MotoGP: Crutchlow Racing As Wild Card In Japanese Grand Prix

David Swarts

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July 26, 2023

MotoGP: Crutchlow Racing As Wild Card In Japanese Grand Prix

Crutchlow To Make Wild Card Entry at the Grand Prix of Japan with the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is delighted to announce that Cal Crutchlow will spearhead the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team as a wild card rider at Round 14 of the 2023 FIM MotoGP World Championship, held at the Mobility Resort Motegi.

Iwata (Japan), 25th July 2023

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that Cal Crutchlow will be a wild card entry in the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, Round 14 of the 2023 FIM MotoGP World Championship, riding the special livery YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team YZR-M1 at the Mobility Resort Motegi (formerly known as Twin Ring Motegi) circuit in the race weekend of 29 Sept – 1 Oct.

As the official Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team rider, Crutchlow is the ideal choice for the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team for their one-off MotoGP entry. The Briton‘s participation in the 2023 Japanese GP marks his first Yamaha wild card experience since he started riding for the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team in 2021. He did contest in 10 GPs over the course of 2021-2022 as a replacement rider.

With the upcoming wild card entry for the Grand Prix of Japan, Yamaha aims to have Crutchlow work on prototype parts analysis in a premier class race setting. By lining up Crutchlow alongside fellow Yamaha MotoGP riders Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli on the grid of one of Japan‘s biggest races, Yamaha affirms their mission to bring extra excitement to their home GP and accelerate bike development.

“I would like to take this chance to develop the YZR-M1 in a maximum way”, shared Kazuhiro Masuda, the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team Director. “I am fully convinced that the feedback from this wild card race, ridden with prototype parts, will make the performance of the machine much stronger.”

KAZUTOSHI SEKI

YMC MotoGP Project Leader

“I believe this wild card will be a significant turning point to improve the performance of the YZR-M1. The engineers are working very hard, and Cal‘s participation in the Japanese GP benefits the improvement of the YZR-M1 for the factory team – not only for this season but also for the next.”

CAL CRUTCHLOW

Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider

“I‘m happy to have the chance to race at Motegi with the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team. As Yamaha‘s Official Test Rider, I do all I can to help develop the M1. The GP in Japan is a good opportunity to test prototype items in a race setting. I look forward to working with the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team, starting with the upcoming test in August. I‘m sure we‘ll have a great time together. We will work hard to collect as much valuable information for Yamaha as possible.”

NOTES

YAMALUBE

As a genuine liquid engine component, YAMALUBE helps ensure reliability and brings out 100% of the performance potential in every Yamaha engine. It was released in over 160 countries.

RS4GP

YAMALUBE‘s RS4GP oil for 4-stroke motorcycle engines stands as the premier product of the YAMALUBE line-up and boasts the highest quality and performance on offer. It is developed to handle everything from general use on public roads to hard use on trackdays and full-on racing.

CAL CRUTCHLOW – PERSONAL PROFILE

Date of Birth: 29-10-1985

Place of Birth: Coventry

Nationality: British

Height: 170 cm

Weight: 66 kg

MotoGP Debut: 2011 Qatar GP

First Premier Class Win: 2016 Czech GP

Premier Class Victories: 3

Premier Class Podiums: 19

Premier Class Pole Positions: 4

RACING CAREER

2023 MotoGP World Championship – (No starts yet) [Wild Card at the Japanese GP]

2022 MotoGP World Championship – (25th – 10 points) [Replacement rider at the Aragon GP, Japanese GP, Thai GP, Australian GP, Malaysian GP, and the Valencia GP]

2021 MotoGP World Championship – (28th – 0 points) [Replacement rider at the Styrian GP, Austrian GP, British GP, and the Aragon GP]

