SIDECAR TT RACE 2
Ben and Tom Birchall made history once more at the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races when a new lap record of 120.645mph helped them to victory in today’s second 3wheeling.Media Sidecar TT Race.
The duo came home nine seconds ahead of Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley, who also broke the 120mph barrier, with the Manx pairing of Ryan and Callum Crowe in third. It was the Birchalls 11th win in a row and 14th in total, the latter figure drawing them level with the great Mike Hailwood.
With overcast skies all around the Mountain Course, the Birchalls (Wyckham Blackwell – Birchall Racing Honda) led through Glen Helen first time around, their advantage over Founds/Walmsley (FHO Motorsport) 2.8 seconds and it was the Crowes who slotted into third on their Haven Homes Honda a further 4.2 seconds adrift. John Holden/Maxime Vasseur were running in fourth, the Blackburn driver having his final TT race, with Gary Bryan/Phil Hyde and Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle rounding out the early top six.
Over Ballaugh Bridge and the Birchalls had added a further four tenths of a second to their lead and by Ramsey Hairpin, they’d stretched it out more to 3.9 seconds, but further down the order former winners Conrad Harrison/Andrew Winkle were forced to retire with passenger Winkle suffering with a shoulder injury.
Daryl Gibson/Tom Christie, sixth in race one, were also early retirements having stopped at Barregarrow but the Birchalls were having no such issues and an opening lap of 118.904mph gave them a 4.5s lead over Founds/Walmsley with the Crowes comfortable in third but some 15s adrift of second place.
Holden/Vasseur were still in fourth, but Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes had fought their way back up to fifth after being down in ninth through Glen Helen. Molyneux/Sayle remained in sixth just ahead of Bryan/Hyde and Steve and Matty Ramsden.
The Birchalls upped the tempo at the beginning of lap two and their lead had gone out to 8.1 seconds at Glen Helen and whilst third to fifth remained the same, the Ramsdens had now moved up to sixth at the expense of Molyneux/Sayle, albeit by just 0.094 seconds.
They were then promoted up a place as Holden/Vasseur slowed with Molyneux/Sayle then retiring at Sulby but as the lap progressed, the Birchalls were on course to better their four-day old lap record and sure enough, they did exactly that as they went 2.8 seconds quicker with a speed of 120.645mph.
That saw them extend their lead over Founds/Walmsley to 11.6 seconds as they themselves lapped at 119.887mph and although the Crowes continued to circulate in third, the changes behind meant that the running order behind was now Reeves/Wilkes, the Ramsdens – who set a new personal best lap of 114.405mph – and Bryan/Hyde. Holden/Vasseur had recovered to seventh as eighth placed Greg Lambert/Andrew Haynes set their first 110mph+ lap.
On the final lap, Founds/Walmsley were continuing to keep the Birchalls honest, the lead hovering around the 13 second mark, and whilst the Nottinghamshire brothers came home for their second win of the week, the eventual winning margin was 9.1 seconds as Founds/Walmsley joined the 120mph club at 120.079mph.
The Crowes got their first finish of the week in third with Reeves/Wilkes finally seeing the chequered flag in fourth as the Ramsdens finished fifth to round out their successful time at TT2023. Bryan/Hyde, Lambert/Haynes, Wayne Lockey/Matthew Rostron and John and James Saunders completed the top ten.
Joyce dominates AHRMA Vintage Cup at Motorsports Park Hastings
(June 7, Knoxville, TN) – The four-stroke vs. two-stroke face-off continued during the second half of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s (AHRMA) back-to-back race events in the heartland of America.
Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2023 Vintage Cup features the Formula 750 (F750) class which includes 750cc two and four-stroke powered machines built up to 1972.
The seventh and eighth rounds of the 2023 Bridgestone Tires National Road racing series took place in the home of Koolaid at Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings, NE.
Tim Joyce, riding an NYC Norton Nourish Racing Engineering (NRE) Seeley, took an early lead and then victory both days ahead of Colton Roberts on a Yamaha RD400.
The race for third pitted Jeff Hargis on his Yamaha XS 750, Brian Filo on a custom-framed Yamaha XS 750-powered machine, and Brian Larrabure on a Ducati 750SS Imola replica.
Filo was able to hold off Hargis and Larrabure both days for the last step on the podium with his beautifully turned-out Shell Truitt bumblebee yellow machine.
The balance of the grid included, in order of finishing on Saturday, Larrabure, David Crussell on a 1972 Kawasaki H2R, and Mike Dixon riding a 1970 Yamaha XS. On Sunday, Larrabure was fourth again, with Dixon fifth, and Crussell sixth.
“Last weekend, Tim Joyce swapped victories with Christopher Spargo who was on a two-stroke Yamaha and this weekend Tim had to deal with another two-stroke. This series is putting on full display the diversity of road racing motorbikes during the 70s,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board. “I can’t wait to see what happens during the rest of the season.”
“Nebraska is the home of the fruited plains, a far cry from the skyscrapers of New York. I couldn’t be happier to spend the weekend in the sporadic sunshine watching NYC Norton’s rider Tim Joyce bringing home the trophies,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton. “But as a class sponsor, I’m also proud to see the depth of field of the Formula 750 class remain incredibly strong. I can’t wait to do it again for rounds nine and ten at our home track at New Jersey Motorsports Park’s beautiful Thunderbolt Raceway in Millville, NJ circuit later this month.”
The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event.
Highlights from each Formula 750 race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.
2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series, Formula 750 – Vintage Cup Results
Saturday, June 3, 2023
1 – Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT
2 – Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
3 – Brian Filo, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Livermore, CA
4 – Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS 650, Battle Creek, MI
5 – Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS, Calabasas, CA
6 – David Crussell, 1972 Kawasaki H2R, Pleasanton, CA
7 – Michael Dixon, 1970 Yamaha XS, Wataga, IL
Sunday, June 4, 2023
1 – Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT
2 – Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
3 – Brian Filo, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Livermore, CA
4 – Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS 650, Battle Creek, MI
5 – Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS, Calabasas, CA
6 – Michael Dixon, 1970 Yamaha XS, Wataga, IL
7 – David Crussell, 1972 Kawasaki H2R, Pleasanton, CA,
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.
Thornton and Yee Triumphant in MRA Round Two at Pikes Peak International Raceway
Fountain, CO – The second round of the 2023 MRA Championship Series took place at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, CO over the weekend of June 3-4. PPIR is the shortest track on the MRA calendar with the infield course being only 1.3 miles long. The oval banking and dropping onto the apron area of the track makes for some very exciting racing with Turn One being one of the highest speed corners of the Colorado series.
The weather for the weekend was very unpredictable as the area had rain showers throughout the day Saturday and most of the morning on Sunday. Despite the weather challenges, all the races throughout the weekend ran without a hitch. Race of The Rockies (RoR) qualifying on Sunday morning was conducted on a partially damp track which caused some racers to use their rain tires while others gambled on slicks. Unfortunately, the track was too damp for the racers using slicks to take full advantage of the sticky rubber. Ken Yee took pole position on his Kawasaki ZX-6R running on intermediate rain tires with a time of 1:03.8 followed by Alex Cusick (1:04.22) and David Lambert (1:04.29).
