American Flat Track: Race Results From Springfield Mile I (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) Championship

Springfield Mile I

Springfield, Illinois

September 2, 2023

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Jared Mees (Ind), 25 laps

2. Briar Bauman (KTM), -0.340 second

3. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -4.348 seconds

4. JD Beach (Yam), -4.412

5. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -5.734

6. Davis Fisher (Ind), -5.992

7. Ben Lowe (Ind), -15.060

8. Jarod Vanderkooi (KTM), -15.371

9. Henry Wiles (Ind), -17.820

10. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -18.200

11. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -24.325

12. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -24.445

13. Brandon Price (Yam), -24.508

14. Dan Bromley (Yam), -35.357

15. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -36.758

16. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -9 laps, DNF

17. Cameron Smith (Yam), -10 laps, DNF

18. Ryan Wells (Roy), -12 laps, DNF

19. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -17 laps, DNF

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 18 laps

2. Tom Drane (Yam), -0.010 second

3. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -0.092

4. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -0.486

5. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -0.638

6. Declan Bender (KTM), -0.676

7. James Ott (Hus), -5.500 seconds

8. Trent Lowe (Hon), -5.505

9. Max Whale (KTM), -5.609

10. Chad Cose (Hus), -5.742

11. Travis Petton (KTM), -7.605

12. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -7.857

13. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), -8.736

14. Tarren Santero (Hon), -8.947

15. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -14.359

16. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -14.571

17. Tyler Raggio (Yam), -14.692

18. Jared Lowe (Hon), -26.114

19. Jordan Jean (Hon), -8 laps, DNF

More, from a press release issued by AFT:

Mees Closes on Crown, Kopp Defends Title with Springfield Mile I Triumphs

Jared Mees (1) leading the field at Springfield Mile I. Photo courtesy AFT.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 2, 2023) – Reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) took a huge step toward yet another premier-class crown with a triumphant performance in the Mission Springfield Mile I presented by Drag Specialties.

While fans of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, flocked to the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, in anticipation of a showdown for Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle supremacy featuring Mees and challenger Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Saturday’s contest instead delivered a flashback to Grand National Championships past.

As it was, Mees was pushed to the checkered flag by long-time rival Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) after the two shook free from a six-rider pack to decide the race between them. The factory Indian star dug in with two laps remaining and ripped open a late 0.340-second margin as he moved that much closer to completing another successful title defense.

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) finished third after coming on strong in the early going, running around the outside of Daniels, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Bauman, and Mees in quick succession to briefly claim the lead three minutes into the race.

Robinson then ran in close formation with Mees and Bauman before fading to a distant third over the final five minutes, ultimately surviving a last-gasp assault from Beach to claim final place on the podium.

Meanwhile, for the first – and least opportune – time this season, Daniels simply lacked podium pace. He did what he could to cling on to the lead group but was dropped from contention by the race’s halfway point. From there forward, it became all about damage limitation, which he managed by fending off Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) for fifth position.

Even so, what had been a one-point championship deficit is now 11 (367-356). As Mees holds the tiebreaker, that means even if Daniels turns his fortunes around overnight and wins on Sunday, Mees needs only finish sixth or better to add yet another championship trophy to his already expansive collection.

While nothing is guaranteed, that seems like a relatively modest task for the winner of six of the last Springfield Miles.

After claiming his ninth victory of the year, Mees said, “It was the most technical Springfield Mile I’ve ever raced. There wasn’t much grip out there, and you really had to let the motorcycle hook up. If you got just a little bit excited you buzzed it up. Honestly, it’s probably the very first Springfield Mile that you were better off leading the race because you could be timid, and if the guy behind you wanted to wick it up, it would spin up.

“I’ve got a phenomenal team, and we’re working really hard to get this thing done… It feels really good, but there’s one more tomorrow. Anything can happen, and we’ve got to bring it.”

Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) finished seventh just ahead of KTM-mounted Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Wally Brown Racing/JMC Motorsports KTM 790 Duke), while Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750) and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) completed the top ten.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) had every opportunity to cruise around to a safe fifth, which is all he needed to do to successfully defend his Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER title. Instead, he orchestrated a breathtaking 0.010-second victory to lock down the #1 plate for the second consecutive year in supreme style.

