Changes to the concepts of the FIM Superbike and Supersport World Championships Technical Regulations
The Superbike Commission, composed of MM. Gregorio LAVILLA (Dorna, WorldSBK Executive Director), Paul KING (Director of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission), Biense BIERMA (General Secretary of the MSMA), coordinated by Paul DUPARC (Manager of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission – SBK Secretary of the Commission), in the presence of Ludovic REIGNIER (FIM WorldSBK Technical Director), Dominique HEBRARD (FIM CTI Technical Manager) and Roland BERGER (FIM CTI Director) met on numerous occasions in recent weeks.
With the Superbike World Championship now being mature, the FIM, Dorna and the MSMA have decided to work on the long term and have defined some concepts on which this Championship will have to evolve.
The stakeholders are keen to include them in an even more virtuous policy with regard to the environment and to continue to balance the performance of the machines while limiting their performances for safety.
For the WorldSBK class, the following concepts have been then decided and will be appropriately drafted in the Technical Rules that will be written for the 2024 season:
FUEL FLOW CONTROL
To incentive the environmental guidelines and give a platform for manufacturers to increase their machine developments in these areas for the future, it has been decided that, from 2025, a fuel flow control system will be mandatory to use. Therefore, in 2024, two bikes from each manufacturer will be required to fit a fuel flow meter and log data during both practices and races to validate the concept and define the value for 2025.
FUEL TANKREDUCTION AND REGULATIONS
In 2024, a new fuel tank maximum capacity will be set at 21.0 litres.
COMBINED WEIGHT
In 2024, a combined weight for rider and machine has been defined by FIM-DWO-MSMA agreement.
RPM LIMITS (this point was discussed in combination with the combined weight)
In 2024, RPM limits will be set prior to the beginning of the 2024 season by FIM-DWO-MSMA agreement and will not be reduced during that season (with the exemption of FIM-DWO RPM reduction intervention in case of superconcession overshooting). Article 2.4.2.2 (balancing calculation) related to RPM reductions will be cancelled.
CRANKSHAFT AND THE BALANCE SHAFT
Crankshaft and balance shaft weight may be modified by +/- 20% from the homologated weight measured during the FIM homologation inspection and the corresponding parts ‘kit’ must be a listed part in the FIM eligible parts list.
CHECKPOINT AND CONCESSION TOKEN CALCULATION
From 2024, this will be reviewed every two events instead of three as present.
SUPERCONCESSION AND CONCESSION PARTS
The outline approval will be one month prior to the event and final detailed approval 14 days prior to the technical control day of the event removing the necessity to describe the super concession parts in the FIM SBK regulations. A specific communication will be put in place instead.
On Saturday October 28th, a formal meeting of the SBK Commission will take place during the final round of the Championship. During this meeting, various sporting and disciplinary points will be raised and possible additional technical points could also be discussed.
The resolutions of this Superbike Commission have been approved by the Permanent Bureau.
A regularly updated version of the FIM SBK Regulations which contains the detailed text of the regulation changes may be viewed shortly on the FIM website.
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 “MotoGP – From Rivalry to Burglary”
The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.
If you ride a motorcycle, or know someone who rides, this video, A Twist of the Wrist II (available on Amazon Prime for rent or purchase) is essential to making riding more enjoyable. Increase your confidence and understand what the motorcycle needs to perform at its best.
The holidays are upon us and this makes a fabulous gift that keeps on giving as skills improve.
Turpin and Spargo split wins at the 18th Annual Barber Vintage Festival
(October 11, 2023, Knoxville, TN) – Shane Turpin and Christopher Spargo split wins on Saturday and Sunday during the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) road race season finale held at Barber Motorsports Park during the 18th Annual Barber Vintage Festival.
Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2023 Vintage Cup features the Formula 750 (F750) class which includes 750cc two and four-stroke powered machines built up to 1972.
Rounds nineteen and twenty of the Vintage Cup were held Oct. 7 and 8 in conjunction with the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Roadracing series at Barber Motorsports Park
Fall weather had arrived bringing cool temps each morning. Entering the Barber Vintage Festival rounds, Joyce, who raced a NYC Norton 1968 Seeley NRE 750, had provisionally secured the Vintage Cup Championship during the previous rounds at Talladega Gran Prix in September (championships are announced after the final race of the season is complete as per AHRMA policy). Nonetheless, the entire Formula 750 class wanted to put on a great show for the thousands of fans lining the Barber Motorsports Park circuit.
On Saturday, Joyce got the hole shot into turn one. Shane Turpin, on a 1972 Ducati Imola, sponsored by Larrabure Framing and VeeTwo, and Joyce brushed leathers through turns two and three, with Turpin getting the edge through turn four and leading to the finish. Joyce trailed by just seconds as Chris Spargo on a 1976 Yamaha RD400, nipping at Joyce’s heels until the end.
Spargo’s motor began to disintegrate on the last lap and was barely able to finish the cooldown lap demonstrating the extreme levels these riders pushed their machines to as shown by lap times in the mid 1:38s – extremely fast for mid-1970s motorcycles.
Jeff Hargis, riding a 1972 Yamaha XS650, finished fourth in front of returning competitor Mark Morrow who was on his 1976 Yamaha RD 400. Hargis is one of the handful of longtime Sportsman 750 competitors who moved to the Formula 750 class, proving again that the Vintage Cup concept works in enhancing grids. The remaining competitors and their results are listed below.
Having worked all night with his crew to completely rebuild his RD400 engine, Spargo arrived at the grid on Sunday ready to go. Joyce chose to sit the race out putting all eyes on Spargo and Turpin.