The start of RoR GTO race saw Brad Hendry get an incredible start coming from 14th to take the lead by the end of lap one. By lap two the number one plate holder Mike Applegate had made up eight positions and was sitting in third behind James Wilkerson. Applegate, Wilkerson, and Lambert were hot on the tail of Hendry, but Hendry managed to hold them of until lap six when Applegate made an impressive pass to take the lead. Lambert had the best pace of the group, clicking off mid to high 57’s and by lap 10 he overtook Applegate for the lead. Once out in front he put his head down and started to break free from the rest of the field. Lambert was looking like he was going repeat his victory from here last year but unfortunately a mechanical issue on lap 16 caused him to retire from the race. By this point with only two laps remaining, the leading trio was Applegate, Ray Thornton, and Wilkerson. Thornton was looking for any opportunity to strike and he finally made his move on the final lap of the race to take the lead and secure the victory. Applegate managed to maintain his second place, while Wilkerson took third, rounding off a tense and exciting race.
In Race of the Rockies GTU, Yee took the lead and proceeded to mix it up with the liter bikes for first few laps of the race. Meanwhile, trailing closely behind were Salvatore Rizzo and Tyrel Diekemann, who held their ground through the initial 11 laps. Colton Wulf wasn’t far behind and continued to claw his way up the field eventually stealing third place from Diekemann on lap 12. Despite valiant efforts from all contenders, no one could keep up with Yee’s remarkable pace, consistently clocking low to mid 1:00 laps. Ultimately, Rizzo secured a valiant second place finish, with Wulf rounding out the podium in third.
Next up, the MRA returns to High Plains Raceway in Byers, CO for Round Three on June 24-25. Once again, the SuperStreet class will be held on Saturday afternoon, giving street riders a chance to try real track motorcycle road racing with minimal cost & preparation. See SuperStreet Information – Motorcycle Roadracing Association (mra-racing.org) for details.
100th Annual Loudon Classic Headlines Motorcycle Week at NHMS
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a must-stop destination with racing, camping, demo rides and entertainment for riders during Laconia Motorcycle Week.
LOUDON, N.H. – New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) is a top destination for riders visiting the area during Laconia Motorcycle Week, June 10-18, with on- and off-track events throughout nine days of motorcycle mayhem. The 100th Annual Loudon Classic headlines a week-long motorcycle celebration that also features vendors, demo rides, camping and more.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this century-long tradition in New Hampshire,” said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “We can’t wait to welcome thousands of riders from all over the country to NHMS as they roar in to New Hampshire. We’ll have lots of thrilling racing on the road course, highlighted by the 100th Annual Loudon Classic with an incredible purse this year, as well as a new motorcycle skills challenge, a variety of vendors, charity rides, demo rides and more.”
NHMS is home to the best racing action in the region, and there will be no shortage of action on the 1.6-mile full road course with nearly 50 races throughout five days. The United States Classic Racing Association kicks it off with the FIM North American Vintage Championships, June 10-11. A variety of classes, ranging from 1950s tank shifters to modern small bike twins provide a plethora of vintage racing action.
The racing continues June 16-18 when Northeast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) competes in round three of racing, highlighted by the 100th Annual Loudon Classic Middleweight Grand Prix on June 17, which has been held on site since long before the speedway was built, when it was simply a road course named Bryar Motorsports Park. Known as the longest-running motorcycle race in America, this year’s Classic will feature riders from all over the world competing to take home a piece of the $250,000 purse with $55,000 going to the winner, making it the richest motorcycle road race in U.S. history.
Penguin Road Racing School will host instructional sessions for riders looking to improve their skills June 14-15.
Katancha and Harley-Davidson will host the largest demo ride course in the area along with a vendor mall and food court June 10-17. The nearly nine-mile route will take riders through and on- and off-property experience to test out the latest and greatest that the top motorcycle manufacturers in the world, such as Harley-Davidson, Indian, Yamaha, BMW and Live Wire, have to offer. Members of Harley Owners Group, the official riding club of Harley-Davidson, can pick up their commemorative rally pin. On top of the demo rides, there will be a plethora of vendors on site with gear, accessories, sound systems and more for bikers.
New this year, NHMS and ProRider 603 are joining forces to host the Top Cop for Kids Motorcycle Skills Challenge presented by Laconia Harley-Davidson, which will put the region’s finest motorcycle riders to the test to see who has what it takes to be named Top Cop. ProRider 603 will set up two timed courses, designed to test accuracy and speed, for three divisions of riders – police, expert civilian and novice civilian. One course will be designated for police and expert riders while the second course will be for novice riders. There will also be a fun course open for any licensed motorcycle rider to attempt. The timed courses will be open Friday and Saturday, June 9-10 for practice with the timed challenge and trophy presentation taking place on Sunday, June 11. Registration is $50 per rider for the timed courses and $10 per rider for the fun course. Riders can sign up for the fun course in person on the day of the event, but are strongly encouraged to register for the timed courses in advance, as spots are limited.
Back for a third year, the Ride to the Racetrack cruise from Laconia Harley-Davidson to NHMS is on June 13 and includes two laps on the 1.6-mile full road course. Registration is $20 per rider or passenger, and all proceeds benefit SCCNH.
With the speedway centrally-located on Route 106, the main corridor to Laconia and just 20 minutes south of Rally Headquarters, it has become the perfect home-away-from-home during Motorcycle Week. Dry and full hookup spots are available with amazing views of the racetrack.
Riders can also visit the New England Racing Museum, located on Route 106 North in front of The Flat Track next to the speedway’s South Entrance. The museum will be open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11 and Friday – Sunday, June 16-18. Newly-displayed historic motorcycles and race car exhibits will be featured, as the museum refreshes exhibits every year.
Schedule:
June 9-11: Top Cop for Kids Motorcycle Skills Challenge presented by Laconia Harley-Davidson to benefit the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (S2 Lot)
June 10-11: USCRA FIM North American Vintage Championships (1.6-mile full road course)
June 10-11: New England Racing Museum open
June 10-17: Demo rides, vendor mall and food court open (S1 Lot)
June 10-18: Camping available (NHMS)
June 13: Ride to the Racetrack to benefit the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (Laconia Harley-Davidson to NHMS)
June 14-15: Penguin Road Racing School (1.6-mile full road course)
June 16-18: Northeast Motorcycle Road Racing (1.6-mile full road course)
June 16-18: New England Racing Museum open
June 17: 100th Annual Loudon Classic (1.6-mile full road course)
Riders are encouraged to check the speedway website (NHMS.com) and social channels for the most up-to-date information regarding events happening as a part of Motorcycle Week at NHMS.
Follow Us:
Keep track of all of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook (@NHMotorSpeedway), Twitter (@NHMS) and Instagram (@NHMS). Keep up with all the latest information on the speedway website (NHMS.com) and mobile app.
Mission King Of The Baggers racer Frankie Garcia (14) is a customer of Anthony's Leatherworks.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Anthony’s Leatherworks And MotoAmerica Partner Again For 2023
Leather Repair, Alteration And Restoration Service Returns As An Official Partner For Fourth Successive Season
IRVINE, CA (June 8, 2023) – MotoAmerica, the premier motorcycle road racing series in North America, has announced that Anthony’s Leatherworks is again an official partner for the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship for a fourth successive season.
