AHRMA: 2024 Vintage Cup To Feature 350cc Grand Prix

David Swarts

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November 6, 2023

AHRMA: 2024 Vintage Cup To Feature 350cc Grand Prix

350cc Grand Prix Motorcycles Featured in 2024 AHRMA Vintage Cup

(November 06, 2023, Knoxville, TN) The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) 2024 Vintage Cup will highlight iconic middle weight machines from the 1960s.

Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2024 Vintage Cup features the 350GP class which includes 350cc two and four-stroke and 250cc two-stroke liquid and air-cooled machines built before December 31, 1968.

“The 350GP class was our inaugural Vintage Cup class running in 2019. The grids increased immensely and have remained increased for the past five years. We are pleased to bring it back and expect the grids to be better than ever,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton, Vintage Cup sponsor for the 350GP Featured Class.

Typical AHRMA 350GP grids include wide variety motorcycles from Aermacchi, Bultaco, Honda, Ducati, Kawasaki, and Suzuki.

“350GP has been an exciting class since AHRMA’s earliest days, and I plan to join in the fun myself as a rider and a machine owner for others. I expect to see a variety of marques represented in the results,” shared Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board.

The Vintage Cup will be highlighted during and after each of the 2024 AHRMA National road races. Added enhancements for the 2024 season include:

Enhanced trophies throughout the season.
Special awards for series champion.
Articles and photos on Roadracingworld.com to spotlight the class.
Roadracing World print magazine enhanced exposure for AHRMA and 350GP.
Discounted race entry fees.
Racer spotlight features in AHRMA MAG.
Class champion on cover of the AHRMA MAG.

Motorcycles eligible for AHRMA’s 350GP class must have been built before December 31, 1968, or be based on a like design and may have up to a 350cc air-cooled four-stroke engine with overhead valves and cams; a 350cc air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke; 250cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke; 250cc air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke. A list of eligible machines can be found in the AHRMA Handbook in Section 10.2.3 350 Grand Prix (www.ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).

“The 350 GP class has been important since the beginning of road racing. Practically all the factories that competed in the 500 class also competed in the 350 class. Norton and Velocette dominated before WWII and the immediate post-war period. The 350 Junior class ran at the Isle of Man from 1911 to 1976, Norton winning 12 times, MV nine times and Velocette eight times,” said David Roper, a multi-time AHRMA champion and frequent 350GP competitor.

“When the World Championship was established in 1949, the 350 was one of the four solo classes and lasted through 1982. The championship was won by a four-stroke every year until 1974 when the two-strokes took over until the class was eliminated,” Roper said. “Some manufacturers enlarged their 250 to 350 (Moto Guzzi and Honda), some made smaller versions of their 500s (Gilera and MV), and for some the 350 was their prime size and they enlarged them to make forays into the 500 class (AJS and Velocette). Singles, twins, triples, fours, and six-cylinder motors were successful.”

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Promotes And Expands Staff

David Swarts

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November 6, 2023

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Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Promotes And Expands Staff

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires welcomes Wes Samperio as a new Motorcycle Product Manager. Wes comes to Dunlop from Falken Tire, the company’s car and truck tire brand, where he had worked his way up to lead the Falken FAST sales team to help grow their retail presence. Samperio will be located with the team at the Rancho Cucamonga headquarters located in California to join current Motorcycle Product Manager Chris Siebenhaar.

Sr. Vice President of Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Sales and Marketing, Mike Buckley, explains: “Wes is a motorcycle enthusiast at heart and will be an outstanding addition to the team, and we look forward to bringing him up to speed with the product planning process.”

Both Samperio and Siebenhaar will report to the newly appointed Director of Product Marketing and Motorcycle Motorsports, Chad Geer. The sixteen-year member of the Dunlop Motorcycle Tire team will now be fully responsible for Dunlop’s product roadmap along with all the processes that support it. Additionally, Chad will spearhead the product marketing and overall product branding by working with Dunlop’s marketing team to align on messaging. Finally, motorsport racing activities will come under his direction, including the sponsorship programs attached to the various series Dunlop competes in including amateur and club racing activities.

