American Rossi Moor was second in the CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup qualifying Saturday at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola, in Italy. Riding a spec Aprilia RS 660 supported by BK Corse and MMR Racing, 16-year-old Moor lapped the 3.1-mile (4.9 km) road course in 1:58.450. Edoardo Colombi earned pole position with a lap time of 1:58.102.
The sole CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup race is scheduled to start at 11:20 a.m. local time on Sunday.
Combined Qual
Kawasaki Puccetti Racing with Can Öncü in WorldSSP in 2024
Can Öncü will remain with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing in WorldSSP in 2024. It will be the young Turkish rider’s fifth Supersport World Championship season with Manuel Puccetti’s team and the Kawasaki.
Born in Alanya in 2003, Can competed in the Asia Talent Cup and the Rookies Cup, winning the latter in 2018. After making his Moto3 world championship debut that same year, winning the Valencia race, Öncü then completed an entire Moto3 season in 2019 before moving to WorldSSP the following year. To date, he has started 74 Supersport races, scoring one win and thirteen podiums.
His 2023 season was conditioned by a racing incident at Assen, which kept him away from the tracks for several months, the rider still recovering from his injuries now. In 2024 he will be riding the Kawasaki ZX-6R and will have his sights set firmly on the world title!
Manuel Puccetti
“I’m pleased to continue developing Can Öncü as part of my team again in 2024. The plan that we made with his manager Kenan Sofuoglu is to help young riders mature and grow, just as we did in the past with Toprak Razgatlioglu, so that they can move up to World Superbike. Though still very young, Can has already shown that he has real talent and is a great professional. We were unable to score the expected results this year due to his injury, one he’s still recovering from, but we count on him being back in top shape next season, when our goal will be to win the WorldSSP championship.”
Can Öncü
“I’m really pleased to continue with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, a team that’s like a second family to me. Together with them, I’ve grown and achieved many of the goals we’ve set ourselves. This year we couldn’t obtain the desired results because of my injury, but next year nothing will stop us from giving it everything as I go all out to pursue my goal – to win the World Supersport title. I want to thank Manuel Puccetti and everyone at Kawasaki for the faith they continue to put in me. I’ll do all I can to repay them with the best possible results.”
SUZUKI INTRODUCES 2024 V-STROM 800 & V-STROM 800 TOURING
New Additions to the V-STROM 800 Line Enhance Adventure Touring Options
Brea, CA (October 6, 2023) – Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) welcomes two new V-STROM 800 models that build on the momentum from the successful, off-road-focused adventure motorcycle, the V-STROM 800DE. The 2024 V-STROM 800 and 800 Touring leverage the DE’s stellar engine and chassis platform while focusing on the needs of more street-oriented riders.
These two new models- the V-STROM 800 and V-STROM 800 Touring extend the Suzuki V-STROM line, and host street and long-distance touring-focused features. Each appeals to riders looking for a performance-minded yet versatile middleweight motorcycle with adventure in mind. These new V-STROM 800 models along with the 800DE and 800DE Adventure offer four distinct options targeting the entire middleweight adventure target audience.
With the momentum from the dirt-focused Suzuki V-STROM 800DE’s introduction last November continuing to grow, the V-STROM 800 and V-STROM 800 Touring are distinctly engineered to provide superb comfort and performance for commuting, sport or long-distance touring, and occasional dirt road use.
Highly capable at highway speeds or when exploring less-traveled routes, these new models are equally entertaining and practical to ride daily around town for fun, laying down miles across the continent on a tour, through spirited canyon rides, or for commuting to work.
Each is powered by the new-generation 776cc DOHC parallel-twin engine used in the V-STROM 800DE and the Suzuki GSX-8S. These new V-STROM models’ engine delivers a precise balance of smooth, controllable power at low engine speeds as well as a free-revving rush of performance when needed.
The engine’s 270-degree crankshaft configuration provides the power characteristics and an exciting exhaust note. The patented Suzuki Cross Balancer system contributes to smooth operation and a compact, lightweight engine design.
The V-STROM 800s’ rugged steel backbone frame takes advantage of the engine’s compact size, resulting in a chassis both nimble and steady. The V-STROM 800 and 800 Touring’s new SHOWA SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) inverted front fork smoothly controls front wheel movement, while the SHOWA rear shock absorber employs a remote, hand-operated hydraulic spring preload adjuster so suspension tuning for a passenger or cargo takes just seconds.
The suspension is tuned to maximize straight-line and cornering performance for street riding as well as light-duty off-road use. The front fork supports radially mounted NISSIN four-piston brake calipers that grasp a pair of 310mm stainless steel brake rotors. The front calipers and the rear caliper -with a 260mm rotor, are monitored by a compact ABS** system. This ABS system offers a choice of two different mode settings the rider may choose for differing road conditions. The ABS system’s mode 1 provides minimal anti-lock brake intervention, while mode 2 provides more anti-lock brake intervention.
New seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels are shod with a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear tire. Dunlop’s new D614F/D614 tubeless ADV tires were engineered exclusively for the V-STROM 800, and feature a new tread pattern and custom-engineered internal structure for superb pavement operation plus the ability to explore that new, unpaved road on occasion.
