MotoGP: Crutchlow Tests Yamaha Privately At Motegi

David Swarts

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August 11, 2023

MotoGP: Crutchlow Tests Yamaha Privately At Motegi

Crutchlow Shows Off YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team YZR-M1 at Private Motegi Test

Cal Crutchlow successfully completed a private test at the Mobility Resort Motegi, riding the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team YZR-M1.

Iwata (Japan), 11th August 2023

Ahead of his wild card entry at Round 14 of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship, Cal Crutchlow completed a successful private test at the Mobility Resort Motegi (formerly known as Twin Ring Motegi) on 8th August 2023.

At the test, the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team made their first steps towards their mission to accelerate bike development. It also was Crutchlow‘s first opportunity to show off his YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team special bike livery and his new racing gear – all matching with the YAMALUBE RS4GP (a high-performance motor oil) branding – in a natural setting. The occasion adds to the building excitement for the Grand Prix of Japan, held from 29th Sept-1st Oct 2023.

Moto2: Ramirez Subbing For SDK At Upcoming Rounds

David Swarts

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August 11, 2023

0

Moto2: Ramirez Subbing For SDK At Upcoming Rounds

Marcos Ramirez steps in as Sean Dylan Kelly continues recovery.

Despite the progress in his recovery from forearm surgery so far, Sean Dylan Kelly will be side-lined to give him the best chance possible to return to full fitness.

With the long-term implications that can occur from rushing the return to competition, it’s better to play it safe, given the physical nature of the upcoming rounds.

Marcos Ramirez will be returning to the American Racing Team where he rode for two seasons having mutually agreed with the Forward Team to substitute SDK.

WorldSBK: Aegerter Extends Contract With Yamaha

David Swarts

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August 11, 2023

0

WorldSBK: Aegerter Extends Contract With Yamaha

Dominique Aegerter and Yamaha Racing Extend Agreement for 2024

Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce that Dominique Aegerter will remain with Yamaha in the FIM Superbike World Championship until the end of the 2024 season, after agreeing terms with the 32-year-old Swiss rider to extend the existing contract for an additional year.

The 2024 season will be Aegerter’s fourth as a Yamaha rider, having joined the Japanese manufacturer in 2021 to contest the FIM Supersport World Championship with the Ten Kate Yamaha WorldSSP Supported Team. The former Moto2 race winner made an immediate impact, winning ten races on his way to securing the world championship title on his first attempt. The following season saw Aegerter on the top step of the podium an incredible 17 times as he successfully defended his title, to become only the third rider in the history of the intermediate class to be crowned World Champion in consecutive years.

This achievement was recognised with promotion to the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, with whom Aegerter has enjoyed a strong start this year in his debut season. The likeable Swiss rider currently lies ninth in the championship standings and has been a frequent visitor to Parc Fermé, having so far finished three races as the top independent rider, a tally he is keen to increase before the end of the year.

For 2024, Aegerter’s aim is clear; to build on his solid performance this season and emerge as one of the frontrunners in the series, able to fight regularly for top-three finishes aboard his Yamaha R1.

Andrea Dosoli: Road Racing Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe

“It’s been a pleasure for us to see our double Supersport World Champion, Dominique, adapting so quickly to WorldSBK. He has impressed us all, starting from the first race, where he put in a phenomenal qualifying performance to secure a front-row start at Phillip Island. I don’t think there is a better way to introduce yourself to your teammates and rivals! His progression since then has been solid, improving every weekend and finishing as the top independent rider in three races so far. I am confident that he will add to this number before the end of the year, which is why I am pleased to announce the extension of the current agreement for a further season. I wish Dominique and his team all the best as they continue their progression, and we hope they reap the rewards they deserve.”

Dominique Aegerter

“I’m happy and proud to have extended my agreement with Yamaha to stay in WorldSBK with my R1 in 2024. I have two WorldSSP titles with Yamaha, but now my aim is to improve my results and be more competitive in the WorldSBK class, and I’ll give my best to achieve that goal. My season started quite well as a rookie, and although I haven’t been on the podium yet, there are still a few races to go, and I’ve had some great battles on track that have taught me a lot. I want to be at the front regularly, and that will be my focus for next season. I’d like to thank Yamaha for their continued faith in me and everyone who has helped put me in this position, and among them I would especially like to remember Mirko Giansanti who recently passed away and who played an invaluable role in the GRT Yamaha Team.”