Kopp ran third for much of the race, tucked in close behind a back-and-forth dogfight waged by fellow prodigies Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).

The reigning champ began to slot into second here and there as the minutes ticked away. With two minutes to go, the race bunched up to a six-rider affair as second-ranked Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), rookie ace Declan Bender (No. 216 Killer Bee Racing/Luczak Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and veteran pilot Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) all closed to within striking distance.

But even in close quarters, the battle for victory still looked to be decided between Drane and Saathoff. Drane led to open the final lap, Saathoff powered by as they navigated Turn 2, and Drane dove back into the lead entering 3. But right there was Kopp in the shadow of the Australian, perfectly positioned to pounce as they sprinted to the line.

Kopp pulled out of the draft and nudged ahead by inches at the last possible moment. The 0.01-second victory saw the factory Red Bull KTM star simultaneously become just the category’s second two-time champion, earn his first-career Mile triumph, and match Dallas Daniels’ class single-season victory record with his eighth win on the year.

“I don’t even know what to say,” said Kopp. “It’s no secret that the KTM team was struggling on the Miles this year, but we’ve got some guys in our corner that don’t give up. The guys on the team want to win as badly as I do, and they built us a heck of a runner this weekend. Second championship… I’m speechless. It’s insane.”

Drane came away with his ninth podium in his last 11 attempts in second, while Saathoff will carry his pursuit of a maiden victory over to Sunday after finishing third, just 0.092 seconds off the Saturday win.

Brunner and Mischler rounded out the top five, finishing just ahead of Bender, who made a huge push for Rookie of the Year honors by finishing sixth, less than seven-tenths back of Kopp in first.

While Kopp has now clinched the crown with 333 points, the fight for second is yet to be decided. Brunner stands a mere four points ahead of his Estenson Racing teammate Drane (289-285) for the honor, while Saathoff holds an outside shot himself at 270.

Next Up:

The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will conclude with Sunday’s Mission Springfield Mile II presented by Drag Specialties at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/meespromotions/events/springfield-mile-ii-61313 to reserve your tickets now.

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 of Mission Springfield Mile I & II presented by Drag Specialties featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere back-to-back on FS1 on Sunday, September 10, starting at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

KODY KOPP AND RED BULL KTM CLINCH SECOND-STRAIGHT AFT SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SPRINGFIELD MILE VICTORY

Round 17 – American Flat Track Championship

Kody Kopp, after winning his second straight AFT Singles Championship. Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp has clinched a second-consecutive AFT Singles Championship with a round to spare, after charging to his eighth American Flat Track Main Event victory of the 2023 season on Saturday at the Springfield Mile double-header.

In what has been a dominant season onboard his KTM 450 SX-F, Kopp has raced to a total of eight race wins across the 17 rounds contested, with one more race to run in Springfield tomorrow. This year’s title marks the Washington native’s second crown in just three seasons since stepping up to the AFT Singles ranks, with the 18-year-old once again displaying his winning form by sealing the championship on top of the podium.

Requiring a 10th-place finish or better to secure the 2023 title, Kopp demonstrated true championship caliber as he posted the third-fastest qualifying time, before racing to P3 in his Heat Race. After starting the Main Event from the second row of the grid, the defending champion put any pressure of earning back-to-back titles out of his mind, slicing his way through the field and eventually edging his way into P1, which is where he would take the checkered flag by just 0.010s for his eighth win of the season and another AFT Singles Championship.

Kody Kopp: “We were in the hunt all day long here in Springfield! We entered with a new motor that the team back at the shop have been working on and I’d say that’s the strongest Mile motor I’ve ever ridden with in my life. We put ourselves in a good position, I knew what was needed for the championship, although I wanted there to be no questions asked, so we ended up going out there and winning the thing. It feels amazing to match Dallas [Daniels] on total single season wins with eight, and then to also wrap up another championship. We’ll charge for another win tomorrow, but we will soak this in first! A massive thank you to the team for giving me all the tools necessary all season long to get the job done.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Max Whale endured a difficult day out in Springfield, with the Australian posting a P5 result in qualifying. After experiencing an unfortunate non-finish during his Heat Race, Whale qualified into the Main Event through the LCQ, which resulted in a poor starting position for the 18-lap affair.