Like the V-STROM 800DE, a full-color, 5-inch TFT LCD multifunction instrument panel provides the rider access and on-the-fly control over the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) suite of advanced electronic features that include the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, the Suzuki Traction Control System*, and Suzuki’s Bi-Directional Quick Shift system.
Ride almost any distance in comfort and control thanks to a wide, vibration-damping, tapered handlebar, a supportive seat, and rubber-padded footpegs.
To carry the items riders may need quick access to, the V-STROM 800 Touring’s standard 35L top case uses the V-STROM’s ignition key for locking the lid or quick removal of the case from the rear carrier.
2024 Suzuki V-STROM 800
MSRP $9,899
Click Here for More Details
Key V-STROM 800 Features
2024 Suzuki V-STROM 800 Touring
MSRP $10,499
Click Here for More Details
Key V-STROM 800 Touring Specific Features
Additional Features
A wide variety of Genuine Suzuki Accessories are available for the V-STROM 800 and V-STROM 800 Touring. Accessories include plastic side cases, several top case options, engine guards, a center stand, low- and high-profile seats, heated hand grips, fog lamps, and more. The available Genuine Suzuki Accessory aluminum side cases and top cases have a sturdy locking system that uses a unique style key different from the motorcycle’s ignition key. Review the Suzuki Genuine Accessory catalog for information related to luggage on the V-STROM 800 and 800 Touring.
Genuine Suzuki Accessories may be reviewed here.
The V-STROM 800 and 800 Touring come with a 12-month limited warranty. Longer warranty coverage periods with other benefits are available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP). For more details, please visit www.suzukicycles.com.
Note: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION reserves the right to add any improvement to change the design or to discontinue any Suzuki Genuine Accessories at any time without notice. Some Suzuki Genuine Accessories might not be compatible with local standards or statutory requirements. Please check with your local AUTHORIZED SUZUKI DEALER for details at the time of ordering.
FERNANDEZ AND ACOSTA SET TO GET ON THE GAS FOR 2024 MOTOGP™
2023 MotoGP news
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will continue to showcase some of the best and brightest Spanish talent in MotoGP as Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta will surge into the 2024 championship with the GASGAS RC16s.
Reigning Moto2™ World Champion and notable 2023 MotoGP rookie, Augusto Fernandez, will remain with the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 squad for his second term at the highest level. The 26-year-old Majorcan caught the eye with points-scoring performances in all but two of the 14 Grands Prix so far this season and has posted a personal best 4th place at the French Grand Prix. In Japan last weekend he notched his second-best classification with 7th place through tricky rainy conditions at Motegi. Augusto has shown potential and maturity while also progressing with his adaptation to the 2023 GASGAS RC16. He will be joined by the man who could be next in line for the Moto2 gold medal.
Pedro Acosta is in only his third full season of world championship competition but the prolific 19-year-old has won the Moto3 title (2021), Moto2 Grands Prix as a rookie (2022) and has snared 11 podiums from 14 rounds this year to head the standings by more than 50 points. Acosta has the ability, the racecraft and the sheer natural talent to join the MotoGP grid and complete a remarkable journey through the company’s talent structure from being Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion in 2020 to premier class racer in 2024.
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider, Pol Espargaro, will fill a crucial and very valued position for the Pierer Mobility Motorsport project next year. The likeable 32-year-old was part of this joint-decision for both the short and long-term future of the company’s MotoGP goals. Pol is greatly appreciated for his commitment and experience; right from the very first days of the Pierer Mobility Group’s MotoGP entry up until his dedicated quest to return to competitiveness after injury sustained earlier in 2023. #44 is an important asset for supporting talented young athletes and maintaining the strength of the current racing set-up and his humility is evidenced by the willingness to assist the next generation hoping to follow in his footsteps. Pol’s character, energy and abilities mean he will still be a prominent member of the MotoGP program on both sides of the pit wall.
Pit Beirer, GASGAS Motorsports Director: “We had an important and difficult decision to make for our GASGAS team for 2024. Augusto has made impressive first steps in MotoGP and we are totally convinced he has the speed and the intelligence to keep on progressing. Pedro is a very special talent who has already won so much, so quickly and 2024 will be about him learning to take the next step with the big boys in MotoGP. I want to thank Pol for everything he has done and all he continues to do for us. This guy is super-tough and super-determined and that’s why we want to count on him as an important part of our structure. Pol’s openness and proactiveness deserves my deepest respect. It underlines his greatness as a person that he gave us a helping hand in this situation. It also shows his passion for the sport and his thoughts for the future. With these pieces in place and with Hervé, Nicolas, and all the team and their experience we have an exciting year ahead for the GASGAS brand.”
Tens of thousands of dollars of soft barriers were destroyed in a fiery crash May 27 during the WERA Cycle Jam at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
Ilan Bental crashed in Turn Four, the esses section, at Road Atlanta during the 600ccc/C Superstock Expert race. Strong winds then turned a small fire on Bental’s crashed motorcycle into an inferno that burned up a huge section of tire wall, a chain link fence, and many sections of life-saving Airfence Bike soft barriers.