2020 MotoGP World Championship – (18th – 32 points)

2019 MotoGP World Championship – (9th – 133 points)

2018 MotoGP World Championship – (7th – 148 points)

2017 MotoGP World Championship – (9th – 112 points)

2016 MotoGP World Championship – (7th – 141 points) [Top Independent Team rider]

2015 MotoGP World Championship – (8th – 125 points)

2014 MotoGP World Championship – (13th – 74 points)

2013 MotoGP World Championship – (5th – 188 points)

2012 MotoGP World Championship – (7th – 151 points)

2011 MotoGP World Championship – (12th – 70 points) [Rookie of the Year]

RIDER BIOGRAPHY

Cal Crutchlow arrived in MotoGP from WorldSBK in 2011, having also taken the 2009 WorldSSP title. Achieving accolades as Rookie of the Year on his debut with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 in the premier class, Crutchlow then made his first podiums and pole positions with the Yamaha banner before leaving for the Ducati Team in 2014.

Switching to LCR Honda the year after, Crutchlow‘s greatest glory came in 2016 as he took victory in the wet in Brno – the first British winner for 35 years – and then followed it up with another win at Phillip Island in the dry. Top Independent Team Rider in 2016 and a podium finisher once again in 2017, Crutchlow remained with the LCR team in 2018 for the fourth year running, winning another Grand Prix and set on challenging for the title of top Independent Team Rider once again until his season was curtailed by injury.

Crutchlow returned from a near career-ending injury by claiming P3 on the opening night of the 2019 season, with two more podiums coming the Briton‘s way. 2020 saw Crutchlow continue with LCR Honda, though an eighth-place finish was the best he had to offer before deciding to hang up his leathers.

The Brit then rejoined the Yamaha ranks as a test rider for the 2021 season, and later replaced the injured Franco Morbidelli at Petronas Yamaha SRT for the Styrian and Austrian GPs. Ahead of the British GP, with Maverick Viñales separating from Yamaha, Crutchlow linked up with the factory team alongside Fabio Quartararo and competed at the following Aragon GP too.

When Andrea Dovizioso announced his retirement in 2022 after the San Marino GP, Crutchlow made a comeback and linked up with the WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team for the final six rounds of the season.

In 2023 Crutchlow looks forward to making his wild card debut for Yamaha at the Iwata-based manufacturer’s home GP, held at the Mobility Resort Motegi from 29 Sept – 1 Oct, riding with a special livery that‘s based on the YAMALUBE RS4GP (a high-performance motor oil) branding.

WorldSBK: Van Der Mark Returning To Action At Autodrom Most

David Swarts

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July 26, 2023

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WorldSBK: Van Der Mark Returning To Action At Autodrom Most

WorldSBK at Most: Michael van der Mark back in the saddle of the BMW M 1000 RR.

Michael van der Mark makes his comeback after an injury break at the eighth round of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship.

Good memories: Scott Redding on the podium at Most in 2022.

BMW Motorrad factory riders are highly motivated for the final event before the summer break.

Munich. The last race weekend of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) before the summer break is scheduled for the upcoming weekend for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The eighth round of the season will take place from 28th to 30th September at Most, Czech Republic. Michael van der Mark (NED) will be back in the saddle of his BMW M 1000 RR after his injury hiatus.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport arrives with fond memories of the racetrack in the north of the Czech Republic. Last year, Scott Redding (GBR) secured the third-place podium finish in the first main race. The BMW M 1000 RR’s potential on the track was also evident in the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) as Most was the venue for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team’s first victory in 2021.

Therefore, the goal of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, as well as the four BMW Motorrad factory riders Redding, van der Mark, Garrett Gerloff (USA), and Loris Baz (FRA), is to bid farewell to the summer break with strong results at Most.

Quotes ahead of the Most round.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “First of all, welcome back, Mickey! It’s great to have Mickey back on board after his long injury break. However, we don’t want to have too high expectations for him. The important thing is for him to get back into his racing rhythm on the BMW M 1000 RR before he launches a full attack after the summer break. Most is a track that has suited us well in the past. Combining this fact with the positive impressions we have gathered in the recent races, defines our goal for the weekend. Before the summer break, we aim to achieve strong results with our entire squad. The foundation for this needs to be laid in the qualifying, just like Scott and Loris did at Imola, and as Garrett would have done if he hadn’t had bad luck with yellow flags during Superpole. We approach the upcoming weekend with confidence!”

