Hayabusa Homecoming is Set for November 11th at
the NHRA Season Finale
BREA, CA – Suzuki Motor USA invites Suzuki owners to join the Hayabusa Homecoming, a commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the legendary Suzuki Hayabusa during the In-N-Out Burger Finals at the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Happening November 11th at one of the birthplaces of professional drag racing; In-N-Out Burger Dragstrip, Pomona, CA.
This event is open to anyone attending the In-N-Out Burger Finals. Owners of Suzuki and Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycles will receive free grandstand entry for Saturday, VIP Suzuki Parking for the day, and an In-N-Out Burger lunch voucher.
Hayabusa Homecoming will be held at the Suzuki display located within the NHRA midway from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, November 11th. Suzuki motorcycle owners attending the Hayabusa Homecoming will receive free entry to the races on Saturday, and there will be special activities throughout Saturday for all who stop by the Suzuki display. Planned events for the Hayabusa Homecoming include:
Free grandstand entry for Saturday at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA finals to the first 200 Suzuki motorcycle riders who register online.
Free VIP Suzuki motorcycle parking near the NHRA Midway (Suzuki and Hayabusa owners only.)
A complimentary In-N-Out Burger lunch voucher. (Suzuki and Hayabusa owners only.)
The first 200 Suzuki Hayabusa riders to register will also receive an exclusive Hayabusa 25th Anniversary gift pack commemorating the famed sportbike.
An appearance by the Moore Mafia’s Chris Moore, a renowned drag bike builder and YouTuber who will be running his custom Turbo Hayabusa on the historic NHRA Pomona track, showcasing the jaw-dropping performance of the Suzuki Hayabusa.
Exclusive Q&A Session and fan interaction with Chris Moore and the Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle team members:
Current NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship series leader Gaige Herrera.
Four-time Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA World Champion Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiecz.
Six-time Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA World Champion Vance & Hines team Crew Chief Andrew Hines.
Vance & Hines Hayabusa and Chris Moore’s custom 25th Anniversary Suzuki Hayabusa drag bike on hand at the Suzuki display.
Attendees can have their photo taken on a real Vance & Hines Pro Stock Hayabusa.
NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class autograph session with Suzuki racers.
See all of the latest Suzuki models on display, get Suzuki swag and more.
Hayabusa Homecoming attendees will experience not only world-class Hayabusa NHRA drag racing competing on the legendary Pomona track, they will also be on-hand to celebrate the Hayabusa’s redefinition of motorcycle performance since 1999. Suzuki owners can pre-register for the Hayabusa Homecoming by scanning the QR code below.
Stay tuned for more information and updates at SuzukiCycles.com or follow Suzuki social channels @SuzukiCycles. November 11 approaches as quickly as the Hayabusa does so do not miss out on the Hayabusa Homecoming. It will be a great day for all Hayabusa and Suzuki fans!
Attendance for this exclusive celebration is extremely limited and limited to Suzuki motorcycle and Suzuki Hayabusa owners. Hayabusa Homecoming registrants will also receive access to exclusive Suzuki ticket pricing to purchase additional In-N-Out Burger Pomona Finals tickets directly from NHRA.
Join Suzuki and experience the Hayabusa Homecoming 25th Anniversary party, interact with the legendary Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki team, and witness championship-caliber drag racing with Suzuki!
2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days to Run July 26-28
The American Motorcyclist Association will celebrate its 100-year anniversary at its annual event
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has announced that 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will run July 26-28, 2024, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
“Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is a special event every year, and 2024 is primed to be yet another great weekend of vintage motorcycle fun,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “We anticipate the 2024 event will be a memorable time for the thousands of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts who attend, and it will carry extra meaning as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the AMA.”
As is always the case, 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will have something for all vintage motorcycle enthusiasts — including racing in multiple disciplines, North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet and numerous recreational riding activities.
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will, once again, serve as the venue for Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
“Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days has been a long-standing July tradition on the Mid-Ohio calendar attracting thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country,” said President of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Craig Rust. “Next summer will be even more special as we celebrate the AMA’s 100-year anniversary fittingly in its home state of Ohio. We are all looking forward to another spectacular motorcycling gathering!”
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is organized to raise funds for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps fund the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s mission to promote and preserve the history of motorcycling in America.
Tickets to 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be available soon and AMA Members will be able to purchase tickets at a discount. To join the AMA and take full advantage of the discount, among many other benefits, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/join or call (800) 262-5646.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
American Kensei Matsudaira with Another Top 10 Finish in ESBK Moto4 Race at Jerez
After two consecutive rounds at circuits where American Kensei Matsudaira, age 12, rode for the first time during the race weekend, it was back to familiar territory for the penultimate round of the RFME ESBK Moto4 championship at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Andalusia, Spain.
Being the second round at the venue this season, all the riders were up to pace quickly and the competition was fierce. Kensei endured the worst qualifying result of the season in 20th after a difficult session in wet but drying conditions.
In Saturday’s Race One, Kensei’s bike stalled at the start but Kensei was able to bump start the engine and continue the race, albeit several seconds behind the entire grid. He was able to quickly catch the pack and by the fifth lap, had worked his way to the leaders and was fighting for the lead in second position. There were many positions gained and lost throughout the race and Kensei entered the final lap in P2, but lost several positions in the back straight and unfortunately crossed the finish line in ninth, just 0.8 seconds behind the winner. With a sanction to one of the riders ahead, his final classification was eighth.
In Race Two on Sunday, Kensei started in eighth and was a firm contender in the top five positions throughout the race, taking the lead several times. He had strategized to get to the lead on the final lap, but midway in the final lap in Turn Six, Kensei was hit by another rider due to contact and a crash from behind and pushed wide, falling to 20th position. Coming back immediately, Kensei made several passes in the remaining corners and took the checkered flag in 16th position, 2.1 seconds behind the winner.
“Race One, I started with my worst qualifying in P20. I knew I had to get a good start, but I ended up making the worst start with stalling my bike. Luckily, I was able to restart it quickly and get going, but I was basically dead last at this point. I just put my head down and worked through the field and reached the top three by the fifth lap and was fighting to win. Going into the final lap I was a solid P2 but just got destroyed on the back straight with the draft and lost eight positions. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed with the result because I was right there for at least a podium, but I’m really happy I was able to pull it together in the race to come from the very back and be fighting for the win,” Kensei shared after the races.
“Sunday was one of the days where the result doesn’t tell the story. I started P8 and had a good start, and I worked my way up into the lead by lap five. I felt strong. I knew I could podium and had a good shot to win. To do that I managed my position to always be at the front in the top 5 and planned an attack for the last lap. On the final lap as I was about to make my outside pass in Turn Six, a rider came up the inside of another rider right next to me and hit them. They pinballed into me and got tangled in my brake lever guard. The guard broke off and something hit my brake lever and I almost crashed. Just as I had saved that situation, the rider that came up the inside crashed and slid into my rear, completely pushing me off. I’m really bummed about the incident obviously, but that’s racing. I’m happy to be back fighting at the very front again though and even though the results were my worst of the season, I think both races this weekend were some of my strongest of the year. I’m looking forward to the final round in Barcelona in a few weeks, and I can hopefully convert everything into some good results to finish off the year.”
Round 7, the final round of the RFME ESBK championship will be held at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, Spain on November 18-19, 2023.
