“King Kenny” Roberts is arguably the most significant figure in motorcycle racing history: Twice AMA Grand National Champion, triple MotoGP World Champion, indefatigable fighter for riders’ safety and rights, championship-winning team owner, and constructor of the last two-stroke to score a MotoGP pole position.
Roberts came of age in 1973 when he wrapped up his first American Grand National Championship, a series that combined road racing with all kinds of dirt-track—short track, mile, half-mile, and TT, which included motocross-style jumps. The title was also his first success with Yamaha, which led to a hat-trick of 500cc/MotoGP world titles, from 1978 to 1980, and three more, as team owner with rider Wayne Rainey, from 1990 to 1993.
The Roberts story started when he was age 13 and learning to be a
cowboy…
—Racing History: “King Kenny” Roberts, by Mat Oxley
It was 50 years ago that “King Kenny” Roberts won his first major championship, lost a testicle, shot himself in the leg and nearly wound up riding for MV Agusta. Pretty intense year. But as Roberts says, “You kind of fumble through life…” Read about one of road racing’s greatest riders of all time’s most intense 12 months of fumbling, in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Cameron Petersen (45). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Yamaha.
MARIETTA, Ga. – Attack Performance Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen overcame adversity to cross the line third in a drama-filled 81st running of the Daytona 200 at the Daytona International Speedway.
Coming just .007 seconds shy of the win last year, Petersen and the team were aiming for the top spot at the historic 200-mile race in Daytona Beach, Florida. When the lights went out, he quickly made his way to fifth from the seventh spot on the grid and then advanced to third. Unfortunately, he had a technical issue two laps into the race and ultimately was shuffled back and lost touch with the lead group. The South African pulled into the pits on Lap 12, and although he still was struggling to find his comfort zone, he kept pushing to make up lost ground. After his third pit stop, he made a big push and was able to close the gap on the race leader. Petersen passed the leader to join the lead lap, and then a crash brought out the red flag with five laps remaining.
With the red flag being drawn before Lap 53, the rules called for a restart and that there be a minimum of 10 laps. So it was a new race with Petersen in the sixth for the restart in a 10-lap sprint. Sitting sixth after the first lap, he put his head down to join the lead group and battled for the win. It was the typical chess match with drafting battles on the high banks of Daytona with multiple lead changes. Petersen fought to the end, ultimately taking third to earn his second-consecutive podium finish at the historic race.
The team now sets their sites on defending the title in the premier class and preparing for the MotoAmerica Superbike season opener at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on April 21-23 in Braselton, Georgia.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“The race really was just the last 10 laps. It showed how good the Yamaha R6 is and that it’s very competitive against the other bigger bikes. We’re pretty pleased with our result, even though we thought we could have had a little bit better race. Something happened with the clutch, I think, after the start. He was able to collect it up and un-lap himself, and that got us the opportunity to race for the win, which was great. This was a shop project. We came here to have a little fun with our little bike, but now it’s time to get serious with Superbike racing.”
Cameron Petersen – Attack Performance Yamaha Racing
“It was a crazy Daytona 200. The 57 laps didn’t really matter because the red flag came out, so it was a sprint toward the end. It was just a little bit unfortunate that after the first start, I had a problem with the clutch and just kind of struggled to stay with the group. I couldn’t get on the brakes. I couldn’t tip the bike into the corners the way I wanted to, so, I was really struggling through the infield. Thank god for that red flag because the last 10 laps, I just put my head down, and I was like, ‘Man, give it your all. Whatever happens, happens.’ There was just so much chaos. I didn’t even know I got on the podium. I was about to get undressed and was ready to go home, and somebody ran over and was like, ‘Hey, you’re on the podium.’ It’s not only for me. I think it’s just massive for the team to get a podium. A lot of effort goes into this single event with the bike, the travel expenses, and everything. So, I’m glad I could get on the box for the team, but I’m ready to get back on my superbike.
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Limandri Impresses on his Debut Ride in the Twins Cup
Joseph LiMandri, Jr. (62). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
(Daytona, FL) The 2023 MotoAmerica season kicked off in Daytona Florida. With the Twins Cup running as one of the support classes to the famous Daytona 200, Altus Motorsports was there in support of Joseph Limandri Jr. onboard the team’s new Yamaha R7 entry in the class.
Twins Cup
Altus Motorsports rider Joseph Limandri Jr. made his debut in the Twins class at Daytona 2023, and it was a successful transition for him. Despite having minimal seat time on the new platform, Limandri quickly adapted and qualified 12th for Race 1 on Friday.
During the race, he engaged in a three-bike battle and emerged as the victor, finishing in 7th place. On Saturday, the Altus team made some modifications to the bike that improved its aerodynamics significantly. Limandri started from 11th in Race 2 and managed to stay with the lead group, finishing an impressive 5th after a red flag forced a restart.
“I’m really thankful to Mike Castro, Eric Gray, and the entire Altus team. They worked hard and gave me a great bike. I love working with the team and I’m ready to push to the top step. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 18th birthday than racing at Daytona!,” said Joseph Limandri Jr.
With the successful debut in the Twins class, Limandri is optimistic about the season ahead and is looking forward to competing at the front.
Team owner George Nassaney acknowledged the tremendous effort that went into preparing the Altus Factory-built Yamaha R7. The bike was built in-house by Team Manager Eric Gray, who worked long hours to ensure it was ready for the Daytona race, even with several key parts arriving just a couple of weeks before the event. “This past weekend was amazing to see all of the work paying off. Joseph rode very well and gave excellent feedback to his Crew Chief Mike Castro and Team Manager Eric Gray. Both worked to improve the bike every session and the results showed. We are excited to leave Daytona with solid points and we are all very proud of Joseph. Now it’s time to get back to the race shop and get the Team ready for Atlanta.”
Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Company, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP MAKE STEPS ON FINAL 2023 TESTING DAY
Portimao (Portugal), 12th March 2023
PORTIMAO MOTOGP OFFICIAL TEST
Today Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli concluded the final day of 2023 pre-season testing. The teammates got in as many laps as possible at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and wrapped up the Portimão MotoGP Official Test in 3rd and 19th place respectively in both the Day-2 and combined timesheets.
3rd FABIO QUARTARARO 1‘38.302 / 88 LAPS
19th FRANCO MORBIDELLI 1‘39.066 / 89 LAPS
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli used the second day of testing in Portimão, Portugal, to conclude their 2023 testing plans. Today the duo made the most of the perfect riding conditions again and booked progress, taking 3rd and 19th place respectively in today‘s standings and the Portimão MotoGP Official Test combined rankings.
Quartararo was quick to find a good rhythm on Day 2, and by 10:30 local time he had set a 1‘39.292s, more than 0.3s quicker than his fastest lap on Day 1. At the time it put him in third place provisionally. He then continued assessing aero-packages and trying settings in preparation for the first race weekend, held at the same circuit in two weeks‘ time. Once satisfied, he gave another push in the afternoon. Setting a 1‘38.302s on lap 61/88, he initially took second place but ultimately ended the day in third place in the Day-2 and combined results, 0.334s from first.
After putting in 95 laps on Day 1, Morbidelli again showed his motivation on Day 2 by completing another 89 laps, more than any other rider. He stayed fully focused during an intensive session, aiming to further improve his feeling with the bike and better his pace, and successfully shaved over 1.3s off his Day-1 time. His 1‘39.066s, posted on lap 79/89, saw him finish 19th in the Day-2 and combined timesheets, with a 1.098s margin to first.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
Today we wrapped up pre-season testing. Because Yamaha had prepared many items this winter, we knew we had a lot on our plate for this final 2023 pre-season test. We only had two days, so we prioritised accordingly. Fabio and Franky both evaluated aero-package options and tried settings we felt are promising for the first GP weekend, held here two week’s from now. Fabio made a big step today, so that’s positive. Franky also tried many things during this test and gathered a lot of data that should be helpful for Round 1. We got a lot of work done, but there’s still more to do. We will now carefully go over the data we collected here, and subsequently draft a strategy on how we will tackle the first GP of the 2023 season. I’m sure the fans are as impatient to get the racing started as we are. We will put in our full effort to be ready to go.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FABIO QUARTARARO
Today we made a big improvement, especially with new tyres. We‘ve tried all aero-packages Yamaha brought here and also some settings from the past that were working well. I‘m pretty happy. We are still missing a few things, but we made a massive step from yesterday and from Sepang. We are much closer to be ready for GP1 than we were yesterday, although we are not 100% ready yet. We will be giving our best, for sure. We are not giving up.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
These were busy days of testing. We tried many things, did a lot of stuff, and did a lot of testing – that‘s what testing is for, so I‘m happy about that. It will be important to analyse well the data we‘ve gathered and make the right choices for the race weekend.
More, from a press release issued by RNF MotoGP Team:
Oliveira and Fernandez complete successful test in Portugal
The RNF MotoGP Team has concluded its pre-season testing today at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve with a positive outlook for the upcoming 21 rounds of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship.
Sunshine and decent temperatures have been accompanying the second and final day of testing ahead of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season today at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. Like on Saturday, both RNF MotoGP Team riders, Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez were able to make use of the full track time from the morning until sunset.
With more and more laps aboard his Aprilia RS-GP under his belt and being at ease with the home track, Oliveira improved on his fastest lap from Saturday quite quick today. The Portuguese local hero did a total of 147 laps in the course of the two days of testing. On Sunday he went 1.024 seconds faster than on day one and ended the official test in P11, just 0.616 seconds off the fastest.
Meanwhile, Fernandez is making significant steps. Following the fifth fastest time of the entire MotoGP field on Saturday, he ended the test in 16th position, 0.270 seconds behind his teammate and did his personal fastest ever lap in Portimao. The young Spaniard did 127 laps on Saturday and Sunday and feels ready and eager to start the new season with high motivation.
Less than two weeks from now, the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season will kick off with the first of 21 rounds at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, where both Oliveira and Fernandez are aiming high. The RNF MotoGP Team is set to showcase their official 2023 colors to the world in a unique virtual launch on Monday, the 20th of March.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“After today, we are in a good place to start the first Grand Prix. Though we would like to be a bit more in front in the standings, our pace was quite strong and we have been there during the whole day which is good. Unfortunately, in the afternoon today during the time attack, I had a small crash, I was pushing and there was nothing I could do. We have some work to do, I just need to start the race weekend to see where we are.”
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
RAUL FERNANDEZ
“I’m really happy about our test, especially about today. We had a great day and have been working alone on the pace. The speed is very good. In the last moment, when I tried to do the time attack, I had a small crash. For that I want to apologize to my team. But anyway, also thanks to them, we did a really good job. I’m very happy, we have an amazing bike and I think 2023 is going to be a very nice season for us. Aprilia worked really well last year, they created a fantastic bike and I’m very satisfied overall.”
Razlan Razali, Founder and Team Principal RNF MotoGP Team
“It was a positive final day of the second winter test for both of our riders Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez. They showed great speed and pace between the day. Unfortunately, when they were about to start the time attack, both riders had a crash and had to abandon their plans for the time attack. Though, it’s not the best way to end the test but more importantly the riders are okay and all the targets we wanted to achieve for this weekend was fulfilled and completed. We save the energy this weekend and aim to go faster during the actual race weekend in two weeks. Being the third time for both riders on the RS-GP, I’m happy that they showed a lot of potential, speed and pace and I’m confident that their performance will be there when it matters most which is during the race weekend.”
Wilco Zeelenberg, Team Manager RNF MotoGP Team
“The last day of testing is done. It was a very important last test, both, riders felt much more connected to their bikes than we had it during the first two tests. Of course, now they got more kilometers in on their bikes, but we also found better settings for them and they felt more confident electronic-wise and with their base setups. We actually feel ready to start the season. Our target here was to try to do 1:38, but actually half of the grid did it, so it was a little bit disappointing, but at least we also made it. So, let’s see what we can do next week when the sessions are shorter and track time is reduced, which is the main difference to the tests. Overall, we are very happy. We are competitive and ready to start racing!”
More, from a press release issued by Mooney VR46 Racing Team:
MARINI AND BEZZECCHI ENDED THE PRESEASON AMONG THE FASTEST GUYS AT PORTIMAO
The riders of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team are constantly in the top positions in P4 and P5 in the combined of the two-days
Portimao (Portugal), March 12th 2023 – Last act of the 2023 pre-season and another proof of solidity for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team at the Portimao test on the Ducati Desmosedici GP. Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi, already very fast yesterday, close the two days of work in Portugal in fourth and fifth place in the combined standings, ready to face the first race weekend, in less than two weeks, on the Algarve circuit.
Second yesterday and always among the most consistent, Luca, forced into the garage for a part of today’s session due to technical problems (64 laps), improves up to 1’38.310, a time that means a gap of three tenths from Bagnaia (1’37.968).
Step forward also for Marco (86 laps), P7 on Day1, capable of signing an excellent 1’38.351 and climbing the standings up to the fifth place.
Luca Marini (10). Photo courtesy Mooney VR46 Racing Team.
LUCA MARINI – 10
Overall I’m satisfied with the pre-season: there’s a good atmosphere within the Team and we’ve worked hard. I had fun, I feel good and I enjoyed every lap on the bike. Today was probably the hardest day, I had some bad luck and too many technical problems. In the final I gave my all, went out for the last 20 minutes and set my best lap time. I feel good, I can fight for the Top6 in qualifying and in the sprint with the soft. For the race, I think I’ll opt for the medium rear, the performances aren’t very different, but in terms of long distance it’s more performing.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Mooney VR46 Racing Team.
MARCO BEZZECCHI – 72
A good test, I’m happy even if the afternoon wasn’t easy at all. Putting everything together was more complicated than we expected. We made a step back and then it started to feel good. I’m not at 100% yet, but we did a great job and the sprint race simulation isn’t bad either. I can improve by 2/3 tenths on the single lap and keep the pace of the fastest.
PABLO NIETO, TEAM MANAGER
We have to be satisfied, not so much with this test, but with the whole pre-season. In Malaysia we worked well and here we continued in the same direction. We are ready to face the race in the best possible way. Ducati and the whole Team have done a lot and we are a very solid team with two very fast riders. We just have to discover the new format of the weekend, the last real unknown factor.
More, from a press release issued by GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3:
2023 PRE-SEASON COMPLETED FOR GASGAS FACTORY RACING TECH3: TIME TO GET ON THE GAS!
Testing work resumed on Sunday morning at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve for the second and last day of the Official Portimao MotoGP™ Test, closing officially the 2023 pre-season for the class. Spaniards Pol Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez closed the test in 18th and 21st after two hard-working days on their red GASGAS RC16.
The day was again set ideally for riders to complete their testing programmes on a dry track, with the sun shining nicely and no clouds to be seen. Pol Espargaro was the first to go on track this morning at around 10:00 am local time (GMT+0). After a rather difficult Saturday and an evening spent finding solutions to yesterday’s issues, the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 seemed to find himself more comfortable on the bike today. He eventually managed to go under the bar of the 1’40 with a fast lap in 1’39.526 on lap 18 thanks to a change of bike’s setting. In the afternoon, he focused on different areas, including getting the fast laps in. Lap after lap, he progressed through the lap times until reaching 1’38.974 within the final laps of the day. He closes the day eighteenth in the standings, 1.006 seconds from the fastest of day 2.
His teammate and rookie Augusto Fernandez continued his progression on the Portuguese layout with the main goal to develop the learnings from Saturday and prepare for his first ever MotoGP™ race at the opening round of the 2023 season in two weeks. With just seven laps in this morning, he had already improved from his best lap of Saturday by 0.435 seconds. Seven laps later, the Spaniard went under the 1’40 bar, in 1’39.907, a very encouraging step for the rookie. In a similar way to his teammate, he also dedicated his day to fast laps and race preparation, integrating a race simulation at the end of the morning. The outcome was positive, highlighted by Augusto’s fastest lap set with his final lap. In the afternoon, he worked on time-attacks and eventually gained a few hundredths of seconds to set his fastest lap of the weekend in 1’39.667. After sixty-four laps, he sits in twenty-first in the standings, 0.693 seconds away from his teammate.
There is no more testing now, it is finally time to go racing! GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 riders Pol Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez will be back in two weeks in Portimao for the opening round of the 2023 season! We’ll see you on March 24-26!
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3.
Pol Espargaro
Position: 18th
Time: 1’38.974
Laps: 79
“Today was much better than yesterday so it feels good. We are just one second away from today’s fastest man, which is not bad on this track. Of course, we would like to be higher in the standings, but we tried many things these two days. We worked on the race pace quite a lot and there are some positive things, but we are missing something, especially on this track on which our grip is not the best in the rear. We had a very productive day today, so I am happy. Let’s go racing!”
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3.
Augusto Fernandez
Position: 21st
Time: 1’39.667
Laps: 64
“We had a good morning and made good progress with the bike. We did a race simulation and I am happy because I had a good race pace and felt good physically. I was able to understand more things about the bike, such as tyre management and how to ride it in race conditions. In Moto2, I was always very good towards the last part of the races, so it is good that I am also able to replicate this to the MotoGP class. In the afternoon, we worked on a time-attack and I think that we still have a lot of work to do to understand how to get the maximum of new soft tyres.”
Nicolas Goyon
Team Manager
“We just finished the pre-season with the final test in Portimao before we all finally start the championship here in two weeks. I would like to thank both our riders Pol Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez for their hard work over the past two days. All together, they did around 150 laps each, which is a lot of time on the track that allowed us to gather important data and information for the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 engineers.
Pol focused on trying to finalize a setup that suits him for the race in two weeks, but it has not been easy for him. He tried many options and it looks like towards the end of the day some positive came out of it as he registered his fastest lap of the weekend.
Our rookie Augusto worked hard and the day was highlighted by a race simulation with a total of twenty-two laps and twenty fast laps. What is very interesting is that he set his fastest lap at the very last lap of his simulation. It is promising because it shows that he has understood how to manage both his physical condition and his tyres.
