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AHRMA Seeking New Road Race Director

AHRMA Seeks Candidates for Road Race Director

AHRMA is looking for a dedicated Road Race Director to operate its successful national road racing series. This position is that of Program Manager, coordinating all aspects of the series and individual event planning, staffing, budget, and both race day and financial administration.

The schedule for the 2024 season has already been set and is visible at Schedules & Results. A full array of experienced staff and the equipment needed to host these events is in place. The day-to-day manager to keep our series running smoothly during 2024 and beyond is what we seek. The successful candidate will be passionate about our sport, driven for success at every event, and able to enlist our team to peak performance.

The Road Race Director reports to AHRMA’s Executive Director. There are regular planning meetings with the Executive Director and Road Race Planning Committee for assistance, coordination with AHRMA strategies and other disciplines. The road race event staff report to the Road Race Director.

Familiarity with motorcycle racing, excellent communication skills, detail orientation, personnel management, contract negotiation, internal administration, and a high level of computer literacy are required. AHRMA regularly uses online tools (Google Meet and others) for video meetings, MotorsportReg.com for membership management / race registrations, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

This position can be performed remotely from anywhere in the USA, and travel is required to all road race events. Compensation is competitive for this role and will be commensurate with experience.

Information about our 30+ year old racing organization can be attained by viewing our website www.ahrma.org.

Deadline to apply is 12/20/2023.  Applications will only be accepted through the Road Race Director Application Form which can be found HERE.

Video: Stuman Rides: “How To Get Started In Motorcycle Road Racing”

So you have done a bunch of motorcycle track days and now you want to go racing. What do you need to know to get started? This video will walk you through the process to get started – the New Racer School.

Check out http://www.cvmaracing.com for more information about racing in southern California.

Check out http://www.roadracingworld.com to find out more about motorcycle road racing in your area.

 

Ducati Planning Celebration Of Its World Championships Dec. 15 In Bologna

Everyone at the Unipol Arena for “Campioni in Festa”: on Friday 15 December Ducati celebrates the World Titles of a record-breaking racing season!

  • Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO and Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna, have presented the program of the “Campioni in Festa” event, which will be held on Friday 15 December at the Unipol Arena of Bologna
  • The Ducati riders will be the stars of the evening: the full MotoGP podium will be present with the World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi, together with the WorldSBK and WorldSSP World Champions Álvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega
  • Ducati Corse’s dream racing season will be celebrated with a big party with free entry open to all enthusiasts: hosts of the evening will be Barbara Pedrotti and Gianluca Gazzoli with the intervention of Guido Meda, while the musical entertainment will be entrusted to Rockin’1000 and to internationally renowned DJ Martin Solveig

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 6 December 2023 – With the presentation press conference held in the venue of the Municipality of Bologna in Palazzo D’Accursio, the spotlight was turned on “Campioni in Festa”, the event with which Ducati will celebrate the victories achieved in the MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP World Championships together with all enthusiasts.

On Friday 15 December, the Unipol Arena in Casalecchio di Reno (Bologna, Italy) will welcome the World Champions and all the Ducatisti for a big party with free entry, during which moments of storytelling to relive the emotions of the victories achieved in 2023 will alternate with pure entertainment, especially musical, to give the public a great time.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO, Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna and Massimo Bosso, Mayor of Casalecchio di Reno , spoke at the press conference, describing the event program and highlighting once again the close relationship between Ducati, the Institutions and the territory. Representing the Unipol Arena, one of the most famous multi-purpose indoor sports facilities in Italy, was Claudio Sabatini.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: “We have just concluded an extraordinary racing season and we are convinced that great victories deserve to be celebrated and shared. After having brought our Company and its history onto the international front pages, we believe it is right to celebrate these results in Bologna, the place where the Ducati magic was born and grew, by offering everyone a big party. The Unipol Arena allows us to put on a show capable of both exciting and entertaining the enthusiasts who participate. We invite everyone to join the party on December 15th to experience the emotion of feeling like World Champions together with us and our riders.”

Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna: “Ducati wins big with 7 titles this year. We are very happy, it is a great confirmation of excellence made in Bologna. We will make this great celebration together and we invite everyone to be there to celebrate this great moment of Bolognese sport returning to high levels.”

The undisputed stars of “Campioni in Festa” will be the Ducati riders, who astride the fastest bikes in the world gave fans a record-breaking sporting season. The full podium of the 2023 MotoGP season will take the stage, monopolized by Ducati with the two-time World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) on the top step, flanked by Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing Team) and Marco Bezzecchi (VR46 Racing Team). The World Champions in the main production-derived championships will also be present: Álvaro Bautista who defended his WorldSBK title and Nicolò Bulega who obtained his first title in WorldSSP. On stage, there will also be the “behind the scenes” figures that fans have come to know live from the Ducati pits: Luigi Dall’Igna, Paolo Ciabatti, Davide Tardozzi and Serafino Foti.

