John Owens’ & Kevin Cameron’s New Book, “Superbike: An Illustrated History”
This great book chronicles the 1970s transition from the twin-cylinder BMWs, Ducatis, and Moto Guzzis and the wobbling and weaving first-generation Japanese four-cylinders to a rapidly improving wave of race-worthy machines that led to the sportbike revolution. Owens shot the black-and-white photographs published in this beautifully designed and produced 192-page hardcover book at five of the tracks that dotted the U.S. motorcycle road racing landscape at the time: Daytona, Bryar (a.k.a. Loudon), Laguna Seca, Pocono, and Road America.
Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey and Freddie Spencer—three Americans who went on to win a combined 10 250cc and 500cc Grand Prix World Championship—figured prominently in this AMA Superbike era. Throughout the book, Cameron and Owens provide insights and images of riders, crew members, and machines. “The desire to go fast, brake, turn and accelerate isn’t that complicated,” Cameron writes in the opening pages. “In any given era, the dominant rider is the person who has most imaginatively exploited the new possibilities presented by constantly evolving chassis, suspension and tires.”
Available for $75 from MotoRacing Books and Superbikebook.com, and more information is available from [email protected] .
Titles, wins, podiums: BMW Motorrad Motorsport looks back on a successful 2023 season of customer racing.
BMW racers celebrate 16 titles in the most important international and national championships around the world.
A total of 153 wins plus 382 podiums for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport customer teams in various Superbike and Superstock classes.
Successes in the major road races: Peter Hickman wins on the Isle of Man and in Macau.
Uwe Geyer: “These successes reiterate that our M RR is a winning package.”
Munich. Customer racing has always been an important pillar of BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s activities. Year after year, privateer BMW riders and teams celebrate successes in a variety of championships around the world, and the 2023 season was no exception. In the most important international and national championships in Europe, North America and South America, Asia, and Australia, the BMW racers amassed no fewer than 16 championship titles this year. Then there is the equally impressive haul of 153 wins and 382 additional podiums in the various Superbike and Superstock classes. The privateer BMW teams receive global support from the BMW Motorrad Race Support network of experts. They also benefit from the experiences and advancements of BMW Motorrad Motorsport through the works entries in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) and the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC).
“Congratulations to the successful privateer BMW teams and riders,” said Uwe Geyer, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing. “We are very proud of the successes that they have brought home around the world. These successes reiterate that our M RR is a winning package. They show yet again that with our package, comprising the BMW M 1000 RR race version and the technical support that we offer around the world, as well as with our partner alpha Racing, we provide our customers with a strong foundation that can help them enjoy success in a wide variety of championships. This also proves that the strong focus on the development of racing components with our motorsport development department and our test team for WorldSBK was the right step, which ultimately benefits all our customers worldwide.”
Overview of the BMW Champions of 2023.
The BMW Motorrad Motorsport customer racing programme is a global success story. This is also demonstrated by the 16 championship titles that BMW teams brought home with their privateer entries on various continents. The BMW Champions of the 2023 season are:
FIM Asia Road Racing Championship – Markus Reiterberger (GER / ONEXOX BMW TKKR Racing Team)
French Superbike Championship – Kenny Foray (FRA / Tecmas Racing Team)
Spanish Superbike Championship – Ivo Lopes (POR / easyRace BMW Team)
Canadian Superbike Championship – Ben Young (CAN / Van Dolder’s Home Team)
MotoAmerica Superbike Cup – Nolan Lamkin (USA / Tom Wood Powersports BMW)
IDM Pro Superstock Cup – Kevin Orgis (GER / ORM)
Italian National Trophy 1000 – Gabriele Giannini (ITA / Pistard Racing)
French European Bikes Championship – Nelson Major (FRA / Tecmas Racing Team)
Portuguese Superbike Championship – Ivo Lopes (POR / easyRace BMW Team)
Alpe Adria Road Racing Championship STK – Milan Pawelec (POL / BMW Sikora M Motorsport Team)
Alpe Adria Road Racing Championship Cup 1000 – Luca Alessio (ITA)
FIM European Superstock 1000 Cup – Martin Tritscher (AUT)
SuperBike Brasil Pro Superbike – Maxi Gerardo (URU / Team BMW Rider Experience)
SuperBike Brasil Evo & Evo Pro – Raphael Santos (BRA / TRC Performance)
SuperBike Brasil Superbike Light – Peri Cunha (BRA / SE Racing Team)
BMW racers’ successes in the most important road races.
In international road racing, BMW riders and teams have also been among the absolute top favourites for many years. They lived up to this role in the 2023 season, notably Peter Hickman (GBR). At the most important road races of the year, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy and the Macau Grand Prix, on the BMW M 1000 RR of the FHO Racing BMW team, he was the man to beat. At the Isle of Man TT in June, Hickman celebrated his third overall victory in the prestigious Senior TT, as well as wins in both Superstock TT races. These were the first Isle of Man triumphs for the new BMW M 1000 RR, which made its debut at the iconic road race this year. “Hicky” also set a new overall lap record as well as new lap records in the Senior TT and the Superbike TT.
At the North West 200 in Northern Ireland, Alastair Seeley (GBR) and the TAS Racing team were triumphant. Seeley was unbeatable on his SYNETIQ BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR in the two Superstock races – he finished first in both. On the Milwaukee BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR, Seeley also finished in second place in the second Superbike race of the event.
At the legendary Macau Grand Prix in mid-November, BMW racers pulled off a top-four lock-out for the BMW M 1000 RR. Hickman, who had set the pace with the FHO Racing BMW M 1000 RR in the practice sessions and in qualifying, claimed his fourth Macau victory in the race on the unique Guia Circuit. Davey Todd (GBR / Burrows Engineering / RK Racing) and David Datzer (GER / MTP Racing by ZERO UP Penz 13) secured second and third place on the podium. Hickman’s team-mate Josh Brookes (GBR) rounded off the success in fourth place.
Strong partner for customers: BMW Motorrad Race Support.
During their successful assignments at the racetrack, BMW racers have a strong partner at their side. With its race support, BMW Motorrad offers expert assistance to privateer racing customers around the world. The spectrum ranges from components developed in works racing, to on-site support during testing and racing action.