Both had great launches at the start, with Turpin cresting the hill at turn four into Charlotte’s Web in the lead. Spargo, with his neon green helmet was easy to spot, and he was never far from Turpin’s tail. Both riders were consistently lapping in the 1:38 range. Towards the end of the race, while on the front straight, Turpin suddenly put his hand up and looked down at his bike. With an obvious mechanical problem, he nursed the machine off into the turn one safety zone ending his race.
Spargo was able to relax slightly and scored the final victory in the hotly contested 2023 Vintage Cup Championship Series.
Second and third place were taken by Morrow and Hall, which created a podium filled with Yamaha RD400 machines. Stephen Pettinger on a 1977 Honda CB750 finished fifth, and Hargis took sixth.
“Tim’s victory is made more impressive by the level of competition this season. A handful of guys put in performances that would be championship worthy in a normal year. This will go down as one of the finest battles in AHRMA history,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board.
“As a sponsor but also the team owner I am very pleased to be able to officially announce that Tim Joyce, riding the Magyar-owned Seeley NRE, sponsored by NYC Norton and Rev’It Leathers, secured the championship. I would also like to thank all of the racers who participated in the 2023 Vintage Cup series featuring Formula 750,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton. “The Formula 750 Vintage Cup seemed to be one of the most consistently robust fields across all events in 2023. With multiple winners through the season, no one rider got up and walked away with the championship. ”
The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event.
Highlights from each Vintage Cup race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.
The 2024 Vintage Cup will feature the 350GP first featured Vintage Cup class.
2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series, Formula 750 – Vintage Cup Results
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Shane Turpin, 1972 Ducati Imola, Scottsdale, AZ
Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT
Christopher Spargo, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Hopkins, MN
Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Battle Creek, MI
Mark Morrow, 1976 Yamaha RD 400, Raleigh, NC
Tony Read, 1973 Triumph Bonneville, Charlotte, TN
Brad Phillips, 1972 BMW R75, Roebuck, SC
Daniel May, 1972 BMW R75/5, Wilmette, IL
Michael Dixon, 1970 Yamaha XS, Wataga, IL
Martin Morrison, 1976 Honda CB550, Newark, OH
David Roper, 1962 Matchless G-50, Hicksville, NY
Joseph Wright, 1970 Honda CR750, Bellevue, WA
Michael Wilson, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Maylene, AL
Stan Keyes, 1972 Norton Commando 750, Jacksonville, FL
Ben Schmitt, 1970 Norton Commando, Kearney, MO
Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati 750, Calabasas, CA
Brady Ingelse, 1975 Honda CB750, Belgium, WI
Rob Hall, 1972 Yamaha RD400, Charlotte, NC
Walt Fulton, 1972 Harley-Davidson XR750, Montrose, CO
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Christopher Spargo, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Hopkins, MN
Mark Morrow, 1976 Yamaha RD 400, Raleigh, NC
Rob Hall, 1972 Yamaha RD400, Charlotte, NC
Stephen Pettinger, 1977 Honda CB750, Chicago, IL
Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Battle Creek, MI
Martin Morrison, 1976 Honda CB550, Newark, OH
Brad Phillips, 1972 BMW R75, Roebuck, SC
Joseph Wright, 1970 Honda CR750, Bellevue, WA
Michael Wilson, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Maylene, AL
Stan Keyes, 1972 Norton Commando 750, Jacksonville, FL
Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
Ben Schmitt, 1970 Norton Commando, Kearney, MO
Alan Feinman, 1976 Triumph T140, York, PA
Shane Turpin, 1972 Ducati Imola, Scottsdale, AZ
Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
Walt Fulton, 1972 Harley-Davidson XR750, Montrose, CO
David Roper, 1962 Matchless G-50, Hicksville, NY
2023 Vintage Cup Competitors
Vincent Borbone
Albert Charles
Craig Charles
David Crussell
Kevin Dinsmoor
Michael Dixon
Matt Esterline
Alan Feinman
Brian Filo
Walt Fulton
Rob Hall
Patrick Hanson
Jeff Hargis
Justin Hebbel
Jim Hinshaw
Brady Ingelse
Tim Joyce
Stan Keyes
Brian Larrabure
Jason Lindquist
Lloyd Mason
Daniel May
Stan Miller
Martin Morrison
Mark Morrow
Tripp Nobles
Stephen Pettinger
Brad Phillips
Peter Politiek, Sr
Tony Read
Colton Roberts
Greyson Rogers
David Roper
Ben Schmitt
Bucky Sexton
Dan Sokolich
David Spanjar
Christopher Spargo
Shane Turpin
Mark Williams
Michael Wilson
Joseph Wright
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.
THE ADVENTURE BIKE BORN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD NOW IN THREE NEW COLOR SCHEMES WHICH EXALT ITS ADVENTURE ATTITUDE AND GREAT OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
THE COMBINATION OF THE NEW COLORS WITH THE NEW RED FRAME EMPHASIZES THE SPORT NATURE OF THE TUAREG WHICH ASTONISHED AT ITS RACING DÉBUT AND IS READY TO TAKE THE APRILIA BRAND BACK TO THE BIG AFRICAN RALLY RAIDS
ALONG WITH THE ATREIDES BLACK AND CANYON SAND COLORS COMES THE EVOCATIVE DAKAR PODIUM COLOR SCHEME, A TRIBUTE TO THE APRILIA WHICH TOOK THE PODIUM IN THE 2010 DAKAR, THE LAST ITALIAN BIKE TO SUCCEED IN THE UNDERTAKING
Designed to overcome the hardest off-road adventures, Aprilia Tuareg gets closer to returning to the African desert, to the places and competitions – the big rally raids – that made it an off-roading legend. For 2024, the Tuareg has an even sportier and adventurous look, thanks to three new color schemes capable of exalting its great off-road abilities and its unstoppable attitude of adventure.