Michael van der Mark, #60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I am really happy to be back again. It has been a long time and I am looking forward to this race. It won’t be easy as I missed a lot of races so for sure the speed won’t be there from the start, but I’m looking forward to being back on the bike and to be back working with the boys, and to at least have a race under my belt before the summer break. Now, I am feeling 100 per cent fit again so I can’t wait to be back out and to enjoy this weekend before the break.”

Garrett Gerloff, #31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “I’m really looking forward to go to Most again. It’s a track that I definitely enjoy and another circuit where BMW did well last year so I would love to go there and have a great weekend. It’s a fun layout. We’ll have different challenges this weekend though, with for example the tyre choices that we have. But I’m definitely looking forward to it. That should be fun!”

Scott Redding, #45 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “For me, Most is a good track. I like going there. Last year, we had a good result there with BMW. I look forward to going there. It’s a different kind of circuit to what we are used to. And hopefully we can try to get ourselves back inside the top five, top six. That would be the goal and keep working on the project and get as close as we can.”

Loris Baz, #76 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “I’m excited to go to Most. It is the first time this year that I am heading into a race weekend coming from a good race. I really hope that we left all the bad luck behind us now. Imola was great. The guys did a good job to find a better base set-up that suits me. It’s not easy to find that when you don’t ride a lot and don’t test, but with the injury it was tough. I’m really looking forward to Most. Last year the BMW was really fast there. I wasn’t, but Scott was, so I think we have potential there. I’m really looking forward to seeing if the base we found at Imola will be good here as well. The target is to work a lot from FP1 and we showed at Imola that this is what you need to do. I’m excited for the last WorldSBK round before the break, which we start with IDM at Spielberg. That will be cool, I’m really looking forward to it.”

MotoGP: Lecuona Subbing For LCR Honda’s Rins At Silverstone

David Swarts

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July 25, 2023

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MotoGP: Lecuona Subbing For LCR Honda’s Rins At Silverstone

IKER LECUONA TO REPLACE ALEX RINS AT THE SILVERSTONE

HRC rider Iker Lecuona will replace Alex Rins at the British Grand Prix.

LCR Honda CASTROL rider Alex Rins is recovering at home following his fibula and tibia injury after the crash at Mugello’s Sprint. Surrounded by the best experts in the field, the #42 is carrying out a solid daily plan to be ready to jump on the bike when the time comes.

For the British Grand Prix, which will take place on the 6th of August at the Silverstone, compatriot Lecuona will take over and replace Rins.

Iker Lecuona

“I wish Alex a speedy recovery; I know how difficult these situations are. In the meantime, I’m happy to jump on the bike, as I want to do my best and help the team. Besides, I like Silverstone’s layout, and we can have fun. I want to thank the Honda family and LCR for the opportunity”.

MotoAmerica: Hayes Filling In For Petersen At Brainerd

David Swarts

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July 25, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Hayes Filling In For Petersen At Brainerd

Hayes to Fill in for Petersen at Brainerd

MARIETTA, Ga. – July 25, 2023 – Four-time Superbike Champion Josh Hayes will join Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne this weekend for MotoAmerica Superbike Round 6 at the Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Hayes is filling in for Cameron Petersen, who is sitting out the remaining rounds to repair a wrist injury and return to full fitness for 2024. In addition to racing the Attack Performance prepped Yamaha YZF-R1 this weekend in Superbikes, Hayes will be continuing his title campaign in the Supersport class aboard the Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.