Based in Corona del Mar, California, Anthony’s Leatherworks has been in the business of leather repair, alterations and restoration service for over 25 years and is the preferred leather repair center for Dainese, Alpinestars, REV’IT!, Spidi, AGV Sport and Mithos. Anthony’s Leatherworks is also a business member of the AMA and prides itself on giving customers a superior service of leather repair that is required and demanded in the industry.
Anthony’s Leatherworks specializes in motorcycle racing leathers and its services include full reconditioning, dyeing, minor and major repair jobs, accessory replacement, alterations, section replacement, crash-damage repair and custom laser leather engraving and cutting. Anthony’s can also add all the required MotoAmerica patches on suits – either standard patches or those made of leather.
As part of Anthony Leatherworks’ sponsorship agreement, they will again be providing a drop-off option for customers at each of the 10 MotoAmerica rounds in 2022. Customers looking to get their garments repaired can drop off the leathers at the MotoAmerica hospitality tent, and they will be shipped back to California on the Monday after the races for repair. Upon completion of the repair, the leathers will then be shipped back to the customer.
“Four years ago, we started working with Anthony’s Leatherworks and its drop-off option at our events for our riders and our motorcycle-riding fans who can’t easily get to the shop in Southern California,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “It has proven to be a popular option as it is an easy and effective way to get your repairs completed. Anthony’s owner Greg (Sermabeikian) has been a wonderful partner of ours and we’re looking forward to another successful season in 2023.”
“We feel like we are part of the MotoAmerica family as we are in our fourth season as a partner,” said Anthony’s Leatherworks owner Greg Sermabeikian. “The series continues to grow, and we’re excited to be a part of it and grow with MotoAmerica. MotoAmerica’s fans and its riders make up a big part of our business and we’re excited for another year of great racing.”
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
“We need to push to the limit. I’m ready to go!”: Thursday talking points at Mugello
Hear from Bagnaia, Bezzecchi, Viñales, Marc Marquez, Binder, Martin, Quartararo and Bastianini!
Thursday, 08 June 2023
And we’re BACK! The Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley kicks off a triple header for MotoGP™ this weekend, with the stunning Mugello playing host. Ahead of track action, two press conferences covered some key talking points withe some key faces:
The first comprised Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), before the second saw Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) joined by Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and the returning Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).
(From left) Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Francesco Bagnaia, and Maverick Vinales. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Here are some key quotes!
Do you see this a big opportunity to take control of championship?
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “I’m very happy like always to start this race weekend because it’s one of my favourites at one of my favourite tracks. As an Italian it’s very important, very special, and I’m really looking forward to riding.”
On his ankle injury:
“Sincerely, I’m not 100% but I’m struggling more with walking than riding. Because after four days without knowing that I broke my ankle, I was riding here just to train. I was feeling pain, but nothing that with a bit of focus was impossible to ignore and think just about the riding so I think that it will not affect my race weekend. Let’s see, but I’m quite sure that there will be everything OK.”
Francesco Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
On MotoGP™ On Stage in Milan:
“It was great to be in a city where MotoGP has never been to. Looking at the stands and seeing many people cheering for us and being happy for us and supporting us was great. We had fun and maybe we’ll repeat it again!”
MARCO BEZZECCHI: “Here, as Pecco said, is a fantastic track and very special for the Italian riders, so it will be fantastic to start the weekend after the long break to finally get back on the bike on this amazing track and I hope with a lot of fans!”
Marco Bezzecchi. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Tech updates for the bike this weekend?
“I don’t know. I think so but I don’t know because I still have the meeting with my team so I will let you maybe tomorrow.”
Must give you confidence Ducati are working to give you more support…
“Yeah Ducati are working very well and already before giving me any update they were supporting me a lot and also in Le Mans they helped me quite a lot before the race. I feel a lot of support from them, I feel good with them so I can’t complain about anything.”
Gigi told motogp.com Ducati will start talks about 2024, what’s plan A?
“For the moment my plan is to continue in this way, trying to improve each race and trying to get positive results. My dream is to step on a factory bike and if it’s a Ducati then it’s better because I already know the bike and I feel very good, but for the moment I don’t know what I can do.”
On MotoGP™ On Stage in Milan:
“I enjoyed it a lot. In the end, it was really nice to get in touch with a lot of our fans and to see them from very closely and also to give them the possibility to meet us and to get a signature, a picture and to spend some time with us. It was fantastic. So yeah also we were in a very beautiful place in Italy so I enjoyed it a lot!”
MAVERICK VIÑALES: “These three weeks have been fantastic to understand. To internally process all the information received and all the potential we have. It’s been good to understand how to improve. Three weeks training hard, understanding and put my best version here for Mugello, which is an important track for Aprilia but it is important in any case because we need to push, we need to go on the limit, to fight at the front and I think this is what we are capable of. I work with this mentality and yeah I’m ready to go…honestly I’ve only worked these three weeks, I never stopped and I feel in really good shape!”
Maverick Vinales. Photo courtesy Dorna.
So what about the Aprilia at Mugello?
The bike is good at any track. At any track I’ve been to, in at least the lap times, to be fighting at the front of races. It doesn’t matter the track, we need to take the maximum out of the bike and to put up a performance and if we do we know we will be fighting for the victories and that’s what we are working to do.”
And how was MotoGP™ On Stage in Milan?
“Obviously, I’m not an Italian but the crowd were fantastic! They cheered the riders a lot. We really like it. It’s nice to get in touch with people not involved in racing. Yeah, the place was unbelievable. I had never been there and it was such a nice moment.”
MARC MARQUEZ: “In Le Mans I enjoyed it a lot. During the weekend and during the race especially the pace was much better than what they expected. But it’s true that I took a lot of risks, especially in the end of the race, the limit was more my physical condition than the bike. And I was destroyed with some arm pump, but then is where I forgot and I didn’t think about where I was coming from. I just kept going and to keep going and when you are not riding well on these MotoGP bikes that you can do a small mistake as as I did. But yeah I feel that I’m in a very good moment about physical condition I am back to my top level like in Portimao. But let’s see, I mean here I think we will struggle more because there’s many weak points of our bike, one of my riding style are in this circuit. But anyway, we’ll try to do our best.”
Marc Marquez. Photo courtesy Dorna.
“I mean in 2022 at the Mugello GP it was one of the most difficult of my career, because my head was in America at the Clinica Mayo and my body was here riding a MotoGP bike. Even like this I was able to finish in the top ten. I don’t remember well But yeah, we will see this year of course the target is not to be in the top 10 it’s to try to be a bit closer to the top guys. It’s true that there are 8 Ducatis plus two Aprilias that are very very fast and they are riding very well. But we will try to do our best. We will try to find, as we did in Le Mans and try to understand where is our position and work from FP1 until the race.
On the future re: Ducati:
“I mean I have contract next year with Honda. I’m fully committed to them because this will be always my plan A. But it is true that always I will look for a winning project. Doesn’t matter the colours, doesn’t matter the names, and doesn’t matter where. I mean, I know that the years are passing, and this is something that we already know for every rider but anyway, I’m trying my best. I’ve had my first surgery on the arm to try to come back at my top level in terms of physical condition. Now I am, so I’m ready to fight for the championship. Let’s see, my plan A will always be Honda.”