Overall, we are satisfied with the work we did here in Portimao with both our riders. It was also the first time that our red GASGAS RC16 went on track and we were all really proud of our 2023 livery. We have two weeks to analyse the data, but we feel ready to race! Thank you to the whole team for their hard work, and we will be back in two weeks for the season opener !”
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
0.016s between Repsol Honda Team duo after five days of MotoGP testing
Sunday in Portimao saw both Repsol Honda Team riders focus on time attacks, Sprint race runs and refinements as Joan Mir ends the test in 13th with Marc Marquez just behind in 14th.
Perfect conditions saw out the MotoGP pre-season as the Repsol Honda Team completed their testing programme with the rest of the championship in Portimao. Two busy days saw a number of items tested and 289 laps completed between Joan Mir and Marc Marquez.
Joan Mir’s adaption to the Honda RC213V continued and Sunday in Portugal saw him make strong forward progress especially on his one lap pace. A best time of 1’38.762 meant the 2020 MotoGP World Champion ended the test as the 13th fastest rider and top Honda machine. Able to do a time attack, Mir was able to further understand where he and the Honda need to continue improving. As with the previous day, Mir’s race pace was more promising across his 61 laps.
On the other side of the Repsol Honda Team garage, Marc Marquez continued to diligently work as his attention shifted from fully focused on development to beginning to prepare for the coming race weekend in Portugal. The eight-time World Champion completed his first simulation of a new Sprint Race with his longest run of the test. A fall at Turn 1 midway through the final day did little to upset Marquez’s overall testing plan.
The MotoGP World Championship now begins their final preparations before the Grande Premio de Portugal, March 24 – 26, and the start of the longest MotoGP season in history with 21 Grands Prix.
Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Joan Mir
13TH 1’38.762
“Today we were able to make some more progress forward in adapting to the Honda. There is still a lot I need to learn and adapt to because it’s still a new bike and some aspects that are not yet second nature. Overall it has been an off-season of progress but of course as a rider you are always wanting more and more. We head into the opening races wanting to keep improving and to see what’s possible.”
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Marc Marquez
14TH 1’38.778
“We had the best feeling of our pre-season today, I was riding well and I was able to do a Sprint Race simulation. Riding for a longer run I was able to focus more on my riding style and keep making improvements there. Our rhythm wasn’t bad and today we worked more towards what will come at the Portugal GP. We were able to make a few steps, of course you want more. The most important thing was that today I had the best feeling with the bike so far.”
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Castrol:
LCR Honda CASTROL rider Alex Rins completes the last preseason test at Portimao
The last test before the start of the season has finished at the Autodromo do Algarve for Alex Rins and the LCR Honda CASTROL.
Despite the final position on the standings (15th), there are some positive elements to point out, as Alex admits feeling more comfortable riding the bike and happier with how he can handle it.
Rins and the crew have been testing several items brought by HRC, and overall, they are pleased with the steps made. There’s still considerable room for improvement, but the path is more precise after the test at Portimao.
Preseason is officially done; the next stop will be the opening round of the 2023 season at the same place, the circuit of Portimao.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy LCR Honda.
Alex Rins 15th
(1’38.782)
“I’m pleased after the preseason we’ve done. Since Sepang, we’ve taken a step forward, and counting on new parts in Portimao has helped me understand our current situation. I’ve been focusing on testing them to provide useful information to HRC. The main thing is that we’ve improved, and that’s crucial. I want to thank the whole team because they’ve done a great job”.
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Idemitsu:
LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider Takaaki Nakagami finishes the last test at Portimao
The last test before the start of the season has finished at the Autodromo do Algarve for Takaaki Nakagami and the LCR Honda IDEMITSU. Despite the final position on the standings (20th), there are some positive elements to point out, as Nakagami has noticed a significant improvement during the second and last day of tests.
Since the beginning, Takaaki has struggled to find the feeling on the bike and admits he still needs to be more comfortable riding it. However, after testing some evolution parts brought by HRC, especially on the second day, he believes there is potential and room for improvement in some areas that would help both rider and crew to make a further step forward.
Preseason is officially done; the next stop will be the opening round of the 2023 season at the same place, the circuit of Portimao.
Takaaki Nakagami (30). Photo courtesy LCR Honda.
Takaaki Nakagami 20th
(1’39.309)
“The three days in Sepang and the two days here haven’t been easy, but today, in terms of lap times, everything is very tight, the gap has reduced, and we’ve taken a step. The feedback with the bike is better, but both the bike and I need to improve. We could take another step forward during the race weekend, so let’s keep working. The team has done a good job as always”.
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
2023 MOTOGP™ PREP ALMOST COMPLETE WITH SECOND AND FINAL PRE-SEASON TEST LOGGED IN PORTUGAL
2023 Motorsport news
Two days of intense testing work brought the 2023 MotoGP pre-season to a conclusion for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing at the Algarve International Circuit. Brad Binder and Jack Miller sifted through solutions for the settings of their KTM RC16s both for the long Grand Prix year ahead and for the first round of the series at the same circuit in a fortnight’s time. Binder ended the weekend 9th fastest while Miller was 17th but both less than one second from times that shattered the Portimao lap-record.
MotoGP teams left the heat of Malaysia last month to reassemble and bask in the sunshine of the Algarve for the second and last appointment in preparation for 2023. The two-day session allowed the Red Bull KTM works squad to drill through solutions and options to be ready for the 21-race championship (and brand new Sprint format) as well as look towards optimum settings for the Grande Premio de Portugal at the same fast and technical circuit at the end of March.
Brad Binder and Jack Miller were given a second opportunity to give their feedback on the potential of the RC16s around the 15 corner and 4.5 km layout in southern Portugal. The climate was steady and ideal for testing duties, even if the undulations of the track and diversity of the curves means it is a unique setting for bike behaviour and competitiveness.
Binder sat in P6 at one stage and ended the second day with the 9th fastest circulation just half a second from P1 and close to the lap record. The South African was reaching for rear grip but noted an improvement on Sunday. Miller, who is still trying to unlock the full possibilities of the race bike in what was just his third outing, was continually making gains. The Australian was just nine tenths of a second from the peak of the overall classification.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing now have a few precious days back at the race workshop in Munderfing to condense the rest of the data accumulated in Portugal before the whole effort returns to the Algarve for the first real race action of ’23 on March 25-26.
Brad Binder: “We made a good step forward today. We had to re-think things last night because I wasn’t that happy with what we were doing: the team did a great job to make me more comfortable on the bike and I could push a bit harder. We are closer to where we need to be. The time attack went better than I expected. There is definitely a step we can still make before the race but I think we are more or less ready to go into the season.”
Jack Miller (43). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Jack Miller: “We’re getting there. We cut almost another second today and got closer to the top rider who was six tenths under the lap-record! I’m just trying to understand the bike and try different things to get comfortable. We are improving every day and it is taking some time but we’re getting to a decent spot before the first race. Our [engine] maps need a little polishing but I think we can be quietly confident.”
Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “This test was the first time we tried the 2023 spec of the bike and we had some unexpected issues but also some progress. We perhaps don’t have enough time now to fix everything but we hope to give the riders a better package asap. Jack is gaining confidence and speed run-by-run and Brad was a bit surprised by this test but turned it around today. We know where we need to improve and thanks to the whole team for another big effort. Let’s get the season underway now.”
Sebastian Risse, Red Bull KTM Technical Manager MotoGP: “I would say we had a difficult start to the test and had to work through a lot on the first day. The main topic for some riders was rear grip, and looking at the lap-times overall, it was clear that the track today was in better shape and this helped us but we also improved our cause. We made a step and now we just have to see how much we can transfer this on the race weekend. I think we can be happy with the evolution we made these two days and we have the baseline. Now that we have had this test everybody should be up to pace right away at the GP and I think there is still some room to work there.”
Algarve International Circuit Official Test final combined times
1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) Ducati 1:37.968
2. Johann Zarco (FRA) Ducati +0.296
3. Fabio Quartararo (FRA) Yamaha +0.334
4. Luca Marini (ITA) Ducati ) +0.342
5. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA) Ducati +0.383
9. Brad Binder (RSA) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +0.512
17. Jack Miller (AUS) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +0.941
More, from a press release issued by Lenovo Ducati Team:
Francesco Bagnaia tops the timesheets in the final pre-season test at Portimao. Sixth quickest time for Enea Bastianini
Seven Desmosedici GPs in the first eight places of the standings at the end of two days of testing in Portugal
Francesco Bagnaia dominated the latest pre-season test, which concluded this afternoon at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão (Portugal). The Ducati Lenovo Team rider, who was already the fastest at the end of the first day yesterday, could set a formidable lap time of 1:37.968 this afternoon, confirming himself at the top and improving the current circuit record by 757 thousandths. At the Portimão track, which will host the opening round of the 2023 MotoGP season in less than two weeks, Bagnaia got positive feedback from his Desmosedici GP 2023 and declared himself satisfied with the work completed with his team.
Despite being hindered by technical issues and a crash on the first day, the last test was also positive for Enea Bastianini. The rider from Rimini finished in sixth position, with a time of 1:38.373, 405 thousandths behind his teammate, as he completed a total of 118 laps over the two days.
There are seven Ducatis in the top eight positions. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) finished in second place behind Bagnaia, while Luca Marini (VR46 Racing Team) finished fourth ahead of teammate Marco Bezzecchi. Behind Bastianini finished Alex Márquez (Gresini Racing) in seventh and Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing) in eighth.
“I’m thrilled with how the five days of pre-season testing went, including the three days in Malaysia last month. We improved in every session and completed our work programme. I like the new bike and prefer it to last year’s, but now we must keep our feet on the ground and keep working with our heads down to be fast on every track. The other manufacturers have also taken important steps forward, so we must stay focused. We can say ‘mission accomplished’: we are ready to face the new season.”
“These two days have been positive even though we were really unlucky yesterday. Today we started with a different mentality, which allowed us to take big steps forward straight away, and in general, we worked really well. We didn’t do any particular tests, but we focused mainly on the set-up of the bike and my riding style ahead of the first race, which will be held here in less than two weeks. I think we are still missing something to be able to fight for the win, but we are not far away. Today I also did my first sprint race simulation, and I think tyre life won’t be a problem, but we still haven’t chosen which one to use for Sunday’s race. In any case, I am happy and ready to get back on track for the first Grand Prix of the year”.
Everything is ready for the first round of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship, which will be held at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão from 24th-26th March.
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:
MOTOGP TESTS IN PORTIMÃO
APRILIA HONES ITS WEAPONS AHEAD OF THE SEASON OPENER
LOTS OF WORK AND LOTS OF NEWS FOR THE ITALIAN TEAM. MAVERICK FAST AND INCISIVE, ALEIX AGGRESSIVE DESPITE A FATIGUED RIGHT ARM
The testing time, although brief, has come to an end and for Aprilia the conclusions can only be positive. Aleix and Maverick, but also the team RNF riders, Oliveira and Fernandez, demonstrated a good level of competitiveness ahead of the official race début.
The Italian team brought an abundant series of innovations to the track, from the highly visible aerodynamic appendages to the less evident (but just as substantial) evolutions of every aspect of the 2023 RS-GP. The analysis of the data and the comments collected throughout these two days will provide the Aprilia techs with the information needed to define the base technical configuration for both riders.
At the end of the two days, Maverick had ridden a total of 170 laps, the best at a time of 1’38.678, whereas Aleix did 112 laps with his best stopping the clock at 1’38.569.
Aleix Espargaro (41). Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Aleix Espargaró
“We can consider ourselves ready for the first race of the season. Once again today, despite some problems with my right arm, I was able to be fast, limiting my activity to shorter runs. Overall, we worked well during these two days. The package we have available is still not perfect, but it is a good starting point. Tomorrow morning I’ll go to the Dexeus Clinic in Barcelona straight away for a series of tests and, if necessary, I’ll undergo surgery immediately so I can fully recover before the race here in Portimão.”
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Maverick Viñales
“Two positive days, I’d say just like all of our preparation for the championship season. I felt really good yesterday, also in terms of lap times, whereas today our work was slightly different. I never used the best combination of tyre compounds, turning a lot of laps in less than perfect grip conditions, and I was able to learn a lot that way. I’d like to always lap at the top, but I’m confident that this type of work will provide us with advantages during a weekend. I can’t wait to really get down to business so we can see our level and begin to battle.”
Bagnaia reigns but Quartararo gains as 12 riders break the lap record on Sunday
Pecco, Zarco, Quartararo, Marini… the list of laptime heroes goes on as pre-season comes to a hectic close at Portimao
Francesco Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 12 March 2023
Another day, another set of timesheets… and the last one before we go racing! The final day of pre-season is in the books and there’s a new fastest ever lap of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, with reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) absolutely smashing his old lap record and bringing it down to a stunning 1:37.968. But he wasn’t the only one under the old 1:38.725, with an incredible 12 riders ending 2023 pre-season with a quicker lap than that.
At the top, the first on Bagnaia’s tail was Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) as he unleashed a time attack on Sunday, not into the 1:37s but seemingly taking a big step forward. Just 0.038 behind him came another rider who took a leap forward on the final day of pre-season, with 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) taking third and looking a whole lot happier by the end of play than he had 24 hours earlier.
Here’s a rundown of the final day’s action as we start to switch from test mode to race mode!
Johann Zarco (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.
DUCATI, PRAMAC, VR46 & GRESINI
Bagnaia smashed his own all-time lap record and then put in a MotoGP™ Sprint simulation that raised eyebrows up and down pitlane, with most laps under the old best race lap. That was a Jaws music moment before Quartararo was able to get a lot closer, and then Zarco split the two 2022 Championship rivals.
Bastianini struck late to move up significantly compared to a lackluster showing on the timesheets on Saturday, having not put in a real hot lap before. He ends the test in sixth, but will most definitely want to reel his teammate further in once the Portuguese GP begins. There was little new to see at Ducati, with focus seemingly having shifted to really dialling in what they’ve tested… barring one small new lever spotted by our pitlane reporters, currently cause for curiosity.
Francesco Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Enea Bastianini (23). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Zarco was the closest challenger to reigning Champion Bagnaia, moving up later in the day to depose compatriot Quartararo from second. Zarco appears to have found some long run pace, and said he was back on fettling his own setup rather than running through any testing for the factory. Teammate Jorge Martin was also looking good, and he ends the test in P8 after again running the “ground effect” fairings as he did yesterday.
Luca Marini. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
At Mooney VR46 Racing Team, it was a slightly damp squib end to testing for Luca Marini after the fastest rider in Valencia and Sepang suffered two technical issues that interrupted his final day, leaving him right down the timesheets until a final push at the end. It was a good push though, and he manages to end Sunday in P4 – just ahead of sophomore teammate Marco Bezzecchi. The two look more than ready to take on the battle for some serious positions when the season gets it gear.
At Gresini Racing MotoGP™, it was a final test of two halves. Fabio Di Giannantonio was ruled out after his crash on Day 1, with no injuries but ruled unfit to give him time to recover ahead of the first race weekend. Alex Marquez was sitting fourth for much of the day before a late attack for a few of his fellow Ducati riders, and the two-time World Champion was shuffled down to a still very interesting seventh – right behind Bastianini. He suffered two crashes but all ok, and even saw that as a positive to get it behind him as he starts a new adventure with a new machine.
Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Dorna.
YAMAHA
The Portimao Test was looking worrying for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ on Day 1, and even during the morning hours of Day 2. Soft tyre woes continued to hinder both Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli, but with roughly three hours of pre-season testing to go, Quartararo pounced up to P2 on the timesheets – just 0.148s away from Bagnaia’s new all-time lap record. A last minute sprint for glory.
Both riders were continuing to play around with different aero packages on the final day, with Morbidelli’s the most striking on the front of the bike. The Italian was putting in some work on similar to a new upgrade we witnessed for the first time on Saturday, but this one the top set of wings, then a double sidepod design as well as the downwash duct at the bottom. But then came this…
A new aero device on the tail of Fabio Quartararo’s Yamaha. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The huge addition, as seen when Quartararo headed out towards the close of play, was interesting to say the least. A rear wing but something never seen before: a much bigger, upside-down triangular-shaped design. The review from the Frenchman: “it wasn’t worse”. But he said data was needed to see if it was better.
All in all, it was a busy day down in the Yamaha camp. Crucially though, a big step was made for Quartararo, who is feeling a lot happier than he was in Sepang and on Day 1. Going back to some old settings allowed the Frenchman to make critical strides forwards which will be a huge relief for Yamaha. The same sighs of relief won’t be swimming through Morbidelli’s side of the box, however, as the Italian ended the test in P19 after completing 89 laps.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM & GASGAS TECH3
At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, the test was about analysing what they have rather than bringing in a slew of new parts, and a main point of focus remained the engine. That was heard from all machines – both KTM and GASGAS. Brad Binder was the lead RC16 on the timesheets as the South African ends the test in P9 and a good chunk under the old lap record, ahead of the three lead Aprilias.
Jack Miller was P17 on the second Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine as he looks to settle in. He was focusing on settings and gave a lot of feedback on the electronics, some of which was also reportedly of interest to his new teammate. He was upbeat and said they’re really starting to get there, with a bit left to polish… but gave his adaptation a 7 or 8 out of 10 so far.
Jack Miller (43). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Francesco Guidotti said Day 1 was tougher, Sunday morning remained a challenge but by the end of play, they’d started to see some light at the end of the tunnel. The main issue? They’re missing a “few tenths” of grip and are working on mechanical solutions as well as on the electronics to take that step forward.
As GASGAS Factory Racing Tech 3, Pol Espargaro was just 0.065 off Miller just ahead of him as the gaps remain absolutely tiny down the field, with rookie Augusto Fernandez one of those a little further back, a few tenths behind Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu).
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aleix Espargaro (41). Photo courtesy Dorna.