A 2024 Aprilia Tuareg in an Atreides Black color scheme. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Aprilia Tuareg MY 2024 is available in the new Atreides Black and Canyon Sand color schemes, inspired by the natural habitats in which the twin-cylinder adventure bike moves around so easily, joined by the evocative Dakar Podium color scheme, a tribute to the bike that took overall third – three leg wins – in the 2010 Dakar, the Aprilia RXV 4.5 ridden by Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez.
All the new colors are accented by an aggressive red frame, which further emphasizes the sportiness of Aprilia Tuareg, protagonist this year of an astonishing début in off-road competitions within the area of the “Back to Africa” project. In fact, in the version developed by Aprilia Racing in collaboration with GCorse, of the Guareschi brothers, Aprilia Tuareg is in the mix to take the Italian Motorally Championship and is fresh from a brilliant third place earned in the Transanatolia Rally during its absolute début in a big international raid. The next step in the project is obviously the African desert – a destination that is already written in the name Tuareg.
A 2024 Aprilia Tuareg in the Dakar Podium color scheme. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
On the front mudguard the suspension travel is indicated, at the top of its class – 240 mm – placing the emphasis on the Aprilia Tuareg’s authentic off-road technical package.
Last, but not least, in line with its penchant for abandoning the asphalt, for 2024, the range of accessories dedicated to Tuareg is expanded to include an air filter specifically developed for off-road use and on dusty roads, with filtering power that protects the engine from any dust being sucked into the intake.
Pricing and Availability
USA:
$12,299 (Atreides Black and Canyon Sand), arrival October 2023
$12,699 (Dakar Podium), arriving November 2023
CAN:
$14,895 (Atreides Black and Canyon Sand), arriving February 2024
Provisional 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship calendar
The most spectacular electric racing on Earth returns for another action-packed season
Tuesday, 10 October 2023
The provisional calendar for the 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship can now be announced! Another eight-round, 16-race season awaits the most spectacular electric racing series in the world, with MotoE™ set to share the stage at the majority of the European dates on the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar. There’s also a whole new venue on the horizon, with the nine-team, 18-rider MotoE™ grid primed to take on the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for the first time.
The season is prefaced by two tests in Portimao before the affectionately named rollercoaster also kicks off the season, making a little history in the process as Portugal becomes the eighth different country to host MotoE™. From there, it’s next stop Le Mans before a return to Barcelona and the Catalan GP in its new slot in late May. That’s a back-to-back spectacular with the first home round for Ducati too, with MotoE™ set to touch down at Mugello the following weekend.
The next challenge for the class of 2024 is the historic TT Circuit Assen in another back-to-back with the Sachsenring in Germany, before a well deserved summer break. The Championship then gets back in action at the Red Bull Ring in Austria before the final showdowns of the season at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, bringing the curtain down on the season in style. And all powered by Enel X Way!
Check out the full calendar and get ready for more history in the making in the 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship!
(Knoxville, TN – October 10, 2023) It is with great sorrow that the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) shares the loss of one of our road racers.
Robert Aegerter, age 74, a longtime AHRMA member from Capitola, CA, was involved in a racing incident during the final weekend of the 2023 AHRMA road racing championship at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL.
The on-track incident occurred the morning of Sunday, Oct. 8, and resulted in Aegerter being transported to the UAB Hospital in Birmingham where he succumbed to his injuries.
The AHRMA family extends deepest condolences to Robert’s family.
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on classic and vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles.
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 “Misano 2023 – Farewell To The Last Link”
The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.
Three points in it: MotoGP™ primed for a pivotal return to Mandalika
The title fight is on a knife edge as the triple header puts 111 points on the table across three weekends – starting in Indonesia
Monday, 09 October 2023
Reset? Recharged? Ready to go? You’d better be as a triple header is about to light up the Championship fight, with the top two split by just three points and a whopping 111 on offer across the next three weekends. And it all starts in front of one of MotoGP™’s most passionate crowds as the sport returns to Indonesia and the fabulous Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on the island of Lombok, with the billboards in place and hero’s welcome assured.
So where were we? We were in the pouring rain, watching Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) hold his nerve just as Jorge Martin’s (Prima Pramac Racing) continued march towards the top required him to. So now it’s just three points, with Pecco still just ahead and having dealt with that pressure, but Martin very much looking like a man on a mission. The mission is simple for both: Martin’s is to keep going, Bagnaia’s is to stop him. Can either reign Mandalika?
Just behind them, there has already been a frisson of drama as well. Title contender Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) suffered a broken collarbone in training, giving the Italian a race against time to not lose too much ground to the top. The team haven’t yet confirmed when he’ll be back, but say they will soon. Luca Marini, meanwhile, is expected to travel to Indonesia.
The same is true of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with the team saying he’ll at least be travelling to test out or begin a return to action. And it’s a huge week as rumours continue to swirl around the seat currently occupied by teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, not an easy situation for anyone involved. The one thing we do have confirmed, however, is that Marc Marquez will split from HRC at the end of 2023.
After weeks and even months of speculation, it would be easy for some to take the official confirmation, received last week, as a formality. But huge decisions are never such a thing, with hours, days, and weeks of negotiation and emotion behind the scenes. Especially when you’ve rewritten the record books and raced together for over a decade. So what does the future hold? Regardless of the longer term answer, on the coattails of a “romantic” podium in Japan for the number 93, there are six race weekends to go. And we can bet on Marquez giving it more than just a go, starting now.
Alongside him, it’s also a final stretch with the brand for Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) ahead of his switch, if he can get back out there this weekend. For Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) it’s a new era within the marque as his 2024 was confirmed with Honda, and for Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) it’s a look across the box wondering who will be there next season. It’s also, in some ways, an opportunity, and off the back of two points scoring finishes including that glorious return to the top five in India.
