Triumph Racing Signs Ivan Tedesco And Clément Desalle As Test Riders

David Swarts

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April 13, 2023

Triumph Racing Signs Ivan Tedesco And Clément Desalle As Test Riders

TRIUMPH RACING SIGNS TEST RIDERS FOR 2024 SUPERMOTOCROSS AND MXGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

As preparations for Triumph’s debut in the 2024 SuperMotocross and MXGP/MX2 World Championships intensify, Triumph Racing confirms it has signed two top class riders to lead its race development testing.

Ivan Tedesco comes onboard as full-time test rider for the Triumph Racing US SuperMotocross World Championship Team, led by Bobby Hewitt, and Clément Desalle joins as test rider for the Triumph Racing MXGP/MX2 Team, run by Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni,

IVAN TEDESCO – TRIUMPH RACING US SUPERMOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

Ivan Tedesco (‘Hot Sauce’) began racing motorcycles at the age of eight years old and turned Pro in 1999, with a career that spanned 14 years. In his racing career, Tedesco won the AMA 125cc West Coast Supercross series twice (2004 and 2005), the AMA 125cc National Motocross series (2005) and the Motocross of Nations three times with Team USA (2005, 2006 and 2009).

After his retirement from professional racing in 2014, Ivan turned his talents to coaching up and coming racers and becoming one of the very best manufacturer development test riders of the current era.

Ivan Tedesco:

“I’m super excited to be part of the new Triumph racing program and to be working with Ricky and Bobby again. To have the opportunity to work with a new brand in our sport, to take a new bike and develop it to a race ready package, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The team that Triumph is assembling to compete in the SuperMotocross championship is second to none, and together with the support of the engineers at the Triumph Factory, I’m confident we will line up with a competitive bike for Anaheim 1 in 2024.”

Bobby Hewitt: Triumph Racing Team Principal – SMX:

“I’ve known Ivan for many years now, as a multi-time AMA SX Champion and AMA MX Champion who has raced at the highest level including being a member of Team USA multiple times at the Motocross of Nations.

Adding someone with his experience to the program adds another layer of quality and racing experience to an already strong foundation at Triumph Racing here in the US. In 2014 I had the privilege to have Ivan as a team member and pro-rider on one of my previous racing programs before he retired. During that time, I personally had the opportunity to work with him as a rider, experience his attention to detail as a test rider, and more importantly see first-hand how he works and would mentor upcoming riders.

Today is a great day and I’m very excited to add “Hot Sauce” to the program. I truly believe this is another example that the future here at Triumph Racing is very bright!”

RICKY CARMICHAEL – TRIUMPH OFF-ROAD AMBASSADOR

“This is so exciting. It’s just another example of Triumphs dedication to the development of the off-road line of motorcycles. I have no doubt, that with guys like Ivan Tedesco and Clément Desalle and the knowledge they bring to the table from an R&D standpoint, that these bikes will be top of the line, from a race bike perspective as well as a production model. These guys know what it takes to win at the highest level and will be a huge asset to the development of a great product!”

CLÉMENT DESALLE – TRIUMPH RACING MXGP/MX2 TEAM

Clément Desalle (‘MX Panda’) competed at the highest level in the MXGP World Championship for 15 years. One of the most consistent racers in the series, he claimed three Vice Champion finishes, was third in the World Championship three times and twice finished fourth. The Belgium national finished on the top step of the podium 23 times in his career, as well as being crowned the Pro open Belgian champion in 2009. He retired from racing in 2020 and turned his attention to test riding and developing race bikes, and is already making a major contribution to Triumph’s progress with its new race bike.

Clément Desalle:

“Joining the Triumph MX2 program allows me to make use of my years of experience as a professional racer to help take the stock bike to a full factory race bike, ready for the MX2 season in 2024. Working with Thierry and Vincent, I know that Triumph have joined with the best people possible to deliver winning results in the quickest possible time and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

Vincent Bereni: Triumph Racing Team Manager – MXGP:

“When Triumph asked us to join this MX project, we knew that the bike R&D and testing was a going to be major part of the success. Clément has a lot of experience of MXGP tracks, the requirements for the race disciplines and is still very fast.

We have worked with Clément for many years and he is a very demanding rider, who pays attention to every aspect of the motorcycle, so in our opinion he is the perfect candidate. We know and understand each other very well and he has already brought a lot to bike development, for both the production and racing application. We are very pleased that he joined the program.”