APRILIA & RNF
Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro admitted that he struggled with arm pump on Day 1 of the Portimao Test, and those issues continued into Sunday. He put in 52 laps – the least of anyone – and says he will be getting his arm checked out ahead of Round 1 of the season, although the #41 said it wasn’t a disaster. Pace-wise, Espargaro will be happy as he ends the test as the top Aprilia in P10.
On the other side of the factory box, Maverick Viñales ends pre-season testing with a beaming smile on his face despite experiencing a technical issue on one of his bikes. P12 definitely doesn’t tell the full tale of his test. The vibes radiating from Top Gun are all positive after another 82 laps were pocketed on the final day, as all signs point towards him and Aprilia kicking off 2023 in fine form. Viñales was the final rider inside the old lap record.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fine form is one way of describing the performance of a pair of Aprilia newcomers: Miguel Oliveira and RNF MotoGP™ Team teammate Raul Fernandez. Both riders have been consistently up the sharp end of the timesheets in Portimao, but afternoon crashes for both – Oliveira at Turn 3, Fernandez at Turn 1 – put a slight dampener on their final day. But like Espargaro and Viñales, their positions on the timesheets don’t necessarily portray the story of their pre-season… and they’ll be ones to watch when the lights go out for sure.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA & LCR
“It’s time to start working with what we have,” expressed Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) after Day 1 as the eight-time World Champion admitted that after testing big things in the afternoon, he and Honda lost their way a bit. It’s no surprise we didn’t see many new parts on the RC213Vs on Sunday then, but we did see Marquez continuing on Honda’s updated air intake and aero package set-up.
Marquez confirmed that his final day on track was the best he’d felt all pre-season. A Sprint simulation suggested Honda aren’t a million miles away, not where they want to be, but it’s not a disaster. Marquez also confirmed he and teammate Joan Mir are pulling in the same direction, so there was plenty of promising noises coming from the HRC camp ahead of Round 1.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Takaaki Nakagami (30). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) was given the 2021 Honda aero package and ground effect fairing to test on the final day, the latter was also seen using a very different set-up on the front suspension from all the other Hondas. In addition, both Rins and teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) have been using last year’s clutch – not the new, carbon one that Nakagami has previously tested.
It’s Mir who ends the Portimao Test as the quickest Honda in P13, 0.016s ahead of Marquez who in turn is 0.004s faster than Rins. They’re all within a second of the all-time lap record, a sign Honda are heading down the correct path. Nakagami finishes the Test down in P20, 1.3s from top spot.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.
FULL RESULTS – DAY 2
And then… all was quiet in pitlane. That’s a wrap on pre-season for the premier class, and now all there’s left to do is RACE! The first Grand Prix of the season is just around the corner, so make sure to join us then as the engines fire up in Portimao once more. The 24th to the 26th of March 2023: save the date as a new era begins!
Ken Roczen Takes Dramatic and Emotional Win at Indy Supercross
Hunter Lawrence Stretches Eastern Regional 250SX Class Points Lead with Indy Victory
Indianapolis, Ind. – Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen earned a thrilling victory in front of the 62,728 screaming fans who packed Lucas Oil Stadium for Round 9 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.
Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia took second place after intensely pressuring for the lead in the final laps of the race. Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb finished third on an especially challenging track filled with deep, soft ruts. Webb’s finish gives him the season’s points lead and the red plate, by a single point, for both the Supercross season as well as toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series. In Round 5 of Eastern Regional 250SX Class racing, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence earned his fourth win of the season.
Ken Roczen (94) grabbed his fourth win inside Lucas Oil Stadium. He kept his cool, and the lead, under intense pressure on one of the season’s most challenging tracks. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event Ken Roczen crossed the Holeshot stripe first and immediately jumped into the lead. After one lap was in the books Roczen led Cooper Webb, Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, and Justin Barcia. After a slow start, points leader Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac had moved up to eleventh place.
Sexton went to work on Webb for second as the top four riders slowly pulled away from the rest of the field. Less than two minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Sexton moved past Webb and set his sights on Roczen. The lead was down to less than one second when Sexton caught a rut on a jump and crashed. The incident gave Roczen a little breathing room on Webb. Sexton remounted back in twelfth place.
Seven minutes into the Main Event Barcia applied heavy pressure on Webb for second place. Barcia took the spot after the two racers came together exiting the whoops. Neither rider went down, and Webb stayed tight on Barcia while the two tried to reel in Roczen, who was over three seconds ahead.
As the race clock reached three minutes remaining Barcia had the lead down to just one and a half seconds and the volume of the Indianapolis crowd was intense. Barcia got right on the rear fender of the Suzuki, dropping the gap to .7 seconds as the two racers took the white flag. Roczen held his composure through the final lap, earning his first win of the season. The victory makes Roczen a four-time winner in Indy, the winningest active racer at the venue. It was Roczen’s first win since 2022, and Suzuki’s first win since 2016 – which incidentally was earned by Roczen. Barcia took a close and hard-fought second place, his best result of the season. Webb crossed the checkered flag in third, earning enough points to take the red plate and the points lead heading into Round 10 next weekend in Detroit.
Hunter Lawrence (96) almost made the win look easy on one of the toughest, and most-rutted tracks of the season. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
When the gate dropped for the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Hunter Lawrence took the lead with a Holeshot over Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Marshal Weltin, and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher moved up to fourth early in the opening lap and reached third position before the lap was over. On lap two Thrasher put his Yamaha into second place and the crowd was primed to see an intense battle. The two riders collided the weekend before and Thrasher held some extra motivation to catch and pass the Honda rider.
Martin was the rider on the move early; after losing several spots on the opening laps he charged into fourth place just before race’s midpoint. He was the fastest rider on the track on that lap but was still about eight seconds back from the third place spot held by Smith. With just under seven minutes left on the race clock Lawrence had a scary moment when he came together with a lapped rider. Hunter’s right hand came off the handlebar but he stayed up and seemed to be no worse for the wear. As the clock wined down Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan crashed in the whoops, giving up his fifth place spot.
When the flames lit at the finish Lawrence pulled in his fourth win of the season and stretched his points lead to 22. Thrasher earned second place points without ever getting into striking distance of the lead. Thrasher’s teammate Smith took third place and Martin crossed the line in fourth.
This week the series takes a short hop north to Detroit, Michigan for Round 10 at Ford Field on Saturday, March 18th. The domed stadium is sure to provide more great racing as the athletes pass the midpoint of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. Each Supercross round also pays points toward the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship which pits the top Supercross and Motocross racers against one another for two Playoff races and one Final in September. The 450 Class winner will take home a cool one million dollars and go down in the history books as the first champion of the SuperMotocross League. The 250 Class racers will battle for the 250 Class title, with a $500,000 championship payout to the winner of that division and an equal spot in the sport’s history books.
The action from Indianapolis and previous rounds is already available in video highlights at SupercrossLIVE.com. The site also provides story features, race results, racer power rankings, as well as ticket sales to upcoming events. Every Supercross and SuperMotocross event is streamed live on Peacock, with select rounds broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For details and more please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class podium (racers from left) Justin Barcia, Ken Roczen, and Cooper Webb. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
450SX Class Results
1. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki
2. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
6. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
7. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
8. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
9. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
10. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
450SX Class Championship Standings
1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (202)
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (201)
3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (189)
4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (166)
5. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (164)
6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (155)
7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (154)
8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (119)
9. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (93)
10. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (92)
250SX Class podium (racers from left) Nate Thrasher, Hunter Lawrence, and Jordon Smith. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results
1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda
2. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha
3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
4. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
5. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda
6. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
7. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM
9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
EXCITING DEBUT FOR MESA AND TYTLERS CYCLE RACING WITH THE EVA RIBELLE RS AT DAYTONA
Tytlers Cycle Racing and Stefano Mesa have completed the opening round of the 2023 Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship by MotoAmerica, with the fast and experienced Colombian rider able to ride the race-ready Energica EVA Ribelle RS to a seventh and a fifth place in the first two races of the series held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Florida, USA.
There was plenty of anticipation for the debut of the first full-time electric-powered effort in the series, and Mesa – who has had his fair share of success on the iconic Daytona high banks over the years – proved to be more than ready for the new challenge.
A successful performance at Daytona was everything but a given, as the lack of previous data at the track or experience with the spec Dunlop tires meant that there were still some unknowns on the overall potential of the Energica race package at the high-speed venue – which layout-wise is surely not the most favorable one for electric motorcycles.
Stefano Mesa (137) on his Energica EVA Ribelle RS during a MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan race at Daytona. Photo courtesy Energica USA.
Despite all of the above, the #137 rider mastered the full power of Energica’s streetfighter machine while getting in the mix with ICE-powered competitors as well as making the most of the instant torque available to his right wrist at the start of the encounter. The Energica EVA Ribelle proved to be a solid package in more than capable hands, and the results achieved have injected further confidence for the upcoming race events.
The Super Hooligan series will now take a break before resuming proceedings for Round two at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington on June 23-25. For more on the Super Hooligan series go to: https://www.superhooligan.com
APRILIA RS 660 TAKES TOP STEP WITH RODIO IN MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP SEASON OPENER AT DAYTONA
RODIO RACING POWERED BY ROBEM ENGINEERING RIDER NARROWLY MISSES THE DOUBLE, SETTLES FOR SECOND ON SATURDAY, LEAVING FLORIDA WITH AN EARLY CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Aprilia.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – 12 MARCH 2023 – It was back to winning ways for Aprilia in MotoAmerica Twins Cup on Friday, as Rodio Racing powered by Robem Engineering rider Gus Rodio was victorious in the first series race of 2023. Rodio piloted his Aprilia RS 660 to a victory by a margin of more than eight seconds before nearly claiming a second win on Saturday at the March 9-11 round at Daytona International Speedway.
Rodio’s performance, which included returning to the Saturday race after suffering a mechanical problem, allowed him to amass a nine-point championship lead by the end of the event. Two other Aprilia riders, Rodio’s teammate Ben Gloddy, and Optimum Performance Motorsports’ Jody Barry, put in strong performances at Daytona, though Gloddy’s weekend was cut short due to an unfortunate injury.
The first Twins Cup practice session ended with an Aprilia rider at the top of the time sheet. Rodio put in a best lap of 1:57.671, which was 0.064 seconds faster than the second-best lap time. Two more Aprilia riders finish in the top five, as Barry was the fourth-fastest rider and Gloddy fifth.
The first qualifying session of the event took place later on Thursday. Rodio was again the fastest of the Aprilia riders. He finished the session in fourth place. Gloddy and Barry provisionally qualified in sixth and eighth, respectively.
Qualifying concluded Friday morning with three Aprilia riders having qualified in the top 10. Rodio secured fourth place on the Twins Cup starting grid, while Gloddy and Barry qualified sixth and eighth, respectively.
Friday afternoon saw the first Twins Cup race of 2023 get underway with Rodio quickly working his way up to the race lead by the end of Lap 1. Gloddy also got a good start and had advanced to third place by the end of the first lap. He was running in fourth when another rider crashed heavily in front of him and, despite his best effort, was knocked off his motorcycle and was unable to continue racing. Barry had a sluggish start to the race. He dropped down the running order as far as 12th on Lap 1 before charging forward to sixth place on Lap 3 — which is the position he finished the race in.
Rodio’s pace improved to the rest of the field as the race went on. He was part of a three-rider battle for the race lead until the closing laps, when he steadily increased his lead each lap to take the victory by more than 8.5 seconds.
Gloddy was unable to take part in Saturday’s Race 2 due to an injury he suffered during his crash in Race 1.
The Saturday contest was a trying one for Rodio and his team. As the field began forming up for the start of the race, Rodio pulled into the pits due to a technical problem with his motorcycle and was unable to take the start. As the lone Aprilia in the top 10, Barry put in a solid effort in the race’s early laps. He was running in seventh when the race was stopped on Lap 3 due to a crash.
The race was restarted with the original starting grid, which allowed Rodio to rejoin the race on the lead lap. The start saw Rodio get a good jump off the line and he was back to the race lead by the end of the first lap. Rodio also led Laps 3 and 4 as he and another rider broke away from the rest of the field. While the other rider was able to draft past Rodio on the approach to the finish line, Rodio got the best drive he could onto the east banking and missed out on the win by a mere 0.162 seconds. Barry put in a strong showing in the restarted race but dropped two places on the last lap to seventh and missed out on a top five finish by 0.039 seconds.
Of the 38 riders entered for the MotoAmerica Twins Cup round at Daytona, 15 were registered to ride Aprilia RS 660s.
Gus Rodio / No. 96
“It was an awesome first race of the season. I was able to break away from the pack and win my first Twins Cup race. It was my biggest margin of victory and I’m very happy. In Race 2, I broke away from the pack with another rider and had a race long battle for the lead. I ended up second in a close finish. I’m really happy with this result as I didn’t think we would make it on track due to an issue we had. I’m really excited to get to Atlanta and keep working towards our goals.”
MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup has two races scheduled for the next round, April 21-23, at Road Atlanta. The championship schedule, competitor information and class rules can be found at https://motoamerica.com/.
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC:
SIXTH FOR VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI’S HOBBS AND DISAPPOINTMENT FOR ESCALANTE IN THE 81st DAYTONA 200
BREA, CA – March 12, 2023 – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki left the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing season opener with a top-ten result and a heavy dose of tough luck after missing a potential victory late in the running of the 81st Daytona 200.
MotoAmerica Superbike regular and former MotoAmerica Supersport champion Richie Escalante orchestrated a flawless performance as he negotiated the equally prestigious and arduous race. He guided the Mission Foods Suzuki GSX-R750 at or near the front of the pack deep into the contest, including leading into both scheduled pit stops.
Richie Escalante (54) showed his great race craft but an incident in Turn One took him out of contention. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Seemingly locked in a two-rider race for victory with less than ten laps to go, Escalante was taken out in a collision that occurred when his opponent attempted a tight inside pass in Turn 1 that resulted in a penalty. Despite the ruling in his favor, the incident still instantly erased Escalante’s excellent shot at the victory.
Escalante said, “First of all, I want to thank the team for everything they did for me, from pre-race testing, to qualifying and setting the lap record, to the amazing pit stops during the race. The Mission Foods Suzuki GSX-R750 was fantastic. I thought we performed well in the race, running a particularly good pace. It came down to the last ten laps, and I was trying to separate. There was a racing move, another rider touched my bike, and I crashed. I have a lot of respect for Josh Herrin. He is a former Superbike champion and has won a lot of races. I thought I was the fastest today, but sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes you crash. We didn’t win so I am not 100% happy. I thought we did well all week, but it did not work out the way we wanted in the end. It’s back to work on Monday to get ready for Superbike in Atlanta.”
A couple of short laps later, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Teagg Hobbs came together with a lapped rider while running inside the top five. A resultant red flag provided the team with a shot at redemption after facing complete disaster, and Hobbs took full advantage.
In his first race aboard his GSX-R750, Teagg Hobbs (79) brings home a top ten in Daytona. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Hobbs battled with the lead group in the 10-lap shootout for a victory that followed the stoppage, even leading in its early stages. He gradually lost touch with the drafting war for victory, securing an eventual sixth-place effort in his maiden race aboard the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.
“I came together with another rider, and race officials made me go to medical,” said Hobbs. “I was getting checked out when I saw the team putting my bike back together in pit lane on the screen. After they said I was okay, I put my gear back on and started limping back to the pits, then I borrowed a golf cart and made it back just in time. I was able to get up to the front and lead two laps but the bike and the rider both had some issues resulting from the crash. We got a good result at least. Over the weekend, we made nice progress and got the bike sorted.”
Unfortunately, Tyler Scott’s bid for the win from the front row never really materialized. The prodigious pilot encountered technical issues early and ultimately retired just 14 laps into a scheduled 57 (and actual 62) laps.
Even with some technical issues, Tyler Scott (70) shows that he has the speed for the upcoming MotoAmerica season. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Scott said, “For the start in Turn 1, the bike was good, but we soon had electrical problems. I tried to do the best I could. Eventually, I had to pull off due to safety concerns. It didn’t go the way we wanted but I’m really looking forward to racing the 200 with the team next year and can’t wait for our next race in Atlanta.”
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 345 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
More, from a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:
KYLE WYMAN AND FACTORY HARLEY-DAVIDSON DOMINATE MOTOAMERICA KING OF THE BAGGERS RACE 2 AT DAYTONA SPEEDWAY
Rispoli and Gillim Fill Out an All-H-D Podium; Rispoli Wins Race 1, Leads Championship
Kyle Wyman (33) and his Harley-Davidson Road Glide on the banking at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Harley-Davidson.
MILWAUKEE (March 12, 2023) – Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory rider Kyle Wyman scored a dominating win and topped an all-Harley-Davidson podium in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers race on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Wyman led the entire eight-lap race on the team’s race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Limited motorcycle, crossing the finish line 8.03 seconds ahead of Vance & Hines/Mission Harley-Davidson teammates James Rispoli and Hayden Gillim. Team Saddlemen teammates Cory West and Jake Lewis finished fourth and fifth to complete a top five sweep of the race for Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles.
“I’m so excited that we got our Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycle working so well today,” said Wyman. “This is my first win at Daytona since 2019, and this is such a special place, so a victory here is always special. We had a tough day yesterday, but the entire team just dug in and we had smooth sailing today. You can think of so many scenarios that could happen going into this weekend, but you could not predict either one of these days. It’s a nice way to end the weekend at Daytona. I’m ready to take this momentum to Atlanta.”
On Thursday, Kyle Wyman topped King of the Baggers qualifying with a record-breaking best lap of 1:51.98 on the 3.510-mile Daytona road course. On Friday, Kyle looked strong in winning the King of the Baggers Challenge three-lap dash-for-cash race by 1.96 seconds. The Friday King of the Baggers race was a disappointment for the team, as both Kyle Wyman and his brother and teammate, Travis Wyman, retired with mechanical problems while leading the race respectively. Rispoli won that race on his Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide, beating his teammate Gillim to the line by 0.089 seconds. Factory Indian racer Tyler O’Hara finished third. Team Saddlemen racer Cory West Finished fourth on his Harley-Davidson Road Glide.
