The felicitous saga of the MV Agusta limited editions continues with an exciting new chapter, as the Brutale 1000 RR Assen takes centre stage. A synthesis of style and technical solutions, the motorcycle celebrates the thirty-five victories amassed by MV Agusta at the legendary circuit of Assen, the “cathedral of speed”. Results that make MV Agusta the most successful Italian manufacturer and the third overall in terms of successes at the extraordinary Dutch track.
Almost half a century has since passed, with the last MV Agusta win at Assen dating back to 1976, when Giacomo Agostini triumphed in the 350 class. And yet the allure of the Dutch track and MV Agusta lives on, now more than ever. The Brutale 1000 RR Assen is designed to commemorate those glorious days. Just 300 numbered units of the motorcycle will be hand-built in Italy, for a prestigious limited edition that is also the result of direct collaboration with the Assen circuit. The “Cathedral of Speed”, which will stage the TABAC Classic GP on 8-10 September, has signed an agreement with MV Agusta that will promote the relationship between company and circuit, the first result of which is a decidedly exclusive motorcycle.
The technical base is represented by the 2023 version of the Brutale 1000 RR, which flaunts a series of technical updates, not least the electronic gearbox that ensures quicker and smoother shifting as a result of hardware and software modifications. The engine is the high-performance 998 cc in-line four, capable of delivering 208 hp (153 kW) at 11,000 rpm and 116.5 Nm at 11,000 rpm. A weight-power ratio of 1.1 hp/kg is achieved thanks to a dry weight of 186 kg (197 kg kerb weight).
The specific colour scheme of the “Assen”, which combines blue (Blu Nordico), silver (Argento Ago) and gold, is both elegant and sporty, perfect for highlighting the motorcycle’s significant attention to detail and first-rate technical equipment. The choice of materials also hits the target, starting with the very lightweight Rotobox carbon fibre wheels, the construction technology of which allows for extremely fine spokes. Carbon fibre also features across many other areas, used for the heat shields that protect the exhaust manifolds on each side of the motorcycle, in all the stylistic and functional elements supporting the front light set, and for the panels in the tank area.
A head-on view of a 2024 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Assen showing its aerodynamic winglets. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
Some specific elements of the frame, such as the aluminium side plates and single-sided swingarm, stand out for their silver shade, which contrasts with the dark tone of the steel tube trellis. The seat features blue Alcantara upholstery, further enhancing this unique motorcycle, which also boasts a two-tone blue and silver tank with polished finish.
As with every special edition, the accompanying Special Parts Kit adds power and exclusivity, cutting weight from a motorcycle that is already lightweight in its standard configuration. Components range from the elegant titanium Arrow tailpipes, complete with dedicated control unit for maximum power, to the black CNC-machined brake and clutch levers, the carbon fibre passenger seat cover and the aluminium fuel cap, unique thanks to its two-tone gold and black colour combination. A motorcycle cover and certificate of authenticity round out the equipment.
Special Parts Kit
The Special Parts Kit comprises titanium Arrow tailpipes with dedicated control unit. The client will also receive the aluminium CNC fuel cap, in gold and black, the carbon fibre passenger seat cover and CNC brake and clutch levers. Further enhancing the Brutale 1000 RR Assen kit is the dedicated motorcycle cover, to ensure adequate protection of this work of “Motorcycle Art”.
Xavi Fores won MotoAmerica Supersport Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2, Fores won the red-flag-shortened race by 1.119 seconds, and with the win, the Spaniard clinched the 2023 Supersport Championship.
Pole-sitter Tyler Scott led some of the race but ended up finishing second on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.
Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs broke free from the pack to score third.
Torin Collins, riding a third Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750, finished fourth in his debut Supersport race by just holding off Wrench Motorcycles Suzuki’s David Anthony (fifth) and Disrupt Racing Suzuki’s Jake Lewis (sixth).
Forés Wraps Up Supersport Championship At Circuit Of The Americas
Ducati-Mounted Spaniard Takes Title In His Rookie Season In MotoAmerica
Xavi Fores (12) won the Supersport race on Saturday at COTA over Tyler Scott (70) and with the win wrapped up the championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
AUSTIN, TX (September 9, 2023) – After Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Xavi Forés started the season with a record-breaking eight wins in a row, which set a new record in the Supersport class, the Spaniard’s victory tally suddenly came to a halt at Brainerd where he finished both races off the podium. And then, at Pittsburgh, he finished second in both races. Well, on Saturday at COTA, Forés returned to his winning ways with a championship-clinching victory.
Starting from the middle of the front row, Forés got a good jump off the line and led the first two laps of the race. Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott, who earned the pole position, overtook Forés on lap three, but then Forés was able to get past Scott two laps later, and he held on to the lead for the remainder of the race. Forés took the checkered flag by a little more than a second over Scott, and Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs completed the podium in third.
“When I accepted this challenge, I was expecting to fight for victories, but I was not expecting to fight for winning the title, winning eight races in a row and then win again,” Forés said. “It was a very nice season for me because at the end of the last year I was considering with my wife to retire, because I was not enjoying racing. I was doing Moto-e, something that I didn’t want to do. But then when I contact Ducati again and the team, they offered me the Supersport and I said, why not? I want to enjoy riding the bikes again. So, it was nice. It was a little bit disappointing at Daytona. The first race was a bit of a mess there. The bike wasn’t running well. I did only three laps. I was a little bit confused when I came back home. Since Road Atlanta, I felt so good on the bike. We worked really hard on the bike. Most of my job was at home watching the last year’s races to learn the layouts. Today we are here. We won the title. I have to say that the last races were really tough. He was pushing me to the limit all the time. In Pittsburgh had no more. He was putting meters away on me. I was expecting to win the title there. That hurt. You always want to win, and that time he was stronger than me. Today, I let him (Scott) pass. I let him lead the race to try to understand his pace. After three laps I decided to pull my pace out. I thought I was going to put more gap, but he’s a dog. He’s always there. He pushes really hard. He’s a smooth rider. I think this year the championship and also the series did a big improvement in several aspects. I would like to see him in the World Championship because he is a top contender, for sure. Now it’s time to enjoy my title with the time and move forward for tomorrow. There is another race, hot race. Let’s try to win again. Back home, because I have 24 hours (the Bol d’Or 24 Hour next weekend) so it’s going to be a busy month for me.”