Kawasaki Celebrating 70 Years Of Making Motorcycles

David Swarts

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August 10, 2023

0

Kawasaki Celebrating 70 Years Of Making Motorcycles

Kawasaki Celebrates 70 Years of Motorcycles

Milestones through the Decades

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – In September of 2023, Kawasaki Motors celebrates its 70th anniversary of making motorcycles, first making its forays into the motorcycle business in 1953. After the end of World War II, Kawasaki produced motorcycle engines under the name of “Kawasaki Machine Works.” Since then, Kawasaki has continued to Let the Good Times Roll® and has strived to share “Fun to Ride” motorcycles with our customers around the world. Today, Kawasaki motorcycles are sold in more than 90 countries and regions.

To commemorate Kawasaki Motorcycles’ 70-year anniversary, a special exhibition will be held at Kawasaki USA Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California as well as Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe, Japan starting in September 2023. The display will focus on the history of the motorcycle business in the U.S. market, which marked a major turning point in Kawasaki’s overseas strategy. It will be the first in a series of events to commemorate this special anniversary.

Working toward upholding our mission statement of “Working for the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches,” Kawasaki aims to keep moving forward and growing into the future.

A 1953 Kawasaki KE-1 motorcycle engine. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Kawasaki’s Motorcycle Business in the U.S. Market

Kawasaki’s path to success in the motorcycle industry, which began with the launch of the KE-1 motorcycle engine in 1953, was not a smooth one. Several efforts were made to try to expand sales, including working with trading companies to expand to overseas markets, in addition to a business alliance and subsequent merger with the Meguro Manufacturing Company. However, each of these efforts failed to produce the sales results that Kawasaki had hoped for.

It was decided that selling directly to dealers would be the better business model, so in 1966 American Kawasaki Motors was established. Kawasaki’s US operations began with only 10 employees and adopted an innovative policy of “localism” before going on to develop motorcycles like the Kawasaki A1 Samurai 250, Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III and iconic Kawasaki Z1 900 for the U.S. market. Early on, Kawasaki USA launched a new kind of sales policy aimed at expansion that included the industry’s first model year system and worked to strengthen relationships with dealers by setting up branches in every region of the U.S., thereby consolidating its base in the U.S. market.

A 1968 Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

In 1974, Kawasaki made a $20 million investment to build a manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska to be in-line with a coming shift to a floating exchange rate in the U.S. Kawasaki’s Lincoln plant became the first plant built by any Japanese auto or motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S., and it remains Kawasaki’s main plant to this day. It is where all Kawasaki Jet Ski® personal watercrafts and side x sides including the Teryx® and MULE™ are still manufactured today.

A 1972 Kawasaki Z1 900. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Along with this year marking the 70th anniversary of Kawasaki Motorcycles, two other well-known brands in the U.S. market the KX™ and Jet Ski® brand will mark their 50-year anniversaries, while next year the American-born Ninja® brand will mark its 40th anniversary.

ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the Good Times Roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com

RideSmart Adds MotoAmerica-Only Sessions To Sept. 2-3 Track Days At COTA

David Swarts

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August 10, 2023

0

RideSmart Adds MotoAmerica-Only Sessions To Sept. 2-3 Track Days At COTA

Editorial Note: Under MotoAmerica rules, only some competitors are allowed to test at a MotoAmerica race venue within 30 days prior to a race event. Refer to the 2023 MotoAmerica rulebook or call MotoAmerica to see if you are allowed to ride in this event.

Ridesmart Motorcycle School has an exciting announcement for the upcoming Labor Day COTA event!

With MotoAmerica racing the weekend of Sept 8th, many MotoAmerica racers will be attending the RideSmart Labor Day Event. Due to this we have added a “MotoAmerica Only” level. This level addition will have minimal impact on everyone else’s day, everyone still gets 6 full sessions. To accomplish this, we worked with COTA to add 2 more hours of riding. The track will go hot at 8am, we will ride through lunch, and will end at 6pm. This MotoAmerica Only level was added to ensure everyone enjoys their day in the safest possible environment. You must be a licensed MotoAmerica rider to register in this special group. We have moved those MotoAmerica riders that responded to our prior emails concerning this adjustment.

Spaces for both days in most levels are open now on our website.