Kensei and his family would like to thank all of their sponsors for their support this year:
Evike.com, Nox#27 Racing Team, Evike Europe, HJC Helmets, Dave Designs, Almassera El Teular, OrangeCat Racing, Iconic Motorbikes, Bison Track, Moto Tecnica, Alpinestars, Karen E. Ott Photography, TJ Corse, BSP Racing, American Racing Team & Academy, The Starting Grid, VNM Sport, NLAB Studio, California Superbike School, MadLabs Minimoto, Hans King, 73 Moto Parts, D.I.D Chain, Galfer USA, Bickle Racing, Yoshimura R&D, Vortex Racing, Suspension Matters, Moto Survival School, Live 100 Moto, TechSpec, Landers Racing, Boyko Racing, Mini Moto Alliance.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 MOTOAMERICA MISSON KING OF THE BAGGERS RACING SERIES
MILWAUKEE (Oct. 18, 2023) – The Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory racing team will compete in the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers road racing series with team riders Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli.
Kyle Wyman won seven races during the 2023 King Of The Baggers season and finished third in the season championship. Kyle is the winningest racer in MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers history, with 12 total race wins in the 24 events since the start of the series in the 2021 season, plus the 2021 season championship to his credit. And yet he’s hungrier than ever after signing a new two-year contract with Harley-Davidson.
Kyle Wyman (33). Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
“Riding for the Harley-Davidson Factory Team has been a dream, and I’m excited to be given the opportunity to continue for two more seasons,” said Kyle Wyman. “We’ve had a lot of success in the class, but we have come up short on the championship two years in a row. Our goal is to win back the title in 2024 and I look forward to getting started with testing in the coming months.”
James Rispoli, riding for Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, won two races in the 2023 King Of The Baggers season, plus he scored five second place finishes and three third place finishes for second overall in the championship. Rispoli, who was signed to a one-year contract with the factory team, has a long history of racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles dating back to racing an XR750 as a teenager, and earning the nickname “Hogspoli” after winning the American Flat Track Production Twins championship aboard a Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R in 2020. He also won back-to-back AMA Pro Racing Supersport championships in 2011-2012. Rispoli fulfills a lifelong dream by joining the Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory racing team.
James Rispoli (43). Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
“I am stoked to have signed with Factory Harley-Davidson. It has been a dream of mine to be a factory rider ever since I was a little kid,” said James Rispoli. “Taking confidence and consistency paired with the backing of the factory, I know we are going to be a big threat in 2024. I am very excited to get to work.”
Rispoli replaces 2023 factory Harley-Davidson rider Travis Wyman. “I want to thank Travis Wyman for his three seasons aboard the factory Harley-Davidson Road Glide, and at all times being a consummate teammate,” said Jason Kehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Racing. “Travis joined this program mid-season in 2021 and has been invaluable in not only the development of our motorcycle, but also in building a factory racing program. Travis has been one of the fastest riders to ever race a Harley-Davidson, and we look forward to his continued contributions to our brand and to this program. We welcome James to the factory team after earning his seat riding in the King Of The Baggers series the past two seasons. James brings with him an unrelenting desire to win for Harley-Davidson. With James now aboard, we focus on Daytona in March of 2024, kicking off the largest, most demanding, and fastest King of the Baggers season to date.”
The King Of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2024 season will see the King Of The Baggers series expanded to 16 races over eight double-header weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike Series.
The Team Hammer Advanced Riding School & Pro Practice program is returning to the 3.51-mile infield road course at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Thursday, October 19, followed by the AMA-sanctioned ASRA/CCS Race Of Champions and AMA Road Race Grand Championships on Friday-Saturday-Sunday.
School students will receive classroom instruction from Chris Ulrich, who is a former AMA Pro/MotoAmerica Superbike racer and AMA Pro Superstock race winner, a two-time winner of the 8-Hours At Daytona, and a USMCA-certified motorcycle riding instructor.
Ulrich will be joined by an experienced cast of racers handling on-track instruction, including two-time Daytona 200 Champion and current MotoAmerica Superbike racer Brandon Paasch, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Tyler Scott, MotoAmerica podium finisher Teagg Hobbs, MotoAmerica racer Carl “Super Carl” Soltisz, and others.
School students will also receive a custom Team Hammer Advanced Riding School T-shirt and a ready-to-frame graduation certificate.
There are separate on-track school sessions for non-racers and for licensed racers, or licensed racers can sign up for one of the Pro Practice groups.
Participants must be at least 14 years old to ride an ultra-lightweight machine in the school or practices, and riders must be at least 16 years old to ride anything larger than a 400cc-class motorcycle. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with the appropriate paperwork throughout the event.
This is the only opportunity available for experienced track riders who don’t have a racing license to ride on the Daytona International Speedway road course. So don’t miss out.
And yes, the event runs rain or shine.
Graduates of the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School are eligible to apply for an ASRA/CCS or WERA racing license and after passing a licensing test, can even participate in ASRA/CCS races later the same weekend, October 20-22 at Daytona International Speedway.
Thanks to our new partners at ASRA/CCS, registration can now be done online.
The first step in this process is creating an ASRA/CCS Racer Account HERE at ASRAracing.com, if you don’t already have one.
Note: You will not be able to sign up for Team Hammer Pro Practice online unless you have a current racing license with ASRA/CCS.
For a complete schedule for the October 19 Team Hammer Advanced Riding School and Pro Practice at Daytona International Speedway, scroll down to the bottom of this post.
On-site registration will also be available on Wednesday, October 18 and Thursday, October 19 for an additional post-entry charge. On-site registration will be located at the small ticketing building at the entrance to the Turn One tunnel.
Anyone with questions about the ASRAracing.com website or online registration, call (725) 755-7550.
Anyone with general questions about the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School and Pro Practice, call (951) 245-6414.
Three Reasons Why The Rahal Ducati Moto Team Is So Important For MotoAmerica
by Michael Gougis
You could say that it’s just another team in the MotoAmerica paddock, two more bikes on the grid in a support class.
But that misses just how much the entry of the Rahal Ducati Moto Team means to MotoAmerica. Having series President Wayne Rainey on hand for the intro at the iconic Petersen Automotive Museum (a must-visit if you are ever in Los Angeles) is just one indication of how much the new Rahal team means to the series.
Here are three reasons why this announcement means so much to fans of motorcycle road racing in the United States:
1 – Team Rahal’s status and presence in the racing community is massive. I had a straight-up fan boy moment at the news conference when I went to get coffee and realized that Bobby Rahal himself was standing next to me. For those of you who are four-wheel illiterate, Bobby Rahal is an Indy 500 winner and a three-time CART/Indy Car Champion as a driver and a two-time winner of the Indy 500 as an owner. Son Graham Rahal, who is operating the motorcycle team, is a six-time IndyCar race winner who’s found a fair bit of success racing sports cars as well.
Why does this matter? Exposure. The Rahal clan brings attention, wherever it races. They are not just well-known but well respected, in the business world and in the racing world. Bobby Rahal served in a managerial position in the Jaguar Formula One team and was an interim president of the Championship Auto Racing Teams sanctioning body that ran open-wheel racing in the U.S. for decades. Rahal’s IndyCar team has David flippin’ Letterman as one of its owners, and his sports car team is the factory partner of BMW. Team Rahal has connections in racing, knows who to call to get things done, and operates at the highest levels of publicity and professionalism.
It would be hard to find a name that attracts more attention in North American racing than Rahal. The organization brings with it an audience that already follows road racing, admittedly on four wheels rather than two. That means exposure where Team Rahal goes, and the team is going racing with MotoAmerica. Good for everyone.