Steel Commander Stock 1000 – Gillim Takes Over
The Steel Commander Stock 1000 race storms towards turn one at Circuit of The Americas on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
It’s the final round for the Steel Commander Stock 1000 Championship this weekend at Circuit of The Americas, and Saturday’s race gave a little bit clearer picture of who might win the title. But it’s not quite decided yet.
Before the race even started, championship leader Ezra Beaubier was unfortunately scratched from the grid due to illness. Polesitter Hayden Gillim had one less contender to deal with, and he made the most of it. The Kentuckian led the race from start to finish aboard his Disrupt Racing Suzuki and won with a gap of more than eight seconds back to Travis Wyman whose runner-up result was the fifth podium finish of the season for the Travis Wyman Racing BMW rider. Third place went to Beaubier’s Orange Cat Racing BMW teammate Kaleb De Keyrel, which was his sixth podium result in 2023.
Gillim currently leads the championship by 13 points over De Keyrel, 17 points over Beaubier, and 24 points over Wyman. So, it all comes down to Sunday’s race two, the final race of the season to decide it all for the liter-bike riders.
“It sucks whenever one of the guys that has been up front all year and the guy that we’ve all been chasing isn’t here to defend his points lead and everything.” Gillim said. “We’re all feeling pretty rough this weekend with the heat and everything, so hopefully he gets better and is able to be out here tomorrow with us. It sucks, but honestly, it’s so tight at the front that it wasn’t just Ezra (Beaubier) that we had to think about. Kaleb (De Keyrel) was four points behind me coming into this race. Travis was 15 points behind me. So, really for me, my whole goal this weekend was just to win. That’s the only way I know. I’m from Kentucky, so I don’t do math too good, so I just figured if I’m in front of everybody I don’t have to worry about it. It’s been a good weekend. This morning, like Travis (Wyman) said, we found a little bit. I was able to follow Diego Perez one lap this morning and it helped me quite a bit because he was faster in a couple spots that I thought I was going pretty good in. I learned a little bit from him and was able to use that and get my lap times down into the time range that I needed to have a chance to fight with Travis. So, it’s good. I did what I needed to do today. We’ve got a lot of racing left this weekend still. Just focusing on staying healthy, staying hydrated, staying cool and just having a good weekend.”
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – O’Hara Crowned
Jeremy McWiliams (99) and Tyler O’Hara (1) battled to the last corner in the Mission Super Hooligans race at COTA when McWilliams crashed out, handing victory and the title to O’Hara. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Tyler O’Hara was crowned as the champion of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship on Saturday at COTA, but not before a last-lap bash-fest in the final corner that left his teammate and championship rival Jeremy McWiliams on the ground and out of the race.
Championship over.
O’Hara won four races en route to the title and the last one was the most intense with him and McWilliams going back and forth all the way to the final corner on the last lap. With the two banging into each other repeatedly on the entrance and apex of the final corner, McWilliams spun his Indian FTR 1200 up and was highsided. The Ulsterman was fortunate to not suffer serious injury but is likely to miss tomorrow’s race and O’Hara had his second straight championship in the class.
History was made on Saturday when Stefano Mesa rode the electric Energica Eva Ribelle RS to second place, giving the company its first podium finish. Mesa ended up nine seconds behind O’Hara and a second clear of DiBrino Racing KTM’s Andy DiBrino, who earned his fifth podium finish of the season.
Zone 9 Racing/EDR Performance’s AJ Peaslee and Vigilante Racing’s Nate Kern rounded out the top five.
“It started in 17/18,” O’Hara said of the last lap. “Well, it started in 16, and he protected and then I rolled it to get a good exit. Then I was on the outside of 16/17 and he kept going wider and wider and wider. I about had my shoulder on his tire. Then it was just a battle into 19. We both stopped. Then basically going down the straightaway we were rubbing, and rubbing is racing. Then he parked it in the corner and then we both go for it. I think he just lit the tire up and then highsided, otherwise he would have had me. Honestly, I was expecting it to come down to tomorrow. I’m glad that he’s okay. He’s a true competitor. He’s the salt of the earth, as he would say. He’s lovely. I’m so glad that he’s my teammate. He has made me a better rider this year. He has made the whole team better.”
Mission King Of The Baggers – Kyle Wyman On Top
Kyle Wyman (33) pulls away from the chasing pack in the Mission King Of The Baggers race on Saturday at COTA. With his win, Wyman took over as the championship points leader. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
H-D Screamin’ Eagle’s Kyle Wyman was the fastest of the of the King Of The Baggers field when it counted most: in the race.
Wyman, who came into the Circuit of The Americas round trailing Vance & Hines/Mission/Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim by three points, took his sixth win of the season while leading a Harley-Davidson takeover of the podium spots and he emerged from Saturday’s scrum with a two-point lead over Gillim after topping the Kentuckian by 2.1 seconds.
Gillim’s teammate James Rispoli finished third, another two seconds behind but some 11 seconds clear of Kyle Wyman’s brother and teammate, Travis Wyman. Roland Sands Design/Indian Motorcycle’s Kyle Ohnsorg rounded out the top five and was the first of the Indian Challenger riders.
Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods’ Tyler O’Hara and Jeremy McWiliams failed to start the race. O’Hara’s bike, which he crashed earlier in the day when the chain broke, didn’t run right on the sighting lap while McWiliams was bruised and beaten from his highside crash in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race.
Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands/Indian’s Bobby Fong was on the move in the race and gaining ground on Rispoli when he crashed out with a lap to go. Fong had earlier shown the speed to be a potential winner when he won the winner-take-all Mission Challenge earlier in the day.