MotoGP: Bautista Racing As Wild Card At Sepang

David Swarts

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August 10, 2023

0

MotoGP: Bautista Racing As Wild Card At Sepang

Alvaro Bautista to contest the MotoGP Grand Prix of Malaysia at Sepang aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Aruba.it Racing team

Alvaro Bautista and the Aruba.it Racing team will fly to Malaysia from 10th-12th November 2023 to take part in the Grand Prix of Malaysia, which will be held at Sepang International Circuit two weeks after the conclusion of the Superbike World Championship, from 27th-29th October, at Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).

For Ducati, it will be the third Wild Card of the 2023 season after participating in the two Italian Grands Prix with Michele Pirro at Mugello in May and the upcoming San Marino GP in Misano on the next 8th-10th September. Since last year, Ducati has further strengthened its partnership with Aruba.it by contesting three MotoGP events with the same liveries as the factory Panigale V4 R machine of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in the WorldSBK Championship.

Following two recent tests at Misano aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP – which provided convincing feedback – reigning World Champion and current WorldSBK Championship leader Alvaro Bautista will return to contest a MotoGP race after his last appearance in Valencia (Spain) in 2018.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)

“I’m really happy to be able to race in MotoGP as a Wild Card at Sepang, a track that I really like and that I’m happy to be back at since it’s not on the WorldSBK calendar. The tests with the Ducati Desmosedici GP gave positive feedback: the feeling was good, and I had fun. I want to sincerely thank Ducati and Aruba.it because, without them, it would have been impossible to have this opportunity. At the same time, I would like to say that this MotoGP race will be a bonus for me and not a priority. That’s why we must stay focused on the WorldSBK Championship, which is the only thing that matters now. I want to stay focused for this last part of the season, which will be very demanding, with many races in a short time. The feeling with the Panigale V4 R machine is good, and I hope to continue on this path. Then, when the season ends, we’ll think about going to Malaysia and having fun. Now I’ll have a little holiday, and then we’ll be back at Magny-Cours.”

MotoGP: Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing, And Ducati Continuing Together In 2024

David Swarts

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August 10, 2023

0

MotoGP: Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing, And Ducati Continuing Together In 2024

ALEX AND GRESINI TOGETHER ALSO IN 2024

GRESINI RACING EXTENDS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH DUCATI

Few days ago at Silverstone, Alex Marquez scored his maiden MotoGP race win adding to his tally of one podium and a pole position in just a few months with Team Gresini Racing MotoGP. There was no chance this series of results would not have led to the partnership extension between the Faenza-based team and the two-time world champion.

Not only results on the plate for the Italian-Spanish combination, but also an incredible potential that was shown on several occasion already – with the new goal of being among the protagonists on a consistent basis in 2024.

Team Gresini Racing also made official a new agreement with Ducati Corse for the two-year period 2024-2025. The tally consists of five wins already, three podiums, three pole positions and 355 points bagged in less than two seasons.

ALEX MARQUEZ

“I’m very happy to continue with the team. I’ve always expressed this desire of mine and when things go the right way it’s even easier to understand each other. To continue together for the next season is key in order to keep growing with this bike, and with this team everything is going to be easier. I would like to thank Nadia first and foremost, and then the whole team who made me feel at home from day one. We’ll keep growing and surprising.”

NADIA PADOVANI GRESINI – TEAM OWNER

“Alex is first of all a wonderful person and it was a pleasure to welcome him in our Gresini Family. The results speak for themselves and it was a logical step for us to continue together and raise the bar some more. He already scored a race win and a pole position in his debut year with Ducati, showing he could battle with the best from the get-go. We will now try to find some continuity together in the next season. I would like to thank the whole Ducati family as we’ll continue with them for the next two years; we already showed we are a good combination this year as well as in 2022… so the goal is to continue to excite and be excited.”

LUIGI DALL’IGNA – DUCATI CORSE GENERAL MANAGER

“We are delighted to continue to have the Gresini Racing MotoGP team in the Ducati family for two more seasons. They are an extremely professional outfit and, over the years, have shown that they have the potential to aspire to great results. Last year they scored four beautiful victories with our Desmosedici GP machine, and this season they clinched a podium, a pole position, and a win in the last GP Sprint with Alex Marquez. We are sure that together we will achieve more success in the future and continue to grow race by race”.

American Flat Track: Tight Championship Fight Heads To Castle Rock TT

David Swarts

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August 9, 2023

0

Storylines Collide as Progressive AFT Invades Castle Rock

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 9, 2023) – A year ago, Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, made its long-awaited return to Castle Rock Race Park in glorious, sell-out fashion. This weekend, the series will only build on that success by bringing twin A1 stories to the 29th CertainTeed Castle Rock TT presented by Law Tigers in Castle Rock, Washington, on Saturday, August 12.