Dictating the rhythm of the party will be Barbara Pedrotti, journalist, TV presenter and great Ducati enthusiast and Gianluca Gazzoli, radio speaker and television host. The presence of the riders on the stage will be accompanied by Guido Meda: the unmistakable voice who, race after race, told the whole of Italy about Bagnaia’s success in MotoGP.

The choice of a location like the Unipol Arena made it natural to create a program that combines sport and music. The show on stage will be animated by Power100: a selection of 100 musicians from the international Rockin’1000 Community – which now has over 75,000 members and performs in stadiums all over the world – with a repertoire of iconic rock songs. At the end of the moment dedicated to their heroes, the public will then be able to have fun and dance thanks to the DJ set of an exceptional international guest like Martin Solveig, whose show will be preceded by the live performance of Nicola Zucchi, disc jockey and producer originally from Emilia Romagna and protagonist of numerous evenings in Italian clubs.

The gates will open at 8 p.m., and the show with the riders on stage will end around 10.30 p.m. to make way for DJ sets until about 00.30.

The “Campioni in Festa” event is open and free for all those who wish to celebrate together with Ducati. To download the entrance ticket, simply connect to this link.

For all those enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the Ducati world, it is possible to experience the Borgo Panigale Experience with a visit to the Ducati Factory and Museum. On the day of the celebration, the visits to the Borgo Panigale factory will be intensified. To secure a place for the visit at the desired time, it is recommended to book and purchase tickets online at https://tickets.ducati.com/. The Ducati Museum will be open as usual from 9:00 to 18:00.

Visit the section dedicated to Campioni in Festa on the Ducati website.

XCEL Trackdays Releases Its 2024 Schedule

XCEL Trackdays, Phoenix, Arizona’s premier motorcycle track day organization in the southwest, is proud to announce its 2024 track day schedule. All XCEL Trackdays events are hosted on the 2.23-mile, 16-turn, purpose-built Arizona Motorsports Park (AMP) facility in Litchfield, AZ. Our 2024 season kicks off Jan 21st and offers some of the best winter riding in the Southwest.

XCEL Trackdays 2024 Track Day Schedule – AMP

Jan-21, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Feb-18, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Mar-10, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Apr-14, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

May-5, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

SUMMER BREAK

Sep-22, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Oct-20, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Nov-10, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Dec-01, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

For more information and online registration for any XCEL Trackdays event, please visit www.xceltrackdays.com.

Video: Jonathan Rea’s World, Episode Five “First Time Riding MX With Both My Sons”

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.

Here is Episode Five “First Time Riding MX With Both My Sons.”

 

MotoGP: Who Is Trackhouse Racing?

Today, Dorna announced that an American group called Trackhouse Racing will be taking over Aprilia’s satellite team in the MotoGP World Championship for the next three seasons. But who is Trackhouse Racing?

Trackhouse Racing, a division of Trackhouse Entertainment Group, is a relatively new entity co-owned by international music recording artist Pitbull, a.k.a. Armando Christian Perez, and race-winning NASCAR and IMSA Rolex Sports Car Series driver Justin Marks.

“Trackhouse is a sports and entertainment brand rooted in racing, bringing a fresh approach to NASCAR, sports and entertainment,” according to the company’s official Google description.

Marks, 42, who last raced in the NASCAR Xfinity race on the street course in Chicago in the summer of 2023, opened Trackhouse Motorplex, a 0.7-mile outdoor karting track in Mooresville, North Carolina, with business partner Michael McDowell in 2012.

 

Team co-owner Justin Marks tries the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia RS-GP on for size. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Team co-owner Justin Marks tries the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia RS-GP on for size. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Marks later partnered with others to own and operate race teams in the K&N Pro Series East and World of Outlaws series. Then in 2020, Marks teamed up with former NASCAR executive Ty Norris to create Trackhouse Racing to compete in the NASCAR Cup premier series.

In 2021, Trackhouse Racing purchased Chip Ganassi Racing’s two-car NASCAR Operation, and then in 2022, Ross Chastain earned Trackhouse Racing its first NASCAR race victory at Circuit of The Americas and finished second in the Championship point standings. Chastain won the 2023 NASCAR Cup season finale in Phoenix and placed ninth in the Championship standings.

Trackhouse Racing plans to continue with Chastain in the #1 Chevy Camaro and Daniel Suarez in the #99 Chevy Camaro in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series.