The race package that BMW Motorrad offers customers is developed in the Superbike World Championship and adapted to suit the needs of customers as well as the regulations of the respective championships. An important aspect is that the required racing components are made available to all customers without complications or waiting times.
“Customers can also benefit from the many years of experience in the field of motorcycle tuning,” said Uwe Geyer. “In terms of electronics, we make our own motorsport electronics available with the Race Calibration Kit. Here, we have experts in the markets who can help customers tune their electronics. And of course, we also have a wealth of experience when it comes to tuning, for example, in the areas of chassis, suspension or chassis settings, and that includes different tyre manufacturers. Customers can benefit from this because we share this data with them.”
Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has been producing a regular vlog for several seasons. As he begins his transition to Pata Yamaha Prometeon after spending the last nine seasons with Kawasaki Racing Team, we thought we would look back at Rea’s 2023 season through his own vlogs.
Progressive AFT and Mission Foods® Announce Renewal of Expansive Partnership
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 15, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is pleased to announce a partnership renewal with Mission Foods® to continue its wide-ranging support of the series for a fourth-consecutive season in 2024.
Included as key features of the multifaceted partnership agreement, Mission Foods will again serve as the title sponsor for the premier Mission SuperTwins class and the associated Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, while remaining the Official Tortilla, Chip, and Salsa of Progressive AFT.
The nation’s top manufacturer of tortillas, tortilla chips, flatbreads, and other baked products, Mission Foods has been one of the most active and influential sponsors of Progressive American Flat Track since making its high-profile debut with the series in 2021. Its support has only expanded since, and it will again serve as the title sponsor for its home round, the Mission Texas Half-Mile at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, April 27.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with American Flat Track as the title sponsor of the SuperTwins class and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge for 2024,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to keep connecting with fans on race weekends, and it further exemplifies our commitment to motorsports racing.”
Mission Foods has done much to raise the profile and awareness of Progressive AFT over the years of its partnership via in-store grocery displays across the nation featuring Mission-branded athletes. That practice will not only continue but increase with the addition of displays in stores on military bases in 2024. Mission will also maintain a large presence at the track with numerous fan-facing activations.
“Mission Foods is an exceptional partner, continually elevating the American Flat Track experience both on and off the track,” said Gene Crouch, Chief Executive Officer of AMA Pro Racing. “We’re truly grateful for their energy and enthusiasm in supporting our athletes and engaging with fans. We’re excited about this renewed collaboration and appreciate their continued efforts to bring the excitement of American Flat Track to a broader audience.”
Progressive AFT series merchandise is available via the official merchandise store at https://aftmerch.com/.
About Mission Foods
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. Visit https://www.missionfoods.com/ for more information.
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on X, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
Panigale 2023 Replica: Ducati collectors’ limited edition to celebrate a record-breaking season
The Panigale 2023 Replicas are inspired by the liveries of the bikes of Bagnaia, Bautista, Bulega, Martin and Bezzecchi in MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP
Four Panigale V4 and one Panigale V2 produced in a limited and numbered series, made unique by the rider’s original signature on the tank, with certificate of authenticity, technical equipment and dedicated wood shipping crate
The celebratory motorbikes were presented during the “Campioni in Festa” event
Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), 15 December 2023 – Ducati celebrates the conquest of the MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP titles with the creation of five special, collector’s edition Panigale series, inspired by the Desmosedici GP of Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi, the Panigale V4 R of Álvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega’s Panigale V2. The Panigale V4s dedicated to Bagnaia and Bautista take up the yellow livery with which the two champions raced in the Misano Grand Prix and SBK Round, celebrating an iconic color in the Ducati history and thus becoming even more iconic.
The bikes were presented during the press conference anticipating “Campioni in Festa”, the event with which Ducati celebrated this historic success together with its enthusiasts.
2023 Superbike World Champion Alvaro Bautista (left), 2023 MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (center), and 2023 Supersport World Champion Nicolo Bulega (right). Photo courtesy Ducati.
2023 was an incredible year for Ducati: no motorcycle manufacturer had ever been able to prevail in the MotoGP and WorldSBK World Championships for two consecutive years. A dream result, also completed by the conquest of the WorldSSP title and second and third place in the MotoGP world championship standings, which came to fruition thanks to the exceptional work of the engineers, teams and riders. A triumph that Ducati wishes to celebrate with five unique motorcycles, true jewels in limited and numbered editions.
Each individual example of the series will be made unique by the rider’s original autograph placed on the tank, a signature which will then be protected with a layer of transparent varnish. The five replicas celebrate the racing numbers of the riders to whom they are dedicated: Pecco Bagnaia’s 63, Álvaro Bautista’s 19, Jorge Martín’s 89, Marco Bezzecchi’s 72 and Nicolò Bulega’s 11.
Like the racing bikes that inspire them, the Panigale 2023 Racing Replicas are offered in single-seater configuration only. Each is embellished with a billet aluminium steering plate with laser engraving of the model’s name and progressive number, and a dedicated key and animation for the dashboard at key-on. In addition, the saddle is made of special material, with the rider’s logo displayed as on the race bike.
A Ducati Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica is inspired by the most exclusive livery of the 2024 season, the Ducati Yellow with which the Desmosedici GP of the Ducati Lenovo Team raced the San Marino and Riviera di Rimini GP at Misano. Production is limited to 263 units.
A Ducati Panigale V4 Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V4 Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica takes up the Ducati Yellow livery of the Panigale V4 R with which Álvaro raced the Misano rounds and race 2 at Jerez de la Frontera. The livery, specifically, is inspired by the one with which Bautista became WorldSBK World Champion for the second time, at Jerez. Furthermore, like the Panigale V4 R from which it takes its inspiration, is enhanced by the brushed aluminium fuel tank, carbon fibre winglets and Marchesini forged aluminium wheels in light grey. Production is limited to 219 units.
A Ducati Panigale V4 Martín 2023 Racing Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V4 Martín 2023 Racing Replica takes up the official colours of the Desmosedici GP of the Prima Pramac team, and is rendered all the more unique by the carbon fibre front fender. Production is limited to 189 units.
