OSS, NL/MAROSTICA, IT – Italian custom racing gear specialist, Vircos, will move forward under the new name “REV’IT! TAILORTECH” as of January 2024. This change of name reflects the integration of REV’IT!’s innovative technology and design with the decades of experience, craftsmanship, and service that Vircos has made its name with.
REV’IT! TAILORTECH opens the door to an even wider audience. Providing fully bespoke, track-ready, leather one-piece suits for demanding sportive street riders, amateur track-riding enthusiasts, and budding pro racers alike. So that they, too, can experience the race-ready quality, tailoring craftsmanship, and the same on-point service that REV’IT! offers its professional riders in WorldSBK and MotoGP.
REV’IT! TAILORTECH further allows riders to express their own style with custom measurements and graphics, as well as the assurance riders take to the grid with high-quality fit and professional style, showcasing sponsors and matching bike livery designs. To maintain and even build on maintaining the highest levels possible in safety and service throughout the process, REV’IT! TAILORTECH will start this new chapter from its all-new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Marostica, Italy.
Vircos was originally founded by Aldo De Agnoi as an artisan leather company in 1982, before stepping into the world of producing leather racing suits at the turn of the century. Vircos and REV’IT!’s paths first crossed when the two started working together in GPs over 15 years ago.
A partnership that culminated in REV’IT!’s acquisition of the Italian brand in 2022 and the launch of REV’IT! TAILORTECH in 2024, cementing our new – shared – way forward.
Althea Racing doubles in World Supersport and launches the challenge in the Enduro World Championship!
Althea Racing continues its sporting tradition and renews itself by presenting its programs for 2024.
Protagonist on the track since 1996 with numerous national and world successes in Superstock1000, Supersport and Superbike, including a world rider title in the premier class, two rider titles in Superstock, and two manufacturer world titles brought to Ducati, Althea wishes to continue his commitment to international racing.
In the next season, the team from Civita Castellana will double its presence in the Supersport world championship where it will be at the start with two riders, the Italian Niccolò Antonelli and the Pole, Piotr Biesiekirski.
Niccolò Antonelli, born in 1996, former Italian 125cc champion, boasts solid experience in the world championship in Moto3 and Moto2 while Piotr Biesekirski, Polish, born in 2001, has experience in the national championships and in the CEV Moto2.
Althea Racing’s solid bond with Ducati continues and the two riders will be entrusted with a Ducati Panigale V2, a bike that has already allowed victories and podiums in the last championship.
The Team Manager of Ecosantagata Althea Racing, this is the new name of the team, will be Moreno Coppola, a technician with a lot of experience and equally important results achieved with Althea.
Althea will also be a protagonist in the Enduro GP world championship.
Swede Lucas Lucas Vågberg, 24 years old, his first experience in the premier class but already a protagonist in the 2023 Junior World Championship, will fight to excel in the top class riding a 2024 Husqvarna 450.
Niccolò Antonelli. Photo courtesy Althea Racing.
Niccolo Antonelli, Rider
I am very happy to be here in one of the teams that has made the history of Superbike and Supersport with great results. This will push me to give 200% every time I get on the track. Finally today is the presentation and I can’t wait to get to work.
Piotr Biesiekirski. Photo courtesy Althea Racing.
Piotr Biesiekirski, Rider
For me it’s a new category and a new championship and so I’m a curious because I don’t know what to expect exactly.
The Ducati is a different bike to those I have always ridden and therefore curiousI will need a bit of learning. After coming to Italy and testing the bike with the team, all my doubts went away. I fell in love with the riding style of the 955 and the team surpassed all my expectations. I am sure that we have an amazing package – both on the technical and personal side. Now I am focused on preparing myself as well as possible and I cannot wait to start the season in Philip Island!
Lucas Vagberg, Enduro GP Rider
I would like to thank Genesio for this great opportunity and I am sure that with his and their help I will be able to give satisfaction this season. I’ll do my best, I can’t wait to get started at full throttle!”
Genesio Bevilacqua, General Manager
We continue to believe in Supersport as a reference category because it allows our work group to be able to interact with opponents of different levels and potential, while developing the bike entirely within our racing team.
We are focusing on the rebirth of Antonelli and on a young man from Eastern Europe but with a Latin temperament.
However, 2024 will not just be about the track. It will be intense also thanks to the choice, after years of MotoGP and Superbike, to also compete in the World Enduro GP.
For me, another motorcyclist’s dream comes true, that of a passionate enduro practitioner, an absolutely satisfying discipline which allows me to spend my free time in nature and with the riders who are often my guests.
Ricky Brabec wins the 2024 Dakar Rally with Adrien Van Beveren on the podium in third
7,967 km of rallying across Saudi Arabia came to a conclusion by the breathtaking Red Sea at Yanbu with Monster Energy Honda Team’s Ricky Brabec taking the top step of the Dakar for a second time, making history as the only American to do so.
After spending much of the first week amongst the front runners, the 2020 winner took the reins after the grueling 48 Hour Chrono and despite a one second margin to second place Ross Branch at the end of stage seven, the Californian never looked back and rode to a faultless Dakar win with nearly eleven minutes in hand.
In what has been a calm and collected display throughout the rally by the 32 year old, he also added another stage win to the ten he has already collected in his Dakar career to date and leaves round one at the top of the 2024 World Rally-Raid Championship standings.
At his ninth attempt of the Dakar, Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren stood on the podium that has eluded him over the past few years after taking a hard fought 48 Hour Chrono stage victory, the sand specialist found his rhythm in the second week and had an immense battle with Ross Branch and teammate José Ignacio Cornejo for the podium. Despite a near miss with a camel yesterday, he fought right to the end for the runner-up spot but had to make do with the final podium place.
One of two Chilean riders in the Monster Energy Honda Team, ‘Nacho’ Cornejo had one of his career best performances at the famous rally, from the off he led in the standings and racked up a hat-trick of magnificent stage victories, also fighting for an elusive podium. Unfortunately a fuel pump issue put paid to his fight yesterday and his final sixth place did not reflect on what a truly outstanding performance he produced.
His fellow Chilean, Pablo Quintanilla has been the runner up twice at the Dakar and as the most experienced member of the team was eager to turn his twelfth participation into victory. Unfortunately for the Dakar Legend, the 48 Hour Chrono would put paid to his chances when he ran short of fuel on the first day of the tough stage. Despite the disappointment he battled on helping his teammates and also taking valuable points in the World Rally-Raid Championship.
With the new generation Honda CRF450 RALLY now a rally winner, the Monster Energy Honda Team put on a powerful display on their first outing in 2024 as the stage wins racked up over the course of the two weeks. Tosha Schareina opened proceedings with the prologue victory, Nacho Cornejo gained the accolade of the most stage wins this year with three, Adrien Van Beveren banked two and Pablo Quintanilla and Ricky Brabec took one apiece to make seven in all.
With the team fully deserving of some rest and recuperation, they will reconvene in April for the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid in Portugal from 2nd – 7th April.
Ruben Faria
We had one goal today and it was to win the Dakar Rally with Ricky. We are so happy for him as he did an amazing job to take victory at this really tough Dakar. Adrien pushed as hard as he could to get second as it was still possible for him to achieve at the start of today’s stage. Although he missed out, we’re also pleased that he took that final step on the podium.
Fighting for the podium three days ago, the fuel line issue for Nacho sadly stopped him from joining in the fight with Ricky and Adrien. He showed impressive speed and navigation skills which deserved a much better result than his sixth place.
After Pablo ran out of fuel during the 48 Hours Chrono this lost him a lot of time and ended his chance for the podium. We’re happy that he made it to the finish and that it gave him the possibility to test the bike during this last week.
Our main goal at the start of this event was to win the Dakar, we started with six bikes and managed to get four to the final Parc Fermé at Yanbu. The team did a great job and I’m so proud of them.
Now we continue our work as we want to achieve the same result at the 2025 Dakar. We also have the World Rally-Raid Championship to focus on this year with the next rally in Portugal and Spain in April.
Pablo Quintanilla 7
STAGE: 12TH OVERALL: 11TH
I’m happy to finish the rally, it was super tough and long this year. It wasn’t the result I was expecting, but I’m happy that I was able to manage all the issues I had during the rally and to finish my twelfth Dakar. I go home with a good feeling that I got to the end.