“I was only worried about him if he (Fong) beat me to turn one,” Wyman said. “I felt like we had pace. I don’t know what happened to him during the race. I don’t know how things shook out. I knew that if I could get in front that I could make guys work for it, for sure. That Challenge was a disappointment because we didn’t win, but I learned a lot in that about getting off the line and what to do if I am in that situation during the points-paying race. So, it’s still good knowledge to bank for tomorrow. I got the start I needed. Got a good, clean first lap. I think I saw .3 to Hayden (Gillim) on the first lap and tried to just push as hard as I could without decking the thing out or doing something silly. We had a good balance there and were able to stretch it out a little bit and just chip away at it, one lap at a time. Really happy with how I rode. I don’t think I really made a mistake that race. Everything was pretty clean. I’m really happy about that. Two-point lead, three points back. Doesn’t feel any different. It’s tight no matter what. Anything can happen. We’ve got three more left. Try to do something with the bike to prove a couple things tomorrow in the morning warmup but, overall, we’re pretty happy.”
More, from a press release issued by Ducati:
2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship Round 8 –Xavi Forés Clinches The 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport title for Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC
Xavi Fores, the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Austin, Texas – MotoAmerica’s very own Spanish Bull, Xavi Forés, has sealed a historic win in the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V2, and what’s more, he’s done it as a rookie.
Forés battled wheel-to-wheel with Suzuki’s Tyler Scott in the sweltering heat at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, TX, coming out on top to take a 1.1 second victory and seal the title with three races remaining in the series.
Forés’ debut MotoAmerica Supersport season has been nothing short of exceptional. The Valencian, who can count experience in every major international road racing championship, has taken nine races win at the time of writing, setting a new record for the most race wins in a season for the category.
Forés will now set his sights on the remaining rounds of the series, including bringing home the Texan double victory tomorrow (September 10) with his young family in attendance to share the spoils.
Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC– #12)
“It’s such a super feeling, what a great day,” an ecstatic Forés said after race one in Texas. “To be honest, it’s one of the nicest titles I’ve won in my career because over the last two or three years, I was not enjoying racing.
“However, when I came to America, to this bike and team, I said to myself, “let’s try to win another title.” Most of the titles I’ve won have been with the Ducati Panigale V2 in the Spanish, European and German championships, and now here. I think maybe I am the most successful rider for the Panigale V2!
“I really enjoyed the racing today with Tyler (Scott). He’s been very strong in the last few races so to grab the title in the first race today is perfect. Tomorrow, I can enjoy the racing with less stress, less pressure, and try to win my 10th race this season.
“Thanks to everyone in my Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC team for all the work they have done this year and to Ducati for counting on me to win this title.”
Forés will take to the track on Sunday, September 10 at 8:55 am CDT for morning Warm-Up, with race two scheduled for 2:10 pm CDT.
Tyler O’Hara won MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. O’Hara survived a race-long fight with his Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian teammate Jeremy McWilliams that went down to the final corner. There, a final pass attempt by McWilliams ended with him crashing without serious injury.
McWilliams’ crash and DNF combined with O’Hara’s fourth win of the season clinched a second straight Championship in the class for O’Hara.
Stefano Mesa finished second on his Energica Eva Ribelle RS electric motorcycle, giving the Italian manufacturer its first podium finish in the class.
Andy Di Brino claimed third on his DiBrino Racing KTM 890 Duke R.
We got ourselves a podium against ICE motorcycles in MotoAmerica. Period.
Stefano Mesa (137) at speed on his Energica Eva Ribelle RS at Circuit of The Americas. Photo courtesy Energica.
Sometimes it is hard to write a press release. As part of an amazing new project, the emotions may get in the way of rational thinking. Long story short, Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa rode the Energica Eva Ribelle RS (equipped with the Kit Corsa Clienti) to the second place of the podium in a series almost exclusively made of ICE motorcycles. Can you believe it? We are still trying to come to terms with it – but yes, it happened.
The Circuit of The Americas, also known as CoTA, is a long track, 3.426 miles, even longer than Daytona, with 20 corners. And it was hot there, very hot: 39°C in the air (102°F) and a lot more on the asphalt. What on paper could technically hold an electric motorcycle back, did not: Stefano got off to an amazing start into second and then third place, and then held his own until a red flag forced him back to the pits; he did even better as soon as the action resumed, staying in podium contention and making the most of the incredible opportunity.
Nicolo Bulega won FIM Supersport World Championship Race One Saturday at Magny-Cours, in France. The Championship point leader won the 19-lap race by 0.587 second on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Stefano Manzi was a very close second on his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise finished third on his GMT94 Yamaha.
Bulega dominates in Magny-Cours, further extending Championship lead
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.
In a commanding performance at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Nicolo Bulega of Aruba.it Racing – Ducati secured a convincing win, further solidifying his position as the championship leader. Despite challenges, Stefano Manzi held on to secure second place, albeit facing an increasing gap to the leader. Valentin Debise, racing in front of his home crowd, celebrated his first-ever WorldSSP podium finish.
This race showcased a diverse top five, with four different motorcycle manufacturers represented. Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) claimed fourth place, three seconds behind the podium, followed closely by Niki Tuuli (PTR Triumph) in fifth. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) rounded out the top six.
Nicolo Bulega’s tenth win of the season further extended his Championship lead, giving him a 51-point advantage over Stefano Manzi in the title race.
P1 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team
“It was a very good race. It was very hot, and Stefano was pushing very hard, so I really had to push from the first to the last corner. It was a difficult race, but I enjoyed it. I’m happy because we’re the only Ducati on the podium, so that means that we are doing a really good job with my team, and this is really important for me. I hope to continue this way.”
Hayden Gillim won MotoAmerica Steel Commander Stock 1000 Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Disrupt Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000R, Gillim pulled away to win the eight-lap race by 8.488 seconds. With his fifth win of the season, Gillim took over the Championship point lead.