A Ducati Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica is inspired by the yellow/black livery of the Desmosedici GP of the Mooney VR46 team. Production is limited to 72 units.
These four Panigale V4s are based on the “S” model, and are enhanced by various Ducati Performance components that make them even more valuable and effective on road and track. The technical equipment boasts the adoption of the nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch and the Akrapovič homologated silencer, which is 2 kg lighter than the standard silencer on the Panigale V4. The Brembo braking system is enhanced by Stylema® R calipers and MCS master cylinder with remote adjustment. The adjustable footpegs are Rizoma billet aluminium. The plexiglass is a racing version.
Other technical details that characterise these special bikes are the heat shield for the rear exhaust manifolds, the alternator cover, the rear mudguard and the front brake ducts, all made of carbon fibre. Also in carbon fibre, combined with titanium, is the cover protecting the single-sided swingarm.
All Panigale V4 Replica bikes are made even closer to the racing bikes they are inspired by thanks to a series of accessories, such as the open clutch cover in carbon fibre*, the kits for removing the number plate holder and mirrors*, the racing fuel tank cap in billet aluminium* and the GPS module that allows the display on the dashboard of lap times and split times taken on the track.
A Ducati Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Champion Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Champion Replica takes up the red/black livery of the Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP team with which Nicolò Bulega won the world title. Production is limited to 111 units.
The Panigale V2 is also enhanced with Öhlins suspension and steering damper, and Akrapovič racing silencers*, which increase the maximum power by 2.5% and the maximum torque by 2%, and contribute to reducing the weight of the bike by 5 kg, along with the Li-ion battery. The Rizoma rider footpegs are adjustable, made from billet aluminium. The front and rear mudguards, chain guard, clutch cover guard, swingarm guard and shock absorber guard are in carbon fibre. Also the Panigale V2 dedicated to Bulega can get even closer to the racing bike by fitting the number plate and mirror removal kit*, and the billet aluminium racing tank cap*.
Each motorbike will come with a certificate of authenticity and will be delivered in a wooden packing case with dedicated graphics and a customised motorbike cover.
Availability and pricing
Client deliveries of the 2023 Panigale Race Replica’s will begin July 2024.
United States pricing will be $43,000 for the Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Championship Replica; $63,000 for the Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica; $68,000 for the Panigale V4 Martin 2023 Racing Replica; $73,000 for the Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica; $68,000 for the Panigale Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica.
Canada pricing will be $51,000 for the Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Championship Replica; $74,000 for the Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica; $80,000 for the Panigale V4 Martin 2023 Racing Replica; $86,000 for the Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica; $80,000 for the Panigale Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica.
#PanigaleV4 #WorldChampionReplica #RacingReplica
*: Additional equipment for vehicles used exclusively on closed circuits. Use on public roads is prohibited by law.
Componentry may vary depending on specific country regulations. Please check with your dealer for the exact specifications.
MAVTV ENDS 2023 WITH A BANG: MAJOR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AND 2024 DAKAR RALLY BROADCAST
MAVTV presents a December to remember with a mix of exciting racing like the GT World Finals and Formula Drift – Japan plus a look at the most amazing garages in the country
Dakar 2024 takes center stage on MAVTV through 2026 starting Jan. 5, delivering same day highlights
Numerous live racing and original programming announcements to come in 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 15, 2023) – MAVTV – the world’s premier media platform for passion-fueled motorsports, powersports and automotive programming – announces a thrilling lineup of programming for the rest of December and a preview of new shows and live racing coverage slated for 2024. Fans can expect a variety of fan-favorite build shows, automotive enthusiast series and compelling documentary programs to come to the network next year.
“At MAVTV, we’re not just broadcasting events, we’re fueling the love of motorsports and all-things automotive for fans everywhere – reflected by our year-end lineup, as well as new programming announcements both now and the coming months,” said MAVTV President CJ Olivares. “To start off, we’re very proud to be bringing same-day action from the iconic Dakar Rally to U.S. linear audiences right at the new year. And that’s just the beginning. From racing series to shows featuring big names across motorsports and entertainment, we’ll be kicking off 2024 with a wave of thrilling news.”
December to Remember 2023
Gran Turismo World Finals – Dec. 16: Catch the world’s best racers who qualified online through Gran Turismo™ 7 on the PlayStation®4 system or PlayStation®5 console, as they competed at the World Finals in Barcelona on Dec. 1-3. The two-part event will premiere on MAVTV Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. ET.
Formula Drift – Japan – Dec. 17: A spectacular two-hour highlight show featuring Japanese vs. U.S. drivers going head-to-head with their best drifting will premiere Dec. 17. The schedule included multiple events across various circuits in Japan, from Suzuka Twin Circuit in Mie to Mobara Twin Circuit in Chiba.
Dream Collections – Dec. 17 and Dec. 20: This 12-episode series hosted by TV icon Chris Jacobs showcases some of the most amazing car garages across the country, from luxury vehicles to exotic dream cars. The first six episodes will premiere in a marathon Dec. 17, with the remaining episodes airing Dec. 20.
Coming in 2024: More World-Class Racing, More Live Coverage
Dakar 2024: Premiering Jan. 5, the biggest rally raid in the world comes to MAVTV for the first time. A new deal gives MAVTV same-day broadcast rights through 2026, next month the network will deliver one-hour daily highlight shows from Jan. 5 to Jan. 19, airing at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT with an encore at 5:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Trans AM Series – TA and TA2 Races: MAVTV expands live coverage of Trans AM Series TA and TA2 events to its 2024 schedule. The series is the longest-running professional road racing series in North America.
For more information, or to schedule an interview with network executives, contact [email protected].
About MAVTV
MAVTV is the world’s premier media platform where motorsports, powersports and automotive fans dive deeper into the compelling stories behind the athletes, teams and tracks they watch on the weekends. With a diverse mix of live racing, automotive enthusiast programming and documentaries, MAVTV drives passion across two-wheel, four-wheel, pavement, dirt and water – and defines their unique subcultures. With a global reach of more than 467 million, 22 million households in North America (DIRECTV, Spectrum, YouTube TV, FuboTV and more), FAST Channels across 25 countries, 250 million connected devices and a loyal social following, the network is on a rapid growth trajectory. MAVTV’s 2023 relaunch is highlighted by original shows like “On the Rise” and “The Life” – which give fans access to the behind-the-scenes journeys of athletes, from youth to the most elite racing levels.