View a video of the scene shot by veteran racer Chuck Ivey here: https://www.facebook.com/1485493885/videos/253560307256536/
While the fire ended the remainder of the day’s activities, Bental was relatively uninjured according to Ivey, the fire was eventually extinguished, and enough repairs were made overnight that WERA was able to resume on-track action the following morning.
The Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to helping prevent or reduce the severity of racetrack injuries by advocating for and facilitating the use of soft barriers, immediately started a campaign to raise funds to replace the destroyed Airfence sections (which were originally supplied by previous RWAF fund-raisers).
Thanks to ongoing fundraising efforts by PRE Track Days and N2 Track Days, a donation of penalty fines from MotoAmerica, a special fundraiser organized by MotoAmerica Superbike racer Josh Herrin, and individual donations from road racing fans and supporters, the Roadracing World Action Fund has shipped 20 new sections of Airfence Bike worth approximately $56,000 to Road Atlanta, where they have been deployed.
To donate to the Roadracing World Action Fund and help deploy more soft barriers nationwide, please go to https://store.roadracingworld.com/products/donate-to-roadracing-world-action-fund
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.
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.
Then you can choose to sign up for…
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.
2023 Team Hammer Schedule Oct 19 V2
THE ULTIMATE MOTO-VACATION SUNSHINE AND MOTORCYCLES IN MIAMI!
Yamaha Champions Riding School’s annual Homestead Motor Speedway winter moto vacation is one of our favorite events of the year. The weather is perfect in South Florida in late January. Riders come from all over the country for an amazing experience riding, training, and fun in the sun.
ChampSchool has partnered with N2 Track Days to expand the event to four days of moto-fun in the sun. See the info below to sign up with N2 Track Days.
Thursday and Friday, January 18 – 19 will feature our 2-Day ChampSchool. Friday, January 19th will feature our 1-Day ChampStreet Program. N2 Track Days will be holding a track day event on Saturday and Sunday, January 20 – 21. 2-Day ChampSchool graduates will have the opportunity to get private coaching from ChampSchool instructors and professional racers at the N2 event.
We are offering a complete “arrive and ride” experience at Homestead. Yamaha rental bikes will be available from ChampSchool for $700 for both days. We will also have a full selection of gear from Dainese and Arai available for rent.
Fully prepped track bikes will be available for rent for all four days directly from Bike Pass Motorsports, Track Bike Rentals, and BobbleHeadMoto. Contact each of these vendors directly for more details. You are always welcome to bring your own bike and gear. Any bike. Any Brand.
While all of your friends are trudging to work in the dark, you could be changing your riding life in Miami. Call the boss and take vacation time now. This event always sells out.
Email [email protected] with any questions.
Road America Announces 2024 Season Schedule
Event Tickets Are Now Available!
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – As the motorsports world eagerly anticipates the dawn of the 2024 racing season, enthusiasts have reason to rejoice. Road America, the hallowed ground of high-speed competition nestled near the picturesque village of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, has unveiled its tentative 2024 schedule that promises many experiences for fans and competitors alike. With a storied history from its inception in 1955, Road America has become synonymous with world-class events, and the 2024 season is poised to be no exception.
The season starts in style with the SVRA Spring Vintage Festival Weekend from May 17 to May 19. This nostalgic celebration pays homage to classic cars and the racing heritage that has captivated generations. Enthusiasts can witness timeless race machinery thundering around the track, evoking the glorious days of motorsport’s past.
Following closely is MotoAmerica Superbikes and Vintage MotoFest from May 31 to June 2. Prepare for heart-pounding motorcycle racing action, where competitors will push the limits in a quest for supremacy. The event promises fierce competition and unforgettable moments that will leave spectators on the edge of their seats.
The season’s crown jewel arrives with the NTT INDYCAR Series Grand Prix, Presented by American Medical Response, scheduled from June 6 to June 9. This prestigious event gathers the finest open-wheel racers from around the globe, ensuring a breathtaking showcase of speed, skill, and strategy. It’s an electrifying spectacle that no motorsports enthusiast should miss.
Mid-June ushers in the WeatherTech Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints from June 21 to June 23. This tradition spotlights grassroots racing talent and an eclectic array of vehicles, making it a fan favorite.
The Trans Am Speed Tour Weekend roars into action from June 28 to June 30. Building upon its illustrious history, this event features iconic American muscle cars battling it out on the track. Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, and Corvettes provide a dose of pure Americana, promising thrilling races and high-speed nostalgia.
July brings the WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman from July 11 to July 14. Historic racing machines take center stage, paying homage to the golden era of motorsports. It’s a must-see event for those who appreciate the timeless beauty of vintage racing.
August heats up with the IMSA SportsCar Weekend August 1-4 and the Fanatec GT SportsCar Weekend August 16-18. Fans can witness cutting-edge sports car technology and intense competition on Road America’s iconic circuit, a true testament to the evolution of motorsports.
The Ariens Art on Wheels Vintage Weekend Featuring VSCDA Sept. 13-15 adds an artistic flair to the racing scene, seamlessly blending vintage cars with the world of art, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
The grand finale, the SCCA National Championship Runoffs Oct. 4-6, promises an adrenaline-packed spectacle. Competitors nationwide will vie for championship glory in various classes, bringing the season to a thrilling close.
