Recently, some motorsports news websites posted stories reporting that Grattan Raceway Park, located near Grand Rapids, Michigan, is for sale, causing a lot of discussion and speculation about the track’s future throughout the motorsports community.
While the reports are true, they aren’t exactly news.
Grattan Raceway Park has been up for sale for years ever since its founder and original owner Edward J. “E.J.” Faasen passed away in 2017 at the age of 89.
“It has been for sale for a few years,” Sam Faasen, son of E.J. Faasen and General Manager of the family-owned racetrack, told RoadracingWorld.com Friday. “We’re all getting up there in age.
“Prior to the COVID outbreak we had a customer, and then the COVID thing hit and kind of turned the economy around a little bit. Then the inflation hit and that [affected] it a little more. But we’ve had a number of interested parties come in from outside the U.S.”
Originally constructed in 1960, Grattan Raceway Park is a 2.0-mile, 40-feet-wide, 13-turn road course with a 3,200-foot-long straightaway that can be operated in both directions, and portions of the track have been repaved over the last three years, according to Faasen.
Grattan Raceway Park hosted multiple WERA Sportsman regional race events, Sportbike Track Time track days, and other automobile and karting events in 2023, and reservations for 2024 event dates are being taken, as normal.
The track, however, is still for sale.
Asked for the listing price, Faasen referred RoadracingWorld.com to his real estate agent Joe Rizqallah (616-822-6310) at Signature Associates, who was out of the country at post time.
Peter Hickman takes pole for 55th Edition of Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix
A sensational last lap of the second and final qualifying session put Peter Hickman in pole position for tomorrow’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – 55th Edition. The three-time race winner recorded a best time of 2:24.8, to grab the optimal starting place on the grid ahead of Saturday’s 12-lap race.
However, he may not have posted the time had it not been for the efforts of his rival Davey Todd: “I didn’t think we needed to go out again. Everything was good with the bike, we’re happy with the tyres amongst other things, so I was quite content to stay in the garage,” said the MGM FHO Racing BMW rider. “Then Davey did his lap to take provisional pole with about eight minutes left so I decided to put my helmet back on. It turned out to be the right decision as the bike performed brilliantly so I was able to grab top spot again. There’s a bit of psychology involved in that. Had Davey stayed in pole he would be super-confident ahead of tomorrow, but hopefully I’ve now given him something to think about.”
“The track was a lot better than I was expecting,” he added. “I thought it may have been greasier following all the day’s car action. The only issue was the sun into Lisboa. It was hard to find brake marks but, all in all, everything worked out okay.”
Davey Todd will start in the middle of the front row but his session got off to a challenging start when his Burrows Engineering RK Racing BMW suffered a clutch issue: “I’m delighted with the way things worked out in the end,” said Todd. “I have a good little team around me so when the clutch went there was no need to panic and we got out with plenty of time left to put that lap in. I’ve been happy with the BMW from the word go, so I’m confident ahead of tomorrow. I’m looking forward to racing with Peter [Hickman] and everyone else and putting on a show. Bring it on!”
Last year’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix winner Erno Kostamo completes the front row of the grid and, like his two rivals at the head of the grid, he improved on his time from the morning session.
“I’m very happy with the way things have gone,” said the Finn. “I’ve lapped quicker on the ZERO UP Racing Team by Penz 13 BMW than I did last year when I won the race. My only dilemma is what tyre I decide to use tomorrow. Do I go soft, which may be a big risk, or do I go hard which will provide more stability? Whatever happens I’m looking forward to crossing swords with Peter and Davey again.”
Fourth fastest was German David Datzer on the MTP-Racing by ZERO UP Penz 13, while nine-time winner and Hickman’s team mate Michael Rutter rounded out the top five fastest riders over the two qualifying sessions.
More, from a press release issued by FHO Racing:
Peter Hickman snatches pole position at the Macau Grand Prix in a last lap dash
Peter Hickman (88). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
FHO Racing BMW Motorrad are on pole ready for tomorrow’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, after a sensational last lap dash from Peter Hickman aboard the BMW M 1000 RR, at Team Principal Faye Ho’s home event.
Awarding Faye’s team its first-ever pole position at the Macau Grand Prix, Hicky has led the way during all practice and qualifying sessions at the Guia Circuit. Peter, a three-time Macau GP winner has been consistently fast aboard his BMW machine, sponsored by MGM, especially in the final qualifying session this afternoon.
Topping the times in yesterday’s opening practice and today’s first qualifying, Peter didn’t have it easy in the final session after delays during the days’ schedule meant low lying sun was an issue at the 6.120-km circuit.
Dicing with rival Davey Todd, Peter was back into second place in the closing stages of qualifying and had pulled into the garage, but following a lap from Davey that put him in pole position, Pete returned to the track and took back pole position with a 2:24.879 lap time, 0.0491s ahead.
Meanwhile Peter’s teammates Michael Rutter and Macau GP newcomer Josh Brookes will start the race with Michael on the second row in fifth and 13th for newcomer Josh, after a challenging day. Still getting to grips with the Macau circuit, Josh encountered an issue with his gearbox in Q1, where he only got two flying laps and finished 17th. For the afternoon he was determined to progress and with each lap of the circuit his lap times improved, where he qualified in 13th place.
The 55th Edition of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix takes place tomorrow (Saturday 18 November) at 08:40 local time (00:40 GMT) and can be watched live here.
