Collin Veijer topped Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Buddh International Circuit, in India. Riding his Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna, the Dutch racer lapped the 3.1-mile (5.0 km) course in 1:59.566 to lead the field of 30 riders.
Moto3 FP2
Marco Bezzecchi was quickest during MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) in hot and humid conditions Friday morning at the new-to-the-series Buddh International Circuit, in India. Riding his Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici, the Italian lapped the unfamiliar and challenging 3.1-mile (5.0 km) track in 1:45.990 to lead the field of 22 riders.
The session was full of crashes and riders running off track, especially at tight Turn One, as they tried to learn the new circuit.
Fabio Quartararo lost valuable track time in FP1 when he suffered technical problems with both of his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1s.
MotoGP FP1
Somkiat Chantra led FIM Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Buddh International Circuit, in India. Riding his Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Kalex, the Thai rider lapped the 3.1-mile (5.0 km) road course in 1:52.596 to lead the field of 30 competitors.
American Joe Roberts and Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished the session eighth and 20th, respectively. Roberts did a 1:53.808 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, while SDK did a 1:54.662 on his Forward Racing machine.
Moto2 FP1
Jaume Masia was quickest during FIM Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Buddh International Circuit, in India. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, the Spaniard navigated the new 3.1-mile (5.0 km) circuit in 2:00.324 to lead the field of 30 riders.
Moto3 FP1
Former AMA Pro dirt track racer, Arai Helmet distributor, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Sammy Tanner has died. He was 84 years old.
Details are still coming in, and we will report more information as it becomes available.
The following is Sammy Tanner’s official AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame biography:
Sammy Tanner was one of the top AMA professional racers from the late 1950s through all of the 1960s. Tanner won a total of seven AMA nationals, including the prestigious Springfield (Illinois) Mile. He rode for the Triumph and BSA factory teams and was one of the heroes of the famous weekly Friday night Ascot Park races in Gardena, California. When Tanner first began racing as a young teenager, he was just 5 feet tall and weighed barely 100 pounds, earning him the nickname the “Flying Flea.” He was also known for being one of the first riders on the Grand National circuit to wear white racing leathers.
Tanner was born on May 23, 1939 in Houston. He grew up in Houston and as a young boy loved to watch both sprint car and motorcycle dirt track racing. Fellow Texan A.J. Foyt was an early hero. He bought a sprint car as a teenager, but was too scared to drive it so he sold it, doubling his money. When he was 14, Tanner bought his first motorcycle – a Villiers James. Shortly afterwards, Tanner started racing in local field meets around Texas and soon earned a support ride on a 500cc Triumph.
While following the county fair circuit in the Midwest one summer, an announcer jokingly said that Tanner was a rock ‘n’ roll star back home in Texas. Fans swamped him after the race asking for his autograph and copies of his record, even though he had never made a recording in his life. The race announcer saw an opportunity and quickly put Tanner in the recording studio to cut a record, including a hastily written tune based on Tanner’s nickname. The song began: “When I was born in a Texas shack, Pop took one look and said send him back. No scrawnier runt ever lived than me, but now I’m known as the ‘Flying Flea.'”
Tanner burst onto the AMA Grand National scene as a rookie Expert in 1958. The “Flying Flea” did fly and finished sixth in his first year on the circuit. Indicative of what the future held in store was his runner-up finish in that year’s San Jose National Mile. After defending Grand National Champion Joe Leonard’s track record was broken not once but three times in time trials, the 25-lap race turned into a barnburner. Carroll Resweber, who would go on to win the first of his four Grand National titles that year, and eventual winner Everett Brashear and Don Hawley swapped the lead back and forth an astonishing 55 times! When the checkered flag fell, Brashear was first across the line, but it was the rookie Tanner in second ahead of Resweber. Tanner had arrived.
Tanner, who had established residency in California, topped the AMA’s half-mile race points list in his rookie year, and duplicated that feat in 1959. That year saw the opening of the new Ascot half-mile facility in Gardena, California, and it was Tanner who won the first-ever Grand National held there that July. In that era, AMA nationals were run for varying distances and that race was an 8-mile event. Tanner’s skill, combined with the ultra-fast characteristics of the track, produced a new eight-mile race record, breaking the old record by six seconds.
Tanner’s early successes came while riding a Triumph sponsored by Johnson Motors, the West Coast distributor of Triumph motorcycles. Ascot hosted races every Friday night during a lengthy southern California race season and for many years Tanner dueled with the likes of three-time Ascot National winner Al Gunter, 1961 Ascot National winner Neil Keen, Elliott Schultz, Stu Morley, Troy Lee, Jack O’Brien and Don Hawley. From the opening Ascot National that Tanner won in 1959 through the 1966 event, the winner was either Tanner, Gunter or Keen. After his opening-year Ascot win, Tanner topped the half-mile National at the track three more times, winning in three consecutive years, 1964-66. He had switched from riding Triumphs to competing on BSAs, prepared by the legendary C.R. Axtell.
Although four of Tanner’s seven Grand National victories came at his “hometown” Ascot track, perhaps his finest ride was turned in at the 1964 Springfield Mile. Tanner took the lead on the 26th lap of the 50-mile race and he dueled the remainder of the race with Dick Mann, and briefly Ronnie Rall, before crossing the finish line first, a narrow three bike lengths ahead of Mann. His victory on a BSA at Springfield broke a 10-year Harley-Davidson victory stretch at the famed oval. Mann was also BSA-mounted, so the first Harley finished third with Ralph White aboard.
Two years later, in 1966, Tanner scored his fourth Ascot National win, and added wins in half-mile Nationals at Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and Heidelberg, Pennsylvania. He finished the year third in the Grand National Championship point standings, trailing only fellow Motorcycle Hall of Fame members Bart Markel and Gary Nixon.
Tanner hung up his steel shoe in 1972 and now operates an Arai helmet distributorship in Southern California.
Inducted in 1999
More, from a social media post by Arai Americas:
It was with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of our good friend, and dedicated Arai Helmet distributor, Sammy Tanner.
Sammy was a successful flat tracker who, after hanging up his leathers, turned his passion for motorcycling into a business. He was one of the first to believe in the Arai difference and we will always remember and appreciate his dedication to always representing Arai to the best of his ability, which contributed greatly to the success of Arai in America.
He was a kind human being, who looked to not only grow his own business, but help others along the way. We will miss his positive attitude and infectious smile. He will be missed and remembered fondly.
More, from a press release issued by AMA:
The AMA Offers Condolences on the Passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Sammy Tanner
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association offers its condolences to the family, friends and team of seven-time AMA Grand National Championship event winner and 1999 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Inductee Sammy Tanner, who passed away on Sept. 21.
Born May 23, 1939, in Houston, Tanner purchased his first motorcycle — a James Villiers — at 14 years old and fell in love with the sport right away. Shortly after purchasing his bike, Tanner started racing in local field meets throughout his home state of Texas, and soon after earned a support ride on a 500cc Triumph. Due to his 5-foot, 100-pound stature, Tanner was lovingly dubbed “The Flying Flea” by fans and fellow racers alike.
In 1958, Tanner made the leap to the professional ranks, finishing sixth in the AMA Grand National Championship during his rookie season and emerging as the top points earner in Half-Mile races, and duplicated that same feat in his sophomore campaign. In that same season, Tanner captured the first of his four AMA Grand National Championship wins at the legendary Ascot Half-Mile facility in Gardena, Calif.
After his first win at Ascot, Tanner ripped off three-straight victories at the famed Half-Mile track from 1964-66 while competing aboard both Triumphs and BSAs.
While Tanner’s dominance at Ascot is well-documented, his finest ride came at the 1964 Springfield Mile, in which he outlasted fellow AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Dick Mann and Ronnie Rall for the victory. His victory aboard the BSA broke a 10-year Harley-Davidson winning streak at the track.
In 1966, Tanner added Half-Mile victories in Elkhorn, Wis. and Heidelberg, Penn., and finished third in the Grand National Championship point standings behind fellow AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Bart Markel and Gary Nixon.
The Flying Flea retired in 1972, and operated an Arai helmet distributorship in Southern California following his racing career.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.
AHRMA Announces Saturday Purse for 2023 Vintage Cup at Barber Vintage Festival
(September 21, Knoxville, TN) The final round of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) 2023 Vintage Cup will be a dash for cash.