On Saturday, Kyle Wyman signaled that he was riding the bike to beat after demolishing his qualifying time with a new lap record 1:50.56 time in the warm-up session, going almost two seconds quicker around the course than anyone. In Saturday’s race, Wyman had a fast lap of 1:50.86 and was never challenged. Unfortunately, his teammate Travis Wyman was knocked out of the race early with a mechanical issue.
After two of 14 rounds in the 2023 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series, Vance & Hines racer Rispoli leads the championship with 45 points, followed his teammate Gillim with 36 points. Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson rider Cory West sits third with 26 points, and Harley-Davidson factory rider Kyle Wyman is in fourth place with 25 points. Team Saddlemen’s Jake Lewis is tied for fifth with Factory Indian racer Tyler O’Hara with 21 points.
8. Jeremy McWilliams (Ind) Progressive/Mission Foods
9. Max Flinders (Ind) M3/Revolution Performance
10. Danny Eslick (H-D) Nowaskey Extreme Performance
Harley-Davidson invites you to kick off the 2023 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season with some adrenaline pumping action. Check out, ‘Push the Limit,’ a film that shares the story of defending 2021 champion Kyle Wyman, teammate Travis Wyman and the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle race team’s 2022 championship pursuit. Watch it now on Harley-Davidson’s YouTube channel.
Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson MotorClothes and gear, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) Championship Series
Postponed Daytona Short Track II
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach, Florida
March 11, 2023
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 4 laps
2. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -00.681 seconds
3. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -02.049
4. Trent Lowe (Hon), -02.699
Provisional Mission SuperTwins #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 4 laps
2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.148 seconds
3. Jared Mees (Ind), -00.458
4. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -01.411
Provisional Astro Invitational Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Ronnie Jones (Bul), 10 laps
2. Garth Brow (Bul), -03.694 seconds
3. Charles Roberts (Bul), -07.511
4. Dominic Beaulac (Bul), -07.878
5. Wyatt Campbell (Bul), -08.744
6. Jackie Mitchell (Bul), -10.970
7. Kris Weiss (Bul), -12.411
8. Rick Reed (Bul), -21.165
9. Greg Scalf (Bul), -1 lap
10. Jeffrey Hiers (Bul), -1 lap, -05.030
11. Jerry Lacy (Bul), -1 lap, -21.923
12. Robby-Bobby McLendon (Bul), -5 laps, DNF
13. Charles Williams (Bul), -10 laps, DNF
14. Chris Boone (Bul), -10 laps, DNF
15. Lucien Marioneaux (Bul), -10 laps, DNF
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 22 laps
2. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -05.439 seconds
3. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -06.539
4. Trent Lowe (Hon), -06.623
5. Max Whale (KTM), -08.830
6. Justin Jones (KTM), -11.607
7. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -11.798
8. Andrew Luker (Yam), -13.468
9. James Ott (Hus), -13.883
10. Logan Eisenhard (KTM), -15.350
11. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -15.744
12. Cole Zabala (Hon), -16.283
13. Tom Drane (Yam), -16.620
14. Chad Cose (Hus), -17.851
15. Travis Petton (KTM), -1 lap
16. Hunter Bauer (KTM), -1 lap, -02.579
17. Clarke Morian (KTM), -1 lap, -06.022
18. Tanner Dean (KTM), -9 laps, DNF
19. Gerard Bailo (Hon), -22 laps, DNF
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 34 laps
2. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -02.069 seconds
3. Davis Fisher (Ind), -02.503
4. Jared Mees (Ind), -03.191
5. JD Beach (Yam), -03.765
6. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -04.847
7. Briar Bauman (KTM), -09.253
8. Sammy Halbert (Yam), -10.679
9. Kayl Kolkman (Yam), -11.198
10. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -11.383
11. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -13.477
12. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -13.595
13. Dan Bromley (Yam), -13.991
14. Ben Lowe (Ind), -15.041
15. Cameron Smith (Kaw), -15.113
16. Billy Ross (Ind), -17.798
17. Mitch Harvat (Kaw), -1 lap
18. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -2 laps
19. Ryan Wells (Roy), -2 laps, -06.175
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Daniels, Kopp Pull Off Double Doubles at DAYTONA Short Track II
Jarod Vanderkooi (20) and Dallas Daniels (32) battle for the lead in the AFT SuperTwins race at Daytona Short Track II. Photo courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 11, 2023) – Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) kicked off his 2023 Progressive American Flat Track championship campaign in near-perfect fashion, completing the second half of the season-opening double win with another sensational ride in Saturday night’s DAYTONA Short Track II presented by Daytona Dodge at the Flat Track at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Daniels was already a legitimate title contender as a rookie a year ago. Early indications suggest he’s that much stronger now with a year’s Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle experience under his belt.
The Estenson Racing Yamaha ace got away off the line in third, running in close quarters behind early leader Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) and Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750), with Thursday runner-up Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) right in his tracks.
Robinson made an early exit from the fight for the win, getting into the airfence and losing several positions in the process. Daniels slipped up the inside of Mees a little less than three minutes into the ten-minute-plus-two-lap Main to take over second, just as Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) closed in to make it four-rider fight at the front again.
Daniels then spent the next four minutes stalking Vanderkooi, looking up the inside and around outside, while generally applying the sort of pressure that might just open a door straight through. He finally found the gap he was looking for with 3:30 minutes remaining on the clock, striking up the inside as the leaders encountered a wave of lapped riders.
Daniels met little resistance once into the lead, stretching out an advantage that finalized as a 2.069-second margin of victory in the end.
“It was tough – Jarod was running a really good race,” Daniels said. “He was being patient – he was really easy on the throttle and wasn’t making any mistakes. I had to search. I wanted to sit there for a little bit. After I got off the line, I was all right with where I was, and I was paying attention to everything. I wanted to stalk him for a while, but then it was time to go.
“A double at Daytona is crazy. It’s unbelievable. A big thanks to the whole Estenson Monster Energy Yamaha team. We had a great year last year, and to start off the year with two wins in Daytona is insane.”
Shortly after Daniels took over the lead, Fisher slashed his way past Mees to complete the “new guard” podium line-up in third, joining winner Daniels and second-placed Vanderkooi.
Reigning champ Mees came away with his second fourth of the double-opener – a marked upgrade over how his prospects may have looked earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Daniels’ teammate, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), logged a second fifth.
Robinson recovered well enough from his early drama to finish in sixth, one spot ahead of Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke), who was forced to claw his way up to seventh from outside the top ten.
Four-time DAYTONA ST winner Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/Castrol Yamaha MT-07), privateer Kayl Kolkman (No 98 B&L Plumbing/Rod Lake Yamaha MT-07), and Royal Enfield factory man Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) completed the top ten.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) doubled up in Daytona, delivering a second dose of domination on Saturday night.
Clearly in a class of his own at the venue, Kopp pulled off another sweep, repeating his Thursday trick of topping practice, qualifying, his Heat, the Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge, and most importantly, the Main Event.
Kopp successfully weaved his way through the opening lap chaos to secure the lead three turns into the race. And while Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) did everything in his power to cling onto Kopp’s rear wheel, a little more than a minute in, the race for victory was effectively over.
Kopp ultimately worked his advantage up to over five seconds before taking a drama-free checkered flag.
“It’s just two for 18,” Kopp said. “We’ve got 16 more rounds, so there’s a lot more work to do. You can’t judge a season off two races at a track that really suits my style. I grew up riding a lot of indoors in the Pacific Northwest, and this was kinda like that. Thanks to my whole Red Bull KTM crew – this is a dream way to start the season for sure.”
After losing touch with the leader, Saathoff was gradually reeled in by ‘22 championship runner-up Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), who first had to fight his way past Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Justin Jones (No. 91 NRC Racing/Elder Trucking KTM 450 SX-F) to slide into third.
Gauthier and Saathoff then swapped the second spot back and forth, squaring one another up in quick succession before the charging Gauthier finally stole the position away for good.
Saathoff held on for the final spot on the box by a scant 0.084 seconds despite having to fend off a late challenge from new Turner Honda teammate Lowe.
Kopp’s teammate, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), battled past the impressive Jones to complete the top five.
Next Up:
The world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series makes its first-ever trip to Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia, for the inaugural Yamaha Senoia Short Track on Saturday, March 25. Visit https://www.tixr.com/promoters/americanflattrack to secure your tickets today.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 from the DAYTONA Short Track I on March 18 at 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT) and DAYTONA Short Track II on March 19 at 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT).
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
Bagnaia hits back, Marini close, Aprilia unleash new aero: that’s a wrap on Day 1!
The reigning Champion deposes the king of the pre-season so far, with Viñales hot on their heels on Saturday
Saturday, 11 March 2023
The curtain has come down on the penultimate day of MotoGP™ pre-season testing, and it’s a familiar name on top as reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took over late on. Pecco deposed thus-far King of Pre-Season Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as the number 10 was forced to settle for second, with Aprilia Racing’s Maverick Viñales rounding out the top three on a fully dry, action-packed Saturday.
Luca Marini (10). Photo courtesy Dorna.
DUCATI, VR46, GRESINI & PRAMAC
Bagnaia was the fastest by the end of play, the reigning Champion hitting back against Marini after the number 10 was fastest for much of the day. Bagnaia’s advantage was just over two tenths, with new teammate Enea Bastianini outside the top ten in P17 on Day 1… but it’s unlikely that’s much to worry about. He worked a lot on used tyres and had a couple of technical niggles to overcome early on, before a crash ended his action early, rider ok.
Both sides of the Ducati Lenovo Team garage now look set – both have the updated aero and Bagnaia continued with the downwash ducts rather than the “ground effect” fairings seen previously. Bastianini was the same. The single wingnut setup on the left handlebar, used for the holeshot, was on all machines.
Back to Marini, and the Italian’s super run in pre-season kept rolling on the penultimate day. He was second, with teammate Marco Bezzecchi in seventh. Marini was also grinning after competing with Bagnaia and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) for top honours. Meanwhile, Gresini Racing MotoGP™’s Ducati newcomer Alex Marquez slotted into fourth as he continues to impress, and his teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio ended the day in P9. Diggia suffered a crash and headed to local hospital for a further check up.
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Completing the top ten was Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). He was seen with a different chassis, one that’s been spotted before and could be part of an ongoing experiment from Ducati. The number 89, meanwhile, went the opposite way to the factory duo elsewhere – putting in a whole lot of laps with the ground effect fairings. Teammate Johann Zarco was P13, not far off Martin by the end of Day 1. He had a different front fairing and air intake to the rest, and the “wings” were a little different too. The Frenchman was the only Ducati with this setup, previously tested by Michele Pirro last season.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.
APRILIA & RNF
Aero updates and innovations were the name of the game down in the Aprilia Racing garage. The Noale factory had a few small aero pieces, including a wing bolted onto the swingarm, some wings that are attached to the front forks and an improved rear wing.
A glance at the timesheets makes for pretty reading for them too. Viñales was a consistent threat at the summit, as was Miguel Oliveira (RNF MotoGP™ Team). The Portuguese rider has been given a few Aprilia goodies to test in Portimao, one noticeable one being some aero that hangs off the side of the front wheel.
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Oliveira ended the day in P6, one place behind an upbeat Raul Fernandez (RNF MotoGP™ Team), who took a little longer to pounce up towards the pointy end of the timesheets, but heading into the final couple of hours climbed to P5. That made it three Aprilias inside the top six, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) ending Saturday’s action in P11.
Both the Spaniard and teammate Viñales crashed in the early hours of testing, and Espargaro explained to us during After The Flag that he hurt the ankle he damaged at Silverstone in the small off. The number 41 admitted he also struggled with arm pump on Saturday, “not a disaster”, but far from ideal.
Alongside Ducati, Aprilia appear to be the factory that are looking most comfortable heading into the final day of testing. Fernandez and Oliveira’s speed will be a massive boost… or threat, depending where you sit on pitwall.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Dorna.
YAMAHA
The most notable upgrade we saw in the Yamaha box on Day 1 was a radical new piece of aero on one of Franco Morbidelli’s (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) bikes. As seen in the picture below – there’s a new set of wings just above the sidepod and below the standard set of wings. Morbidelli was also continuing to lap with two different chassis that he has available.
A close-up of a new fairing on Franco Morbidelli’s Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In Fabio Quartararo’s (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) corner, both of his YZR-M1s were fitted with Yamaha’s larger aero, suggesting that’s the direction he prefers. The 2021 World Champion was trying different front-end set-ups as he explores what can be done with the bike now the aero is – seemingly – decided.
A late time attack saw Quartararo climb up to eighth, 0.8s away from the top, with Morbidelli finishing P21 having completed 95 laps – five more than Quartararo. A very busy day for the Iwata factory, with another coming up on Sunday.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA & LCR
Lots of things were going on at HRC as they tried to finalise the directions they want to be taking in 2023. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was doing a lot of work on Honda’s updated wings and air intake, as well as a new chassis that has been brought to the Portimao Test.
The number 93 suffered a small crash during the afternoon, but the eight-time World Champion was perfectly ok. A P19 finish doesn’t make for outwardly positive reading, but 78 laps suggests it was a day of working things out – and yet more proof the fitness is there. Marquez confirmed the afternoon rhythm was disrupted by testing “big concepts”, so Sunday’s outing will be focused on getting the best out of what Honda already have.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.
14th place Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) was also giving Honda’s new chassis a good runout. The 2020 World Champion admitted he didn’t feel great on Day 1 and struggled a bit – and a crash didn’t help in the afternoon. Fast corners and power delivery are the main areas of improvement for Mir ahead of the final day.
Regarding the chassis, LCR Honda duo Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) had the older chassis fitted to both their RC213Vs. Rins ended the day as the fastest Honda in P11 and having not much in the way of new parts to try, the two-time 2022 race winner has been focusing on continuing his adaptation to the new bike. It looks like a step forward has been made.
Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM & GASGAS TECH3
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder was the lead KTM on Day 1, in P15, but he had close company from new teammate Jack Miller just behind him. The visible work going on was centered on aero, with each having one bike with the “ground effect” fairing and the downwash ducts and one bike with only the “ground effect” fairing.
It sounded like the Austrian factory overall has switched to the engine that sounded different in Sepang, with that overheard once again.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
At GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, Pol Espargaro was down the timesheets but likewise had the aero split seen at Red Bull KTM, and his teammate Augusto Fernandez likewise. For the first time, the two GASGAS riders also had the same chassis, and Fernandez was a little closer as he prepares to face down his first race weekend in MotoGP™.
That’s a wrap on Day 1, there’s just one more day of track action standing between the field and the first race weekend of the year. Come back for more on Sunday and enjoy the final After the Flag pre-season show with a VideoPass trial, and join the Tech Group to stay on top off all the updates from pitlane.
Track action runs from 9:30 GMT to 17:30 GMT on the final day of action – see you there!
If you watched the 81st Daytona 200 MotoAmerica Supersport race and were confused about how the restarted race was handled and how the final results were determined you are not alone.
Many riders and paddock veterans also expressed confusion on several aspects of the restarted race and its finish, but the fact is MotoAmerica followed the wording in its published rules to the letter. Here is an explanation of some key points.
The red flag.
On lap 53 of 57, Danny Eslick, Teagg Hobbs, and Jason Waters came together at the International Horseshoe with Hobbs and Waters crashing. The location of the crash forced Race Control to stop the race with the red flag so workers could safely access and deal with the crash scene.
The length of the restart.
The leaders of the race had completed 52 of 57 scheduled laps when the race was stopped. In the 2023 Daytona 200 and Supersport Extended Race Supplemental Regulations, it states that if the Daytona 200 is stopped after more than three laps and less than 53 laps are completed, the race will be restarted for a second race and the distance of the second/restarted race will be enough to complete the original race distance of 57 laps and “shall not be less than ten (10) laps.”
As a result, the 2023 Daytona 200 was actually the Daytona 217.62 – 62 laps x 3.51 miles. According to 1972 Daytona 200 winner and Daytona 200 historian Don Emde, this was the longest Daytona 200 race.
How riders who were one or more laps down before the red flag were classified on the lead lap for the restart.
Only riders who finished 75% (39 laps in this case) of the original race and were actively competing at the time of the red-flag stoppage were eligible to compete in the second/restarted race. The grid positions were determined according to the finishing order of the first/stopped race, according to the rules, and “The final race classification will be established according to the position and the number of laps of each rider at the time he crossed the finish line at the end of the last part of the race.”
In short, this means that the second/restarted race was a new race only open to riders who had completed 39 laps of the original race and were still actively competing when that original race was stopped.
The time penalties assessed to Blake Davis (15 seconds), Kevin Nolde (15 seconds x 2), and Brandon Paasch (15 seconds) for speeding on pit lane during the first portion of the race.
Again, in the rules it clearly states, in bold: “Riders receiving a time penalty in the first race will have the penalty applied only to the finish of the final race.”
So, even though the second/restarted race was considered a new race with everyone on the lead lap again, Davis, Nolde, and Paasch were still assessed time penalties they incurred in the stopped/first race.
"King Kenny" Roberts leading a 1975 AMA National at the now defunct Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California, riding
a two-stroke, four-cylinder Yamaha TZ750 variant. Photo by Mush Emmons.
Featured In The March 2023 Issue:
“King Kenny” Roberts is arguably the most significant figure in motorcycle racing history: Twice AMA Grand National Champion, triple MotoGP World Champion, indefatigable fighter for riders’ safety and rights, championship-winning team owner, and constructor of the last two-stroke to score a MotoGP pole position.
Roberts came of age in 1973 when he wrapped up his first American Grand National Championship, a series that combined road racing with all kinds of dirt-track—short track, mile, half-mile, and TT, which included motocross-style jumps. The title was also his first success with Yamaha, which led to a hat-trick of 500cc/MotoGP world titles, from 1978 to 1980, and three more, as team owner with rider Wayne Rainey, from 1990 to 1993.