Josh Brookes (888). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
Josh Brookes – 13th:
“Qualifying started off pretty disastrous, I was so desperate to do some more laps. Yesterday’s practice went well, I did as many laps as I could really, and then I was hoping to match that today and do a similar pattern during the session. Unfortunately, we had a gearbox problem so I was only able to get two timed laps, which meant we lost a lot of track time, which being new to the event track time is critical and that’s what will make the difference between where I’ll qualify and where I’ll finish. Luckily, we had Q2 in the afternoon and we got the maximum amount of laps as I could get away with. We came in during the middle got more fuel and tyres, then went and did another bunch of laps. So, I kind of maximised the amount of laps I could do in qualifying and secured my fastest lap during the last lap. Every lap I do is helpful and I’m progressing, but I’m actually a bit surprised that the progress isn’t quicker. It feels a little like I’m held back for some reason, obviously fear and self-preservation, those sort of things, but yeah, I just feel how I feel when I’m looking through the visor; I feel OK but the stopwatch is not indicating the same sensation, so I don’t know how to improve that for tomorrow. We’ve got morning warm up and I’ll get some more laps, then hopefully get into a better rhythm ready for the race.”
Michael Rutter (8). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
Michael Rutter – 5th:
“I won’t lie, I wish I’d ended up on the front row, but I’m not I’m fifth! I’m happy in one sense, I feel better with the bike and with each lap it got better. I was feeling a bit sick in the other sessions, perhaps just getting used to it and getting up to speed, but I felt better in the final session. It was just the sun really, I just didn’t feel comfortable with it. I tried to do the best I could and ended up going quicker, so it’s all going the right way. We have morning warm-up and the race tomorrow, so hopefully we can make some further progress and move a little closer towards Pete.”
Peter Hickman. Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
Peter Hickman – Pole Position:
“The BMW’s working good; the boys are working really well. This morning in Q1 I was pretty fast, I’m a second away from where I was in qualifying in 2019. The track is bumpier as well, so I was quite happy with that, but the other boys have been super-fast as well, so second place was only a tenth behind me. It’s good to see that we have some strong competition! Coming into this afternoon, I wasn’t entirely sure when we’d get going, there’d been a lot of crashes in the car classes, but we weren’t too late in the end, so we had enough time but the sun was really low and in the run to Lisboa in particular, you really couldn’t see and couldn’t judge your braking markers at all. I thought the session was over to be honest, seven minutes to go I pulled in, I hadn’t been as fast as I was in the morning as I didn’t need to, then all of a sudden, the boys hadn’t even got the bike on the stand as I pulled in, and Davey suddenly did a 25.3 lap, so I looked up at the screen and thought ‘I best get back out on the bike!’ I went back out, seven minutes you don’t have much time, so once I’d done the out lap it meant I could only do two flying laps. The first lap wasn’t the best and I caught few people, the second lap I still caught a few people but managed to pull it out of the bag with a 2:24.879 lap time. I’m happy with that, it was lap eight of the rear tyre, so shows that we can have pace into the race if we need to. I’m mega happy for FHO Racing and of course for Faye to get her first pole position, this is the first time FHO Racing has been here so it’s a great result already and I can’t wait for the race tomorrow!”
Faye Ho – Team Principal:
“It means so much to me that we’re on pole position here at the Macau Grand Prix, at my home race in our debut year. Everyone in the team has, and always does work so hard, but this week the whole team have been amazing and to finish today on pole, is something really special – so a huge thank you to each and everyone in the team. It’s not over just yet, as we have 12 laps of the race tomorrow for Josh, Michael and Peter, but I know as a team we will put our best foot forward and do the very best we can. I’d like to wish my riders a safe and successful race, but also to our fellow competitors. The Macau Grand Prix is not an easy event, so here’s to a good race for everyone!”
Raul Fernandez was quickest during MotoGP Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday evening at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his CryptoDATA RNF Aprilia, the Spaniard lapped the newly repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) track in 1:52.843, which was very close to Francesco Bagnaia’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:52.772.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of rest with a 1:52.892 on his Gresini Racing Ducati, and Maverick Vinales rounded out the top three with a 1:52.936 on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.
The top 18 riders in the session were separated by just 1.094 seconds.
Martin & Bagnaia split by 0.007s as Raul Fernandez goes fastest on Friday
The title contenders end Day 1 in P7 and P8 as Aprilia and Diggia take over the top three
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Friday, 17 November 2023
Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) enjoyed a dream Friday Practice session at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, not only bagging himself a spot in Q2 but ending Friday fastest of the bunch. It was as close as ever though, with just 0.049s back to first on the chase Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as the Italian looked strong from the off. The gap back to third fastest Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) is even smaller too, just 0.044.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Title contenders Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), meanwhile, ended the day in P7 and P8. Split by just 14 points in the duel for the Championship, it’s even closer out on the circuit so far this weekend as the duo were just 0.007s apart.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.
#PECCOvsMARTIN
There were Q2 spots up for grabs in Practice as the riders hit the circuit for a full hour of track time around the Lusail International Circuit. Bagnaia and Martin weren’t having it all their own way either, and as we headed into the closing stages, both riders needed to find time despite having ended FP1 higher up the order, with Martin fastest and Bagnaia third, two tenths back.
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
As always once the final few minutes were underway in the afternoon, red sectors came flying in. And it was Raul Fernandez who went top, beating Viñales’ benchmark. Martin pulled a lap time out of the bag to propel himself into the top 10, as did Bagnaia, but yellow flags then caught out several riders as Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) crashed unhurt at the final corner while on a time that looked certain to take the #44 into the top 10. In the end, despite some late improvers, Martin and Bagnaia secured crucial top 10s.
Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
As close as ever in MotoGP™
It’s tight at the top as Diggia, number 49, ended up a somewhat fitting 0.049 off Raul Fernandez, with that 0.044 back to Viñales becoming an even smaller 0.019 to Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in fourth. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) rounds out the top five as Aprilia came out swinging, only another 0.078 in arrears, with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) putting in a very late run to grab P6.
From there it’s the only gap in the top ten bigger than a tenth down to Martin, that 0.007 back to Bagnaia and then a smashing Day 1 job from Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3). He was on a hot one in FP1 too, lighting up the timing screens before crash at Turn 14.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) had a solid day on the timesheets and stole a tow from Bagnaia to round out the top 10, too, denying Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) a place in Q2 by just 0.014.
Qualifying awaits
There are some heavy hitters set for battle in Q1 on Saturday. Miller will be joined by the Sprint victor and podium finisher from last weekend Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as well as Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – among others.