Equipped with his KTM 450 SX-F, Whale put in an impressive charge through the pack, powering his way to ninth place by race’s end, despite the one-lined nature of the circuit, and he maintains fifth-place in the 2023 season standings.

Max Whale: “I felt really good here in Springfield. The bike was awesome as soon as we hit the track and I was running up front in all sessions, before an issue in the Heat Race sent me to the LCQ. I fought from the back of the grid in the LCQ to second, and then in the Main Event I was way back with the grid position, but tried as hard as I could and managed to come back to ninth place. We’ve been trying all season long, so we’ll line up and give it another shot tomorrow!”

Next Race: Springfield Mile II – Springfield, IL – September 3, 2023

Round 17 Results

AFT Singles Main Event

1. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

2. Tom Drane, Yamaha

3. Chase Saathoff, Honda

OTHER KTM

6. Declan Bender, KTM

9. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

11. Travis Petton IV, KTM

12. Dalton Gauthier, KTM

13. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings

1. Kody Kopp, 333 points

2. Trevor Brunner, 289

3. Tom Drane, 285

OTHER KTM

5. Max Whale, 255

7. Dalton Gauthier, 243

11. Travis Petton IV, 106

15. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 76

19. Declan Bender, 52

20. Logan Eisenhard, 43

22. Tanner Dean, 27

26. Landen Smith, 15

27. Hayden Gillim, 14

28. Olin Kissler, 14

30. Clarke Morian V, 12

MotoAmerica: Mission Mini Cup By Motul Race Results From NJMP (Updated)

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Mission Mini Cup By Motul Race Results From NJMP (Updated)

The MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Presented by Motul series held four rounds of racing Saturday on the kart track at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), in Millville, New Jersey. This was a makeup round for an event from earlier this season that was postponed due to inclement weather.

Race winners included: Beastmode Racing’s Christian Berlowitz (Stock 50 Race One and Four), Jacobsen Motorcycle Training/Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt (Stock 125 Race One, Two, Three, and Four), Ryan Clark Racing’s Ryan Clark (Stock 110 Race One, Two, and Three), Alpha Omega’s Ryder Davis (190 Ohvale Race One, Two, Three, and Four), Stadler America’s Nathan Gouker (160 Ohvale Race Three and Four), WrenchRite Racing’s Joel Laub (Stock 110 Race Four), American Racing’s Connor Raymond (160 Ohvale Race One), Historic GP’s Mahdi Salem (160 Ohvale Race Two), and Cory Texter Racing/Roof Systems’ Cruise Texter (Stock 50 Race Two and Three).

Below are PDFs of the race results. The first PDF shows the Race One results for each of the five classes, the second PDF shows the Race Two results for each class, etc. Use the scroll and zoom tools in the PDFs to better see the results.

23_8_NJMPMC_MCP_R1_res
23_8_NJMPMC_MCP_R2_res
23_8_NJMPMC_MCP_R3_res
23_8_NJMPMC_MCP_R4_res

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Action Aplenty In Make-Up Mini Cup Round At New Jersey Motorsports

The Minis Are Back In Action At NJMP In Advance Of The Season Finale In New Jersey

MILLVILLE, NJ (September 3, 2023) – The make-up round for the previously rained-out MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup by Motul and FIM Mini Cup races at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) from July 15-16 were held on Saturday, September 2 at NJMP with three different riders tasting victory in the Ohvale 160 classes while one rider dominated the four Ohvale 190 races.

It was Alpha Omega’s Ryder Davis who stood above the rest after winning both of the Mission Mini Cup by Motul Ohvale 190 races while also taking victories in the pair of FIM Mini Cup Ohvale 190 finals. American Racing’s Joshua Raymond played second fiddle in the two Mission Mini Cup races and also finished second in the two FIM 190 races. American Racing’s Connor Raymond finished third in all four 190 races.

Davis holds down a 45-point lead in the FIM 190 point standings over Raymond and a 55-point lead over Joshua Raymond in the Mission Mini Cup by Motul standings.

The Ohvale 160 races had a bit more parity with Connor Raymond, Historic GP’s Mahdi Salem and Stadler America’s Nathan Gouker all scoring victories on Saturday.