2 – Team Rahal knows what it is doing when it goes racing.
Graham Rahal pointed out, for example, that the team’s personal and in-depth interactions with Öhlins suspension equipment and personnel goes back decades. They know how to go racing, and when they show up, it’s a professional operation from the ground up. You don’t take 88 podiums at the highest level of American open-wheel racing over 17 years, as Bobby Rahal has, by accident. And Graham Rahal said the team chose to go into the Supersport class with the Ducati Panigale V2 because it could start with a bike in the showroom of one of its Ducati dealerships and make a simple, direct business case for racing on Sunday and selling on Monday. Racing is a business for him.
That works best when you’re running up front. And the initial impression is that Rahal Ducati Moto is putting together an operation capable of running at the front. Hiring Ben Spies as Team Principal is an example of how much effort Rahal is putting into the project. Spies, a MotoGP race winner, multi-time AMA Superbike Champion and Superbike World Champion in his one and only season in the series, has experience at the highest levels of International motorcycle road racing competition. As a rider, Spies knows what it takes to get to the front. Team Rahal is hiring that experience to get it out of the blocks as fast as it can.
Bobby and Graham Rahal aren’t gentleman investors looking to back a team in a sport that they enjoy. For Team Rahal (like Team Hammer) professional racing is its day job. Having a team like that in the paddock forces everyone to up their game. Again, good for everyone.
3 – New sponsors and a multi-year deal are good for the entire paddock. Racing Editor Chris Ulrich wrote recently that baggers were good for professional racing in the U.S., in part, because those were teams spending money on going racing. People get paid to work for teams on racebikes. Team uniforms get purchased. Dunlop sells more tires. You get the idea.
Team Rahal is bringing in XPEL film protectants as a title sponsor. And the plan is to spend 2024 in Supersport, then move up to Superbike in 2025 if all goes well. It’s a multi-year deal, so that means money coming into the paddock for years to come. Good for everyone.
EXCEPTIONAL TRAVEL MACHINE RECEIVES ESSENTIAL UPGRADES TO BOOST PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY
Husqvarna Motorcycles is pleased to reveal the new Norden 901, which offers improved performance and safety thanks to multiple technical enhancements for 2024. An incredibly popular machine since its introduction in 2021, the Norden 901 ensures all adventure enthusiasts can explore the world their way.
The machine of choice for many adventure riders, the Norden 901 retains the same proven, torquey, 889 cc parallel twin engine for 2024. Together with its light steel trellis frame, WP APEX suspension, and multiple ride modes, the Norden 901 continues to offer outstanding comfort, particularly on longer rides when navigating rugged and challenging landscapes.
The 2024-model Husqvarna Norden 901 now offers 10-way adjustable traction control. Photo courtesy Husqvarna Motorcycles.
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ lean-angle sensitive Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) now offers ten different levels of rear wheel slip, which can be selected when the optional Explorer Mode is engaged. With a setting to suit all riding abilities, those with more experience will enjoy drifting through turns while riders new to travel machines will benefit from confidence inspiring traction when negotiating technical corners and unpredictable terrain.
Rounding out the new features found on the Norden 901 2024 are new USB port, the Hazard Warning lights, which can be quickly switched on in the event of an emergency, and the new exhaust system that meets EURO 5+ regulations.
A new exhaust system is one of the upgrades on the 2024-model Husqvarna Norden 901. Photo courtesy Husqvarna Motorcycles.
Underlining the premium build quality of the Norden 901, the components used on this versatile machine are all chosen for their performance and durability. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, Bosch Cornering ABS, a Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC), and multiple ride modes combine to create the ultimate riding experience.
Technical highlights:
New grey and yellow graphics create a distinctive appearance
Revised Cornering sensitive Traction Control allows for 10 levels of adjustable rear wheel slip with optional Explorer Mode engaged
New exhaust system for EURO 5+ compliance
New USB port on the side of the dashboard
New Hazard Warning system
Bosch Cornering ABS
Chromium-molybdenum steel frame with engine as stressed member
889 cc parallel-twin engine with 105 hp peak power and 100 Nm of torque
Adjustable WP APEX suspension provides exceptional comfort both on and offroad
Four selectable ride modes (Street, Rain, Offroad, optional Explorer)
Ride-by-wire throttle with adjustable response (in Explorer mode)
Standard Easy Shift function (up and down Quickshifter)
PASC Slipper clutch
Tubeless spoked wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres for balanced performance on and offroad
Large capacity, 19-litre fuel tank provides an extended range of up to 400 km
Optional Connectivity Unit provides TbT+ navigation, telephone calls in/out and music selection from the rider’s smartphone
The Husqvarna Motorcycles Functional Apparel Collection comprises quality riding gear designed specifically for global adventures. Complementing the unique design of the Norden 901, each piece of apparel has been developed to keep riders warm, dry, and comfortable in all weathers and seasons. Allowing riders to personalise their Norden 901, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ Technical Accessories features multiple luggage solutions and quality components that further enhance this exceptional travel machine.
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ Norden 901 2024 is available from now onwards at authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers. Availability may differ from country to country. For full details on pricing and availability, please refer to your national Husqvarna Motorcycles subsidiary or importer.
18 points. 22 riders. One island. The title fight is ready to boil over Down Under
Strap in! One of the greatest sporting spectacles on Earth is about to get underway as MotoGP™ returns to Phillip Island
Wednesday, 18 October 2023
When the Tissot Sprint was announced for 2023, where did your mind go? For many, it was the fierce, fabulous and fast Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and for very good reason. Now, the time has come to take on one of the true greats once more and we get to see the lights go out not just once, but twice. If you’ve watched before, you know what we mean. If you haven’t, just get ready.
Even better, as MotoGP™ arrives back in Australia there’s truly everything on the line after an unbelievable whiplash twist in the title fight. On Saturday in Indonesia, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) continued his stunning run, taking the Championship lead for the first time as he won his fourth Sprint on the bounce and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) struggled to eighth after failing to make it out of Q1. But on Sunday, Martin made a sudden, shocking error to crash out the lead – and Bagnaia had already been on quite some mission to slice through the pack. With Martin’s crash, third became second and then the Italian attacked Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) to take the lead and win. What. A. Twist. And what a performance from a Pecco some had already started to write off.
Now it’s time to take on the Island and the title fighting duo will be stealing plenty of spotlight as the battle just gets hotter and hotter. We’re also in need of a real duel on track to see the gloves come off. Could the Island be the place? Last year, Bagnaia was on the podium and took the Championship lead that would lead to his first premier class crown on this very turf. Martin, after some hot pace early on, was only seventh… but the top seven were covered by eight tenths. For racing series with more wheels, that’s an almost offensively small gap.
Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), meanwhile, ain’t out of it yet either. It’s a long shot, but the Italian soldiered on at Mandalika despite that recent collarbone surgery, and in Australia last year was very, very fast – as was teammate Luca Marini. What can they do Down Under this time around? Can Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) join that fight at the front? Has Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) got more impressive form after his best finish yet? What about his teammate Alex Marquez on the road to recovery? And what can we expect from Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) as he gets back in the groove? Eight Ducatis will be roaring down that Gardner Straight.
Let’s go back to Viñales, however. If you listed the venues you’d expect BatMav – we’ll let the fans decide whether that should stick – to threaten at the front, there’d be a few on there. Phillip Island? This place would definitely feature. Coming off the back of that performance in Indonesia too, the number 12 really could be one to watch, having been almost teasingly close to making that history as the first rider to win with three machines in the MotoGP™ era.