The penultimate qualifying of the year kicks off at 15:40 local time (GMT+3). There, we’ll know how Bagnaia and Martin will face down the next two battles for the maximum of 37 points on offer at Lusail… don’t miss it!
SHOWTIME IN QATAR
The stage is set for Qualifying and the Tissot Sprint! Make sure you tune in:
MotoGP™ FP2: 15:00
MotoGP™ Q1: 15:40
MotoGP™ Q2: 16:05
MotoGP™ Sprint: 20:00
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aldeguer takes lap record in demolition job on Day 1
Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) is the rider to beat after the opening day of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. The Boscosuro rider’s 1:58.059, a new all-time lap record, came in the late stages of Practice 2 to deny Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) Day 1 honours by 0.104s. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) enjoyed a positive Friday too, rounding out the top three.
Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) made a big improvement in P2 to move up to fourth place ahead of Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) who lit up the timing screens to eventually finish in 5th. Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp) was looking very strong in P1 as he took well to the Lusail International Circuit, and the Spaniard finished the day in P6 ahead of Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia).
It was a quiet day for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who, despite looking there or thereabouts in Practice 1, could only manage 8th place overall on the combined timings. The World Champion finished just ahead of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) and Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), the latter rounding out the top 10.
Moto2™ will be back in action on Saturday for Practice 3 at 14:15 and qualifying at 18:45 local (GMT +3), make sure to come back for more!
Jaume Masia (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto3™: Masia maintains momentum ahead of match point
Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) has shown superb speed on the opening day of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. The Spaniard topped the timesheets with his 2:06.794 seeing him sit half a second clear of the rest of the field, and over a second quicker than his closest title rival Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
Romano Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team) found form in Practice 2 and was the closest to Masia in second, and despite a late-session trip to the gravel trap, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) rounded out the top three on his first-ever visit to the Lusail International Circuit.
Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) missed out on the top three by 0.009s as he took P4. Next up behind the Spaniard was Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) who rounded out the top five ahead of Xavier Artigas (CFMOTO Racing PrüstelGP) and David Alonso (Gaviota ASGAS Aspar Team), the latter taking an early-session tumble.
Sasaki had a tougher Friday in Qatar and has work to do to on Saturday. The Japanese rider managed to salvage P8, as Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) completed Friday’s lightweight class top 10.
Moto3™ action continues on Saturday, make sure not to miss any of the action with Practice 3 at 14:30 local time (GMT +3) and qualifying at 17:50 (GMT +3). Can Masia set himself up to face match point from pole?
Fermin Aldeguer led Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp machine, the Spaniard lapped the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) circuit in 1:58.059, eclipsing Joe Roberts’ All-Time Lap Record of 1:58.136.
American Roberts finished the session 11th with a 1:59.231 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.
Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) was 17th in the session with a 1:59.666.
Jaume Masia was fastest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, the Championship point leader did a 2:06.794 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Jorge Martin was quickest during MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, the Spaniard covered the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) course in 1:56.393 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Martin’s teammate Johann Zarco was second-best with a time of 1:56.565.
Defending World Champion and current point leader Francesco Bagnaia made it a Ducati 1-2-3 with a 1:56.622 on his Lenovo Team Ducati.
Fermin Aldeguer topped Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. The Beta Tools SpeedUp rider navigated the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) course in 2:01.097 to top the field of 30 racers.
American Joe Roberts, the Moto2 All-Time Lap Record holder at Lusail, was 14th with a 2:03.418 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.
Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished the session 21st with a lap of 2:04.269 on his Forward Team machine.
Deniz Oncu was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo racebike, the Turkish racer lapped the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) track in 2:09.404 to lead the field of 28 competitors.
The two contenders join the pre-event Press Conference on Thursday before heading for an awesome photo call in Doha
Thursday, 16 November 2023
It all comes down to this: two contenders split by 14 points, a maximum of 74 still up for grabs, and two more weekends of competition for this season of the world’s most exciting sport. On Thursday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, the pre-event Press Conference therefore had a predictable guest list in the best way, welcoming title contenders Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) ahead of a first potential match point for Pecco.
Both then headed to the city for a spectacular photo opportunity against the awesome backdrop of the city skyline. Here are some quotes and photos from touchdown in Doha!
On seeing the MotoGP™ Stories episode:
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “First of all, it’s strange to say that that was just seven years ago. It seems like it was a lot longer. But yeah, when Jorge arrived in the Mahindra team I’d already followed him in the Rookies Cup the year before and he was doing incredible things, so I was expecting to have a very strong teammate. The first test in the wet, he was already faster than me. So yeah, he’s been very, very competitive from the start. He needed time to adapt to everything because some riders arrive and assume that they’re competitive and other riders need more time. The fact that right now we are fighting for the title is great and I think Jorge, Aspar and Gino can be proud.”
Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
How do you feel about your chances of getting the job done this weekend?
“I’m not considering this weekend as a match point, honestly I have to gain 23 points I think, and that’s too much in a single weekend. Jorge is doing a really great job and it will be more important to think session by session to work like we did last weekend in Sepang and try to be competitive. We know perfectly well that the tarmac has been resurfaced and it could be a great question for the tyres. I think it will be demanding on the tyres because it’s new. Let’s see. It’s a track that I like. We’ve always been competitive here, apart from last year when it was at the wrong part of the season. But the lap record is still mine and I think our bike suits very well to this circuit.”
The goal is to beat Martin this weekend?
“Yeah, maybe that would be better because 14 points to lead the championship is nothing, 37 points or weekend is a lot, so you can gain or lose a lot of points in one weekend. It will be important to stay calm and work well and try to do the maximum because last weekend he gained 3 points on Saturday and then lost four on Sunday, so it’s very balanced and I think it will be a head-to-head.”
What about Bastianini?
“I don’t know. I was quite clear with the team and I’ll always say that if he has the possibility to win and he’s in a situation that he needs to push. So let’s see, but for sure it’ll be OK to work together during the sessions, maybe. I always prefer to be alone, but maybe it’s time to work together.”