BRAD BINDER: “This whole season so far has been good for us. It started off a bit tough but so far it has been getting better, and I really believe that Mugello is going to be a good circuit for us. It was really good for us here in 2021. Last year it was a little bit challenging, but I’m confident with the way things are at the moment. With our new package we can definitely be competitive here. I think Mugello is such a special place that it’s not only my favourite tracks, but I think almost everybody’s. So it’s going to be a cool weekend, I’m looking forward to it it’ll be fun.”
Brad Binder. Photo courtesy Dorna.
How important is consistency?
“Yeah, for sure. I think it’s been so easy to see how up and down the order of the riders are this season. I think with this new format and there’s so many points on offer and small little mistakes can really hurt in the long run. So it’s of course really important to finish. I wanna be fighting for podiums and at the sharp end.”
Did that first quarter go better than expected?
“I think of course the preseason was tricky. In Portimao, the guys brought us a small update, which for me just made everything start to work much better. And yeah, I think even though the points are looking quite good and it hasn’t been a bad start to the year, it’s been a tricky one too. I mean out of the five main races I’ve had three where we’ve had some sort of issue. One falling off myself, once I got wiped out, and last week going back to 20th and then going off track and in a long lap didn’t help either. So yeah, it’s I think so much can happen nowadays and things were so tight, and you know when you’re strong you really need to take advantage of it. But when things aren’t going well, it’s important to bring the points home.”
JORGE MARTIN: “For sure Le Mans was a great weekend in general, but not only Le Mans. I think I’ve been fast all season so this is the most important thing for me. Coming to Mugello, last season I struggled a lot but I also struggled last year in Le Mans and I was super fast so I’m confident. I’m with another mindset this season, trying to get the maximum out of the situation and I feel with a strong package and I think we can do a good job.
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Ready for a title fight?
“Yeah I think I’m one of the strongest this season, one of the fastest, but I need to be clever. I need to finish races but it’s too soon to understand this, I need to focus on every weekend and yeah I hope to do these three races in a good way, go into the summer break in a good position in the Championship and in the end we will think about it.”
And what about 2024 talk?
“I know nothing about it, I just focus on racing.”
FABIO QUARTARARO: “Here we arrive in a different situation than the past. In 21 and 22 we arrived with more speed and more podiums but anyways, it’s a new race and we’ll give our best to fight for the best position as possible. Saturday will be most important for us and hopefully we can do a great qualifying.”
Fabio Quartararo with his new helmet design. Photo courtesy Dorna.
How to improve in QP?
“We are struggling much more than the past. I think in the past four years I missed Q2 just once and this year twice already. For sure I can improve myself, we have to find a different mode to fight for better positions in qualifying. For the upcoming three races we will keep the same bike for the three races and stop touching it to try find something better. We will just go with the safe setting and try to see if it is working.”
And we saw that special moment with a young fan in Le Mans…
“Actually I thought he was feeling bad because he had the head down. I was asking if he was ok because he was crying, yeah, it’s always a pleasure to make kids happy! It was the gesture to do at the moment. He was surprised (when I gave him the boot). He came from being there squeezed out by everyone to having this souvenir from Le Mans, it was a great thing for him!”
ENEA BASTIANINI: “For me, it’s really beautiful to be here again especially also at my home Grand Prix. This break has been really long for me but now I have to reset and I have to restart well. I’m ready now. The shoulder is working it’s working well, probably I’m not at my 100%, but I’m really close to it and I have to bring the confidence tomorrow again with my bike because I haven’t ridden the bike a lot. I’ve only done one test two weeks ago it was okay but let’s see tomorrow how it is in MotoGP because it’s a little bit different!”
Enea Bastianini. Photo courtesy Dorna.
How did you feel riding again recently?
“Yeah, I was comfortable. The second day I was a little bit tired, especially at the end but I imagined it would be like this. Also, the day after I was a little bit tired but it’s normal but the weekend before I worked a lot better I’ve been training a lot more, and I think I can be a little bit more competitive during this weekend, but it won’t be simple, especially on Sunday’s race because it’s very long but I’m confident!”
“Here it’s like a test for me but I have to check tomorrow my goal. This weekend is to try to be in the top 10. It could be a great result for me and then after I have to improve at the next one at Sachsenring and then at the final one before the break in Assen, but now I have to stay focused on this race because it’s one of my favourites. Let’s see how it will be tomorrow!”
Royal Enfield motorcycles on an assembly line in Nepal. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
Royal Enfield Continues to Expand Global Presence With the Commencement of its Fifth International CKD Assembly Unit
● Royal Enfield growing and strengthening its presence outside India with the launch of its 5th global CKD assembly unit in 3 years
● The Fifth CKD facility outside India is to be located in Nepal and is expected to boost the burgeoning demand for premium middleweight motorcycles in the market
● With an annual capacity of 20,000 units, the CKD unit will begin operations with local assembly of the new Classic 350 and the SCRAM 411 for Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal – Royal Enfield, a global leader in mid-size (250cc-750cc) motorcycle segment, today announced the commencement of operations of its exclusive Local Assembly Unit and CKD facility in Nepal. Set up in collaboration with the Triveni Group, this announcement is a significant boost to the company’s business in the SAARC region and further reiterates Royal Enfield’s commitment to Nepal. Located in Birgunj, the new facility is the Royal Enfield’s fifth CKD assembly unit in the world – after Brazil, Thailand, Colombia and Argentina – in addition to its state-of-the-art manufacturing and ancillary facilities located in Tamil Nadu, India.
Congratulating the team on the inauguration of the Nepal CKD unit and speaking about Royal Enfield’s global ambitions, B Govindarajan, CEO, Royal Enfield, said “It has been our endeavour to grow and expand the middleweight motorcycle segment globally, and over the last few years, we have seen immense success in our international operations. Royal Enfield now ranks among the top mid-segment motorcycle brands in markets such as the UK, Korea, Australia-New Zealand, among others. Our strategic intent to be closer to global markets has worked really well, as we have successfully set up four CKD facilities across APAC and Latin America, and we have recently also commenced our direct to market strategy in the UK. This new CKD facility in Nepal is in line with our ambitious global expansion strategy of investing in markets with huge potential to grow. We are committed to bringing our globally awarded line-up of gorgeous motorcycles, and pure motorcycling experiences to passionate riders in Nepal”
The motorcycle market in Nepal is on a confident rebound journey, and Royal Enfield sees huge potential for the market to grow substantially. Pre-pandemic the motorcycle segment in Nepal was nearly 1.7 million units per year, with almost 60%-65% of that being motorcycles sold in the >150cc premium segment. With the market expected to grow at 10%-15% in upcoming years, Royal Enfield believes that the trend of premiumization of motorcycles will only increase and Royal Enfield’s resilient, reliable and high torque machines will be perfectly suited for riding styles and the rugged terrains of Nepal.