ABOUT TRIUMPH RACING’S OFF-ROAD PROGRAM:

SMX: Triumph Motorcycles will enter the Monster Energy AMA SuperMotocross World Championship at the start of the 2024 season, with a fully supported factory race program established in the United States to run motocross operations under the all-new global Triumph Racing banner.

Set-up and operated in partnership with Bobby Hewitt, this new Triumph Racing team will field three of Triumph’s all-new 250cc 4-stroke MX bikes in the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship West and East Coast series before entering the 450cc premier class in 2025.

MXGP: Similarly in 2024, Triumph Racing will also debut in the prestigious FIM Motocross World Championship with a factory supported race programme.

This landmark new Triumph Racing Team has been set-up in partnership with Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, one of the sport’s most experienced and successful team owners, who will field two of Triumph’s all-new 250cc 4-stroke MX bikes in the 2024 MX2 class and will add an entry into the 450cc MXGP class in 2025.

Triumph Racing is based at Triumph’s Global Headquarters in Hinckley, UK, where the brand’s off-road design engineering department is located – responsible for the concept and development of the powertrains and chassis for the all-new Motocross and Enduro motorcycle range.

The MXGP/MX2 World Championship team will be based at Thierry’s race facility near Eindhoven in Holland, while the SuperMotocross World Championship operation will be based at a dedicated new state-of-the-art race facility in the USA.

Engineering groups at the Triumph factory and the race teams are working closely together on continuously enhancing chassis and engine performance through an intensive testing schedule, led by Ivan Tedesco and Clément Desalle, underway in the USA, UK and Europe, building towards the competitive World Championship debut in 2024.

Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Damian Jigalov

David Swarts

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April 13, 2023

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Damian Jigalov

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 27th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;

MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 12 MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;

A KTM RC Cup World Final race;

The Daytona 200 (12 times);

WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;

ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;

USGPRU National Championships;

Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more — and younger — racers with higher levels of accomplishments are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2023 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

The entire Roadracing World Young Guns, Class of 2023 is featured in the April 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.

Damian Jigalov

Age: 18.

Current home: Schaumburg, Illinois.

Current height/weight: 5’10”/145 pounds.

Current school grade level: Graduated High School.

Began riding at age: 3 years.

First road race: 2013, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Northwoods GP, Ultralight Superstock, 3rd place.

Current racebike: Suzuki GSX-R750.

Current tuner/mechanic: Dustin Dominguez.

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport.

Top sponsors: 3D Motorsports, Dunlop, LS2 Helmets, 4SR Leathers.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, placed 2^nd 600 Superstock and 600 Superbike WERA National Challenge Championships (2 wins, 8 total podium finishes), finished 3^rd in C Superbike AMA Grand Championship; 2021 season, finished 2^nd in WERA National Challenge Series Open Superbike and Open Superstock Championships, finished 2^nd in WERA Sportsman North Central Open Superbike and Open Superstock Championships (2 wins, 14 podiums with WERA in 2021); 2020 season, raced in European Talent Cup (best race finish was 22^nd); 2019 season, finished 7^th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (1 podium finish, 6 top-5 finishes); 2018 season, finished 12^th in CIV (Italian) Pre-Moto3 Championship (best race finish of 6th), finished 13^th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup (best race finish was 2^nd, twice), won WERA Sportsman D Superstock National Championship, won 18 WERA races; 2017 season, placed 8th in CIV (Italian) Pre-Moto3 4T Championship (best race finish was 5th), placed 4th in Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup Final; 2016 season, placed 10th in CIV (Italian) Pre-Moto3 Championship (best race finish was 5th).

2023 racing goals: Run at the front in the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.

Racing career goal: Make a living racing motorcycles.

Racing hero: Marc Marquez.

Favorite track: Mugello.

Favorite hobby: Fitness.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Working as a salesman at Motor Cycle Center, in Villa Park, Illinois.