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), meanwhile, arrives from bad luck and hot speed wanting a lot more reward, and Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) would also like a little luck back after a bit of a shunting from former teammate Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) at Mandalika. Raul Fernandez’ (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team), meanwhile, needs to rediscover that upward trajectory after a much tougher time of it in Indonesia. He’d been on a run of top ten finishes before yes, taking points last time out, but down in a P13 that was the last of the riders on the same lap.
Also having a much tougher time of it in Indonesia after some real steps forward of late was Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). Two DNFs and nothing much to show from the weekend – except a whole lotta love from one of the sport’s biggest markets – leave the number 93 looking for another uptick Down Under. But he is and has been, since a certain number 27 retired, the king of the Island. He was on the podium, and nearly the top step, in 2022, and he can’t be counted out. Even in the situation in which he finds himself in 2023. Can he?
That “nearly” to quantify Marquez’ 2022, however, came courtesy of now LCR Honda Castrol rider Alex Rins, who was back in the top ten at Mandalika for the first time since his broken leg. That’s impressive enough, and he played a masterpiece last season. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) will want to learn a few of those secrets on the other side of the garage, and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) also wants a lot more as the Hondas all had a tougher weekend last time out, especially after the return to the front the number 36 had in India.
Speaking of a return to the front, and in this case just tenths off the win, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) completed the closest podium of the year so far in Indonesia. He qualified well, had a good Sprint and then seriously impressed in the Grand Prix race, scything through the gap to home in on the win and very nearly take it. Can Phillip Island be kinder too, despite it seeing him lose that Championship lead last season? For teammate Franco Morbidelli it’s a slightly opposite arrival as he suffered some issues at Mandalika and was ultimately a few laps down. Still, on Sunday his fastest lap was only a tenth off Quartararo.
Finally, KTM and GASGAS. At GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 it’s all about finding much better fortunes Down Under for both Augusto Fernandez and Pol Espargaro, with both enduring a tougher run of late. Better fortune is something also sought by Binder after a slightly adventurous Mandalika. On Saturday, he got taken out by Aleix Espargaro and on Sunday, he clashed with Marini AND Oliveira in two uncharacteristic incidents, both of which earned him a Long Lap. Uncharacteristic in that the South African usually poises his aggression perfectly. After a crash in Japan too, Binder will want a tidier weekend overall Down Under, but he can take heart from some speed in Indonesia as he came back through to sixth despite those excursions required in penance.
Last and by no means least, home hero Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be ready to get his elbows out at Phillip Island. The Australian is having a year of ups and downs in his new adventure with KTM, but there have been plenty of the former and he’ll want to make home turf count for another. The awesome Turn 4 now officially bears his name as we arrive for another showdown too, and fans are guaranteed a Thriller from Miller as he rides for them and some home glory…
SHOWTIME AT PHILLIP ISLAND
We’re underway at 15:00 local time on Saturday for the Sprint, before the GP race on Sunday fires up at 14:00.
Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +11)
Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +11)
Pedro Acosta (37) and Aron Canet (40) fighting over first place in the Moto2 race at Mandalika. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Acosta aims to hammer home his advantage in Australia
With a top five on the grid covered by less than a tenth in Indonesia, it was no surprise that missing out on the front row was no ominous sign for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Once the lights went out the number 37 was off like a shot, and once in the lead he pulled another Acosta. That advantage is now 65 points at the top of the table, so can he do it again?
Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) and Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) will want to be back on that podium and get in Acosta’s way, however, and Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) and Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will want more. And can Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team) finally crack that podium?
The rider who stole the spotlight last season was Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) though. After a tougher and scrappier run, can the number 21 find another ace up his sleeve – quite literally – this weekend? We’ll find out at 12:15 (GMT +2) as Moto2™ takes on Phillip Island!
Action from the Moto3 race at Mandalika. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Advantage Masia on the road to the Island
As he crossed the line at Mandalika, Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) probably thought it had been quite a tough day at the office. But in reality, the Championship leader only increased his advantage as Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) had crashed on the Warm Up lap and didn’t recover to points, and Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) had not one, but two Long Lap penalties – one of which sent him down the order by way of a time penalty after the flag. All said and done, Masia started the weekend a handful of points clear and is now 16 points ahead of Holgado – and that’s a whole podium’s worth.
Last year at Phillip Island, Sasaki was just off the podium and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) second as the two escaped in a smaller leading group, which could be good news for them on our return. The veterans will also be hoping that first time winner in Indonesia Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), and podium finishers David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) and David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), feel the pinch of less experience back on the Island… but will they? Tune in this weekend for more Moto3™ at 11:00 (GMT +11) to find out!
Young Powersports XL Centerville hosts Grand Opening Ceremony
Layton, UT – Holding multiple events and bringing in guests like supercross icon Jeremy McGrath, Young Powersports XL Centerville is holding its official grand opening weekend celebration from Oct. 27-28.
“This is the largest facility ever built specifically to sell powersports products,” Jeramie Young, director of Young Powersports said. “We’re holding a celebration fit for a dealership of Young Powersports XL Centerville’s stature.”
The dealership’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will start on Oct. 27 at 11am, and will feature guest speakers from the Young Automotive Group and Davis County officials like Centerville council-member Gina Hirst. Refreshments from Daily Rise Coffee will also be available to attendees.
Following the ceremony, the dealership will hold a Trunk or Treat from 6-8pm. The event will feature not only sweets and decorated machines, but special prizes for students and teachers.
Before the event, Young Powersports XL Centerville will deliver coloring pages to classrooms across Davis School District. The winning student will receive a Nintendo Switch, and the three teachers whose classes had the most entries will receive $500, $300 and $200.
“Trunk or Treats have become a major tradition for many dealerships in our group,” Young said. “They’re a great way to bring members of the community together, and our new facility is the perfect place to hold one.”
While offering grand opening specials on Saturday, the dealership will have seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath visit Young Powersports XL Centerville. Known as the King of Supercross, McGrath will be on site for a meet-and-greet on Oct. 28 from 1-4pm.
“Everyone here is extremely excited to have McGrath here,” Young said. “He’s a legendary rider, and a lot of our staff grew up watching him compete.”
Opened in August, Young Powersports XL Centerville carries machines from 12 of the industries most iconic manufacturers, with an adjacent Honda powersports location on the way. The facility houses not only powersports vehicles, accessories, gear and apparel, but also a Daily Rise Coffee franchise, a barber and a nail technician. It is currently the largest powersports dealership in Utah.
“Young Powersports XL Centerville is becoming everything we hoped it would be,” Young said. “Our mission is to provide an exceptional customer experience to anyone who walks through our doors, and with this dealership, we have the capacity to make every shopping experience here memorable.”
The dealership is located at 547 Frontage Rd. in Centerville, Utah. All events for the weekend are free and open to the public.
Hayabusa Homecoming is Set for November 11th at
the NHRA Season Finale
BREA, CA – Suzuki Motor USA invites Suzuki owners to join the Hayabusa Homecoming, a commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the legendary Suzuki Hayabusa during the In-N-Out Burger Finals at the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Happening November 11th at one of the birthplaces of professional drag racing; In-N-Out Burger Dragstrip, Pomona, CA.