Here in Kathmandu to inaugurate the CKD unit, as well launch the new motorcycles for Nepal market, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield – Yadvinder Singh Guleria said “Today marks an important chapter in our journey in the Nepal market as we announce the commencement of our CKD operations in Birgunj. This is a testament to our commitment to the market potential and the growing motorcycling community. The local topography of Nepal provides the ideal setting for our kind of motorcycling. Further to our commitment of growing the market in the country, we will expand our retail network from 18 currently, to 35 touchpoints across 30 cities, over the next year. We are confident that we will be able to attract a new set of consumers and also grow the middle weight segment in Nepal.”
With an assembly capacity of 20,000 units per year, the local assembly unit in Birgunj is a state-of-the-art, modern facility spread over 1 lac sq ft that will cater to growing demand in the country. To begin with, the facility will engage in local assembly of the new Classic 350 and the Scram 411. With this setup, Royal Enfield is committed to a seamless purchase process for its motorcycles in Nepal as well as to nurture the growing middleweight segment in the country.
About Royal Enfield:
The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted motorcycles since 1901. From its British roots, a manufacturing plant was established in Madras in 1955, a foothold from which Royal Enfield spearheaded the growth of India’s mid-sized two-wheeler segment. Royal Enfields are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible, and fun to ride; a vehicle for exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls Pure Motorcycling.
Royal Enfield’s premium line-up includes the stylish Hunter 350, the timeless Classic 350, the Meteor 350 cruiser, the 650 parallel twin motorcycles – New Super Meteor 650, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The adventure motorcycles – Himalayan adventure tourer and the Scram 411 ADV Crossover, and the iconic Bullet 350. Riders and a passionate community are fostered with a rich profusion of events at a local, regional and international level. Most notable are Rider Mania, an annual gathering of thousands of Royal Enfield enthusiasts in Goa, and Himalayan Odyssey, a yearly pilgrimage over some of the toughest terrain and highest mountain passes.
A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield operates through more than 2050 stores across all major cities and towns in India and through nearly 1150+ touchpoints in more than 60 countries around the globe. Royal Enfield also has two world-class technical centres, in Bruntingthorpe, UK, and in Chennai, India. The company’s two state-of-the-art production facilities are located at Oragadam and Vallam Vadagal, near Chennai. Across the world, Royal Enfield has four modern CKD assembly facilities in Brazil, Thailand, Argentina and Colombia. With more than 35% CAGR for the last 5 years, Royal Enfield is the leader in the global mid-size motorcycle market.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit:
Dynamic Weather and Flag-To-Flag races are two of the new elements included in the MotoGP 23 video game. Image courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP™23 has landed! New videogame released worldwide
MotoGP™23 is now available worldwide on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™ and Steam
Thursday, 08 June 2023
The day has arrived: the official videogame of the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship, MotoGP™23, is now available worldwide! This latest instalment from videogame developer and publisher Milestone puts every rider and circuit across the MotoGP™, Moto2™, Moto3™ AND MotoE™ seasons at fans’ fingertips, including the spectacular new Tissot Sprint!
A RENEWED CAREER MODE
MotoGP™23 features a redesigned career mode, offering players a unique journey to becoming legends of the sport. In an exciting new feature, the game introduces Turning Points to shape careers and bike development based on the performance and choices of each player. For the first time in the franchise, the game also integrates a fictional social network, a new feature that will enable interaction with other riders and teams – beyond the racetrack. It can be used to forge alliances or instigate rivalries, as AI behaviour during races will be influenced by players’ actions on the platform.
UNPREDICTABLE AND IMMERSIVE: DYNAMIC WEATHER AND FLAG-TO-FLAG
MotoGP™23 introduces two new features that are set to significantly redefine the game experience by enhancing realism even further. Dynamic Weather and Flag-to-Flag** races will bring the unpredictability of real-world racing conditions into the franchise, adding a strategic touch to the gaming experience and making it more engaging and immersive than ever.
LEARN TO RIDE WITH NEURAL AIDS
To meet newcomers’ needs, MotoGP™23 introduces new Neural Aids for braking, acceleration, and handling. These aids aim to provide an accessible yet challenging gaming experience that allows players of all skill levels to feel the adrenaline rush of real MotoGP™ racing. In addition, the popular MotoGP™ Academy is back to assist players whether they’re learning the basics or refining their techniques through specialized training sessions.
REVVING UP THE MULTIPLAYER ACTION
MotoGP™23 offers a diverse range of options designed to make the game more interactive – and social as players get the chance to foster their real-life rivalries too! Cross-play*** allows players to race against each other regardless of their gaming platform, while the introduction of Ranked Races ensures fair competition by matching players with others at the same level. Additionally, the beloved 2-player local split-screen** feature makes a return, allowing friends to share a screen and compete side-by-side on the couch.
MAKE YOUR MARK
MotoGP™23 also gives players a range of customization tools. The helmet editor offers the opportunity to add flamboyant colours to their avatars or maintain a sleek and minimalist design. The sticker editor provides a wide selection of original creations to customise bikes, while the racing number editor gives the freedom to add an extra layer of individuality. Finally, with the butt patch editor, players can design their own patches to be applied to their racing suits for another dash of flair.
Luisa Bixio, Milestone CEO: “After more than ten years of partnership, I can say that the MotoGP™ franchise has truly become an integral part of Milestone’s identity. We work hard to let players all around the world experience the thrills of the official championships, and we can’t wait to see the reactions to the new MotoGP™23. We are honoured to work with Dorna Sports as we share a deep passion for two-wheels; having the chance to spread it throughout the video game industry is something we are extremely proud of.”
Marc Saurina, Head of Global Commercial Partnerships at Dorna Sports: “We’re very excited for the launch of MotoGP™23, with some very cool new features to take the game to the next level once again. There’s more MotoGP™ than ever on track in 2023, and there are more reasons than ever for our millions of fans to play MotoGP™23! After more than a decade working together, Milestone continue to deliver a great game and we’re very much looking forward to seeing everyone get to play it – and watching it in action in the 2023 MotoGP™ eSport Championship later this season too.”
*Career mode includes Kazakhstan Grand Prix.
**Flag-to-Flag, split-screen and online multiplayer not supported on Nintendo Switch. 8 players local multiplayer available on Nintendo Switch.
***Cross-play not available on PC and Nintendo Switch versions. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.
About Milestone
Founded in Milan in 1996, Milestone S.r.l. is one of the leading and longest established racing game developers in the world. The 200+ people team is responsible for hit series like MotoGP™, MXGP and Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame, the acclaimed Hot Wheels™ Unleashed, as well as own IPs RIDE and Gravel. For more information please visit www.milestone.it
About MotoGP™ & Dorna Sports
The FIM Grand Prix World Championship, MotoGP™, is the world’s most exciting motorsport. 22 of the fastest riders compete on purpose-built prototype motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, creating one of the most thrilling shows on Earth. Since it was inaugurated in 1949, the sport has grown to comprise 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world.
Dorna Sports became the sole commercial and television rights holder of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship in 1991. Based in Madrid, Spain, with premises in Barcelona and a subsidiary in Rome, the Dorna Group is a leader in sports management, marketing and media, and has seen continued growth over the years; expanding from solely MotoGP™ to include other leading motorcycle racing championships across the globe.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta (right) gives Andrea Dovizioso (left) his MotoGP Legend medal at Mugello. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Andrea Dovizioso becomes a MotoGP™ Legend!