Speaking of which, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) got back on the podium in India and then had a tougher – but didn’t everyone – Japanese GP, so it’ll be interesting to see how he goes in Lombok after a frontrunning round last season. Teammate Franco Morbidelli, meanwhile, will be looking to start a run of races signing off from Yamaha in style. So too for current Prima Pramac Racing rider Johann Zarco as he looks to get back on the podium before leaving the team, and the Ducati armada Zarco is currently part of could see Enea Bastianini back in the fold at Ducati Lenovo Team too, although the ‘Beast”s return hasn’t yet been confirmed.
Over at KTM, it’s now truly the final stand in the fight for the Constructors’ crown, against that aforementioned Ducati armada. After Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed out in Japan it suddenly looked like Ducati were going to paint Motegi red, but in the end Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) did more than just enough and ensured the fight rolls on. Miller will still want more in Indonesia though, and Binder certainly will as the venue has only seen KTM on the top step so far as they won the first Grand Prix at the venue last year.
The headlines from the Austrian contingent come more from GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 on the way into the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia though. The news is finally out and the MotoGP™ line-up for the squad next year will see Augusto Fernandez pair Moto2™ Championship leader Pedro Acosta, taking a little pressure off both. Pol Espargaro will still be with the project, however, and will want to use the remaining races of 2023 to show quite what he’s got to offer. As will they all!
Finally, Aprilia are looking for a lot more in Lombok. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) arrives from a solid Japanese GP but wants to get back to that stunning summer form, and teammate Maverick Viñales had a bit of a dramatic Sunday at Motegi and most definitely wants to bounce back. Raul Fernandez’ (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) form continues that upward arc though, and they also now have the only winner at Mandalika in their ranks: Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team). Yes, it was wet. There’s no guarantee it won’t be again. Regardless, there are some good memories at the track for the Portuguese rider, and the drama of his earlier season seems to have calmed down too – or more, his rivals have allowed it to after that dunk of bad luck early on. What can he do returning to the venue with Aprilia? We’re about to find out!
SHOWTIME AT MANDALIKA
We’re underway at 15:00 local time – that’s an hour ahead of Jakarta too! – on Saturday AND Sunday at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia.
Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +8)
Grand Prix Race: Sunday 15:00 (GMT +8)
Ai Ogura (79) leading the Moto2 race in Japan. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Chantra, Ogura, Acosta? Mandalika could prove a rematch
Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) was simply unstoppable in Japan, fastest throughout the weekend and then taking that win in style. And who won at Mandalika last season? The very same Chantra, who made a little history in the process by becoming the first Thai rider to win a Grand Prix. Can he repeat the feat?
Teammate Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) will want to turn the tables after following him home at Motegi, and the two will both likely have Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on their mind. He’s now a sizable 50 points clear in the standings, his future is confirmed in the premier class, and he just keeps taking those podiums… even when it’s a tougher weekend. That’s something key rival Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will want to rediscover after a tougher weekend in Japan, having been back on the rostrum in India. But there are plenty more fast faces looking to get in his way, with the grid stacked as ever.
Make sure to tune in for more intermediate class action at Mandalika, with history made last season and more waiting just around the corner as the lights go out for Moto2™ at 13:15 (GMT+8)!
Jaume Masia (5) leading the Moto3 race at Motegi. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Masia leads Moto3™ into Mandalika
On the road to Mandalika, the Moto3™ Championship has a new leader as Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) took another impressive win last time out in Japan. Now the pressure’s on the rest to start hitting back, but the gap remains small as the lightweight class heads into the triple header… so there’s everything to play for!
Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) is now second and six points off, and the Japanese rider remains a consistent threat at the front. And despite losing the lead and the Championship fight now playing out on turf he’s much less familiar with than most of his key rivals, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) was right in the game in both India and Japan too. He’s still only nine points off the top and can’t be counted out.
The rider who lost some big and unexpected ground across India and Japan was instead Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The Turkish rider has to now play it perfectly and win big across the first triple header to make that back up, but he is also the top finisher from 2022 now returning to the venue this year.
David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), meanwhile, is now just ahead of Öncü in the title fight but will want to find something extra on Lombok, having dropped out that leading postcode at the last couple of venues. But Mandalika isn’t one those around him have been racing for the last near-decade, so that could play in his favour. And he is, after all, still a rookie – even if he’s fighting for the title. Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) is right there too, despite that late penalty DSQing him from the Catalan GP, and just one more diamond result could see him come right back into the picture.
You don’t want to miss this! Tune in for Moto3™’s return to Mandalika, with lights out at 12:00 (GMT +8) on Sunday!
“Pressure To Rise” Episode 9 chronicles a tough round for the Medallia Superbike riders who raced at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas, during a triple-digit heat wave. Despite the adversity, Richie Escalante achieved a career milestone. And then, it was on to New Jersey Motorsports Park for the final race weekend of the season, but with the added challenge of Tropical Storm Ophelia deciding to pay a visit and make track conditions extra-challenging for MotoAmerica’s premier riders.
Superbike World Championship contenders Alvaro Bautista (center), Jonathan Rea (left), and Toprak Razgatlioglu (right) as seen after Race One at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy Dorna.
FIM Superbike & Supersport World Championships
Changes to the concepts of the FIM Superbike and Supersport World Championships Technical Regulations
The Superbike Commission, composed of MM. Gregorio LAVILLA (Dorna, WorldSBK Executive Director), Paul KING (Director of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission), Biense BIERMA (General Secretary of the MSMA), coordinated by Paul DUPARC (Manager of the FIM Circuit Racing Commission – SBK Secretary of the Commission), in the presence of Ludovic REIGNIER (FIM WorldSBK Technical Director), Dominique HEBRARD (FIM CTI Technical Manager) and Roland BERGER (FIM CTI Director) met on numerous occasions in recent weeks.