Ricky Brabec is now the only American to ever win the Dakar Rally twice. Photo courtesy HRC.
Ricky Brabec 9
STAGE: 5TH OVERALL: 1ST
It’s a nice way to start the year with a victory. It wasn’t easy as the course was really tough and so was the competition. Ross and my own team kept me on my toes, but not just me, I think we were keeping everyone on each other’s toes. It was definitely a fight to the end for everyone. I’m really happy we’re all here and all safe and we can go home. This time was a little bit different as I feel like this one was more earned as it was a lot tougher. In 2020, we had a big gap from the get-go. Here, I think me and Ross spent three days with a couple of seconds difference. It was a tight race for all of us. I think between first and third there are eleven minutes or something, whatever Adrien got, but it’s been a tight race and ten minutes is not a big gap here on the rally. I had two good days, two opportunities to make a good push, but also stage 11 was a scare factor for me because I knew Ross was starting behind me, 18 minutes behind, and if he caught me it would be over. Stage 11 was hard but I stayed focused, got to the finishing line and didn’t lose too much time, so I’m really happy with this and I’m really happy for the team. I’m happy for all of us, we did an excellent job all of the two weeks. I think number 9 will be my lucky number from now on.
José Ignacio “Nacho” Cornejo 11
STAGE: 10TH OVERALL: 6TH
I’ve finished another Dakar Rally that’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, from the excitement of doing really well during the two weeks and then the issue yesterday. But that’s racing and I’m happy for Ricky that he won and for Adrien that he got onto the podium too. I think we did really well as a team, we won a lot of the stages, we opened a lot of them and we showed that a lot of the hard work we’ve been doing paid off.
Adrien Van Beveren 42
STAGE: 4TH OVERALL: 3RD
After the last years and the difficulties I had, the crashes, all of that, overall, to be on the podium, finally on the podium of the Dakar, it tastes really good. I’ve been fighting until the end. We’ve finished third, but we were in the fight for victory. We are closer than ever to the dream. To step onto the podium is a step towards my dream of victory.
More, from a press release issued by American Honda:
American Ricky Brabec Wins Dakar Rally for the Second Time
January 19, 2024 — YANBU, Saudi Arabia
New-generation Honda CRF450 Rally rules in its debut
Fellow Monster Energy Honda rider Adrien Van Beveren finishes on the podium
For the second time in four years, Monster Energy Honda racer Ricky Brabec has attained victory in the prestigious Dakar Rally, which ended today on the Saudi Arabian shores of the Red Sea. In 2020, the Californian became the first American to win the Motorcycle class in the grueling event and, four years and two days later, he adds the 46th edition to his win list.
The Dakar Rally began in 1979 in Europe and Africa, and Honda first scored a win in 1982, at the hands of XR550-mounted Cyril Neveu. The Frenchman added a second victory four years later aboard the NXR750V, then repeated the following year. Italian Edi Orioli brought Honda a third-consecutive win in 1988 with the NXR800V, which Frenchman Gilles Lalay rode to victory the following year. A dry spell for Honda followed, but Brabec put the brand back on top with the CRF450 RALLY in 2020, by which point the rally was taking place in Saudi Arabia. Brabec’s then-teammate Kevin Benavides won the following year, and this year’s success marks the eighth win for Honda (and the first for the next-generation CRF450 RALLY, in its debut).
A desert-racing native of Southern California, Brabec won the 2014 edition of the SCORE Baja 1000 and earned AMA Hare & Hound National Championships in 2014 and 2016. A protégé of Baja legend and longtime Honda partner Johnny Campbell, Brabec signed with the Monster Energy Honda team for the 2015 season and campaigned the Dakar Rally four times before winning in his fifth try. (He had come agonizingly close the previous year, only to be thwarted by a late a technical issue.) Since that 2020 success, Brabec finished second and seventh in ’21 and ’22, before he a technical issue forced him out of last year’s race. Now he becomes the 13th rider to top the Dakar Rally on more than one occasion.
“It’s a nice way to start the year with a victory,” Brabec said at the finish. “It wasn’t easy as the course was really tough and so was the competition. Ross and my own team kept me on my toes, but not just me, I think we were keeping everyone on each other’s toes. It was definitely a fight to the end for everyone. I’m really happy we’re all here and all safe and we can go home. This time was a little bit different as I feel like this one was more earned as it was a lot tougher. In 2020, we had a big gap from the get-go. Here, I think me and Ross spent three days with a couple of seconds difference. It was a tight race for all of us. I think between first and third there are eleven minutes or something, whatever Adrien got, but it’s been a tight race and ten minutes is not a big gap here on the rally. I had two good days, two opportunities to make a good push, but also stage 11 was a scare factor for me because I knew Ross was starting behind me, 18 minutes behind, and if he caught me it would be over. Stage 11 was hard but I stayed focused, got to the finishing line and didn’t lose too much time, so I’m really happy with this and I’m really happy for the team. I’m happy for all of us, we did an excellent job all of the two weeks. I think number 9 will be my lucky number from now on.”
The fifth Dakar Rally edition held in Saudi Arabia, this year’s event kicked off with a January 5 prologue in the Northwestern city of AlUla and ran 4,766 miles to the east and back, before finishing in Yanbu on January 19. Along the way, competitors completed 2,878 miles of “specials” (timed sections that determine the winners), including a new two-day “48 Hour Chrono” stage in Saudi Arabia’s desolate Empty Quarter, where racers spent a remote overnight with no technical support and minimal communication with the outside world. Competitors regularly departed the overnight bivouacs in the pre-dawn hours and spent long, cold hours in liaisons (untimed transfer sections, completion of which was nonetheless obligatory). Only a single rest day provided reprieve from the harsh conditions.
Monster Energy Honda controlled the race for much of the way, with Spaniard Tosha Schareina topping the prologue and Chilean José Ignacio “Nacho” Cornejo assuming a one-day ownership of the overall lead after the fourth full stage. Brabec took over the top overall spot after the completion of the pivotal 48 Hour Chrono stage, never to relinquish it. The team was both fast (topping seven stages and the prologue, and sweeping stage podiums on two occasions) and balanced (with five of six riders taking wins); four riders reached the finish. In addition to Brabec’s overall win, his French teammate Adrien Van Beveren took an overall podium position, in third, with Cornejo finishing sixth.
“To Ricky and the entire Monster Energy Honda team, congratulations from the Honda family back here in the U.S., including associates, dealers and customers,” said Jeremy McGuire, Senior Manager of Customer Engagement at American Honda. “The team’s performance this year showed that its preparation and strategy were unmatched, and the skill, calculation and teamwork exhibited by all of the riders were nothing short of inspiring. With his second win in the most grueling off-road competition in the world, Ricky shows that Honda and America are serious forces to reckon with in the world of off-road racing.”
Unfortunately, Brabec’s countryman Skyler Howes (making his fourth Dakar appearance, but is first with the Honda team), was one of those who didn’t finish; the Utah resident was forced to drop out on the first day of the 48 Hour Chrono stage, but he’s eager to return to the Dakar podium in the future.
“It’s unfortunate that I had to exit the rally on stage 6 but there is always a silver lining,” Howes said. “We are able to learn from everything that happened and apply it to coming back even stronger next year. It is really impressive to see what the team was able to accomplish in just a short time with this new bike. I only joined the team in September and in the grand scheme of things, didn’t have much time to adapt to the new bike or learn the ways of the team. To see how quickly they could turn this CRF450 RALLY into a winning bike is amazing and to become as comfortable as I did on the bike and in the team is a really awesome feeling and gives me a lot of confidence heading into the future. I’m really excited to see the ways we can continue to improve to take on the challenges of the rest of the W2RC championship and next Dakar.”
With the team fully deserving of some rest and recuperation, they will reconvene in April for the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid in Portugal from 2nd – 7th April.
MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experience Tickets Now On Sale
The MotoAmerica Superfan VIP Experience Is Back And Better Than Ever For 2024
IRVINE, CA (January 19, 2024) – The 2024 MotoAmerica Championship is stacking up to be one of the best in series history, and North America’s Premier Road Racing Series is pleased to announce that there’s no better way to experience the events than through its VIP Superfan Experience ticket packages.
So, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself to something truly special, then the MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experience is for you. The ticket packages, which vary in cost depending on the round, feature full VIP Superfan Hospitality, including catering (continental breakfast, coffee and iced tea, lunch, snacks, cash bar – at select rounds – on Saturday and Sunday), a 2-Day VIP Superfan Experience (Saturday and Sunday), with a Friday general admission and a VIP Superfan parking pass.
The MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experience also offers a discounted VIP Superfan Youth Hospitality ticket for children aged 5-12, who are accompanied by an adult. Children under five are admitted free to the VIP Superfan Hospitality when accompanied by an adult holding a valid VIP Superfan credential.
Those who purchase MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experiences also get a voucher for discounted official MotoAmerica merchandise, participation in the Cardo Fan Lap; meet-and-greet sessions with racers, team owners, TV personalities, and industry professionals; a live TV feed in the hospitality area; photo-op with guest speakers; escorted pre-grid opportunities and photo ops, paddock tours, and on-the-podium experiences with race winners from selected classes; plus the VIP Superfan Experience digital magazine (https://issuu.com/541marketing/docs/vip_superfan_experience_2024?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ) that will be e-mailed to you after each event you attend.
Packages range from one-day general admission tickets, to the MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experience, to the Harley-Davidson Race Fan Ticket Package (for rounds that feature Mission King Of The Baggers races).
In addition, at the MotoAmerica events that feature Mission King Of The Baggers races, Harley-Davidson is offering Harley-Davidson Factory Race Fan passes that include admission, paddock access, a welcome gift, and access to product displays in the H-D activation area; Harley-Davidson motorcycle parking throughout the weekend; and the Harley-Davidson parade laps that allow helmeted Harley riders to join fellow Harley enthusiasts on a lap around the racetrack.
Camping sells out at many of the MotoAmerica events so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Additionally, buying tickets at the gate will cost more than purchasing your tickets in advance.
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.
The countdown is on: 2024 is just around the apex!
From team presentations to pre-season testing, new regulations and sustainable fuel, get ready for 2024
Friday, 19 January 2024
The countdown to the season opener in Qatar is on, but between now and our return to Lusail International Circuit from the 8th to the 10th of March, there’s plenty of MotoGP™ to look forward to. The first headline event of the season goes to Gresini Racing MotoGP™ as the Independent squad are the first to roll out their 2024 colours, in their case those ready to be raced by their blockbuster Marc Marquez-Alex Marquez line-up. That’s on Saturday the 20th of January.
With a host of moves for 2024 – and a superstar fresh face joining the grid as Pedro Acosta lands at GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 – the team presentations will be our first glimpse of all the new line-ups and colours. We’ll also get to see the race livery of the new Trackhouse Racing MotoGP™ team as they prepare to take on the world’s most exciting sport. The full calendar of presentations was revealed recently, so take a look through, with Gresini first up and Prima Pramac bringing the curtain down.
Track action and pre-season testing gets underway with the Sepang Shakedown from the 1st to the 3rd of February. This season it’s a blockbuster too, with Honda and Yamaha able to field their race riders to test alongside the rookie and factory test riders. In the case of Honda, that includes the Independent LCR Team: new arrival Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and long-time competitor Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR). How? The new concession system has already come into effect. Below is where each factory stands and what they get, or don’t get, as we begin 2024. It gets re-assessed for the first time in summer!
That’s not the only key change in regulations. A more sustainable era also starts now: from 2024, fuel for all Grand Prix classes must be of minimum 40% non-fossil origin. This was first announced in 2021, and 2024 is only the first step. By 2027, all fuels in all Grand Prix classes must be 100% non-fossil origin.
Every premier class manufacturer has worked with their supplier to develop their own, and Moto2™ and Moto3™ are supplied by official fuel supplier PETRONAS. As the pinnacle of two wheels, MotoGP™ is a perfect platform to develop these more sustainable, drop-in fuels, and with no single proprietor, the initiative can create truly global impact.
After the Shakedown gives us a first glimpse this year of these fuels in action, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ reveal their 2024 livery as Alex Rins suits up alongside 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo. The Sepang Test will then welcome the whole grid to the track for the first time this season, with three full days of testing action to take place from the 6th to the 8th of February. Then it’s reveal time for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Repsol Honda Team, Honda LCR and Aprilia Racing ahead of another two full days of testing – this time at Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Test. Finally, it’s Prima Pramac’s turn to take the covers off before we begin the final countdown to racing in our 75th anniversary season.
It’s not season number 75, it’s a celebration of 75 years. The chequered flag at the 2023 finale saw MotoGP™ complete 75 full seasons of competition since the world’s most exciting sport was born in 1949, and we’ve got plenty in store to celebrate. There’s even an all-new 75th anniversary page to check out some of the best content from then and now. More will be added throughout this historic season.
So let’s go! Get suited and booted for a record-breaking 2024 calendar and join us throughout the next few weeks as the countdown continues.
Munich/Phoenix/Verona. Custom motorcycle visionary Paul Yaffe has raised the bar once again with the revelation of his latest masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind customization of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental. Melding classic hot rod aesthetics with the distinctive BMW essence, this project is a testament to Yaffe’s excellence as a designer.
A legend of the US customizing scene:
Since 1991, the custom motorcycle world has known Paul Yaffe as one of the elite creators of motorized masterpieces. That’s because Paul is more than a builder or fabricator, he is truly a designer. Beginning with the establishment of American Legend Motorcycle Company, which later evolved into Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation, he has earned accolades such as three “World’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle” awards from the Oakland Roadster Show, two “Builder of Year” and three “Trendsetter of the Year” awards from Easyriders Magazine, as well as becoming an inductee into the Sturgis Hall of Fame in 2015. His custom bikes have been featured in over 300 magazine articles worldwide as well as on the Discovery channel, the History channel, and other television shows. His products, distributed through a network of partners in six countries, continue to inspire a generation of customizers.
Now, Paul Yaffe reveals his latest masterpiece — a one-of-a-kind customization of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental, which will debut at the MBE Show in Verona, Italy.
Preserving BMW Essence and Hot Rod Inspiration.
Before getting started, Paul spent time getting to know the BMW R18 Transcontinental, riding 3800 miles across the USA, and additional 2600 miles to Sturgis and back.
Once the customization process began, Paul knew he wanted to create a big wheel bagger like no one had ever seen. Crucial to the project was retaining as many original BMW components as possible. Paul wanted his custom creation to remain authentically BMW and knew that it should not be made from or look anything like parts from his existing product line.
He commissioned a 26” x 5.5” front wheel cut from a 400lb block of solid aluminium, which holds a handmade 180mm wide front tire. The frame had to be stretched and raked to accommodate the new front wheel and special triple trees had to be engineered to correct the trail measurement and optimize handling.
A rear view of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental customized by Paul Yaffe. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
Embracing the look of an iconic 50’s Mercury Lead Sled the team crafted several
one-of-a-kind components and modified existing R 18 elements. The steel front fender was made from scratch. The original R 18 fairing was cut into several pieces and restructured to correct headlight position and flow into the new front wheel. To address the gap between the fairing and the fuel tank a unique chin spoiler was developed, strategically concealing the radiator. Additionally, an exclusive set of Yaffe Monkey Bars was crafted to complement the overall design.
“The team wanted to retain the saddlebag lids, latches and speakers so a new set of ‘skins’ was created to give the bags a completely new and unique stretched profile while retaining the excellent engineering and functionality that BMW had created for them.” Paul’s team extended the original rear fender by crafting a second R 18 rear fender, ensuring it seamlessly matched the profile of the new saddlebags.
As the build began to take shape, Yaffe rearranged the original R 18 taillights into the handmade filler panels and worked an area for the license plate into the fender in classic hot rod styling. He also stretched the original R 18 side covers to retain their original shape and cover more area to help the eye flow into the bags.
Classic Lead Sled Look.
Staying true to the classic Lead Sled aesthetic, Yaffe prioritized two crucial components: air suspension and side pipes.