Reaction to the crash in 2022…
“We were there behind, pushing for seven points and I was on the limit. I was fighting with him and then nothing… I lost the front. It was worse for him because he became injured on the leathers, so it was quite scary for him. That wasn’t the ideal start to the season. We were in quite a bit of trouble at that point.”
On the new track surface:
“I think it will be better for everyone. New asphalt means more grip. We always arrive here in March when it’s cold at the beginning, so for me it will be better, but we need to see for the tyres because we will race in different conditions compared to the past years and it will be a lot hotter. It’ll be a big question for the tyres, for sure.”
Are you still happy to be sharing data when you’re fighting for the World Championship?
“It’s always been like this. He can see my data when I’m faster and I can see his data when he’s faster. So for me it’s the same. A good thing is that we ride in two different ways, so it’s also difficult to compare sometimes.”
Do you expect it to be a close battle here?
“Let’s see. I don’t know because the new asphalt can change a lot and in the past also last year, you need to control the tyres a lot. We were seeing fastest laps in the last laps last year so it will be tricky for sure an interesting. It would be nice to have a battle like in the past. I would be happy to be in the side of Andrea Dovizioso!”
On seeing the MotoGP™ Stories episode:
JORGE MARTIN: “I watched it this week, I really enjoyed it. I had a lot fun watching it, I was laughing by myself in my hotel room. It helped me disconnect a little. When I saw the video, I felt a lot of respect and remembered a lot of good moment with Pecco. For sure, at the time I never expected that we would be here sitting together and fighting for a MotoGP World Championship. It’s an honour to be here with Pecco, but now let’s go and win it.”
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Is it now essential to cut the gap?
“Yeah for sure, I don’t know the maths, I just know I need to recover points. This is my target. I’m already second in the Championship even if I don’t ride in the next two races so I just need to attack and recover points.”
Out in the desert with Dakar Rally winner Nasser Al-Attiyah. Good way to relax?
“Yesterday was an amazing day. Thanks to Nasser, it was an amazing experience. I felt in Malaysia I was riding a little too blocked on Sunday. I was feeling like I was crashing at every corner and this didn’t help to go fast and smooth. Now it’s like I told you before, I’m already in second, I just can change to first so I will take the risks and maybe take some gambles to do it.”
Bastianini didn’t take too much risk against Pecco in the Sprint at Sepang, for example… does he have more friends out there?
“I don’t care about friends; I just care about myself. I feel if I can do my 100%, I can beat all of them so I am focused on the weekend and myself and if someone helps him or not, I can’t control it, so I don’t really care.”
On the new surface in Qatar:
“I didn’t have a look yet but as Pecco said there will be more grip with new asphalt. Tyres will be the key. We have a lot info from the past so maybe it will be useless. Maybe we have to start from zero and let’s try to be clever and fast to understand the situation.”
Ducati sharing data policy continues, or are there more secrets?
“For me it is the same, we are used to this. He knows my set up exactly because I almost never change! I think it’s like this. Battling for a Championship isn’t easy when you know your rival is looking at your data, but I’m also looking at his.”
Past battles in Qatar have been spectacular, do you expect a close battle this weekend?
“It will be super close for me. It’s difficult to understand now but it will be a close battle between all the fast riders. It’s a good chance to recover points but also a good chance to lose a lot of points. We need to be clever and fast and try to win it.”
Fans over the world are picking Team Pecco or Team Martin. Who would be dream celebrity fan?
“Difficult to say, Valentino was my idol so maybe him but that might be difficult! Let’s say Jason Statham!”
Title contenders Jorge Martin (right) and Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (left) pose with the MotoGP World Championship trophy in downtown Doha. Photo courtesy Dorna.
**Precision Track Days Announces Partial 2024 Schedule**
Acworth, GA [Nov 15,2024] – Precision Track Days, the newest track day provider in the southeast, is excited to unveil a portion of its much-anticipated 2024 track day schedule. This partial release showcases a diverse range of tracks, offering both new challenges and favorite classics to our valued community of track day enthusiasts.
The 2024 season will see the introduction of several new tracks to the Precision lineup, broadening our geographic reach and providing fresh experiences for our participants. These include renowned circuits such as JenningsGP, Carolina Motorsports Park, TalladegaGP and Virginia International Raceway – South Course. Each venue has been carefully selected for its unique characteristics and ability to deliver an exhilarating riding experience.
Some of the unique things about Precision Track Days include
Our partnership with Lean Machines and Track Bike Rentals to provide you with a comprehensive “arrive and ride” experience on the meticulously track prepped motorcycle fleet
2 Intermediate groups to ensure riders are as closely matched to each others skill group as possible
Professional 1on1 instructions from accomplished racers
A “not so boring” Novice Program that will help relax your nerves and take you step-by-step
At Precision Track Days, our commitment to delivering a high-quality, safe, fun and enjoyable experience remains our top priority. Our 2024 events will continue to feature professional instruction from renowned riders in the sport, comprehensive safety protocols, and a supportive environment suitable for riders of all skill levels.
**Stay Tuned for More**
This partial release represents just a glimpse of what the 2024 season has to offer. Additional dates and locations will be announced in the coming months. We encourage everyone to stay connected with us through our website and social media channels for the latest updates and registration details.
**About Precision Track Days**
Founded in 2023, Precision Track Days strives to establish itself as a premier provider of motorcycle track day experiences. With a focus on quality, safety, and rider development, we strive to offer the best possible experience for motorsport enthusiasts across the country.
For more information, please call us at 770-313-6797 or buy your spots and packages on our website for the 2024 season.
Grattan Raceway Park, near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Photo courtesy Signature Associates.
Recently, some motorsports news websites posted stories reporting that Grattan Raceway Park, located near Grand Rapids, Michigan, is for sale, causing a lot of discussion and speculation about the track’s future throughout the motorsports community.
While the reports are true, they aren’t exactly news.