The Roberts story started when he was age 13 and learning to be a
cowboy…
—Racing History: “King Kenny” Roberts, by Mat Oxley
It was 50 years ago that “King Kenny” Roberts won his first major championship, lost a testicle, shot himself in the leg and nearly wound up riding for MV Agusta. Pretty intense year. But as Roberts says, “You kind of fumble through life…” Read about one of road racing’s greatest riders of all time’s most intense 12 months of fumbling, in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Cameron Petersen (45). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Yamaha.
MARIETTA, Ga. – Attack Performance Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen overcame adversity to cross the line third in a drama-filled 81st running of the Daytona 200 at the Daytona International Speedway.
Coming just .007 seconds shy of the win last year, Petersen and the team were aiming for the top spot at the historic 200-mile race in Daytona Beach, Florida. When the lights went out, he quickly made his way to fifth from the seventh spot on the grid and then advanced to third. Unfortunately, he had a technical issue two laps into the race and ultimately was shuffled back and lost touch with the lead group. The South African pulled into the pits on Lap 12, and although he still was struggling to find his comfort zone, he kept pushing to make up lost ground. After his third pit stop, he made a big push and was able to close the gap on the race leader. Petersen passed the leader to join the lead lap, and then a crash brought out the red flag with five laps remaining.
With the red flag being drawn before Lap 53, the rules called for a restart and that there be a minimum of 10 laps. So it was a new race with Petersen in the sixth for the restart in a 10-lap sprint. Sitting sixth after the first lap, he put his head down to join the lead group and battled for the win. It was the typical chess match with drafting battles on the high banks of Daytona with multiple lead changes. Petersen fought to the end, ultimately taking third to earn his second-consecutive podium finish at the historic race.
The team now sets their sites on defending the title in the premier class and preparing for the MotoAmerica Superbike season opener at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on April 21-23 in Braselton, Georgia.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“The race really was just the last 10 laps. It showed how good the Yamaha R6 is and that it’s very competitive against the other bigger bikes. We’re pretty pleased with our result, even though we thought we could have had a little bit better race. Something happened with the clutch, I think, after the start. He was able to collect it up and un-lap himself, and that got us the opportunity to race for the win, which was great. This was a shop project. We came here to have a little fun with our little bike, but now it’s time to get serious with Superbike racing.”
Cameron Petersen – Attack Performance Yamaha Racing
“It was a crazy Daytona 200. The 57 laps didn’t really matter because the red flag came out, so it was a sprint toward the end. It was just a little bit unfortunate that after the first start, I had a problem with the clutch and just kind of struggled to stay with the group. I couldn’t get on the brakes. I couldn’t tip the bike into the corners the way I wanted to, so, I was really struggling through the infield. Thank god for that red flag because the last 10 laps, I just put my head down, and I was like, ‘Man, give it your all. Whatever happens, happens.’ There was just so much chaos. I didn’t even know I got on the podium. I was about to get undressed and was ready to go home, and somebody ran over and was like, ‘Hey, you’re on the podium.’ It’s not only for me. I think it’s just massive for the team to get a podium. A lot of effort goes into this single event with the bike, the travel expenses, and everything. So, I’m glad I could get on the box for the team, but I’m ready to get back on my superbike.
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).
More, from a press release issued by Altus Motorsports:
MotoAmerica: Limandri Impresses on his Debut Ride in the Twins Cup
Joseph LiMandri, Jr. (62). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
(Daytona, FL) The 2023 MotoAmerica season kicked off in Daytona Florida. With the Twins Cup running as one of the support classes to the famous Daytona 200, Altus Motorsports was there in support of Joseph Limandri Jr. onboard the team’s new Yamaha R7 entry in the class.
Twins Cup
Altus Motorsports rider Joseph Limandri Jr. made his debut in the Twins class at Daytona 2023, and it was a successful transition for him. Despite having minimal seat time on the new platform, Limandri quickly adapted and qualified 12th for Race 1 on Friday.
During the race, he engaged in a three-bike battle and emerged as the victor, finishing in 7th place. On Saturday, the Altus team made some modifications to the bike that improved its aerodynamics significantly. Limandri started from 11th in Race 2 and managed to stay with the lead group, finishing an impressive 5th after a red flag forced a restart.
“I’m really thankful to Mike Castro, Eric Gray, and the entire Altus team. They worked hard and gave me a great bike. I love working with the team and I’m ready to push to the top step. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 18th birthday than racing at Daytona!,” said Joseph Limandri Jr.
With the successful debut in the Twins class, Limandri is optimistic about the season ahead and is looking forward to competing at the front.
Team owner George Nassaney acknowledged the tremendous effort that went into preparing the Altus Factory-built Yamaha R7. The bike was built in-house by Team Manager Eric Gray, who worked long hours to ensure it was ready for the Daytona race, even with several key parts arriving just a couple of weeks before the event. “This past weekend was amazing to see all of the work paying off. Joseph rode very well and gave excellent feedback to his Crew Chief Mike Castro and Team Manager Eric Gray. Both worked to improve the bike every session and the results showed. We are excited to leave Daytona with solid points and we are all very proud of Joseph. Now it’s time to get back to the race shop and get the Team ready for Atlanta.”
Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Company, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing
Francesco Bagnaia was quickest during MotoGP pre-season testing at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Photo courtesy Ducati.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP MAKE STEPS ON FINAL 2023 TESTING DAY
Portimao (Portugal), 12th March 2023
PORTIMAO MOTOGP OFFICIAL TEST
Today Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli concluded the final day of 2023 pre-season testing. The teammates got in as many laps as possible at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and wrapped up the Portimão MotoGP Official Test in 3rd and 19th place respectively in both the Day-2 and combined timesheets.
3rd FABIO QUARTARARO 1‘38.302 / 88 LAPS
19th FRANCO MORBIDELLI 1‘39.066 / 89 LAPS
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli used the second day of testing in Portimão, Portugal, to conclude their 2023 testing plans. Today the duo made the most of the perfect riding conditions again and booked progress, taking 3rd and 19th place respectively in today‘s standings and the Portimão MotoGP Official Test combined rankings.
Quartararo was quick to find a good rhythm on Day 2, and by 10:30 local time he had set a 1‘39.292s, more than 0.3s quicker than his fastest lap on Day 1. At the time it put him in third place provisionally. He then continued assessing aero-packages and trying settings in preparation for the first race weekend, held at the same circuit in two weeks‘ time. Once satisfied, he gave another push in the afternoon. Setting a 1‘38.302s on lap 61/88, he initially took second place but ultimately ended the day in third place in the Day-2 and combined results, 0.334s from first.
After putting in 95 laps on Day 1, Morbidelli again showed his motivation on Day 2 by completing another 89 laps, more than any other rider. He stayed fully focused during an intensive session, aiming to further improve his feeling with the bike and better his pace, and successfully shaved over 1.3s off his Day-1 time. His 1‘39.066s, posted on lap 79/89, saw him finish 19th in the Day-2 and combined timesheets, with a 1.098s margin to first.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
Today we wrapped up pre-season testing. Because Yamaha had prepared many items this winter, we knew we had a lot on our plate for this final 2023 pre-season test. We only had two days, so we prioritised accordingly. Fabio and Franky both evaluated aero-package options and tried settings we felt are promising for the first GP weekend, held here two week’s from now. Fabio made a big step today, so that’s positive. Franky also tried many things during this test and gathered a lot of data that should be helpful for Round 1. We got a lot of work done, but there’s still more to do. We will now carefully go over the data we collected here, and subsequently draft a strategy on how we will tackle the first GP of the 2023 season. I’m sure the fans are as impatient to get the racing started as we are. We will put in our full effort to be ready to go.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FABIO QUARTARARO
Today we made a big improvement, especially with new tyres. We‘ve tried all aero-packages Yamaha brought here and also some settings from the past that were working well. I‘m pretty happy. We are still missing a few things, but we made a massive step from yesterday and from Sepang. We are much closer to be ready for GP1 than we were yesterday, although we are not 100% ready yet. We will be giving our best, for sure. We are not giving up.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
These were busy days of testing. We tried many things, did a lot of stuff, and did a lot of testing – that‘s what testing is for, so I‘m happy about that. It will be important to analyse well the data we‘ve gathered and make the right choices for the race weekend.
More, from a press release issued by RNF MotoGP Team:
Oliveira and Fernandez complete successful test in Portugal
The RNF MotoGP Team has concluded its pre-season testing today at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve with a positive outlook for the upcoming 21 rounds of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship.
Sunshine and decent temperatures have been accompanying the second and final day of testing ahead of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season today at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. Like on Saturday, both RNF MotoGP Team riders, Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez were able to make use of the full track time from the morning until sunset.
With more and more laps aboard his Aprilia RS-GP under his belt and being at ease with the home track, Oliveira improved on his fastest lap from Saturday quite quick today. The Portuguese local hero did a total of 147 laps in the course of the two days of testing. On Sunday he went 1.024 seconds faster than on day one and ended the official test in P11, just 0.616 seconds off the fastest.
Meanwhile, Fernandez is making significant steps. Following the fifth fastest time of the entire MotoGP field on Saturday, he ended the test in 16th position, 0.270 seconds behind his teammate and did his personal fastest ever lap in Portimao. The young Spaniard did 127 laps on Saturday and Sunday and feels ready and eager to start the new season with high motivation.
Less than two weeks from now, the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season will kick off with the first of 21 rounds at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, where both Oliveira and Fernandez are aiming high. The RNF MotoGP Team is set to showcase their official 2023 colors to the world in a unique virtual launch on Monday, the 20th of March.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“After today, we are in a good place to start the first Grand Prix. Though we would like to be a bit more in front in the standings, our pace was quite strong and we have been there during the whole day which is good. Unfortunately, in the afternoon today during the time attack, I had a small crash, I was pushing and there was nothing I could do. We have some work to do, I just need to start the race weekend to see where we are.”
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
RAUL FERNANDEZ
“I’m really happy about our test, especially about today. We had a great day and have been working alone on the pace. The speed is very good. In the last moment, when I tried to do the time attack, I had a small crash. For that I want to apologize to my team. But anyway, also thanks to them, we did a really good job. I’m very happy, we have an amazing bike and I think 2023 is going to be a very nice season for us. Aprilia worked really well last year, they created a fantastic bike and I’m very satisfied overall.”
Razlan Razali, Founder and Team Principal RNF MotoGP Team
“It was a positive final day of the second winter test for both of our riders Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez. They showed great speed and pace between the day. Unfortunately, when they were about to start the time attack, both riders had a crash and had to abandon their plans for the time attack. Though, it’s not the best way to end the test but more importantly the riders are okay and all the targets we wanted to achieve for this weekend was fulfilled and completed. We save the energy this weekend and aim to go faster during the actual race weekend in two weeks. Being the third time for both riders on the RS-GP, I’m happy that they showed a lot of potential, speed and pace and I’m confident that their performance will be there when it matters most which is during the race weekend.”
Wilco Zeelenberg, Team Manager RNF MotoGP Team
“The last day of testing is done. It was a very important last test, both, riders felt much more connected to their bikes than we had it during the first two tests. Of course, now they got more kilometers in on their bikes, but we also found better settings for them and they felt more confident electronic-wise and with their base setups. We actually feel ready to start the season. Our target here was to try to do 1:38, but actually half of the grid did it, so it was a little bit disappointing, but at least we also made it. So, let’s see what we can do next week when the sessions are shorter and track time is reduced, which is the main difference to the tests. Overall, we are very happy. We are competitive and ready to start racing!”
More, from a press release issued by Mooney VR46 Racing Team:
MARINI AND BEZZECCHI ENDED THE PRESEASON AMONG THE FASTEST GUYS AT PORTIMAO
The riders of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team are constantly in the top positions in P4 and P5 in the combined of the two-days
Portimao (Portugal), March 12th 2023 – Last act of the 2023 pre-season and another proof of solidity for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team at the Portimao test on the Ducati Desmosedici GP. Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi, already very fast yesterday, close the two days of work in Portugal in fourth and fifth place in the combined standings, ready to face the first race weekend, in less than two weeks, on the Algarve circuit.
Second yesterday and always among the most consistent, Luca, forced into the garage for a part of today’s session due to technical problems (64 laps), improves up to 1’38.310, a time that means a gap of three tenths from Bagnaia (1’37.968).
Step forward also for Marco (86 laps), P7 on Day1, capable of signing an excellent 1’38.351 and climbing the standings up to the fifth place.
Luca Marini (10). Photo courtesy Mooney VR46 Racing Team.
LUCA MARINI – 10
Overall I’m satisfied with the pre-season: there’s a good atmosphere within the Team and we’ve worked hard. I had fun, I feel good and I enjoyed every lap on the bike. Today was probably the hardest day, I had some bad luck and too many technical problems. In the final I gave my all, went out for the last 20 minutes and set my best lap time. I feel good, I can fight for the Top6 in qualifying and in the sprint with the soft. For the race, I think I’ll opt for the medium rear, the performances aren’t very different, but in terms of long distance it’s more performing.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Mooney VR46 Racing Team.
MARCO BEZZECCHI – 72
A good test, I’m happy even if the afternoon wasn’t easy at all. Putting everything together was more complicated than we expected. We made a step back and then it started to feel good. I’m not at 100% yet, but we did a great job and the sprint race simulation isn’t bad either. I can improve by 2/3 tenths on the single lap and keep the pace of the fastest.
PABLO NIETO, TEAM MANAGER
We have to be satisfied, not so much with this test, but with the whole pre-season. In Malaysia we worked well and here we continued in the same direction. We are ready to face the race in the best possible way. Ducati and the whole Team have done a lot and we are a very solid team with two very fast riders. We just have to discover the new format of the weekend, the last real unknown factor.
More, from a press release issued by GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3:
2023 PRE-SEASON COMPLETED FOR GASGAS FACTORY RACING TECH3: TIME TO GET ON THE GAS!
Testing work resumed on Sunday morning at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve for the second and last day of the Official Portimao MotoGP™ Test, closing officially the 2023 pre-season for the class. Spaniards Pol Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez closed the test in 18th and 21st after two hard-working days on their red GASGAS RC16.
The day was again set ideally for riders to complete their testing programmes on a dry track, with the sun shining nicely and no clouds to be seen. Pol Espargaro was the first to go on track this morning at around 10:00 am local time (GMT+0). After a rather difficult Saturday and an evening spent finding solutions to yesterday’s issues, the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 seemed to find himself more comfortable on the bike today. He eventually managed to go under the bar of the 1’40 with a fast lap in 1’39.526 on lap 18 thanks to a change of bike’s setting. In the afternoon, he focused on different areas, including getting the fast laps in. Lap after lap, he progressed through the lap times until reaching 1’38.974 within the final laps of the day. He closes the day eighteenth in the standings, 1.006 seconds from the fastest of day 2.
His teammate and rookie Augusto Fernandez continued his progression on the Portuguese layout with the main goal to develop the learnings from Saturday and prepare for his first ever MotoGP™ race at the opening round of the 2023 season in two weeks. With just seven laps in this morning, he had already improved from his best lap of Saturday by 0.435 seconds. Seven laps later, the Spaniard went under the 1’40 bar, in 1’39.907, a very encouraging step for the rookie. In a similar way to his teammate, he also dedicated his day to fast laps and race preparation, integrating a race simulation at the end of the morning. The outcome was positive, highlighted by Augusto’s fastest lap set with his final lap. In the afternoon, he worked on time-attacks and eventually gained a few hundredths of seconds to set his fastest lap of the weekend in 1’39.667. After sixty-four laps, he sits in twenty-first in the standings, 0.693 seconds away from his teammate.
There is no more testing now, it is finally time to go racing! GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 riders Pol Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez will be back in two weeks in Portimao for the opening round of the 2023 season! We’ll see you on March 24-26!
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3.
Pol Espargaro
Position: 18th
Time: 1’38.974
Laps: 79
“Today was much better than yesterday so it feels good. We are just one second away from today’s fastest man, which is not bad on this track. Of course, we would like to be higher in the standings, but we tried many things these two days. We worked on the race pace quite a lot and there are some positive things, but we are missing something, especially on this track on which our grip is not the best in the rear. We had a very productive day today, so I am happy. Let’s go racing!”
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3.
Augusto Fernandez
Position: 21st
Time: 1’39.667
Laps: 64
“We had a good morning and made good progress with the bike. We did a race simulation and I am happy because I had a good race pace and felt good physically. I was able to understand more things about the bike, such as tyre management and how to ride it in race conditions. In Moto2, I was always very good towards the last part of the races, so it is good that I am also able to replicate this to the MotoGP class. In the afternoon, we worked on a time-attack and I think that we still have a lot of work to do to understand how to get the maximum of new soft tyres.”
Nicolas Goyon
Team Manager
“We just finished the pre-season with the final test in Portimao before we all finally start the championship here in two weeks. I would like to thank both our riders Pol Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez for their hard work over the past two days. All together, they did around 150 laps each, which is a lot of time on the track that allowed us to gather important data and information for the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 engineers.
Pol focused on trying to finalize a setup that suits him for the race in two weeks, but it has not been easy for him. He tried many options and it looks like towards the end of the day some positive came out of it as he registered his fastest lap of the weekend.
Our rookie Augusto worked hard and the day was highlighted by a race simulation with a total of twenty-two laps and twenty fast laps. What is very interesting is that he set his fastest lap at the very last lap of his simulation. It is promising because it shows that he has understood how to manage both his physical condition and his tyres.
Overall, we are satisfied with the work we did here in Portimao with both our riders. It was also the first time that our red GASGAS RC16 went on track and we were all really proud of our 2023 livery. We have two weeks to analyse the data, but we feel ready to race! Thank you to the whole team for their hard work, and we will be back in two weeks for the season opener !”