Raymond and Salem split wins in the FIM Mini Cup Ohvale 160 races with Gouker winning the pair of Mission Mini Cup by Motul 160 races. Gouker leads the FIM point standings by just nine points over Salem going into the series finale, September 22-24, at NJMP. In the Mission Mini Cup by Motul title chase, Gouker is 69 points clear of Reese Frankenfield.

In Stock 125 action, Jacobsen Motorcycle Training/Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt won all four races to improve his perfect race-win record to 20 victories in a row. Sinister Minis Squad’s Logan Barrow, meanwhile, made his Stock 125 debut a successful one with four second-place finishes on the day. Bettencourt has a perfect 500 points on his 2023 scorecard.

Two riders came away with victories in the Stock 110 class with Ryan Clark Racing’s Ryan Clark taking three of the four wins only to be topped in the final race by WrenchRite Racing’s Joel Laub. Varnes Racing’s Cole Varnes and Cole Peterman split third-place finishes on the day with two apiece.

The Stock 50 races featured two wins by Beastmode Racing’s Christian Berlowitz and two wins by runaway championship points leader Cruise Texter. Cory Texter Racing/Roof Systems-backed Texter holds a 121-point lead heading into the finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

The Mission Mini Cup by Motul series will complete its season, September 22-24, at New Jersey Motorsports Park in conjunction with the series finale of the MotoAmerica Championship.

Canadian Superbike: Dion And Szoke Part Ways

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Dion And Szoke Part Ways

Kawasaki confirms Szoke, Dion split ahead of SMP finale

Toronto, ON – The much-anticipated factory Kawasaki program of Jordan Szoke and Trevor Dion has come to an early end, as the two have finalized plans to run a separate effort at the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship finale in Shannonville later this month.

The split has been described as amicable, with both parties agreeing to go in their own direction for round five of the GP Bikes Pro Superbike class and beyond.

Szoke will maintain the status quo aboard his factory ZX-10R Ninja machine, though with a change in sponsorship as he continues with the official Canadian Kawasaki program from SMP. The 14-time champion currently sits fifth in the overall standings, scoring a podium in round one.

The biggest change comes for Dion, who will remain mounted on Kawasaki machinery for the season finale but now as a privateer with continued support from LDS Consultants.

The 21-year-old will run a privately owned 2019 ZX-10R Ninja in the feature Superbike category, a bike he has tested on throughout the 2023 campaign between national rounds, but perhaps more notably will also return to the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike grid for the season finale.

Dion won the Sport Bike championship a year ago aboard a privateer LDS Consultants Kawasaki, becoming the first rookie in class history to do so and the third-youngest champion ever, before joining forces with Szoke prior to this season for his first full Superbike effort.

While it’s been a frustrating year at times for the feature class rookie, sitting eleventh in the overall standings, Dion has shown flashes of brilliance – including a podium finish at Grand Bend – and remains in the thick of the Brooklin Cycle Racing Pro Rookie of the Year battle, trailing John Fraser and Paul Macdonell by only eight points.

Both Dion and Szoke will continue to play a pivotal role in the Constructors Championship for Kawasaki, where the brand looks to erase their 32-point deficit to Yamaha for third in the overall standings.

Jordan Szoke will continue with the official Kawasaki program at the CSBK series finale at Shannonville Motorsport Park two weeks from now. Photo by Rob O'Brien, photo courtesy CSBK. — Jordan Szoke will continue with the official Kawasaki program at the CSBK series finale at Shannonville Motorsport Park two weeks from now. Photo by Rob O’Brien, photo courtesy CSBK.

Aside from his changing Superbike plans, Dion’s return to the Sport Bike class will be his first appearance since capturing his #1 plate at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park a year ago – a number he’ll now get to put on his ZX-6R Ninja machine.

“Having earned it last season, I’m pretty excited to be able to run the number-one plate at a national event, even if it’s for only one round,” Dion said. “Obviously Superbike is still going to be my main focus of the weekend, but I’m excited to hop on a Sport Bike again and have some fun after having some of the best races of my career in that class last season.”

The reigning champ won’t be able to defend his title but could play a significant role in deciding the 2023 crown, where David MacKay currently leads Matt Simpson by just 16 points. Ironically, it was MacKay who came closest to Dion one year ago, losing out on the championship by just eight points after a last-round comeback fell short.