Grattan Raceway Park has been up for sale for years ever since its founder and original owner Edward J. “E.J.” Faasen passed away in 2017 at the age of 89.
“It has been for sale for a few years,” Sam Faasen, son of E.J. Faasen and General Manager of the family-owned racetrack, told RoadracingWorld.com Friday. “We’re all getting up there in age.
“Prior to the COVID outbreak we had a customer, and then the COVID thing hit and kind of turned the economy around a little bit. Then the inflation hit and that [affected] it a little more. But we’ve had a number of interested parties come in from outside the U.S.”
Originally constructed in 1960, Grattan Raceway Park is a 2.0-mile, 40-feet-wide, 13-turn road course with a 3,200-foot-long straightaway that can be operated in both directions, and portions of the track have been repaved over the last three years, according to Faasen.
Grattan Raceway Park hosted multiple WERA Sportsman regional race events, Sportbike Track Time track days, and other automobile and karting events in 2023, and reservations for 2024 event dates are being taken, as normal.
The track, however, is still for sale.
Asked for the listing price, Faasen referred RoadracingWorld.com to his real estate agent Joe Rizqallah (616-822-6310) at Signature Associates, who was out of the country at post time.
Peter Hickman (88). Photo courtesy Macau Grand Prix Committee.
Peter Hickman takes pole for 55th Edition of Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix
A sensational last lap of the second and final qualifying session put Peter Hickman in pole position for tomorrow’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – 55th Edition. The three-time race winner recorded a best time of 2:24.8, to grab the optimal starting place on the grid ahead of Saturday’s 12-lap race.
However, he may not have posted the time had it not been for the efforts of his rival Davey Todd: “I didn’t think we needed to go out again. Everything was good with the bike, we’re happy with the tyres amongst other things, so I was quite content to stay in the garage,” said the MGM FHO Racing BMW rider. “Then Davey did his lap to take provisional pole with about eight minutes left so I decided to put my helmet back on. It turned out to be the right decision as the bike performed brilliantly so I was able to grab top spot again. There’s a bit of psychology involved in that. Had Davey stayed in pole he would be super-confident ahead of tomorrow, but hopefully I’ve now given him something to think about.”
“The track was a lot better than I was expecting,” he added. “I thought it may have been greasier following all the day’s car action. The only issue was the sun into Lisboa. It was hard to find brake marks but, all in all, everything worked out okay.”
Davey Todd will start in the middle of the front row but his session got off to a challenging start when his Burrows Engineering RK Racing BMW suffered a clutch issue: “I’m delighted with the way things worked out in the end,” said Todd. “I have a good little team around me so when the clutch went there was no need to panic and we got out with plenty of time left to put that lap in. I’ve been happy with the BMW from the word go, so I’m confident ahead of tomorrow. I’m looking forward to racing with Peter [Hickman] and everyone else and putting on a show. Bring it on!”
Last year’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix winner Erno Kostamo completes the front row of the grid and, like his two rivals at the head of the grid, he improved on his time from the morning session.
“I’m very happy with the way things have gone,” said the Finn. “I’ve lapped quicker on the ZERO UP Racing Team by Penz 13 BMW than I did last year when I won the race. My only dilemma is what tyre I decide to use tomorrow. Do I go soft, which may be a big risk, or do I go hard which will provide more stability? Whatever happens I’m looking forward to crossing swords with Peter and Davey again.”
Fourth fastest was German David Datzer on the MTP-Racing by ZERO UP Penz 13, while nine-time winner and Hickman’s team mate Michael Rutter rounded out the top five fastest riders over the two qualifying sessions.
More, from a press release issued by FHO Racing:
Peter Hickman snatches pole position at the Macau Grand Prix in a last lap dash
Peter Hickman (88). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
FHO Racing BMW Motorrad are on pole ready for tomorrow’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, after a sensational last lap dash from Peter Hickman aboard the BMW M 1000 RR, at Team Principal Faye Ho’s home event.
Awarding Faye’s team its first-ever pole position at the Macau Grand Prix, Hicky has led the way during all practice and qualifying sessions at the Guia Circuit. Peter, a three-time Macau GP winner has been consistently fast aboard his BMW machine, sponsored by MGM, especially in the final qualifying session this afternoon.
Topping the times in yesterday’s opening practice and today’s first qualifying, Peter didn’t have it easy in the final session after delays during the days’ schedule meant low lying sun was an issue at the 6.120-km circuit.
Dicing with rival Davey Todd, Peter was back into second place in the closing stages of qualifying and had pulled into the garage, but following a lap from Davey that put him in pole position, Pete returned to the track and took back pole position with a 2:24.879 lap time, 0.0491s ahead.
Meanwhile Peter’s teammates Michael Rutter and Macau GP newcomer Josh Brookes will start the race with Michael on the second row in fifth and 13th for newcomer Josh, after a challenging day. Still getting to grips with the Macau circuit, Josh encountered an issue with his gearbox in Q1, where he only got two flying laps and finished 17th. For the afternoon he was determined to progress and with each lap of the circuit his lap times improved, where he qualified in 13th place.
The 55th Edition of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix takes place tomorrow (Saturday 18 November) at 08:40 local time (00:40 GMT) and can be watched live here.
Josh Brookes (888). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
Josh Brookes – 13th:
“Qualifying started off pretty disastrous, I was so desperate to do some more laps. Yesterday’s practice went well, I did as many laps as I could really, and then I was hoping to match that today and do a similar pattern during the session. Unfortunately, we had a gearbox problem so I was only able to get two timed laps, which meant we lost a lot of track time, which being new to the event track time is critical and that’s what will make the difference between where I’ll qualify and where I’ll finish. Luckily, we had Q2 in the afternoon and we got the maximum amount of laps as I could get away with. We came in during the middle got more fuel and tyres, then went and did another bunch of laps. So, I kind of maximised the amount of laps I could do in qualifying and secured my fastest lap during the last lap. Every lap I do is helpful and I’m progressing, but I’m actually a bit surprised that the progress isn’t quicker. It feels a little like I’m held back for some reason, obviously fear and self-preservation, those sort of things, but yeah, I just feel how I feel when I’m looking through the visor; I feel OK but the stopwatch is not indicating the same sensation, so I don’t know how to improve that for tomorrow. We’ve got morning warm up and I’ll get some more laps, then hopefully get into a better rhythm ready for the race.”