Richard Stanboli – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager

“We welcome Josh Hayes to our team this weekend. His record of success and commitment to Yamaha speaks for itself. I know it will be difficult to jump in and immediately be competitive, but we are confident he will meet the challenge. We also wish Cameron a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. The last time we replaced a rider mid-season due to injury was in 2001, Jason Pridmore, and he came back to win a championship. We look forward to meeting our fans and putting on a good show at BIR.”

Josh Hayes – Squid Hunter Racing/Yamaha

“It’s unfortunate that this is the circumstance and Cam is missing so much riding, but I’m excited to stand in and contribute in any way I can for Yamaha and the team. Hopefully, I can learn and adapt to the Superbike quickly and maybe even contribute to its development with some significant time on the bike. I’m still really focused on success in Supersport on my Squid Hunter R6, and I appreciate their dedication every weekend. We’re looking to have a great weekend at Brainerd.”

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).

Ducati Will Begin Announcing Its New 2024 Models On July 27

David Swarts

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July 25, 2023

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Ducati Will Begin Announcing Its New 2024 Models On July 27

Ducati World Première 2024: the presentation of Ducati’s new models kicks off on 27 July

A journey in six legs that will end on 7 November during which the Bologna based company’s new-for-2024 models will be unveiled

It will be possible to follow the Ducati World Première 2024 on the Ducati.com website and the Ducati social networks

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 25 July 2023 – The Ducati World Première season, the series of events with which the Bologna-based manufacturer has been presenting its new products for the following season for the last few years, is starting again.

After the excellent results obtained in the first six months of 2023, both on a commercial and sporting level, the time has come to start looking to the future. In fact, the journey that will take two-wheel enthusiasts to many different places will start on 27 July: from the desert to mountain roads, passing through cities and obviously circuits.

The first appointment will celebrate one of the most iconic models of the Bologna-based manufacturer and the series, which will resume on 19 September, will then unveil a new bike every two weeks until 7 November, an opportunity to celebrate one of the most representative bikes in Ducati’s history.

The six legs dedicated to Ducati’s new products for 2024 will be covered on the Ducati.com website and on the Bologna-based company’s social media networks and the new models will all be visible live starting from Thursday 10 November, when EICMA 2023 will open to the public.

Below is the calendar of all the episodes of the Ducati World Première 2024:

27 July 2023: Ducati World Première – Episode 1

19 September 2023: Ducati World Première – Episode 2

3 October 2023: Ducati World Première – Episode 3

19 October 2023: Ducati World Première – Episode 4

2 November 2023: Ducati World Première – Episode 5

7 November 2023: Ducati World Première – Episode 6

The complete Press Kits of the models unveiled in each episode will be available on Ducati Media House.

#DucatiWorldPremiere #Ducati2024

MotoAmerica: Cody Wyman Signs With Altus Motorsports

David Swarts

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July 24, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Cody Wyman Signs With Altus Motorsports

MotoAmerica: Cody Wyman joins Altus Motorsports to compete in Stock1000 for the remainder of the season

(ALTUS, OK) Cody Wyman had a very impressive outing on the Altus Motorsports GSX-R1000 at Road America earlier this season. With Brandon Paasch moving up to superbike with the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team, Altus is extremely excited to have Cody take the reins for the remainder of the 2023 MotoAmerica season.

Cody Wyman: “I can’t wait to get back on the Altus Suzuki. We showed some potential at Road America and I felt poised for a couple of good finishes on the weekend. Last year I had a solid weekend on the 400 at Brainerd, so I’m looking forward to getting back there on the 1000. The goal is to keep chipping away at this big bike, fight for the podium, and put myself in a good position towards the end. Big thanks to George Nassaney and Altus crew for bringing me back on!”

In addition to adding Wyman, the Altus team has also brought Boyd Bruner on board as crew chief.

George Nassaney: “We can’t wait to see what Cody can do on the bike with more time. At Road America, he jumped on the bike Friday morning and was impressive straight away. He is a great rider and his amazing attitude is a wonderful addition to our crew. And Boyd Bruner is well-known and respected in the MotoAmerica paddock. It has been a rough season for the team. I am hopeful that the addition of Cody and Boyd will be the stabilizing force we need to have fun and enjoy some success for the remainder of the 2023 season and lay a foundation for 2024.”