Travis Wyman finished a lonely second on his Travis Wyman Racing BMW M 1000 RR, and Kaleb De Keyrel finished third on his Orange Cat Racing BMW M 1000 RR.
De Keyrel’s teammate Ezra Beaubier, the Championship point leader coming into the event, did not start (DNS) the race due to suffering from the stomach flu, according to his father Jeff Beaubier.
Martin escapes Bezzecchi, Bagnaia fends off Pedrosa in blockbuster Sprint at Misano
The number 89 is unmatched to deny Bezzecchi a home win as the reigning Champion fights off a Legend and Binder throws down with… everyone else
Jorge Martin (89) won Saturday’s MotoGP Sprint Race over Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 09 September 2023
Pole position was converted into a Tissot Sprint victory for Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, with Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) the only rider able to run the Spaniard close on Saturday. Reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) picked up his 10th Saturday podium of the season – and his most hard-fought yet – as the #1 fended off the two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machines of MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and a charging Brad Binder for P3.
Martin unmatched as a magical podium fight unfolds
Martin got the exact launch he’d have wanted from pole as he grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1, as Bagnaia powered his way around the outside of Bezzecchi to grab an early P2. Pedrosa went P5 to P4 to get the better of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as Binder didn’t get away well – the South African was outside the top 10.
Martin immediately began to pull the pin. On Lap 2 his lead was up to 0.9s as Bagnaia made a small mistake to relinquish P2 to Bezzecchi. Meanwhile, Binder was responding in the only way he knows how: full attack mode. Midway around Lap 3 Binder was up to P6 and hounding Viñales, who by then was already nearly two seconds back from Pedrosa.
At the front, it quickly became Martin vs Bezzecchi. Lap 3 belonged to the latter, the Italian cut the gap by a sizeable 0.5s, with Bagnaia dropping to two seconds off the P1 fight. Binder vs Viñales was raging on and on Lap 6 of 13, a move finally stuck for the #33. Next on his radar: KTM stablemate Pedrosa.
With five laps to go, Martin’s gap to Bezzecchi was up to 0.8s as Pedrosa reeled in Bagnaia in by 0.4s. Binder was making ground but he wasn’t taking chunks out of the pair just up the road, the gap to try and bridge was hovering at around one second.
With two laps left in the Tissot Sprint, a two-horse race for P3 became a three-horse race. Binder was right with Bagnaia and Pedrosa, knowing gaining points on Pecco is absolutely crucial. Considering what happened less than a week ago, however, the reigning Champion was riding unbelievably to keep the KTMs behind as the last lap began.
Martin led by a second over Bezzecchi as we strapped in for a KTM vs Bagnaia scrap for the final podium place. Halfway around the lap, Pecco was holding on. Binder was out of shape; Pedrosa was waiting to pounce. A headshake down the back straight cost Pedrosa time and despite the efforts of the orange bikes, Pecco just held on to claim P3 behind Martin and Bezzecchi taking the chequered flag in P1 and P2 respectively.
The points scorers on Saturday
Behind the rostrum lock out for the top three in the title fight, a dream podium wasn’t to be on Saturday but Pedrosa rolled back the years again to claim a wonderful P4, with Binder crossing the line 0.159s off the ‘Little Samurai’ in P5 after a belting comeback. Viñales grabbed P6 ahead of Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), the latter in P9 picking up the final Sprint point in Misano. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) initially got his elbows out in that fight but came home in P10, just missing out on a point.
Will Martin complete the perfect weekend on Sunday?
Bagnaia’s heroic efforts haven’t stopped his title lead dropping to 45 points ahead of Sunday’s main event in Misano, with Martin eyeing up a pole-Sprint-race triple to bring himself right back into title contention. And what about Pedrosa? Tune in for more stunning action as the Grand Prix race goes green at 14:00 local time (GMT+2).
Bobby Fong won the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Challenge Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands Design Indian Challenger, Fong won the two-lap dash-for-cash by 0.052 second over Kyle Wyman and his Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Vance & Hines/Mission Harley-Davidson rider James Rispoli was equally close in third, just 0.130 second behind Fong.
Kyle Wyman dominated MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Qualifying Two (Q2) Saturday morning at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas. Riding his Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Wyman lapped the 3.4-mile road course in 2:15.621, outqualifying the next-fastest rider by 1.186 seconds.
Hayden Gillim, the current Championship point leader, was the best of the rest with a 2:16.807 on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson, and Gillim’s teammate James Rispoli claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:16.891.
Tyler O’Hara, the defending Champion, was lucky to walk away from a crash during Q2. O’Hara was exiting Turn One when the chain on his Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian Challenger broke and locked up the rear wheel. O’Hara was flicked off the bike, which then hit him and they slid down the track. O’Hara walked away from the incident without assistance but was not able to continue in the session. He ended up qualifying fifth based on the 2:17.213 he did on Friday.
Newly crowned three-time MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Jake Gagne broke the lap record and captured pole position during Qualifying Two (Q2) Saturday morning at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1, Gagne lapped the 3.4-mile course in 2:08.169, which eclipsed Roger Hayden’s All-Time MotoAmerica Superbike Lap Record of 2:08.184 from 2017.
Josh Herrin was the best of the rest with a 2:08.823 on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, and Richie Escalante earned the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:08.914 on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
Row Two starters include PJ Jacobsen (2:09.094) on his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR, Gagne’s teammate JD Beach (2:09.134), and Escalante’s teammate Brandon Paasch (2:09.852).
Tyler Scott snagged pole position during MotoAmerica Supersport Qualifying Two (Q2) Saturday morning at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750, the 17-year-old from Pennsylvania lapped the 3.4-mile, 20-turn course in 2:13.291 to lead the field of 32 riders.
Xavi Fores, the current Championship point leader, was second-best with a lap of 2:13.327 on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a time of 2:14.510.
Row Two starters include Josh Hayes (2:14.512) on his Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha, Jake Lewis (2:14.704) on his Disrupt Racing Suzuki GSX-R750, and newcomer Torin Collins (2:15.461) on the third Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.