Michael Rutter (8). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
Michael Rutter – 5th:
“I won’t lie, I wish I’d ended up on the front row, but I’m not I’m fifth! I’m happy in one sense, I feel better with the bike and with each lap it got better. I was feeling a bit sick in the other sessions, perhaps just getting used to it and getting up to speed, but I felt better in the final session. It was just the sun really, I just didn’t feel comfortable with it. I tried to do the best I could and ended up going quicker, so it’s all going the right way. We have morning warm-up and the race tomorrow, so hopefully we can make some further progress and move a little closer towards Pete.”
Peter Hickman. Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
Peter Hickman – Pole Position:
“The BMW’s working good; the boys are working really well. This morning in Q1 I was pretty fast, I’m a second away from where I was in qualifying in 2019. The track is bumpier as well, so I was quite happy with that, but the other boys have been super-fast as well, so second place was only a tenth behind me. It’s good to see that we have some strong competition! Coming into this afternoon, I wasn’t entirely sure when we’d get going, there’d been a lot of crashes in the car classes, but we weren’t too late in the end, so we had enough time but the sun was really low and in the run to Lisboa in particular, you really couldn’t see and couldn’t judge your braking markers at all. I thought the session was over to be honest, seven minutes to go I pulled in, I hadn’t been as fast as I was in the morning as I didn’t need to, then all of a sudden, the boys hadn’t even got the bike on the stand as I pulled in, and Davey suddenly did a 25.3 lap, so I looked up at the screen and thought ‘I best get back out on the bike!’ I went back out, seven minutes you don’t have much time, so once I’d done the out lap it meant I could only do two flying laps. The first lap wasn’t the best and I caught few people, the second lap I still caught a few people but managed to pull it out of the bag with a 2:24.879 lap time. I’m happy with that, it was lap eight of the rear tyre, so shows that we can have pace into the race if we need to. I’m mega happy for FHO Racing and of course for Faye to get her first pole position, this is the first time FHO Racing has been here so it’s a great result already and I can’t wait for the race tomorrow!”
Faye Ho – Team Principal:
“It means so much to me that we’re on pole position here at the Macau Grand Prix, at my home race in our debut year. Everyone in the team has, and always does work so hard, but this week the whole team have been amazing and to finish today on pole, is something really special – so a huge thank you to each and everyone in the team. It’s not over just yet, as we have 12 laps of the race tomorrow for Josh, Michael and Peter, but I know as a team we will put our best foot forward and do the very best we can. I’d like to wish my riders a safe and successful race, but also to our fellow competitors. The Macau Grand Prix is not an easy event, so here’s to a good race for everyone!”
Raul Fernandez (25), as seen at Sepang. Photo courtesy CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team.
Raul Fernandez was quickest during MotoGP Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday evening at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his CryptoDATA RNF Aprilia, the Spaniard lapped the newly repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) track in 1:52.843, which was very close to Francesco Bagnaia’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:52.772.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of rest with a 1:52.892 on his Gresini Racing Ducati, and Maverick Vinales rounded out the top three with a 1:52.936 on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.
The top 18 riders in the session were separated by just 1.094 seconds.
Martin & Bagnaia split by 0.007s as Raul Fernandez goes fastest on Friday
The title contenders end Day 1 in P7 and P8 as Aprilia and Diggia take over the top three
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Friday, 17 November 2023
Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) enjoyed a dream Friday Practice session at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, not only bagging himself a spot in Q2 but ending Friday fastest of the bunch. It was as close as ever though, with just 0.049s back to first on the chase Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as the Italian looked strong from the off. The gap back to third fastest Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) is even smaller too, just 0.044.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Title contenders Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), meanwhile, ended the day in P7 and P8. Split by just 14 points in the duel for the Championship, it’s even closer out on the circuit so far this weekend as the duo were just 0.007s apart.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.
#PECCOvsMARTIN
There were Q2 spots up for grabs in Practice as the riders hit the circuit for a full hour of track time around the Lusail International Circuit. Bagnaia and Martin weren’t having it all their own way either, and as we headed into the closing stages, both riders needed to find time despite having ended FP1 higher up the order, with Martin fastest and Bagnaia third, two tenths back.
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
As always once the final few minutes were underway in the afternoon, red sectors came flying in. And it was Raul Fernandez who went top, beating Viñales’ benchmark. Martin pulled a lap time out of the bag to propel himself into the top 10, as did Bagnaia, but yellow flags then caught out several riders as Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) crashed unhurt at the final corner while on a time that looked certain to take the #44 into the top 10. In the end, despite some late improvers, Martin and Bagnaia secured crucial top 10s.
Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
As close as ever in MotoGP™
It’s tight at the top as Diggia, number 49, ended up a somewhat fitting 0.049 off Raul Fernandez, with that 0.044 back to Viñales becoming an even smaller 0.019 to Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in fourth. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) rounds out the top five as Aprilia came out swinging, only another 0.078 in arrears, with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) putting in a very late run to grab P6.
From there it’s the only gap in the top ten bigger than a tenth down to Martin, that 0.007 back to Bagnaia and then a smashing Day 1 job from Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3). He was on a hot one in FP1 too, lighting up the timing screens before crash at Turn 14.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) had a solid day on the timesheets and stole a tow from Bagnaia to round out the top 10, too, denying Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) a place in Q2 by just 0.014.
Qualifying awaits
There are some heavy hitters set for battle in Q1 on Saturday. Miller will be joined by the Sprint victor and podium finisher from last weekend Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as well as Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – among others.