Road America’s 2024 season schedule promises a breathtaking journey through motorsports, with each event offering its unique blend of history, competition, and excitement. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or a casual spectator, Road America has something extraordinary in store for you. Mark your calendars as the roar of engines and the thrill of racing await you at America’s National Park of Speed.
Road America’s season pass is the most affordable way to attend all the events, with over 50 days of action. The season pass is available at an advance price of only $570. January 1 through June 1, 2024, the price for a season pass is $655. Each season pass provides admission, special events, and incentives for club events – details are available at www.roadamerica.com/season-pass
Anyone 16 and under gets in FREE when accompanied by a paying adult at the gate. For full event details and information, visit www.roadamerica.com.
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
by David Swarts
Three fuel samples taken from Jake Gagne’s Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1 following MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race Two at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) have been found to be illegal during official fuel testing.
Following the race, MotoAmerica Technical Director Tige Daane took three fuel samples from each of Josh Herrin’s Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati (first place), PJ Jacobsen’s Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW (third place), and Gagne’s Yamaha (second place). Daane told Roadracingworld.com that it was a pre-planned fuel test “because we hadn’t done one in a while.”
According to AMA Director of Racing Bill Cumbow, there hadn’t been a post-race fuel test conducted in MotoAmerica Superbike since 2018. For reference, MotoGP tests fuel samples at every round.
All racebikes competing in MotoAmerica, with the exception of motorcycles in the King Of The Baggers class, are required to use VP Racing Fuels’ FIM-homologated MGP unleaded fuel. VP Racing Fuels has been the official spec fuel supplier for MotoAmerica since 2019.
The fuel from Herrin’s Ducati and Jacobsen’s BMW was found to be compliant during testing performed by VP Racing Fuels in the days following the race at COTA. The fuel sample from Gagne’s Yamaha was found not in compliance when compared to a reference sample, so Gagne’s second sample was tested by VP Racing Fuels and the same result was found – non-compliant.
At the request of Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha, the third fuel sample was then sent for testing by an independent laboratory, which is part of the official testing procedure. On September 22, AMA sent the sample to Intertek, a huge international testing company that currently handles fuel testing for the FIM Superbike World Championship. Testing of Gagne’s third sample was also found to be non-compliant.
The official ruling on Gagne’s fuel sample will be made by either the FIM North America (FIMNA) Stewards Panel or by Race Direction. Which it will actually be is unknown at this time.
Possible disciplinary actions include:
A private or public warning
Rider penalty points that can lead to starting the next race from the back of the grid or from pit lane or a disqualification from the next event
A cash fine of up to $10,000
Disqualification from the event in question
The loss of Championship points
And more than one penalty can be assessed.
Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha is expected to appeal the ruling to the FIMNA Appeal Stewards Panel, so the final outcome of this case will not be known until after that appeal hearing.
Richard Stanboli, the owner of the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha team, has been an outspoken critic of VP Racing Fuels’ MGP fuel, particularly the 2023-blend of the fuel, and has also blamed the company’s quality control since his team damaged three Superbike engines during Free Practice One at Road America.
“In my opinion, the fuel is total crap,” Stanboli said during a live podcast during the 2023 season. “VP can do a lot better. They are a gigantic company. They make really good fuels for other series, but in this particular case they’re just bargain basement, a little better than pump gas. It is what it is, and we know what it is.”
Stanboli admitted that he builds and tunes his engines to a fine edge, but he said other engines built to the same spec as those at Road America had done 870 miles (1,400 km) on track without any problems.
The difference, said Stanboli, was that those previous engines burned VP Racing Fuels MGP from a 2022 batch and the engines that had problems at Road America ran fuel were from a 2023 batch of MGP. Stanboli said VP Racing Fuels told him nothing had changed in the formulation of the two batches, but Stanboli said his results proved otherwise.
After his engine problems at Road America, Stanboli said his team changed the engine build specs, using less compression and running richer air/fuel mixtures, among other things, to make the engines live while burning VP’s 2023-blend fuel. Stanboli also said he let MotoAmerica know that he would run 2022-blend MGP fuel with his latest engine build spec at COTA.
Gagne broke a long-standing All-Time Lap Record, won Superbike Race One, and finished second in Superbike Race Two at COTA.
Stay tuned.
10 new Rookies for 2024 after Guadix Selection Event
Three days of perfect weather, a great race track and 111 of the fastest, most committed teenage racers in the world made the Selection Event for the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup at Guadix a very special experience for everyone.
At the end it took over two hours of discussion and deliberation to produce a list of 10 riders who are invited to join the 18th season of the Rookies Cup.
Valentin Perrone Canton – Argentina
Joel Pons Llubes – Spain
Guillem Planques – France
Leonardo Alessandro Zanni – Italy
Milan Pawelec – Poland
Sullivan Mounsey – Great Britian
Giulio Pugliese – Italy
Brian Uriarte – Spain
Kristian Daniel Jr – United States
Kgopotso Mononyane – South Africa
American Rossi Moor was second in the CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup qualifying Saturday at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola, in Italy. Riding a spec Aprilia RS 660 supported by BK Corse and MMR Racing, 16-year-old Moor lapped the 3.1-mile (4.9 km) road course in 1:58.450. Edoardo Colombi earned pole position with a lap time of 1:58.102.