This event is open to anyone attending the In-N-Out Burger Finals. Owners of Suzuki and Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycles will receive free grandstand entry for Saturday, VIP Suzuki Parking for the day, and an In-N-Out Burger lunch voucher.
Hayabusa Homecoming will be held at the Suzuki display located within the NHRA midway from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, November 11th. Suzuki motorcycle owners attending the Hayabusa Homecoming will receive free entry to the races on Saturday, and there will be special activities throughout Saturday for all who stop by the Suzuki display. Planned events for the Hayabusa Homecoming include:
Free grandstand entry for Saturday at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA finals to the first 200 Suzuki motorcycle riders who register online.
Free VIP Suzuki motorcycle parking near the NHRA Midway (Suzuki and Hayabusa owners only.)
A complimentary In-N-Out Burger lunch voucher. (Suzuki and Hayabusa owners only.)
The first 200 Suzuki Hayabusa riders to register will also receive an exclusive Hayabusa 25th Anniversary gift pack commemorating the famed sportbike.
An appearance by the Moore Mafia’s Chris Moore, a renowned drag bike builder and YouTuber who will be running his custom Turbo Hayabusa on the historic NHRA Pomona track, showcasing the jaw-dropping performance of the Suzuki Hayabusa.
Exclusive Q&A Session and fan interaction with Chris Moore and the Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle team members:
Current NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship series leader Gaige Herrera.
Four-time Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA World Champion Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiecz.
Six-time Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA World Champion Vance & Hines team Crew Chief Andrew Hines.
Vance & Hines Hayabusa and Chris Moore’s custom 25th Anniversary Suzuki Hayabusa drag bike on hand at the Suzuki display.
Attendees can have their photo taken on a real Vance & Hines Pro Stock Hayabusa.
NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class autograph session with Suzuki racers.
See all of the latest Suzuki models on display, get Suzuki swag and more.
Hayabusa Homecoming attendees will experience not only world-class Hayabusa NHRA drag racing competing on the legendary Pomona track, they will also be on-hand to celebrate the Hayabusa’s redefinition of motorcycle performance since 1999. Suzuki owners can pre-register for the Hayabusa Homecoming by scanning the QR code below.
Stay tuned for more information and updates at SuzukiCycles.com or follow Suzuki social channels @SuzukiCycles. November 11 approaches as quickly as the Hayabusa does so do not miss out on the Hayabusa Homecoming. It will be a great day for all Hayabusa and Suzuki fans!
Attendance for this exclusive celebration is extremely limited and limited to Suzuki motorcycle and Suzuki Hayabusa owners. Hayabusa Homecoming registrants will also receive access to exclusive Suzuki ticket pricing to purchase additional In-N-Out Burger Pomona Finals tickets directly from NHRA.
Join Suzuki and experience the Hayabusa Homecoming 25th Anniversary party, interact with the legendary Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki team, and witness championship-caliber drag racing with Suzuki!
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2024 has already been scheduled at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Photo by Reine Down Photography, courtesy AMA.
2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days to Run July 26-28
The American Motorcyclist Association will celebrate its 100-year anniversary at its annual event
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has announced that 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will run July 26-28, 2024, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
“Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is a special event every year, and 2024 is primed to be yet another great weekend of vintage motorcycle fun,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “We anticipate the 2024 event will be a memorable time for the thousands of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts who attend, and it will carry extra meaning as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the AMA.”
As is always the case, 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will have something for all vintage motorcycle enthusiasts — including racing in multiple disciplines, North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet and numerous recreational riding activities.
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will, once again, serve as the venue for Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
“Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days has been a long-standing July tradition on the Mid-Ohio calendar attracting thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country,” said President of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Craig Rust. “Next summer will be even more special as we celebrate the AMA’s 100-year anniversary fittingly in its home state of Ohio. We are all looking forward to another spectacular motorcycling gathering!”
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is organized to raise funds for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps fund the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s mission to promote and preserve the history of motorcycling in America.
Tickets to 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be available soon and AMA Members will be able to purchase tickets at a discount. To join the AMA and take full advantage of the discount, among many other benefits, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/join or call (800) 262-5646.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Kensei Matsudaira (74) leading a RFME ESBK Moto4 Spanish National Championship race at Jerez. Photo by Dani Vela, courtesy Evike.com.
American Kensei Matsudaira with Another Top 10 Finish in ESBK Moto4 Race at Jerez
After two consecutive rounds at circuits where American Kensei Matsudaira, age 12, rode for the first time during the race weekend, it was back to familiar territory for the penultimate round of the RFME ESBK Moto4 championship at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Andalusia, Spain.
Being the second round at the venue this season, all the riders were up to pace quickly and the competition was fierce. Kensei endured the worst qualifying result of the season in 20th after a difficult session in wet but drying conditions.
In Saturday’s Race One, Kensei’s bike stalled at the start but Kensei was able to bump start the engine and continue the race, albeit several seconds behind the entire grid. He was able to quickly catch the pack and by the fifth lap, had worked his way to the leaders and was fighting for the lead in second position. There were many positions gained and lost throughout the race and Kensei entered the final lap in P2, but lost several positions in the back straight and unfortunately crossed the finish line in ninth, just 0.8 seconds behind the winner. With a sanction to one of the riders ahead, his final classification was eighth.
In Race Two on Sunday, Kensei started in eighth and was a firm contender in the top five positions throughout the race, taking the lead several times. He had strategized to get to the lead on the final lap, but midway in the final lap in Turn Six, Kensei was hit by another rider due to contact and a crash from behind and pushed wide, falling to 20th position. Coming back immediately, Kensei made several passes in the remaining corners and took the checkered flag in 16th position, 2.1 seconds behind the winner.
“Race One, I started with my worst qualifying in P20. I knew I had to get a good start, but I ended up making the worst start with stalling my bike. Luckily, I was able to restart it quickly and get going, but I was basically dead last at this point. I just put my head down and worked through the field and reached the top three by the fifth lap and was fighting to win. Going into the final lap I was a solid P2 but just got destroyed on the back straight with the draft and lost eight positions. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed with the result because I was right there for at least a podium, but I’m really happy I was able to pull it together in the race to come from the very back and be fighting for the win,” Kensei shared after the races.
“Sunday was one of the days where the result doesn’t tell the story. I started P8 and had a good start, and I worked my way up into the lead by lap five. I felt strong. I knew I could podium and had a good shot to win. To do that I managed my position to always be at the front in the top 5 and planned an attack for the last lap. On the final lap as I was about to make my outside pass in Turn Six, a rider came up the inside of another rider right next to me and hit them. They pinballed into me and got tangled in my brake lever guard. The guard broke off and something hit my brake lever and I almost crashed. Just as I had saved that situation, the rider that came up the inside crashed and slid into my rear, completely pushing me off. I’m really bummed about the incident obviously, but that’s racing. I’m happy to be back fighting at the very front again though and even though the results were my worst of the season, I think both races this weekend were some of my strongest of the year. I’m looking forward to the final round in Barcelona in a few weeks, and I can hopefully convert everything into some good results to finish off the year.”
Round 7, the final round of the RFME ESBK championship will be held at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, Spain on November 18-19, 2023.