“Chad has worked tirelessly and effectively with all stakeholders involved in the Dunlop Motorcycle business, and has earned this expanded role,” Buckley said. He continued, “I’m confident Chad will excel in this expanded role and continue to drive for results for the business.”

Finally, Rick Zimmerman has been promoted to Director of Original Equipment for Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA). This newly created role now includes both four-wheel and two-wheel businesses. SRNA’s Detroit office will now report to Zimmerman, and he will direct the four-wheel OE side of the company from now on.

“While on the surface it seems like an overwhelming expansion of responsibilities, I am confident that Rick will be fully capable of handling this based on the outstanding job he has done with the two-wheel OE business throughout his tenure with us,” said Buckley.

“All these moves have one thing in common: these three associates have been making great contributions to our company and have earned expanded roles or roles that will stretch their knowledge and experience to allow them to continue toward future leadership roles within SRNA,” explained Buckley.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. and is part of the Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA) company. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

MotoGP: World Championship Resumes This Coming Weekend At Sepang

David Swarts

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November 6, 2023

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MotoGP: World Championship Resumes This Coming Weekend At Sepang

All or nothing: Sepang sets the final countdown in motion

The heat is on as the last triple header welcomes the title fight, with just 13 points in it and 111 still to play for

Monday, 06 November 2023

This is it. The final stretch, the final triple header of a history-making season. There are just three race weekends to go, at the end of which we’ll have a 2023 Champion. The three Tissot Sprints and Grand Prix races that remain are not, in fact, worth any more than they were in Portugal, or Mugello, or even last time out. But as the finish line appears on the horizon, it feels like it’s now all or nothing for the remaining 111 points – and the top two in the title fight are split by just 13. So here we go. It’s time to go racing at Petronas Sepang International Circuit.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) remains the Championship leader on the way in, and he’ll be the Championship leader by the conclusion of the Sprint at Sepang too, by a minimum of 1 point. That’s about all that can be guaranteed after a rollercoaster few Grands Prix for both the top title contenders. For Bagnaia, it’s been a mixture of tough Fridays, visits to Q1, rabbits pulled out of hats to make some history on Sunday and a good few reminders exactly why he’s the reigning Champion. At Sepang last season, he also proved why he would go on to grab that title as he held his nerve to out-duel now teammate Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

For Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), meanwhile, it’s all been about pure pace. Or so it seemed, until Buriram. There, the number 89 was not actually faster than Bagnaia and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), and he had to get the gloves off, soak up some serious pressure AND play the tactics to perfection right to the line. But that he did, and if previously being the fastest wasn’t enough of a confidence boost, knowing he came out on top against that competition is just another. Those memories of his crash out the lead in Indonesia have hopefully been put to bed after proving, just like in Japan, that his nerves can be as steel as required – and he’ll need them to be after crashing out of the lead in Sepang last season.

Binder won’t be easy competition to deny, however, and he has little to lose. No pressure in the fight for the crown, an ever-present desire to get absolutely stuck in, serious speed and an RC16 that’s rocketed through the ranks since the Sepang Test make quite a combination, and he really, really wants that win. But Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) will want to make sure he’s the rider taking it to Bagnaia and Martin instead this time round, aiming to arrive at 100% fitness and not having been on the podium since that stunning win in India before his broken collarbone. Time is running out for the number 72 to stay in contention for the crown, but as we’ve seen before… when it’s hooked up for Bezzecchi, it’s game over for the rest. Can he come out swinging?