The Italian is inducted into the Hall of Fame at Mugello
Thursday, 08 June 2023
Andrea Dovizioso is now officially a MotoGP™ Legend! The 2004 125ccc World Champion and three-time MotoGP™ runner up was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley on Thursday as Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta presented the Italian with his MotoGP™ Legend medal. The Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello provided the perfect backdrop, a venue Dovizioso has reigned in MotoGP™, and there was a packed house present for the ceremony.
Dovizioso won the 125cc World Championship in 2004, moved up to become a consistent challenger in the 250 class and then made his MotoGP™ debut in 2008, taking his first premier class podium as a rookie. The following season Dovizioso took his first premier class win and until his departure from Honda at the end of 2011, was a consistent podium threat. His next season saw him debut with Yamaha Tech3, where he again took a number of rostrums, before a move to the Ducati factory team for 2013 saw the two begin a long journey to the top.
Andrea Dovizioso (34/1) in 2004 when he won the 125cc World Championship. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In 2014 Dovizioso garnered two podiums, in 2015 five and in 2016 another five – including a history-making win in the Malaysian Grand Prix, his first since 2009. That kicked off a renaissance of incredible frontrunning form as Dovizioso was Championship runner up in 2017, 2018 and 2019, taking 12 wins across just three seasons. His final win came in his final season with Ducati at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix.
Andrea Dovizioso, after winning the MotoGP race at Sepang in 2016. Photo courtesy Dorna.
After a brief break from racing, Dovizioso got back on track in the latter part of 2021 as an Independent Team rider with Yamaha before retiring after Misano in 2022. His final hurrah saw the paddock come out to applaud both the achievements and class of a key figure in the modern era – and protagonist of some of the sport’s best duels!
Andrea Dovizioso (04) held off Marc Marquez (93) to win in Austria in 2019. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Now, Dovizioso joins a list of MotoGP™ Legends that includes Valentino Rossi, Giacomo Agostini, Hugh Anderson, Kork Ballington, Max Biaggi, Alex Crivillé, Mick Doohan, Stefan Dörflinger, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Nicky Hayden, Jorge Lorenzo, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Anton Mang, Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez, Angel Nieto, Dani Pedrosa, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Luigi Taveri, Carlo Ubbiali and Franco Uncini.
Andrea Dovizioso’s last MotoGP race was at Misano in 2022. Photo courtesy Dorna.
QUOTES
CARMELO EZPELETA, CEO OF DORNA: “It has been a big pleasure to be working with you all these years. I have a special memory, and maybe you remember, when you were racing in 125s, I was at the Sachsenring and you were on track, stopping before the end of the straight. We hadn’t talked personally yet, but I congratulated you for the results that season, and I saw immediately your eyes… it was important for me to realise that someone like you was thinking about being stronger, going the next season to 250s and then in MotoGP… there have been some incredible races and an incredible history. Thank you very much for that.
“You are a great rider, but an even better person, our relationship has always been fantastic. You’ve told us many things and your presence in the Safety Commission has been something important for us, and I also want to thank you for that… your presence has always been a great help. You’ve been able to give many ideas to us, and the only thing I can say is that’s it’s a great honour for me to induct you into the Hall of Fame. Thank you, Andrea.”
ANDREA DOVIZIOSO: “Thank you very much, it’s a big pleasure to listen to what Carmelo said, I’m very proud. There are the results, everyone wants to win, but in the end if you come back here and hear something like that, you can be proud. So I’m really happy about the relationship we had over this long period and I’m so happy to be back today at Mugello, a special place for Italian riders, and to become a MotoGP™ Legend. It’s something I didn’t expect and I’m so happy to be alongside these names, it’s something crazy. And I’m so happy to see everyone here!”
STATS
– 24 Grand Prix wins: 15 x MotoGP™, 4 x 250cc, 5 x 125cc
– 103 GP podiums: Dovizioso is one of 10 riders who has reached the milestone of 100 podiums. He has 62 in MotoGP™, 26 in the 250cc class and 15 in the 125cc class.
– 20 pole positions and 22 fastest laps
– 2004 125cc World Champion
– 15 MotoGP™ wins: Dovizioso is the third most successful Italian rider in the premier class in terms of victories
– 248 premier class starts: Dovizioso is second on the list of riders with most premier class starts, behind only Valentino Rossi
Scott Greenwood (4) leads the start of a NEMRR Middleweight GP race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Middleweight GP is the class that makes up the 100th Loudon Classic feature race. Photo by Martin Hanlon, courtesy NEMRR.
Mayhew Tools Announces 2023 Season Title Sponsorship of the NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing Series (NEMRR)
The premium hand tool manufacturer will also serve as the title sponsor of the 100th Loudon Classic and the official tool supplier of the NEMRR series
Turners Falls, MA, June 7, 2023 – Mayhew Steel Products, Inc. (Mayhew Tools) announces their 2023 season title sponsorship of the NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing Series LLC (NEMRR), as well as the 100th Loudon Classic, being held June 16th-18th at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This will be the third consecutive year Mayhew has served as a title sponsor to the series, which will consist of seven rounds of racing this season.
As part of being the title sponsor of the NEMRR series and 100th Loudon Classic, Mayhew’s branding will be found on motorcycles as well as various apparel, and tools will be supplied to the series by Mayhew. During the 100th Loudon Classic, Mayhew will sponsor the qualifying pole award, rewarding the winner with both a $250 check and a Mayhew’s Dominator® “Big Stick”, a 13 lb., 54” long, heavy-duty pry bar.
Additionally, Mayhew team members will be attending the highly anticipated race event, providing an opportunity for attendees to speak with employees, ask questions, learn about and purchase products, participate in contests to win different tools and prizes, and more. If attending, look for the Mayhew Tent on June 16th and 17th. Tickets for the 100th Loudon Classic can be purchased at nemrr.com.
“We are proud to once again be a sponsor of the NEMRR Series and its 100th Loudon Classic event,” said John Lawless, President of Mayhew. “To be able to support an organization such as NEMRR, is an honor as we know it extends benefits to not only us in terms of awareness and visibility, but to the racers, mechanics, the fans, as well as the racing industry as a whole. We trust and know our tools bring tremendous value to the end user and it’s this quality craftmanship that we proudly stand behind.”
The NEMRR 2023 series kicked off with round one in April and round two in May, leaving five remaining races scheduled at New Hampshire Motor Speedway as follows:
June 16-18 Round Three Races: 100th Loudon Classic
August 5-6 Round Four Races
August 19-20 Round Five Races
September 9-10 Round Six Races
September 30-October 1 Round Seven Races: Double Points, All Classes
Mayhew Steel Products (Mayhew Tools), are sold through an extensive network of global distributors, serving the industrial, automotive, and hardware markets. For more information, contact Mayhew Tools at 800.872.0037 or visit mayhew.com.
Ben and Tom Birchall (1). Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
BIRCHALLS BREAK LAP RECORD ONCE MORE IN 3WHEELING.MEDIA SIDECAR TT RACE 2
Ben and Tom Birchall made history once more at the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races when a new lap record of 120.645mph helped them to victory in today’s second 3wheeling.Media Sidecar TT Race.