The felicitous saga of the MV Agusta limited editions continues with an exciting new chapter, as the Brutale 1000 RR Assen takes centre stage. A synthesis of style and technical solutions, the motorcycle celebrates the thirty-five victories amassed by MV Agusta at the legendary circuit of Assen, the “cathedral of speed”. Results that make MV Agusta the most successful Italian manufacturer and the third overall in terms of successes at the extraordinary Dutch track.
Almost half a century has since passed, with the last MV Agusta win at Assen dating back to 1976, when Giacomo Agostini triumphed in the 350 class. And yet the allure of the Dutch track and MV Agusta lives on, now more than ever. The Brutale 1000 RR Assen is designed to commemorate those glorious days. Just 300 numbered units of the motorcycle will be hand-built in Italy, for a prestigious limited edition that is also the result of direct collaboration with the Assen circuit. The “Cathedral of Speed”, which will stage the TABAC Classic GP on 8-10 September, has signed an agreement with MV Agusta that will promote the relationship between company and circuit, the first result of which is a decidedly exclusive motorcycle.
The technical base is represented by the 2023 version of the Brutale 1000 RR, which flaunts a series of technical updates, not least the electronic gearbox that ensures quicker and smoother shifting as a result of hardware and software modifications. The engine is the high-performance 998 cc in-line four, capable of delivering 208 hp (153 kW) at 11,000 rpm and 116.5 Nm at 11,000 rpm. A weight-power ratio of 1.1 hp/kg is achieved thanks to a dry weight of 186 kg (197 kg kerb weight).
The specific colour scheme of the “Assen”, which combines blue (Blu Nordico), silver (Argento Ago) and gold, is both elegant and sporty, perfect for highlighting the motorcycle’s significant attention to detail and first-rate technical equipment. The choice of materials also hits the target, starting with the very lightweight Rotobox carbon fibre wheels, the construction technology of which allows for extremely fine spokes. Carbon fibre also features across many other areas, used for the heat shields that protect the exhaust manifolds on each side of the motorcycle, in all the stylistic and functional elements supporting the front light set, and for the panels in the tank area.
A head-on view of a 2024 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Assen showing its aerodynamic winglets. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
Some specific elements of the frame, such as the aluminium side plates and single-sided swingarm, stand out for their silver shade, which contrasts with the dark tone of the steel tube trellis. The seat features blue Alcantara upholstery, further enhancing this unique motorcycle, which also boasts a two-tone blue and silver tank with polished finish.
As with every special edition, the accompanying Special Parts Kit adds power and exclusivity, cutting weight from a motorcycle that is already lightweight in its standard configuration. Components range from the elegant titanium Arrow tailpipes, complete with dedicated control unit for maximum power, to the black CNC-machined brake and clutch levers, the carbon fibre passenger seat cover and the aluminium fuel cap, unique thanks to its two-tone gold and black colour combination. A motorcycle cover and certificate of authenticity round out the equipment.
Special Parts Kit
The Special Parts Kit comprises titanium Arrow tailpipes with dedicated control unit. The client will also receive the aluminium CNC fuel cap, in gold and black, the carbon fibre passenger seat cover and CNC brake and clutch levers. Further enhancing the Brutale 1000 RR Assen kit is the dedicated motorcycle cover, to ensure adequate protection of this work of “Motorcycle Art”.
Xavi Fores won MotoAmerica Supersport Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2, Fores won the red-flag-shortened race by 1.119 seconds, and with the win, the Spaniard clinched the 2023 Supersport Championship.
Pole-sitter Tyler Scott led some of the race but ended up finishing second on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.
Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs broke free from the pack to score third.
Torin Collins, riding a third Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750, finished fourth in his debut Supersport race by just holding off Wrench Motorcycles Suzuki’s David Anthony (fifth) and Disrupt Racing Suzuki’s Jake Lewis (sixth).
Forés Wraps Up Supersport Championship At Circuit Of The Americas
Ducati-Mounted Spaniard Takes Title In His Rookie Season In MotoAmerica
Xavi Fores (12) won the Supersport race on Saturday at COTA over Tyler Scott (70) and with the win wrapped up the championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
AUSTIN, TX (September 9, 2023) – After Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Xavi Forés started the season with a record-breaking eight wins in a row, which set a new record in the Supersport class, the Spaniard’s victory tally suddenly came to a halt at Brainerd where he finished both races off the podium. And then, at Pittsburgh, he finished second in both races. Well, on Saturday at COTA, Forés returned to his winning ways with a championship-clinching victory.
Starting from the middle of the front row, Forés got a good jump off the line and led the first two laps of the race. Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott, who earned the pole position, overtook Forés on lap three, but then Forés was able to get past Scott two laps later, and he held on to the lead for the remainder of the race. Forés took the checkered flag by a little more than a second over Scott, and Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs completed the podium in third.
“When I accepted this challenge, I was expecting to fight for victories, but I was not expecting to fight for winning the title, winning eight races in a row and then win again,” Forés said. “It was a very nice season for me because at the end of the last year I was considering with my wife to retire, because I was not enjoying racing. I was doing Moto-e, something that I didn’t want to do. But then when I contact Ducati again and the team, they offered me the Supersport and I said, why not? I want to enjoy riding the bikes again. So, it was nice. It was a little bit disappointing at Daytona. The first race was a bit of a mess there. The bike wasn’t running well. I did only three laps. I was a little bit confused when I came back home. Since Road Atlanta, I felt so good on the bike. We worked really hard on the bike. Most of my job was at home watching the last year’s races to learn the layouts. Today we are here. We won the title. I have to say that the last races were really tough. He was pushing me to the limit all the time. In Pittsburgh had no more. He was putting meters away on me. I was expecting to win the title there. That hurt. You always want to win, and that time he was stronger than me. Today, I let him (Scott) pass. I let him lead the race to try to understand his pace. After three laps I decided to pull my pace out. I thought I was going to put more gap, but he’s a dog. He’s always there. He pushes really hard. He’s a smooth rider. I think this year the championship and also the series did a big improvement in several aspects. I would like to see him in the World Championship because he is a top contender, for sure. Now it’s time to enjoy my title with the time and move forward for tomorrow. There is another race, hot race. Let’s try to win again. Back home, because I have 24 hours (the Bol d’Or 24 Hour next weekend) so it’s going to be a busy month for me.”