The sole CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup race is scheduled to start at 11:20 a.m. local time on Sunday.
Combined Qual
Kawasaki Puccetti Racing with Can Öncü in WorldSSP in 2024
Can Öncü will remain with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing in WorldSSP in 2024. It will be the young Turkish rider’s fifth Supersport World Championship season with Manuel Puccetti’s team and the Kawasaki.
Born in Alanya in 2003, Can competed in the Asia Talent Cup and the Rookies Cup, winning the latter in 2018. After making his Moto3 world championship debut that same year, winning the Valencia race, Öncü then completed an entire Moto3 season in 2019 before moving to WorldSSP the following year. To date, he has started 74 Supersport races, scoring one win and thirteen podiums.
His 2023 season was conditioned by a racing incident at Assen, which kept him away from the tracks for several months, the rider still recovering from his injuries now. In 2024 he will be riding the Kawasaki ZX-6R and will have his sights set firmly on the world title!
Manuel Puccetti
“I’m pleased to continue developing Can Öncü as part of my team again in 2024. The plan that we made with his manager Kenan Sofuoglu is to help young riders mature and grow, just as we did in the past with Toprak Razgatlioglu, so that they can move up to World Superbike. Though still very young, Can has already shown that he has real talent and is a great professional. We were unable to score the expected results this year due to his injury, one he’s still recovering from, but we count on him being back in top shape next season, when our goal will be to win the WorldSSP championship.”
Can Öncü
“I’m really pleased to continue with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, a team that’s like a second family to me. Together with them, I’ve grown and achieved many of the goals we’ve set ourselves. This year we couldn’t obtain the desired results because of my injury, but next year nothing will stop us from giving it everything as I go all out to pursue my goal – to win the World Supersport title. I want to thank Manuel Puccetti and everyone at Kawasaki for the faith they continue to put in me. I’ll do all I can to repay them with the best possible results.”
SUZUKI INTRODUCES 2024 V-STROM 800 & V-STROM 800 TOURING
New Additions to the V-STROM 800 Line Enhance Adventure Touring Options
Brea, CA (October 6, 2023) – Suzuki Motor USA (Suzuki) welcomes two new V-STROM 800 models that build on the momentum from the successful, off-road-focused adventure motorcycle, the V-STROM 800DE. The 2024 V-STROM 800 and 800 Touring leverage the DE’s stellar engine and chassis platform while focusing on the needs of more street-oriented riders.
These two new models- the V-STROM 800 and V-STROM 800 Touring extend the Suzuki V-STROM line, and host street and long-distance touring-focused features. Each appeals to riders looking for a performance-minded yet versatile middleweight motorcycle with adventure in mind. These new V-STROM 800 models along with the 800DE and 800DE Adventure offer four distinct options targeting the entire middleweight adventure target audience.
With the momentum from the dirt-focused Suzuki V-STROM 800DE’s introduction last November continuing to grow, the V-STROM 800 and V-STROM 800 Touring are distinctly engineered to provide superb comfort and performance for commuting, sport or long-distance touring, and occasional dirt road use.
Highly capable at highway speeds or when exploring less-traveled routes, these new models are equally entertaining and practical to ride daily around town for fun, laying down miles across the continent on a tour, through spirited canyon rides, or for commuting to work.
Each is powered by the new-generation 776cc DOHC parallel-twin engine used in the V-STROM 800DE and the Suzuki GSX-8S. These new V-STROM models’ engine delivers a precise balance of smooth, controllable power at low engine speeds as well as a free-revving rush of performance when needed.
The engine’s 270-degree crankshaft configuration provides the power characteristics and an exciting exhaust note. The patented Suzuki Cross Balancer system contributes to smooth operation and a compact, lightweight engine design.
The V-STROM 800s’ rugged steel backbone frame takes advantage of the engine’s compact size, resulting in a chassis both nimble and steady. The V-STROM 800 and 800 Touring’s new SHOWA SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) inverted front fork smoothly controls front wheel movement, while the SHOWA rear shock absorber employs a remote, hand-operated hydraulic spring preload adjuster so suspension tuning for a passenger or cargo takes just seconds.
The suspension is tuned to maximize straight-line and cornering performance for street riding as well as light-duty off-road use. The front fork supports radially mounted NISSIN four-piston brake calipers that grasp a pair of 310mm stainless steel brake rotors. The front calipers and the rear caliper -with a 260mm rotor, are monitored by a compact ABS** system. This ABS system offers a choice of two different mode settings the rider may choose for differing road conditions. The ABS system’s mode 1 provides minimal anti-lock brake intervention, while mode 2 provides more anti-lock brake intervention.
New seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels are shod with a 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear tire. Dunlop’s new D614F/D614 tubeless ADV tires were engineered exclusively for the V-STROM 800, and feature a new tread pattern and custom-engineered internal structure for superb pavement operation plus the ability to explore that new, unpaved road on occasion.