The final round of the Bridgestone CSBK season is scheduled for September 15-17 at Shannonville Motorsport Park, just east of Belleville, Ontario, with a Superbike tripleheader on tap to decide the 2023 crown.

MotoE: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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MotoE: World Championship Race Results From Catalunya

MotoE R1
MotoE R2
MotoE Points

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Race 1: Mantovani denies Casadei, last lap drama for Torres

The RNF rider grabs the win from Casadei after last lap contact between the number 40 and the Championship leader

Andrea Mantovani (9) won MotoE Race One. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 02 September 2023

Classic last-lap action at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya saw a determined Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) snatch victory in Race 1, taking his second win of the season in style. Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) led the way on the last lap but made contact early on that lap with title rival Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team), dropping Torres down to P7 as Casadei duelled Mantovani. Ultimately, Casadei was able to close in on Torres’ Championship lead with an important 2nd place, with Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) fully in the mix as well as he rounded out the podium.

The lights went out for Race 1 in Barcelona and it was poleman Torres that led the way through Turn 1, but the Championship leader had Casadei glued to his rear wheel. The battle was about to commence and the heat was soon turned right up for the front four as Torres, Casadei, Mantovani, and Garzo scrapped it out for the top spots and the last lap quickly came around.

The drama then unfolded at Turn 1: Casadei was desperate to hit the front ahead of Torres and the Italian moved ahead of the Spaniard, taking a tight defensive line into the corner. That saw the title-fighting duo cross paths, forcing Torres to sit up and run on at Turn 1. He slotted back in, but the fight for the win was done.

Casadei led the way but it was Mantovani’s time to shine as he pushed his way past his compatriot to take an incredible victory, with Garzo forced to watch on in third. Ferrari came home in fourth, ahead of Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) and Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™), whol held on in front of Torres.

Race 2: Casadei takes huge title boost as Torres crashes out

The Italian took victory to snatch the Championship lead from Torres, with pulling 21 points clear with just one round remaining

Mattia Casadei (40) won MotoE Race Two at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) now leads the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship by 21 points after an intense fight for victory ended with another win, and just as title rival Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) made a first mistake of the year with a crash out of contention. Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) took second in Race 2, just pipped by Casadei, as Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) got back on the podium with a stunning final corner move on Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™).

With just one round remaining, Casadei now has the upper hand but the title could still go one of three ways as Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) now sits one point behind Torres.

Casadei meant business as the lights went out in Barcelona for the second time, and the Italian got the perfect launch as he led Mantovani and the at-the-time Championship leader Torres through Turn 1. Casadei kept the lead as the race began to settle but had a fight on his hands with his closest Championship rival, Torres, as the duo swapped paintwork and both took turns leading the way. There was a gaggle of riders following the leaders though as Race 2 became a group battle for glory.

The final couple of laps came around quickly, and that’s when the drama hit: a small mistake for Torres had big Championship consequences as he suddenly crashed out of the lead at Turn 5. That left Casadei to battle it out with Mantovani and that he did, muscling into the lead on the final lap and Mantovani unable to launch a late attack.

Not so Spinelli, as the number 29 channeled the number 46 and pulled off a final corner wonder to take third and get back on the podium, picking Garzo’s pocket right at the flag.

Ferrari was forced to settle for fifth in Race 2 but still moves to within a single point of Torres in the standings. However, the two are now both more than 20 points adrift of Casadei, and Misano is right around the corner. Tune in for the deciding season finale at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini!

MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Catalunya

Aleix Espargaro won the MotoGP World Championship Sprint Race Saturday afternoon at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, Espargaro won the 12-lap race by 1.989 seconds.

Defending World Champion and current World Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia was the runner-up on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici.

Espargaro’s teammate Maverick Vinales finished a close third.