While Trackhouse Racing’s NASCAR operation is located in Concord, North Carolina, the group’s MotoGP program will have its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, according to the Trackhouse Racing website.

Stay tuned for more information on Trackhouse Racing.

Sonoma Raceway Completely Repaving Road Course For First Time In 23 Years

NEW RACING SURFACE TO GREET DRIVERS AT SONOMA RACEWAY; BAY CITIES PAVING & GRADING TO REPAVE ICONIC RACING SURFACE

Racers and fans are about to be treated to a newly paved surface at California’s busiest racing facility.

Sonoma Raceway announced today a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to providing the best racing experience for fans and drivers alike. The world-renowned road course will undergo a comprehensive repaving project in preparation for the June 7-9, 2024 NASCAR race weekend.

“Our racing surface is in use more than 300 days per year,” said Brian Flynn, executive vice president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. “While our headline event is the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend, our raceway is used by car clubs, automotive enthusiasts, corporate clients and manufacturers on a daily basis. It’s important that we continue to upgrade this first-class facility for everyone who comes to Sonoma Raceway.”

Local area business Bay Cities Paving & Grading of Concord, CA has been awarded the contract for the project.

“We’re thrilled to have our repaving project managed by a bay area company,” Flynn said  “This is part of our continuing effort to work within our community while producing world-class events that bring in guests from around the country and the world.” 

Milling is slated to start at the conclusion of the final event of the season, Winter Jam Dec. 16-17, 2023. Work is scheduled through the first two months of the year with events returning in early Spring. 

This extensive repaving initiative signifies a robust investment by Speedway Motorsports in the future of racing at historic Sonoma Raceway and is the first full repave in 23 years. Just two years after the construction of the ultra-modern Turn 11 Club, this upgraded track surface will enhance driver performance, ensure a smoother and more competitive racing experience, and continue to solidify Sonoma Raceway’s status as a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts. 

“The materials being used allow us to offer a track with a seasoned feel for the drivers,” said Steve Swift, senior vice president of operations and development, Speedway Motorsports. “This means competition should be exciting right off the bat in 2024.”

Since the first race in December of 1968, Sonoma Raceway has been known for its heritage as an iconic track hosting top racing series and drivers. Currently, it is a West Coast gem on the calendars of both NASCAR and NHRA while continuing to host world-class events such as Velocity Invitational, GT World Challenge and Ferrari Challenge. 

Stay tuned for updates and additional details by following Sonoma Raceway on social media (@RaceSonoma) on Facebook, X, Instagram, downloading our app or by checking our website at SonomaRaceway.com.

WorldSBK: Sam Lowes Begins Superbike Journey With Test At Jerez

Sam Lowes begins exciting new WorldSBK adventure in Jerez
  

A new chapter in the illustrious history of the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team commenced today, with Sam Lowes making his hugely anticipated first appearance on the Ducati Panigale machine he will race in the 2024 WorldSBK Championship.
  

After rain prevented Lowes from completing any laps yesterday, the Briton was eager to make his WorldSBK debut today and he took to the Jerez track sporting a stunning black and silver testing livery.
 

With ambient temperatures peaking at only 14 degrees, Lowes opted to start the test using Pirelli’s wet tyres on a surface that had not fully dried from yesterday’s rain. The track did dry sufficiently in the afternoon for Lowes to gain some experience on Pirelli slick rubber.
 

A test full of positives was also the perfect opportunity for Lowes to get to know his new crew, while also familiarising himself with the riding position on the Ducati Panigale.
 

 

 

Sam Lowes
 

“The Ducati is beautiful to ride”
 

“Today started off with a lot of excitement and anticipation. I was desperate to ride the Ducati and make my WorldSBK debut, but it wasn’t ideal conditions. Before I went out for the first run on a wet track, I was super nervous. But after three laps I had a big smile on my face because the bike was so rider friendly, and it gave me confidence straightaway. I feel at home immediately with my new crew and they’ve been able to explain to me where I need to focus on to be fast on a superbike but also tell me what I’m doing well. I have to change my style after such a long time riding in Moto2, but we need to take it step-by-step. I certainly need to look at how I’m braking. But I love the bike. It does some things incredibly well and it is beautiful to ride. The speed is very impressive. I kept changing gears, but the bike just wants to keep accelerating, and I was impressed with how well the electronics manage the performance on worn tyres. I’m already looking forward to racing now in 2024. I know WorldSBK is a very high level class, but this test has convinced me that we can be competitive because I know there is such a big margin to improve. It has been a big effort from the whole Team and Ducati to get me out testing this side of Christmas, so I’m very grateful for that. Now I’ll enjoy a little break but I’m already raring to go for 2024!”