AHRMA and NYC Norton have announced a $2,000 purse for the top five finishers in the Saturday Formula 750 race 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.
“NYC Norton is proud to partner with several AHRMA benefactors to support our Vintage Cup racers in the final weekend of racing. It takes a tremendous amount of time and resources to campaign a vintage machine for the entire season, and we want to support their efforts in any way possible.” said Kenny Cummings.
“NYC Norton and some AHRMA partners have generously spiced up the Vintage Cup’s final round with some purse money. It should keep things interesting as racers fight for the final win of the 2023 season,” said Carl Anderson, 2023 AHRMA Chairman of the Board.
The purse distribution is:
1st Place $750
2nd Place $500
3rd Place $350
4th Place $225
5th Place $175
The purse is not funded by the AHRMA organization, and no racer is obligated to accept it.
To be eligible for the cash purse, a Vintage Cup Formula 750 racer must meet the following criteria:
Other licensed road racers that don’t meet the AHRMA Barber Racer Eligibility Requirements, may request a special waiver from AHRMA. Waivers must be submitted through the online AHRMA Barber Waiver Request Form no later than Saturday, September 30th at 12pm CDT).
To register, visit ahrma.motorsportreg.com. Additional information can be found at the AHRMA Barber Competitor Schedules and Information Questions should be directed to [email protected].
Come see the action in person, hear the roar of these and other classic and modern racing motorcycles and visit the racers and machines in the paddock.
AHRMA gate passes are available here: https://www.ahrma.org/2023-barber-vintage-festival-ahrma-gate-passes/, spectators already possessing gate passes purchased through Barber can access the paddock after signing a waiver.
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 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.
CVMA – New Website and 2024 Dates Set
Chuckwalla Valley Raceway
Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association is proud to announce that our dates for 2024 have been set and are now published on our newly redesigned website! Registration for round 1 is open now, so get signed up!
Dates for the 2023/2024 winter series have been finalized through the end of the series and are as follows:
R1 Oct 7-8, 2023 CW **Double Points**
R2 Nov 18-19, 2023 CCW
R3 Dec 16-17, 2023 CW
R4 Jan 20-21, 2024 CCW
R5 Feb 10-11, 2024 CW
R6 Mar 16-17, 2024 CCW
R7 Apr 6-7, 2024 CW **Double Points**
CVMA would also like to invite everyone to check out our newly redesigned website at http://www.cvmaracing.com . We have come up with a new design which should make it very easy for anyone to find the information they are seeking. Whether you’re a new racer who wants to know what to do to get started or a seasoned expert who just wants to know our race day schedule, you should be able to get the information you seek with just a click or two.
We are excited to announce that Keith Code’s California Superbike School has offered to sponsor a special award for our Top Rookie Expert! The Superbike school is going to provide a Code R.A.C.E. School to the winner of this award. The Code R.A.C.E. program is an intensive 2-day school designed to provide specific training for racers or those interested in going racing. The Top Rookie Expert award will be up for grabs for any first-year expert. All those riders stepping up from the amateur ranks to race as experts will have some extra motivation to score as many championship points as possible.
Apex Assassins Motorcycle Track Days – https://apexassassins.com/
CVMA would like to thank our returning class sponsors and New Racer School Sponsors for the 23-24 winter series. Returning sponsors include:
Ryder Gear – https://www.ryder-gear.com/
Racer’s Edge Performance – https://www.racersedgeperformance.com/
SoCal Track Days – https://www.socaltrackdays.com/
CaliPhotography – https://www.caliphotography.com/
New Racer School Sponsors include:
Racer’s Edge Performance – https://www.racersedgeperformance.com/
Alpine Stars – https://www.alpinestars.com/
Racer Gloves – https://www.racerglovesusa.com/
6D Helmets – https://www.6dhelmets.com/
Come on out for our first round of racing on Oct 7-8 registration is open and filling up fast!
https://cvma.motorsportreg.com/events/23-24-round-1-7-8-oct-chuckwalla-valley-raceway-cvma-381347
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from. Also provided are two racer-only practice groups during the Friday track day hosted by Apex Assassins Motorcycle Track Days. CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting out in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.
CVMA. Built for racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!
Outspoken ahead of Aragon
History is everywhere in Alcaniz but this modern classic track promises to bring more stories in 2023
It’s the final quarter of the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, all of which will be contested in the Iberian Peninsula and it kicks off at MotorLand Aragon in the arid lands of central Spain. A place like no other, where the locals feel the passion, the Tissot Aragon Round has news and rumours aplenty with regards to 2024. As usual, all the best bits from Thursday’s media day are here.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “Anything is possible, you can’t expect anything”
Championship leader coming into the round and winner five times out of six aboard Ducati machinery, Alvaro Bautista previewed his weekend: “It’s always very special to race in Spain; it’s my home race so I will share the weekend with my friends, family and all the Spanish fans. Aragon is a challenging circuit with lots of different kinds of corners. The last test we did here three weeks ago, we had a good feeling and I hope to have the same feeling this weekend as the rest of the season so far. I’ll try to do my best and enjoy the weekend. I have good memories as I have won five races here with Ducati but also a podium with Honda. This track is really nice for me and I enjoy it a lot. However, in the races, anything is possible; in the end, you can’t expect anything.”
Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I’m staying with BMW for two more years!”
Remaining in the BMW family for 2024 but being moved out of the factory team and into the Independent Bonovo Action BMW squad, Scott Redding spoke of his future being secured: “Finally, I can give an answer after some time! It’s a done deal; I’m staying with BMW for the future for two more years which is important for me. I believe in the project but it’s coming! I’m excited to work in Bonovo, it is a great atmosphere and a great team, so I’m not worried from that side. To be honest, I’m very happy. To stay in WorldSBK or any paddock at this moment is very difficult as riders are coming up. I’m looking forward to the journey. There’s been big changes in BMW this year and the steps forward are coming already ahead of next year, as is the momentum. The improvements of the bike were still coming; I think for the future, we can see bigger benefits. I look forward to making another step to where the bike should be. Garrett has been good on the bike this year and he’s impressed me a little bit.”
Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “We have a good friendship… he’ll push us even harder”
Michael van der Mark is confirmed as Toprak Razgatlioglu’s 2024 teammate: “It’s nice for me that I’m staying with the team; there’s a good group of people around me and I think it’s really nice to see the commitment of BMW. They’re pushing really hard and I’m proud to still be part of this plan. 2024 should be better than this year, but, unfortunately, that’s what I said this year! I’m pushing hard, I’m almost fully fit again; I just need to get some speed back. All four bikes next year will make a big step. First of all, Toprak’s always pushing so that’s really nice. We have a good friendship. It’s nice to have him there. He’s a fast teammate; without a doubt, he’s one of the fastest, if not the fastest, on track. He has a lot of experience and he’s fast. He’ll always push and he’ll push us even harder. Every year, we’re making steps but so is everyone else. We need to make a bigger step. It’s always difficult when you’re racing but looking at BMW’s plans for this project, they’re going to shift up a gear.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK): “The Championship isn’t finished”
Taking another chunk out of Bautista’s lead in France, Toprak Razgatlioglu hopes to overcome his and Yamaha’s struggles at the technical Aragon venue: “I’m happy to be back at Aragon because it’s a really nice track. OK, we’re not really strong because of the unbelievable back straight which is very long. We keep fighting like before and try for the best position this weekend; I don’t know, maybe we’re fighting for the win or a podium. It won’t be an easy weekend but we’ll try our best. We’ll try a different setup and try to adapt. Nothing is finished, maybe Alvaro makes a mistake and it changes everything. We’ll keep fighting, the Championship isn’t finished. I’m very happy that Michael will be my teammate next year, he’s a good teammate, he’s funny and I love him! Next year, I think we’ll improve a lot together.”
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “The bike is in a good window… much better from the start of the year”
Seven podiums on the spin for Jonathan Rea as he touches down at the track where he’s won nine times at before, all with Kawasaki: “It’s a great circuit and we do a lot of testing here in the off-season as typically we get good weather here. I enjoy the layout with fast and flowing corners, it suits my style. I managed to win a race here last year and my 100th win in 2021 was nice, a huge milestone. I felt good with the bike in the test here; we’ll roll out with something like how we finished there, which is something like how the bike was at Magny-Cours, so it seems the bike is in a good window. The biggest step forward has been mentality; we started the season in bad shape, I have to take responsibility for that as well but also the bike was very challenging. We have to try and maximise our opportunities and then confidence comes up; this game is so punishing but when you have a bit of magic, it’s a lot easier. It’s much better from the start of the year.”
Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing): “I can’t say a lot… I hope this week or next week, we can say something”
Talking about his future, Axel Bassani couldn’t reveal too much, but did give an answer on 2024: “I can’t say a lot; we’ve spoken with some teams and we’ll try to find a good solution for 2024. I can’t speak, this is the reality. I hope that this week or next week, we can say something. We want a factory team and to have a good solution for me and also for them so we will see what will happen in the next days.”
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I’m as free as a bird… I don’t care about the pressure”
Competitive throughout Magny-Cours, a winner at Aragon in 2020 and looking for a ride in 2024, Michael Ruben Rinaldi knows this weekend is vital: “It’s a special track for me and there are positive vibes, however, the past is the past and we have to work for a strong weekend. I’m as free as a bird and I ride the bike because I enjoy it; I don’t care about the pressure or stuff like that. If it’s possible to achieve a podium or enjoy a fight like with Toprak in Race 1 at Magny-Cours, it’s OK but there’s no pressure if not. After the announcement that I won’t race again with Ducati, I received a lot of calls and that was a super nice thing. Teams want me and for sure, I’m looking to have a good project, bike and package to firstly stay relaxed but also to find a challenge where in some years, I can achieve great results. I haven’t decided my future but I think soon, I have to. We’ll see what happens.”
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC): “The target is to stay with Honda; the place or the spot, we’ll see”
With his and indeed Team HRC’s 2024 plans yet to be announced, Iker Lecuona gave his latest update: “It’s difficult to say; I hope that I can say something in a few weeks but like always, I am happy here, the target is to continue here but still, nothing is signed. You know the situation right now is difficult with many rumours. The target is to stay with Honda; then, the place or the spot, we’ll see. The podium is not realistic right now; the optimistic target is to finish in the top ten. My teammate or me are close but this year hasn’t been easy. We’ll see race by race.”
Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW): “I know we can do this… I am sad for Loris”
With his 2024 teammate confirmed as being Scott Redding, Garrett Gerloff spoke of next year, as well as being the form guy after a stellar weekend at Magny-Cours: “The whole year, we’ve been making small steps but it is so nice when it all comes together. You’re in a different category, so it was nice to break out at mid-pack and go higher. I know we can do more and we had the test here a few weeks ago and it wasn’t the best, which was why Magny-Cours was a little bit of a surprise. It felt better and it didn’t feel that way here. Hopefully, changes at Magny-Cours will help us this weekend too. We’ll try and bring the same energy. I know we can do this; the focus we all have, it’s just trying to put everything together. Having a P4 was good momentum, as was the pole position, so when everything goes right, we can be the guys to beat. I like Scott, I’ve known him since 2013 at Colin Edwards’ bootcamp, when he rode my 125cc which was quite funny! He’s a good guy, a fast racer and it’ll be good to see him stay with BMW. I am sad for Loris though, as he’s been a great teammate and friend. He deserves the best and I wish him the best for whatever he does next.”
Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW): “I expected this decision”
Now without a ride for 2024, Loris Baz is one of the big names on the market: “I’m OK and I expected this decision, so it hasn’t come from nowhere. I’m working on my future with my manager, trying to find the best option and doing everything I can to stay in WorldSBK. It’s a bit early to know what I can do, but I want to stay here. I’m lucky enough to have one of the best managers around; we have three rounds remaining with Bonovo and they’re a great group of guys, so they deserve the best for myself and we’ll try to have fun on the bike as much as we can. We’ll see what my manager brings me between rounds.” Get the full story on Baz’s future here.
Xavi Vierge (Team HRC): “We expect to be more competitive”
Like teammate Iker Lecuona, Xavi Vierge’s future has also yet to be confirmed, but he’s looking forward to the Aragon weekend nonetheless: “Magny-Cours was hard, but it was harder after the crash on Friday. We come to Aragon, a home round is always special and we have been testing here. The feeling was good, and we expect to be more competitive at this kind of track. Right now, we are too far away from the podium. This kind of track is better for us. We are more competitive. A podium will be really difficult, but our goal needs to be fighting for that. There’s no news on my future. We still need to wait a little bit longer; every time, it’s getting closer.”
“I’m excited to try this track!”: riders ready for the new challenge of “beautiful” Buddh International Circuit
Hear from Bagnaia, Martin, Bezzecchi, Binder, Aleix, Quartararo, Marc Marquez, Augusto Fernandez and Morbidelli
Thursday, 21 September 2023
The IndianOil Grand Prix of India is ready to take to the track, so on Thursday there was plenty to talk about! The first Press Conference of the day comprised Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), before Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) sat down with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Rcing Tech3) and Franco Morbidelli ((Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™). Here are some quotes!
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “I was lucky enough not to have any problems or any delays with my Visa so that’s a positive start. Our logistics manager did an excellent job so that’s perfect. I’ve had a chance to walk around the track. I think that the layout of the track is interesting. It’s nice and it’s different compared to a lot of other tracks that we go to. I think it could be great. It will be interesting to try it tomorrow considering the run-off area in a couple of parts of the track looks a little bit too short. I walked a lap with the safety commission and they tried to explain everything to me and I think there are reasons to say that it’s okay so let’s see I think it will be really interesting to try it out.”
On the past with Mahindra:
“If you consider all the riders that moved from Mahindra, they’ve all done something incredible in the championship. They’ve all either won a title or being runner-up. I think it was a really great school because the bike was really good in terms of handling but was missing the engine and the power, which was clear to everyone. Put us in a situation where we had to give the maximum every time, and I think it was a really great way to learn so I’m very happy and very proud to have been part of the Mahindra family. I’ve always said that it was the best Moto3 team I was in in terms of improving myself.”
On a difficult Misano:
“Monday after the racing, was quite difficult and was quite intense. I was quite tired. We’ve worked a lot to try to arrive here at 100%. We’re not 100% because it takes time. I know where to put the leg in case I start to struggle a bit. I think I’m in a better condition compared to Misano, a lot better.”
JORGE MARTIN: “I did a lot of laps as soon as I arrived. I did some laps on my bicycle. I really like the layout. I think it will be really interesting. I’m excited to try this track. I think like Pecco said it’s a little bit different from what we used to do so yeah I’m looking forward to free practice tomorrow.”
On Mahindra:
“Yeah for sure, like Pecco said when you’re on a bike where the engine has less power, you have to do a lot more than the rest to be at the same level so it’s quite a difficult time because with situations like this it’s complicated but finally when you arrive at a really high level and your move to a more competitive bike, we were super competitive.”
On winning at Misano:
“Yeah, I feel it’s important you know. It’s like for example when Pecco won in Jerez, he won on my home soil. It’s one of those moments, one of those impulses when you win. It was my first time winning in Italy, so I was super excited, and yeah at the end of the day, it’s the place where they train and where they’re always riding. They’re always really competitive there so being really competitive was super important.”
On Franco Morbidelli joining the team next season:
“Yeah, I mean, it will be interesting to see how he will do. For sure it’s important to have a competitive rider by my side. For example, this season we’re fighting for the team world championship, and that’s because my teammate is also super strong. We are both really strong. Hopefully, we can have the same thing next season and Franco can adapt fast and be competitive straightaway.”
MARCO BEZZECCHI: “I like it a lot to be honest. Also, the paddock is very well organised and everything is very beautiful. The track after walking it looks fantastic. It’s a mix of colours that I really like. Of course, the long straight is impressive because I think it’s very very long, maybe more than Texas I don’t know but… it’s very nice. It’s really nice to see you and I can’t wait to try the bike. There’s also a long right-hand corner with banking that looks fantastic so I can’t wait.”
On Mahindra:
“As the guys said, it was fantastic because without them and without the Academy, it would’ve been very difficult for me to go into the world championship because they were really investing in young riders and they were really helping us. It was fantastic to be a part of the Mahindra family. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long but it was a big school and I learned a lot in terms of being more precise and more consistent. I was missing a little bit of power but anyway, I had fun. I had a podium and it was also the last podium for Mahindra so it was very nice!”
On recovery:
“Well, the week after Misano was tough to be honest, because during the race weekend, I put a lot of stress on my hand. Unfortunately, I have an injury inside my bones which is really slow to recover. It’s that part that’s creating me a lot of pain but anyway in Misano, I could do my best. More than this was difficult for me so because of this I’m very happy. This track looks a little bit less physical so I don’t know I will try for sure to be at the front again.”