Steel Commander Stock 1000 – Gillim Takes Over
The Steel Commander Stock 1000 race storms towards turn one at Circuit of The Americas on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
It’s the final round for the Steel Commander Stock 1000 Championship this weekend at Circuit of The Americas, and Saturday’s race gave a little bit clearer picture of who might win the title. But it’s not quite decided yet.
Before the race even started, championship leader Ezra Beaubier was unfortunately scratched from the grid due to illness. Polesitter Hayden Gillim had one less contender to deal with, and he made the most of it. The Kentuckian led the race from start to finish aboard his Disrupt Racing Suzuki and won with a gap of more than eight seconds back to Travis Wyman whose runner-up result was the fifth podium finish of the season for the Travis Wyman Racing BMW rider. Third place went to Beaubier’s Orange Cat Racing BMW teammate Kaleb De Keyrel, which was his sixth podium result in 2023.
Gillim currently leads the championship by 13 points over De Keyrel, 17 points over Beaubier, and 24 points over Wyman. So, it all comes down to Sunday’s race two, the final race of the season to decide it all for the liter-bike riders.
“It sucks whenever one of the guys that has been up front all year and the guy that we’ve all been chasing isn’t here to defend his points lead and everything.” Gillim said. “We’re all feeling pretty rough this weekend with the heat and everything, so hopefully he gets better and is able to be out here tomorrow with us. It sucks, but honestly, it’s so tight at the front that it wasn’t just Ezra (Beaubier) that we had to think about. Kaleb (De Keyrel) was four points behind me coming into this race. Travis was 15 points behind me. So, really for me, my whole goal this weekend was just to win. That’s the only way I know. I’m from Kentucky, so I don’t do math too good, so I just figured if I’m in front of everybody I don’t have to worry about it. It’s been a good weekend. This morning, like Travis (Wyman) said, we found a little bit. I was able to follow Diego Perez one lap this morning and it helped me quite a bit because he was faster in a couple spots that I thought I was going pretty good in. I learned a little bit from him and was able to use that and get my lap times down into the time range that I needed to have a chance to fight with Travis. So, it’s good. I did what I needed to do today. We’ve got a lot of racing left this weekend still. Just focusing on staying healthy, staying hydrated, staying cool and just having a good weekend.”
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – O’Hara Crowned
Jeremy McWiliams (99) and Tyler O’Hara (1) battled to the last corner in the Mission Super Hooligans race at COTA when McWilliams crashed out, handing victory and the title to O’Hara. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Tyler O’Hara was crowned as the champion of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship on Saturday at COTA, but not before a last-lap bash-fest in the final corner that left his teammate and championship rival Jeremy McWiliams on the ground and out of the race.
Championship over.
O’Hara won four races en route to the title and the last one was the most intense with him and McWilliams going back and forth all the way to the final corner on the last lap. With the two banging into each other repeatedly on the entrance and apex of the final corner, McWilliams spun his Indian FTR 1200 up and was highsided. The Ulsterman was fortunate to not suffer serious injury but is likely to miss tomorrow’s race and O’Hara had his second straight championship in the class.
History was made on Saturday when Stefano Mesa rode the electric Energica Eva Ribelle RS to second place, giving the company its first podium finish. Mesa ended up nine seconds behind O’Hara and a second clear of DiBrino Racing KTM’s Andy DiBrino, who earned his fifth podium finish of the season.
Zone 9 Racing/EDR Performance’s AJ Peaslee and Vigilante Racing’s Nate Kern rounded out the top five.
“It started in 17/18,” O’Hara said of the last lap. “Well, it started in 16, and he protected and then I rolled it to get a good exit. Then I was on the outside of 16/17 and he kept going wider and wider and wider. I about had my shoulder on his tire. Then it was just a battle into 19. We both stopped. Then basically going down the straightaway we were rubbing, and rubbing is racing. Then he parked it in the corner and then we both go for it. I think he just lit the tire up and then highsided, otherwise he would have had me. Honestly, I was expecting it to come down to tomorrow. I’m glad that he’s okay. He’s a true competitor. He’s the salt of the earth, as he would say. He’s lovely. I’m so glad that he’s my teammate. He has made me a better rider this year. He has made the whole team better.”
Mission King Of The Baggers – Kyle Wyman On Top
Kyle Wyman (33) pulls away from the chasing pack in the Mission King Of The Baggers race on Saturday at COTA. With his win, Wyman took over as the championship points leader. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
H-D Screamin’ Eagle’s Kyle Wyman was the fastest of the of the King Of The Baggers field when it counted most: in the race.
Wyman, who came into the Circuit of The Americas round trailing Vance & Hines/Mission/Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim by three points, took his sixth win of the season while leading a Harley-Davidson takeover of the podium spots and he emerged from Saturday’s scrum with a two-point lead over Gillim after topping the Kentuckian by 2.1 seconds.
Gillim’s teammate James Rispoli finished third, another two seconds behind but some 11 seconds clear of Kyle Wyman’s brother and teammate, Travis Wyman. Roland Sands Design/Indian Motorcycle’s Kyle Ohnsorg rounded out the top five and was the first of the Indian Challenger riders.
Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods’ Tyler O’Hara and Jeremy McWiliams failed to start the race. O’Hara’s bike, which he crashed earlier in the day when the chain broke, didn’t run right on the sighting lap while McWiliams was bruised and beaten from his highside crash in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race.
Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands/Indian’s Bobby Fong was on the move in the race and gaining ground on Rispoli when he crashed out with a lap to go. Fong had earlier shown the speed to be a potential winner when he won the winner-take-all Mission Challenge earlier in the day.