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, Yoshimura, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, CarbonSmith, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing

MotoGP Launches New Website And App

David Swarts

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July 24, 2023

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Introducing: the all-new motogp.com and MotoGP™ app!

Check out the new home of the world’s most exciting motorsport and our new official MotoGP™ app

Monday, 24 July 2023

MotoGP™ has a new online home! The new-look motogp.com has now launched across all six languages – available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish – giving the world’s most exciting motorsport an exciting new home on the web. The re-imagined website puts an incredible range of content and resources at fans’ fingertips, making sure every fan can get the best of the sport whenever and wherever they want.

The new MotoGP™ app has also launched for iOS and Android with the same mission: more MotoGP™ than ever, and more user friendly than ever. The app also has a fresh new look and will be the place to be for MotoGP™ content on the move, becoming a true pocket companion for millions of fans around the world. It’s not merely a new look, however, as motogp.com and the MotoGP™ app have been completely re-imagined from zero to create the best possible experience for all users – from established fans to new audiences looking to get to know the sport and everyone in between.

NEW LOOK, NEW FOCUS

The home page is now a true portal to the sport. Top stories, breaking news, fresh content and exclusive videos are all easy to see and find on the home page. From time schedules to the calendar, recent results and more, it’s all at users’ fingertips – even before they decide where exactly they want to take a deeper dive.

Each menu now has a range of visible and accessible options, from tickets, hospitality experiences and the MotoGP™ store, to quick access to VideoPass, TimingPass, results, the GameHub and information on the riders and teams racing in the world’s most exciting motorsport. Then, navigating further, each section has been re-designed with the user in mind, showcasing not only the best of the sport but the most relevant content for everyone visiting.

THE RACE CENTRE

The all-new Race Centre is THE place to be during a race weekend. Fans can watch sessions and races live on VideoPass, see live timing and stay on top of everything related to the Grand Prix – including quick links to other relevant content for that event. That puts live sessions, OnDemand content, related videos and interviews, reports and news about the Grand Prix all in one place – making sure fans get the best out of MotoGP™ every time we’re on track.

THE FANS ARE IN THE HOT SEAT

For fans with a particular focus, there are also options to customise their experience. Anyone looking for more content about their favourite rider can get just that by letting the site know who they’re cheering for. Then, that’s what they’ll get – and with content on every rider, team and personality coming thick and fast, there’s never a shortage of fresh articles and videos. And this is just the beginning!

More features are already in the pipeline for our millions of fans around the world, making sure the experience will only get better and better. So make sure to check out the all-new motogp.com and download the new app for iOS or Android now, with a whole new world of MotoGP™ waiting for you… and even more to come!

VRRA Vintage Festival: Roper Racing Two Team Obsolete Machines At CTMP

David Swarts

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July 24, 2023

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VRRA Vintage Festival: Roper Racing Two Team Obsolete Machines At CTMP

2023 VRRA Vintage Festival – Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Bowmanville, Ontario, August 11-13, 2023 – Team Obsolete is pleased to announce that Dave Roper will be riding Team Obsolete’s ex-Agostini MV Agusta 350cc “triple,” and the Surtees AJS 350 Special at this year’s Vintage Festival [at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park].

Agostini won several 350cc FIM World Championships on the MV Agusta. And in the 1960’s Mike Duff and Peter Williams dominated the “Junior” class on the Surtees with many podium placings behind the MV’s. We are grateful for the invitation from the VRRA.

We have had many wonderful racing weekends with this very enthusiastic group of passionatti.

Many thanks to our sponsors: Vanson Leathers, AVON Tyres and Red Line Synthetic Oil.