Kensei and his family would like to thank all of their sponsors for their support this year:
Evike.com, Nox#27 Racing Team, Evike Europe, HJC Helmets, Dave Designs, Almassera El Teular, OrangeCat Racing, Iconic Motorbikes, Bison Track, Moto Tecnica, Alpinestars, Karen E. Ott Photography, TJ Corse, BSP Racing, American Racing Team & Academy, The Starting Grid, VNM Sport, NLAB Studio, California Superbike School, MadLabs Minimoto, Hans King, 73 Moto Parts, D.I.D Chain, Galfer USA, Bickle Racing, Yoshimura R&D, Vortex Racing, Suspension Matters, Moto Survival School, Live 100 Moto, TechSpec, Landers Racing, Boyko Racing, Mini Moto Alliance.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 MOTOAMERICA MISSON KING OF THE BAGGERS RACING SERIES
MILWAUKEE (Oct. 18, 2023) – The Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory racing team will compete in the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers road racing series with team riders Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli.
Kyle Wyman won seven races during the 2023 King Of The Baggers season and finished third in the season championship. Kyle is the winningest racer in MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers history, with 12 total race wins in the 24 events since the start of the series in the 2021 season, plus the 2021 season championship to his credit. And yet he’s hungrier than ever after signing a new two-year contract with Harley-Davidson.
Kyle Wyman (33). Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
“Riding for the Harley-Davidson Factory Team has been a dream, and I’m excited to be given the opportunity to continue for two more seasons,” said Kyle Wyman. “We’ve had a lot of success in the class, but we have come up short on the championship two years in a row. Our goal is to win back the title in 2024 and I look forward to getting started with testing in the coming months.”
James Rispoli, riding for Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, won two races in the 2023 King Of The Baggers season, plus he scored five second place finishes and three third place finishes for second overall in the championship. Rispoli, who was signed to a one-year contract with the factory team, has a long history of racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles dating back to racing an XR750 as a teenager, and earning the nickname “Hogspoli” after winning the American Flat Track Production Twins championship aboard a Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R in 2020. He also won back-to-back AMA Pro Racing Supersport championships in 2011-2012. Rispoli fulfills a lifelong dream by joining the Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory racing team.
James Rispoli (43). Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
“I am stoked to have signed with Factory Harley-Davidson. It has been a dream of mine to be a factory rider ever since I was a little kid,” said James Rispoli. “Taking confidence and consistency paired with the backing of the factory, I know we are going to be a big threat in 2024. I am very excited to get to work.”
Rispoli replaces 2023 factory Harley-Davidson rider Travis Wyman. “I want to thank Travis Wyman for his three seasons aboard the factory Harley-Davidson Road Glide, and at all times being a consummate teammate,” said Jason Kehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Racing. “Travis joined this program mid-season in 2021 and has been invaluable in not only the development of our motorcycle, but also in building a factory racing program. Travis has been one of the fastest riders to ever race a Harley-Davidson, and we look forward to his continued contributions to our brand and to this program. We welcome James to the factory team after earning his seat riding in the King Of The Baggers series the past two seasons. James brings with him an unrelenting desire to win for Harley-Davidson. With James now aboard, we focus on Daytona in March of 2024, kicking off the largest, most demanding, and fastest King of the Baggers season to date.”
The King Of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2024 season will see the King Of The Baggers series expanded to 16 races over eight double-header weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike Series.
The Team Hammer Advanced Riding School & Pro Practice program is returning to the 3.51-mile infield road course at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Thursday, October 19, followed by the AMA-sanctioned ASRA/CCS Race Of Champions and AMA Road Race Grand Championships on Friday-Saturday-Sunday.
School students will receive classroom instruction from Chris Ulrich, who is a former AMA Pro/MotoAmerica Superbike racer and AMA Pro Superstock race winner, a two-time winner of the 8-Hours At Daytona, and a USMCA-certified motorcycle riding instructor.
Ulrich will be joined by an experienced cast of racers handling on-track instruction, including two-time Daytona 200 Champion and current MotoAmerica Superbike racer Brandon Paasch, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Tyler Scott, MotoAmerica podium finisher Teagg Hobbs, MotoAmerica racer Carl “Super Carl” Soltisz, and others.
School students will also receive a custom Team Hammer Advanced Riding School T-shirt and a ready-to-frame graduation certificate.
There are separate on-track school sessions for non-racers and for licensed racers, or licensed racers can sign up for one of the Pro Practice groups.
Participants must be at least 14 years old to ride an ultra-lightweight machine in the school or practices, and riders must be at least 16 years old to ride anything larger than a 400cc-class motorcycle. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with the appropriate paperwork throughout the event.
This is the only opportunity available for experienced track riders who don’t have a racing license to ride on the Daytona International Speedway road course. So don’t miss out.
And yes, the event runs rain or shine.
Graduates of the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School are eligible to apply for an ASRA/CCS or WERA racing license and after passing a licensing test, can even participate in ASRA/CCS races later the same weekend, October 20-22 at Daytona International Speedway.
Thanks to our new partners at ASRA/CCS, registration can now be done online.
The first step in this process is creating an ASRA/CCS Racer Account HERE at ASRAracing.com, if you don’t already have one.
Note: You will not be able to sign up for Team Hammer Pro Practice online unless you have a current racing license with ASRA/CCS.
For a complete schedule for the October 19 Team Hammer Advanced Riding School and Pro Practice at Daytona International Speedway, scroll down to the bottom of this post.
On-site registration will also be available on Wednesday, October 18 and Thursday, October 19 for an additional post-entry charge. On-site registration will be located at the small ticketing building at the entrance to the Turn One tunnel.
Anyone with questions about the ASRAracing.com website or online registration, call (725) 755-7550.
Anyone with general questions about the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School and Pro Practice, call (951) 245-6414.
Graham Rahal (right) brought on Superbike World Champion Ben Spies (left) to help run Rahal Ducati Moto Team and get the best from its riders in the MotoAmerica Supersport series. It's an indication that the new team is serious about racing and winning, and is bringing its world-class level of publicity and professionalism to the series. Photo by Michael Gougis.
First Person/Opinion:
Three Reasons Why The Rahal Ducati Moto Team Is So Important For MotoAmerica
by Michael Gougis
You could say that it’s just another team in the MotoAmerica paddock, two more bikes on the grid in a support class.
But that misses just how much the entry of the Rahal Ducati Moto Team means to MotoAmerica. Having series President Wayne Rainey on hand for the intro at the iconic Petersen Automotive Museum (a must-visit if you are ever in Los Angeles) is just one indication of how much the new Rahal team means to the series.
Here are three reasons why this announcement means so much to fans of motorcycle road racing in the United States:
1 – Team Rahal’s status and presence in the racing community is massive. I had a straight-up fan boy moment at the news conference when I went to get coffee and realized that Bobby Rahal himself was standing next to me. For those of you who are four-wheel illiterate, Bobby Rahal is an Indy 500 winner and a three-time CART/Indy Car Champion as a driver and a two-time winner of the Indy 500 as an owner. Son Graham Rahal, who is operating the motorcycle team, is a six-time IndyCar race winner who’s found a fair bit of success racing sports cars as well.
Why does this matter? Exposure. The Rahal clan brings attention, wherever it races. They are not just well-known but well respected, in the business world and in the racing world. Bobby Rahal served in a managerial position in the Jaguar Formula One team and was an interim president of the Championship Auto Racing Teams sanctioning body that ran open-wheel racing in the U.S. for decades. Rahal’s IndyCar team has David flippin’ Letterman as one of its owners, and his sports car team is the factory partner of BMW. Team Rahal has connections in racing, knows who to call to get things done, and operates at the highest levels of publicity and professionalism.