“I was only worried about him if he (Fong) beat me to turn one,” Wyman said. “I felt like we had pace. I don’t know what happened to him during the race. I don’t know how things shook out. I knew that if I could get in front that I could make guys work for it, for sure. That Challenge was a disappointment because we didn’t win, but I learned a lot in that about getting off the line and what to do if I am in that situation during the points-paying race. So, it’s still good knowledge to bank for tomorrow. I got the start I needed. Got a good, clean first lap. I think I saw .3 to Hayden (Gillim) on the first lap and tried to just push as hard as I could without decking the thing out or doing something silly. We had a good balance there and were able to stretch it out a little bit and just chip away at it, one lap at a time. Really happy with how I rode. I don’t think I really made a mistake that race. Everything was pretty clean. I’m really happy about that. Two-point lead, three points back. Doesn’t feel any different. It’s tight no matter what. Anything can happen. We’ve got three more left. Try to do something with the bike to prove a couple things tomorrow in the morning warmup but, overall, we’re pretty happy.”
More, from a press release issued by Ducati:
2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship Round 8 –Xavi Forés Clinches The 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport title for Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC
Xavi Fores, the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati.
Austin, Texas – MotoAmerica’s very own Spanish Bull, Xavi Forés, has sealed a historic win in the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V2, and what’s more, he’s done it as a rookie.
Forés battled wheel-to-wheel with Suzuki’s Tyler Scott in the sweltering heat at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, TX, coming out on top to take a 1.1 second victory and seal the title with three races remaining in the series.
Forés’ debut MotoAmerica Supersport season has been nothing short of exceptional. The Valencian, who can count experience in every major international road racing championship, has taken nine races win at the time of writing, setting a new record for the most race wins in a season for the category.
Forés will now set his sights on the remaining rounds of the series, including bringing home the Texan double victory tomorrow (September 10) with his young family in attendance to share the spoils.
Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC– #12)
“It’s such a super feeling, what a great day,” an ecstatic Forés said after race one in Texas. “To be honest, it’s one of the nicest titles I’ve won in my career because over the last two or three years, I was not enjoying racing.
“However, when I came to America, to this bike and team, I said to myself, “let’s try to win another title.” Most of the titles I’ve won have been with the Ducati Panigale V2 in the Spanish, European and German championships, and now here. I think maybe I am the most successful rider for the Panigale V2!
“I really enjoyed the racing today with Tyler (Scott). He’s been very strong in the last few races so to grab the title in the first race today is perfect. Tomorrow, I can enjoy the racing with less stress, less pressure, and try to win my 10th race this season.
“Thanks to everyone in my Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC team for all the work they have done this year and to Ducati for counting on me to win this title.”
Forés will take to the track on Sunday, September 10 at 8:55 am CDT for morning Warm-Up, with race two scheduled for 2:10 pm CDT.
Tyler O’Hara won MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. O’Hara survived a race-long fight with his Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian teammate Jeremy McWilliams that went down to the final corner. There, a final pass attempt by McWilliams ended with him crashing without serious injury.
McWilliams’ crash and DNF combined with O’Hara’s fourth win of the season clinched a second straight Championship in the class for O’Hara.
Stefano Mesa finished second on his Energica Eva Ribelle RS electric motorcycle, giving the Italian manufacturer its first podium finish in the class.
Andy Di Brino claimed third on his DiBrino Racing KTM 890 Duke R.
We got ourselves a podium against ICE motorcycles in MotoAmerica. Period.
Stefano Mesa (137) at speed on his Energica Eva Ribelle RS at Circuit of The Americas. Photo courtesy Energica.
Sometimes it is hard to write a press release. As part of an amazing new project, the emotions may get in the way of rational thinking. Long story short, Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa rode the Energica Eva Ribelle RS (equipped with the Kit Corsa Clienti) to the second place of the podium in a series almost exclusively made of ICE motorcycles. Can you believe it? We are still trying to come to terms with it – but yes, it happened.
The Circuit of The Americas, also known as CoTA, is a long track, 3.426 miles, even longer than Daytona, with 20 corners. And it was hot there, very hot: 39°C in the air (102°F) and a lot more on the asphalt. What on paper could technically hold an electric motorcycle back, did not: Stefano got off to an amazing start into second and then third place, and then held his own until a red flag forced him back to the pits; he did even better as soon as the action resumed, staying in podium contention and making the most of the incredible opportunity.
Nicolo Bulega won FIM Supersport World Championship Race One Saturday at Magny-Cours, in France. The Championship point leader won the 19-lap race by 0.587 second on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Stefano Manzi was a very close second on his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise finished third on his GMT94 Yamaha.
Bulega dominates in Magny-Cours, further extending Championship lead
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.
In a commanding performance at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Nicolo Bulega of Aruba.it Racing – Ducati secured a convincing win, further solidifying his position as the championship leader. Despite challenges, Stefano Manzi held on to secure second place, albeit facing an increasing gap to the leader. Valentin Debise, racing in front of his home crowd, celebrated his first-ever WorldSSP podium finish.
This race showcased a diverse top five, with four different motorcycle manufacturers represented. Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) claimed fourth place, three seconds behind the podium, followed closely by Niki Tuuli (PTR Triumph) in fifth. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) rounded out the top six.
Nicolo Bulega’s tenth win of the season further extended his Championship lead, giving him a 51-point advantage over Stefano Manzi in the title race.
P1 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team
“It was a very good race. It was very hot, and Stefano was pushing very hard, so I really had to push from the first to the last corner. It was a difficult race, but I enjoyed it. I’m happy because we’re the only Ducati on the podium, so that means that we are doing a really good job with my team, and this is really important for me. I hope to continue this way.”
Hayden Gillim won MotoAmerica Steel Commander Stock 1000 Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Disrupt Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000R, Gillim pulled away to win the eight-lap race by 8.488 seconds. With his fifth win of the season, Gillim took over the Championship point lead.