With the Superbike World Championship now being mature, the FIM, Dorna and the MSMA have decided to work on the long term and have defined some concepts on which this Championship will have to evolve.
The stakeholders are keen to include them in an even more virtuous policy with regard to the environment and to continue to balance the performance of the machines while limiting their performances for safety.
For the WorldSBK class, the following concepts have been then decided and will be appropriately drafted in the Technical Rules that will be written for the 2024 season:
FUEL FLOW CONTROL
To incentive the environmental guidelines and give a platform for manufacturers to increase their machine developments in these areas for the future, it has been decided that, from 2025, a fuel flow control system will be mandatory to use. Therefore, in 2024, two bikes from each manufacturer will be required to fit a fuel flow meter and log data during both practices and races to validate the concept and define the value for 2025.
FUEL TANKREDUCTION AND REGULATIONS
In 2024, a new fuel tank maximum capacity will be set at 21.0 litres.
COMBINED WEIGHT
In 2024, a combined weight for rider and machine has been defined by FIM-DWO-MSMA agreement.
RPM LIMITS (this point was discussed in combination with the combined weight)
In 2024, RPM limits will be set prior to the beginning of the 2024 season by FIM-DWO-MSMA agreement and will not be reduced during that season (with the exemption of FIM-DWO RPM reduction intervention in case of superconcession overshooting). Article 2.4.2.2 (balancing calculation) related to RPM reductions will be cancelled.
CRANKSHAFT AND THE BALANCE SHAFT
Crankshaft and balance shaft weight may be modified by +/- 20% from the homologated weight measured during the FIM homologation inspection and the corresponding parts ‘kit’ must be a listed part in the FIM eligible parts list.
CHECKPOINT AND CONCESSION TOKEN CALCULATION
From 2024, this will be reviewed every two events instead of three as present.
SUPERCONCESSION AND CONCESSION PARTS
The outline approval will be one month prior to the event and final detailed approval 14 days prior to the technical control day of the event removing the necessity to describe the super concession parts in the FIM SBK regulations. A specific communication will be put in place instead.
On Saturday October 28th, a formal meeting of the SBK Commission will take place during the final round of the Championship. During this meeting, various sporting and disciplinary points will be raised and possible additional technical points could also be discussed.
The resolutions of this Superbike Commission have been approved by the Permanent Bureau.
A regularly updated version of the FIM SBK Regulations which contains the detailed text of the regulation changes may be viewed shortly on the FIM website.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley (left) and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom (right) in the paddock at Jerez. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
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 “MotoGP – From Rivalry to Burglary”
The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.
Keith Code (third from right) and the California Superbike School team of coach instructors circa 2019. Photo courtesy California Superbike School.
If you ride a motorcycle, or know someone who rides, this video, A Twist of the Wrist II (available on Amazon Prime for rent or purchase) is essential to making riding more enjoyable. Increase your confidence and understand what the motorcycle needs to perform at its best.
The holidays are upon us and this makes a fabulous gift that keeps on giving as skills improve.
Shane Turpin (14). Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
Turpin and Spargo split wins at the 18th Annual Barber Vintage Festival
(October 11, 2023, Knoxville, TN) – Shane Turpin and Christopher Spargo split wins on Saturday and Sunday during the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) road race season finale held at Barber Motorsports Park during the 18th Annual Barber Vintage Festival.
Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2023 Vintage Cup features the Formula 750 (F750) class which includes 750cc two and four-stroke powered machines built up to 1972.
Rounds nineteen and twenty of the Vintage Cup were held Oct. 7 and 8 in conjunction with the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Roadracing series at Barber Motorsports Park
Fall weather had arrived bringing cool temps each morning. Entering the Barber Vintage Festival rounds, Joyce, who raced a NYC Norton 1968 Seeley NRE 750, had provisionally secured the Vintage Cup Championship during the previous rounds at Talladega Gran Prix in September (championships are announced after the final race of the season is complete as per AHRMA policy). Nonetheless, the entire Formula 750 class wanted to put on a great show for the thousands of fans lining the Barber Motorsports Park circuit.
On Saturday, Joyce got the hole shot into turn one. Shane Turpin, on a 1972 Ducati Imola, sponsored by Larrabure Framing and VeeTwo, and Joyce brushed leathers through turns two and three, with Turpin getting the edge through turn four and leading to the finish. Joyce trailed by just seconds as Chris Spargo on a 1976 Yamaha RD400, nipping at Joyce’s heels until the end.
Spargo’s motor began to disintegrate on the last lap and was barely able to finish the cooldown lap demonstrating the extreme levels these riders pushed their machines to as shown by lap times in the mid 1:38s – extremely fast for mid-1970s motorcycles.
Jeff Hargis, riding a 1972 Yamaha XS650, finished fourth in front of returning competitor Mark Morrow who was on his 1976 Yamaha RD 400. Hargis is one of the handful of longtime Sportsman 750 competitors who moved to the Formula 750 class, proving again that the Vintage Cup concept works in enhancing grids. The remaining competitors and their results are listed below.
Having worked all night with his crew to completely rebuild his RD400 engine, Spargo arrived at the grid on Sunday ready to go. Joyce chose to sit the race out putting all eyes on Spargo and Turpin.
Both had great launches at the start, with Turpin cresting the hill at turn four into Charlotte’s Web in the lead. Spargo, with his neon green helmet was easy to spot, and he was never far from Turpin’s tail. Both riders were consistently lapping in the 1:38 range. Towards the end of the race, while on the front straight, Turpin suddenly put his hand up and looked down at his bike. With an obvious mechanical problem, he nursed the machine off into the turn one safety zone ending his race.