Some of the riders who have graduated from Roadracing World Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and AFT SuperTwins race winner J.D. Beach;

five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier;

MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;

former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and current Moto2 World Championship competitor Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and current powersports dealership owner Bryce Prince;

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;

and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

Video: Airfence Saves Lives

David Swarts

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April 12, 2023

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John Ulrich talks about how and why he started the non-profit Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. (RWAF) two decades ago, raising money to deploy Airfence and Alpina soft barriers. The effort changed the culture of motorcycle road racing in the U.S. for the better, by making attention to rider safety accepted and expected. If you see soft barriers at a racetrack in America, the chances are good that the 501(c)(3) Roadracing World Action Fund raised the money needed to pay for it.

Also, thanks to MotoUp for running a fund-raiser for RWAF this weekend at COTA.

MotoGP: Dorna Previews Red Bull Grand Prix Of The Americas At COTA

David Swarts

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April 12, 2023

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MotoGP: Dorna Previews Red Bull Grand Prix Of The Americas At COTA

3, 2, 1… RODEO! MotoGP™ saddles up to take on Texas

The Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas is ready to rock & roll in Austin

Wednesday, 12 April 2023

Argentina was another showdown overflowing with headlines and this time, the field have had a weekend off to get suited, booted, and ready to go. Now we saddle up for the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas as the paddock heads for Austin, TX, with both a new Championship leader and MotoGP™ winner in the field: Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Another Tissot Sprint and another surefire show await us at the horsepower rodeo!

MOONEY VR46 RACING TEAM

What to say about Marco Bezzecchi? The number 72 was on another level on Sunday last time out, and that’s earned him both the points lead and his maiden win. The question now is, can he follow it up? With his track record it seems likely the answer is yes, but when and where remains to be seen as yet. Teammate Luca Marini, meanwhile, also arrives from a first after taking a podium in the Tissot Sprint, and he’ll be more motivated than ever looking over to the other side of the garage…

DUCATI LENOVO TEAM

It started perfectly for Francesco Bagnaia in Portugal, but it continued with a couple of bumps in the road in Argentina. On Saturday it was a safe sixth in the Sprint, and then on Sunday it looked like a well-controlled podium… until it slid away. Resetting now will tell us much about what the reigning Champion has in the locker for 2022. For last year’s COTA winner Enea Bastianini, meanwhile, it’s sadly another event on the sidelines as he waits for his shoulder to heal, with test rider Michele Pirro stepping in.

PRIMA PRAMAC RACING

It was a somewhat anonymous Sprint for both Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin in Argentina, but Zarco certainly hit back on Sunday with that late race charge for the podium. He’ll want more as his search for that maiden win continues, and Martin will want to take a big step back to the front after a tougher weekend in Termas. His goal this year isn’t a win, it’s wins plural. Can Texas get the mission back on track with a little more time to heal up, too?

GRESINI RACING MotoGP™

After a slightly scrappy Portimao, it came good for Alex Marquez in Argentina as the number 73 took his first premier class pole position and turned it into a first podium with Ducati on Sunday. Can he keep or improve on that pace once again in Austin? He’s aiming to become a perennial presence in the fight for the rostrum. On the other side of the box, teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio will want a lot more as he watches the likes of Bezzecchi win races, but the number 49 also took a step in Termas. Can he keep it rolling to the flag this time round?

APRILIA RACING

Friday in Argentina made for ominous reading for the rest of the field as Aprilia Racing ended the day first and second, but it just didn’t quite come together in the end. A year after the same venue staged his first win, Aleix Espargaro left Termas this time around with only 12 points in total, and he’ll be absolutely focused on gaining some more in Austin. Maverick Viñales, meanwhile, has a pretty good haul of 32 but won’t want to stay AWOL from that front group. The stars seem to threaten to align and then change their mind as he aims for that first win with Aprilia, so will it be a lucky visit to the Lone Star State or another wait?

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

‘Sunday rider’ was always a compliment to Brad Binder, but it just isn’t true anymore after that stunning Saturday in Argentina. From 15th to 1st, the South African was simply not going to be stopped and put in a serious statement ride. Sunday saw bad luck hit early and makes COTA the follow up performance… so can we expect an encore? For Jack Miller, meanwhile, Argentina was another solid round. He’s adapting, the project is putting those pieces together and some solid consistency – as well as flashes of serious speed – put him sixth overall as it stands. Will COTA be another step forward as he continues to impress and enjoy proving his doubters wrong?