Travis Wyman finished a lonely second on his Travis Wyman Racing BMW M 1000 RR, and Kaleb De Keyrel finished third on his Orange Cat Racing BMW M 1000 RR.
De Keyrel’s teammate Ezra Beaubier, the Championship point leader coming into the event, did not start (DNS) the race due to suffering from the stomach flu, according to his father Jeff Beaubier.
Martin escapes Bezzecchi, Bagnaia fends off Pedrosa in blockbuster Sprint at Misano
The number 89 is unmatched to deny Bezzecchi a home win as the reigning Champion fights off a Legend and Binder throws down with… everyone else
Jorge Martin (89) won Saturday’s MotoGP Sprint Race over Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 09 September 2023
Pole position was converted into a Tissot Sprint victory for Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, with Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) the only rider able to run the Spaniard close on Saturday. Reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) picked up his 10th Saturday podium of the season – and his most hard-fought yet – as the #1 fended off the two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machines of MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and a charging Brad Binder for P3.
Martin unmatched as a magical podium fight unfolds
Martin got the exact launch he’d have wanted from pole as he grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1, as Bagnaia powered his way around the outside of Bezzecchi to grab an early P2. Pedrosa went P5 to P4 to get the better of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as Binder didn’t get away well – the South African was outside the top 10.
Martin immediately began to pull the pin. On Lap 2 his lead was up to 0.9s as Bagnaia made a small mistake to relinquish P2 to Bezzecchi. Meanwhile, Binder was responding in the only way he knows how: full attack mode. Midway around Lap 3 Binder was up to P6 and hounding Viñales, who by then was already nearly two seconds back from Pedrosa.
At the front, it quickly became Martin vs Bezzecchi. Lap 3 belonged to the latter, the Italian cut the gap by a sizeable 0.5s, with Bagnaia dropping to two seconds off the P1 fight. Binder vs Viñales was raging on and on Lap 6 of 13, a move finally stuck for the #33. Next on his radar: KTM stablemate Pedrosa.
With five laps to go, Martin’s gap to Bezzecchi was up to 0.8s as Pedrosa reeled in Bagnaia in by 0.4s. Binder was making ground but he wasn’t taking chunks out of the pair just up the road, the gap to try and bridge was hovering at around one second.
With two laps left in the Tissot Sprint, a two-horse race for P3 became a three-horse race. Binder was right with Bagnaia and Pedrosa, knowing gaining points on Pecco is absolutely crucial. Considering what happened less than a week ago, however, the reigning Champion was riding unbelievably to keep the KTMs behind as the last lap began.
Martin led by a second over Bezzecchi as we strapped in for a KTM vs Bagnaia scrap for the final podium place. Halfway around the lap, Pecco was holding on. Binder was out of shape; Pedrosa was waiting to pounce. A headshake down the back straight cost Pedrosa time and despite the efforts of the orange bikes, Pecco just held on to claim P3 behind Martin and Bezzecchi taking the chequered flag in P1 and P2 respectively.
The points scorers on Saturday
Behind the rostrum lock out for the top three in the title fight, a dream podium wasn’t to be on Saturday but Pedrosa rolled back the years again to claim a wonderful P4, with Binder crossing the line 0.159s off the ‘Little Samurai’ in P5 after a belting comeback. Viñales grabbed P6 ahead of Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), the latter in P9 picking up the final Sprint point in Misano. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) initially got his elbows out in that fight but came home in P10, just missing out on a point.
Will Martin complete the perfect weekend on Sunday?
Bagnaia’s heroic efforts haven’t stopped his title lead dropping to 45 points ahead of Sunday’s main event in Misano, with Martin eyeing up a pole-Sprint-race triple to bring himself right back into title contention. And what about Pedrosa? Tune in for more stunning action as the Grand Prix race goes green at 14:00 local time (GMT+2).
Bobby Fong won the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Challenge Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands Design Indian Challenger, Fong won the two-lap dash-for-cash by 0.052 second over Kyle Wyman and his Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Vance & Hines/Mission Harley-Davidson rider James Rispoli was equally close in third, just 0.130 second behind Fong.
Kyle Wyman dominated MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Qualifying Two (Q2) Saturday morning at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas. Riding his Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Wyman lapped the 3.4-mile road course in 2:15.621, outqualifying the next-fastest rider by 1.186 seconds.
Hayden Gillim, the current Championship point leader, was the best of the rest with a 2:16.807 on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson, and Gillim’s teammate James Rispoli claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:16.891.
Tyler O’Hara, the defending Champion, was lucky to walk away from a crash during Q2. O’Hara was exiting Turn One when the chain on his Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian Challenger broke and locked up the rear wheel. O’Hara was flicked off the bike, which then hit him and they slid down the track. O’Hara walked away from the incident without assistance but was not able to continue in the session. He ended up qualifying fifth based on the 2:17.213 he did on Friday.
Newly crowned three-time MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Jake Gagne broke the lap record and captured pole position during Qualifying Two (Q2) Saturday morning at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1, Gagne lapped the 3.4-mile course in 2:08.169, which eclipsed Roger Hayden’s All-Time MotoAmerica Superbike Lap Record of 2:08.184 from 2017.
Josh Herrin was the best of the rest with a 2:08.823 on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, and Richie Escalante earned the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:08.914 on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
Row Two starters include PJ Jacobsen (2:09.094) on his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR, Gagne’s teammate JD Beach (2:09.134), and Escalante’s teammate Brandon Paasch (2:09.852).
Tyler Scott snagged pole position during MotoAmerica Supersport Qualifying Two (Q2) Saturday morning at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750, the 17-year-old from Pennsylvania lapped the 3.4-mile, 20-turn course in 2:13.291 to lead the field of 32 riders.
Xavi Fores, the current Championship point leader, was second-best with a lap of 2:13.327 on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a time of 2:14.510.
Row Two starters include Josh Hayes (2:14.512) on his Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha, Jake Lewis (2:14.704) on his Disrupt Racing Suzuki GSX-R750, and newcomer Torin Collins (2:15.461) on the third Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.
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as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