MotoGP Sprint Race
MotoGP Points after Sprint

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Aleix Espargaro storms past Bagnaia to take Sprint win in Barcelona

Aprilia make it double podium delight as “the Captain” becomes the sixth different Sprint winner, with Bagnaia forced to defend hard against Viñales

Aleix Espargaro (41) won Saturday's MotoGP Sprint Race over Francesco Bagnaia (1), Maverick Vinales (12), and Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna. — Aleix Espargaro (41) won Saturday’s MotoGP Sprint Race over Francesco Bagnaia (1), Maverick Vinales (12), and Brad Binder (33). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 02 September 2023

How’s that for the statement? Local hero Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) sealed victory in the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya Tissot Sprint with a storming ride at the front, becoming the sixth different Saturday winner of the season so far. The “Captain” got the better of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the World Championship leader had no answer for the flying Aprilia ahead, instead forced to defend against the next one: Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). The number one plated Ducati was the meat in the Aprilia sandwich but just held on to deny Aprilia a 1-2 as Viñales looked for a way through on the final lap.

The Captain vs The Champion

Tensions were rocketing as the grid got off onto their warm lap with spots of rain beginning to threaten the Catalan GP Tissot Sprint. Wet bikes were being prepared but the time had come for lights out and there was no looking back now. The weather, luckily, held firm.

As the lights went out, it was a clean start for Bagnaia and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), and Bagnaia defended the lead from pole as, nevertheless, the two Aprilias fended off the fast-starting Pramac machine. Viñales almost immediately shot through into second past Martin, and Bagnaia, Viñales, Espargaro was the order as they crossed the line for the first time. Espargaro then took over from his teammate at Turn 1 though, the Captain beginning his charge.

Bagnaia powered on though, the odd drop of rain not affecting the track conditions. But the number 41 Aprilia was soon locked on and the duo began to pull away from the rest of the field.

Viñales was initially left to defend 3rd place as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) were snapping at the Spaniard’s heels.

With six laps to go, it was game on in Barcelona as Aleix Espargaro attacked for the lead. And he took it, immediately putting the hammer down in an attempt to break away from the Ducati. Bagnaia had no answer as the Aprilia stretched out half a second in one lap, doing a Bagnaia – of late – on Bagnaia.

Espargaro proved to be untouchable at the front as he went on to take the Sprint victory by just under two seconds, putting down a pace that not even the reigning World Champion could match. He had his hands full elsewhere.

Viñales was catching the Championship leader as the laps ticked down, and he was bringing Binder with him. Sure enough, Bagnaia fell into the clutches of the chasing Viñales with two laps remaining as it became a Ducati vs Aprillia scrap for 2nd place.

As the last lap arrived, Viñales was riding pillion to Bagnaia as he desperately looked for a way through. Bagnaia put in an incredible defensive performance, however, and was simply too strong on the brakes to allow the Aprilia a chance. He did consider it at the final corner, but no dice.

Binder did all he could to stay in the fight but found himself eight-tenths back from the top three by the time the chequered flag dropped.

Battles all the way through the field

Slightly further back, Martin bagged P5 after an eventful Sprint. The Spaniard pushed his way past Oliveira after dropping down the field early on following a run off round Turn 2. Oliveira took sixth, and will be gunning for more on Sunday.

Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), meanwhile, was almost two seconds back from Oliveira in P7, but he nabbed that late as he pulled a VR46 on Mooney VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi at the final corner.

Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) picked up the final Sprint point in P9, as the Italian made some more steps back towards his brilliant best.

One early moment saw Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) come together in a mid-pack sandwich at Turn 1, with MM93 winning out and the latter duo sent wide. Alex Marquez came back to P10, just ahead of Marc.

Check out the full results and then get ready for the MotoGP™ race at 14:00 local time (GMT+2), with more history on the cards. Aprilia have never had two bikes on the premier class Grand Prix podium… can they achieve the feat on Sunday? Can Aleix do the double, or Viñales take that third win with a third different MotoGP™ machine? Or is Bagnaia ready to ride for some revenge? Make sure to come back on Sunday for a MONSTER Catalan Grand Prix!

MotoGP: Pedrosa Extends Contract As KTM Test Rider

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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MotoGP: Pedrosa Extends Contract As KTM Test Rider

PEDROSA COMMITS TO NEXT KTM MOTOGP™ DEVELOPMENT WAVE WITH FRESH TESTING CONTRACT

2023 MotoGP news

MotoGP Legend and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing test rider, Dani Pedrosa, will continue his key role in the KTM testing program after agreeing an extension to his current contract. The 37-year-old will spearhead R&D priorities and ideas for the KTM RC16 Grand Prix winning motorcycle after initially joining the factory in 2019.