Paul and his team designed a sophisticated air tank and distribution system as well as a dedicated frame beneath each side of the saddlebags to accommodate essential components, including the necessary air storage tanks, a sizable air compressor and all the controls, valving and solenoids necessary for the effective support and operation of the system.
Turning their focus to the side pipe design the fabrication team aimed to preserve the distinctive “BMW feel” that sets this build apart. Retaining the classic Boxer head pipes was non-negotiable in Paul’s vision. The catalytic converters were removed from the head pipes making way for a bespoke perforated high-flow baffle system. This innovation not only replaced the restrictive emissions system but also retained essential back pressure for optimal performance. To further enhance the auditory experience a precision-crafted
3-step muffler system was introduced for reversion. The final touch was a wide-open megaphone, delivering that quintessential classic hot rod sound.
It all comes down to cosmetics.
Shifting focus to cosmetics Paul wanted a classic hot rod feel without any distracting graphics, highlighting the bike’s elegant new stance and profile. The emphasis was on simplicity and allure. “We went to work perfecting all the fabricated body panels and smoothing everything to a glass-like finish.” After settling on a timeless deep gloss black finish, the team’s attention turned to achieving perfection for the body. Paul tasked his dedicated painter Hector Martinez, with applying the flawless gloss black paint. Recognizing the need for contrast, Paul decided on a classic ochs blood red interior. The art is in finding the perfect balance. “The trick is not to overdo it!” Guys Upholstery created the contemporary-style saddle and dash console and Hector mixed up a colour for the front callipers to match. “We think it came out spectacular!”
Disclaimer.
The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.
SUZUKI HOMOLOGATES THE NEW GSX-8R FOR MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP ROAD RACING
Brea, CA – Suzuki Motor USA LLC (Suzuki) announced it has homologated its brand new GSX-8R sport motorcycle for 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup championship competition.
The 2024 GSX-8R sportbike features a completely new compact, yet powerful parallel-twin engine cradled in a performance-oriented chassis. The result is a motorcycle that delivers a new standard of sport; one that is ideal for enthusiasts seeking real-world performance, technology, and rideability.
“The GSX-8R is a significant motorcycle for us, our dealer body, and most importantly, Suzuki riders,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motor USA’s Senior Vice President. “The heart of this motorcycle is an all-new 776cc parallel-twin engine that delivers exceptional performance. Combining ample torque and a broad powerband, we’re confident the 8R is a great choice for riders competing in MotoAmerica’s highly competitive Twins Cup Championship.”
Graeber added that Suzuki remains fully committed to its line of Supersport motorcycles including the GSX-R1000/R, GSX-R750, and GSX-R600 and each of those models remains eligible for MotoAmerica’s Superbike, Stock 1000 and Supersport classes.
“Our new GSX-8R and GSX-8S are designed to complement our GSX-R line and offer riders a completely different riding experience. Some riders prefer the feel and performance delivered by a high-revving inline four while others prefer the torque and linear feel of a twin. Whether your sportbike goals are everyday street riding, occasional track days, or a full-fledged commitment to competing in a road racing championship, our comprehensive line of sport motorcycles ensures we have a perfect choice for you,” said Graeber.
The GSX-8S, the R-model’s sister bike, an unfaired, naked version, is also homologated for the Twins Cup series.
Suzuki expects this platform to make a strong showing in amateur and pro-level racing. With the GSX-8R giving racers, teams, and aftermarket manufacturers a strong foundation on which to build their racing program, the GSX-8R will be a highly desirable competitor in Twins Cup racing.
Suzuki has a rich history of success competing in Twins Cup road racing. The legendary SV650 V-Twin motorcycle won the first-ever Twins Cup race and went on to earn that series’ inaugural championship in 2018. Suzuki dominated this series for several years, winning multiple championships.
The 2024 Twins Cup series, along with the MotoAmerica road racing championship kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on March 7 through March 9, 2024.
For more racing news, results, and special team content please visit suzukicycles.com/racing/road-racing.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.
This podcast is “A Concise Concession Conversation.”
The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.
From the Oxley Bom Podcast:
‘A’ is for ‘aero’
Of which some get two
‘B’ is for ‘braking’
Later than you
‘C’ is for ‘concessions’,
Which next season needs
‘D’ is for ‘dunces’
Who have little speed
This week, we’re putting the MotoGP rule book on the chopping block as we discuss the new concession system. Can you keep MotoGP exciting and fair at the same time? And what does ‘fair’ even mean in racing? Mat and Peter are about to find out as they look at how we got here and examine what these new rules mean. Cheers!
With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
AHRMA Event to Feature eMotoRacing Varsity Challenge
(January 18, Knoxville, TN) High-tech electric motorcycles will charge up the 2024 American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) road racing season.
The 11th Annual eMotoRacing Varsity Challenge electric motorcycle road race will be part of rounds 11 and 12 of the 2024 AHRMA Bridgestone Tires National Historic Roadrace Series June 21-23 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ.
Collegiate racing teams from the US and Canada will race their engineering student-built prototype electric race bikes in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Formula Lightning Series.
During 2023, the University of Michigan SPARK Atlas took first and second places overall in the AHRMA Formula Lightning Series competition with David McPherson piloting the prototype.
During 2024, the University of Michigan will have competition from Quebec’s University of Sherbrooke, Rochester Institute of Technology, Cornell University, and other university teams. Racing against these collegiate teams will be other private teams from across the US.
The university-based prototypes are purpose-built racing motorcycles and represent the latest in electric-powered motorcycle technology.
The AHRMA Formula Lightning series is the premier zero emissions motorcycle road racing series in the US. Bikes may be powered by any means of propulsion that does not emit exhaust, such as electricity, magnetism, gravity, flywheels, springs, etc.
“I’m excited to see what universities participate in the Varsity Challenge this year. Many of these bikes are ground up built prototypes and represent what the future will hold for electronic motorcycle racing.” said Bob Berbeco, AHRMA’s Varsity Challenge Series coordinator.
In addition to the Varsity Challenge, all teams are welcome to participate in any of the races within the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series. The series schedule is located here – ahrma.org/schedules-results.
About eMotoRacing
eMotoRacing is a zero-emissions motorcycle racing series that demonstrates advanced and compact e-superbike technology and excitement. With a full schedule implemented at racetracks across the country, eMotoRacing’s strategic partnership with AHRMA provides the best of current, past, and future history. (facebook.com/eMotoRacing)
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.
MotoAmerica Supersport racer Mallory Dobbs has been selected to compete in the 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing (WCR) World Championship.
“I have exciting news,” 29-year-old Dobbs said in a video she posted to social media on January 16. “I’ve been quiet about my 2024 racing plans because we were waiting on confirmation from FIM. I applied for the Women’s World Championship back in October [2023], and they told us that they would let us know between then and February 15. I just got an email this morning that says that I was accepted. I’m so excited.”
Dobbs, who is a Project Manager for a civil engineering firm in between races, participated in the full 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport and Super Hooligan Championships and took a best finish of 14th in the extended Supersport race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and placed 10th in the Super Hooligan Championship thanks to three top-seven race finishes.
Mallory Dobbs on the MotoAmerica Supersport grid at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The WCR series will include 24 experienced female racers like Dobbs competing on Yamaha YZF-R7 spec motorcycles in two races during each of six FIM Superbike World Championship rounds in Europe.
The series supplies Yamaha racebikes, an official GYTR race kit, Pirelli tires, fuel, and technical support, and charges each competitor an entry fee of €25,000 ($27,156 USD). Dobbs is currently seeking additional sponsor support to run in the series, which will be televised globally, according to FIM.
Vircos is moving forward under the name REV’IT! TAILORTECH and will produce custom one-piece REV'IT! leather racing suits. Photo courtesy REV'IT!.
REV’IT! RELAUNCHES VIRCOS AS REV’IT! TAILORTECH
OSS, NL/MAROSTICA, IT – Italian custom racing gear specialist, Vircos, will move forward under the new name “REV’IT! TAILORTECH” as of January 2024. This change of name reflects the integration of REV’IT!’s innovative technology and design with the decades of experience, craftsmanship, and service that Vircos has made its name with.