The rest of the Ducati armada will aim to do just that, too. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) wants more this weekend and was the fastest in the Sepang Test. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was right in the podium battle in Buriram before crashing out. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) is now a premier class winner, and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was on an awesome run before a tougher Thai GP. There’s also a wildcard in the mix, in more than one way, as newly-crowned 2023 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista wildcards with the Aruba.it team. And his times raised some eyebrows in testing, as they should as he returns to a venue he’s raced more in the premier class of Grand Prix racing than most of the riders around him…

Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), meanwhile, had a few things to remind people of in Buriram, as did one rider he duelled in a fabulous flashback: Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™). Marquez got the gloves off with Bagnaia, Quartararo, Bezzecchi AND Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) across a much better weekend in Thailand, and he’ll want to do more of the same at Sepang. Quartararo, this time around, got the better of the number 93 too, and last year in Malaysia he rode a stunning race to keep his title hopes alive. Can they get back up there again this weekend?

Speaking of Aleix Espargaro, it’s been a slightly tougher stint for Aprilia recently despite flashes of awesome speed. Both the number 41 and teammate Maverick Viñales suffered in the heat at Buriram, but not from the ambient conditions – from the bike. So that will be mission: priority to try and solve as the paddock rolls into Sepang. Viñales’ record at the venue is a truly stellar one too. Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) and teammate Raul Fernandez had tough Thai GPs as well and will want a lot more from Malaysia, a home race for many in the team including founder Razlan Razali.

The list of those wanting more continues for many. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) may top the list as his mid-season woes continue into late-season woes, especially looking at the speed of Binder as a comparison last time out. Fellow RC16 rider Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) will be frustrated in a different way after good pace in Buriram took him straight to Q2, but a run off on Sunday then dropped him back. He won the duel after catching teammate Pol Espargaro though, something the number 44 will want to reverse at Sepang if their paths cross once more.

Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) will want to home in on teammate Marc Marquez and the top ten, and likewise Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) with Quartararo. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) took more points but had a deficit to Mir at the flag in Thailand, and Sepang offers another chance to move forward. He’ll have a teammate this time round too, with Iker Lecuona stepping in at LCR Honda Castrol as Alex Rins continues his recovery from a follow up surgery.

It’s a 23-strong field ready to take on a Sprint and a Grand Prix race at Sepang, and the grid is packed with stories, headlines and targets every rider is looking to hit. But for the top two, it’s 30 laps deciding who heads into Qatar with the first match point – because the crown is always on the line in the penultimate round of the season. Will it be Bagnaia or Martin? And can Bezzecchi bring himself back into contention? Do NOT miss the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, because we’re about to find out.

SHOWTIME AT SEPANG

We’re underway at 15:00 local time on Saturday for the Sprint, before the GP race on Sunday fires up at the very same 15:00.

Acosta on the edge of glory – and history – at Sepang

Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) had a match point last time out, but it was definitely a longer shot as Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) came out swinging on race day to deny the number 37. This time around though, Acosta can depend only on himself – with a top four finish enough to wrap up the crown regardless of Arbolino. So can he do it? Given he’s only finished off the podium in the dry once this season, the answer seems likely a yes.

Rain can always complicate a Sunday though, and three key rivals were all on the podium last year too: Arbolino, Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) and Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team). The rider really making waves and a few headlines in the rumour mill regarding a possible move to the premier class next season, however, is Buriram winner Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp). Can he play a starring role once again?

Tune in at 13:15 (GMT +8) on Sunday to see who rules Sepang, and if Acosta can wrap up the crown!

Can the field gain on Masia in Malaysia?

As we head into Sepang, Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) is now a nice margin clear at the top of the standings once again, with the Spaniard looking to hammer home an advantage of 17 points. But this is Moto3™ and it can change in an instant, with that already having see-sawed aplenty across the flyaways. Still, one more drama-free Sunday for Masia and he’ll be staring down more than the mathematically obligatory match point in Qatar, he’ll be oh-so-close to glory. The mission for the competition is therefore a simple one: finish ahead.

It remains Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) closest on the chase, the Japanese rider one of those who fought Masia right to the final corner at the venue in 2022, and it’s now David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) in third, just 25 points off the top as the rookie continues to show zero sympathy for those who’ve been racing these tracks for years. Can Sasaki bounce back and Alonso continue his charge? Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) is within the same single-race 25-point margin of the top too, and won’t be content to settle.

Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), meanwhile, is now 39 points off the top, making Sepang a probable last stand in the title fight. But if there’s a final corner made for the Turkish rider, it’s likely this one. Can he get back in the mix at the front? Can Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) repeat that feat? Tune in for more Moto3™ this weekend to find out, with plenty on the line at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia!

Video: MotoAmerica “Pressure To Rise” Episode 2

David Swarts

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November 5, 2023

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Video: MotoAmerica “Pressure To Rise” Episode 2

BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

Episode 2 of “Pressure To Rise” brings all the action and drama from MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber Motorsports Park where the new Dunlop tires were put to the ultimate test on Barber’s aggressive race surface, which is already a handful for the Medallia Superbike riders who muscle their 200-plus-horsepower fire-breathers around the tight and twisty Alabama road course.

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FIM JuniorGP World Championship: Results From Valencia Finale (Updated)

David Swarts

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November 5, 2023

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FIM JuniorGP World Championship: Results From Valencia Finale (Updated)

Editorial Note: Watch the races on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/WDXDCEZoAKU?feature=share

JuniorGP R1
JuniorGP R2
Moto2 Race
ETC Race
Stock Race

More, from a press release issued by FIM JuniorGP World Championship:

New names rise as sun sets on 2023 JuniorGP™ season in Valencia

A new winner and a historic second title, the final chapter of 2023 caps off a memorable season

Frantic. Frenetic. History-making. The Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship season has come to a close as another year of records, drama, excitement and passion concludes. The sun set in style at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, with a new winner in the JuniorGP™ class in Adrian Cruces (Finetwork Mir Racing Team) who won Race 1, whilst Race 2 honours saw Joel Esteban (Aspar Junior Team) triumph after late drama. The Moto2™ European Championship saw Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact Junior GP Team) sign off in style with victory from P17 on the grid, whilst European Talent Cup honours went to Guido Pini (AC Racing Team), although it was Maximo Quiles (Aspar Junior Team) who clinched the crown. Stock European Championship competition ended the day with David Muñoz (SP57 Racing Team) taking a fifth win of 2023.

JuniorGP™ action fired up in Race 1 to start the day and it was a battle from the start. Adrian Cruces led for the majority of the race but was always under attack from Luca Lunetta (AC Racing Team), Alvaro Carpe (STV Laglisse Racing) and Angel Piqueras (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0), with Carpe and Piqueras coming through from the third row. However, resisting a final corner attack from the #83 of Carpe, Cruces held on to take a career-first win in the class, whilst Piqueras snatched third. A mistake from Lunetta on the final lap left him P5, behind polesitter Xabi Zurutuza (MTA Junior Team).

Race 2 was an epic fight and whilst Cruces tried to implement a fast pace like in Race 1, it couldn’t be replicated to the same level as the battle intensified. Jacob Roulstone (Aspar Junior Team) was his main rival this time, although the Australian was soon bundled out the way by the likes of Lunetta, Piqueras and Carpe – Carpe and Lunetta both in the battle for second overall in the standings. Joel Esteban was also in contention in the final stages and despite being close, he couldn’t make a pass in the last sector on the last lap. Cruces crossed the line first ahead of Esteban and Lunetta, but the #11 was forced to drop one place for exceeding track limits on the last lap, giving the #7 of Esteban a second win of 2023. Lunetta’s third place meant he secured runner-up spot in the Championship, which was one by Piqueras at Aragon.

The title had already been secured by Senna Agius at Aragon but he faced a different challenge in the final Moto2™ ECh race of 2023. A penalty after qualifying meant that his original pole position had turned into a P17 grid start. Inside the top ten by the end of the opening lap, Agius powered himself into contention whilst Alberto Surra (Team Ciatti-Boscoscuro grabbed the early advantage. Agius was soon ahead of his rivals, with Roberto Garcia (Cardoso-Fantic Racing), Unai Orradre (STV Laglisse Racing) and Yeray Ruiz (FAU55 Tey Racing) all being dismissed by the charging #81. The Australian then made short work of closing down a 2.6s gap up to Surra but despite catching the Italian, it took three attempts at Turn 4 to make the move stick. However, once he made it work, Agius eased to a tenth career win and an eighth of 2023, becoming just the third rider to win ten races in the class. Surra was a strong second whilst Orradre clinched third. Agius finished 67 points clear of Xavier Cardelus (Promoracing) in the end with Surra third.