It would be hard to find a name that attracts more attention in North American racing than Rahal. The organization brings with it an audience that already follows road racing, admittedly on four wheels rather than two. That means exposure where Team Rahal goes, and the team is going racing with MotoAmerica. Good for everyone.
2 – Team Rahal knows what it is doing when it goes racing.
Graham Rahal pointed out, for example, that the team’s personal and in-depth interactions with Öhlins suspension equipment and personnel goes back decades. They know how to go racing, and when they show up, it’s a professional operation from the ground up. You don’t take 88 podiums at the highest level of American open-wheel racing over 17 years, as Bobby Rahal has, by accident. And Graham Rahal said the team chose to go into the Supersport class with the Ducati Panigale V2 because it could start with a bike in the showroom of one of its Ducati dealerships and make a simple, direct business case for racing on Sunday and selling on Monday. Racing is a business for him.
That works best when you’re running up front. And the initial impression is that Rahal Ducati Moto is putting together an operation capable of running at the front. Hiring Ben Spies as Team Principal is an example of how much effort Rahal is putting into the project. Spies, a MotoGP race winner, multi-time AMA Superbike Champion and Superbike World Champion in his one and only season in the series, has experience at the highest levels of International motorcycle road racing competition. As a rider, Spies knows what it takes to get to the front. Team Rahal is hiring that experience to get it out of the blocks as fast as it can.
Bobby and Graham Rahal aren’t gentleman investors looking to back a team in a sport that they enjoy. For Team Rahal (like Team Hammer) professional racing is its day job. Having a team like that in the paddock forces everyone to up their game. Again, good for everyone.
3 – New sponsors and a multi-year deal are good for the entire paddock. Racing Editor Chris Ulrich wrote recently that baggers were good for professional racing in the U.S., in part, because those were teams spending money on going racing. People get paid to work for teams on racebikes. Team uniforms get purchased. Dunlop sells more tires. You get the idea.
Team Rahal is bringing in XPEL film protectants as a title sponsor. And the plan is to spend 2024 in Supersport, then move up to Superbike in 2025 if all goes well. It’s a multi-year deal, so that means money coming into the paddock for years to come. Good for everyone.
A 2024-model Husqvarna Norden 901. Photo courtesy Husqvarna Motorcycles.
HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES UNVEILS NORDEN 901 2024
EXCEPTIONAL TRAVEL MACHINE RECEIVES ESSENTIAL UPGRADES TO BOOST PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY
Husqvarna Motorcycles is pleased to reveal the new Norden 901, which offers improved performance and safety thanks to multiple technical enhancements for 2024. An incredibly popular machine since its introduction in 2021, the Norden 901 ensures all adventure enthusiasts can explore the world their way.
The machine of choice for many adventure riders, the Norden 901 retains the same proven, torquey, 889 cc parallel twin engine for 2024. Together with its light steel trellis frame, WP APEX suspension, and multiple ride modes, the Norden 901 continues to offer outstanding comfort, particularly on longer rides when navigating rugged and challenging landscapes.
The 2024-model Husqvarna Norden 901 now offers 10-way adjustable traction control. Photo courtesy Husqvarna Motorcycles.
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ lean-angle sensitive Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) now offers ten different levels of rear wheel slip, which can be selected when the optional Explorer Mode is engaged. With a setting to suit all riding abilities, those with more experience will enjoy drifting through turns while riders new to travel machines will benefit from confidence inspiring traction when negotiating technical corners and unpredictable terrain.
Rounding out the new features found on the Norden 901 2024 are new USB port, the Hazard Warning lights, which can be quickly switched on in the event of an emergency, and the new exhaust system that meets EURO 5+ regulations.
A new exhaust system is one of the upgrades on the 2024-model Husqvarna Norden 901. Photo courtesy Husqvarna Motorcycles.
Underlining the premium build quality of the Norden 901, the components used on this versatile machine are all chosen for their performance and durability. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, Bosch Cornering ABS, a Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC), and multiple ride modes combine to create the ultimate riding experience.
Technical highlights:
New grey and yellow graphics create a distinctive appearance
Revised Cornering sensitive Traction Control allows for 10 levels of adjustable rear wheel slip with optional Explorer Mode engaged
New exhaust system for EURO 5+ compliance
New USB port on the side of the dashboard
New Hazard Warning system
Bosch Cornering ABS
Chromium-molybdenum steel frame with engine as stressed member
889 cc parallel-twin engine with 105 hp peak power and 100 Nm of torque
Adjustable WP APEX suspension provides exceptional comfort both on and offroad
Four selectable ride modes (Street, Rain, Offroad, optional Explorer)
Ride-by-wire throttle with adjustable response (in Explorer mode)
Standard Easy Shift function (up and down Quickshifter)
PASC Slipper clutch
Tubeless spoked wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres for balanced performance on and offroad
Large capacity, 19-litre fuel tank provides an extended range of up to 400 km
Optional Connectivity Unit provides TbT+ navigation, telephone calls in/out and music selection from the rider’s smartphone
The Husqvarna Motorcycles Functional Apparel Collection comprises quality riding gear designed specifically for global adventures. Complementing the unique design of the Norden 901, each piece of apparel has been developed to keep riders warm, dry, and comfortable in all weathers and seasons. Allowing riders to personalise their Norden 901, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ Technical Accessories features multiple luggage solutions and quality components that further enhance this exceptional travel machine.
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ Norden 901 2024 is available from now onwards at authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers. Availability may differ from country to country. For full details on pricing and availability, please refer to your national Husqvarna Motorcycles subsidiary or importer.
Alex Rins (42) leading Francesco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi (72), and Marc Marquez (93) during the MotoGP race at Phillip Island in 2022. Photo courtesy Dorna.
18 points. 22 riders. One island. The title fight is ready to boil over Down Under
Strap in! One of the greatest sporting spectacles on Earth is about to get underway as MotoGP™ returns to Phillip Island
Wednesday, 18 October 2023
When the Tissot Sprint was announced for 2023, where did your mind go? For many, it was the fierce, fabulous and fast Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and for very good reason. Now, the time has come to take on one of the true greats once more and we get to see the lights go out not just once, but twice. If you’ve watched before, you know what we mean. If you haven’t, just get ready.
Even better, as MotoGP™ arrives back in Australia there’s truly everything on the line after an unbelievable whiplash twist in the title fight. On Saturday in Indonesia, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) continued his stunning run, taking the Championship lead for the first time as he won his fourth Sprint on the bounce and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) struggled to eighth after failing to make it out of Q1. But on Sunday, Martin made a sudden, shocking error to crash out the lead – and Bagnaia had already been on quite some mission to slice through the pack. With Martin’s crash, third became second and then the Italian attacked Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) to take the lead and win. What. A. Twist. And what a performance from a Pecco some had already started to write off.
Now it’s time to take on the Island and the title fighting duo will be stealing plenty of spotlight as the battle just gets hotter and hotter. We’re also in need of a real duel on track to see the gloves come off. Could the Island be the place? Last year, Bagnaia was on the podium and took the Championship lead that would lead to his first premier class crown on this very turf. Martin, after some hot pace early on, was only seventh… but the top seven were covered by eight tenths. For racing series with more wheels, that’s an almost offensively small gap.
Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), meanwhile, ain’t out of it yet either. It’s a long shot, but the Italian soldiered on at Mandalika despite that recent collarbone surgery, and in Australia last year was very, very fast – as was teammate Luca Marini. What can they do Down Under this time around? Can Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) join that fight at the front? Has Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) got more impressive form after his best finish yet? What about his teammate Alex Marquez on the road to recovery? And what can we expect from Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) as he gets back in the groove? Eight Ducatis will be roaring down that Gardner Straight.