Like the V-STROM 800DE, a full-color, 5-inch TFT LCD multifunction instrument panel provides the rider access and on-the-fly control over the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) suite of advanced electronic features that include the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, the Suzuki Traction Control System*, and Suzuki’s Bi-Directional Quick Shift system.
Ride almost any distance in comfort and control thanks to a wide, vibration-damping, tapered handlebar, a supportive seat, and rubber-padded footpegs.
To carry the items riders may need quick access to, the V-STROM 800 Touring’s standard 35L top case uses the V-STROM’s ignition key for locking the lid or quick removal of the case from the rear carrier.
2024 Suzuki V-STROM 800
MSRP $9,899
Click Here for More Details
Key V-STROM 800 Features
2024 Suzuki V-STROM 800 Touring
MSRP $10,499
Click Here for More Details
Key V-STROM 800 Touring Specific Features
Additional Features
A wide variety of Genuine Suzuki Accessories are available for the V-STROM 800 and V-STROM 800 Touring. Accessories include plastic side cases, several top case options, engine guards, a center stand, low- and high-profile seats, heated hand grips, fog lamps, and more. The available Genuine Suzuki Accessory aluminum side cases and top cases have a sturdy locking system that uses a unique style key different from the motorcycle’s ignition key. Review the Suzuki Genuine Accessory catalog for information related to luggage on the V-STROM 800 and 800 Touring.
Genuine Suzuki Accessories may be reviewed here.
The V-STROM 800 and 800 Touring come with a 12-month limited warranty. Longer warranty coverage periods with other benefits are available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP). For more details, please visit www.suzukicycles.com.
Note: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION reserves the right to add any improvement to change the design or to discontinue any Suzuki Genuine Accessories at any time without notice. Some Suzuki Genuine Accessories might not be compatible with local standards or statutory requirements. Please check with your local AUTHORIZED SUZUKI DEALER for details at the time of ordering.
FERNANDEZ AND ACOSTA SET TO GET ON THE GAS FOR 2024 MOTOGP™
2023 MotoGP news
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will continue to showcase some of the best and brightest Spanish talent in MotoGP as Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta will surge into the 2024 championship with the GASGAS RC16s.
Reigning Moto2™ World Champion and notable 2023 MotoGP rookie, Augusto Fernandez, will remain with the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 squad for his second term at the highest level. The 26-year-old Majorcan caught the eye with points-scoring performances in all but two of the 14 Grands Prix so far this season and has posted a personal best 4th place at the French Grand Prix. In Japan last weekend he notched his second-best classification with 7th place through tricky rainy conditions at Motegi. Augusto has shown potential and maturity while also progressing with his adaptation to the 2023 GASGAS RC16. He will be joined by the man who could be next in line for the Moto2 gold medal.
Pedro Acosta is in only his third full season of world championship competition but the prolific 19-year-old has won the Moto3 title (2021), Moto2 Grands Prix as a rookie (2022) and has snared 11 podiums from 14 rounds this year to head the standings by more than 50 points. Acosta has the ability, the racecraft and the sheer natural talent to join the MotoGP grid and complete a remarkable journey through the company’s talent structure from being Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion in 2020 to premier class racer in 2024.
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider, Pol Espargaro, will fill a crucial and very valued position for the Pierer Mobility Motorsport project next year. The likeable 32-year-old was part of this joint-decision for both the short and long-term future of the company’s MotoGP goals. Pol is greatly appreciated for his commitment and experience; right from the very first days of the Pierer Mobility Group’s MotoGP entry up until his dedicated quest to return to competitiveness after injury sustained earlier in 2023. #44 is an important asset for supporting talented young athletes and maintaining the strength of the current racing set-up and his humility is evidenced by the willingness to assist the next generation hoping to follow in his footsteps. Pol’s character, energy and abilities mean he will still be a prominent member of the MotoGP program on both sides of the pit wall.
Pit Beirer, GASGAS Motorsports Director: “We had an important and difficult decision to make for our GASGAS team for 2024. Augusto has made impressive first steps in MotoGP and we are totally convinced he has the speed and the intelligence to keep on progressing. Pedro is a very special talent who has already won so much, so quickly and 2024 will be about him learning to take the next step with the big boys in MotoGP. I want to thank Pol for everything he has done and all he continues to do for us. This guy is super-tough and super-determined and that’s why we want to count on him as an important part of our structure. Pol’s openness and proactiveness deserves my deepest respect. It underlines his greatness as a person that he gave us a helping hand in this situation. It also shows his passion for the sport and his thoughts for the future. With these pieces in place and with Hervé, Nicolas, and all the team and their experience we have an exciting year ahead for the GASGAS brand.”
Tens of thousands of dollars of soft barriers were destroyed in a fiery crash May 27 during the WERA Cycle Jam at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
Ilan Bental crashed in Turn Four, the esses section, at Road Atlanta during the 600ccc/C Superstock Expert race. Strong winds then turned a small fire on Bental’s crashed motorcycle into an inferno that burned up a huge section of tire wall, a chain link fence, and many sections of life-saving Airfence Bike soft barriers.