WorldSBK: Argentinean Round Cancelled, New Season Finale TBA

David Swarts

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July 24, 2023

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WorldSBK: Argentinean Round Cancelled, New Season Finale TBA

Argentinean Round cancelled; new final round venue to be announced

The Argentinean Round, the curtain closer of the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, which was scheduled to take place on October 13th-15th at the Circuito San Juan Villicum, has been cancelled. This decision is due to the intense electoral calendar faced by the country, which has led to a complex situation affecting the daily lives of people, provinces, and businesses.

Considering the proximity of upcoming national and provincial elections, Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO), Grupo OSD, and the San Juan government have chosen to suspend the event at the San Juan Villicum circuit.

Furthermore, the round was scheduled on the eve of a government transition in the province, and it has been decided to wait and keep the schedule of events open for the new administration, showing respect for the political context and allowing proper planning for events of the magnitude of WorldSBK.

The FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization will soon announce a new venue that will host the final round of the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season.

British Superbike: Race Three Results From Brands Hatch

David Swarts

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July 23, 2023

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British Superbike: Race Three Results From Brands Hatch

BSB R3
BSB points after R3

More, from a press release issued by MSVR:

Bridewell does the double to be crowned Monster Energy King of Brands

Tommy Bridewell, the Monster Energy King Of Brands. Photo courtesy MSVR.

Tommy Bridewell had never won a Bennetts British Superbike Championship race at Brands Hatch before today, but the BeerMonster Ducati rider celebrated a double victory to add to his tally and be crowned the Monster Energy King of Brands winner.

After yesterday’s first win in the Championship for Ryan Vickers, the weekend featured five different riders on the podium representing four different teams and three different manufacturers.

In race two, Bridewell got his day off to a winning start as he fought to the front of the pack and then pulled the pin in the closing stages to have an edge of 2.406s at the chequered flag.

Kent had initially hit the front of the pack ahead of Christian Iddon, Vickers and Jason O’Halloran. However, the lead changed on the second lap as Iddon grabbed the advantage with a move down the inside at Paddock Hill Bend.

Kent recaptured the lead at Surtees a lap later, but Iddon instantly attacked back to put the Oxford Products Racing Ducati back ahead. Vickers and O’Halloran were equally looking for their chance to make a move, but on lap seven Dean Harrison crashed heavily at Paddock Hill Bend and the BMW Safety Car was deployed. The DAO Racing Kawasaki rider was unhurt in the crash, meanwhile Josh Owens also tipped off at Graham Hill Bend.

Iddon was then back in the lead when the race resumed, but Bridewell was moving through the pack and by lap 12 he was fighting at the front and he made a decisive move at Hawthorns to head his rivals.

Bridewell then made his charge, breaking the pack whilst behind it became an intense run to the finish with five riders fighting for the final two podium positions. It was Iddon and Kent who held the advantage to secure consecutive top three finishes backing up their podium finishes in the wet yesterday with a repeat performance in the dry with Glenn Irwin fighting through to fourth ahead of Vickers and O’Halloran.

Race three became an intense five-rider race-long fight for victory in the final action of the weekend, with it coming down to the final lap between Bridewell and his BeerMonster Ducati teammate Irwin and BikeSocial Sprint Race winner Vickers.

At the start of the race, Josh Brookes was caught up in the pack and crashed out at Paddock Hill Bend unhurt. Meanwhile at the front, Kent had dived into the lead ahead of Bridewell, Iddon and Kyle Ryde, who later retired from the race on the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha.

Iddon then took the lead on the second lap and he was holding the advantage until lap 12 when Bridewell had edged ahead with a move at Hawthorns. The lead group had become a five-rider freight train and Bridewell was holding the advantage over Iddon, Irwin, Vickers and Kent.

Irwin moved into second at Surtees on lap 15, pushing Iddon back to third and then the Oxford Products Racing Ducati rider was under attack from Vickers who made his move at Stirlings.

On the last lap, both Irwin and Vickers were hunting Bridewell but it wasn’t enough to deny him the double victory with just 0.237s covering the top three at the chequered flag.