Suzuki Motor USA Hosting Motorcycles, Cars & Coffee Dec. 9 In Brea, California

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC is hosting a Motorcycles, Cars & Coffee event Saturday, December 9 from 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at its headquarters at 3251 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, California.

Assorted new Suzuki models and racebikes will be on display at the event, which is open to riders and drivers of all makes and models of cars and motorcycles.

Free donuts, coffee, and water will be provided.

Yamaha Champions Riding School Launches Champ U: Traffic Survival

Yamaha Champions Riding School Announces Champ U: Traffic Survival. 

November 2023 – Yamaha Champions Riding School, the premier motorcycle riding school in North America, is proud to announce a new Champions University digital curriculum: Traffic Survival. This is the fourth curriculum and arguably the most important Champ U online course to date.

Riding on the street is often considered dangerous and unpredictable. Distracted drivers, traffic, dilapidated roads, and insufficient training have become the norm. In fact, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to lose their lives in a fatal accident than other drivers.

The best way to stay safe on the street is to master motorcycle vehicle dynamics, understand the unique dangers of the road, and learn how the best riders in the world avoid them. As our skills and safety increase, so does the fun – and at the end of the day, that’s why we all love this sport! Traffic Survival is designed to give any rider, on any bike, the skills and strategies needed to enjoy every street ride and have more fun on two wheels for many years to come.

Derived from Multi-Time World Champion Freddie Spencer’s curriculum, ChampSchool has been in business since 2014 and has trained some of the best riders in the world with multi-day curriculums for street riders, racers, police officers, motorcycle manufactures, and the US Marine Corps. Yamaha Champions Riding School is at the forefront of motorcycle vehicle dynamics training.

We gathered subject matter experts with diverse backgrounds that include police motor officers, veteran street riders, international moto-journalists, and national road racing champions with one goal: create a complete curriculum on how to thrive and survive on the street.

Traffic Survival combines over forty videos, quizzes, and drills to form the definitive guide for street riding techniques and strategies, derived from data driven best practices, not internet-based theory.

Unlike our $2500.00 + exclusive multi-day training events, Champ U: Traffic Survival is available to any rider with an internet connection, and at a price any motorcyclist can afford. New riders and veteran street riders will learn the best techniques and approaches to handle a wide variety of situations, especially those that account for the majority of street crashes.

Traffic Survival will retail for $99.95 but is available until the end of the year for a very special introductory price of $79.95.

The weather may be getting colder, and your motorcycle might be going into storage for a while. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your skills on your preferred device. When warmer days arrive, you will be ready!

Learn more about Champ U: Traffic Survival, our other online and in-person courses at https://ridelikeachampion.com/courses-page/

 

About Yamaha Champions Riding School:

Yamaha Champions Riding School (ChampSchool) is the nation’s premier motorcycle training program. ChampSchool is the evolution of the Freddie Spencer High-Performance Riding School and is led by racer, author, and former right-hand man of Spencer, Nick Ienatsch. ChampSchool uses “Champions Habits” to teach all riders the skills and techniques used by the top riders in the world to go faster safer, while concentrating on the way in which modern motorcycles are designed to be ridden. ChampSchool is dedicated to making all motorcycle riders safer and more in control of their riding, no matter what type of riding they do. For more information visit www.champschool.com

Yamaha Champions Riding School is proudly sponsored by: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Dainese, Arai Helmets, YamaLube, GYTR, Chatterbox, GB Racing, ModOp, Chickenhawk Tire Warmers, Tech Spec, Payless Rental Cars, and N2 Track Days.

More Information: Yamaha Champions Riding School – www.champschool.com

AHRMA Seeking New Road Race Director

AHRMA racers Joe Ackley (709), Wes Orloff (74), and Maxon McLaughlin (713) at speed at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
AHRMA racers Joe Ackley (709), Wes Orloff (74), and Maxon McLaughlin (713) at speed at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.

AHRMA Seeks Candidates for Road Race Director

AHRMA is looking for a dedicated Road Race Director to operate its successful national road racing series. This position is that of Program Manager, coordinating all aspects of the series and individual event planning, staffing, budget, and both race day and financial administration.

The schedule for the 2024 season has already been set and is visible at Schedules & Results. A full array of experienced staff and the equipment needed to host these events is in place. The day-to-day manager to keep our series running smoothly during 2024 and beyond is what we seek. The successful candidate will be passionate about our sport, driven for success at every event, and able to enlist our team to peak performance.

The Road Race Director reports to AHRMA’s Executive Director. There are regular planning meetings with the Executive Director and Road Race Planning Committee for assistance, coordination with AHRMA strategies and other disciplines. The road race event staff report to the Road Race Director.