View a video of the scene shot by veteran racer Chuck Ivey here: https://www.facebook.com/1485493885/videos/253560307256536/
While the fire ended the remainder of the day’s activities, Bental was relatively uninjured according to Ivey, the fire was eventually extinguished, and enough repairs were made overnight that WERA was able to resume on-track action the following morning.
The Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to helping prevent or reduce the severity of racetrack injuries by advocating for and facilitating the use of soft barriers, immediately started a campaign to raise funds to replace the destroyed Airfence sections (which were originally supplied by previous RWAF fund-raisers).
Thanks to ongoing fundraising efforts by PRE Track Days and N2 Track Days, a donation of penalty fines from MotoAmerica, a special fundraiser organized by MotoAmerica Superbike racer Josh Herrin, and individual donations from road racing fans and supporters, the Roadracing World Action Fund has shipped 20 new sections of Airfence Bike worth approximately $56,000 to Road Atlanta, where they have been deployed.
To donate to the Roadracing World Action Fund and help deploy more soft barriers nationwide, please go to https://store.roadracingworld.com/products/donate-to-roadracing-world-action-fund
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.
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.
Then you can choose to sign up for…
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.
2023 Team Hammer Schedule Oct 19 V2
THE ULTIMATE MOTO-VACATION SUNSHINE AND MOTORCYCLES IN MIAMI!
Yamaha Champions Riding School’s annual Homestead Motor Speedway winter moto vacation is one of our favorite events of the year. The weather is perfect in South Florida in late January. Riders come from all over the country for an amazing experience riding, training, and fun in the sun.
ChampSchool has partnered with N2 Track Days to expand the event to four days of moto-fun in the sun. See the info below to sign up with N2 Track Days.
Thursday and Friday, January 18 – 19 will feature our 2-Day ChampSchool. Friday, January 19th will feature our 1-Day ChampStreet Program. N2 Track Days will be holding a track day event on Saturday and Sunday, January 20 – 21. 2-Day ChampSchool graduates will have the opportunity to get private coaching from ChampSchool instructors and professional racers at the N2 event.
We are offering a complete “arrive and ride” experience at Homestead. Yamaha rental bikes will be available from ChampSchool for $700 for both days. We will also have a full selection of gear from Dainese and Arai available for rent.
Fully prepped track bikes will be available for rent for all four days directly from Bike Pass Motorsports, Track Bike Rentals, and BobbleHeadMoto. Contact each of these vendors directly for more details. You are always welcome to bring your own bike and gear. Any bike. Any Brand.
While all of your friends are trudging to work in the dark, you could be changing your riding life in Miami. Call the boss and take vacation time now. This event always sells out.
Email [email protected] with any questions.
Road America Announces 2024 Season Schedule
Event Tickets Are Now Available!
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – As the motorsports world eagerly anticipates the dawn of the 2024 racing season, enthusiasts have reason to rejoice. Road America, the hallowed ground of high-speed competition nestled near the picturesque village of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, has unveiled its tentative 2024 schedule that promises many experiences for fans and competitors alike. With a storied history from its inception in 1955, Road America has become synonymous with world-class events, and the 2024 season is poised to be no exception.
The season starts in style with the SVRA Spring Vintage Festival Weekend from May 17 to May 19. This nostalgic celebration pays homage to classic cars and the racing heritage that has captivated generations. Enthusiasts can witness timeless race machinery thundering around the track, evoking the glorious days of motorsport’s past.
Following closely is MotoAmerica Superbikes and Vintage MotoFest from May 31 to June 2. Prepare for heart-pounding motorcycle racing action, where competitors will push the limits in a quest for supremacy. The event promises fierce competition and unforgettable moments that will leave spectators on the edge of their seats.
The season’s crown jewel arrives with the NTT INDYCAR Series Grand Prix, Presented by American Medical Response, scheduled from June 6 to June 9. This prestigious event gathers the finest open-wheel racers from around the globe, ensuring a breathtaking showcase of speed, skill, and strategy. It’s an electrifying spectacle that no motorsports enthusiast should miss.
Mid-June ushers in the WeatherTech Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints from June 21 to June 23. This tradition spotlights grassroots racing talent and an eclectic array of vehicles, making it a fan favorite.
The Trans Am Speed Tour Weekend roars into action from June 28 to June 30. Building upon its illustrious history, this event features iconic American muscle cars battling it out on the track. Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, and Corvettes provide a dose of pure Americana, promising thrilling races and high-speed nostalgia.
July brings the WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman from July 11 to July 14. Historic racing machines take center stage, paying homage to the golden era of motorsports. It’s a must-see event for those who appreciate the timeless beauty of vintage racing.
August heats up with the IMSA SportsCar Weekend August 1-4 and the Fanatec GT SportsCar Weekend August 16-18. Fans can witness cutting-edge sports car technology and intense competition on Road America’s iconic circuit, a true testament to the evolution of motorsports.
The Ariens Art on Wheels Vintage Weekend Featuring VSCDA Sept. 13-15 adds an artistic flair to the racing scene, seamlessly blending vintage cars with the world of art, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
The grand finale, the SCCA National Championship Runoffs Oct. 4-6, promises an adrenaline-packed spectacle. Competitors nationwide will vie for championship glory in various classes, bringing the season to a thrilling close.