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MotoGP™

Franco Morbidelli had a fantastic return to form in Argentina, and eyes will be on the number 21 to see if he can repeat the feat at another venue. Impressive in qualifying, the Sprint, and on Sunday, it was a weekend he’s needed and one he’ll be keen to back up. Teammate Fabio Quartararo was no slouch though. Despite yet more bad luck, Sunday especially saw the Frenchman prove his quality once again as he sliced through from well down the order after a little close attention earlier in the race. COTA has never been the best venue for Yamaha, but in 2023 anything can and has been happening… with both riders on form, what will the Iwata marque deliver in Austin?

LCR HONDA

As we head into a venue he’s ruled before, it’s Alex Rins holding the honour of top Honda after two pretty solid first rounds in his new home. With more and more track time we can likely expect more and more from the proven frontrunner, and COTA has some good memories from that previous win, his very first. What can Rins do this time out? Teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) will be hoping to cut the gap and get back on terms too.

REPSOL HONDA TEAM

The huge news ahead of the weekend was the withdrawal of Marc Marquez as his broken hand continues to recover. He’ll be replaced by test rider Stefan Bradl, and despite Honda having a tougher pre-season than some and Marquez having been injured in Portimao, his absence may seem a reprieve for some, such is the pure quality of his record at the track.

On the other side of the garage, Joan Mir, after that crash on Saturday in Argentina, will be hoping to get back into the learning curve and make more progress. Said progress was going pretty well in Portimao so we can be sure there’s much more to come from the 2020 World Champion.

GASGAS FACTORY RACING Tech3

There will be a new face on the grid for GASGAS in Austin, or more a new face for 2023. Jonas Folger joins the fold as the replacement for the recovering Pol Espargaro, and he’ll be an interesting addition after some time on the sidelines. He did test in pre-season, however. Rookie Augusto Fernandez, meanwhile, has already scored some points and diced it up in the mix with much more experienced riders, so COTA is another chance to double down on his progress.

CRYPTODATA RNF MotoGP™ TEAM

It was a tough Round 2 for the RNF squad and Raul Fernandez certainly will be eager to get more from the Americas GP. He arrives with only a couple of points so far but some good flashes of speed shown, so can he start to turn it around in Texas? On the other side of the garage, Miguel Oliveira is heading to Austin hoping he passes a medical test on Thursday at the circuit. If that happens, the Portuguese rider will be back in action after such bad luck in the season opener, looking to pick up where he left off in terms of pace.

SHOWTIME

Friday’s two practice sessions decide entrants to Q2, before the MotoGP™ grid qualify on Saturday morning. The Tissot Sprint then gets in gear at 15:00 on Saturday, before we rodeo on Sunday at 14:00. Don’t miss it!

Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT -5)

Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT -5)

See you there!

Can Arbolino keep the lead in Austin?

On the road to Austin, it’s now Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) who leads the way in the intermediate class… and guess who won at COTA last year? He was also joined on the podium by another rostrum finisher in Argentina, Jake Dixon (Asterius GASGAS Aspar), so the two have form. Meanwhile Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up) hasn’t even ridden the track in Moto2™, but that’s not stopped him taking podiums and wins last year as a rookie either.

Speaking of last year’s rookies, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) had a tougher time of it in the rain last time out and will want to reassert his speed, and Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) will very much want to stop him. Despite a jump start and two Long Laps at Termas, the number 40 still took a top finish and will want more at COTA. Join us for another chapter of Moto2™at 12:15 (GMT -5) on Sunday!

Moto3™ tee up to take on COTA

He just missed out on the podium in Argentina, but Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) is still the Championship leader heading into Round 3… by just two points. Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) remains the rider on the chase though, and after two podiums to start the year he’ll be looking for another as a minimum as he seeks that first win.

Meanwhile, Argentina winner Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) will be aiming to stay in the game, and teammate Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing), last year’s Americas GP winner, wants that first visit to the rostrum this season. Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) haven’t really got off the mark yet either, whereas Andrea Migno (CIP Green Power) already has a podium as a replacement rider… and was on the box last year at COTA. It’s an intriguing mix already, so get ready for more Moto3™ at 11:00 (GMT -5) on Sunday!

MotoGP: Bradl And Mir Racing For Repsol Honda At COTA

David Swarts

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April 12, 2023

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MotoGP: Bradl And Mir Racing For Repsol Honda At COTA

Mir focused on Austin return as Bradl substitutes Marquez

Joan Mir will be joined by Stefan Bradl for the Repsol Honda Team as the MotoGP World Championship arrives at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.