The duo came home nine seconds ahead of Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley, who also broke the 120mph barrier, with the Manx pairing of Ryan and Callum Crowe in third. It was the Birchalls 11th win in a row and 14th in total, the latter figure drawing them level with the great Mike Hailwood.
With overcast skies all around the Mountain Course, the Birchalls (Wyckham Blackwell – Birchall Racing Honda) led through Glen Helen first time around, their advantage over Founds/Walmsley (FHO Motorsport) 2.8 seconds and it was the Crowes who slotted into third on their Haven Homes Honda a further 4.2 seconds adrift. John Holden/Maxime Vasseur were running in fourth, the Blackburn driver having his final TT race, with Gary Bryan/Phil Hyde and Dave Molyneux/Dan Sayle rounding out the early top six.
Over Ballaugh Bridge and the Birchalls had added a further four tenths of a second to their lead and by Ramsey Hairpin, they’d stretched it out more to 3.9 seconds, but further down the order former winners Conrad Harrison/Andrew Winkle were forced to retire with passenger Winkle suffering with a shoulder injury.
Daryl Gibson/Tom Christie, sixth in race one, were also early retirements having stopped at Barregarrow but the Birchalls were having no such issues and an opening lap of 118.904mph gave them a 4.5s lead over Founds/Walmsley with the Crowes comfortable in third but some 15s adrift of second place.
Holden/Vasseur were still in fourth, but Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes had fought their way back up to fifth after being down in ninth through Glen Helen. Molyneux/Sayle remained in sixth just ahead of Bryan/Hyde and Steve and Matty Ramsden.
The Birchalls upped the tempo at the beginning of lap two and their lead had gone out to 8.1 seconds at Glen Helen and whilst third to fifth remained the same, the Ramsdens had now moved up to sixth at the expense of Molyneux/Sayle, albeit by just 0.094 seconds.
They were then promoted up a place as Holden/Vasseur slowed with Molyneux/Sayle then retiring at Sulby but as the lap progressed, the Birchalls were on course to better their four-day old lap record and sure enough, they did exactly that as they went 2.8 seconds quicker with a speed of 120.645mph.
That saw them extend their lead over Founds/Walmsley to 11.6 seconds as they themselves lapped at 119.887mph and although the Crowes continued to circulate in third, the changes behind meant that the running order behind was now Reeves/Wilkes, the Ramsdens – who set a new personal best lap of 114.405mph – and Bryan/Hyde. Holden/Vasseur had recovered to seventh as eighth placed Greg Lambert/Andrew Haynes set their first 110mph+ lap.
On the final lap, Founds/Walmsley were continuing to keep the Birchalls honest, the lead hovering around the 13 second mark, and whilst the Nottinghamshire brothers came home for their second win of the week, the eventual winning margin was 9.1 seconds as Founds/Walmsley joined the 120mph club at 120.079mph.
The Crowes got their first finish of the week in third with Reeves/Wilkes finally seeing the chequered flag in fourth as the Ramsdens finished fifth to round out their successful time at TT2023. Bryan/Hyde, Lambert/Haynes, Wayne Lockey/Matthew Rostron and John and James Saunders completed the top ten.
Tim Joyce (309) on his way to victory in Nebraska. Photo by Eldon Holmes Photography, courtesy AHRMA.
Joyce dominates AHRMA Vintage Cup at Motorsports Park Hastings
(June 7, Knoxville, TN) – The four-stroke vs. two-stroke face-off continued during the second half of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s (AHRMA) back-to-back race events in the heartland of America.
Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2023 Vintage Cup features the Formula 750 (F750) class which includes 750cc two and four-stroke powered machines built up to 1972.
The seventh and eighth rounds of the 2023 Bridgestone Tires National Road racing series took place in the home of Koolaid at Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings, NE.
Tim Joyce, riding an NYC Norton Nourish Racing Engineering (NRE) Seeley, took an early lead and then victory both days ahead of Colton Roberts on a Yamaha RD400.
The race for third pitted Jeff Hargis on his Yamaha XS 750, Brian Filo on a custom-framed Yamaha XS 750-powered machine, and Brian Larrabure on a Ducati 750SS Imola replica.
Filo was able to hold off Hargis and Larrabure both days for the last step on the podium with his beautifully turned-out Shell Truitt bumblebee yellow machine.
The balance of the grid included, in order of finishing on Saturday, Larrabure, David Crussell on a 1972 Kawasaki H2R, and Mike Dixon riding a 1970 Yamaha XS. On Sunday, Larrabure was fourth again, with Dixon fifth, and Crussell sixth.
“Last weekend, Tim Joyce swapped victories with Christopher Spargo who was on a two-stroke Yamaha and this weekend Tim had to deal with another two-stroke. This series is putting on full display the diversity of road racing motorbikes during the 70s,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board. “I can’t wait to see what happens during the rest of the season.”
“Nebraska is the home of the fruited plains, a far cry from the skyscrapers of New York. I couldn’t be happier to spend the weekend in the sporadic sunshine watching NYC Norton’s rider Tim Joyce bringing home the trophies,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton. “But as a class sponsor, I’m also proud to see the depth of field of the Formula 750 class remain incredibly strong. I can’t wait to do it again for rounds nine and ten at our home track at New Jersey Motorsports Park’s beautiful Thunderbolt Raceway in Millville, NJ circuit later this month.”
The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event.
Highlights from each Formula 750 race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.
2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series, Formula 750 – Vintage Cup Results
Saturday, June 3, 2023
1 – Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT
2 – Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
3 – Brian Filo, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Livermore, CA
4 – Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS 650, Battle Creek, MI
5 – Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS, Calabasas, CA
6 – David Crussell, 1972 Kawasaki H2R, Pleasanton, CA
7 – Michael Dixon, 1970 Yamaha XS, Wataga, IL
Sunday, June 4, 2023
1 – Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT
2 – Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
3 – Brian Filo, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Livermore, CA
4 – Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS 650, Battle Creek, MI
5 – Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati Imola 750SS, Calabasas, CA
6 – Michael Dixon, 1970 Yamaha XS, Wataga, IL
7 – David Crussell, 1972 Kawasaki H2R, Pleasanton, CA,
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.
Ray Thornton (717) at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Photo by Kelly Vernell, courtesy MRA.
MRA: Thornton, Yee Continue To Dominate
Thornton and Yee Triumphant in MRA Round Two at Pikes Peak International Raceway
Fountain, CO – The second round of the 2023 MRA Championship Series took place at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, CO over the weekend of June 3-4. PPIR is the shortest track on the MRA calendar with the infield course being only 1.3 miles long. The oval banking and dropping onto the apron area of the track makes for some very exciting racing with Turn One being one of the highest speed corners of the Colorado series.
The weather for the weekend was very unpredictable as the area had rain showers throughout the day Saturday and most of the morning on Sunday. Despite the weather challenges, all the races throughout the weekend ran without a hitch. Race of The Rockies (RoR) qualifying on Sunday morning was conducted on a partially damp track which caused some racers to use their rain tires while others gambled on slicks. Unfortunately, the track was too damp for the racers using slicks to take full advantage of the sticky rubber. Ken Yee took pole position on his Kawasaki ZX-6R running on intermediate rain tires with a time of 1:03.8 followed by Alex Cusick (1:04.22) and David Lambert (1:04.29).