Spargo was able to relax slightly and scored the final victory in the hotly contested 2023 Vintage Cup Championship Series.
Second and third place were taken by Morrow and Hall, which created a podium filled with Yamaha RD400 machines. Stephen Pettinger on a 1977 Honda CB750 finished fifth, and Hargis took sixth.
“Tim’s victory is made more impressive by the level of competition this season. A handful of guys put in performances that would be championship worthy in a normal year. This will go down as one of the finest battles in AHRMA history,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board.
“As a sponsor but also the team owner I am very pleased to be able to officially announce that Tim Joyce, riding the Magyar-owned Seeley NRE, sponsored by NYC Norton and Rev’It Leathers, secured the championship. I would also like to thank all of the racers who participated in the 2023 Vintage Cup series featuring Formula 750,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton. “The Formula 750 Vintage Cup seemed to be one of the most consistently robust fields across all events in 2023. With multiple winners through the season, no one rider got up and walked away with the championship. ”
The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event.
Highlights from each Vintage Cup race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.
The 2024 Vintage Cup will feature the 350GP first featured Vintage Cup class.
2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series, Formula 750 – Vintage Cup Results
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Shane Turpin, 1972 Ducati Imola, Scottsdale, AZ
Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT
Christopher Spargo, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Hopkins, MN
Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Battle Creek, MI
Mark Morrow, 1976 Yamaha RD 400, Raleigh, NC
Tony Read, 1973 Triumph Bonneville, Charlotte, TN
Brad Phillips, 1972 BMW R75, Roebuck, SC
Daniel May, 1972 BMW R75/5, Wilmette, IL
Michael Dixon, 1970 Yamaha XS, Wataga, IL
Martin Morrison, 1976 Honda CB550, Newark, OH
David Roper, 1962 Matchless G-50, Hicksville, NY
Joseph Wright, 1970 Honda CR750, Bellevue, WA
Michael Wilson, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Maylene, AL
Stan Keyes, 1972 Norton Commando 750, Jacksonville, FL
Ben Schmitt, 1970 Norton Commando, Kearney, MO
Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
Brian Larrabure, 1972 Ducati 750, Calabasas, CA
Brady Ingelse, 1975 Honda CB750, Belgium, WI
Rob Hall, 1972 Yamaha RD400, Charlotte, NC
Walt Fulton, 1972 Harley-Davidson XR750, Montrose, CO
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Christopher Spargo, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Hopkins, MN
Mark Morrow, 1976 Yamaha RD 400, Raleigh, NC
Rob Hall, 1972 Yamaha RD400, Charlotte, NC
Stephen Pettinger, 1977 Honda CB750, Chicago, IL
Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Battle Creek, MI
Martin Morrison, 1976 Honda CB550, Newark, OH
Brad Phillips, 1972 BMW R75, Roebuck, SC
Joseph Wright, 1970 Honda CR750, Bellevue, WA
Michael Wilson, 1977 Yamaha RD400, Maylene, AL
Stan Keyes, 1972 Norton Commando 750, Jacksonville, FL
Justin Hebbel, 1972 BMW R75/5, Baltimore, MD
Ben Schmitt, 1970 Norton Commando, Kearney, MO
Alan Feinman, 1976 Triumph T140, York, PA
Shane Turpin, 1972 Ducati Imola, Scottsdale, AZ
Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL
Walt Fulton, 1972 Harley-Davidson XR750, Montrose, CO
David Roper, 1962 Matchless G-50, Hicksville, NY
2023 Vintage Cup Competitors
Vincent Borbone
Albert Charles
Craig Charles
David Crussell
Kevin Dinsmoor
Michael Dixon
Matt Esterline
Alan Feinman
Brian Filo
Walt Fulton
Rob Hall
Patrick Hanson
Jeff Hargis
Justin Hebbel
Jim Hinshaw
Brady Ingelse
Tim Joyce
Stan Keyes
Brian Larrabure
Jason Lindquist
Lloyd Mason
Daniel May
Stan Miller
Martin Morrison
Mark Morrow
Tripp Nobles
Stephen Pettinger
Brad Phillips
Peter Politiek, Sr
Tony Read
Colton Roberts
Greyson Rogers
David Roper
Ben Schmitt
Bucky Sexton
Dan Sokolich
David Spanjar
Christopher Spargo
Shane Turpin
Mark Williams
Michael Wilson
Joseph Wright
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.
A 2024 Aprilia Tuareg in a Canyon Sand color scheme. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
APRILIA TUAREG 2024
THE ADVENTURE BIKE BORN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD NOW IN THREE NEW COLOR SCHEMES WHICH EXALT ITS ADVENTURE ATTITUDE AND GREAT OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
THE COMBINATION OF THE NEW COLORS WITH THE NEW RED FRAME EMPHASIZES THE SPORT NATURE OF THE TUAREG WHICH ASTONISHED AT ITS RACING DÉBUT AND IS READY TO TAKE THE APRILIA BRAND BACK TO THE BIG AFRICAN RALLY RAIDS
ALONG WITH THE ATREIDES BLACK AND CANYON SAND COLORS COMES THE EVOCATIVE DAKAR PODIUM COLOR SCHEME, A TRIBUTE TO THE APRILIA WHICH TOOK THE PODIUM IN THE 2010 DAKAR, THE LAST ITALIAN BIKE TO SUCCEED IN THE UNDERTAKING
Designed to overcome the hardest off-road adventures, Aprilia Tuareg gets closer to returning to the African desert, to the places and competitions – the big rally raids – that made it an off-roading legend. For 2024, the Tuareg has an even sportier and adventurous look, thanks to three new color schemes capable of exalting its great off-road abilities and its unstoppable attitude of adventure.