Pedrosa, alongside other names like Mika Kallio and, recently, Jonas Folger have given important feedback that have helped KTM progress in their MotoGP ambitions and competitiveness. The Spaniard transitioned into the second phase of his career after recovering from collarbone surgery in 2019 and has played a conducive part in the rapid evolution of the race bike into a leading Grand Prix protagonist; Brad Binder scored KTM’s first MotoGP victory the following year in 2020.

Dani had a long and decorated career with 31 MotoGP victories and 112 podiums and showed his enduring class and capabilities by riding to a strong 7th place in only his second wildcard appearance at Jerez in Spain earlier this year. Pedrosa will make his third Grand Prix start with the KTM RC16 at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the forthcoming Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini on 8-10 September.

Dani Pedrosa: “Very happy and very grateful to continue with KTM because the last few years have been very productive. We’ve made gradual progress but always positive and the riders have come closer and closer to the front and have taken some good results. We’ll try to continue this path with the bike because it seems to be even more essential now in MotoGP. I’m really happy to be part of the team and I’m looking forward to Misano, even if Jerez was really special for me with all the fans!”

Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Dani’s MotoGP experience is immense and he showed us in Jerez that he is still capable of setting P1 lap-times! That ability and his standards and his unique feeling for a Grand Prix machine is what makes him so important and an inspiration to us and the riders. We are keeping many parts of our MotoGP project consistent and stable, so this commitment with Dani is very positive. We are looking forward to Misano!”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “The feedback and all the laps Dani have given us with the test team has helped make our RC16 what it is today: a bike that is one of the fastest on the track and one of the best to have in a fight. He knows our program, our technicians and our philosophy very well after five years together and the work is just as important as ever. We’re delighted to keep him in the structure and for Dani to continue helping us achieve our MotoGP goals.”

Moto2: Dixon Takes Pole, Roberts Qualifies 14th At Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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Moto2: Dixon Takes Pole, Roberts Qualifies 14th At Catalunya

Jake Dixon took pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his Asterius GASGAS Aspar Kalex, the Brit covered the 2.9-mile (4.7 km) course in 1:44.089 to lead the field of 30 riders.

Aron Canet was second-fastest with a 1:44.184 on his Pons Wegow Los40 Kalex, and Ai Ogura claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:44.214 on his Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Kalex.

American Joe Roberts qualified 14th with a 1:44.682 on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.

American Sean Dylan Kelly has split with American Racing Team and is not riding at Catalunya.

Moto2 Comb Qual

Moto3: Ortola On Pole Position At Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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Moto3: Ortola On Pole Position At Catalunya

Ivan Ortola captured pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his Angeluss MTA Team KTM, the Spaniard lapped the 2.9-mile (4.7 km) course in 1:48.205 to top the field of 30 riders.

Deniz Oncu was second-best with a time of 1:48.509 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo machine, and Joel Kelso earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap of 1:48.563 on his CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP racebike.

Moto3 Comb Qual

MotoGP: Bagnaia Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position At Catalunya

David Swarts

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September 2, 2023

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MotoGP: Bagnaia Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position At Catalunya

MotoGP combined Qual

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia vs Aleix decides pole as an Aprilia armada comes out swinging in Barcelona

Aleix Espargaro, Oliveira and Viñales queue up behind the reigning Champion on the grid as the stage is set for some fireworks

Saturday, 02 September 2023

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) grabbed another sensational pole position at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, setting a new lap record to just pip home hero Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) to the honours. The battle went down to the wire as the number 41 had one last shot at overhauling the reigning Champion, but just lost out by a tenth at the flag. In third it’s a first front row with Aprilia for Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team), with the Portuguese rider turning a crash earlier in FP2 into going fastest in that session, fastest in Q1 and then taking third on the grid overall… just 0.005 off second.

The stage is most definitely set for some stunning action in Barcelona as Aprilia come out gunning for Bagnaia and Ducati this weekend!