REV’IT! TAILORTECH opens the door to an even wider audience. Providing fully bespoke, track-ready, leather one-piece suits for demanding sportive street riders, amateur track-riding enthusiasts, and budding pro racers alike. So that they, too, can experience the race-ready quality, tailoring craftsmanship, and the same on-point service that REV’IT! offers its professional riders in WorldSBK and MotoGP.
REV’IT! TAILORTECH further allows riders to express their own style with custom measurements and graphics, as well as the assurance riders take to the grid with high-quality fit and professional style, showcasing sponsors and matching bike livery designs. To maintain and even build on maintaining the highest levels possible in safety and service throughout the process, REV’IT! TAILORTECH will start this new chapter from its all-new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Marostica, Italy.
Vircos was originally founded by Aldo De Agnoi as an artisan leather company in 1982, before stepping into the world of producing leather racing suits at the turn of the century. Vircos and REV’IT!’s paths first crossed when the two started working together in GPs over 15 years ago.
A partnership that culminated in REV’IT!’s acquisition of the Italian brand in 2022 and the launch of REV’IT! TAILORTECH in 2024, cementing our new – shared – way forward.
Riders Niccolò Antonelli (left) and Piotr Biesiekirski (right) with Althea Racing General Manager Genesio Bevilacqua (center). Photo courtesy Althea Racing.
Althea Racing doubles in World Supersport and launches the challenge in the Enduro World Championship!
Althea Racing continues its sporting tradition and renews itself by presenting its programs for 2024.
Protagonist on the track since 1996 with numerous national and world successes in Superstock1000, Supersport and Superbike, including a world rider title in the premier class, two rider titles in Superstock, and two manufacturer world titles brought to Ducati, Althea wishes to continue his commitment to international racing.
In the next season, the team from Civita Castellana will double its presence in the Supersport world championship where it will be at the start with two riders, the Italian Niccolò Antonelli and the Pole, Piotr Biesiekirski.
Niccolò Antonelli, born in 1996, former Italian 125cc champion, boasts solid experience in the world championship in Moto3 and Moto2 while Piotr Biesekirski, Polish, born in 2001, has experience in the national championships and in the CEV Moto2.
Althea Racing’s solid bond with Ducati continues and the two riders will be entrusted with a Ducati Panigale V2, a bike that has already allowed victories and podiums in the last championship.
The Team Manager of Ecosantagata Althea Racing, this is the new name of the team, will be Moreno Coppola, a technician with a lot of experience and equally important results achieved with Althea.
Althea will also be a protagonist in the Enduro GP world championship.
Swede Lucas Lucas Vågberg, 24 years old, his first experience in the premier class but already a protagonist in the 2023 Junior World Championship, will fight to excel in the top class riding a 2024 Husqvarna 450.
Niccolò Antonelli. Photo courtesy Althea Racing.
Niccolo Antonelli, Rider
I am very happy to be here in one of the teams that has made the history of Superbike and Supersport with great results. This will push me to give 200% every time I get on the track. Finally today is the presentation and I can’t wait to get to work.
Piotr Biesiekirski. Photo courtesy Althea Racing.
Piotr Biesiekirski, Rider
For me it’s a new category and a new championship and so I’m a curious because I don’t know what to expect exactly.
The Ducati is a different bike to those I have always ridden and therefore curiousI will need a bit of learning. After coming to Italy and testing the bike with the team, all my doubts went away. I fell in love with the riding style of the 955 and the team surpassed all my expectations. I am sure that we have an amazing package – both on the technical and personal side. Now I am focused on preparing myself as well as possible and I cannot wait to start the season in Philip Island!
Lucas Vagberg, Enduro GP Rider
I would like to thank Genesio for this great opportunity and I am sure that with his and their help I will be able to give satisfaction this season. I’ll do my best, I can’t wait to get started at full throttle!”
Genesio Bevilacqua, General Manager
We continue to believe in Supersport as a reference category because it allows our work group to be able to interact with opponents of different levels and potential, while developing the bike entirely within our racing team.
We are focusing on the rebirth of Antonelli and on a young man from Eastern Europe but with a Latin temperament.
However, 2024 will not just be about the track. It will be intense also thanks to the choice, after years of MotoGP and Superbike, to also compete in the World Enduro GP.
For me, another motorcyclist’s dream comes true, that of a passionate enduro practitioner, an absolutely satisfying discipline which allows me to spend my free time in nature and with the riders who are often my guests.
American Ricky Brabec (9) won the 2024 Dakar Rally on his Monster Energy Honda CRF450 Rally. Photo courtesy HRC.
Ricky Brabec wins the 2024 Dakar Rally with Adrien Van Beveren on the podium in third
7,967 km of rallying across Saudi Arabia came to a conclusion by the breathtaking Red Sea at Yanbu with Monster Energy Honda Team’s Ricky Brabec taking the top step of the Dakar for a second time, making history as the only American to do so.
After spending much of the first week amongst the front runners, the 2020 winner took the reins after the grueling 48 Hour Chrono and despite a one second margin to second place Ross Branch at the end of stage seven, the Californian never looked back and rode to a faultless Dakar win with nearly eleven minutes in hand.
In what has been a calm and collected display throughout the rally by the 32 year old, he also added another stage win to the ten he has already collected in his Dakar career to date and leaves round one at the top of the 2024 World Rally-Raid Championship standings.
At his ninth attempt of the Dakar, Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren stood on the podium that has eluded him over the past few years after taking a hard fought 48 Hour Chrono stage victory, the sand specialist found his rhythm in the second week and had an immense battle with Ross Branch and teammate José Ignacio Cornejo for the podium. Despite a near miss with a camel yesterday, he fought right to the end for the runner-up spot but had to make do with the final podium place.
One of two Chilean riders in the Monster Energy Honda Team, ‘Nacho’ Cornejo had one of his career best performances at the famous rally, from the off he led in the standings and racked up a hat-trick of magnificent stage victories, also fighting for an elusive podium. Unfortunately a fuel pump issue put paid to his fight yesterday and his final sixth place did not reflect on what a truly outstanding performance he produced.
His fellow Chilean, Pablo Quintanilla has been the runner up twice at the Dakar and as the most experienced member of the team was eager to turn his twelfth participation into victory. Unfortunately for the Dakar Legend, the 48 Hour Chrono would put paid to his chances when he ran short of fuel on the first day of the tough stage. Despite the disappointment he battled on helping his teammates and also taking valuable points in the World Rally-Raid Championship.
With the new generation Honda CRF450 RALLY now a rally winner, the Monster Energy Honda Team put on a powerful display on their first outing in 2024 as the stage wins racked up over the course of the two weeks. Tosha Schareina opened proceedings with the prologue victory, Nacho Cornejo gained the accolade of the most stage wins this year with three, Adrien Van Beveren banked two and Pablo Quintanilla and Ricky Brabec took one apiece to make seven in all.
With the team fully deserving of some rest and recuperation, they will reconvene in April for the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid in Portugal from 2nd – 7th April.
Ruben Faria
We had one goal today and it was to win the Dakar Rally with Ricky. We are so happy for him as he did an amazing job to take victory at this really tough Dakar. Adrien pushed as hard as he could to get second as it was still possible for him to achieve at the start of today’s stage. Although he missed out, we’re also pleased that he took that final step on the podium.
Fighting for the podium three days ago, the fuel line issue for Nacho sadly stopped him from joining in the fight with Ricky and Adrien. He showed impressive speed and navigation skills which deserved a much better result than his sixth place.
After Pablo ran out of fuel during the 48 Hours Chrono this lost him a lot of time and ended his chance for the podium. We’re happy that he made it to the finish and that it gave him the possibility to test the bike during this last week.
Our main goal at the start of this event was to win the Dakar, we started with six bikes and managed to get four to the final Parc Fermé at Yanbu. The team did a great job and I’m so proud of them.
Now we continue our work as we want to achieve the same result at the 2025 Dakar. We also have the World Rally-Raid Championship to focus on this year with the next rally in Portugal and Spain in April.
Pablo Quintanilla 7
STAGE: 12TH OVERALL: 11TH
I’m happy to finish the rally, it was super tough and long this year. It wasn’t the result I was expecting, but I’m happy that I was able to manage all the issues I had during the rally and to finish my twelfth Dakar. I go home with a good feeling that I got to the end.