The only title on the line coming into the final round of 2023 was that of the ETC, with Maximo Quiles vs Brian Uriarte (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) being the rivalry. The race ignited with the #28 Quiles going all out from the start before a group of seven was formed, with Uriarte and teammate Rico Salmela part of it. Jesus Rios (MRE Talent) was a polesitter for the first time and swapped paint with Quiles before big drama occurred behind. At Turn 2 towards mid-race, Salmela tried to pass Uriarte but in doing so, ran wide; as he cut back, Uriarte was already under him and the two collided and crashed, ending the #51’s title hopes in a teammate clash. Quiles was now Champion whatever happened but he still fought hard against Pini, Valentin Perrone (Frando VHC Racing Team) and Rios. On the final lap, Pini rode to perfection for a last win with the #1 plate. Perrone took a first podium – also a first for Argentina in the class – whilst Rios was third with a third straight podium. Quiles in P4 became the first double ETC Champion; Pini finished second overall, leapfrogging Uriarte.

The last Stock ECh event of the year was an intriguing one; Daniel Muñoz was already crowned Champion but wanted to finish strongly, with Eric Fernandez (FAU55 Tey Racing) likewise aiming to sign off his 2023 season as number one in race terms. Both battled throughout the 18 laps, with Fernandez even slowing the pace right down, as both engaged in a game of strategy. After a lap of cruising around with a 13-second advantage, Muñoz pulled the pin and eased away to win by eight seconds ahead of his main title rival. Third place had seemingly gone to Archie McDonald (MRE Talent) but for exceeding track limits throughout the race, he was handed a three second penalty which left him in P7, denying him a first podium. Taking profit, Marco Garcia (Easyrace Team) was third, with the top three in the race being reflected in the same order in the final standings of 2023.

2023 may be over but the Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship promises to make more history in 2024! The season kicks off at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” in Italy with racing action commencing on April 21st.

You can also find all the results, videos, photos and information regarding the championship on the official website: www.fimjuniorgp.com

More, from a press release issued by AGR Team:

END OF SEASON, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU

November, 05 2023

Two races in JuniorGP, one in Moto2 and one in the ETC closed the 2023 season for the AGR Team and its riders. The results in these last events were not what we expected, but riders and each member of the AGR Team gave everything until the last minute.

2023 has been a season that, as every year, has given good and not so good moments. From the team we want to thank all the riders who have passed through our garage this year. We are already working to return stronger in 2024… We never give up

JUNIOR GP

Cormac Buchanan Race1 DNF / Race2 P20 Championship 14 Points 50

“Today I was one of the strongest on the track. In both races we did a nice start, but unfortunately another rider made a silly move and damaged my bike, which made me no possible to finish the race. In the second race it was more or less the same thing. Again another rider tried to make a silly move that cost me a lot of position. The next lap the same rider touched me and I crashed.I was able to remount and I think I finished P20. It not the end of the season I wanted nor the end of the season we deserved as we were one of the strongest. In the second race I really made a good start and was fighting in the front but things didn’t work in our way. I’m sure that in 2024 we can come back stronger. We got new goals for the next season and I’m sure we will achieve them.”

Torin Collins Race1 P19 / Race2 P19 Championship P29 Points 1

“This weekend has been a little bit emotional for me as it will be my last race in JuniorGP with this team and in Spain, so I was a little bit sad. Overall it went pretty good. The result was not amazing but I think it was a good way to finish the season. Looking forward to the future and I’m happy for what the team has done for me in the last two years.”