The headliners are obvious. Last year’s winner and Washington native, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), arrives at the venue where he grew up racing with designs on winning a ninth TT in his most recent 10 attempts.

Meanwhile, reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle king Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) comes to Castle Rock holding a mere five-point advantage over up-and-coming challenger Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) in their season-long struggle for the 2023 Grand National Championship.

Those two storylines are intertwined as Beach’s TT excellence potentially positions him as a points buffer should either Mees or Daniels manage to get in front of him to slot between themself and their title rival. Such an outcome could prove the difference this season, particularly for Daniels who is desperate to make up the deficit ahead of September’s Springfield doubleheader finale.

Daniels showed the outright pace to seriously challenge Beach at Castle Rock a year ago, only to have his chances end when his bike stalled off the start. Despite being forced to line up on the back row for the restart, the ascendant ace somehow slashed his way up to fourth on a track that proved extremely difficult to overtake on.

Mees, meanwhile, used that fact to his advantage, holding another TT extraordinaire, Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), at bay to finish as the ‘22 race runner-up.

Bauman, meanwhile, leads an impressive line-up of potential spoilers who could yet play a pivotal role in the championship battle. Others who have demonstrated the chops to run up front this weekend include another Washingtonian, three-time Castle Rock TT winner Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/Castrol Yamaha MT-07), and Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), the series’ all-time winningest TT rider.

Meanwhile, Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke) and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) all registered top-ten results here a year ago and will no doubt look to push their way even further up the order in the ‘23 rematch.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

This weekend, Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) will be presented with the rare opportunity to earn his first-career TT victory, tie Dallas Daniels’ record for most wins in a single Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER, and sew up his second-consecutive championship, all in front of his home crowd.

All he has to do now is go out and win. If he does, all of the above are guaranteed to happen. Easier said than done, however. Kopp showcased the speed and style to stand atop the box here a year ago, but poor starts and a costly crash prevented it from transpiring. Now he returns motivated, confident, and boasting a 49-point advantage to work with.

Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) took the victory and will be a favorite to fight up front again this time around. So too will Estenson Racing teammates, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), who currently rank 2-3 in the points, respectively, after finishing 1-2 in the opposite order a couple weeks back at the Peoria TT.

Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), Aiden RoosEvans (No. 26 A1R Racing/FRA Trust Honda CRF450R), and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) all enjoyed strong outings at Castle Rock a year ago and there’s no reason to think they won’t be factors again this time around.

Another rider to keep tabs on is the ultra-versatile Ryan Sipes (No. 264 Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull GASGAS MC 450F), who makes his Progressive AFT return following a near-two-year absence. The multi-discipline hero already boasts two prior TT wins on his Hall of Fame worthy résumé and would only add to his legend by securing a third this weekend.

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday as well, including numerous vendors and free motorcycle parking.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under $5), and there are a variety of General Admission Parking and Multi-Day Camping Passes options to select from.

Pit Pass Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/sdiracing/events/castle-rock-tt-59623 to reserve your seats today.

Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT).

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 CertainTeed Castle Rock TT presented by Law Tigers, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, August 20, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT).

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

American Shedden P2 In Aprilia Sport Production Race In Italy

David Swarts

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August 9, 2023

0

American Shedden P2 In Aprilia Sport Production Race In Italy

American Jesse James Shedden took pole position and finished second at Round Four of the FMI (Federazione Motociclistica Italiana) Aprilia Sport Production CIV Junior Aprilia SP2 Championship series August 5-6 at Circuito Tazio Nuvolari, in Cervesina, Italy.

Shedden was slow off the line but took the lead early in Race One. Battling in a lead pack of four riders, Shedden turned the fastest lap of the race (1:30.463) on lap six of nine, but the Californian was drafted from the final corner to the finish line and finished second, 0.136 second behind winner Alessandro Aquilar.

Shedden battled for the lead again in Race Two, but contact with another rider pushed him wide, caused him to lose several positions, and relegated him to a fifth-place finish. The race was won by Ivan Spada with Shedden just 0.700 second behind him.

Still, Shedden was able to leave the event third in the Championship point standings, just 12 points behind leader Spada.

American Jesse James Shedden (9) at speed in Italy. Photo by GP Agency, courtesy Jesse James Shedden Racing.