Ricky Brabec is now the only American to ever win the Dakar Rally twice. Photo courtesy HRC.
Ricky Brabec 9
STAGE: 5TH OVERALL: 1ST
It’s a nice way to start the year with a victory. It wasn’t easy as the course was really tough and so was the competition. Ross and my own team kept me on my toes, but not just me, I think we were keeping everyone on each other’s toes. It was definitely a fight to the end for everyone. I’m really happy we’re all here and all safe and we can go home. This time was a little bit different as I feel like this one was more earned as it was a lot tougher. In 2020, we had a big gap from the get-go. Here, I think me and Ross spent three days with a couple of seconds difference. It was a tight race for all of us. I think between first and third there are eleven minutes or something, whatever Adrien got, but it’s been a tight race and ten minutes is not a big gap here on the rally. I had two good days, two opportunities to make a good push, but also stage 11 was a scare factor for me because I knew Ross was starting behind me, 18 minutes behind, and if he caught me it would be over. Stage 11 was hard but I stayed focused, got to the finishing line and didn’t lose too much time, so I’m really happy with this and I’m really happy for the team. I’m happy for all of us, we did an excellent job all of the two weeks. I think number 9 will be my lucky number from now on.
José Ignacio “Nacho” Cornejo 11
STAGE: 10TH OVERALL: 6TH
I’ve finished another Dakar Rally that’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, from the excitement of doing really well during the two weeks and then the issue yesterday. But that’s racing and I’m happy for Ricky that he won and for Adrien that he got onto the podium too. I think we did really well as a team, we won a lot of the stages, we opened a lot of them and we showed that a lot of the hard work we’ve been doing paid off.
Adrien Van Beveren 42
STAGE: 4TH OVERALL: 3RD
After the last years and the difficulties I had, the crashes, all of that, overall, to be on the podium, finally on the podium of the Dakar, it tastes really good. I’ve been fighting until the end. We’ve finished third, but we were in the fight for victory. We are closer than ever to the dream. To step onto the podium is a step towards my dream of victory.
More, from a press release issued by American Honda:
American Ricky Brabec Wins Dakar Rally for the Second Time
January 19, 2024 — YANBU, Saudi Arabia
New-generation Honda CRF450 Rally rules in its debut
Fellow Monster Energy Honda rider Adrien Van Beveren finishes on the podium
For the second time in four years, Monster Energy Honda racer Ricky Brabec has attained victory in the prestigious Dakar Rally, which ended today on the Saudi Arabian shores of the Red Sea. In 2020, the Californian became the first American to win the Motorcycle class in the grueling event and, four years and two days later, he adds the 46th edition to his win list.
The Dakar Rally began in 1979 in Europe and Africa, and Honda first scored a win in 1982, at the hands of XR550-mounted Cyril Neveu. The Frenchman added a second victory four years later aboard the NXR750V, then repeated the following year. Italian Edi Orioli brought Honda a third-consecutive win in 1988 with the NXR800V, which Frenchman Gilles Lalay rode to victory the following year. A dry spell for Honda followed, but Brabec put the brand back on top with the CRF450 RALLY in 2020, by which point the rally was taking place in Saudi Arabia. Brabec’s then-teammate Kevin Benavides won the following year, and this year’s success marks the eighth win for Honda (and the first for the next-generation CRF450 RALLY, in its debut).
A desert-racing native of Southern California, Brabec won the 2014 edition of the SCORE Baja 1000 and earned AMA Hare & Hound National Championships in 2014 and 2016. A protégé of Baja legend and longtime Honda partner Johnny Campbell, Brabec signed with the Monster Energy Honda team for the 2015 season and campaigned the Dakar Rally four times before winning in his fifth try. (He had come agonizingly close the previous year, only to be thwarted by a late a technical issue.) Since that 2020 success, Brabec finished second and seventh in ’21 and ’22, before he a technical issue forced him out of last year’s race. Now he becomes the 13th rider to top the Dakar Rally on more than one occasion.
“It’s a nice way to start the year with a victory,” Brabec said at the finish. “It wasn’t easy as the course was really tough and so was the competition. Ross and my own team kept me on my toes, but not just me, I think we were keeping everyone on each other’s toes. It was definitely a fight to the end for everyone. I’m really happy we’re all here and all safe and we can go home. This time was a little bit different as I feel like this one was more earned as it was a lot tougher. In 2020, we had a big gap from the get-go. Here, I think me and Ross spent three days with a couple of seconds difference. It was a tight race for all of us. I think between first and third there are eleven minutes or something, whatever Adrien got, but it’s been a tight race and ten minutes is not a big gap here on the rally. I had two good days, two opportunities to make a good push, but also stage 11 was a scare factor for me because I knew Ross was starting behind me, 18 minutes behind, and if he caught me it would be over. Stage 11 was hard but I stayed focused, got to the finishing line and didn’t lose too much time, so I’m really happy with this and I’m really happy for the team. I’m happy for all of us, we did an excellent job all of the two weeks. I think number 9 will be my lucky number from now on.”
The fifth Dakar Rally edition held in Saudi Arabia, this year’s event kicked off with a January 5 prologue in the Northwestern city of AlUla and ran 4,766 miles to the east and back, before finishing in Yanbu on January 19. Along the way, competitors completed 2,878 miles of “specials” (timed sections that determine the winners), including a new two-day “48 Hour Chrono” stage in Saudi Arabia’s desolate Empty Quarter, where racers spent a remote overnight with no technical support and minimal communication with the outside world. Competitors regularly departed the overnight bivouacs in the pre-dawn hours and spent long, cold hours in liaisons (untimed transfer sections, completion of which was nonetheless obligatory). Only a single rest day provided reprieve from the harsh conditions.
Monster Energy Honda controlled the race for much of the way, with Spaniard Tosha Schareina topping the prologue and Chilean José Ignacio “Nacho” Cornejo assuming a one-day ownership of the overall lead after the fourth full stage. Brabec took over the top overall spot after the completion of the pivotal 48 Hour Chrono stage, never to relinquish it. The team was both fast (topping seven stages and the prologue, and sweeping stage podiums on two occasions) and balanced (with five of six riders taking wins); four riders reached the finish. In addition to Brabec’s overall win, his French teammate Adrien Van Beveren took an overall podium position, in third, with Cornejo finishing sixth.
“To Ricky and the entire Monster Energy Honda team, congratulations from the Honda family back here in the U.S., including associates, dealers and customers,” said Jeremy McGuire, Senior Manager of Customer Engagement at American Honda. “The team’s performance this year showed that its preparation and strategy were unmatched, and the skill, calculation and teamwork exhibited by all of the riders were nothing short of inspiring. With his second win in the most grueling off-road competition in the world, Ricky shows that Honda and America are serious forces to reckon with in the world of off-road racing.”
Unfortunately, Brabec’s countryman Skyler Howes (making his fourth Dakar appearance, but is first with the Honda team), was one of those who didn’t finish; the Utah resident was forced to drop out on the first day of the 48 Hour Chrono stage, but he’s eager to return to the Dakar podium in the future.
“It’s unfortunate that I had to exit the rally on stage 6 but there is always a silver lining,” Howes said. “We are able to learn from everything that happened and apply it to coming back even stronger next year. It is really impressive to see what the team was able to accomplish in just a short time with this new bike. I only joined the team in September and in the grand scheme of things, didn’t have much time to adapt to the new bike or learn the ways of the team. To see how quickly they could turn this CRF450 RALLY into a winning bike is amazing and to become as comfortable as I did on the bike and in the team is a really awesome feeling and gives me a lot of confidence heading into the future. I’m really excited to see the ways we can continue to improve to take on the challenges of the rest of the W2RC championship and next Dakar.”
With the team fully deserving of some rest and recuperation, they will reconvene in April for the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid in Portugal from 2nd – 7th April.
Stefano Mesa (37) rolls into the podium area after winning MotoAmerica Supersport Race One at PittRace in 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experience Tickets Now On Sale
The MotoAmerica Superfan VIP Experience Is Back And Better Than Ever For 2024
IRVINE, CA (January 19, 2024) – The 2024 MotoAmerica Championship is stacking up to be one of the best in series history, and North America’s Premier Road Racing Series is pleased to announce that there’s no better way to experience the events than through its VIP Superfan Experience ticket packages.
So, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself to something truly special, then the MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experience is for you. The ticket packages, which vary in cost depending on the round, feature full VIP Superfan Hospitality, including catering (continental breakfast, coffee and iced tea, lunch, snacks, cash bar – at select rounds – on Saturday and Sunday), a 2-Day VIP Superfan Experience (Saturday and Sunday), with a Friday general admission and a VIP Superfan parking pass.
The MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experience also offers a discounted VIP Superfan Youth Hospitality ticket for children aged 5-12, who are accompanied by an adult. Children under five are admitted free to the VIP Superfan Hospitality when accompanied by an adult holding a valid VIP Superfan credential.
Those who purchase MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experiences also get a voucher for discounted official MotoAmerica merchandise, participation in the Cardo Fan Lap; meet-and-greet sessions with racers, team owners, TV personalities, and industry professionals; a live TV feed in the hospitality area; photo-op with guest speakers; escorted pre-grid opportunities and photo ops, paddock tours, and on-the-podium experiences with race winners from selected classes; plus the VIP Superfan Experience digital magazine (https://issuu.com/541marketing/docs/vip_superfan_experience_2024?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ) that will be e-mailed to you after each event you attend.
Packages range from one-day general admission tickets, to the MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Experience, to the Harley-Davidson Race Fan Ticket Package (for rounds that feature Mission King Of The Baggers races).
In addition, at the MotoAmerica events that feature Mission King Of The Baggers races, Harley-Davidson is offering Harley-Davidson Factory Race Fan passes that include admission, paddock access, a welcome gift, and access to product displays in the H-D activation area; Harley-Davidson motorcycle parking throughout the weekend; and the Harley-Davidson parade laps that allow helmeted Harley riders to join fellow Harley enthusiasts on a lap around the racetrack.
Camping sells out at many of the MotoAmerica events so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Additionally, buying tickets at the gate will cost more than purchasing your tickets in advance.
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.
Moto2 World Champion Pedro Acosta, who is stepping up to the MotoGP World Championship with Pedro Acosta lands at GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The countdown is on: 2024 is just around the apex!
From team presentations to pre-season testing, new regulations and sustainable fuel, get ready for 2024
Friday, 19 January 2024
The countdown to the season opener in Qatar is on, but between now and our return to Lusail International Circuit from the 8th to the 10th of March, there’s plenty of MotoGP™ to look forward to. The first headline event of the season goes to Gresini Racing MotoGP™ as the Independent squad are the first to roll out their 2024 colours, in their case those ready to be raced by their blockbuster Marc Marquez-Alex Marquez line-up. That’s on Saturday the 20th of January.
With a host of moves for 2024 – and a superstar fresh face joining the grid as Pedro Acosta lands at GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 – the team presentations will be our first glimpse of all the new line-ups and colours. We’ll also get to see the race livery of the new Trackhouse Racing MotoGP™ team as they prepare to take on the world’s most exciting sport. The full calendar of presentations was revealed recently, so take a look through, with Gresini first up and Prima Pramac bringing the curtain down.
Track action and pre-season testing gets underway with the Sepang Shakedown from the 1st to the 3rd of February. This season it’s a blockbuster too, with Honda and Yamaha able to field their race riders to test alongside the rookie and factory test riders. In the case of Honda, that includes the Independent LCR Team: new arrival Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and long-time competitor Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR). How? The new concession system has already come into effect. Below is where each factory stands and what they get, or don’t get, as we begin 2024. It gets re-assessed for the first time in summer!
That’s not the only key change in regulations. A more sustainable era also starts now: from 2024, fuel for all Grand Prix classes must be of minimum 40% non-fossil origin. This was first announced in 2021, and 2024 is only the first step. By 2027, all fuels in all Grand Prix classes must be 100% non-fossil origin.
Every premier class manufacturer has worked with their supplier to develop their own, and Moto2™ and Moto3™ are supplied by official fuel supplier PETRONAS. As the pinnacle of two wheels, MotoGP™ is a perfect platform to develop these more sustainable, drop-in fuels, and with no single proprietor, the initiative can create truly global impact.
After the Shakedown gives us a first glimpse this year of these fuels in action, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ reveal their 2024 livery as Alex Rins suits up alongside 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo. The Sepang Test will then welcome the whole grid to the track for the first time this season, with three full days of testing action to take place from the 6th to the 8th of February. Then it’s reveal time for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Repsol Honda Team, Honda LCR and Aprilia Racing ahead of another two full days of testing – this time at Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Test. Finally, it’s Prima Pramac’s turn to take the covers off before we begin the final countdown to racing in our 75th anniversary season.
It’s not season number 75, it’s a celebration of 75 years. The chequered flag at the 2023 finale saw MotoGP™ complete 75 full seasons of competition since the world’s most exciting sport was born in 1949, and we’ve got plenty in store to celebrate. There’s even an all-new 75th anniversary page to check out some of the best content from then and now. More will be added throughout this historic season.
So let’s go! Get suited and booted for a record-breaking 2024 calendar and join us throughout the next few weeks as the countdown continues.
A BMW R 18 Transcontinental customized by Paul Yaffe. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
Munich/Phoenix/Verona. Custom motorcycle visionary Paul Yaffe has raised the bar once again with the revelation of his latest masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind customization of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental. Melding classic hot rod aesthetics with the distinctive BMW essence, this project is a testament to Yaffe’s excellence as a designer.
A legend of the US customizing scene:
Since 1991, the custom motorcycle world has known Paul Yaffe as one of the elite creators of motorized masterpieces. That’s because Paul is more than a builder or fabricator, he is truly a designer. Beginning with the establishment of American Legend Motorcycle Company, which later evolved into Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation, he has earned accolades such as three “World’s Most Beautiful Motorcycle” awards from the Oakland Roadster Show, two “Builder of Year” and three “Trendsetter of the Year” awards from Easyriders Magazine, as well as becoming an inductee into the Sturgis Hall of Fame in 2015. His custom bikes have been featured in over 300 magazine articles worldwide as well as on the Discovery channel, the History channel, and other television shows. His products, distributed through a network of partners in six countries, continue to inspire a generation of customizers.
Now, Paul Yaffe reveals his latest masterpiece — a one-of-a-kind customization of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental, which will debut at the MBE Show in Verona, Italy.
Preserving BMW Essence and Hot Rod Inspiration.
Before getting started, Paul spent time getting to know the BMW R18 Transcontinental, riding 3800 miles across the USA, and additional 2600 miles to Sturgis and back.
Once the customization process began, Paul knew he wanted to create a big wheel bagger like no one had ever seen. Crucial to the project was retaining as many original BMW components as possible. Paul wanted his custom creation to remain authentically BMW and knew that it should not be made from or look anything like parts from his existing product line.
He commissioned a 26” x 5.5” front wheel cut from a 400lb block of solid aluminium, which holds a handmade 180mm wide front tire. The frame had to be stretched and raked to accommodate the new front wheel and special triple trees had to be engineered to correct the trail measurement and optimize handling.
A rear view of the BMW R 18 Transcontinental customized by Paul Yaffe. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
Embracing the look of an iconic 50’s Mercury Lead Sled the team crafted several
one-of-a-kind components and modified existing R 18 elements. The steel front fender was made from scratch. The original R 18 fairing was cut into several pieces and restructured to correct headlight position and flow into the new front wheel. To address the gap between the fairing and the fuel tank a unique chin spoiler was developed, strategically concealing the radiator. Additionally, an exclusive set of Yaffe Monkey Bars was crafted to complement the overall design.
“The team wanted to retain the saddlebag lids, latches and speakers so a new set of ‘skins’ was created to give the bags a completely new and unique stretched profile while retaining the excellent engineering and functionality that BMW had created for them.” Paul’s team extended the original rear fender by crafting a second R 18 rear fender, ensuring it seamlessly matched the profile of the new saddlebags.
As the build began to take shape, Yaffe rearranged the original R 18 taillights into the handmade filler panels and worked an area for the license plate into the fender in classic hot rod styling. He also stretched the original R 18 side covers to retain their original shape and cover more area to help the eye flow into the bags.