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
0.016s between Repsol Honda Team duo after five days of MotoGP testing
Sunday in Portimao saw both Repsol Honda Team riders focus on time attacks, Sprint race runs and refinements as Joan Mir ends the test in 13th with Marc Marquez just behind in 14th.
Perfect conditions saw out the MotoGP pre-season as the Repsol Honda Team completed their testing programme with the rest of the championship in Portimao. Two busy days saw a number of items tested and 289 laps completed between Joan Mir and Marc Marquez.
Joan Mir’s adaption to the Honda RC213V continued and Sunday in Portugal saw him make strong forward progress especially on his one lap pace. A best time of 1’38.762 meant the 2020 MotoGP World Champion ended the test as the 13th fastest rider and top Honda machine. Able to do a time attack, Mir was able to further understand where he and the Honda need to continue improving. As with the previous day, Mir’s race pace was more promising across his 61 laps.
On the other side of the Repsol Honda Team garage, Marc Marquez continued to diligently work as his attention shifted from fully focused on development to beginning to prepare for the coming race weekend in Portugal. The eight-time World Champion completed his first simulation of a new Sprint Race with his longest run of the test. A fall at Turn 1 midway through the final day did little to upset Marquez’s overall testing plan.
The MotoGP World Championship now begins their final preparations before the Grande Premio de Portugal, March 24 – 26, and the start of the longest MotoGP season in history with 21 Grands Prix.
Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Joan Mir
13TH 1’38.762
“Today we were able to make some more progress forward in adapting to the Honda. There is still a lot I need to learn and adapt to because it’s still a new bike and some aspects that are not yet second nature. Overall it has been an off-season of progress but of course as a rider you are always wanting more and more. We head into the opening races wanting to keep improving and to see what’s possible.”
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Marc Marquez
14TH 1’38.778
“We had the best feeling of our pre-season today, I was riding well and I was able to do a Sprint Race simulation. Riding for a longer run I was able to focus more on my riding style and keep making improvements there. Our rhythm wasn’t bad and today we worked more towards what will come at the Portugal GP. We were able to make a few steps, of course you want more. The most important thing was that today I had the best feeling with the bike so far.”
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Castrol:
LCR Honda CASTROL rider Alex Rins completes the last preseason test at Portimao
The last test before the start of the season has finished at the Autodromo do Algarve for Alex Rins and the LCR Honda CASTROL.
Despite the final position on the standings (15th), there are some positive elements to point out, as Alex admits feeling more comfortable riding the bike and happier with how he can handle it.
Rins and the crew have been testing several items brought by HRC, and overall, they are pleased with the steps made. There’s still considerable room for improvement, but the path is more precise after the test at Portimao.
Preseason is officially done; the next stop will be the opening round of the 2023 season at the same place, the circuit of Portimao.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy LCR Honda.
Alex Rins 15th
(1’38.782)
“I’m pleased after the preseason we’ve done. Since Sepang, we’ve taken a step forward, and counting on new parts in Portimao has helped me understand our current situation. I’ve been focusing on testing them to provide useful information to HRC. The main thing is that we’ve improved, and that’s crucial. I want to thank the whole team because they’ve done a great job”.
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Idemitsu:
LCR Honda IDEMITSU rider Takaaki Nakagami finishes the last test at Portimao
The last test before the start of the season has finished at the Autodromo do Algarve for Takaaki Nakagami and the LCR Honda IDEMITSU. Despite the final position on the standings (20th), there are some positive elements to point out, as Nakagami has noticed a significant improvement during the second and last day of tests.
Since the beginning, Takaaki has struggled to find the feeling on the bike and admits he still needs to be more comfortable riding it. However, after testing some evolution parts brought by HRC, especially on the second day, he believes there is potential and room for improvement in some areas that would help both rider and crew to make a further step forward.
Preseason is officially done; the next stop will be the opening round of the 2023 season at the same place, the circuit of Portimao.
Takaaki Nakagami (30). Photo courtesy LCR Honda.
Takaaki Nakagami 20th
(1’39.309)
“The three days in Sepang and the two days here haven’t been easy, but today, in terms of lap times, everything is very tight, the gap has reduced, and we’ve taken a step. The feedback with the bike is better, but both the bike and I need to improve. We could take another step forward during the race weekend, so let’s keep working. The team has done a good job as always”.
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
2023 MOTOGP™ PREP ALMOST COMPLETE WITH SECOND AND FINAL PRE-SEASON TEST LOGGED IN PORTUGAL
2023 Motorsport news
Two days of intense testing work brought the 2023 MotoGP pre-season to a conclusion for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing at the Algarve International Circuit. Brad Binder and Jack Miller sifted through solutions for the settings of their KTM RC16s both for the long Grand Prix year ahead and for the first round of the series at the same circuit in a fortnight’s time. Binder ended the weekend 9th fastest while Miller was 17th but both less than one second from times that shattered the Portimao lap-record.
MotoGP teams left the heat of Malaysia last month to reassemble and bask in the sunshine of the Algarve for the second and last appointment in preparation for 2023. The two-day session allowed the Red Bull KTM works squad to drill through solutions and options to be ready for the 21-race championship (and brand new Sprint format) as well as look towards optimum settings for the Grande Premio de Portugal at the same fast and technical circuit at the end of March.
Brad Binder and Jack Miller were given a second opportunity to give their feedback on the potential of the RC16s around the 15 corner and 4.5 km layout in southern Portugal. The climate was steady and ideal for testing duties, even if the undulations of the track and diversity of the curves means it is a unique setting for bike behaviour and competitiveness.
Binder sat in P6 at one stage and ended the second day with the 9th fastest circulation just half a second from P1 and close to the lap record. The South African was reaching for rear grip but noted an improvement on Sunday. Miller, who is still trying to unlock the full possibilities of the race bike in what was just his third outing, was continually making gains. The Australian was just nine tenths of a second from the peak of the overall classification.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing now have a few precious days back at the race workshop in Munderfing to condense the rest of the data accumulated in Portugal before the whole effort returns to the Algarve for the first real race action of ’23 on March 25-26.
Brad Binder: “We made a good step forward today. We had to re-think things last night because I wasn’t that happy with what we were doing: the team did a great job to make me more comfortable on the bike and I could push a bit harder. We are closer to where we need to be. The time attack went better than I expected. There is definitely a step we can still make before the race but I think we are more or less ready to go into the season.”
Jack Miller (43). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Jack Miller: “We’re getting there. We cut almost another second today and got closer to the top rider who was six tenths under the lap-record! I’m just trying to understand the bike and try different things to get comfortable. We are improving every day and it is taking some time but we’re getting to a decent spot before the first race. Our [engine] maps need a little polishing but I think we can be quietly confident.”
Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “This test was the first time we tried the 2023 spec of the bike and we had some unexpected issues but also some progress. We perhaps don’t have enough time now to fix everything but we hope to give the riders a better package asap. Jack is gaining confidence and speed run-by-run and Brad was a bit surprised by this test but turned it around today. We know where we need to improve and thanks to the whole team for another big effort. Let’s get the season underway now.”
Sebastian Risse, Red Bull KTM Technical Manager MotoGP: “I would say we had a difficult start to the test and had to work through a lot on the first day. The main topic for some riders was rear grip, and looking at the lap-times overall, it was clear that the track today was in better shape and this helped us but we also improved our cause. We made a step and now we just have to see how much we can transfer this on the race weekend. I think we can be happy with the evolution we made these two days and we have the baseline. Now that we have had this test everybody should be up to pace right away at the GP and I think there is still some room to work there.”
Algarve International Circuit Official Test final combined times
1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) Ducati 1:37.968
2. Johann Zarco (FRA) Ducati +0.296
3. Fabio Quartararo (FRA) Yamaha +0.334
4. Luca Marini (ITA) Ducati ) +0.342
5. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA) Ducati +0.383
9. Brad Binder (RSA) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +0.512
17. Jack Miller (AUS) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +0.941
More, from a press release issued by Lenovo Ducati Team:
Francesco Bagnaia tops the timesheets in the final pre-season test at Portimao. Sixth quickest time for Enea Bastianini
Seven Desmosedici GPs in the first eight places of the standings at the end of two days of testing in Portugal
Francesco Bagnaia dominated the latest pre-season test, which concluded this afternoon at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão (Portugal). The Ducati Lenovo Team rider, who was already the fastest at the end of the first day yesterday, could set a formidable lap time of 1:37.968 this afternoon, confirming himself at the top and improving the current circuit record by 757 thousandths. At the Portimão track, which will host the opening round of the 2023 MotoGP season in less than two weeks, Bagnaia got positive feedback from his Desmosedici GP 2023 and declared himself satisfied with the work completed with his team.
Despite being hindered by technical issues and a crash on the first day, the last test was also positive for Enea Bastianini. The rider from Rimini finished in sixth position, with a time of 1:38.373, 405 thousandths behind his teammate, as he completed a total of 118 laps over the two days.
There are seven Ducatis in the top eight positions. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) finished in second place behind Bagnaia, while Luca Marini (VR46 Racing Team) finished fourth ahead of teammate Marco Bezzecchi. Behind Bastianini finished Alex Márquez (Gresini Racing) in seventh and Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing) in eighth.
“I’m thrilled with how the five days of pre-season testing went, including the three days in Malaysia last month. We improved in every session and completed our work programme. I like the new bike and prefer it to last year’s, but now we must keep our feet on the ground and keep working with our heads down to be fast on every track. The other manufacturers have also taken important steps forward, so we must stay focused. We can say ‘mission accomplished’: we are ready to face the new season.”
“These two days have been positive even though we were really unlucky yesterday. Today we started with a different mentality, which allowed us to take big steps forward straight away, and in general, we worked really well. We didn’t do any particular tests, but we focused mainly on the set-up of the bike and my riding style ahead of the first race, which will be held here in less than two weeks. I think we are still missing something to be able to fight for the win, but we are not far away. Today I also did my first sprint race simulation, and I think tyre life won’t be a problem, but we still haven’t chosen which one to use for Sunday’s race. In any case, I am happy and ready to get back on track for the first Grand Prix of the year”.
Everything is ready for the first round of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship, which will be held at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão from 24th-26th March.
More, from a press release issued by Aprilia:
MOTOGP TESTS IN PORTIMÃO
APRILIA HONES ITS WEAPONS AHEAD OF THE SEASON OPENER
LOTS OF WORK AND LOTS OF NEWS FOR THE ITALIAN TEAM. MAVERICK FAST AND INCISIVE, ALEIX AGGRESSIVE DESPITE A FATIGUED RIGHT ARM
The testing time, although brief, has come to an end and for Aprilia the conclusions can only be positive. Aleix and Maverick, but also the team RNF riders, Oliveira and Fernandez, demonstrated a good level of competitiveness ahead of the official race début.
The Italian team brought an abundant series of innovations to the track, from the highly visible aerodynamic appendages to the less evident (but just as substantial) evolutions of every aspect of the 2023 RS-GP. The analysis of the data and the comments collected throughout these two days will provide the Aprilia techs with the information needed to define the base technical configuration for both riders.
At the end of the two days, Maverick had ridden a total of 170 laps, the best at a time of 1’38.678, whereas Aleix did 112 laps with his best stopping the clock at 1’38.569.
Aleix Espargaro (41). Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Aleix Espargaró
“We can consider ourselves ready for the first race of the season. Once again today, despite some problems with my right arm, I was able to be fast, limiting my activity to shorter runs. Overall, we worked well during these two days. The package we have available is still not perfect, but it is a good starting point. Tomorrow morning I’ll go to the Dexeus Clinic in Barcelona straight away for a series of tests and, if necessary, I’ll undergo surgery immediately so I can fully recover before the race here in Portimão.”
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Maverick Viñales
“Two positive days, I’d say just like all of our preparation for the championship season. I felt really good yesterday, also in terms of lap times, whereas today our work was slightly different. I never used the best combination of tyre compounds, turning a lot of laps in less than perfect grip conditions, and I was able to learn a lot that way. I’d like to always lap at the top, but I’m confident that this type of work will provide us with advantages during a weekend. I can’t wait to really get down to business so we can see our level and begin to battle.”
Josh Herrin (1), Danny Eslick (69), PJ Jacobsen (66), Richie Escalante (54), Cameron Petersen (45), Josh Hayes (4), and the rest of the field during the start of the 81st Daytona 200. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Watch the full 81st Daytona 200 MotoAmerica Supersport race held March 11, 2023, at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Bagnaia reigns but Quartararo gains as 12 riders break the lap record on Sunday
Pecco, Zarco, Quartararo, Marini… the list of laptime heroes goes on as pre-season comes to a hectic close at Portimao
Francesco Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 12 March 2023
Another day, another set of timesheets… and the last one before we go racing! The final day of pre-season is in the books and there’s a new fastest ever lap of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, with reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) absolutely smashing his old lap record and bringing it down to a stunning 1:37.968. But he wasn’t the only one under the old 1:38.725, with an incredible 12 riders ending 2023 pre-season with a quicker lap than that.
At the top, the first on Bagnaia’s tail was Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) as he unleashed a time attack on Sunday, not into the 1:37s but seemingly taking a big step forward. Just 0.038 behind him came another rider who took a leap forward on the final day of pre-season, with 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) taking third and looking a whole lot happier by the end of play than he had 24 hours earlier.
Here’s a rundown of the final day’s action as we start to switch from test mode to race mode!
Johann Zarco (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.
DUCATI, PRAMAC, VR46 & GRESINI
Bagnaia smashed his own all-time lap record and then put in a MotoGP™ Sprint simulation that raised eyebrows up and down pitlane, with most laps under the old best race lap. That was a Jaws music moment before Quartararo was able to get a lot closer, and then Zarco split the two 2022 Championship rivals.
Bastianini struck late to move up significantly compared to a lackluster showing on the timesheets on Saturday, having not put in a real hot lap before. He ends the test in sixth, but will most definitely want to reel his teammate further in once the Portuguese GP begins. There was little new to see at Ducati, with focus seemingly having shifted to really dialling in what they’ve tested… barring one small new lever spotted by our pitlane reporters, currently cause for curiosity.
Francesco Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Enea Bastianini (23). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Zarco was the closest challenger to reigning Champion Bagnaia, moving up later in the day to depose compatriot Quartararo from second. Zarco appears to have found some long run pace, and said he was back on fettling his own setup rather than running through any testing for the factory. Teammate Jorge Martin was also looking good, and he ends the test in P8 after again running the “ground effect” fairings as he did yesterday.
Luca Marini. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
At Mooney VR46 Racing Team, it was a slightly damp squib end to testing for Luca Marini after the fastest rider in Valencia and Sepang suffered two technical issues that interrupted his final day, leaving him right down the timesheets until a final push at the end. It was a good push though, and he manages to end Sunday in P4 – just ahead of sophomore teammate Marco Bezzecchi. The two look more than ready to take on the battle for some serious positions when the season gets it gear.
At Gresini Racing MotoGP™, it was a final test of two halves. Fabio Di Giannantonio was ruled out after his crash on Day 1, with no injuries but ruled unfit to give him time to recover ahead of the first race weekend. Alex Marquez was sitting fourth for much of the day before a late attack for a few of his fellow Ducati riders, and the two-time World Champion was shuffled down to a still very interesting seventh – right behind Bastianini. He suffered two crashes but all ok, and even saw that as a positive to get it behind him as he starts a new adventure with a new machine.
Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Dorna.
YAMAHA
The Portimao Test was looking worrying for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ on Day 1, and even during the morning hours of Day 2. Soft tyre woes continued to hinder both Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli, but with roughly three hours of pre-season testing to go, Quartararo pounced up to P2 on the timesheets – just 0.148s away from Bagnaia’s new all-time lap record. A last minute sprint for glory.
Both riders were continuing to play around with different aero packages on the final day, with Morbidelli’s the most striking on the front of the bike. The Italian was putting in some work on similar to a new upgrade we witnessed for the first time on Saturday, but this one the top set of wings, then a double sidepod design as well as the downwash duct at the bottom. But then came this…
A new aero device on the tail of Fabio Quartararo’s Yamaha. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The huge addition, as seen when Quartararo headed out towards the close of play, was interesting to say the least. A rear wing but something never seen before: a much bigger, upside-down triangular-shaped design. The review from the Frenchman: “it wasn’t worse”. But he said data was needed to see if it was better.
All in all, it was a busy day down in the Yamaha camp. Crucially though, a big step was made for Quartararo, who is feeling a lot happier than he was in Sepang and on Day 1. Going back to some old settings allowed the Frenchman to make critical strides forwards which will be a huge relief for Yamaha. The same sighs of relief won’t be swimming through Morbidelli’s side of the box, however, as the Italian ended the test in P19 after completing 89 laps.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM & GASGAS TECH3
At Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, the test was about analysing what they have rather than bringing in a slew of new parts, and a main point of focus remained the engine. That was heard from all machines – both KTM and GASGAS. Brad Binder was the lead RC16 on the timesheets as the South African ends the test in P9 and a good chunk under the old lap record, ahead of the three lead Aprilias.
Jack Miller was P17 on the second Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine as he looks to settle in. He was focusing on settings and gave a lot of feedback on the electronics, some of which was also reportedly of interest to his new teammate. He was upbeat and said they’re really starting to get there, with a bit left to polish… but gave his adaptation a 7 or 8 out of 10 so far.
Jack Miller (43). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Francesco Guidotti said Day 1 was tougher, Sunday morning remained a challenge but by the end of play, they’d started to see some light at the end of the tunnel. The main issue? They’re missing a “few tenths” of grip and are working on mechanical solutions as well as on the electronics to take that step forward.
As GASGAS Factory Racing Tech 3, Pol Espargaro was just 0.065 off Miller just ahead of him as the gaps remain absolutely tiny down the field, with rookie Augusto Fernandez one of those a little further back, a few tenths behind Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu).
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aleix Espargaro (41). Photo courtesy Dorna.