MOTO2

Mattia Rato P10 Championship P4 Points 113

“It has been a complicated race. I didn’t start well and I really struggled in the first lap. Another rider tried to overtake me in an , let’s say, not appropriate moment, which disturbed me a lot. Later I managed to overtake him and another rider, and I started to ride alone. It was then when I found my pace. The shame is that the riders I had in front were too far away. And that was it.”

Sam Wilford P12 Championship P13 Points 50

“Difficult end of the weekend, still suffering from an injury form eight weeks ago. I will take the winter to recover and come back next season fully fit to be fighting again where I think I can be. Thank you to the team for the work made and I hope to see everyone next year.”

European Talent Cup ETC

Owen van Trigt P20 Championship P33 Points 1

“The day was OK. I didn’t do one of the best starts. The pace was OK, but too far from the front. The balance of the season is under the expectations I had, but the positive is that I have grown and learned as a rider this season.”

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: Thailand 2023 – A Crazy Spooky Black Cloud

David Swarts

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November 5, 2023

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Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: Thailand 2023 – A Crazy Spooky Black Cloud

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This podcast is “Thailand 2023 – A Crazy Spooky Black Cloud.”

The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: Phillip Island 2023 – He Could Take A Year Off?

David Swarts

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November 4, 2023

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Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: Phillip Island 2023 – He Could Take A Year Off?

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This podcast is “Phillip Island 2023 – He Could Take A Year Off?”

The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.

Video: Garrett Gerloff “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back – Aragon”

David Swarts

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November 4, 2023

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Video: Garrett Gerloff “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back – Aragon”

After an epic weekend in France, we we’re hoping for a little bit more in Spain! But unfortunately, sometimes it just doesn’t go how you’d like it to… But you know what? Sometimes a couple steps back can be used as a springboard for those next 3 steps forward

Thanks for watching, let me know what your favorite part of the video was and let me know when I’ll see you at one of the races! Much love

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JuniorGP World Championship: Finale Is This Weekend At Valencia

David Swarts

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November 3, 2023

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JuniorGP World Championship: Finale Is This Weekend At Valencia

LAST CHAPTER OF 2023: one round remains as Valencia calls for season finale

In a season which has seen history made, records broken and storylines in abundance, it all comes to a close in Cheste this weekend

With three titles out of four decided ahead of the final round, the 2023 Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship draws to a close this weekend at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia. The Spanish venue has been a traditional staging for the final round of the year, crowning Champions and paving the way for dreams to come true throughout illustrious careers. With two JuniorGP™ outings and one Moto2™ European Championship race, European Talent Cup race and Stock European Championship race each – not to mention a title up for grabs in ETC – we’re in for another memorable weekend.

With victory last time out, Angel Piqueras (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) arrives to the season’s closing double header in Valencia with the JuniorGP™ crown already secured; a double winner in Valencia from earlier in the year, he’s 79 points ahead of Luca Lunetta (AC Racing Team), who took a third podium and season-best P2 last time out at Aragon. In stark contrast to the gap between the top two, there’s just six points that split Lunetta from Alvaro Carpe (STV Laglisse Racing), with the Spaniard keen to snatch the runner-up spot on the final race day of the year.

Behind Carpe, fourth place belongs to Xabi Zurutuza (MTA Junior Team), who became the 100th different winner in the class back at Portimao. He’s just a further eight behind his fellow countryman ahead of him and 14 behind P2 overall. The same points situation applies for Joel Esteban (Aspar Junior Team), who is level on points with Zurutuza and keen to bounce back after crashing out of victory contention at MotorLand Aragon last time out. He took out teammate Joel Esteban (Aspar Junior Team) at Turn 13 and the Australian lies sixth in the standings, five points back of Esteban.

In the Moto2™ ECh, the title has already gone the way of Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP Junior Team) following a double last time out; he’ll look to end his season on a high at the track where he’s already been a winner at this year. In a season where he’s been able to take a first win, Xavi Cardelus (Promoracing) will look to consolidate his second position in the Championship overall as the final round welcomes the battle for runner-up spot. Just behind him and 21 points adrift, Alberto Surra (Team Ciatti-Boscoscuro) will need a first win in the class if he’s to make up the deficit to Cardelus.