BRAD BINDER: “So far so good. Everything has been quite cool since I arrived here early this morning. Everything is all good. Honestly, the track looks really cool. I think it’s gonna be a very fun layout for us to ride. That one that banks looks sick, so I’m excited to give that a bash it’s always exciting to come somewhere new.”
On Mahindra:
“Thinking back on it now, it was wild. Honestly, we had a lot of good days for sure and I think I rode it before these guys, and it was a mission. Like I said the things handling was incredible and you know when you’re lacking power, you need to try and figure out how to make it up elsewhere, and for me, it was one of the best steps along my career so far.”
How do you think it’s going to be at this track?
“Yeah, I think it could be good for us here. Obviously, the truck looks great for us this season. FP1 has always been a time when we need to figure things out because things are very different from previous years. I think going into it this time around it’ll be cool. We’ve got a little bit extra time to try and figure things out. Of course, we will try to put everything together. I think we’re in for a good weekend here. Let’s see what the weather does but I think it’s gonna be really hot but I think our bike works well in the heat.”
On the new chassis:
“We got to try the new chassis on Monday. I think our biggest complaint all year has been touched on, so that’s the main thing. It was a little bit better for sure. It’s difficult to say whether we’ll race it this year, I’m not too sure exactly. I reckon after what we saw there’s a bit of a hurry to try and get it so hopefully we get it soon.”
ALEIX ESPARGARO: “I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to come to such a big country like this. Hopefully, we can bring our sport to many homes and give them some fun. It looks as if the track is going to be fun. I like the layout a lot. I think they’ve done the best I can to prepare the circuit for us. I really can’t wait to try it tomorrow morning.
“It’s really difficult to understand if it’s going to favour us or not. Obviously, the long straits aren’t really the best for us but there are a lot of fast corners where I think we can take profit. In terms of grip, it’s gonna be really important. We have a couple of engineers that have been working for Ferrari in Formula 1 in the past when they raced here, and they told me that this circuit had grip more than any other track on the calendar. It looks like it isn’t really that damaged so even though it’s been a while since Formula One has been there I think after some laps the grip will be good.”
Flyaways difficult last year, extra experience this year…
“It was a complete disaster last year, all the overseas races. We tried to analyse everything and improve everything. It’s gonna be very demanding. Eight races in 10 weeks is crazy and it sounds crazy. It’s gonna be very important to try to be focused but at the same time try to be relaxed and to have some fun. It’s going to be important to have fun with your team if people can bring family and friends because it’s gonna be tough mentally.”
FABIO QUARTARARO: “Long straights. Yeah, it looks really fun, especially sectors three and four. Some walls are a little bit close. We’ll see tomorrow morning at the track which looks really fun!”
New parts?
“Yeah, we’re going to try the spoon under the swing arm and yeah that’s the only thing that we’re going to change this weekend.
“We’ve tried many things. As you know since preseason, we’ve kept everything the same as last year so finally, if we could find one small change it was something a little bit positive.”
On visiting Yamaha Motor India:
“Yeah, it was good, it was short also. It was great to see all the Indian workers from here. It was really nice. You could see the passion that they have for motorcycles so it was great. Hopefully, they can enjoy the first-ever Indian GP!”
MARC MARQUEZ: “It’s one of those circuits that on foot it looks really nice but then we’ll see how it feels on a MotoGP bike. If the grip is good then it’ll be even nicer!”
Any changes?
“No actually will race with the same bike that we raced in Misano. That’s the best feeling I’ve had this season starts true that we’ve tried a new prototype. There was some interesting things, but the performance overall was actually the same. If not a little bit worse so let’s keep riding with what we know. And yeah if I have to try a few things that they bring in the future I will try them, but at the moment I’ve just got to keep focused on what I have.”
You were fast in the race at Misano:
“Yeah, the thing is that it’s true that the Misano race was really positive for us which is really strange to say because we were back in seventh position but the pace during the race was really good. It’s true that I want to ride at that pace, but I use a lot of energy in the last laps. I was able to keep the pace but I started to feel really tired and I decided to step back and finish the race not like in Le Mans. I was exhausted but so I kept pushing, but then I crashed. Different mentality for the second part of the season but step-by-step at least during the weekend. Maybe one lap may be too late. Maybe 10 laps we show that our speed is there.”
AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ: “Looks like we’re going to have some fun. I didn’t expect that amount of banking on the corners so it looks fun and I’m looking forward to discovering it!”
Everyone is a rookie this weekend… could less experience help bridge the gap?
“Yeah, I think it will help a little bit, or at least I hope it will. I feel like every track I’m reaching the level late on Sunday. I’m not bad on a Sunday, especially with pace but as I say I need to recover a lot from the weekend away starting from 0 to this weekend. This track is new for everybody, so I hope to start closer to the top guys and at least be more competitive from Friday.”
Does talk about the future prove a distraction?
“For sure it doesn’t help. But I have my contract signed so I have the same news as everyone else. So in theory I have a ride for next year so I want to believe that and I’m focused on the job in hand and on 2023. I want to finish the year in the best possible way and bring some good results until the end of the season. Hopefully, we can get the ride again in 2024.”
FRANCO MORBIDELLI: “Yeah, I like the track. It looks nice, it looks beautiful. There are some pretty exciting spots so it’ll be interesting to go on track tomorrow!”
Meet and greet at Yamaha Motor India:
“Yeah, it was good to meet all the Yamaha India people. It was a pleasure to meet all the workers and all the people you see there are actually workers that work in the factory so if that’s a lot of people. They produce many models of Yamaha bikes that go around the world so it was interesting and it was a good experience.”
On the big news…
“Yeah, I have to thank first of all Paolo Campinoti for giving me this opportunity. Also all the Ducati people and Gianluca and VR46. We’ve been hoping for this opportunity to come and we’ve been working on this thing and finally, now we can all see it and it’s a great feeling. It’s a great feeling after two, rather complicated years. Yeah, it’s gonna be good I guess.”
All VR46 riders are on Ducatis next year, did you speak to Pecco, Marco etc?
“Yeah for sure. I had some difficult moments listening to their feedback and understanding that it was so different to my feeling on the bike. There’s been some cases where it’s been. Quite frustrating. Next year everything is gonna be the same and we’re gonna talk about the same topic!”
Cody Wyman joins Team Saddlemen for King Of The Baggers NJMP Finale
Cody Wyman will join Team Saddlemen and compete in the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers races at New Jersey Motorsports Park this weekend. Cody is filling in for Team Saddlemen’s Cory West, who sustained an injury at Circuit of The Americas. While this will be Cody’s first appearance in the King of the Baggers class, he has served as a test and development rider for the factory Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle team and knows his way around a bagger. With the addition of Cody to the KOTB grid, which already includes older brothers Kyle and Travis, it marks the first time the three Wyman brothers will compete in the same MotoAmerica class together.
Cody Wyman: “I am beyond excited to compete for Team Saddlemen and Harley-Davidson in the season finale. I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to test a lot of different components on these bikes, but now I can finally prioritize getting comfortable and focus on outright pace. I’ve raced a lot of different motorcycles this season, but I’ve worked for years to have this opportunity to go bagger racing. Thank you to Saddlemen and H-D for the support, and I can’t wait to get things going for first practice.”
David Echert of Team Saddlemen: “We appreciate Harley-Davidson’s continued help to develop our bikes and team. I’m excited to finish the series on a high note as I see our four Saddlemen baggers cross the finish line.”
Team Saddlemen is sponsored by: Saddlemen, Harley-Davidson, Screamin’ Eagle, Darkhorse Motor Co, Hoban Brothers, Mission Foods, Drag Specialties, KN Filter, NAMZ, Motul, Suicide Machine Co, Bell Helmets, 4SR, Regina chain, Alloy Arts, Barrnett clutches.
Saddlemen is an American company based in Long Beach, California, specializing in motorcycle seats and luggage. Known as the “Gel Seat Experts” since 1987, our goal has been to improve comfort, control, and overall riding experience for millions of motorcyclists worldwide. With over 200 employees, we are riders and builders who enjoy practically everything motorcycle. Over the last 35 years, the Saddlemen team has participated in everything from Flat Track to MotoGP. Sent from my iPhone
Collin Veijer topped Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Buddh International Circuit, in India. Riding his Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna, the Dutch racer lapped the 3.1-mile (5.0 km) course in 1:59.566 to lead the field of 30 riders.