Let’s go back to Viñales, however. If you listed the venues you’d expect BatMav – we’ll let the fans decide whether that should stick – to threaten at the front, there’d be a few on there. Phillip Island? This place would definitely feature. Coming off the back of that performance in Indonesia too, the number 12 really could be one to watch, having been almost teasingly close to making that history as the first rider to win with three machines in the MotoGP™ era.
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), meanwhile, arrives from bad luck and hot speed wanting a lot more reward, and Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) would also like a little luck back after a bit of a shunting from former teammate Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) at Mandalika. Raul Fernandez’ (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team), meanwhile, needs to rediscover that upward trajectory after a much tougher time of it in Indonesia. He’d been on a run of top ten finishes before yes, taking points last time out, but down in a P13 that was the last of the riders on the same lap.
Also having a much tougher time of it in Indonesia after some real steps forward of late was Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). Two DNFs and nothing much to show from the weekend – except a whole lotta love from one of the sport’s biggest markets – leave the number 93 looking for another uptick Down Under. But he is and has been, since a certain number 27 retired, the king of the Island. He was on the podium, and nearly the top step, in 2022, and he can’t be counted out. Even in the situation in which he finds himself in 2023. Can he?
That “nearly” to quantify Marquez’ 2022, however, came courtesy of now LCR Honda Castrol rider Alex Rins, who was back in the top ten at Mandalika for the first time since his broken leg. That’s impressive enough, and he played a masterpiece last season. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) will want to learn a few of those secrets on the other side of the garage, and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) also wants a lot more as the Hondas all had a tougher weekend last time out, especially after the return to the front the number 36 had in India.
Speaking of a return to the front, and in this case just tenths off the win, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) completed the closest podium of the year so far in Indonesia. He qualified well, had a good Sprint and then seriously impressed in the Grand Prix race, scything through the gap to home in on the win and very nearly take it. Can Phillip Island be kinder too, despite it seeing him lose that Championship lead last season? For teammate Franco Morbidelli it’s a slightly opposite arrival as he suffered some issues at Mandalika and was ultimately a few laps down. Still, on Sunday his fastest lap was only a tenth off Quartararo.
Finally, KTM and GASGAS. At GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 it’s all about finding much better fortunes Down Under for both Augusto Fernandez and Pol Espargaro, with both enduring a tougher run of late. Better fortune is something also sought by Binder after a slightly adventurous Mandalika. On Saturday, he got taken out by Aleix Espargaro and on Sunday, he clashed with Marini AND Oliveira in two uncharacteristic incidents, both of which earned him a Long Lap. Uncharacteristic in that the South African usually poises his aggression perfectly. After a crash in Japan too, Binder will want a tidier weekend overall Down Under, but he can take heart from some speed in Indonesia as he came back through to sixth despite those excursions required in penance.
Last and by no means least, home hero Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be ready to get his elbows out at Phillip Island. The Australian is having a year of ups and downs in his new adventure with KTM, but there have been plenty of the former and he’ll want to make home turf count for another. The awesome Turn 4 now officially bears his name as we arrive for another showdown too, and fans are guaranteed a Thriller from Miller as he rides for them and some home glory…
SHOWTIME AT PHILLIP ISLAND
We’re underway at 15:00 local time on Saturday for the Sprint, before the GP race on Sunday fires up at 14:00.
Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +11)
Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +11)
Pedro Acosta (37) and Aron Canet (40) fighting over first place in the Moto2 race at Mandalika. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Acosta aims to hammer home his advantage in Australia
With a top five on the grid covered by less than a tenth in Indonesia, it was no surprise that missing out on the front row was no ominous sign for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Once the lights went out the number 37 was off like a shot, and once in the lead he pulled another Acosta. That advantage is now 65 points at the top of the table, so can he do it again?
Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) and Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) will want to be back on that podium and get in Acosta’s way, however, and Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) and Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will want more. And can Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team) finally crack that podium?
The rider who stole the spotlight last season was Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) though. After a tougher and scrappier run, can the number 21 find another ace up his sleeve – quite literally – this weekend? We’ll find out at 12:15 (GMT +2) as Moto2™ takes on Phillip Island!
Action from the Moto3 race at Mandalika. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Advantage Masia on the road to the Island
As he crossed the line at Mandalika, Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) probably thought it had been quite a tough day at the office. But in reality, the Championship leader only increased his advantage as Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) had crashed on the Warm Up lap and didn’t recover to points, and Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) had not one, but two Long Lap penalties – one of which sent him down the order by way of a time penalty after the flag. All said and done, Masia started the weekend a handful of points clear and is now 16 points ahead of Holgado – and that’s a whole podium’s worth.
Last year at Phillip Island, Sasaki was just off the podium and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) second as the two escaped in a smaller leading group, which could be good news for them on our return. The veterans will also be hoping that first time winner in Indonesia Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), and podium finishers David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) and David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), feel the pinch of less experience back on the Island… but will they? Tune in this weekend for more Moto3™ at 11:00 (GMT +11) to find out!
Young Powersports XL Centerville. Photo courtesy Young Powersports XL Centerville.
Young Powersports XL Centerville hosts Grand Opening Ceremony
Layton, UT – Holding multiple events and bringing in guests like supercross icon Jeremy McGrath, Young Powersports XL Centerville is holding its official grand opening weekend celebration from Oct. 27-28.
“This is the largest facility ever built specifically to sell powersports products,” Jeramie Young, director of Young Powersports said. “We’re holding a celebration fit for a dealership of Young Powersports XL Centerville’s stature.”
The dealership’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will start on Oct. 27 at 11am, and will feature guest speakers from the Young Automotive Group and Davis County officials like Centerville council-member Gina Hirst. Refreshments from Daily Rise Coffee will also be available to attendees.
Following the ceremony, the dealership will hold a Trunk or Treat from 6-8pm. The event will feature not only sweets and decorated machines, but special prizes for students and teachers.
Before the event, Young Powersports XL Centerville will deliver coloring pages to classrooms across Davis School District. The winning student will receive a Nintendo Switch, and the three teachers whose classes had the most entries will receive $500, $300 and $200.
“Trunk or Treats have become a major tradition for many dealerships in our group,” Young said. “They’re a great way to bring members of the community together, and our new facility is the perfect place to hold one.”
While offering grand opening specials on Saturday, the dealership will have seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath visit Young Powersports XL Centerville. Known as the King of Supercross, McGrath will be on site for a meet-and-greet on Oct. 28 from 1-4pm.
“Everyone here is extremely excited to have McGrath here,” Young said. “He’s a legendary rider, and a lot of our staff grew up watching him compete.”
Opened in August, Young Powersports XL Centerville carries machines from 12 of the industries most iconic manufacturers, with an adjacent Honda powersports location on the way. The facility houses not only powersports vehicles, accessories, gear and apparel, but also a Daily Rise Coffee franchise, a barber and a nail technician. It is currently the largest powersports dealership in Utah.
“Young Powersports XL Centerville is becoming everything we hoped it would be,” Young said. “Our mission is to provide an exceptional customer experience to anyone who walks through our doors, and with this dealership, we have the capacity to make every shopping experience here memorable.”
The dealership is located at 547 Frontage Rd. in Centerville, Utah. All events for the weekend are free and open to the public.
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