The start of RoR GTO race saw Brad Hendry get an incredible start coming from 14th to take the lead by the end of lap one. By lap two the number one plate holder Mike Applegate had made up eight positions and was sitting in third behind James Wilkerson. Applegate, Wilkerson, and Lambert were hot on the tail of Hendry, but Hendry managed to hold them of until lap six when Applegate made an impressive pass to take the lead. Lambert had the best pace of the group, clicking off mid to high 57’s and by lap 10 he overtook Applegate for the lead. Once out in front he put his head down and started to break free from the rest of the field. Lambert was looking like he was going repeat his victory from here last year but unfortunately a mechanical issue on lap 16 caused him to retire from the race. By this point with only two laps remaining, the leading trio was Applegate, Ray Thornton, and Wilkerson. Thornton was looking for any opportunity to strike and he finally made his move on the final lap of the race to take the lead and secure the victory. Applegate managed to maintain his second place, while Wilkerson took third, rounding off a tense and exciting race.
In Race of the Rockies GTU, Yee took the lead and proceeded to mix it up with the liter bikes for first few laps of the race. Meanwhile, trailing closely behind were Salvatore Rizzo and Tyrel Diekemann, who held their ground through the initial 11 laps. Colton Wulf wasn’t far behind and continued to claw his way up the field eventually stealing third place from Diekemann on lap 12. Despite valiant efforts from all contenders, no one could keep up with Yee’s remarkable pace, consistently clocking low to mid 1:00 laps. Ultimately, Rizzo secured a valiant second place finish, with Wulf rounding out the podium in third.
Next up, the MRA returns to High Plains Raceway in Byers, CO for Round Three on June 24-25. Once again, the SuperStreet class will be held on Saturday afternoon, giving street riders a chance to try real track motorcycle road racing with minimal cost & preparation. See SuperStreet Information – Motorcycle Roadracing Association (mra-racing.org) for details.
Thousands of motorcycle riders from all over the country will descend upon New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. during the 100th Annual Laconia Motorcycle Week Rally June 10-18. Photo by Shannon Stephens, courtesy NHMS.
100th Annual Loudon Classic Headlines Motorcycle Week at NHMS
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a must-stop destination with racing, camping, demo rides and entertainment for riders during Laconia Motorcycle Week.
LOUDON, N.H. – New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) is a top destination for riders visiting the area during Laconia Motorcycle Week, June 10-18, with on- and off-track events throughout nine days of motorcycle mayhem. The 100th Annual Loudon Classic headlines a week-long motorcycle celebration that also features vendors, demo rides, camping and more.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this century-long tradition in New Hampshire,” said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “We can’t wait to welcome thousands of riders from all over the country to NHMS as they roar in to New Hampshire. We’ll have lots of thrilling racing on the road course, highlighted by the 100th Annual Loudon Classic with an incredible purse this year, as well as a new motorcycle skills challenge, a variety of vendors, charity rides, demo rides and more.”
NHMS is home to the best racing action in the region, and there will be no shortage of action on the 1.6-mile full road course with nearly 50 races throughout five days. The United States Classic Racing Association kicks it off with the FIM North American Vintage Championships, June 10-11. A variety of classes, ranging from 1950s tank shifters to modern small bike twins provide a plethora of vintage racing action.
The racing continues June 16-18 when Northeast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) competes in round three of racing, highlighted by the 100th Annual Loudon Classic Middleweight Grand Prix on June 17, which has been held on site since long before the speedway was built, when it was simply a road course named Bryar Motorsports Park. Known as the longest-running motorcycle race in America, this year’s Classic will feature riders from all over the world competing to take home a piece of the $250,000 purse with $55,000 going to the winner, making it the richest motorcycle road race in U.S. history.
Penguin Road Racing School will host instructional sessions for riders looking to improve their skills June 14-15.
Katancha and Harley-Davidson will host the largest demo ride course in the area along with a vendor mall and food court June 10-17. The nearly nine-mile route will take riders through and on- and off-property experience to test out the latest and greatest that the top motorcycle manufacturers in the world, such as Harley-Davidson, Indian, Yamaha, BMW and Live Wire, have to offer. Members of Harley Owners Group, the official riding club of Harley-Davidson, can pick up their commemorative rally pin. On top of the demo rides, there will be a plethora of vendors on site with gear, accessories, sound systems and more for bikers.
New this year, NHMS and ProRider 603 are joining forces to host the Top Cop for Kids Motorcycle Skills Challenge presented by Laconia Harley-Davidson, which will put the region’s finest motorcycle riders to the test to see who has what it takes to be named Top Cop. ProRider 603 will set up two timed courses, designed to test accuracy and speed, for three divisions of riders – police, expert civilian and novice civilian. One course will be designated for police and expert riders while the second course will be for novice riders. There will also be a fun course open for any licensed motorcycle rider to attempt. The timed courses will be open Friday and Saturday, June 9-10 for practice with the timed challenge and trophy presentation taking place on Sunday, June 11. Registration is $50 per rider for the timed courses and $10 per rider for the fun course. Riders can sign up for the fun course in person on the day of the event, but are strongly encouraged to register for the timed courses in advance, as spots are limited.
Back for a third year, the Ride to the Racetrack cruise from Laconia Harley-Davidson to NHMS is on June 13 and includes two laps on the 1.6-mile full road course. Registration is $20 per rider or passenger, and all proceeds benefit SCCNH.
With the speedway centrally-located on Route 106, the main corridor to Laconia and just 20 minutes south of Rally Headquarters, it has become the perfect home-away-from-home during Motorcycle Week. Dry and full hookup spots are available with amazing views of the racetrack.
Riders can also visit the New England Racing Museum, located on Route 106 North in front of The Flat Track next to the speedway’s South Entrance. The museum will be open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11 and Friday – Sunday, June 16-18. Newly-displayed historic motorcycles and race car exhibits will be featured, as the museum refreshes exhibits every year.
Schedule:
June 9-11: Top Cop for Kids Motorcycle Skills Challenge presented by Laconia Harley-Davidson to benefit the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (S2 Lot)
June 10-11: USCRA FIM North American Vintage Championships (1.6-mile full road course)
June 10-11: New England Racing Museum open
June 10-17: Demo rides, vendor mall and food court open (S1 Lot)
June 10-18: Camping available (NHMS)
June 13: Ride to the Racetrack to benefit the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (Laconia Harley-Davidson to NHMS)
June 14-15: Penguin Road Racing School (1.6-mile full road course)
June 16-18: Northeast Motorcycle Road Racing (1.6-mile full road course)
June 16-18: New England Racing Museum open
June 17: 100th Annual Loudon Classic (1.6-mile full road course)
Riders are encouraged to check the speedway website (NHMS.com) and social channels for the most up-to-date information regarding events happening as a part of Motorcycle Week at NHMS.
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Keep track of all of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook (@NHMotorSpeedway), Twitter (@NHMS) and Instagram (@NHMS). Keep up with all the latest information on the speedway website (NHMS.com) and mobile app.
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