For more information, visit www.MAVTV.com – and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (Twitter).
Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has been producing a regular vlog for several seasons. As he begins his transition to Pata Yamaha Prometeon after spending the last nine seasons with Kawasaki Racing Team, we thought we would look back at Rea’s 2023 season through his own vlogs.
Sean Dylan Kelly Set For 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Series Debut With TopPro Racing
Kelly To Race On Two-Rider BMW Team With Alex Arango
CORAL SPRINGS, FL (December 14, 2023) – TopPro Racing is thrilled to announce that it will field a multi-rider team in the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship, spearheaded by 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Sean Dylan Kelly in the Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Series.
Kelly will be joined on the team’s BMW M 1000 RR Superbikes by TopPro Racing team owner Alex Arango.
TopPro Racing rider/co-owner Alex Arango (left) and rider Sean Dylan Kelly (right). Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.
Kelly, who is tied for second on the all-time MotoAmerica Supersport win list with 19 victories, is coming off two seasons of competing in the Moto2 World Championship. Arango, meanwhile, finished in the top 20 in the 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship in his first season in the series.
“We have worked tirelessly during the off season to make this team a reality,” Arango said. “We interviewed numerous riders to find the best fit for our team which we believe will see us achieve our best results for the 2024 season. Securing Sean (Dylan Kelly) was a priority as we feel he can be very competitive with the BMW package we will be providing. He’s motivated and ready to stand on the box again in the MotoAmerica series.
“We are eager to get on track with the entire team as we have a lot of work still to do to prepare over the next few months. We are excited to get the riders on track to test with their new mechanics and aboard their new machines. We have set high expectations for our team going into the season, and believe we have a great group of pilots to achieve great results.”
Kelly is looking forward to his first season of MotoAmerica Superbike racing and a return to the MotoAmerica series.
“I’m excited to race in front of all the fans in the United States again,” said Kelly. “I’ve seen so much success in the MotoAmerica paddock, and I look forward to achieving that success again and connecting with friends I haven’t seen over the past two seasons. I can’t thank team owners Alex Arango and Agustin Sierra enough for this opportunity and I’m excited for the first test aboard my BMW M 1000 RR Superbike.”
While Kelly and Arango are the team’s Superbike riders, they are not the only riders, and the team will be making further announcements in that regard in the coming weeks.
The team will begin testing early next year in preparation for the season that begins with the March 7-9 running of the Daytona 200 (a non-points scoring race for Supersport-class bikes) before the first round of the Steel Commander Superbike Championship at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 19-21.
For more information about the series, team, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.toppromotorsports.com.
Briggs Equipment announced as the new title sponsor of the North West 200 for 2024.
Coleraine and District Motor Club is delighted to welcome Briggs Equipment on board as our new title sponsor for the 2024 North West 200.
Briggs Equipment has enjoyed previous involvement with the event as a team and race sponsor. The announcement of this new three-year title agreement provides a major boost for the iconic north coast festival of racing.
“It feels great to confirm that the Briggs North West 200 will bring the best road racing in the world to the Triangle circuit in May next year,” Briggs Equipment Ireland Managing Director, Gary Clements, said.
“Together with our Group company, Balloo Hire, we have a long-standing relationship with the North West 200 and this is the ideal opportunity to strengthen that connection for many years to come.1
“We know the fantastic work Mervyn Whyte and his team put into the event and we will help in whatever way we can.
“Briggs has always been committed to supporting the local economy and this event is vitally important for businesses in the region. For many, it is the biggest week of the year, and we are proud to play our part in making sure it continues.”
Alongside the major financial investment in the NW200, Briggs Equipment and Balloo Hire will also provide machinery and infrastructure within the paddock area.
In recent years, Briggs Equipment has established itself as Ireland’s number one provider of tailored engineering solutions, delivering first-class sales, hire, service and training support to their customers.
With the country’s largest fleet of materials handling equipment, powered access, commercial cleaners, specialist machinery and more, Briggs has enjoyed huge growth and secured long-term working relationships with many companies across the island.
Balloo Hire is the award-winning full-service equipment rental company, with seven depots across Northern Ireland for plant and access machinery, welfare, DIY, power generation, small tools and more.
A passionate road racing fan, Clements is excited by the opportunity to have a ‘hands on’ involvement in the famous north coast races.
“No other road racing event gets the pulse racing like the North West 200,” he said.
“The riders push it to the limit, giving their adoring fans an incredible spectacle they won’t find anywhere else. It is professional racing in a beautiful location – who could ask for more?
“I have been attending the North West 200 for the last 30 years, seeing legendary riders come and go, plus some who are still competing after all that time!
“This special place has so many amazing memories and I have no doubt we will see more extraordinary battles and records broken during the 2024 Briggs North West 200.”
Race boss Mervyn Whyte was equally excited to confirm the new sponsorship agreement.
“To have the support of an industry leading company like Briggs Equipment as our new title sponsor is a major vote of confidence for the North West 200,” he said.
“The NW200 grid hosts the world’s finest line-up of road racing talent each May as tens of thousands of race fans visit the north coast area and over 1.3 million people around the world engage with the event via our BBC NI platforms.
“That global exposure is a major attraction for market leaders like Briggs and we are delighted to have the company’s backing for 2024 and beyond, during a time when Irish motorcycle sport is under pressure like never before.
“With Briggs’ support, the immediate future of Ireland’s largest sporting event and the major financial benefit it provides for the Northern Ireland economy is secure.”
The 2024 Briggs North West 200 will run from May 6–11.
Tuner Rob Muzzy (far right) with Eddie Lawson (second from right). Photo by John Owens.
John Owens’ & Kevin Cameron’s New Book, “Superbike: An Illustrated History”
This great book chronicles the 1970s transition from the twin-cylinder BMWs, Ducatis, and Moto Guzzis and the wobbling and weaving first-generation Japanese four-cylinders to a rapidly improving wave of race-worthy machines that led to the sportbike revolution. Owens shot the black-and-white photographs published in this beautifully designed and produced 192-page hardcover book at five of the tracks that dotted the U.S. motorcycle road racing landscape at the time: Daytona, Bryar (a.k.a. Loudon), Laguna Seca, Pocono, and Road America.
Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey and Freddie Spencer—three Americans who went on to win a combined 10 250cc and 500cc Grand Prix World Championship—figured prominently in this AMA Superbike era. Throughout the book, Cameron and Owens provide insights and images of riders, crew members, and machines. “The desire to go fast, brake, turn and accelerate isn’t that complicated,” Cameron writes in the opening pages. “In any given era, the dominant rider is the person who has most imaginatively exploited the new possibilities presented by constantly evolving chassis, suspension and tires.”
Available for $75 from MotoRacing Books and Superbikebook.com, and more information is available from [email protected] .
Ben Young (1) repeated as Canadian Superbike Champion on his BMW M 1000 RR in 2023. Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK.
Titles, wins, podiums: BMW Motorrad Motorsport looks back on a successful 2023 season of customer racing.
BMW racers celebrate 16 titles in the most important international and national championships around the world.
A total of 153 wins plus 382 podiums for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport customer teams in various Superbike and Superstock classes.
Successes in the major road races: Peter Hickman wins on the Isle of Man and in Macau.
Uwe Geyer: “These successes reiterate that our M RR is a winning package.”
Munich. Customer racing has always been an important pillar of BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s activities. Year after year, privateer BMW riders and teams celebrate successes in a variety of championships around the world, and the 2023 season was no exception. In the most important international and national championships in Europe, North America and South America, Asia, and Australia, the BMW racers amassed no fewer than 16 championship titles this year. Then there is the equally impressive haul of 153 wins and 382 additional podiums in the various Superbike and Superstock classes. The privateer BMW teams receive global support from the BMW Motorrad Race Support network of experts. They also benefit from the experiences and advancements of BMW Motorrad Motorsport through the works entries in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) and the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC).
“Congratulations to the successful privateer BMW teams and riders,” said Uwe Geyer, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing. “We are very proud of the successes that they have brought home around the world. These successes reiterate that our M RR is a winning package. They show yet again that with our package, comprising the BMW M 1000 RR race version and the technical support that we offer around the world, as well as with our partner alpha Racing, we provide our customers with a strong foundation that can help them enjoy success in a wide variety of championships. This also proves that the strong focus on the development of racing components with our motorsport development department and our test team for WorldSBK was the right step, which ultimately benefits all our customers worldwide.”
Overview of the BMW Champions of 2023.
The BMW Motorrad Motorsport customer racing programme is a global success story. This is also demonstrated by the 16 championship titles that BMW teams brought home with their privateer entries on various continents. The BMW Champions of the 2023 season are:
FIM Asia Road Racing Championship – Markus Reiterberger (GER / ONEXOX BMW TKKR Racing Team)
French Superbike Championship – Kenny Foray (FRA / Tecmas Racing Team)
Spanish Superbike Championship – Ivo Lopes (POR / easyRace BMW Team)
Canadian Superbike Championship – Ben Young (CAN / Van Dolder’s Home Team)
MotoAmerica Superbike Cup – Nolan Lamkin (USA / Tom Wood Powersports BMW)
IDM Pro Superstock Cup – Kevin Orgis (GER / ORM)
Italian National Trophy 1000 – Gabriele Giannini (ITA / Pistard Racing)
French European Bikes Championship – Nelson Major (FRA / Tecmas Racing Team)
Portuguese Superbike Championship – Ivo Lopes (POR / easyRace BMW Team)
Alpe Adria Road Racing Championship STK – Milan Pawelec (POL / BMW Sikora M Motorsport Team)
Alpe Adria Road Racing Championship Cup 1000 – Luca Alessio (ITA)
FIM European Superstock 1000 Cup – Martin Tritscher (AUT)
SuperBike Brasil Pro Superbike – Maxi Gerardo (URU / Team BMW Rider Experience)
SuperBike Brasil Evo & Evo Pro – Raphael Santos (BRA / TRC Performance)
SuperBike Brasil Superbike Light – Peri Cunha (BRA / SE Racing Team)
BMW racers’ successes in the most important road races.
In international road racing, BMW riders and teams have also been among the absolute top favourites for many years. They lived up to this role in the 2023 season, notably Peter Hickman (GBR). At the most important road races of the year, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy and the Macau Grand Prix, on the BMW M 1000 RR of the FHO Racing BMW team, he was the man to beat. At the Isle of Man TT in June, Hickman celebrated his third overall victory in the prestigious Senior TT, as well as wins in both Superstock TT races. These were the first Isle of Man triumphs for the new BMW M 1000 RR, which made its debut at the iconic road race this year. “Hicky” also set a new overall lap record as well as new lap records in the Senior TT and the Superbike TT.
At the North West 200 in Northern Ireland, Alastair Seeley (GBR) and the TAS Racing team were triumphant. Seeley was unbeatable on his SYNETIQ BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR in the two Superstock races – he finished first in both. On the Milwaukee BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR, Seeley also finished in second place in the second Superbike race of the event.
At the legendary Macau Grand Prix in mid-November, BMW racers pulled off a top-four lock-out for the BMW M 1000 RR. Hickman, who had set the pace with the FHO Racing BMW M 1000 RR in the practice sessions and in qualifying, claimed his fourth Macau victory in the race on the unique Guia Circuit. Davey Todd (GBR / Burrows Engineering / RK Racing) and David Datzer (GER / MTP Racing by ZERO UP Penz 13) secured second and third place on the podium. Hickman’s team-mate Josh Brookes (GBR) rounded off the success in fourth place.
Strong partner for customers: BMW Motorrad Race Support.
During their successful assignments at the racetrack, BMW racers have a strong partner at their side. With its race support, BMW Motorrad offers expert assistance to privateer racing customers around the world. The spectrum ranges from components developed in works racing, to on-site support during testing and racing action.
The race package that BMW Motorrad offers customers is developed in the Superbike World Championship and adapted to suit the needs of customers as well as the regulations of the respective championships. An important aspect is that the required racing components are made available to all customers without complications or waiting times.