The penultimate qualifying of the year kicks off at 15:40 local time (GMT+3). There, we’ll know how Bagnaia and Martin will face down the next two battles for the maximum of 37 points on offer at Lusail… don’t miss it!
SHOWTIME IN QATAR
The stage is set for Qualifying and the Tissot Sprint! Make sure you tune in:
MotoGP™ FP2: 15:00
MotoGP™ Q1: 15:40
MotoGP™ Q2: 16:05
MotoGP™ Sprint: 20:00
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aldeguer takes lap record in demolition job on Day 1
Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) is the rider to beat after the opening day of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. The Boscosuro rider’s 1:58.059, a new all-time lap record, came in the late stages of Practice 2 to deny Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) Day 1 honours by 0.104s. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) enjoyed a positive Friday too, rounding out the top three.
Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) made a big improvement in P2 to move up to fourth place ahead of Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) who lit up the timing screens to eventually finish in 5th. Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp) was looking very strong in P1 as he took well to the Lusail International Circuit, and the Spaniard finished the day in P6 ahead of Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia).
It was a quiet day for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who, despite looking there or thereabouts in Practice 1, could only manage 8th place overall on the combined timings. The World Champion finished just ahead of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) and Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), the latter rounding out the top 10.
Moto2™ will be back in action on Saturday for Practice 3 at 14:15 and qualifying at 18:45 local (GMT +3), make sure to come back for more!
Jaume Masia (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Moto3™: Masia maintains momentum ahead of match point
Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) has shown superb speed on the opening day of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. The Spaniard topped the timesheets with his 2:06.794 seeing him sit half a second clear of the rest of the field, and over a second quicker than his closest title rival Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
Romano Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team) found form in Practice 2 and was the closest to Masia in second, and despite a late-session trip to the gravel trap, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) rounded out the top three on his first-ever visit to the Lusail International Circuit.
Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) missed out on the top three by 0.009s as he took P4. Next up behind the Spaniard was Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) who rounded out the top five ahead of Xavier Artigas (CFMOTO Racing PrüstelGP) and David Alonso (Gaviota ASGAS Aspar Team), the latter taking an early-session tumble.
Sasaki had a tougher Friday in Qatar and has work to do to on Saturday. The Japanese rider managed to salvage P8, as Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) completed Friday’s lightweight class top 10.
Moto3™ action continues on Saturday, make sure not to miss any of the action with Practice 3 at 14:30 local time (GMT +3) and qualifying at 17:50 (GMT +3). Can Masia set himself up to face match point from pole?
Fermin Aldeguer led Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp machine, the Spaniard lapped the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) circuit in 1:58.059, eclipsing Joe Roberts’ All-Time Lap Record of 1:58.136.
American Roberts finished the session 11th with a 1:59.231 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.
Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) was 17th in the session with a 1:59.666.
Jaume Masia (5). Photo courtesy Leopard Racing Team.
Jaume Masia was fastest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, the Championship point leader did a 2:06.794 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Jorge Martin was quickest during MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, the Spaniard covered the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) course in 1:56.393 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Martin’s teammate Johann Zarco was second-best with a time of 1:56.565.
Defending World Champion and current point leader Francesco Bagnaia made it a Ducati 1-2-3 with a 1:56.622 on his Lenovo Team Ducati.
Fermin Aldeguer topped Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. The Beta Tools SpeedUp rider navigated the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) course in 2:01.097 to top the field of 30 racers.
American Joe Roberts, the Moto2 All-Time Lap Record holder at Lusail, was 14th with a 2:03.418 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.
Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished the session 21st with a lap of 2:04.269 on his Forward Team machine.
Deniz Oncu (53), as seen at Sepang. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo.
Deniz Oncu was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo racebike, the Turkish racer lapped the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) track in 2:09.404 to lead the field of 28 competitors.
MotoGP World Championship contenders Jorge Martin (left) and Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
#PECCOvsMARTIN: “I’ll take the risk and gamble”
The two contenders join the pre-event Press Conference on Thursday before heading for an awesome photo call in Doha
Thursday, 16 November 2023
It all comes down to this: two contenders split by 14 points, a maximum of 74 still up for grabs, and two more weekends of competition for this season of the world’s most exciting sport. On Thursday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, the pre-event Press Conference therefore had a predictable guest list in the best way, welcoming title contenders Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) ahead of a first potential match point for Pecco.
Both then headed to the city for a spectacular photo opportunity against the awesome backdrop of the city skyline. Here are some quotes and photos from touchdown in Doha!
On seeing the MotoGP™ Stories episode:
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “First of all, it’s strange to say that that was just seven years ago. It seems like it was a lot longer. But yeah, when Jorge arrived in the Mahindra team I’d already followed him in the Rookies Cup the year before and he was doing incredible things, so I was expecting to have a very strong teammate. The first test in the wet, he was already faster than me. So yeah, he’s been very, very competitive from the start. He needed time to adapt to everything because some riders arrive and assume that they’re competitive and other riders need more time. The fact that right now we are fighting for the title is great and I think Jorge, Aspar and Gino can be proud.”
Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.
How do you feel about your chances of getting the job done this weekend?
“I’m not considering this weekend as a match point, honestly I have to gain 23 points I think, and that’s too much in a single weekend. Jorge is doing a really great job and it will be more important to think session by session to work like we did last weekend in Sepang and try to be competitive. We know perfectly well that the tarmac has been resurfaced and it could be a great question for the tyres. I think it will be demanding on the tyres because it’s new. Let’s see. It’s a track that I like. We’ve always been competitive here, apart from last year when it was at the wrong part of the season. But the lap record is still mine and I think our bike suits very well to this circuit.”
The goal is to beat Martin this weekend?
“Yeah, maybe that would be better because 14 points to lead the championship is nothing, 37 points or weekend is a lot, so you can gain or lose a lot of points in one weekend. It will be important to stay calm and work well and try to do the maximum because last weekend he gained 3 points on Saturday and then lost four on Sunday, so it’s very balanced and I think it will be a head-to-head.”