A 2024 Aprilia Tuareg in an Atreides Black color scheme. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Aprilia Tuareg MY 2024 is available in the new Atreides Black and Canyon Sand color schemes, inspired by the natural habitats in which the twin-cylinder adventure bike moves around so easily, joined by the evocative Dakar Podium color scheme, a tribute to the bike that took overall third – three leg wins – in the 2010 Dakar, the Aprilia RXV 4.5 ridden by Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez.
All the new colors are accented by an aggressive red frame, which further emphasizes the sportiness of Aprilia Tuareg, protagonist this year of an astonishing début in off-road competitions within the area of the “Back to Africa” project. In fact, in the version developed by Aprilia Racing in collaboration with GCorse, of the Guareschi brothers, Aprilia Tuareg is in the mix to take the Italian Motorally Championship and is fresh from a brilliant third place earned in the Transanatolia Rally during its absolute début in a big international raid. The next step in the project is obviously the African desert – a destination that is already written in the name Tuareg.
A 2024 Aprilia Tuareg in the Dakar Podium color scheme. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
On the front mudguard the suspension travel is indicated, at the top of its class – 240 mm – placing the emphasis on the Aprilia Tuareg’s authentic off-road technical package.
Last, but not least, in line with its penchant for abandoning the asphalt, for 2024, the range of accessories dedicated to Tuareg is expanded to include an air filter specifically developed for off-road use and on dusty roads, with filtering power that protects the engine from any dust being sucked into the intake.
Pricing and Availability
USA:
$12,299 (Atreides Black and Canyon Sand), arrival October 2023
$12,699 (Dakar Podium), arriving November 2023
CAN:
$14,895 (Atreides Black and Canyon Sand), arriving February 2024
Jordi Torres (81) leading MotoE Race One at Sachsenring earlier in 2023. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Provisional 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship calendar
The most spectacular electric racing on Earth returns for another action-packed season
Tuesday, 10 October 2023
The provisional calendar for the 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship can now be announced! Another eight-round, 16-race season awaits the most spectacular electric racing series in the world, with MotoE™ set to share the stage at the majority of the European dates on the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar. There’s also a whole new venue on the horizon, with the nine-team, 18-rider MotoE™ grid primed to take on the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for the first time.
The season is prefaced by two tests in Portimao before the affectionately named rollercoaster also kicks off the season, making a little history in the process as Portugal becomes the eighth different country to host MotoE™. From there, it’s next stop Le Mans before a return to Barcelona and the Catalan GP in its new slot in late May. That’s a back-to-back spectacular with the first home round for Ducati too, with MotoE™ set to touch down at Mugello the following weekend.
The next challenge for the class of 2024 is the historic TT Circuit Assen in another back-to-back with the Sachsenring in Germany, before a well deserved summer break. The Championship then gets back in action at the Red Bull Ring in Austria before the final showdowns of the season at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, bringing the curtain down on the season in style. And all powered by Enel X Way!
Check out the full calendar and get ready for more history in the making in the 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship!
Robert Aegerter (13R), R.I.P. Photo by Cathy Drexler, courtesy AHRMA.
AHRMA Family Mourns the Loss of Robert Aegerter
(Knoxville, TN – October 10, 2023) It is with great sorrow that the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) shares the loss of one of our road racers.
Robert Aegerter, age 74, a longtime AHRMA member from Capitola, CA, was involved in a racing incident during the final weekend of the 2023 AHRMA road racing championship at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL.
The on-track incident occurred the morning of Sunday, Oct. 8, and resulted in Aegerter being transported to the UAB Hospital in Birmingham where he succumbed to his injuries.
The AHRMA family extends deepest condolences to Robert’s family.
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on classic and vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley (left) and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom (right) in the paddock at Jerez. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
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 “Misano 2023 – Farewell To The Last Link”
The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.
Jorge Martin (89) leads Francesco Bagnaia (1), Marco Bezzecchi (72), and Jack Miller (43) in the very wet Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Three points in it: MotoGP™ primed for a pivotal return to Mandalika
The title fight is on a knife edge as the triple header puts 111 points on the table across three weekends – starting in Indonesia
Monday, 09 October 2023
Reset? Recharged? Ready to go? You’d better be as a triple header is about to light up the Championship fight, with the top two split by just three points and a whopping 111 on offer across the next three weekends. And it all starts in front of one of MotoGP™’s most passionate crowds as the sport returns to Indonesia and the fabulous Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on the island of Lombok, with the billboards in place and hero’s welcome assured.
So where were we? We were in the pouring rain, watching Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) hold his nerve just as Jorge Martin’s (Prima Pramac Racing) continued march towards the top required him to. So now it’s just three points, with Pecco still just ahead and having dealt with that pressure, but Martin very much looking like a man on a mission. The mission is simple for both: Martin’s is to keep going, Bagnaia’s is to stop him. Can either reign Mandalika?
Just behind them, there has already been a frisson of drama as well. Title contender Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) suffered a broken collarbone in training, giving the Italian a race against time to not lose too much ground to the top. The team haven’t yet confirmed when he’ll be back, but say they will soon. Luca Marini, meanwhile, is expected to travel to Indonesia.
The same is true of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with the team saying he’ll at least be travelling to test out or begin a return to action. And it’s a huge week as rumours continue to swirl around the seat currently occupied by teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, not an easy situation for anyone involved. The one thing we do have confirmed, however, is that Marc Marquez will split from HRC at the end of 2023.
After weeks and even months of speculation, it would be easy for some to take the official confirmation, received last week, as a formality. But huge decisions are never such a thing, with hours, days, and weeks of negotiation and emotion behind the scenes. Especially when you’ve rewritten the record books and raced together for over a decade. So what does the future hold? Regardless of the longer term answer, on the coattails of a “romantic” podium in Japan for the number 93, there are six race weekends to go. And we can bet on Marquez giving it more than just a go, starting now.