“That was some fun racing in those battles,” Shedden said via an email. “I’m not happy with being pushed out in the second race, but I am happy with my podium position in the first race.”

The FMI Aprilia Sport Production CIV Junior Aprilia SP2 Championship concludes with a fifth and final round September 16-17 at Autodromo Riccardo Paletti, near Varano, Italy.

Qualifying Results:

Race One Results:

civ_junior_risultati_gare_round5_cervesina Race 1

Race Two Results:

civ_junior_risultati_gare_round5_cervesina Race 2

Championship Point Standings (after 5 of 6 rounds):

civ_junior_standings

MotoGP: Crutchlow Tests Yamaha Privately At Motegi

August 11, 2023

Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow and his YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team YZR-M1 at Motegi. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Crutchlow Shows Off YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team YZR-M1 at Private Motegi Test

Cal Crutchlow successfully completed a private test at the Mobility Resort Motegi, riding the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team YZR-M1.

Iwata (Japan), 11th August 2023

Ahead of his wild card entry at Round 14 of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship, Cal Crutchlow completed a successful private test at the Mobility Resort Motegi (formerly known as Twin Ring Motegi) on 8th August 2023.

At the test, the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team made their first steps towards their mission to accelerate bike development. It also was Crutchlow‘s first opportunity to show off his YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team special bike livery and his new racing gear – all matching with the YAMALUBE RS4GP (a high-performance motor oil) branding – in a natural setting. The occasion adds to the building excitement for the Grand Prix of Japan, held from 29th Sept-1st Oct 2023.

Moto2: Ramirez Subbing For SDK At Upcoming Rounds

August 11, 2023

Marcos Ramirez. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.

Marcos Ramirez steps in as Sean Dylan Kelly continues recovery.

Despite the progress in his recovery from forearm surgery so far, Sean Dylan Kelly will be side-lined to give him the best chance possible to return to full fitness.

With the long-term implications that can occur from rushing the return to competition, it’s better to play it safe, given the physical nature of the upcoming rounds.

Marcos Ramirez will be returning to the American Racing Team where he rode for two seasons having mutually agreed with the Forward Team to substitute SDK.

WorldSBK: Aegerter Extends Contract With Yamaha

August 11, 2023

Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Dominique Aegerter and Yamaha Racing Extend Agreement for 2024

Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce that Dominique Aegerter will remain with Yamaha in the FIM Superbike World Championship until the end of the 2024 season, after agreeing terms with the 32-year-old Swiss rider to extend the existing contract for an additional year.

The 2024 season will be Aegerter’s fourth as a Yamaha rider, having joined the Japanese manufacturer in 2021 to contest the FIM Supersport World Championship with the Ten Kate Yamaha WorldSSP Supported Team. The former Moto2 race winner made an immediate impact, winning ten races on his way to securing the world championship title on his first attempt. The following season saw Aegerter on the top step of the podium an incredible 17 times as he successfully defended his title, to become only the third rider in the history of the intermediate class to be crowned World Champion in consecutive years.

This achievement was recognised with promotion to the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, with whom Aegerter has enjoyed a strong start this year in his debut season. The likeable Swiss rider currently lies ninth in the championship standings and has been a frequent visitor to Parc Fermé, having so far finished three races as the top independent rider, a tally he is keen to increase before the end of the year.

For 2024, Aegerter’s aim is clear; to build on his solid performance this season and emerge as one of the frontrunners in the series, able to fight regularly for top-three finishes aboard his Yamaha R1.

Andrea Dosoli: Road Racing Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe

“It’s been a pleasure for us to see our double Supersport World Champion, Dominique, adapting so quickly to WorldSBK. He has impressed us all, starting from the first race, where he put in a phenomenal qualifying performance to secure a front-row start at Phillip Island. I don’t think there is a better way to introduce yourself to your teammates and rivals! His progression since then has been solid, improving every weekend and finishing as the top independent rider in three races so far. I am confident that he will add to this number before the end of the year, which is why I am pleased to announce the extension of the current agreement for a further season. I wish Dominique and his team all the best as they continue their progression, and we hope they reap the rewards they deserve.”