“Customers can also benefit from the many years of experience in the field of motorcycle tuning,” said Uwe Geyer. “In terms of electronics, we make our own motorsport electronics available with the Race Calibration Kit. Here, we have experts in the markets who can help customers tune their electronics. And of course, we also have a wealth of experience when it comes to tuning, for example, in the areas of chassis, suspension or chassis settings, and that includes different tyre manufacturers. Customers can benefit from this because we share this data with them.”
Jonathan Rea (65) at MotorLand Aragon. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has been producing a regular vlog for several seasons. As he begins his transition to Pata Yamaha Prometeon after spending the last nine seasons with Kawasaki Racing Team, we thought we would look back at Rea’s 2023 season through his own vlogs.
2023 American Flat Track (AFT) Mission SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
Progressive AFT and Mission Foods® Announce Renewal of Expansive Partnership
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 15, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is pleased to announce a partnership renewal with Mission Foods® to continue its wide-ranging support of the series for a fourth-consecutive season in 2024.
Included as key features of the multifaceted partnership agreement, Mission Foods will again serve as the title sponsor for the premier Mission SuperTwins class and the associated Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, while remaining the Official Tortilla, Chip, and Salsa of Progressive AFT.
The nation’s top manufacturer of tortillas, tortilla chips, flatbreads, and other baked products, Mission Foods has been one of the most active and influential sponsors of Progressive American Flat Track since making its high-profile debut with the series in 2021. Its support has only expanded since, and it will again serve as the title sponsor for its home round, the Mission Texas Half-Mile at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, April 27.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with American Flat Track as the title sponsor of the SuperTwins class and Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge for 2024,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to keep connecting with fans on race weekends, and it further exemplifies our commitment to motorsports racing.”
Mission Foods has done much to raise the profile and awareness of Progressive AFT over the years of its partnership via in-store grocery displays across the nation featuring Mission-branded athletes. That practice will not only continue but increase with the addition of displays in stores on military bases in 2024. Mission will also maintain a large presence at the track with numerous fan-facing activations.
“Mission Foods is an exceptional partner, continually elevating the American Flat Track experience both on and off the track,” said Gene Crouch, Chief Executive Officer of AMA Pro Racing. “We’re truly grateful for their energy and enthusiasm in supporting our athletes and engaging with fans. We’re excited about this renewed collaboration and appreciate their continued efforts to bring the excitement of American Flat Track to a broader audience.”
Progressive AFT series merchandise is available via the official merchandise store at https://aftmerch.com/.
About Mission Foods
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. Visit https://www.missionfoods.com/ for more information.
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on X, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
The five Ducati Panigale racer replica editions. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Panigale 2023 Replica: Ducati collectors’ limited edition to celebrate a record-breaking season
The Panigale 2023 Replicas are inspired by the liveries of the bikes of Bagnaia, Bautista, Bulega, Martin and Bezzecchi in MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP
Four Panigale V4 and one Panigale V2 produced in a limited and numbered series, made unique by the rider’s original signature on the tank, with certificate of authenticity, technical equipment and dedicated wood shipping crate
The celebratory motorbikes were presented during the “Campioni in Festa” event
Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), 15 December 2023 – Ducati celebrates the conquest of the MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP titles with the creation of five special, collector’s edition Panigale series, inspired by the Desmosedici GP of Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi, the Panigale V4 R of Álvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega’s Panigale V2. The Panigale V4s dedicated to Bagnaia and Bautista take up the yellow livery with which the two champions raced in the Misano Grand Prix and SBK Round, celebrating an iconic color in the Ducati history and thus becoming even more iconic.
The bikes were presented during the press conference anticipating “Campioni in Festa”, the event with which Ducati celebrated this historic success together with its enthusiasts.
2023 Superbike World Champion Alvaro Bautista (left), 2023 MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (center), and 2023 Supersport World Champion Nicolo Bulega (right). Photo courtesy Ducati.
2023 was an incredible year for Ducati: no motorcycle manufacturer had ever been able to prevail in the MotoGP and WorldSBK World Championships for two consecutive years. A dream result, also completed by the conquest of the WorldSSP title and second and third place in the MotoGP world championship standings, which came to fruition thanks to the exceptional work of the engineers, teams and riders. A triumph that Ducati wishes to celebrate with five unique motorcycles, true jewels in limited and numbered editions.
Each individual example of the series will be made unique by the rider’s original autograph placed on the tank, a signature which will then be protected with a layer of transparent varnish. The five replicas celebrate the racing numbers of the riders to whom they are dedicated: Pecco Bagnaia’s 63, Álvaro Bautista’s 19, Jorge Martín’s 89, Marco Bezzecchi’s 72 and Nicolò Bulega’s 11.
Like the racing bikes that inspire them, the Panigale 2023 Racing Replicas are offered in single-seater configuration only. Each is embellished with a billet aluminium steering plate with laser engraving of the model’s name and progressive number, and a dedicated key and animation for the dashboard at key-on. In addition, the saddle is made of special material, with the rider’s logo displayed as on the race bike.
A Ducati Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica is inspired by the most exclusive livery of the 2024 season, the Ducati Yellow with which the Desmosedici GP of the Ducati Lenovo Team raced the San Marino and Riviera di Rimini GP at Misano. Production is limited to 263 units.
A Ducati Panigale V4 Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V4 Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica takes up the Ducati Yellow livery of the Panigale V4 R with which Álvaro raced the Misano rounds and race 2 at Jerez de la Frontera. The livery, specifically, is inspired by the one with which Bautista became WorldSBK World Champion for the second time, at Jerez. Furthermore, like the Panigale V4 R from which it takes its inspiration, is enhanced by the brushed aluminium fuel tank, carbon fibre winglets and Marchesini forged aluminium wheels in light grey. Production is limited to 219 units.
A Ducati Panigale V4 Martín 2023 Racing Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V4 Martín 2023 Racing Replica takes up the official colours of the Desmosedici GP of the Prima Pramac team, and is rendered all the more unique by the carbon fibre front fender. Production is limited to 189 units.