Moto3 FP2
Marco Bezzecchi was quickest during MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) in hot and humid conditions Friday morning at the new-to-the-series Buddh International Circuit, in India. Riding his Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici, the Italian lapped the unfamiliar and challenging 3.1-mile (5.0 km) track in 1:45.990 to lead the field of 22 riders.
The session was full of crashes and riders running off track, especially at tight Turn One, as they tried to learn the new circuit.
Fabio Quartararo lost valuable track time in FP1 when he suffered technical problems with both of his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1s.
MotoGP FP1
Somkiat Chantra led FIM Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Buddh International Circuit, in India. Riding his Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Kalex, the Thai rider lapped the 3.1-mile (5.0 km) road course in 1:52.596 to lead the field of 30 competitors.
American Joe Roberts and Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished the session eighth and 20th, respectively. Roberts did a 1:53.808 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, while SDK did a 1:54.662 on his Forward Racing machine.
Moto2 FP1
Jaume Masia was quickest during FIM Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Buddh International Circuit, in India. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, the Spaniard navigated the new 3.1-mile (5.0 km) circuit in 2:00.324 to lead the field of 30 riders.
Moto3 FP1
Former AMA Pro dirt track racer, Arai Helmet distributor, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Sammy Tanner has died. He was 84 years old.
Details are still coming in, and we will report more information as it becomes available.
The following is Sammy Tanner’s official AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame biography:
Sammy Tanner was one of the top AMA professional racers from the late 1950s through all of the 1960s. Tanner won a total of seven AMA nationals, including the prestigious Springfield (Illinois) Mile. He rode for the Triumph and BSA factory teams and was one of the heroes of the famous weekly Friday night Ascot Park races in Gardena, California. When Tanner first began racing as a young teenager, he was just 5 feet tall and weighed barely 100 pounds, earning him the nickname the “Flying Flea.” He was also known for being one of the first riders on the Grand National circuit to wear white racing leathers.
Tanner was born on May 23, 1939 in Houston. He grew up in Houston and as a young boy loved to watch both sprint car and motorcycle dirt track racing. Fellow Texan A.J. Foyt was an early hero. He bought a sprint car as a teenager, but was too scared to drive it so he sold it, doubling his money. When he was 14, Tanner bought his first motorcycle – a Villiers James. Shortly afterwards, Tanner started racing in local field meets around Texas and soon earned a support ride on a 500cc Triumph.
While following the county fair circuit in the Midwest one summer, an announcer jokingly said that Tanner was a rock ‘n’ roll star back home in Texas. Fans swamped him after the race asking for his autograph and copies of his record, even though he had never made a recording in his life. The race announcer saw an opportunity and quickly put Tanner in the recording studio to cut a record, including a hastily written tune based on Tanner’s nickname. The song began: “When I was born in a Texas shack, Pop took one look and said send him back. No scrawnier runt ever lived than me, but now I’m known as the ‘Flying Flea.'”
Tanner burst onto the AMA Grand National scene as a rookie Expert in 1958. The “Flying Flea” did fly and finished sixth in his first year on the circuit. Indicative of what the future held in store was his runner-up finish in that year’s San Jose National Mile. After defending Grand National Champion Joe Leonard’s track record was broken not once but three times in time trials, the 25-lap race turned into a barnburner. Carroll Resweber, who would go on to win the first of his four Grand National titles that year, and eventual winner Everett Brashear and Don Hawley swapped the lead back and forth an astonishing 55 times! When the checkered flag fell, Brashear was first across the line, but it was the rookie Tanner in second ahead of Resweber. Tanner had arrived.
Tanner, who had established residency in California, topped the AMA’s half-mile race points list in his rookie year, and duplicated that feat in 1959. That year saw the opening of the new Ascot half-mile facility in Gardena, California, and it was Tanner who won the first-ever Grand National held there that July. In that era, AMA nationals were run for varying distances and that race was an 8-mile event. Tanner’s skill, combined with the ultra-fast characteristics of the track, produced a new eight-mile race record, breaking the old record by six seconds.
Tanner’s early successes came while riding a Triumph sponsored by Johnson Motors, the West Coast distributor of Triumph motorcycles. Ascot hosted races every Friday night during a lengthy southern California race season and for many years Tanner dueled with the likes of three-time Ascot National winner Al Gunter, 1961 Ascot National winner Neil Keen, Elliott Schultz, Stu Morley, Troy Lee, Jack O’Brien and Don Hawley. From the opening Ascot National that Tanner won in 1959 through the 1966 event, the winner was either Tanner, Gunter or Keen. After his opening-year Ascot win, Tanner topped the half-mile National at the track three more times, winning in three consecutive years, 1964-66. He had switched from riding Triumphs to competing on BSAs, prepared by the legendary C.R. Axtell.
Although four of Tanner’s seven Grand National victories came at his “hometown” Ascot track, perhaps his finest ride was turned in at the 1964 Springfield Mile. Tanner took the lead on the 26th lap of the 50-mile race and he dueled the remainder of the race with Dick Mann, and briefly Ronnie Rall, before crossing the finish line first, a narrow three bike lengths ahead of Mann. His victory on a BSA at Springfield broke a 10-year Harley-Davidson victory stretch at the famed oval. Mann was also BSA-mounted, so the first Harley finished third with Ralph White aboard.
Two years later, in 1966, Tanner scored his fourth Ascot National win, and added wins in half-mile Nationals at Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and Heidelberg, Pennsylvania. He finished the year third in the Grand National Championship point standings, trailing only fellow Motorcycle Hall of Fame members Bart Markel and Gary Nixon.
Tanner hung up his steel shoe in 1972 and now operates an Arai helmet distributorship in Southern California.
Inducted in 1999
More, from a social media post by Arai Americas:
It was with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of our good friend, and dedicated Arai Helmet distributor, Sammy Tanner.
Sammy was a successful flat tracker who, after hanging up his leathers, turned his passion for motorcycling into a business. He was one of the first to believe in the Arai difference and we will always remember and appreciate his dedication to always representing Arai to the best of his ability, which contributed greatly to the success of Arai in America.
He was a kind human being, who looked to not only grow his own business, but help others along the way. We will miss his positive attitude and infectious smile. He will be missed and remembered fondly.
More, from a press release issued by AMA:
The AMA Offers Condolences on the Passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Sammy Tanner
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association offers its condolences to the family, friends and team of seven-time AMA Grand National Championship event winner and 1999 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Inductee Sammy Tanner, who passed away on Sept. 21.
Born May 23, 1939, in Houston, Tanner purchased his first motorcycle — a James Villiers — at 14 years old and fell in love with the sport right away. Shortly after purchasing his bike, Tanner started racing in local field meets throughout his home state of Texas, and soon after earned a support ride on a 500cc Triumph. Due to his 5-foot, 100-pound stature, Tanner was lovingly dubbed “The Flying Flea” by fans and fellow racers alike.
In 1958, Tanner made the leap to the professional ranks, finishing sixth in the AMA Grand National Championship during his rookie season and emerging as the top points earner in Half-Mile races, and duplicated that same feat in his sophomore campaign. In that same season, Tanner captured the first of his four AMA Grand National Championship wins at the legendary Ascot Half-Mile facility in Gardena, Calif.
After his first win at Ascot, Tanner ripped off three-straight victories at the famed Half-Mile track from 1964-66 while competing aboard both Triumphs and BSAs.
While Tanner’s dominance at Ascot is well-documented, his finest ride came at the 1964 Springfield Mile, in which he outlasted fellow AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Dick Mann and Ronnie Rall for the victory. His victory aboard the BSA broke a 10-year Harley-Davidson winning streak at the track.
In 1966, Tanner added Half-Mile victories in Elkhorn, Wis. and Heidelberg, Penn., and finished third in the Grand National Championship point standings behind fellow AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Bart Markel and Gary Nixon.
The Flying Flea retired in 1972, and operated an Arai helmet distributorship in Southern California following his racing career.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.
AHRMA Announces Saturday Purse for 2023 Vintage Cup at Barber Vintage Festival
(September 21, Knoxville, TN) The final round of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) 2023 Vintage Cup will be a dash for cash.