What about Bastianini?
“I don’t know. I was quite clear with the team and I’ll always say that if he has the possibility to win and he’s in a situation that he needs to push. So let’s see, but for sure it’ll be OK to work together during the sessions, maybe. I always prefer to be alone, but maybe it’s time to work together.”
Reaction to the crash in 2022…
“We were there behind, pushing for seven points and I was on the limit. I was fighting with him and then nothing… I lost the front. It was worse for him because he became injured on the leathers, so it was quite scary for him. That wasn’t the ideal start to the season. We were in quite a bit of trouble at that point.”
On the new track surface:
“I think it will be better for everyone. New asphalt means more grip. We always arrive here in March when it’s cold at the beginning, so for me it will be better, but we need to see for the tyres because we will race in different conditions compared to the past years and it will be a lot hotter. It’ll be a big question for the tyres, for sure.”
Are you still happy to be sharing data when you’re fighting for the World Championship?
“It’s always been like this. He can see my data when I’m faster and I can see his data when he’s faster. So for me it’s the same. A good thing is that we ride in two different ways, so it’s also difficult to compare sometimes.”
Do you expect it to be a close battle here?
“Let’s see. I don’t know because the new asphalt can change a lot and in the past also last year, you need to control the tyres a lot. We were seeing fastest laps in the last laps last year so it will be tricky for sure an interesting. It would be nice to have a battle like in the past. I would be happy to be in the side of Andrea Dovizioso!”
On seeing the MotoGP™ Stories episode:
JORGE MARTIN: “I watched it this week, I really enjoyed it. I had a lot fun watching it, I was laughing by myself in my hotel room. It helped me disconnect a little. When I saw the video, I felt a lot of respect and remembered a lot of good moment with Pecco. For sure, at the time I never expected that we would be here sitting together and fighting for a MotoGP World Championship. It’s an honour to be here with Pecco, but now let’s go and win it.”
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Is it now essential to cut the gap?
“Yeah for sure, I don’t know the maths, I just know I need to recover points. This is my target. I’m already second in the Championship even if I don’t ride in the next two races so I just need to attack and recover points.”
Out in the desert with Dakar Rally winner Nasser Al-Attiyah. Good way to relax?
“Yesterday was an amazing day. Thanks to Nasser, it was an amazing experience. I felt in Malaysia I was riding a little too blocked on Sunday. I was feeling like I was crashing at every corner and this didn’t help to go fast and smooth. Now it’s like I told you before, I’m already in second, I just can change to first so I will take the risks and maybe take some gambles to do it.”
Bastianini didn’t take too much risk against Pecco in the Sprint at Sepang, for example… does he have more friends out there?
“I don’t care about friends; I just care about myself. I feel if I can do my 100%, I can beat all of them so I am focused on the weekend and myself and if someone helps him or not, I can’t control it, so I don’t really care.”
On the new surface in Qatar:
“I didn’t have a look yet but as Pecco said there will be more grip with new asphalt. Tyres will be the key. We have a lot info from the past so maybe it will be useless. Maybe we have to start from zero and let’s try to be clever and fast to understand the situation.”
Ducati sharing data policy continues, or are there more secrets?
“For me it is the same, we are used to this. He knows my set up exactly because I almost never change! I think it’s like this. Battling for a Championship isn’t easy when you know your rival is looking at your data, but I’m also looking at his.”
Past battles in Qatar have been spectacular, do you expect a close battle this weekend?
“It will be super close for me. It’s difficult to understand now but it will be a close battle between all the fast riders. It’s a good chance to recover points but also a good chance to lose a lot of points. We need to be clever and fast and try to win it.”
Fans over the world are picking Team Pecco or Team Martin. Who would be dream celebrity fan?
“Difficult to say, Valentino was my idol so maybe him but that might be difficult! Let’s say Jason Statham!”
Title contenders Jorge Martin (right) and Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (left) pose with the MotoGP World Championship trophy in downtown Doha. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Riders lined up to go out on track at a Precision Track Days event at Jennings GP. Photo courtesy Precision Track Days.
**Precision Track Days Announces Partial 2024 Schedule**
Acworth, GA [Nov 15,2024] – Precision Track Days, the newest track day provider in the southeast, is excited to unveil a portion of its much-anticipated 2024 track day schedule. This partial release showcases a diverse range of tracks, offering both new challenges and favorite classics to our valued community of track day enthusiasts.
The 2024 season will see the introduction of several new tracks to the Precision lineup, broadening our geographic reach and providing fresh experiences for our participants. These include renowned circuits such as JenningsGP, Carolina Motorsports Park, TalladegaGP and Virginia International Raceway – South Course. Each venue has been carefully selected for its unique characteristics and ability to deliver an exhilarating riding experience.
Some of the unique things about Precision Track Days include
Our partnership with Lean Machines and Track Bike Rentals to provide you with a comprehensive “arrive and ride” experience on the meticulously track prepped motorcycle fleet
2 Intermediate groups to ensure riders are as closely matched to each others skill group as possible
Professional 1on1 instructions from accomplished racers
A “not so boring” Novice Program that will help relax your nerves and take you step-by-step
At Precision Track Days, our commitment to delivering a high-quality, safe, fun and enjoyable experience remains our top priority. Our 2024 events will continue to feature professional instruction from renowned riders in the sport, comprehensive safety protocols, and a supportive environment suitable for riders of all skill levels.
**Stay Tuned for More**
This partial release represents just a glimpse of what the 2024 season has to offer. Additional dates and locations will be announced in the coming months. We encourage everyone to stay connected with us through our website and social media channels for the latest updates and registration details.
**About Precision Track Days**
Founded in 2023, Precision Track Days strives to establish itself as a premier provider of motorcycle track day experiences. With a focus on quality, safety, and rider development, we strive to offer the best possible experience for motorsport enthusiasts across the country.
For more information, please call us at 770-313-6797 or buy your spots and packages on our website for the 2024 season.
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November 11, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
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