As Bridewell claimed a second win, Irwin fought back to finish on the podium for the first time this weekend, whilst Vickers ended the event on a high with third place.

Iddon held off Kent to take fourth place with O’Halloran completing the top five for McAMS Yamaha. In the closing stages, Lee Jackson was able to get ahead of Leon Haslam on the ROKiT BMW Motorrad with rookies Charlie Nesbitt and Max Cook completing the top ten.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 2 result:

Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati)
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +2.406s
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) +2.463s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +2.512s
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +2.732s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +3.039s
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +3.351s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +6.821s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) +8.473s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha) +8.598s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, Race 3 result:

Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati)
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.133s
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.237s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +2.000s
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) +3.481s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +4.744s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +6.343s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +7.373s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +8.046s
Max Cook (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +13.706s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:

Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 258
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 223.5
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 181
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) 177
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) 172
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 158.5
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 143
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki 142.5
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 138
Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) 100

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Tommy Bridewell

BeerMonster Ducati

“It’s been a great weekend in all aspects. To win one BSB race is an achievement so to win two in a day shows how confident I am and how I feel within myself, with the bike and with the team.

“I’m really proud of what we’re doing at the moment. I’m thinking more about what I’m doing which is allowing me to analyse more, understand more, and learn more and all of that combined is helping me go faster.

“In the final race, I knew Glenn would be there with me but it’s testament to the hard work we’re doing on Friday and Saturday that I could hold him off and it’s all about maintaining the good momentum we have. To be crowned the Monster Energy King of Brands is great!”

MotoGP: Crutchlow Racing As Wild Card In Japanese Grand Prix

July 26, 2023

Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow will race a Yamalube-branded YZR-M1 in the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Crutchlow To Make Wild Card Entry at the Grand Prix of Japan with the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is delighted to announce that Cal Crutchlow will spearhead the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team as a wild card rider at Round 14 of the 2023 FIM MotoGP World Championship, held at the Mobility Resort Motegi.

Iwata (Japan), 25th July 2023

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that Cal Crutchlow will be a wild card entry in the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, Round 14 of the 2023 FIM MotoGP World Championship, riding the special livery YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team YZR-M1 at the Mobility Resort Motegi (formerly known as Twin Ring Motegi) circuit in the race weekend of 29 Sept – 1 Oct.

As the official Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team rider, Crutchlow is the ideal choice for the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team for their one-off MotoGP entry. The Briton‘s participation in the 2023 Japanese GP marks his first Yamaha wild card experience since he started riding for the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team in 2021. He did contest in 10 GPs over the course of 2021-2022 as a replacement rider.

With the upcoming wild card entry for the Grand Prix of Japan, Yamaha aims to have Crutchlow work on prototype parts analysis in a premier class race setting. By lining up Crutchlow alongside fellow Yamaha MotoGP riders Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli on the grid of one of Japan‘s biggest races, Yamaha affirms their mission to bring extra excitement to their home GP and accelerate bike development.

“I would like to take this chance to develop the YZR-M1 in a maximum way”, shared Kazuhiro Masuda, the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team Director. “I am fully convinced that the feedback from this wild card race, ridden with prototype parts, will make the performance of the machine much stronger.”

KAZUTOSHI SEKI

YMC MotoGP Project Leader

“I believe this wild card will be a significant turning point to improve the performance of the YZR-M1. The engineers are working very hard, and Cal‘s participation in the Japanese GP benefits the improvement of the YZR-M1 for the factory team – not only for this season but also for the next.”

CAL CRUTCHLOW

Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Rider

“I‘m happy to have the chance to race at Motegi with the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team. As Yamaha‘s Official Test Rider, I do all I can to help develop the M1. The GP in Japan is a good opportunity to test prototype items in a race setting. I look forward to working with the YAMALUBE RS4GP Racing Team, starting with the upcoming test in August. I‘m sure we‘ll have a great time together. We will work hard to collect as much valuable information for Yamaha as possible.”