Familiarity with motorcycle racing, excellent communication skills, detail orientation, personnel management, contract negotiation, internal administration, and a high level of computer literacy are required. AHRMA regularly uses online tools (Google Meet and others) for video meetings, MotorsportReg.com for membership management / race registrations, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

This position can be performed remotely from anywhere in the USA, and travel is required to all road race events. Compensation is competitive for this role and will be commensurate with experience.

Information about our 30+ year old racing organization can be attained by viewing our website www.ahrma.org.

Deadline to apply is 12/20/2023.  Applications will only be accepted through the Road Race Director Application Form which can be found HERE.

Video: Stuman Rides: “How To Get Started In Motorcycle Road Racing”

An on-board shot from a recent CVMA New Racer School at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway led by Stuart "Stuman" Smith. Photo courtesy Stuman Rides.
An on-board shot from a recent CVMA New Racer School at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway led by Stuart "Stuman" Smith. Photo courtesy Stuman Rides.

So you have done a bunch of motorcycle track days and now you want to go racing. What do you need to know to get started? This video will walk you through the process to get started – the New Racer School.

Check out http://www.cvmaracing.com for more information about racing in southern California.

Check out http://www.roadracingworld.com to find out more about motorcycle road racing in your area.

 

Ducati Planning Celebration Of Its World Championships Dec. 15 In Bologna

(From left) Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, Unipol Arena representative Claudio Sabatini, and Casalecchio di Reno Mayor Massino Bosso. Photo courtesy Ducati.
(From left) Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, Unipol Arena representative Claudio Sabatini, and Casalecchio di Reno Mayor Massino Bosso. Photo courtesy Ducati.

Everyone at the Unipol Arena for “Campioni in Festa”: on Friday 15 December Ducati celebrates the World Titles of a record-breaking racing season!

  • Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO and Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna, have presented the program of the “Campioni in Festa” event, which will be held on Friday 15 December at the Unipol Arena of Bologna
  • The Ducati riders will be the stars of the evening: the full MotoGP podium will be present with the World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi, together with the WorldSBK and WorldSSP World Champions Álvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega
  • Ducati Corse’s dream racing season will be celebrated with a big party with free entry open to all enthusiasts: hosts of the evening will be Barbara Pedrotti and Gianluca Gazzoli with the intervention of Guido Meda, while the musical entertainment will be entrusted to Rockin’1000 and to internationally renowned DJ Martin Solveig

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 6 December 2023 – With the presentation press conference held in the venue of the Municipality of Bologna in Palazzo D’Accursio, the spotlight was turned on “Campioni in Festa”, the event with which Ducati will celebrate the victories achieved in the MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP World Championships together with all enthusiasts.

On Friday 15 December, the Unipol Arena in Casalecchio di Reno (Bologna, Italy) will welcome the World Champions and all the Ducatisti for a big party with free entry, during which moments of storytelling to relive the emotions of the victories achieved in 2023 will alternate with pure entertainment, especially musical, to give the public a great time.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO, Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna and Massimo Bosso, Mayor of Casalecchio di Reno , spoke at the press conference, describing the event program and highlighting once again the close relationship between Ducati, the Institutions and the territory. Representing the Unipol Arena, one of the most famous multi-purpose indoor sports facilities in Italy, was Claudio Sabatini.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: “We have just concluded an extraordinary racing season and we are convinced that great victories deserve to be celebrated and shared. After having brought our Company and its history onto the international front pages, we believe it is right to celebrate these results in Bologna, the place where the Ducati magic was born and grew, by offering everyone a big party. The Unipol Arena allows us to put on a show capable of both exciting and entertaining the enthusiasts who participate. We invite everyone to join the party on December 15th to experience the emotion of feeling like World Champions together with us and our riders.”

Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna: “Ducati wins big with 7 titles this year. We are very happy, it is a great confirmation of excellence made in Bologna. We will make this great celebration together and we invite everyone to be there to celebrate this great moment of Bolognese sport returning to high levels.”

The undisputed stars of “Campioni in Festa” will be the Ducati riders, who astride the fastest bikes in the world gave fans a record-breaking sporting season. The full podium of the 2023 MotoGP season will take the stage, monopolized by Ducati with the two-time World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) on the top step, flanked by Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing Team) and Marco Bezzecchi (VR46 Racing Team). The World Champions in the main production-derived championships will also be present: Álvaro Bautista who defended his WorldSBK title and Nicolò Bulega who obtained his first title in WorldSSP. On stage, there will also be the “behind the scenes” figures that fans have come to know live from the Ducati pits: Luigi Dall’Igna, Paolo Ciabatti, Davide Tardozzi and Serafino Foti.