The Repsol Honda Team, with Joan Mir and Stefan Bradl, head for the Circuit of the Americas looking for redemption and to capture past form. The 5.51-kilometer-long circuit has previously been happy hunting ground for the RC213V with Marc Marquez guiding it to victory on seven occasions, undefeated from 2013 to 2018.

Joan Mir has spent the week between races recovering from the impact of his heavy crash during the first lap of the Sprint race in Argentina. The #36 is determined to put together an issue free weekend to continue his adaptation to the Honda RC213V, racing mileage the key to further improvements. 2022 saw Mir achieve his equal best finish of the year when he was fourth at the Americas GP.

Marc Marquez continues to focus on the recovery of his injured right hand and will miss the Americas GP as a result. Honda HRC Test Rider Stefan Bradl will ride in his place. Bradl’s last race in Austin was in 2016 and his appearances in 2013 and 2014 aboard the LCR Honda yielded two top-five finishes. In 2014 he started from the front row, behind Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa as the RC213V locked out the top three.
Joan Mir

“I am ready to get back on the bike in America, I have been able to spend this week at home recovering fully after the fall on Saturday and getting back to training. Last year I had a strong race in Austin and Honda also has a very strong record there, so the objective is to have a consistent weekend and avoid problems. If we can get a complete race weekend under our belts, I think we will be able to learn a lot and make another step because in the two races are where you are learning the most about the Honda.”

Stefan Bradl

“First of all I want to wish Marc all the best in his recovery, as Honda we need him back on track. I arrive in Austin after a few days testing in Jerez where we were able to try a few things with the bike. It will be interesting to ride COTA again, I was last there racing in 2016 and will give me a chance to try the 2023 RC213V on a very different kind of track compared to what I have ridden so far this year. Let’s have a productive weekend and see what’s possible.”

MRA Graduates 32 Students From New Racer School

David Swarts

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April 12, 2023

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MRA Graduates 32 Students From New Racer School

MRA welcomes 20 new racers out of the 32 New Racer School graduates

Byers, CO – Colorado’s Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) held the Pre-Season Race School of its 50th anniversary season on April 7-8, with collaboration from class sponsor Fay Myers Motorcycle World and High Plains Raceway. On Friday evening, MRA New Rider Director Dan Spurlock led the students through a classroom session hosted by Fay Myers Motorcycle World in Greenwood Village. The classroom session included topics like physical & mental preparation, race equipment, racing techniques, race day procedures, and most importantly, track safety.

The MRA is very grateful to Fay Myers Motorcycle World for providing facilities for the classroom portion of the race school, which ran well into the evening. Fay Myers is the class sponsor of the MRA’s premier class, Race of the Rockies GTO.

Saturday morning at High Plains Raceway, Spurlock paired students up with their instructors and prepared them for a full day of coaching. The instructors were comprised of experienced MRA racers who volunteered their time to help grow the sport. Students ranged from street riders to Novice racers, and their instructors tailored the coaching to each student, covering everything from basic race lines and apexes to trail-braking and body position. Once instructor-led coaching was done, students practiced launch drills, then participated in a series of student-only races on HPR’s full course. The day culminated with a certificate ceremony, and a lot of satisfied graduates.

In the end, 32 students received their MRA New Racer School certificate, and 20 of the students already committed to getting their MRA Novice license. The MRA is looking forward to seeing them on the Novice and Amateur class grids in the coming months!

The MRA is excited to be celebrating its 50th anniversary season this year, and is looking forward to round 1, May 6-7, on the full course at High Plains Raceway.

The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.

Video: Sam Fleming Gets The Forks Done On New Beta 350

David Swarts

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April 12, 2023

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Video: Sam Fleming Gets The Forks Done On New Beta 350

Works Enduro Rider

Drew Smith is an 18-time ISDE finisher with seven gold medals to his name. He was also an R&D rider and developer for most of the big names in off-road.

Drew started Works Enduro Rider (WER) https://werproducts.net/ to build custom suspension for riders and racers of all abilities.

Sam Fleming had the opportunity to spend a morning with Drew looking at the design of the KYB SSS sealed chamber 48mm fork, how the factories set it up, and how he modifies it for Sam’s racing/riding endeavors. If you have ever wondered what the whole “fork revalve” thing looks like on the inside, this series is for you.