AHRMA and NYC Norton have announced a $2,000 purse for the top five finishers in the Saturday Formula 750 race 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.
“NYC Norton is proud to partner with several AHRMA benefactors to support our Vintage Cup racers in the final weekend of racing. It takes a tremendous amount of time and resources to campaign a vintage machine for the entire season, and we want to support their efforts in any way possible.” said Kenny Cummings.
“NYC Norton and some AHRMA partners have generously spiced up the Vintage Cup’s final round with some purse money. It should keep things interesting as racers fight for the final win of the 2023 season,” said Carl Anderson, 2023 AHRMA Chairman of the Board.
The purse distribution is:
1st Place $750
2nd Place $500
3rd Place $350
4th Place $225
5th Place $175
The purse is not funded by the AHRMA organization, and no racer is obligated to accept it.
To be eligible for the cash purse, a Vintage Cup Formula 750 racer must meet the following criteria:
Other licensed road racers that don’t meet the AHRMA Barber Racer Eligibility Requirements, may request a special waiver from AHRMA. Waivers must be submitted through the online AHRMA Barber Waiver Request Form no later than Saturday, September 30th at 12pm CDT).
To register, visit ahrma.motorsportreg.com. Additional information can be found at the AHRMA Barber Competitor Schedules and Information Questions should be directed to [email protected].
Come see the action in person, hear the roar of these and other classic and modern racing motorcycles and visit the racers and machines in the paddock.
AHRMA gate passes are available here: https://www.ahrma.org/2023-barber-vintage-festival-ahrma-gate-passes/, spectators already possessing gate passes purchased through Barber can access the paddock after signing a waiver.
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 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.
CVMA – New Website and 2024 Dates Set
Chuckwalla Valley Raceway
Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association is proud to announce that our dates for 2024 have been set and are now published on our newly redesigned website! Registration for round 1 is open now, so get signed up!
Dates for the 2023/2024 winter series have been finalized through the end of the series and are as follows:
R1 Oct 7-8, 2023 CW **Double Points**
R2 Nov 18-19, 2023 CCW
R3 Dec 16-17, 2023 CW
R4 Jan 20-21, 2024 CCW
R5 Feb 10-11, 2024 CW
R6 Mar 16-17, 2024 CCW
R7 Apr 6-7, 2024 CW **Double Points**
CVMA would also like to invite everyone to check out our newly redesigned website at http://www.cvmaracing.com . We have come up with a new design which should make it very easy for anyone to find the information they are seeking. Whether you’re a new racer who wants to know what to do to get started or a seasoned expert who just wants to know our race day schedule, you should be able to get the information you seek with just a click or two.
We are excited to announce that Keith Code’s California Superbike School has offered to sponsor a special award for our Top Rookie Expert! The Superbike school is going to provide a Code R.A.C.E. School to the winner of this award. The Code R.A.C.E. program is an intensive 2-day school designed to provide specific training for racers or those interested in going racing. The Top Rookie Expert award will be up for grabs for any first-year expert. All those riders stepping up from the amateur ranks to race as experts will have some extra motivation to score as many championship points as possible.
Apex Assassins Motorcycle Track Days – https://apexassassins.com/
CVMA would like to thank our returning class sponsors and New Racer School Sponsors for the 23-24 winter series. Returning sponsors include:
Ryder Gear – https://www.ryder-gear.com/
Racer’s Edge Performance – https://www.racersedgeperformance.com/
SoCal Track Days – https://www.socaltrackdays.com/
CaliPhotography – https://www.caliphotography.com/
New Racer School Sponsors include:
Racer’s Edge Performance – https://www.racersedgeperformance.com/
Alpine Stars – https://www.alpinestars.com/
Racer Gloves – https://www.racerglovesusa.com/
6D Helmets – https://www.6dhelmets.com/
Come on out for our first round of racing on Oct 7-8 registration is open and filling up fast!
https://cvma.motorsportreg.com/events/23-24-round-1-7-8-oct-chuckwalla-valley-raceway-cvma-381347
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from. Also provided are two racer-only practice groups during the Friday track day hosted by Apex Assassins Motorcycle Track Days. CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting out in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.
CVMA. Built for racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!
Outspoken ahead of Aragon
History is everywhere in Alcaniz but this modern classic track promises to bring more stories in 2023
It’s the final quarter of the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, all of which will be contested in the Iberian Peninsula and it kicks off at MotorLand Aragon in the arid lands of central Spain. A place like no other, where the locals feel the passion, the Tissot Aragon Round has news and rumours aplenty with regards to 2024. As usual, all the best bits from Thursday’s media day are here.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “Anything is possible, you can’t expect anything”
Championship leader coming into the round and winner five times out of six aboard Ducati machinery, Alvaro Bautista previewed his weekend: “It’s always very special to race in Spain; it’s my home race so I will share the weekend with my friends, family and all the Spanish fans. Aragon is a challenging circuit with lots of different kinds of corners. The last test we did here three weeks ago, we had a good feeling and I hope to have the same feeling this weekend as the rest of the season so far. I’ll try to do my best and enjoy the weekend. I have good memories as I have won five races here with Ducati but also a podium with Honda. This track is really nice for me and I enjoy it a lot. However, in the races, anything is possible; in the end, you can’t expect anything.”
Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I’m staying with BMW for two more years!”
Remaining in the BMW family for 2024 but being moved out of the factory team and into the Independent Bonovo Action BMW squad, Scott Redding spoke of his future being secured: “Finally, I can give an answer after some time! It’s a done deal; I’m staying with BMW for the future for two more years which is important for me. I believe in the project but it’s coming! I’m excited to work in Bonovo, it is a great atmosphere and a great team, so I’m not worried from that side. To be honest, I’m very happy. To stay in WorldSBK or any paddock at this moment is very difficult as riders are coming up. I’m looking forward to the journey. There’s been big changes in BMW this year and the steps forward are coming already ahead of next year, as is the momentum. The improvements of the bike were still coming; I think for the future, we can see bigger benefits. I look forward to making another step to where the bike should be. Garrett has been good on the bike this year and he’s impressed me a little bit.”
Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “We have a good friendship… he’ll push us even harder”
Michael van der Mark is confirmed as Toprak Razgatlioglu’s 2024 teammate: “It’s nice for me that I’m staying with the team; there’s a good group of people around me and I think it’s really nice to see the commitment of BMW. They’re pushing really hard and I’m proud to still be part of this plan. 2024 should be better than this year, but, unfortunately, that’s what I said this year! I’m pushing hard, I’m almost fully fit again; I just need to get some speed back. All four bikes next year will make a big step. First of all, Toprak’s always pushing so that’s really nice. We have a good friendship. It’s nice to have him there. He’s a fast teammate; without a doubt, he’s one of the fastest, if not the fastest, on track. He has a lot of experience and he’s fast. He’ll always push and he’ll push us even harder. Every year, we’re making steps but so is everyone else. We need to make a bigger step. It’s always difficult when you’re racing but looking at BMW’s plans for this project, they’re going to shift up a gear.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK): “The Championship isn’t finished”
Taking another chunk out of Bautista’s lead in France, Toprak Razgatlioglu hopes to overcome his and Yamaha’s struggles at the technical Aragon venue: “I’m happy to be back at Aragon because it’s a really nice track. OK, we’re not really strong because of the unbelievable back straight which is very long. We keep fighting like before and try for the best position this weekend; I don’t know, maybe we’re fighting for the win or a podium. It won’t be an easy weekend but we’ll try our best. We’ll try a different setup and try to adapt. Nothing is finished, maybe Alvaro makes a mistake and it changes everything. We’ll keep fighting, the Championship isn’t finished. I’m very happy that Michael will be my teammate next year, he’s a good teammate, he’s funny and I love him! Next year, I think we’ll improve a lot together.”
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “The bike is in a good window… much better from the start of the year”
Seven podiums on the spin for Jonathan Rea as he touches down at the track where he’s won nine times at before, all with Kawasaki: “It’s a great circuit and we do a lot of testing here in the off-season as typically we get good weather here. I enjoy the layout with fast and flowing corners, it suits my style. I managed to win a race here last year and my 100th win in 2021 was nice, a huge milestone. I felt good with the bike in the test here; we’ll roll out with something like how we finished there, which is something like how the bike was at Magny-Cours, so it seems the bike is in a good window. The biggest step forward has been mentality; we started the season in bad shape, I have to take responsibility for that as well but also the bike was very challenging. We have to try and maximise our opportunities and then confidence comes up; this game is so punishing but when you have a bit of magic, it’s a lot easier. It’s much better from the start of the year.”
Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing): “I can’t say a lot… I hope this week or next week, we can say something”
Talking about his future, Axel Bassani couldn’t reveal too much, but did give an answer on 2024: “I can’t say a lot; we’ve spoken with some teams and we’ll try to find a good solution for 2024. I can’t speak, this is the reality. I hope that this week or next week, we can say something. We want a factory team and to have a good solution for me and also for them so we will see what will happen in the next days.”
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I’m as free as a bird… I don’t care about the pressure”
Competitive throughout Magny-Cours, a winner at Aragon in 2020 and looking for a ride in 2024, Michael Ruben Rinaldi knows this weekend is vital: “It’s a special track for me and there are positive vibes, however, the past is the past and we have to work for a strong weekend. I’m as free as a bird and I ride the bike because I enjoy it; I don’t care about the pressure or stuff like that. If it’s possible to achieve a podium or enjoy a fight like with Toprak in Race 1 at Magny-Cours, it’s OK but there’s no pressure if not. After the announcement that I won’t race again with Ducati, I received a lot of calls and that was a super nice thing. Teams want me and for sure, I’m looking to have a good project, bike and package to firstly stay relaxed but also to find a challenge where in some years, I can achieve great results. I haven’t decided my future but I think soon, I have to. We’ll see what happens.”
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC): “The target is to stay with Honda; the place or the spot, we’ll see”
With his and indeed Team HRC’s 2024 plans yet to be announced, Iker Lecuona gave his latest update: “It’s difficult to say; I hope that I can say something in a few weeks but like always, I am happy here, the target is to continue here but still, nothing is signed. You know the situation right now is difficult with many rumours. The target is to stay with Honda; then, the place or the spot, we’ll see. The podium is not realistic right now; the optimistic target is to finish in the top ten. My teammate or me are close but this year hasn’t been easy. We’ll see race by race.”
Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW): “I know we can do this… I am sad for Loris”
With his 2024 teammate confirmed as being Scott Redding, Garrett Gerloff spoke of next year, as well as being the form guy after a stellar weekend at Magny-Cours: “The whole year, we’ve been making small steps but it is so nice when it all comes together. You’re in a different category, so it was nice to break out at mid-pack and go higher. I know we can do more and we had the test here a few weeks ago and it wasn’t the best, which was why Magny-Cours was a little bit of a surprise. It felt better and it didn’t feel that way here. Hopefully, changes at Magny-Cours will help us this weekend too. We’ll try and bring the same energy. I know we can do this; the focus we all have, it’s just trying to put everything together. Having a P4 was good momentum, as was the pole position, so when everything goes right, we can be the guys to beat. I like Scott, I’ve known him since 2013 at Colin Edwards’ bootcamp, when he rode my 125cc which was quite funny! He’s a good guy, a fast racer and it’ll be good to see him stay with BMW. I am sad for Loris though, as he’s been a great teammate and friend. He deserves the best and I wish him the best for whatever he does next.”
Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW): “I expected this decision”
Now without a ride for 2024, Loris Baz is one of the big names on the market: “I’m OK and I expected this decision, so it hasn’t come from nowhere. I’m working on my future with my manager, trying to find the best option and doing everything I can to stay in WorldSBK. It’s a bit early to know what I can do, but I want to stay here. I’m lucky enough to have one of the best managers around; we have three rounds remaining with Bonovo and they’re a great group of guys, so they deserve the best for myself and we’ll try to have fun on the bike as much as we can. We’ll see what my manager brings me between rounds.” Get the full story on Baz’s future here.
Xavi Vierge (Team HRC): “We expect to be more competitive”
Like teammate Iker Lecuona, Xavi Vierge’s future has also yet to be confirmed, but he’s looking forward to the Aragon weekend nonetheless: “Magny-Cours was hard, but it was harder after the crash on Friday. We come to Aragon, a home round is always special and we have been testing here. The feeling was good, and we expect to be more competitive at this kind of track. Right now, we are too far away from the podium. This kind of track is better for us. We are more competitive. A podium will be really difficult, but our goal needs to be fighting for that. There’s no news on my future. We still need to wait a little bit longer; every time, it’s getting closer.”
“I’m excited to try this track!”: riders ready for the new challenge of “beautiful” Buddh International Circuit
Hear from Bagnaia, Martin, Bezzecchi, Binder, Aleix, Quartararo, Marc Marquez, Augusto Fernandez and Morbidelli
Thursday, 21 September 2023
The IndianOil Grand Prix of India is ready to take to the track, so on Thursday there was plenty to talk about! The first Press Conference of the day comprised Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), before Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) sat down with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Rcing Tech3) and Franco Morbidelli ((Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™). Here are some quotes!
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “I was lucky enough not to have any problems or any delays with my Visa so that’s a positive start. Our logistics manager did an excellent job so that’s perfect. I’ve had a chance to walk around the track. I think that the layout of the track is interesting. It’s nice and it’s different compared to a lot of other tracks that we go to. I think it could be great. It will be interesting to try it tomorrow considering the run-off area in a couple of parts of the track looks a little bit too short. I walked a lap with the safety commission and they tried to explain everything to me and I think there are reasons to say that it’s okay so let’s see I think it will be really interesting to try it out.”
On the past with Mahindra:
“If you consider all the riders that moved from Mahindra, they’ve all done something incredible in the championship. They’ve all either won a title or being runner-up. I think it was a really great school because the bike was really good in terms of handling but was missing the engine and the power, which was clear to everyone. Put us in a situation where we had to give the maximum every time, and I think it was a really great way to learn so I’m very happy and very proud to have been part of the Mahindra family. I’ve always said that it was the best Moto3 team I was in in terms of improving myself.”
On a difficult Misano:
“Monday after the racing, was quite difficult and was quite intense. I was quite tired. We’ve worked a lot to try to arrive here at 100%. We’re not 100% because it takes time. I know where to put the leg in case I start to struggle a bit. I think I’m in a better condition compared to Misano, a lot better.”
JORGE MARTIN: “I did a lot of laps as soon as I arrived. I did some laps on my bicycle. I really like the layout. I think it will be really interesting. I’m excited to try this track. I think like Pecco said it’s a little bit different from what we used to do so yeah I’m looking forward to free practice tomorrow.”
On Mahindra:
“Yeah for sure, like Pecco said when you’re on a bike where the engine has less power, you have to do a lot more than the rest to be at the same level so it’s quite a difficult time because with situations like this it’s complicated but finally when you arrive at a really high level and your move to a more competitive bike, we were super competitive.”
On winning at Misano:
“Yeah, I feel it’s important you know. It’s like for example when Pecco won in Jerez, he won on my home soil. It’s one of those moments, one of those impulses when you win. It was my first time winning in Italy, so I was super excited, and yeah at the end of the day, it’s the place where they train and where they’re always riding. They’re always really competitive there so being really competitive was super important.”
On Franco Morbidelli joining the team next season:
“Yeah, I mean, it will be interesting to see how he will do. For sure it’s important to have a competitive rider by my side. For example, this season we’re fighting for the team world championship, and that’s because my teammate is also super strong. We are both really strong. Hopefully, we can have the same thing next season and Franco can adapt fast and be competitive straightaway.”
MARCO BEZZECCHI: “I like it a lot to be honest. Also, the paddock is very well organised and everything is very beautiful. The track after walking it looks fantastic. It’s a mix of colours that I really like. Of course, the long straight is impressive because I think it’s very very long, maybe more than Texas I don’t know but… it’s very nice. It’s really nice to see you and I can’t wait to try the bike. There’s also a long right-hand corner with banking that looks fantastic so I can’t wait.”
On Mahindra:
“As the guys said, it was fantastic because without them and without the Academy, it would’ve been very difficult for me to go into the world championship because they were really investing in young riders and they were really helping us. It was fantastic to be a part of the Mahindra family. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long but it was a big school and I learned a lot in terms of being more precise and more consistent. I was missing a little bit of power but anyway, I had fun. I had a podium and it was also the last podium for Mahindra so it was very nice!”
On recovery:
“Well, the week after Misano was tough to be honest, because during the race weekend, I put a lot of stress on my hand. Unfortunately, I have an injury inside my bones which is really slow to recover. It’s that part that’s creating me a lot of pain but anyway in Misano, I could do my best. More than this was difficult for me so because of this I’m very happy. This track looks a little bit less physical so I don’t know I will try for sure to be at the front again.”