Dictating the rhythm of the party will be Barbara Pedrotti, journalist, TV presenter and great Ducati enthusiast and Gianluca Gazzoli, radio speaker and television host. The presence of the riders on the stage will be accompanied by Guido Meda: the unmistakable voice who, race after race, told the whole of Italy about Bagnaia’s success in MotoGP.

The choice of a location like the Unipol Arena made it natural to create a program that combines sport and music. The show on stage will be animated by Power100: a selection of 100 musicians from the international Rockin’1000 Community – which now has over 75,000 members and performs in stadiums all over the world – with a repertoire of iconic rock songs. At the end of the moment dedicated to their heroes, the public will then be able to have fun and dance thanks to the DJ set of an exceptional international guest like Martin Solveig, whose show will be preceded by the live performance of Nicola Zucchi, disc jockey and producer originally from Emilia Romagna and protagonist of numerous evenings in Italian clubs.

The gates will open at 8 p.m., and the show with the riders on stage will end around 10.30 p.m. to make way for DJ sets until about 00.30.

The “Campioni in Festa” event is open and free for all those who wish to celebrate together with Ducati. To download the entrance ticket, simply connect to this link.

For all those enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the Ducati world, it is possible to experience the Borgo Panigale Experience with a visit to the Ducati Factory and Museum. On the day of the celebration, the visits to the Borgo Panigale factory will be intensified. To secure a place for the visit at the desired time, it is recommended to book and purchase tickets online at https://tickets.ducati.com/. The Ducati Museum will be open as usual from 9:00 to 18:00.

Visit the section dedicated to Campioni in Festa on the Ducati website.

XCEL Trackdays Releases Its 2024 Schedule

A scene from an XCEL Trackdays event. Photo courtesy XCEL Trackdays.
A scene from an XCEL Trackdays event. Photo courtesy XCEL Trackdays.

XCEL Trackdays, Phoenix, Arizona’s premier motorcycle track day organization in the southwest, is proud to announce its 2024 track day schedule. All XCEL Trackdays events are hosted on the 2.23-mile, 16-turn, purpose-built Arizona Motorsports Park (AMP) facility in Litchfield, AZ. Our 2024 season kicks off Jan 21st and offers some of the best winter riding in the Southwest.

XCEL Trackdays 2024 Track Day Schedule – AMP

Jan-21, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Feb-18, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Mar-10, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Apr-14, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

May-5, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

SUMMER BREAK

Sep-22, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Oct-20, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Nov-10, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

Dec-01, Arizona Motorsports Park, Litchfield Park, Arizona

For more information and online registration for any XCEL Trackdays event, please visit www.xceltrackdays.com.

Video: Jonathan Rea’s World, Episode Five “First Time Riding MX With Both My Sons”

Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Pirelli.
Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Pirelli.

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.

Here is Episode Five “First Time Riding MX With Both My Sons.”

 

MotoGP: Who Is Trackhouse Racing?

The Trackhouse Racing Aprilia RS-GP, as presented Tuesday in Europe. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The Trackhouse Racing Aprilia RS-GP, as presented Tuesday in Europe. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Today, Dorna announced that an American group called Trackhouse Racing will be taking over Aprilia’s satellite team in the MotoGP World Championship for the next three seasons. But who is Trackhouse Racing?

Trackhouse Racing, a division of Trackhouse Entertainment Group, is a relatively new entity co-owned by international music recording artist Pitbull, a.k.a. Armando Christian Perez, and race-winning NASCAR and IMSA Rolex Sports Car Series driver Justin Marks.

“Trackhouse is a sports and entertainment brand rooted in racing, bringing a fresh approach to NASCAR, sports and entertainment,” according to the company’s official Google description.

Marks, 42, who last raced in the NASCAR Xfinity race on the street course in Chicago in the summer of 2023, opened Trackhouse Motorplex, a 0.7-mile outdoor karting track in Mooresville, North Carolina, with business partner Michael McDowell in 2012.

 

Team co-owner Justin Marks tries the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia RS-GP on for size. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Team co-owner Justin Marks tries the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia RS-GP on for size. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Marks later partnered with others to own and operate race teams in the K&N Pro Series East and World of Outlaws series. Then in 2020, Marks teamed up with former NASCAR executive Ty Norris to create Trackhouse Racing to compete in the NASCAR Cup premier series.

In 2021, Trackhouse Racing purchased Chip Ganassi Racing’s two-car NASCAR Operation, and then in 2022, Ross Chastain earned Trackhouse Racing its first NASCAR race victory at Circuit of The Americas and finished second in the Championship point standings. Chastain won the 2023 NASCAR Cup season finale in Phoenix and placed ninth in the Championship standings.