A Ducati Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica is inspired by the yellow/black livery of the Desmosedici GP of the Mooney VR46 team. Production is limited to 72 units.
These four Panigale V4s are based on the “S” model, and are enhanced by various Ducati Performance components that make them even more valuable and effective on road and track. The technical equipment boasts the adoption of the nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch and the Akrapovič homologated silencer, which is 2 kg lighter than the standard silencer on the Panigale V4. The Brembo braking system is enhanced by Stylema® R calipers and MCS master cylinder with remote adjustment. The adjustable footpegs are Rizoma billet aluminium. The plexiglass is a racing version.
Other technical details that characterise these special bikes are the heat shield for the rear exhaust manifolds, the alternator cover, the rear mudguard and the front brake ducts, all made of carbon fibre. Also in carbon fibre, combined with titanium, is the cover protecting the single-sided swingarm.
All Panigale V4 Replica bikes are made even closer to the racing bikes they are inspired by thanks to a series of accessories, such as the open clutch cover in carbon fibre*, the kits for removing the number plate holder and mirrors*, the racing fuel tank cap in billet aluminium* and the GPS module that allows the display on the dashboard of lap times and split times taken on the track.
A Ducati Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Champion Replica. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Champion Replica takes up the red/black livery of the Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP team with which Nicolò Bulega won the world title. Production is limited to 111 units.
The Panigale V2 is also enhanced with Öhlins suspension and steering damper, and Akrapovič racing silencers*, which increase the maximum power by 2.5% and the maximum torque by 2%, and contribute to reducing the weight of the bike by 5 kg, along with the Li-ion battery. The Rizoma rider footpegs are adjustable, made from billet aluminium. The front and rear mudguards, chain guard, clutch cover guard, swingarm guard and shock absorber guard are in carbon fibre. Also the Panigale V2 dedicated to Bulega can get even closer to the racing bike by fitting the number plate and mirror removal kit*, and the billet aluminium racing tank cap*.
Each motorbike will come with a certificate of authenticity and will be delivered in a wooden packing case with dedicated graphics and a customised motorbike cover.
Availability and pricing
Client deliveries of the 2023 Panigale Race Replica’s will begin July 2024.
United States pricing will be $43,000 for the Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Championship Replica; $63,000 for the Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica; $68,000 for the Panigale V4 Martin 2023 Racing Replica; $73,000 for the Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica; $68,000 for the Panigale Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica.
Canada pricing will be $51,000 for the Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Championship Replica; $74,000 for the Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica; $80,000 for the Panigale V4 Martin 2023 Racing Replica; $86,000 for the Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica; $80,000 for the Panigale Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica.
#PanigaleV4 #WorldChampionReplica #RacingReplica
*: Additional equipment for vehicles used exclusively on closed circuits. Use on public roads is prohibited by law.
Componentry may vary depending on specific country regulations. Please check with your dealer for the exact specifications.
Matthias Walkner (52) in action during the 2023 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. Photo by Rally Zone, courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
MAVTV ENDS 2023 WITH A BANG: MAJOR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AND 2024 DAKAR RALLY BROADCAST
MAVTV presents a December to remember with a mix of exciting racing like the GT World Finals and Formula Drift – Japan plus a look at the most amazing garages in the country
Dakar 2024 takes center stage on MAVTV through 2026 starting Jan. 5, delivering same day highlights
Numerous live racing and original programming announcements to come in 2024
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 15, 2023) – MAVTV – the world’s premier media platform for passion-fueled motorsports, powersports and automotive programming – announces a thrilling lineup of programming for the rest of December and a preview of new shows and live racing coverage slated for 2024. Fans can expect a variety of fan-favorite build shows, automotive enthusiast series and compelling documentary programs to come to the network next year.
“At MAVTV, we’re not just broadcasting events, we’re fueling the love of motorsports and all-things automotive for fans everywhere – reflected by our year-end lineup, as well as new programming announcements both now and the coming months,” said MAVTV President CJ Olivares. “To start off, we’re very proud to be bringing same-day action from the iconic Dakar Rally to U.S. linear audiences right at the new year. And that’s just the beginning. From racing series to shows featuring big names across motorsports and entertainment, we’ll be kicking off 2024 with a wave of thrilling news.”
December to Remember 2023
Gran Turismo World Finals – Dec. 16: Catch the world’s best racers who qualified online through Gran Turismo™ 7 on the PlayStation®4 system or PlayStation®5 console, as they competed at the World Finals in Barcelona on Dec. 1-3. The two-part event will premiere on MAVTV Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. ET.
Formula Drift – Japan – Dec. 17: A spectacular two-hour highlight show featuring Japanese vs. U.S. drivers going head-to-head with their best drifting will premiere Dec. 17. The schedule included multiple events across various circuits in Japan, from Suzuka Twin Circuit in Mie to Mobara Twin Circuit in Chiba.
Dream Collections – Dec. 17 and Dec. 20: This 12-episode series hosted by TV icon Chris Jacobs showcases some of the most amazing car garages across the country, from luxury vehicles to exotic dream cars. The first six episodes will premiere in a marathon Dec. 17, with the remaining episodes airing Dec. 20.
Coming in 2024: More World-Class Racing, More Live Coverage
Dakar 2024: Premiering Jan. 5, the biggest rally raid in the world comes to MAVTV for the first time. A new deal gives MAVTV same-day broadcast rights through 2026, next month the network will deliver one-hour daily highlight shows from Jan. 5 to Jan. 19, airing at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT with an encore at 5:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Trans AM Series – TA and TA2 Races: MAVTV expands live coverage of Trans AM Series TA and TA2 events to its 2024 schedule. The series is the longest-running professional road racing series in North America.
For more information, or to schedule an interview with network executives, contact [email protected].
About MAVTV
MAVTV is the world’s premier media platform where motorsports, powersports and automotive fans dive deeper into the compelling stories behind the athletes, teams and tracks they watch on the weekends. With a diverse mix of live racing, automotive enthusiast programming and documentaries, MAVTV drives passion across two-wheel, four-wheel, pavement, dirt and water – and defines their unique subcultures. With a global reach of more than 467 million, 22 million households in North America (DIRECTV, Spectrum, YouTube TV, FuboTV and more), FAST Channels across 25 countries, 250 million connected devices and a loyal social following, the network is on a rapid growth trajectory. MAVTV’s 2023 relaunch is highlighted by original shows like “On the Rise” and “The Life” – which give fans access to the behind-the-scenes journeys of athletes, from youth to the most elite racing levels.