Q1

After topping FP2 despite a crash, Oliveira stormed to the top of Q1 with the only 1:38 of the session. The race to join him in Q2 was tense but it was decided earlier than we’ve often seen as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) judged the perfect wheel to tag onto: that of Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

To the Australian’s likely frustration, the number 93 pipped him over the line by enough margin to hold onto the end of the session, with Miller’s last attack also not able to challenge as he faded in the final couple of sectors. The same was true for Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as the Italian’s tougher weekend continued.

The tougher weekend also continued for 2022 winner Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) as he suffered a run off that became a tip off as he toppled over in the gravel, interrupting his session. By the end of it he was left seventh in Q1.

Oliveira and Marc Marquez headed through.

Q2

After the first runs it was Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) on provisional pole ahead of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory) and Aleix Espargaro, but the huge shuffle was about to begin.

Heading out on take two it became a flurry of fast laps as red sectors lit up the timing screens, with Marc Marquez tucked in behind Bagnaia. The first big move was Aleix Espargaro into provisional pole before Bagnaia hit back. Oliveira then leapt up to second, leaving the factory Noale machine of Aleix Espargaro down in third.

Bagnaia was the next rider setting the timing screens alight, and so was Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), but the #1 had a clean run to the line whereas Martin came across Marc Marquez – also pushing and very much allowed to take his own line – and that lap went away. It was all coming down to the Aprilias to try and deny Bagnaia.

Viñales crossed the line but didn’t move up from fourth, leaving Aleix Espargaro as the last rider pushing. Alone on track, the number 41 made it a red first sector and a red second sector, but then lost a few hundredths in the third. Could he pull it back? As he shot over the line it wasn’t quite the fairytale pole position as the deficit was ultimately a tenth – but that puts him second on the grid behind Bagnaia, and a few thousandths ahead of Oliveira.

THE GRID

Behind the Bagnaia-Aleix-Oliveira front row, Viñales starts fourth as the Aprilia armada continues. Martin launches from the middle of the second row, with Prima Pramac teammate Johann Zarco alongside in P6.

The third row is headed by Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who qualifies seventh with a lap one single thousandth faster than teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio in P8. Binder ultimately got shuffled down to P9, but is also just three thousandths off the Gresini ahead!

The tougher weekend continued for Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as he lines up in P10, ahead of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) for the Tissot Sprint at least. Bastianini has a 3-place grid penalty for the Grand Prix race.

In P12 comes Marc Marquez, whose 1:39.701 was seven tenths off the lap he set in Q1. What can he do once the lights go out?

The stage is set for another stunner this afternoon and on Sunday, so make sure to tune in for the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya!

September 2023

Magazine Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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September 1, 2023

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On the Front Cover: A three-race sweep at PittRace made Jake Gagne a
3X Superbike Champion. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 ISSUE

FEATURES

Inside Info: Kramer 2024 GP2-890RR Track Bike, Kawasaki ZX-10R
KRT Edition, Yamaha Racing Heritage Club Reunites Old Riders
With Old Bikes, American Kids Racing Overseas

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1968 V-4 Yamaha RA31

Intro: 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Is Loaded With Tech

MotoGP Analysis: How Marco Bezzecchi Became A Winner

Shops: Racer Bryce Prince’s Kern County Powersports

RACING

MotoGP In England & Austria: Bagnaia Piles Up Points

MotoAmerica Superbike At Brainerd: Jacobsen Wins First, Gagne Leads

MotoAmerica Superbike at PittRace: Gagne Sweeps For Third Title

World Superbike In Czech Republic: Rea & Razgatlioğlu Win, Bautista Survives

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: Raising Money For Airfence, MotoGP A One-Make Series, Not Marc Marquez Fans

10 Years Ago, September 2013: Cal Crutchlow Wheelies His Yamaha YZR-M1 On
The Cover, Mat Oxley Says Turn 11 At The Sachsenring Is The Toughest Turn In MotoGP, Josh Hayes and Josh Herrin Split AMA Pro Superbike Wins At Mid-Ohio

Product Evaluation/Tried & Tested: Brake Tech Caliper Racing Pistons

The Crash Page: Ratzgatlioğlu’s Tire Comes Apart

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

Classified Ads/Advertiser Index

High Performance Parts & Services Directory

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: Great Racing Memories From Mid-Ohio

American Flat Track: Race Results From Springfield Mile I (Updated)

September 2, 2023