Trackhouse Racing plans to continue with Chastain in the #1 Chevy Camaro and Daniel Suarez in the #99 Chevy Camaro in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series.

While Trackhouse Racing’s NASCAR operation is located in Concord, North Carolina, the group’s MotoGP program will have its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, according to the Trackhouse Racing website.

Stay tuned for more information on Trackhouse Racing.

Sonoma Raceway Completely Repaving Road Course For First Time In 23 Years

Sonoma Raceway. Photo courtesy of Sonoma Raceway.
Sonoma Raceway. Photo courtesy of Sonoma Raceway.

NEW RACING SURFACE TO GREET DRIVERS AT SONOMA RACEWAY; BAY CITIES PAVING & GRADING TO REPAVE ICONIC RACING SURFACE

Racers and fans are about to be treated to a newly paved surface at California’s busiest racing facility.

Sonoma Raceway announced today a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to providing the best racing experience for fans and drivers alike. The world-renowned road course will undergo a comprehensive repaving project in preparation for the June 7-9, 2024 NASCAR race weekend.

“Our racing surface is in use more than 300 days per year,” said Brian Flynn, executive vice president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. “While our headline event is the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend, our raceway is used by car clubs, automotive enthusiasts, corporate clients and manufacturers on a daily basis. It’s important that we continue to upgrade this first-class facility for everyone who comes to Sonoma Raceway.”

Local area business Bay Cities Paving & Grading of Concord, CA has been awarded the contract for the project.

“We’re thrilled to have our repaving project managed by a bay area company,” Flynn said  “This is part of our continuing effort to work within our community while producing world-class events that bring in guests from around the country and the world.” 

Milling is slated to start at the conclusion of the final event of the season, Winter Jam Dec. 16-17, 2023. Work is scheduled through the first two months of the year with events returning in early Spring. 

This extensive repaving initiative signifies a robust investment by Speedway Motorsports in the future of racing at historic Sonoma Raceway and is the first full repave in 23 years. Just two years after the construction of the ultra-modern Turn 11 Club, this upgraded track surface will enhance driver performance, ensure a smoother and more competitive racing experience, and continue to solidify Sonoma Raceway’s status as a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts. 

“The materials being used allow us to offer a track with a seasoned feel for the drivers,” said Steve Swift, senior vice president of operations and development, Speedway Motorsports. “This means competition should be exciting right off the bat in 2024.”

Since the first race in December of 1968, Sonoma Raceway has been known for its heritage as an iconic track hosting top racing series and drivers. Currently, it is a West Coast gem on the calendars of both NASCAR and NHRA while continuing to host world-class events such as Velocity Invitational, GT World Challenge and Ferrari Challenge. 

Stay tuned for updates and additional details by following Sonoma Raceway on social media (@RaceSonoma) on Facebook, X, Instagram, downloading our app or by checking our website at SonomaRaceway.com.

WorldSBK: Sam Lowes Begins Superbike Journey With Test At Jerez

Sam Lowes at speed on his new Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4 R World Superbike at Jerez. Photo courtesy Marc VDS Racing Team.
Sam Lowes at speed on his new Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4 R World Superbike at Jerez. Photo courtesy Marc VDS Racing Team.

Sam Lowes begins exciting new WorldSBK adventure in Jerez
  

A new chapter in the illustrious history of the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team commenced today, with Sam Lowes making his hugely anticipated first appearance on the Ducati Panigale machine he will race in the 2024 WorldSBK Championship.
  

After rain prevented Lowes from completing any laps yesterday, the Briton was eager to make his WorldSBK debut today and he took to the Jerez track sporting a stunning black and silver testing livery.
 

With ambient temperatures peaking at only 14 degrees, Lowes opted to start the test using Pirelli’s wet tyres on a surface that had not fully dried from yesterday’s rain. The track did dry sufficiently in the afternoon for Lowes to gain some experience on Pirelli slick rubber.
 

A test full of positives was also the perfect opportunity for Lowes to get to know his new crew, while also familiarising himself with the riding position on the Ducati Panigale.
 