Dominique Aegerter

“I’m happy and proud to have extended my agreement with Yamaha to stay in WorldSBK with my R1 in 2024. I have two WorldSSP titles with Yamaha, but now my aim is to improve my results and be more competitive in the WorldSBK class, and I’ll give my best to achieve that goal. My season started quite well as a rookie, and although I haven’t been on the podium yet, there are still a few races to go, and I’ve had some great battles on track that have taught me a lot. I want to be at the front regularly, and that will be my focus for next season. I’d like to thank Yamaha for their continued faith in me and everyone who has helped put me in this position, and among them I would especially like to remember Mirko Giansanti who recently passed away and who played an invaluable role in the GRT Yamaha Team.”

Kawasaki Celebrating 70 Years Of Making Motorcycles

August 10, 2023

A 1966 Kawasaki A1 Samurai. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Kawasaki Celebrates 70 Years of Motorcycles

Milestones through the Decades

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – In September of 2023, Kawasaki Motors celebrates its 70th anniversary of making motorcycles, first making its forays into the motorcycle business in 1953. After the end of World War II, Kawasaki produced motorcycle engines under the name of “Kawasaki Machine Works.” Since then, Kawasaki has continued to Let the Good Times Roll® and has strived to share “Fun to Ride” motorcycles with our customers around the world. Today, Kawasaki motorcycles are sold in more than 90 countries and regions.

To commemorate Kawasaki Motorcycles’ 70-year anniversary, a special exhibition will be held at Kawasaki USA Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California as well as Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe, Japan starting in September 2023. The display will focus on the history of the motorcycle business in the U.S. market, which marked a major turning point in Kawasaki’s overseas strategy. It will be the first in a series of events to commemorate this special anniversary.

Working toward upholding our mission statement of “Working for the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches,” Kawasaki aims to keep moving forward and growing into the future.

Kawasaki’s Motorcycle Business in the U.S. Market

Kawasaki’s path to success in the motorcycle industry, which began with the launch of the KE-1 motorcycle engine in 1953, was not a smooth one. Several efforts were made to try to expand sales, including working with trading companies to expand to overseas markets, in addition to a business alliance and subsequent merger with the Meguro Manufacturing Company. However, each of these efforts failed to produce the sales results that Kawasaki had hoped for.

It was decided that selling directly to dealers would be the better business model, so in 1966 American Kawasaki Motors was established. Kawasaki’s US operations began with only 10 employees and adopted an innovative policy of “localism” before going on to develop motorcycles like the Kawasaki A1 Samurai 250, Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III and iconic Kawasaki Z1 900 for the U.S. market. Early on, Kawasaki USA launched a new kind of sales policy aimed at expansion that included the industry’s first model year system and worked to strengthen relationships with dealers by setting up branches in every region of the U.S., thereby consolidating its base in the U.S. market.

In 1974, Kawasaki made a $20 million investment to build a manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska to be in-line with a coming shift to a floating exchange rate in the U.S. Kawasaki’s Lincoln plant became the first plant built by any Japanese auto or motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S., and it remains Kawasaki’s main plant to this day. It is where all Kawasaki Jet Ski® personal watercrafts and side x sides including the Teryx® and MULE™ are still manufactured today.

Along with this year marking the 70th anniversary of Kawasaki Motorcycles, two other well-known brands in the U.S. market the KX™ and Jet Ski® brand will mark their 50-year anniversaries, while next year the American-born Ninja® brand will mark its 40th anniversary.

ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the Good Times Roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com

RideSmart Adds MotoAmerica-Only Sessions To Sept. 2-3 Track Days At COTA

August 10, 2023

RideSmart instructors in action in 2021. Photo courtesy RideSmart.

Editorial Note: Under MotoAmerica rules, only some competitors are allowed to test at a MotoAmerica race venue within 30 days prior to a race event. Refer to the 2023 MotoAmerica rulebook or call MotoAmerica to see if you are allowed to ride in this event.

Ridesmart Motorcycle School has an exciting announcement for the upcoming Labor Day COTA event!

With MotoAmerica racing the weekend of Sept 8th, many MotoAmerica racers will be attending the RideSmart Labor Day Event. Due to this we have added a “MotoAmerica Only” level. This level addition will have minimal impact on everyone else’s day, everyone still gets 6 full sessions. To accomplish this, we worked with COTA to add 2 more hours of riding. The track will go hot at 8am, we will ride through lunch, and will end at 6pm. This MotoAmerica Only level was added to ensure everyone enjoys their day in the safest possible environment. You must be a licensed MotoAmerica rider to register in this special group. We have moved those MotoAmerica riders that responded to our prior emails concerning this adjustment.

Spaces for both days in most levels are open now on our website.