APRILIA & RNF
Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro admitted that he struggled with arm pump on Day 1 of the Portimao Test, and those issues continued into Sunday. He put in 52 laps – the least of anyone – and says he will be getting his arm checked out ahead of Round 1 of the season, although the #41 said it wasn’t a disaster. Pace-wise, Espargaro will be happy as he ends the test as the top Aprilia in P10.
On the other side of the factory box, Maverick Viñales ends pre-season testing with a beaming smile on his face despite experiencing a technical issue on one of his bikes. P12 definitely doesn’t tell the full tale of his test. The vibes radiating from Top Gun are all positive after another 82 laps were pocketed on the final day, as all signs point towards him and Aprilia kicking off 2023 in fine form. Viñales was the final rider inside the old lap record.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fine form is one way of describing the performance of a pair of Aprilia newcomers: Miguel Oliveira and RNF MotoGP™ Team teammate Raul Fernandez. Both riders have been consistently up the sharp end of the timesheets in Portimao, but afternoon crashes for both – Oliveira at Turn 3, Fernandez at Turn 1 – put a slight dampener on their final day. But like Espargaro and Viñales, their positions on the timesheets don’t necessarily portray the story of their pre-season… and they’ll be ones to watch when the lights go out for sure.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA & LCR
“It’s time to start working with what we have,” expressed Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) after Day 1 as the eight-time World Champion admitted that after testing big things in the afternoon, he and Honda lost their way a bit. It’s no surprise we didn’t see many new parts on the RC213Vs on Sunday then, but we did see Marquez continuing on Honda’s updated air intake and aero package set-up.
Marquez confirmed that his final day on track was the best he’d felt all pre-season. A Sprint simulation suggested Honda aren’t a million miles away, not where they want to be, but it’s not a disaster. Marquez also confirmed he and teammate Joan Mir are pulling in the same direction, so there was plenty of promising noises coming from the HRC camp ahead of Round 1.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Takaaki Nakagami (30). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) was given the 2021 Honda aero package and ground effect fairing to test on the final day, the latter was also seen using a very different set-up on the front suspension from all the other Hondas. In addition, both Rins and teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) have been using last year’s clutch – not the new, carbon one that Nakagami has previously tested.
It’s Mir who ends the Portimao Test as the quickest Honda in P13, 0.016s ahead of Marquez who in turn is 0.004s faster than Rins. They’re all within a second of the all-time lap record, a sign Honda are heading down the correct path. Nakagami finishes the Test down in P20, 1.3s from top spot.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.
FULL RESULTS – DAY 2
And then… all was quiet in pitlane. That’s a wrap on pre-season for the premier class, and now all there’s left to do is RACE! The first Grand Prix of the season is just around the corner, so make sure to join us then as the engines fire up in Portimao once more. The 24th to the 26th of March 2023: save the date as a new era begins!
Lucas Oil Stadium lit up during opening ceremonies but the real fireworks took place during the closing minutes of the night's 450SX Class Main Event. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Ken Roczen Takes Dramatic and Emotional Win at Indy Supercross
Hunter Lawrence Stretches Eastern Regional 250SX Class Points Lead with Indy Victory
Indianapolis, Ind. – Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen earned a thrilling victory in front of the 62,728 screaming fans who packed Lucas Oil Stadium for Round 9 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.
Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia took second place after intensely pressuring for the lead in the final laps of the race. Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb finished third on an especially challenging track filled with deep, soft ruts. Webb’s finish gives him the season’s points lead and the red plate, by a single point, for both the Supercross season as well as toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series. In Round 5 of Eastern Regional 250SX Class racing, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence earned his fourth win of the season.
Ken Roczen (94) grabbed his fourth win inside Lucas Oil Stadium. He kept his cool, and the lead, under intense pressure on one of the season’s most challenging tracks. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event Ken Roczen crossed the Holeshot stripe first and immediately jumped into the lead. After one lap was in the books Roczen led Cooper Webb, Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, and Justin Barcia. After a slow start, points leader Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac had moved up to eleventh place.
Sexton went to work on Webb for second as the top four riders slowly pulled away from the rest of the field. Less than two minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Sexton moved past Webb and set his sights on Roczen. The lead was down to less than one second when Sexton caught a rut on a jump and crashed. The incident gave Roczen a little breathing room on Webb. Sexton remounted back in twelfth place.
Seven minutes into the Main Event Barcia applied heavy pressure on Webb for second place. Barcia took the spot after the two racers came together exiting the whoops. Neither rider went down, and Webb stayed tight on Barcia while the two tried to reel in Roczen, who was over three seconds ahead.
As the race clock reached three minutes remaining Barcia had the lead down to just one and a half seconds and the volume of the Indianapolis crowd was intense. Barcia got right on the rear fender of the Suzuki, dropping the gap to .7 seconds as the two racers took the white flag. Roczen held his composure through the final lap, earning his first win of the season. The victory makes Roczen a four-time winner in Indy, the winningest active racer at the venue. It was Roczen’s first win since 2022, and Suzuki’s first win since 2016 – which incidentally was earned by Roczen. Barcia took a close and hard-fought second place, his best result of the season. Webb crossed the checkered flag in third, earning enough points to take the red plate and the points lead heading into Round 10 next weekend in Detroit.
Hunter Lawrence (96) almost made the win look easy on one of the toughest, and most-rutted tracks of the season. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
When the gate dropped for the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Hunter Lawrence took the lead with a Holeshot over Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Marshal Weltin, and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher moved up to fourth early in the opening lap and reached third position before the lap was over. On lap two Thrasher put his Yamaha into second place and the crowd was primed to see an intense battle. The two riders collided the weekend before and Thrasher held some extra motivation to catch and pass the Honda rider.
Martin was the rider on the move early; after losing several spots on the opening laps he charged into fourth place just before race’s midpoint. He was the fastest rider on the track on that lap but was still about eight seconds back from the third place spot held by Smith. With just under seven minutes left on the race clock Lawrence had a scary moment when he came together with a lapped rider. Hunter’s right hand came off the handlebar but he stayed up and seemed to be no worse for the wear. As the clock wined down Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan crashed in the whoops, giving up his fifth place spot.
When the flames lit at the finish Lawrence pulled in his fourth win of the season and stretched his points lead to 22. Thrasher earned second place points without ever getting into striking distance of the lead. Thrasher’s teammate Smith took third place and Martin crossed the line in fourth.
This week the series takes a short hop north to Detroit, Michigan for Round 10 at Ford Field on Saturday, March 18th. The domed stadium is sure to provide more great racing as the athletes pass the midpoint of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. Each Supercross round also pays points toward the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship which pits the top Supercross and Motocross racers against one another for two Playoff races and one Final in September. The 450 Class winner will take home a cool one million dollars and go down in the history books as the first champion of the SuperMotocross League. The 250 Class racers will battle for the 250 Class title, with a $500,000 championship payout to the winner of that division and an equal spot in the sport’s history books.
The action from Indianapolis and previous rounds is already available in video highlights at SupercrossLIVE.com. The site also provides story features, race results, racer power rankings, as well as ticket sales to upcoming events. Every Supercross and SuperMotocross event is streamed live on Peacock, with select rounds broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For details and more please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class podium (racers from left) Justin Barcia, Ken Roczen, and Cooper Webb. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
450SX Class Results
1. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki
2. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
6. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
7. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
8. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
9. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
10. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
450SX Class Championship Standings
1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (202)
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (201)
3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (189)
4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (166)
5. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (164)
6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (155)
7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (154)
8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (119)
9. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (93)
10. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (92)
250SX Class podium (racers from left) Nate Thrasher, Hunter Lawrence, and Jordon Smith. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results
1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda
2. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha
3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
4. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
5. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda
6. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
7. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM
9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
Stefano Mesa (137) on his Energica EVA Ribelle RS during a MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan race at Daytona in 2023. Photo courtesy Energica USA.
EXCITING DEBUT FOR MESA AND TYTLERS CYCLE RACING WITH THE EVA RIBELLE RS AT DAYTONA
Tytlers Cycle Racing and Stefano Mesa have completed the opening round of the 2023 Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship by MotoAmerica, with the fast and experienced Colombian rider able to ride the race-ready Energica EVA Ribelle RS to a seventh and a fifth place in the first two races of the series held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Florida, USA.
There was plenty of anticipation for the debut of the first full-time electric-powered effort in the series, and Mesa – who has had his fair share of success on the iconic Daytona high banks over the years – proved to be more than ready for the new challenge.
A successful performance at Daytona was everything but a given, as the lack of previous data at the track or experience with the spec Dunlop tires meant that there were still some unknowns on the overall potential of the Energica race package at the high-speed venue – which layout-wise is surely not the most favorable one for electric motorcycles.
Stefano Mesa (137) on his Energica EVA Ribelle RS during a MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan race at Daytona. Photo courtesy Energica USA.
Despite all of the above, the #137 rider mastered the full power of Energica’s streetfighter machine while getting in the mix with ICE-powered competitors as well as making the most of the instant torque available to his right wrist at the start of the encounter. The Energica EVA Ribelle proved to be a solid package in more than capable hands, and the results achieved have injected further confidence for the upcoming race events.
The Super Hooligan series will now take a break before resuming proceedings for Round two at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington on June 23-25. For more on the Super Hooligan series go to: https://www.superhooligan.com
APRILIA RS 660 TAKES TOP STEP WITH RODIO IN MOTOAMERICA TWINS CUP SEASON OPENER AT DAYTONA
RODIO RACING POWERED BY ROBEM ENGINEERING RIDER NARROWLY MISSES THE DOUBLE, SETTLES FOR SECOND ON SATURDAY, LEAVING FLORIDA WITH AN EARLY CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD
Gus Rodio (96). Photo by Sara Chappell Photos, courtesy Aprilia.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – 12 MARCH 2023 – It was back to winning ways for Aprilia in MotoAmerica Twins Cup on Friday, as Rodio Racing powered by Robem Engineering rider Gus Rodio was victorious in the first series race of 2023. Rodio piloted his Aprilia RS 660 to a victory by a margin of more than eight seconds before nearly claiming a second win on Saturday at the March 9-11 round at Daytona International Speedway.
Rodio’s performance, which included returning to the Saturday race after suffering a mechanical problem, allowed him to amass a nine-point championship lead by the end of the event. Two other Aprilia riders, Rodio’s teammate Ben Gloddy, and Optimum Performance Motorsports’ Jody Barry, put in strong performances at Daytona, though Gloddy’s weekend was cut short due to an unfortunate injury.
The first Twins Cup practice session ended with an Aprilia rider at the top of the time sheet. Rodio put in a best lap of 1:57.671, which was 0.064 seconds faster than the second-best lap time. Two more Aprilia riders finish in the top five, as Barry was the fourth-fastest rider and Gloddy fifth.
The first qualifying session of the event took place later on Thursday. Rodio was again the fastest of the Aprilia riders. He finished the session in fourth place. Gloddy and Barry provisionally qualified in sixth and eighth, respectively.
Qualifying concluded Friday morning with three Aprilia riders having qualified in the top 10. Rodio secured fourth place on the Twins Cup starting grid, while Gloddy and Barry qualified sixth and eighth, respectively.
Friday afternoon saw the first Twins Cup race of 2023 get underway with Rodio quickly working his way up to the race lead by the end of Lap 1. Gloddy also got a good start and had advanced to third place by the end of the first lap. He was running in fourth when another rider crashed heavily in front of him and, despite his best effort, was knocked off his motorcycle and was unable to continue racing. Barry had a sluggish start to the race. He dropped down the running order as far as 12th on Lap 1 before charging forward to sixth place on Lap 3 — which is the position he finished the race in.
Rodio’s pace improved to the rest of the field as the race went on. He was part of a three-rider battle for the race lead until the closing laps, when he steadily increased his lead each lap to take the victory by more than 8.5 seconds.
Gloddy was unable to take part in Saturday’s Race 2 due to an injury he suffered during his crash in Race 1.
The Saturday contest was a trying one for Rodio and his team. As the field began forming up for the start of the race, Rodio pulled into the pits due to a technical problem with his motorcycle and was unable to take the start. As the lone Aprilia in the top 10, Barry put in a solid effort in the race’s early laps. He was running in seventh when the race was stopped on Lap 3 due to a crash.
The race was restarted with the original starting grid, which allowed Rodio to rejoin the race on the lead lap. The start saw Rodio get a good jump off the line and he was back to the race lead by the end of the first lap. Rodio also led Laps 3 and 4 as he and another rider broke away from the rest of the field. While the other rider was able to draft past Rodio on the approach to the finish line, Rodio got the best drive he could onto the east banking and missed out on the win by a mere 0.162 seconds. Barry put in a strong showing in the restarted race but dropped two places on the last lap to seventh and missed out on a top five finish by 0.039 seconds.
Of the 38 riders entered for the MotoAmerica Twins Cup round at Daytona, 15 were registered to ride Aprilia RS 660s.
Gus Rodio / No. 96
“It was an awesome first race of the season. I was able to break away from the pack and win my first Twins Cup race. It was my biggest margin of victory and I’m very happy. In Race 2, I broke away from the pack with another rider and had a race long battle for the lead. I ended up second in a close finish. I’m really happy with this result as I didn’t think we would make it on track due to an issue we had. I’m really excited to get to Atlanta and keep working towards our goals.”
MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup has two races scheduled for the next round, April 21-23, at Road Atlanta. The championship schedule, competitor information and class rules can be found at https://motoamerica.com/.
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC:
SIXTH FOR VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI’S HOBBS AND DISAPPOINTMENT FOR ESCALANTE IN THE 81st DAYTONA 200
BREA, CA – March 12, 2023 – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki left the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing season opener with a top-ten result and a heavy dose of tough luck after missing a potential victory late in the running of the 81st Daytona 200.
MotoAmerica Superbike regular and former MotoAmerica Supersport champion Richie Escalante orchestrated a flawless performance as he negotiated the equally prestigious and arduous race. He guided the Mission Foods Suzuki GSX-R750 at or near the front of the pack deep into the contest, including leading into both scheduled pit stops.
Richie Escalante (54) showed his great race craft but an incident in Turn One took him out of contention. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Seemingly locked in a two-rider race for victory with less than ten laps to go, Escalante was taken out in a collision that occurred when his opponent attempted a tight inside pass in Turn 1 that resulted in a penalty. Despite the ruling in his favor, the incident still instantly erased Escalante’s excellent shot at the victory.
Escalante said, “First of all, I want to thank the team for everything they did for me, from pre-race testing, to qualifying and setting the lap record, to the amazing pit stops during the race. The Mission Foods Suzuki GSX-R750 was fantastic. I thought we performed well in the race, running a particularly good pace. It came down to the last ten laps, and I was trying to separate. There was a racing move, another rider touched my bike, and I crashed. I have a lot of respect for Josh Herrin. He is a former Superbike champion and has won a lot of races. I thought I was the fastest today, but sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes you crash. We didn’t win so I am not 100% happy. I thought we did well all week, but it did not work out the way we wanted in the end. It’s back to work on Monday to get ready for Superbike in Atlanta.”
A couple of short laps later, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Teagg Hobbs came together with a lapped rider while running inside the top five. A resultant red flag provided the team with a shot at redemption after facing complete disaster, and Hobbs took full advantage.
In his first race aboard his GSX-R750, Teagg Hobbs (79) brings home a top ten in Daytona. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Hobbs battled with the lead group in the 10-lap shootout for a victory that followed the stoppage, even leading in its early stages. He gradually lost touch with the drafting war for victory, securing an eventual sixth-place effort in his maiden race aboard the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.
“I came together with another rider, and race officials made me go to medical,” said Hobbs. “I was getting checked out when I saw the team putting my bike back together in pit lane on the screen. After they said I was okay, I put my gear back on and started limping back to the pits, then I borrowed a golf cart and made it back just in time. I was able to get up to the front and lead two laps but the bike and the rider both had some issues resulting from the crash. We got a good result at least. Over the weekend, we made nice progress and got the bike sorted.”
Unfortunately, Tyler Scott’s bid for the win from the front row never really materialized. The prodigious pilot encountered technical issues early and ultimately retired just 14 laps into a scheduled 57 (and actual 62) laps.
Even with some technical issues, Tyler Scott (70) shows that he has the speed for the upcoming MotoAmerica season. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Scott said, “For the start in Turn 1, the bike was good, but we soon had electrical problems. I tried to do the best I could. Eventually, I had to pull off due to safety concerns. It didn’t go the way we wanted but I’m really looking forward to racing the 200 with the team next year and can’t wait for our next race in Atlanta.”
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 345 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
More, from a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:
KYLE WYMAN AND FACTORY HARLEY-DAVIDSON DOMINATE MOTOAMERICA KING OF THE BAGGERS RACE 2 AT DAYTONA SPEEDWAY
Rispoli and Gillim Fill Out an All-H-D Podium; Rispoli Wins Race 1, Leads Championship
Kyle Wyman (33) and his Harley-Davidson Road Glide on the banking at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Harley-Davidson.
MILWAUKEE (March 12, 2023) – Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory rider Kyle Wyman scored a dominating win and topped an all-Harley-Davidson podium in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers race on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Wyman led the entire eight-lap race on the team’s race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Limited motorcycle, crossing the finish line 8.03 seconds ahead of Vance & Hines/Mission Harley-Davidson teammates James Rispoli and Hayden Gillim. Team Saddlemen teammates Cory West and Jake Lewis finished fourth and fifth to complete a top five sweep of the race for Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles.
“I’m so excited that we got our Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycle working so well today,” said Wyman. “This is my first win at Daytona since 2019, and this is such a special place, so a victory here is always special. We had a tough day yesterday, but the entire team just dug in and we had smooth sailing today. You can think of so many scenarios that could happen going into this weekend, but you could not predict either one of these days. It’s a nice way to end the weekend at Daytona. I’m ready to take this momentum to Atlanta.”