Whilst the JuniorGP™ and Moto2™ ECh titles are in the bag, the same can’t be said for the European Talent Cup; Maximo Quiles (Aspar Junior Team) is in the driving seat with an 18-point lead over long-time rival Brian Uriarte (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) with five wins compared to Uriarte’s three. They are the only two within mathematical contention in Valencia, with just one race remaining. A ninth place finish or higher will be enough for Quiles, even if Uriarte wins, whilst if Uriarte doesn’t win but finishes in P2, Quiles will need 14th or higher. Uriarte must finish in the first two places to have any chance of lifting the title trophy on Sunday. Third place at least is already secured by Guido Pini (AC Racing Team), with the defending Champion still just 14 points behind Uriarte, meaning runner-up spot is possible. Earlier in the year, Quiles was the rider who took a fine Valencia double.

As for the Stock class, Daniel Muñoz (SP57 Racing Team) already clinched the title with a fine P2 performance last time out at Aragon; he’ll be looking to finish his season on a high, whilst Aragon’s race winner Eric Fernandez (FAU55 TEY Racing) looks for back-to-back wins for the first time in 2023. Will the pair continue their rivalry and sign off the year on a high? Marco Garcia (Easyrace Team) is a distant third place, 28 points behind Fernandez and chases his first rostrum since Portimao.

The Sunday race schedule for the final round of the FIM Finetwork JuniorGP™ season is as follows:

11:00 – JuniorGP™ Race 1: 17 laps

12:00 – ETC Race: 16 laps

13:00 – Moto2™ ECh Race: 18 laps

14:00 – JuniorGP™ Race 2: 17 laps

16:00 – Stock ECh Race: 18 laps

Television networks and media platforms, in Europe and across the world, are showing ever-more interest in live broadcasts of JuniorGP™ events. You can enjoy the live races via:

You can also find all the results, videos, photos and information regarding the championship on the official website: www.fimjuniorgp.com

Video: Chuck Graves On Building A Championship-Winning ZX-6R, Part Two

David Swarts

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November 3, 2023

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Video: Chuck Graves On Building A Championship-Winning ZX-6R, Part Two

Chuck Graves of Graves Motorsports talks Sam Fleming through his build of Richie Escalante’s Championship-winning Kawasaki and also the details of the build for the ZX-6R campaigned by Stefano Mesa and Kayla Yaakov in 2023. He also offers his thoughts on performance indexing in MotoAmerica Next Generation Supersport.

@GravesMotorsports @RoadracingWorld2012 @KawasakiMotorsEU @KawasakiUSA @MotoAmerica

AHRMA: 2024 Vintage Cup To Feature 350cc Grand Prix

November 6, 2023

Alex McLean (122) won the inaugural Vintage Cup Championship featuring the 350GP class in 2019. Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.

350cc Grand Prix Motorcycles Featured in 2024 AHRMA Vintage Cup

(November 06, 2023, Knoxville, TN) The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) 2024 Vintage Cup will highlight iconic middle weight machines from the 1960s.

Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2024 Vintage Cup features the 350GP class which includes 350cc two and four-stroke and 250cc two-stroke liquid and air-cooled machines built before December 31, 1968.

“The 350GP class was our inaugural Vintage Cup class running in 2019. The grids increased immensely and have remained increased for the past five years. We are pleased to bring it back and expect the grids to be better than ever,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton, Vintage Cup sponsor for the 350GP Featured Class.

Typical AHRMA 350GP grids include wide variety motorcycles from Aermacchi, Bultaco, Honda, Ducati, Kawasaki, and Suzuki.

“350GP has been an exciting class since AHRMA’s earliest days, and I plan to join in the fun myself as a rider and a machine owner for others. I expect to see a variety of marques represented in the results,” shared Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board.