MotoGP: Bautista Racing As Wild Card At Sepang

August 10, 2023

Defending Superbike World Champion Alvaro Bautista (19) testing a Desmosedici MotoGP bike at Misano. Photo courtesy Ducati.

Alvaro Bautista to contest the MotoGP Grand Prix of Malaysia at Sepang aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Aruba.it Racing team

Alvaro Bautista and the Aruba.it Racing team will fly to Malaysia from 10th-12th November 2023 to take part in the Grand Prix of Malaysia, which will be held at Sepang International Circuit two weeks after the conclusion of the Superbike World Championship, from 27th-29th October, at Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).

For Ducati, it will be the third Wild Card of the 2023 season after participating in the two Italian Grands Prix with Michele Pirro at Mugello in May and the upcoming San Marino GP in Misano on the next 8th-10th September. Since last year, Ducati has further strengthened its partnership with Aruba.it by contesting three MotoGP events with the same liveries as the factory Panigale V4 R machine of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in the WorldSBK Championship.

Following two recent tests at Misano aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP – which provided convincing feedback – reigning World Champion and current WorldSBK Championship leader Alvaro Bautista will return to contest a MotoGP race after his last appearance in Valencia (Spain) in 2018.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)

“I’m really happy to be able to race in MotoGP as a Wild Card at Sepang, a track that I really like and that I’m happy to be back at since it’s not on the WorldSBK calendar. The tests with the Ducati Desmosedici GP gave positive feedback: the feeling was good, and I had fun. I want to sincerely thank Ducati and Aruba.it because, without them, it would have been impossible to have this opportunity. At the same time, I would like to say that this MotoGP race will be a bonus for me and not a priority. That’s why we must stay focused on the WorldSBK Championship, which is the only thing that matters now. I want to stay focused for this last part of the season, which will be very demanding, with many races in a short time. The feeling with the Panigale V4 R machine is good, and I hope to continue on this path. Then, when the season ends, we’ll think about going to Malaysia and having fun. Now I’ll have a little holiday, and then we’ll be back at Magny-Cours.”

MotoGP: Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing, And Ducati Continuing Together In 2024

August 10, 2023

Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy Gresini Racing.

ALEX AND GRESINI TOGETHER ALSO IN 2024

GRESINI RACING EXTENDS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH DUCATI

Few days ago at Silverstone, Alex Marquez scored his maiden MotoGP race win adding to his tally of one podium and a pole position in just a few months with Team Gresini Racing MotoGP. There was no chance this series of results would not have led to the partnership extension between the Faenza-based team and the two-time world champion.

Not only results on the plate for the Italian-Spanish combination, but also an incredible potential that was shown on several occasion already – with the new goal of being among the protagonists on a consistent basis in 2024.

Team Gresini Racing also made official a new agreement with Ducati Corse for the two-year period 2024-2025. The tally consists of five wins already, three podiums, three pole positions and 355 points bagged in less than two seasons.

ALEX MARQUEZ

“I’m very happy to continue with the team. I’ve always expressed this desire of mine and when things go the right way it’s even easier to understand each other. To continue together for the next season is key in order to keep growing with this bike, and with this team everything is going to be easier. I would like to thank Nadia first and foremost, and then the whole team who made me feel at home from day one. We’ll keep growing and surprising.”

NADIA PADOVANI GRESINI – TEAM OWNER

“Alex is first of all a wonderful person and it was a pleasure to welcome him in our Gresini Family. The results speak for themselves and it was a logical step for us to continue together and raise the bar some more. He already scored a race win and a pole position in his debut year with Ducati, showing he could battle with the best from the get-go. We will now try to find some continuity together in the next season. I would like to thank the whole Ducati family as we’ll continue with them for the next two years; we already showed we are a good combination this year as well as in 2022… so the goal is to continue to excite and be excited.”

LUIGI DALL’IGNA – DUCATI CORSE GENERAL MANAGER

“We are delighted to continue to have the Gresini Racing MotoGP team in the Ducati family for two more seasons. They are an extremely professional outfit and, over the years, have shown that they have the potential to aspire to great results. Last year they scored four beautiful victories with our Desmosedici GP machine, and this season they clinched a podium, a pole position, and a win in the last GP Sprint with Alex Marquez. We are sure that together we will achieve more success in the future and continue to grow race by race”.

American Flat Track: Tight Championship Fight Heads To Castle Rock TT

August 9, 2023