On Thursday, Kyle Wyman topped King of the Baggers qualifying with a record-breaking best lap of 1:51.98 on the 3.510-mile Daytona road course. On Friday, Kyle looked strong in winning the King of the Baggers Challenge three-lap dash-for-cash race by 1.96 seconds. The Friday King of the Baggers race was a disappointment for the team, as both Kyle Wyman and his brother and teammate, Travis Wyman, retired with mechanical problems while leading the race respectively. Rispoli won that race on his Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide, beating his teammate Gillim to the line by 0.089 seconds. Factory Indian racer Tyler O’Hara finished third. Team Saddlemen racer Cory West Finished fourth on his Harley-Davidson Road Glide.
On Saturday, Kyle Wyman signaled that he was riding the bike to beat after demolishing his qualifying time with a new lap record 1:50.56 time in the warm-up session, going almost two seconds quicker around the course than anyone. In Saturday’s race, Wyman had a fast lap of 1:50.86 and was never challenged. Unfortunately, his teammate Travis Wyman was knocked out of the race early with a mechanical issue.
After two of 14 rounds in the 2023 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series, Vance & Hines racer Rispoli leads the championship with 45 points, followed his teammate Gillim with 36 points. Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson rider Cory West sits third with 26 points, and Harley-Davidson factory rider Kyle Wyman is in fourth place with 25 points. Team Saddlemen’s Jake Lewis is tied for fifth with Factory Indian racer Tyler O’Hara with 21 points.
8. Jeremy McWilliams (Ind) Progressive/Mission Foods
9. Max Flinders (Ind) M3/Revolution Performance
10. Danny Eslick (H-D) Nowaskey Extreme Performance
Harley-Davidson invites you to kick off the 2023 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers season with some adrenaline pumping action. Check out, ‘Push the Limit,’ a film that shares the story of defending 2021 champion Kyle Wyman, teammate Travis Wyman and the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle race team’s 2022 championship pursuit. Watch it now on Harley-Davidson’s YouTube channel.
Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul. Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring, Sport, Adventure Touring, Cruiser and Trike motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson MotorClothes and gear, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
The motorcycle parking area Thursday night at the American Flat Track (AFT) Daytona Short Track I at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy AFT.
Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) Championship Series
Postponed Daytona Short Track II
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach, Florida
March 11, 2023
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 4 laps
2. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -00.681 seconds
3. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -02.049
4. Trent Lowe (Hon), -02.699
Provisional Mission SuperTwins #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 4 laps
2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.148 seconds
3. Jared Mees (Ind), -00.458
4. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -01.411
Provisional Astro Invitational Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Ronnie Jones (Bul), 10 laps
2. Garth Brow (Bul), -03.694 seconds
3. Charles Roberts (Bul), -07.511
4. Dominic Beaulac (Bul), -07.878
5. Wyatt Campbell (Bul), -08.744
6. Jackie Mitchell (Bul), -10.970
7. Kris Weiss (Bul), -12.411
8. Rick Reed (Bul), -21.165
9. Greg Scalf (Bul), -1 lap
10. Jeffrey Hiers (Bul), -1 lap, -05.030
11. Jerry Lacy (Bul), -1 lap, -21.923
12. Robby-Bobby McLendon (Bul), -5 laps, DNF
13. Charles Williams (Bul), -10 laps, DNF
14. Chris Boone (Bul), -10 laps, DNF
15. Lucien Marioneaux (Bul), -10 laps, DNF
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 22 laps
2. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -05.439 seconds
3. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -06.539
4. Trent Lowe (Hon), -06.623
5. Max Whale (KTM), -08.830
6. Justin Jones (KTM), -11.607
7. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -11.798
8. Andrew Luker (Yam), -13.468
9. James Ott (Hus), -13.883
10. Logan Eisenhard (KTM), -15.350
11. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -15.744
12. Cole Zabala (Hon), -16.283
13. Tom Drane (Yam), -16.620
14. Chad Cose (Hus), -17.851
15. Travis Petton (KTM), -1 lap
16. Hunter Bauer (KTM), -1 lap, -02.579
17. Clarke Morian (KTM), -1 lap, -06.022
18. Tanner Dean (KTM), -9 laps, DNF
19. Gerard Bailo (Hon), -22 laps, DNF
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 34 laps
2. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -02.069 seconds
3. Davis Fisher (Ind), -02.503
4. Jared Mees (Ind), -03.191
5. JD Beach (Yam), -03.765
6. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -04.847
7. Briar Bauman (KTM), -09.253
8. Sammy Halbert (Yam), -10.679
9. Kayl Kolkman (Yam), -11.198
10. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -11.383
11. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -13.477
12. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -13.595
13. Dan Bromley (Yam), -13.991
14. Ben Lowe (Ind), -15.041
15. Cameron Smith (Kaw), -15.113
16. Billy Ross (Ind), -17.798
17. Mitch Harvat (Kaw), -1 lap
18. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -2 laps
19. Ryan Wells (Roy), -2 laps, -06.175
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Daniels, Kopp Pull Off Double Doubles at DAYTONA Short Track II
Jarod Vanderkooi (20) and Dallas Daniels (32) battle for the lead in the AFT SuperTwins race at Daytona Short Track II. Photo courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 11, 2023) – Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) kicked off his 2023 Progressive American Flat Track championship campaign in near-perfect fashion, completing the second half of the season-opening double win with another sensational ride in Saturday night’s DAYTONA Short Track II presented by Daytona Dodge at the Flat Track at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Daniels was already a legitimate title contender as a rookie a year ago. Early indications suggest he’s that much stronger now with a year’s Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle experience under his belt.
The Estenson Racing Yamaha ace got away off the line in third, running in close quarters behind early leader Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) and Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750), with Thursday runner-up Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) right in his tracks.
Robinson made an early exit from the fight for the win, getting into the airfence and losing several positions in the process. Daniels slipped up the inside of Mees a little less than three minutes into the ten-minute-plus-two-lap Main to take over second, just as Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) closed in to make it four-rider fight at the front again.
Daniels then spent the next four minutes stalking Vanderkooi, looking up the inside and around outside, while generally applying the sort of pressure that might just open a door straight through. He finally found the gap he was looking for with 3:30 minutes remaining on the clock, striking up the inside as the leaders encountered a wave of lapped riders.
Daniels met little resistance once into the lead, stretching out an advantage that finalized as a 2.069-second margin of victory in the end.
“It was tough – Jarod was running a really good race,” Daniels said. “He was being patient – he was really easy on the throttle and wasn’t making any mistakes. I had to search. I wanted to sit there for a little bit. After I got off the line, I was all right with where I was, and I was paying attention to everything. I wanted to stalk him for a while, but then it was time to go.
“A double at Daytona is crazy. It’s unbelievable. A big thanks to the whole Estenson Monster Energy Yamaha team. We had a great year last year, and to start off the year with two wins in Daytona is insane.”
Shortly after Daniels took over the lead, Fisher slashed his way past Mees to complete the “new guard” podium line-up in third, joining winner Daniels and second-placed Vanderkooi.
Reigning champ Mees came away with his second fourth of the double-opener – a marked upgrade over how his prospects may have looked earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Daniels’ teammate, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), logged a second fifth.
Robinson recovered well enough from his early drama to finish in sixth, one spot ahead of Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke), who was forced to claw his way up to seventh from outside the top ten.
Four-time DAYTONA ST winner Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/Castrol Yamaha MT-07), privateer Kayl Kolkman (No 98 B&L Plumbing/Rod Lake Yamaha MT-07), and Royal Enfield factory man Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) completed the top ten.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) doubled up in Daytona, delivering a second dose of domination on Saturday night.
Clearly in a class of his own at the venue, Kopp pulled off another sweep, repeating his Thursday trick of topping practice, qualifying, his Heat, the Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge, and most importantly, the Main Event.
Kopp successfully weaved his way through the opening lap chaos to secure the lead three turns into the race. And while Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) did everything in his power to cling onto Kopp’s rear wheel, a little more than a minute in, the race for victory was effectively over.
Kopp ultimately worked his advantage up to over five seconds before taking a drama-free checkered flag.
“It’s just two for 18,” Kopp said. “We’ve got 16 more rounds, so there’s a lot more work to do. You can’t judge a season off two races at a track that really suits my style. I grew up riding a lot of indoors in the Pacific Northwest, and this was kinda like that. Thanks to my whole Red Bull KTM crew – this is a dream way to start the season for sure.”
After losing touch with the leader, Saathoff was gradually reeled in by ‘22 championship runner-up Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), who first had to fight his way past Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Justin Jones (No. 91 NRC Racing/Elder Trucking KTM 450 SX-F) to slide into third.
Gauthier and Saathoff then swapped the second spot back and forth, squaring one another up in quick succession before the charging Gauthier finally stole the position away for good.
Saathoff held on for the final spot on the box by a scant 0.084 seconds despite having to fend off a late challenge from new Turner Honda teammate Lowe.
Kopp’s teammate, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), battled past the impressive Jones to complete the top five.
Next Up:
The world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series makes its first-ever trip to Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia, for the inaugural Yamaha Senoia Short Track on Saturday, March 25. Visit https://www.tixr.com/promoters/americanflattrack to secure your tickets today.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 from the DAYTONA Short Track I on March 18 at 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT) and DAYTONA Short Track II on March 19 at 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT).
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
Bagnaia hits back, Marini close, Aprilia unleash new aero: that’s a wrap on Day 1!
The reigning Champion deposes the king of the pre-season so far, with Viñales hot on their heels on Saturday
Saturday, 11 March 2023
The curtain has come down on the penultimate day of MotoGP™ pre-season testing, and it’s a familiar name on top as reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took over late on. Pecco deposed thus-far King of Pre-Season Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as the number 10 was forced to settle for second, with Aprilia Racing’s Maverick Viñales rounding out the top three on a fully dry, action-packed Saturday.
Luca Marini (10). Photo courtesy Dorna.
DUCATI, VR46, GRESINI & PRAMAC
Bagnaia was the fastest by the end of play, the reigning Champion hitting back against Marini after the number 10 was fastest for much of the day. Bagnaia’s advantage was just over two tenths, with new teammate Enea Bastianini outside the top ten in P17 on Day 1… but it’s unlikely that’s much to worry about. He worked a lot on used tyres and had a couple of technical niggles to overcome early on, before a crash ended his action early, rider ok.
Both sides of the Ducati Lenovo Team garage now look set – both have the updated aero and Bagnaia continued with the downwash ducts rather than the “ground effect” fairings seen previously. Bastianini was the same. The single wingnut setup on the left handlebar, used for the holeshot, was on all machines.
Back to Marini, and the Italian’s super run in pre-season kept rolling on the penultimate day. He was second, with teammate Marco Bezzecchi in seventh. Marini was also grinning after competing with Bagnaia and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) for top honours. Meanwhile, Gresini Racing MotoGP™’s Ducati newcomer Alex Marquez slotted into fourth as he continues to impress, and his teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio ended the day in P9. Diggia suffered a crash and headed to local hospital for a further check up.
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Completing the top ten was Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). He was seen with a different chassis, one that’s been spotted before and could be part of an ongoing experiment from Ducati. The number 89, meanwhile, went the opposite way to the factory duo elsewhere – putting in a whole lot of laps with the ground effect fairings. Teammate Johann Zarco was P13, not far off Martin by the end of Day 1. He had a different front fairing and air intake to the rest, and the “wings” were a little different too. The Frenchman was the only Ducati with this setup, previously tested by Michele Pirro last season.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.
APRILIA & RNF
Aero updates and innovations were the name of the game down in the Aprilia Racing garage. The Noale factory had a few small aero pieces, including a wing bolted onto the swingarm, some wings that are attached to the front forks and an improved rear wing.
A glance at the timesheets makes for pretty reading for them too. Viñales was a consistent threat at the summit, as was Miguel Oliveira (RNF MotoGP™ Team). The Portuguese rider has been given a few Aprilia goodies to test in Portimao, one noticeable one being some aero that hangs off the side of the front wheel.
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Oliveira ended the day in P6, one place behind an upbeat Raul Fernandez (RNF MotoGP™ Team), who took a little longer to pounce up towards the pointy end of the timesheets, but heading into the final couple of hours climbed to P5. That made it three Aprilias inside the top six, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) ending Saturday’s action in P11.
Both the Spaniard and teammate Viñales crashed in the early hours of testing, and Espargaro explained to us during After The Flag that he hurt the ankle he damaged at Silverstone in the small off. The number 41 admitted he also struggled with arm pump on Saturday, “not a disaster”, but far from ideal.
Alongside Ducati, Aprilia appear to be the factory that are looking most comfortable heading into the final day of testing. Fernandez and Oliveira’s speed will be a massive boost… or threat, depending where you sit on pitwall.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Dorna.
YAMAHA
The most notable upgrade we saw in the Yamaha box on Day 1 was a radical new piece of aero on one of Franco Morbidelli’s (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) bikes. As seen in the picture below – there’s a new set of wings just above the sidepod and below the standard set of wings. Morbidelli was also continuing to lap with two different chassis that he has available.
A close-up of a new fairing on Franco Morbidelli’s Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In Fabio Quartararo’s (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) corner, both of his YZR-M1s were fitted with Yamaha’s larger aero, suggesting that’s the direction he prefers. The 2021 World Champion was trying different front-end set-ups as he explores what can be done with the bike now the aero is – seemingly – decided.
A late time attack saw Quartararo climb up to eighth, 0.8s away from the top, with Morbidelli finishing P21 having completed 95 laps – five more than Quartararo. A very busy day for the Iwata factory, with another coming up on Sunday.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA & LCR
Lots of things were going on at HRC as they tried to finalise the directions they want to be taking in 2023. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was doing a lot of work on Honda’s updated wings and air intake, as well as a new chassis that has been brought to the Portimao Test.
The number 93 suffered a small crash during the afternoon, but the eight-time World Champion was perfectly ok. A P19 finish doesn’t make for outwardly positive reading, but 78 laps suggests it was a day of working things out – and yet more proof the fitness is there. Marquez confirmed the afternoon rhythm was disrupted by testing “big concepts”, so Sunday’s outing will be focused on getting the best out of what Honda already have.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.
14th place Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) was also giving Honda’s new chassis a good runout. The 2020 World Champion admitted he didn’t feel great on Day 1 and struggled a bit – and a crash didn’t help in the afternoon. Fast corners and power delivery are the main areas of improvement for Mir ahead of the final day.
Regarding the chassis, LCR Honda duo Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) had the older chassis fitted to both their RC213Vs. Rins ended the day as the fastest Honda in P11 and having not much in the way of new parts to try, the two-time 2022 race winner has been focusing on continuing his adaptation to the new bike. It looks like a step forward has been made.
Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM & GASGAS TECH3
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder was the lead KTM on Day 1, in P15, but he had close company from new teammate Jack Miller just behind him. The visible work going on was centered on aero, with each having one bike with the “ground effect” fairing and the downwash ducts and one bike with only the “ground effect” fairing.
It sounded like the Austrian factory overall has switched to the engine that sounded different in Sepang, with that overheard once again.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
At GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, Pol Espargaro was down the timesheets but likewise had the aero split seen at Red Bull KTM, and his teammate Augusto Fernandez likewise. For the first time, the two GASGAS riders also had the same chassis, and Fernandez was a little closer as he prepares to face down his first race weekend in MotoGP™.
That’s a wrap on Day 1, there’s just one more day of track action standing between the field and the first race weekend of the year. Come back for more on Sunday and enjoy the final After the Flag pre-season show with a VideoPass trial, and join the Tech Group to stay on top off all the updates from pitlane.
Track action runs from 9:30 GMT to 17:30 GMT on the final day of action – see you there!
The original start of the 81st Daytona 200 with Josh Herrin (1) leading Danny Eslick (69), PJ Jacobsen (66), Richie Escalante (54), Tyler Scott (70), Geoff May (99), and the rest through Turn One. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
If you watched the 81st Daytona 200 MotoAmerica Supersport race and were confused about how the restarted race was handled and how the final results were determined you are not alone.
Many riders and paddock veterans also expressed confusion on several aspects of the restarted race and its finish, but the fact is MotoAmerica followed the wording in its published rules to the letter. Here is an explanation of some key points.
The red flag.
On lap 53 of 57, Danny Eslick, Teagg Hobbs, and Jason Waters came together at the International Horseshoe with Hobbs and Waters crashing. The location of the crash forced Race Control to stop the race with the red flag so workers could safely access and deal with the crash scene.
The length of the restart.
The leaders of the race had completed 52 of 57 scheduled laps when the race was stopped. In the 2023 Daytona 200 and Supersport Extended Race Supplemental Regulations, it states that if the Daytona 200 is stopped after more than three laps and less than 53 laps are completed, the race will be restarted for a second race and the distance of the second/restarted race will be enough to complete the original race distance of 57 laps and “shall not be less than ten (10) laps.”
As a result, the 2023 Daytona 200 was actually the Daytona 217.62 – 62 laps x 3.51 miles. According to 1972 Daytona 200 winner and Daytona 200 historian Don Emde, this was the longest Daytona 200 race.
How riders who were one or more laps down before the red flag were classified on the lead lap for the restart.
Only riders who finished 75% (39 laps in this case) of the original race and were actively competing at the time of the red-flag stoppage were eligible to compete in the second/restarted race. The grid positions were determined according to the finishing order of the first/stopped race, according to the rules, and “The final race classification will be established according to the position and the number of laps of each rider at the time he crossed the finish line at the end of the last part of the race.”
In short, this means that the second/restarted race was a new race only open to riders who had completed 39 laps of the original race and were still actively competing when that original race was stopped.
The time penalties assessed to Blake Davis (15 seconds), Kevin Nolde (15 seconds x 2), and Brandon Paasch (15 seconds) for speeding on pit lane during the first portion of the race.
Again, in the rules it clearly states, in bold: “Riders receiving a time penalty in the first race will have the penalty applied only to the finish of the final race.”
So, even though the second/restarted race was considered a new race with everyone on the lead lap again, Davis, Nolde, and Paasch were still assessed time penalties they incurred in the stopped/first race.
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