The Vintage Cup will be highlighted during and after each of the 2024 AHRMA National road races. Added enhancements for the 2024 season include:

Enhanced trophies throughout the season.
Special awards for series champion.
Articles and photos on Roadracingworld.com to spotlight the class.
Roadracing World print magazine enhanced exposure for AHRMA and 350GP.
Discounted race entry fees.
Racer spotlight features in AHRMA MAG.
Class champion on cover of the AHRMA MAG.

Motorcycles eligible for AHRMA’s 350GP class must have been built before December 31, 1968, or be based on a like design and may have up to a 350cc air-cooled four-stroke engine with overhead valves and cams; a 350cc air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke; 250cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke; 250cc air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke. A list of eligible machines can be found in the AHRMA Handbook in Section 10.2.3 350 Grand Prix (www.ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).

“The 350 GP class has been important since the beginning of road racing. Practically all the factories that competed in the 500 class also competed in the 350 class. Norton and Velocette dominated before WWII and the immediate post-war period. The 350 Junior class ran at the Isle of Man from 1911 to 1976, Norton winning 12 times, MV nine times and Velocette eight times,” said David Roper, a multi-time AHRMA champion and frequent 350GP competitor.

“When the World Championship was established in 1949, the 350 was one of the four solo classes and lasted through 1982. The championship was won by a four-stroke every year until 1974 when the two-strokes took over until the class was eliminated,” Roper said. “Some manufacturers enlarged their 250 to 350 (Moto Guzzi and Honda), some made smaller versions of their 500s (Gilera and MV), and for some the 350 was their prime size and they enlarged them to make forays into the 500 class (AJS and Velocette). Singles, twins, triples, fours, and six-cylinder motors were successful.”

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Promotes And Expands Staff

November 6, 2023

Chad Geer has been promoted to Director of Product Marketing and Motorcycle Motorsports at Dunlop. Photo courtesy Dunlop.

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires welcomes Wes Samperio as a new Motorcycle Product Manager. Wes comes to Dunlop from Falken Tire, the company’s car and truck tire brand, where he had worked his way up to lead the Falken FAST sales team to help grow their retail presence. Samperio will be located with the team at the Rancho Cucamonga headquarters located in California to join current Motorcycle Product Manager Chris Siebenhaar.

Sr. Vice President of Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Sales and Marketing, Mike Buckley, explains: “Wes is a motorcycle enthusiast at heart and will be an outstanding addition to the team, and we look forward to bringing him up to speed with the product planning process.”

Both Samperio and Siebenhaar will report to the newly appointed Director of Product Marketing and Motorcycle Motorsports, Chad Geer. The sixteen-year member of the Dunlop Motorcycle Tire team will now be fully responsible for Dunlop’s product roadmap along with all the processes that support it. Additionally, Chad will spearhead the product marketing and overall product branding by working with Dunlop’s marketing team to align on messaging. Finally, motorsport racing activities will come under his direction, including the sponsorship programs attached to the various series Dunlop competes in including amateur and club racing activities.

“Chad has worked tirelessly and effectively with all stakeholders involved in the Dunlop Motorcycle business, and has earned this expanded role,” Buckley said. He continued, “I’m confident Chad will excel in this expanded role and continue to drive for results for the business.”

Finally, Rick Zimmerman has been promoted to Director of Original Equipment for Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA). This newly created role now includes both four-wheel and two-wheel businesses. SRNA’s Detroit office will now report to Zimmerman, and he will direct the four-wheel OE side of the company from now on.

“While on the surface it seems like an overwhelming expansion of responsibilities, I am confident that Rick will be fully capable of handling this based on the outstanding job he has done with the two-wheel OE business throughout his tenure with us,” said Buckley.

“All these moves have one thing in common: these three associates have been making great contributions to our company and have earned expanded roles or roles that will stretch their knowledge and experience to allow them to continue toward future leadership roles within SRNA,” explained Buckley.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. and is part of the Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA) company. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

MotoGP: World Championship Resumes This Coming Weekend At Sepang

November 6, 2023

Sepang International Circuit. Photo courtesy of Michelin.