Classic Lead Sled Look.
Staying true to the classic Lead Sled aesthetic, Yaffe prioritized two crucial components: air suspension and side pipes.
Paul and his team designed a sophisticated air tank and distribution system as well as a dedicated frame beneath each side of the saddlebags to accommodate essential components, including the necessary air storage tanks, a sizable air compressor and all the controls, valving and solenoids necessary for the effective support and operation of the system.
Turning their focus to the side pipe design the fabrication team aimed to preserve the distinctive “BMW feel” that sets this build apart. Retaining the classic Boxer head pipes was non-negotiable in Paul’s vision. The catalytic converters were removed from the head pipes making way for a bespoke perforated high-flow baffle system. This innovation not only replaced the restrictive emissions system but also retained essential back pressure for optimal performance. To further enhance the auditory experience a precision-crafted
3-step muffler system was introduced for reversion. The final touch was a wide-open megaphone, delivering that quintessential classic hot rod sound.
It all comes down to cosmetics.
Shifting focus to cosmetics Paul wanted a classic hot rod feel without any distracting graphics, highlighting the bike’s elegant new stance and profile. The emphasis was on simplicity and allure. “We went to work perfecting all the fabricated body panels and smoothing everything to a glass-like finish.” After settling on a timeless deep gloss black finish, the team’s attention turned to achieving perfection for the body. Paul tasked his dedicated painter Hector Martinez, with applying the flawless gloss black paint. Recognizing the need for contrast, Paul decided on a classic ochs blood red interior. The art is in finding the perfect balance. “The trick is not to overdo it!” Guys Upholstery created the contemporary-style saddle and dash console and Hector mixed up a colour for the front callipers to match. “We think it came out spectacular!”
Disclaimer.
The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.
The Suzuki GSX-8R and GSX-8S (not pictured) have been homologated to race in MotoAmerica Twins Cup. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
SUZUKI HOMOLOGATES THE NEW GSX-8R FOR MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP ROAD RACING
Brea, CA – Suzuki Motor USA LLC (Suzuki) announced it has homologated its brand new GSX-8R sport motorcycle for 2024 MotoAmerica Twins Cup championship competition.
The 2024 GSX-8R sportbike features a completely new compact, yet powerful parallel-twin engine cradled in a performance-oriented chassis. The result is a motorcycle that delivers a new standard of sport; one that is ideal for enthusiasts seeking real-world performance, technology, and rideability.
“The GSX-8R is a significant motorcycle for us, our dealer body, and most importantly, Suzuki riders,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motor USA’s Senior Vice President. “The heart of this motorcycle is an all-new 776cc parallel-twin engine that delivers exceptional performance. Combining ample torque and a broad powerband, we’re confident the 8R is a great choice for riders competing in MotoAmerica’s highly competitive Twins Cup Championship.”
Graeber added that Suzuki remains fully committed to its line of Supersport motorcycles including the GSX-R1000/R, GSX-R750, and GSX-R600 and each of those models remains eligible for MotoAmerica’s Superbike, Stock 1000 and Supersport classes.
“Our new GSX-8R and GSX-8S are designed to complement our GSX-R line and offer riders a completely different riding experience. Some riders prefer the feel and performance delivered by a high-revving inline four while others prefer the torque and linear feel of a twin. Whether your sportbike goals are everyday street riding, occasional track days, or a full-fledged commitment to competing in a road racing championship, our comprehensive line of sport motorcycles ensures we have a perfect choice for you,” said Graeber.
The GSX-8S, the R-model’s sister bike, an unfaired, naked version, is also homologated for the Twins Cup series.
Suzuki expects this platform to make a strong showing in amateur and pro-level racing. With the GSX-8R giving racers, teams, and aftermarket manufacturers a strong foundation on which to build their racing program, the GSX-8R will be a highly desirable competitor in Twins Cup racing.
Suzuki has a rich history of success competing in Twins Cup road racing. The legendary SV650 V-Twin motorcycle won the first-ever Twins Cup race and went on to earn that series’ inaugural championship in 2018. Suzuki dominated this series for several years, winning multiple championships.
The 2024 Twins Cup series, along with the MotoAmerica road racing championship kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on March 7 through March 9, 2024.
For more racing news, results, and special team content please visit suzukicycles.com/racing/road-racing.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley (right) and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom (left). Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.
This podcast is “A Concise Concession Conversation.”
The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.
From the Oxley Bom Podcast:
‘A’ is for ‘aero’
Of which some get two
‘B’ is for ‘braking’
Later than you
‘C’ is for ‘concessions’,
Which next season needs
‘D’ is for ‘dunces’
Who have little speed
This week, we’re putting the MotoGP rule book on the chopping block as we discuss the new concession system. Can you keep MotoGP exciting and fair at the same time? And what does ‘fair’ even mean in racing? Mat and Peter are about to find out as they look at how we got here and examine what these new rules mean. Cheers!
With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
David McPherson (594). Photo by Austin Thomason/University of Michigan, courtesy AHRMA.
AHRMA Event to Feature eMotoRacing Varsity Challenge
(January 18, Knoxville, TN) High-tech electric motorcycles will charge up the 2024 American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) road racing season.
The 11th Annual eMotoRacing Varsity Challenge electric motorcycle road race will be part of rounds 11 and 12 of the 2024 AHRMA Bridgestone Tires National Historic Roadrace Series June 21-23 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ.
Collegiate racing teams from the US and Canada will race their engineering student-built prototype electric race bikes in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Formula Lightning Series.
During 2023, the University of Michigan SPARK Atlas took first and second places overall in the AHRMA Formula Lightning Series competition with David McPherson piloting the prototype.
During 2024, the University of Michigan will have competition from Quebec’s University of Sherbrooke, Rochester Institute of Technology, Cornell University, and other university teams. Racing against these collegiate teams will be other private teams from across the US.
The university-based prototypes are purpose-built racing motorcycles and represent the latest in electric-powered motorcycle technology.
The AHRMA Formula Lightning series is the premier zero emissions motorcycle road racing series in the US. Bikes may be powered by any means of propulsion that does not emit exhaust, such as electricity, magnetism, gravity, flywheels, springs, etc.
“I’m excited to see what universities participate in the Varsity Challenge this year. Many of these bikes are ground up built prototypes and represent what the future will hold for electronic motorcycle racing.” said Bob Berbeco, AHRMA’s Varsity Challenge Series coordinator.
In addition to the Varsity Challenge, all teams are welcome to participate in any of the races within the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series. The series schedule is located here – ahrma.org/schedules-results.
About eMotoRacing
eMotoRacing is a zero-emissions motorcycle racing series that demonstrates advanced and compact e-superbike technology and excitement. With a full schedule implemented at racetracks across the country, eMotoRacing’s strategic partnership with AHRMA provides the best of current, past, and future history. (facebook.com/eMotoRacing)
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.
Mallory Dobbs (36) during the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
MotoAmerica Supersport racer Mallory Dobbs has been selected to compete in the 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing (WCR) World Championship.
“I have exciting news,” 29-year-old Dobbs said in a video she posted to social media on January 16. “I’ve been quiet about my 2024 racing plans because we were waiting on confirmation from FIM. I applied for the Women’s World Championship back in October [2023], and they told us that they would let us know between then and February 15. I just got an email this morning that says that I was accepted. I’m so excited.”
Dobbs, who is a Project Manager for a civil engineering firm in between races, participated in the full 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport and Super Hooligan Championships and took a best finish of 14th in the extended Supersport race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and placed 10th in the Super Hooligan Championship thanks to three top-seven race finishes.
Mallory Dobbs on the MotoAmerica Supersport grid at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The WCR series will include 24 experienced female racers like Dobbs competing on Yamaha YZF-R7 spec motorcycles in two races during each of six FIM Superbike World Championship rounds in Europe.
The series supplies Yamaha racebikes, an official GYTR race kit, Pirelli tires, fuel, and technical support, and charges each competitor an entry fee of €25,000 ($27,156 USD). Dobbs is currently seeking additional sponsor support to run in the series, which will be televised globally, according to FIM.
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