Road America’s 2024 season schedule promises a breathtaking journey through motorsports, with each event offering its unique blend of history, competition, and excitement. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or a casual spectator, Road America has something extraordinary in store for you. Mark your calendars as the roar of engines and the thrill of racing await you at America’s National Park of Speed.
Road America’s season pass is the most affordable way to attend all the events, with over 50 days of action. The season pass is available at an advance price of only $570. January 1 through June 1, 2024, the price for a season pass is $655. Each season pass provides admission, special events, and incentives for club events – details are available at www.roadamerica.com/season-pass
Anyone 16 and under gets in FREE when accompanied by a paying adult at the gate. For full event details and information, visit www.roadamerica.com.
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
by David Swarts
Three fuel samples taken from Jake Gagne’s Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1 following MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race Two at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) have been found to be illegal during official fuel testing.
Following the race, MotoAmerica Technical Director Tige Daane took three fuel samples from each of Josh Herrin’s Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati (first place), PJ Jacobsen’s Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW (third place), and Gagne’s Yamaha (second place). Daane told Roadracingworld.com that it was a pre-planned fuel test “because we hadn’t done one in a while.”
According to AMA Director of Racing Bill Cumbow, there hadn’t been a post-race fuel test conducted in MotoAmerica Superbike since 2018. For reference, MotoGP tests fuel samples at every round.
All racebikes competing in MotoAmerica, with the exception of motorcycles in the King Of The Baggers class, are required to use VP Racing Fuels’ FIM-homologated MGP unleaded fuel. VP Racing Fuels has been the official spec fuel supplier for MotoAmerica since 2019.
The fuel from Herrin’s Ducati and Jacobsen’s BMW was found to be compliant during testing performed by VP Racing Fuels in the days following the race at COTA. The fuel sample from Gagne’s Yamaha was found not in compliance when compared to a reference sample, so Gagne’s second sample was tested by VP Racing Fuels and the same result was found – non-compliant.
At the request of Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha, the third fuel sample was then sent for testing by an independent laboratory, which is part of the official testing procedure. On September 22, AMA sent the sample to Intertek, a huge international testing company that currently handles fuel testing for the FIM Superbike World Championship. Testing of Gagne’s third sample was also found to be non-compliant.
The official ruling on Gagne’s fuel sample will be made by either the FIM North America (FIMNA) Stewards Panel or by Race Direction. Which it will actually be is unknown at this time.
Possible disciplinary actions include:
A private or public warning
Rider penalty points that can lead to starting the next race from the back of the grid or from pit lane or a disqualification from the next event
A cash fine of up to $10,000
Disqualification from the event in question
The loss of Championship points
And more than one penalty can be assessed.
Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha is expected to appeal the ruling to the FIMNA Appeal Stewards Panel, so the final outcome of this case will not be known until after that appeal hearing.
Richard Stanboli, the owner of the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha team, has been an outspoken critic of VP Racing Fuels’ MGP fuel, particularly the 2023-blend of the fuel, and has also blamed the company’s quality control since his team damaged three Superbike engines during Free Practice One at Road America.
“In my opinion, the fuel is total crap,” Stanboli said during a live podcast during the 2023 season. “VP can do a lot better. They are a gigantic company. They make really good fuels for other series, but in this particular case they’re just bargain basement, a little better than pump gas. It is what it is, and we know what it is.”
Stanboli admitted that he builds and tunes his engines to a fine edge, but he said other engines built to the same spec as those at Road America had done 870 miles (1,400 km) on track without any problems.
The difference, said Stanboli, was that those previous engines burned VP Racing Fuels MGP from a 2022 batch and the engines that had problems at Road America ran fuel were from a 2023 batch of MGP. Stanboli said VP Racing Fuels told him nothing had changed in the formulation of the two batches, but Stanboli said his results proved otherwise.
After his engine problems at Road America, Stanboli said his team changed the engine build specs, using less compression and running richer air/fuel mixtures, among other things, to make the engines live while burning VP’s 2023-blend fuel. Stanboli also said he let MotoAmerica know that he would run 2022-blend MGP fuel with his latest engine build spec at COTA.
Gagne broke a long-standing All-Time Lap Record, won Superbike Race One, and finished second in Superbike Race Two at COTA.
Stay tuned.
10 new Rookies for 2024 after Guadix Selection Event
Three days of perfect weather, a great race track and 111 of the fastest, most committed teenage racers in the world made the Selection Event for the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup at Guadix a very special experience for everyone.
At the end it took over two hours of discussion and deliberation to produce a list of 10 riders who are invited to join the 18th season of the Rookies Cup.
Valentin Perrone Canton – Argentina
Joel Pons Llubes – Spain
Guillem Planques – France
Leonardo Alessandro Zanni – Italy
Milan Pawelec – Poland
Sullivan Mounsey – Great Britian
Giulio Pugliese – Italy
Brian Uriarte – Spain
Kristian Daniel Jr – United States
Kgopotso Mononyane – South Africa