BRAD BINDER: “So far so good. Everything has been quite cool since I arrived here early this morning. Everything is all good. Honestly, the track looks really cool. I think it’s gonna be a very fun layout for us to ride. That one that banks looks sick, so I’m excited to give that a bash it’s always exciting to come somewhere new.”
On Mahindra:
“Thinking back on it now, it was wild. Honestly, we had a lot of good days for sure and I think I rode it before these guys, and it was a mission. Like I said the things handling was incredible and you know when you’re lacking power, you need to try and figure out how to make it up elsewhere, and for me, it was one of the best steps along my career so far.”
How do you think it’s going to be at this track?
“Yeah, I think it could be good for us here. Obviously, the truck looks great for us this season. FP1 has always been a time when we need to figure things out because things are very different from previous years. I think going into it this time around it’ll be cool. We’ve got a little bit extra time to try and figure things out. Of course, we will try to put everything together. I think we’re in for a good weekend here. Let’s see what the weather does but I think it’s gonna be really hot but I think our bike works well in the heat.”
On the new chassis:
“We got to try the new chassis on Monday. I think our biggest complaint all year has been touched on, so that’s the main thing. It was a little bit better for sure. It’s difficult to say whether we’ll race it this year, I’m not too sure exactly. I reckon after what we saw there’s a bit of a hurry to try and get it so hopefully we get it soon.”
ALEIX ESPARGARO: “I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to come to such a big country like this. Hopefully, we can bring our sport to many homes and give them some fun. It looks as if the track is going to be fun. I like the layout a lot. I think they’ve done the best I can to prepare the circuit for us. I really can’t wait to try it tomorrow morning.
“It’s really difficult to understand if it’s going to favour us or not. Obviously, the long straits aren’t really the best for us but there are a lot of fast corners where I think we can take profit. In terms of grip, it’s gonna be really important. We have a couple of engineers that have been working for Ferrari in Formula 1 in the past when they raced here, and they told me that this circuit had grip more than any other track on the calendar. It looks like it isn’t really that damaged so even though it’s been a while since Formula One has been there I think after some laps the grip will be good.”
Flyaways difficult last year, extra experience this year…
“It was a complete disaster last year, all the overseas races. We tried to analyse everything and improve everything. It’s gonna be very demanding. Eight races in 10 weeks is crazy and it sounds crazy. It’s gonna be very important to try to be focused but at the same time try to be relaxed and to have some fun. It’s going to be important to have fun with your team if people can bring family and friends because it’s gonna be tough mentally.”
FABIO QUARTARARO: “Long straights. Yeah, it looks really fun, especially sectors three and four. Some walls are a little bit close. We’ll see tomorrow morning at the track which looks really fun!”
New parts?
“Yeah, we’re going to try the spoon under the swing arm and yeah that’s the only thing that we’re going to change this weekend.
“We’ve tried many things. As you know since preseason, we’ve kept everything the same as last year so finally, if we could find one small change it was something a little bit positive.”
On visiting Yamaha Motor India:
“Yeah, it was good, it was short also. It was great to see all the Indian workers from here. It was really nice. You could see the passion that they have for motorcycles so it was great. Hopefully, they can enjoy the first-ever Indian GP!”
MARC MARQUEZ: “It’s one of those circuits that on foot it looks really nice but then we’ll see how it feels on a MotoGP bike. If the grip is good then it’ll be even nicer!”
Any changes?
“No actually will race with the same bike that we raced in Misano. That’s the best feeling I’ve had this season starts true that we’ve tried a new prototype. There was some interesting things, but the performance overall was actually the same. If not a little bit worse so let’s keep riding with what we know. And yeah if I have to try a few things that they bring in the future I will try them, but at the moment I’ve just got to keep focused on what I have.”
You were fast in the race at Misano:
“Yeah, the thing is that it’s true that the Misano race was really positive for us which is really strange to say because we were back in seventh position but the pace during the race was really good. It’s true that I want to ride at that pace, but I use a lot of energy in the last laps. I was able to keep the pace but I started to feel really tired and I decided to step back and finish the race not like in Le Mans. I was exhausted but so I kept pushing, but then I crashed. Different mentality for the second part of the season but step-by-step at least during the weekend. Maybe one lap may be too late. Maybe 10 laps we show that our speed is there.”
AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ: “Looks like we’re going to have some fun. I didn’t expect that amount of banking on the corners so it looks fun and I’m looking forward to discovering it!”
Everyone is a rookie this weekend… could less experience help bridge the gap?
“Yeah, I think it will help a little bit, or at least I hope it will. I feel like every track I’m reaching the level late on Sunday. I’m not bad on a Sunday, especially with pace but as I say I need to recover a lot from the weekend away starting from 0 to this weekend. This track is new for everybody, so I hope to start closer to the top guys and at least be more competitive from Friday.”
Does talk about the future prove a distraction?
“For sure it doesn’t help. But I have my contract signed so I have the same news as everyone else. So in theory I have a ride for next year so I want to believe that and I’m focused on the job in hand and on 2023. I want to finish the year in the best possible way and bring some good results until the end of the season. Hopefully, we can get the ride again in 2024.”
FRANCO MORBIDELLI: “Yeah, I like the track. It looks nice, it looks beautiful. There are some pretty exciting spots so it’ll be interesting to go on track tomorrow!”
Meet and greet at Yamaha Motor India:
“Yeah, it was good to meet all the Yamaha India people. It was a pleasure to meet all the workers and all the people you see there are actually workers that work in the factory so if that’s a lot of people. They produce many models of Yamaha bikes that go around the world so it was interesting and it was a good experience.”
On the big news…
“Yeah, I have to thank first of all Paolo Campinoti for giving me this opportunity. Also all the Ducati people and Gianluca and VR46. We’ve been hoping for this opportunity to come and we’ve been working on this thing and finally, now we can all see it and it’s a great feeling. It’s a great feeling after two, rather complicated years. Yeah, it’s gonna be good I guess.”
All VR46 riders are on Ducatis next year, did you speak to Pecco, Marco etc?
“Yeah for sure. I had some difficult moments listening to their feedback and understanding that it was so different to my feeling on the bike. There’s been some cases where it’s been. Quite frustrating. Next year everything is gonna be the same and we’re gonna talk about the same topic!”
Cody Wyman joins Team Saddlemen for King Of The Baggers NJMP Finale
Cody Wyman will join Team Saddlemen and compete in the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers races at New Jersey Motorsports Park this weekend. Cody is filling in for Team Saddlemen’s Cory West, who sustained an injury at Circuit of The Americas. While this will be Cody’s first appearance in the King of the Baggers class, he has served as a test and development rider for the factory Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle team and knows his way around a bagger. With the addition of Cody to the KOTB grid, which already includes older brothers Kyle and Travis, it marks the first time the three Wyman brothers will compete in the same MotoAmerica class together.
Cody Wyman: “I am beyond excited to compete for Team Saddlemen and Harley-Davidson in the season finale. I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to test a lot of different components on these bikes, but now I can finally prioritize getting comfortable and focus on outright pace. I’ve raced a lot of different motorcycles this season, but I’ve worked for years to have this opportunity to go bagger racing. Thank you to Saddlemen and H-D for the support, and I can’t wait to get things going for first practice.”
David Echert of Team Saddlemen: “We appreciate Harley-Davidson’s continued help to develop our bikes and team. I’m excited to finish the series on a high note as I see our four Saddlemen baggers cross the finish line.”
Team Saddlemen is sponsored by: Saddlemen, Harley-Davidson, Screamin’ Eagle, Darkhorse Motor Co, Hoban Brothers, Mission Foods, Drag Specialties, KN Filter, NAMZ, Motul, Suicide Machine Co, Bell Helmets, 4SR, Regina chain, Alloy Arts, Barrnett clutches.
Saddlemen is an American company based in Long Beach, California, specializing in motorcycle seats and luggage. Known as the “Gel Seat Experts” since 1987, our goal has been to improve comfort, control, and overall riding experience for millions of motorcyclists worldwide. With over 200 employees, we are riders and builders who enjoy practically everything motorcycle. Over the last 35 years, the Saddlemen team has participated in everything from Flat Track to MotoGP. Sent from my iPhone