NOTES

YAMALUBE

As a genuine liquid engine component, YAMALUBE helps ensure reliability and brings out 100% of the performance potential in every Yamaha engine. It was released in over 160 countries.

RS4GP

YAMALUBE‘s RS4GP oil for 4-stroke motorcycle engines stands as the premier product of the YAMALUBE line-up and boasts the highest quality and performance on offer. It is developed to handle everything from general use on public roads to hard use on trackdays and full-on racing.

CAL CRUTCHLOW – PERSONAL PROFILE

Date of Birth: 29-10-1985

Place of Birth: Coventry

Nationality: British

Height: 170 cm

Weight: 66 kg

MotoGP Debut: 2011 Qatar GP

First Premier Class Win: 2016 Czech GP

Premier Class Victories: 3

Premier Class Podiums: 19

Premier Class Pole Positions: 4

RACING CAREER

2023 MotoGP World Championship – (No starts yet) [Wild Card at the Japanese GP]

2022 MotoGP World Championship – (25th – 10 points) [Replacement rider at the Aragon GP, Japanese GP, Thai GP, Australian GP, Malaysian GP, and the Valencia GP]

2021 MotoGP World Championship – (28th – 0 points) [Replacement rider at the Styrian GP, Austrian GP, British GP, and the Aragon GP]

2020 MotoGP World Championship – (18th – 32 points)

2019 MotoGP World Championship – (9th – 133 points)

2018 MotoGP World Championship – (7th – 148 points)

2017 MotoGP World Championship – (9th – 112 points)

2016 MotoGP World Championship – (7th – 141 points) [Top Independent Team rider]

2015 MotoGP World Championship – (8th – 125 points)

2014 MotoGP World Championship – (13th – 74 points)

2013 MotoGP World Championship – (5th – 188 points)

2012 MotoGP World Championship – (7th – 151 points)

2011 MotoGP World Championship – (12th – 70 points) [Rookie of the Year]

RIDER BIOGRAPHY

Cal Crutchlow arrived in MotoGP from WorldSBK in 2011, having also taken the 2009 WorldSSP title. Achieving accolades as Rookie of the Year on his debut with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 in the premier class, Crutchlow then made his first podiums and pole positions with the Yamaha banner before leaving for the Ducati Team in 2014.

Switching to LCR Honda the year after, Crutchlow‘s greatest glory came in 2016 as he took victory in the wet in Brno – the first British winner for 35 years – and then followed it up with another win at Phillip Island in the dry. Top Independent Team Rider in 2016 and a podium finisher once again in 2017, Crutchlow remained with the LCR team in 2018 for the fourth year running, winning another Grand Prix and set on challenging for the title of top Independent Team Rider once again until his season was curtailed by injury.

Crutchlow returned from a near career-ending injury by claiming P3 on the opening night of the 2019 season, with two more podiums coming the Briton‘s way. 2020 saw Crutchlow continue with LCR Honda, though an eighth-place finish was the best he had to offer before deciding to hang up his leathers.

The Brit then rejoined the Yamaha ranks as a test rider for the 2021 season, and later replaced the injured Franco Morbidelli at Petronas Yamaha SRT for the Styrian and Austrian GPs. Ahead of the British GP, with Maverick Viñales separating from Yamaha, Crutchlow linked up with the factory team alongside Fabio Quartararo and competed at the following Aragon GP too.

When Andrea Dovizioso announced his retirement in 2022 after the San Marino GP, Crutchlow made a comeback and linked up with the WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team for the final six rounds of the season.

In 2023 Crutchlow looks forward to making his wild card debut for Yamaha at the Iwata-based manufacturer’s home GP, held at the Mobility Resort Motegi from 29 Sept – 1 Oct, riding with a special livery that‘s based on the YAMALUBE RS4GP (a high-performance motor oil) branding.

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