For more information, visit www.MAVTV.com – and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (Twitter).
Jonathan Rea (65) at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has been producing a regular vlog for several seasons. As he begins his transition to Pata Yamaha Prometeon after spending the last nine seasons with Kawasaki Racing Team, we thought we would look back at Rea’s 2023 season through his own vlogs.
Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) and his new TopPro Racing BMW M 1000 RR. Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.
Sean Dylan Kelly Set For 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Series Debut With TopPro Racing
Kelly To Race On Two-Rider BMW Team With Alex Arango
CORAL SPRINGS, FL (December 14, 2023) – TopPro Racing is thrilled to announce that it will field a multi-rider team in the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship, spearheaded by 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Sean Dylan Kelly in the Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Series.
Kelly will be joined on the team’s BMW M 1000 RR Superbikes by TopPro Racing team owner Alex Arango.
TopPro Racing rider/co-owner Alex Arango (left) and rider Sean Dylan Kelly (right). Photo courtesy TopPro Racing.
Kelly, who is tied for second on the all-time MotoAmerica Supersport win list with 19 victories, is coming off two seasons of competing in the Moto2 World Championship. Arango, meanwhile, finished in the top 20 in the 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship in his first season in the series.
“We have worked tirelessly during the off season to make this team a reality,” Arango said. “We interviewed numerous riders to find the best fit for our team which we believe will see us achieve our best results for the 2024 season. Securing Sean (Dylan Kelly) was a priority as we feel he can be very competitive with the BMW package we will be providing. He’s motivated and ready to stand on the box again in the MotoAmerica series.
“We are eager to get on track with the entire team as we have a lot of work still to do to prepare over the next few months. We are excited to get the riders on track to test with their new mechanics and aboard their new machines. We have set high expectations for our team going into the season, and believe we have a great group of pilots to achieve great results.”
Kelly is looking forward to his first season of MotoAmerica Superbike racing and a return to the MotoAmerica series.
“I’m excited to race in front of all the fans in the United States again,” said Kelly. “I’ve seen so much success in the MotoAmerica paddock, and I look forward to achieving that success again and connecting with friends I haven’t seen over the past two seasons. I can’t thank team owners Alex Arango and Agustin Sierra enough for this opportunity and I’m excited for the first test aboard my BMW M 1000 RR Superbike.”
While Kelly and Arango are the team’s Superbike riders, they are not the only riders, and the team will be making further announcements in that regard in the coming weeks.
The team will begin testing early next year in preparation for the season that begins with the March 7-9 running of the Daytona 200 (a non-points scoring race for Supersport-class bikes) before the first round of the Steel Commander Superbike Championship at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 19-21.
For more information about the series, team, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.toppromotorsports.com.
North West 200 Director Mervyn Whyte (left), Briggs Equipment Ireland Managing Director Gary Clements (center), and racer Glenn Irwin (right). Photo by Stephen Davison, courtesy North West 200 Press Office.
Briggs Equipment announced as the new title sponsor of the North West 200 for 2024.
Coleraine and District Motor Club is delighted to welcome Briggs Equipment on board as our new title sponsor for the 2024 North West 200.
Briggs Equipment has enjoyed previous involvement with the event as a team and race sponsor. The announcement of this new three-year title agreement provides a major boost for the iconic north coast festival of racing.
“It feels great to confirm that the Briggs North West 200 will bring the best road racing in the world to the Triangle circuit in May next year,” Briggs Equipment Ireland Managing Director, Gary Clements, said.
“Together with our Group company, Balloo Hire, we have a long-standing relationship with the North West 200 and this is the ideal opportunity to strengthen that connection for many years to come.1
“We know the fantastic work Mervyn Whyte and his team put into the event and we will help in whatever way we can.
“Briggs has always been committed to supporting the local economy and this event is vitally important for businesses in the region. For many, it is the biggest week of the year, and we are proud to play our part in making sure it continues.”
Alongside the major financial investment in the NW200, Briggs Equipment and Balloo Hire will also provide machinery and infrastructure within the paddock area.
In recent years, Briggs Equipment has established itself as Ireland’s number one provider of tailored engineering solutions, delivering first-class sales, hire, service and training support to their customers.
With the country’s largest fleet of materials handling equipment, powered access, commercial cleaners, specialist machinery and more, Briggs has enjoyed huge growth and secured long-term working relationships with many companies across the island.
Balloo Hire is the award-winning full-service equipment rental company, with seven depots across Northern Ireland for plant and access machinery, welfare, DIY, power generation, small tools and more.
A passionate road racing fan, Clements is excited by the opportunity to have a ‘hands on’ involvement in the famous north coast races.
“No other road racing event gets the pulse racing like the North West 200,” he said.
“The riders push it to the limit, giving their adoring fans an incredible spectacle they won’t find anywhere else. It is professional racing in a beautiful location – who could ask for more?
“I have been attending the North West 200 for the last 30 years, seeing legendary riders come and go, plus some who are still competing after all that time!
“This special place has so many amazing memories and I have no doubt we will see more extraordinary battles and records broken during the 2024 Briggs North West 200.”
Race boss Mervyn Whyte was equally excited to confirm the new sponsorship agreement.
“To have the support of an industry leading company like Briggs Equipment as our new title sponsor is a major vote of confidence for the North West 200,” he said.
“The NW200 grid hosts the world’s finest line-up of road racing talent each May as tens of thousands of race fans visit the north coast area and over 1.3 million people around the world engage with the event via our BBC NI platforms.
“That global exposure is a major attraction for market leaders like Briggs and we are delighted to have the company’s backing for 2024 and beyond, during a time when Irish motorcycle sport is under pressure like never before.
“With Briggs’ support, the immediate future of Ireland’s largest sporting event and the major financial benefit it provides for the Northern Ireland economy is secure.”
The 2024 Briggs North West 200 will run from May 6–11.
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These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