Alongside him, it’s also a final stretch with the brand for Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) ahead of his switch, if he can get back out there this weekend. For Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) it’s a new era within the marque as his 2024 was confirmed with Honda, and for Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) it’s a look across the box wondering who will be there next season. It’s also, in some ways, an opportunity, and off the back of two points scoring finishes including that glorious return to the top five in India.
Speaking of which, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) got back on the podium in India and then had a tougher – but didn’t everyone – Japanese GP, so it’ll be interesting to see how he goes in Lombok after a frontrunning round last season. Teammate Franco Morbidelli, meanwhile, will be looking to start a run of races signing off from Yamaha in style. So too for current Prima Pramac Racing rider Johann Zarco as he looks to get back on the podium before leaving the team, and the Ducati armada Zarco is currently part of could see Enea Bastianini back in the fold at Ducati Lenovo Team too, although the ‘Beast”s return hasn’t yet been confirmed.
Over at KTM, it’s now truly the final stand in the fight for the Constructors’ crown, against that aforementioned Ducati armada. After Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed out in Japan it suddenly looked like Ducati were going to paint Motegi red, but in the end Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) did more than just enough and ensured the fight rolls on. Miller will still want more in Indonesia though, and Binder certainly will as the venue has only seen KTM on the top step so far as they won the first Grand Prix at the venue last year.
The headlines from the Austrian contingent come more from GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 on the way into the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia though. The news is finally out and the MotoGP™ line-up for the squad next year will see Augusto Fernandez pair Moto2™ Championship leader Pedro Acosta, taking a little pressure off both. Pol Espargaro will still be with the project, however, and will want to use the remaining races of 2023 to show quite what he’s got to offer. As will they all!
Finally, Aprilia are looking for a lot more in Lombok. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) arrives from a solid Japanese GP but wants to get back to that stunning summer form, and teammate Maverick Viñales had a bit of a dramatic Sunday at Motegi and most definitely wants to bounce back. Raul Fernandez’ (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) form continues that upward arc though, and they also now have the only winner at Mandalika in their ranks: Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team). Yes, it was wet. There’s no guarantee it won’t be again. Regardless, there are some good memories at the track for the Portuguese rider, and the drama of his earlier season seems to have calmed down too – or more, his rivals have allowed it to after that dunk of bad luck early on. What can he do returning to the venue with Aprilia? We’re about to find out!
SHOWTIME AT MANDALIKA
We’re underway at 15:00 local time – that’s an hour ahead of Jakarta too! – on Saturday AND Sunday at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia.
Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +8)
Grand Prix Race: Sunday 15:00 (GMT +8)
Ai Ogura (79) leading the Moto2 race in Japan. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Chantra, Ogura, Acosta? Mandalika could prove a rematch
Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) was simply unstoppable in Japan, fastest throughout the weekend and then taking that win in style. And who won at Mandalika last season? The very same Chantra, who made a little history in the process by becoming the first Thai rider to win a Grand Prix. Can he repeat the feat?
Teammate Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) will want to turn the tables after following him home at Motegi, and the two will both likely have Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on their mind. He’s now a sizable 50 points clear in the standings, his future is confirmed in the premier class, and he just keeps taking those podiums… even when it’s a tougher weekend. That’s something key rival Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) will want to rediscover after a tougher weekend in Japan, having been back on the rostrum in India. But there are plenty more fast faces looking to get in his way, with the grid stacked as ever.
Make sure to tune in for more intermediate class action at Mandalika, with history made last season and more waiting just around the corner as the lights go out for Moto2™ at 13:15 (GMT+8)!
Jaume Masia (5) leading the Moto3 race at Motegi. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Masia leads Moto3™ into Mandalika
On the road to Mandalika, the Moto3™ Championship has a new leader as Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) took another impressive win last time out in Japan. Now the pressure’s on the rest to start hitting back, but the gap remains small as the lightweight class heads into the triple header… so there’s everything to play for!
Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) is now second and six points off, and the Japanese rider remains a consistent threat at the front. And despite losing the lead and the Championship fight now playing out on turf he’s much less familiar with than most of his key rivals, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) was right in the game in both India and Japan too. He’s still only nine points off the top and can’t be counted out.
The rider who lost some big and unexpected ground across India and Japan was instead Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The Turkish rider has to now play it perfectly and win big across the first triple header to make that back up, but he is also the top finisher from 2022 now returning to the venue this year.
David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), meanwhile, is now just ahead of Öncü in the title fight but will want to find something extra on Lombok, having dropped out that leading postcode at the last couple of venues. But Mandalika isn’t one those around him have been racing for the last near-decade, so that could play in his favour. And he is, after all, still a rookie – even if he’s fighting for the title. Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) is right there too, despite that late penalty DSQing him from the Catalan GP, and just one more diamond result could see him come right back into the picture.
You don’t want to miss this! Tune in for Moto3™’s return to Mandalika, with lights out at 12:00 (GMT +8) on Sunday!
The start of MotoAmerica Superbike Race One at COTA with Jake Gagne (1) and Josh Herrin (2) fighting for the lead into Turn One ahead of Richie Escalante (54), JD Beach (95), PJ Jacobsen (99), Brandon Paasch (96), Mathew Scholtz (11), and the rest. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“Pressure To Rise” Episode 9 chronicles a tough round for the Medallia Superbike riders who raced at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas, during a triple-digit heat wave. Despite the adversity, Richie Escalante achieved a career milestone. And then, it was on to New Jersey Motorsports Park for the final race weekend of the season, but with the added challenge of Tropical Storm Ophelia deciding to pay a visit and make track conditions extra-challenging for MotoAmerica’s premier riders.
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Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