00:10 Introduction

01:33 Drew Smith

03:19 Drew on KYB fork set up from most factories

06:06 How the KYB SSS (sealed cartridge) off road fork works

07:53 The compression damping mechanism

08:37 Trampoline mid-valve

11:02 Drew on using Springs (in road racing) vs Hydraulics (in dirt bikes)

End of Part 1

Moto Guzzi Hosting Open House Sept. 7-10 In Italy

David Swarts

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April 12, 2023

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Moto Guzzi Hosting Open House Sept. 7-10 In Italy

AFTER THE GREAT CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS, MOTO GUZZI OPEN HOUSE RETURNS, AT MANDELLO DEL LARIO FROM 7 TO 10 SEPTEMBER 2023

MOTO GUZZI INAUGURATES ITS NEW CENTURY BY RALLYING THOUSANDS OF LOVERS OF THESE LEGENDARY MOTORCYCLES, WHICH ARE COMING HOME TO CELEBRATE A NEW CHAPTER IN THE STORY OF A GREAT SHARED PASSION TOGETHER

THERE WILL BE FOUR DAYS OF CELEBRATION, MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT, ENGINES AND FUN, WITH THE MUSEUM AND DOORS OF MOTO GUZZI OPEN TO VISITORS

Mandello del Lario (Lecco) – Moto Guzzi’s days of celebration are back in September. The 2023 edition of Moto Guzzi Open House will be held in Mandello del Lario from 7 to 10 September.

After the great centenary celebrations in September last year, Moto Guzzi is rallying all its enthusiasts to begin a new, captivating century of history.

In the second weekend of September, the Mandello del Lario factory, a real Mecca for every motorcycle enthusiast, will open its doors to welcome and entertain thousands of motorcyclists, arriving from all over the world in keeping with tradition. Many families and tourists will join them, for the chance to experience a great party in the extraordinary setting of the eastern branch of Lake Como at the end of summer.

Custom Moto Guzzi motorcycles on display at a previous event. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

As always, the schedule for the days will be packed with characteristic events and initiatives, the village in the factory will be the traditional focal point for the celebrations, and the Moto Guzzi museum, recently renovated and with its entire magnificent motorcycle collection completely restored, will be a must for thousands of visitors.

As always, the Moto Guzzi celebration will involve the whole Mandello del Lario community: the Municipality and public are ready to make the weekend of celebration unforgettable, with venues and shops open to offer every guest at the 2023 Open House the warmest of welcomes.

Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Nathan Gouker

David Swarts

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April 12, 2023

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2023: Nathan Gouker

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 27th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;

MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 12 MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;

A KTM RC Cup World Final race;

The Daytona 200 (12 times);

WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;

ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;

USGPRU National Championships;

Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more — and younger — racers with higher levels of accomplishments are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2023 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

The entire Roadracing World Young Guns, Class of 2023 is featured in the April 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine.

Nathan Gouker

Age: 11.

Current home: Lexington, North Carolina.

Current height/weight: 4’7”/78 pounds.

Current school grade level: 5^th grade.

Began riding at age: 4 years.

First road race: 2018, Alton, VA, SFLminiGP, Spec 50, 3^rd place.

Current racebikes: Ohvale 110, Ohvale 160, Moriwaki 250, Honda NSF250R.

Current tuners/mechanics: Dale Quarterley, Phillip Gouker (father).

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Mini Cup, ASRA/CCS, WERA.

Top sponsors: CP Motorsports, Stadler America LLC, 1/4ley Racing, KYT Americas, VO2 Leathers, Cornerspin, Ohvale USA, Fast Glass Media, Motul USA, 35 Motorsports, 64 Degree Racing, Elite Garageworkz, Carolina Supermoto, Daniels Tire, Ride Supermoto.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2022 season, won MotoAmerica Mini Cup 110 and 160 National Championships, finished 12^th overall in FIM MiniGP World Finals at Valencia, won 10 WERA Sportsman Regional Novice Championships (won 29 races from 32 starts with WERA).

2023 racing goals: Win MotoAmerica Mini Cup 160 Championship again, win more WERA Championships.

Racing career goal: To make a living racing at the highest level I can.

Racing hero: Jack Miller.

Favorite track: Road Atlanta.

Favorite hobby: Riding my One Wheel.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Racing my One Wheel.