 

 

Sam Lowes
 

“The Ducati is beautiful to ride”
 

“Today started off with a lot of excitement and anticipation. I was desperate to ride the Ducati and make my WorldSBK debut, but it wasn’t ideal conditions. Before I went out for the first run on a wet track, I was super nervous. But after three laps I had a big smile on my face because the bike was so rider friendly, and it gave me confidence straightaway. I feel at home immediately with my new crew and they’ve been able to explain to me where I need to focus on to be fast on a superbike but also tell me what I’m doing well. I have to change my style after such a long time riding in Moto2, but we need to take it step-by-step. I certainly need to look at how I’m braking. But I love the bike. It does some things incredibly well and it is beautiful to ride. The speed is very impressive. I kept changing gears, but the bike just wants to keep accelerating, and I was impressed with how well the electronics manage the performance on worn tyres. I’m already looking forward to racing now in 2024. I know WorldSBK is a very high level class, but this test has convinced me that we can be competitive because I know there is such a big margin to improve. It has been a big effort from the whole Team and Ducati to get me out testing this side of Christmas, so I’m very grateful for that. Now I’ll enjoy a little break but I’m already raring to go for 2024!”

Suzuki Motor USA Hosting Motorcycles, Cars & Coffee Dec. 9 In Brea, California

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC headquarters in Brea, California. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC headquarters in Brea, California. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC is hosting a Motorcycles, Cars & Coffee event Saturday, December 9 from 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at its headquarters at 3251 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, California.

Assorted new Suzuki models and racebikes will be on display at the event, which is open to riders and drivers of all makes and models of cars and motorcycles.

Free donuts, coffee, and water will be provided.

Yamaha Champions Riding School Launches Champ U: Traffic Survival

Yamaha Champions Riding School CEO/Chief Instructor Nick Ienatsch. Photo courtesy Yamaha Champions Riding School.
Yamaha Champions Riding School CEO/Chief Instructor Nick Ienatsch. Photo courtesy Yamaha Champions Riding School.

Yamaha Champions Riding School Announces Champ U: Traffic Survival. 

November 2023 – Yamaha Champions Riding School, the premier motorcycle riding school in North America, is proud to announce a new Champions University digital curriculum: Traffic Survival. This is the fourth curriculum and arguably the most important Champ U online course to date.

Riding on the street is often considered dangerous and unpredictable. Distracted drivers, traffic, dilapidated roads, and insufficient training have become the norm. In fact, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to lose their lives in a fatal accident than other drivers.

The best way to stay safe on the street is to master motorcycle vehicle dynamics, understand the unique dangers of the road, and learn how the best riders in the world avoid them. As our skills and safety increase, so does the fun – and at the end of the day, that’s why we all love this sport! Traffic Survival is designed to give any rider, on any bike, the skills and strategies needed to enjoy every street ride and have more fun on two wheels for many years to come.

Derived from Multi-Time World Champion Freddie Spencer’s curriculum, ChampSchool has been in business since 2014 and has trained some of the best riders in the world with multi-day curriculums for street riders, racers, police officers, motorcycle manufactures, and the US Marine Corps. Yamaha Champions Riding School is at the forefront of motorcycle vehicle dynamics training.

We gathered subject matter experts with diverse backgrounds that include police motor officers, veteran street riders, international moto-journalists, and national road racing champions with one goal: create a complete curriculum on how to thrive and survive on the street.

Traffic Survival combines over forty videos, quizzes, and drills to form the definitive guide for street riding techniques and strategies, derived from data driven best practices, not internet-based theory.

Unlike our $2500.00 + exclusive multi-day training events, Champ U: Traffic Survival is available to any rider with an internet connection, and at a price any motorcyclist can afford. New riders and veteran street riders will learn the best techniques and approaches to handle a wide variety of situations, especially those that account for the majority of street crashes.

Traffic Survival will retail for $99.95 but is available until the end of the year for a very special introductory price of $79.95.

The weather may be getting colder, and your motorcycle might be going into storage for a while. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your skills on your preferred device. When warmer days arrive, you will be ready!

Learn more about Champ U: Traffic Survival, our other online and in-person courses at https://ridelikeachampion.com/courses-page/

 

About Yamaha Champions Riding School:

Yamaha Champions Riding School (ChampSchool) is the nation’s premier motorcycle training program. ChampSchool is the evolution of the Freddie Spencer High-Performance Riding School and is led by racer, author, and former right-hand man of Spencer, Nick Ienatsch. ChampSchool uses “Champions Habits” to teach all riders the skills and techniques used by the top riders in the world to go faster safer, while concentrating on the way in which modern motorcycles are designed to be ridden. ChampSchool is dedicated to making all motorcycle riders safer and more in control of their riding, no matter what type of riding they do. For more information visit www.champschool.com

Yamaha Champions Riding School is proudly sponsored by: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Dainese, Arai Helmets, YamaLube, GYTR, Chatterbox, GB Racing, ModOp, Chickenhawk Tire Warmers, Tech Spec, Payless Rental Cars, and N2 Track Days.

More Information: Yamaha Champions Riding School – www.champschool.com