BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship Ends September 29

David Swarts

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July 17, 2023

BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship Ends September 29

BMW Motorrad presents Customizing Championship.

Spectacular BMW R 18 custom bikes from all over the world battle it out for victory.

Munich. For years, the BMW R 18 has been inspiring motorcycle fans all over the world to create fascinating customizing creations. The upcoming BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship is now intended to give due recognition to outstanding creativity and artistic craft relating to the BMW R 18.

Initiative by 150 BMW Motorrad dealers from 18 countries.

Four R 18 models as a starting point.

The BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship will take place from 11 April to 29 September 2023. This exciting competition is an initiative of the BMW Motorrad global dealer network, with 150 dealers from 18 countries having already confirmed participation. They will bring together motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world to showcase creativity and skill in customizing BMW R 18 motorcycles.

Four models of the BMW Motorrad R 18 series can be used by customizers – the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental. The BMW R 18 showcases clear, contemporary technology and a sleek, streamlined design that is sure to turn heads. Striking a perfect balance between form and function, the BMW R 18 is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. All the R 18 family members offer a very conversion-friendly architecture for easy customizing and optimal individualization: this was the focus when the basic design of the R 18 series was originally conceived.

“We are thrilled to launch the first-ever BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship,” says Stephan Reiff, Head of Customer, Brand, Sales BMW Motorrad. “This competition is a celebration of the passion and creativity of the BMW Motorrad dealer network and motorcycle enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to see what new members of the R 18 family the participants will come up with.” The winners of the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship 2023 will receive a range of exciting prizes, including the opportunity to showcase their custom motorcycles at major motorcycle events around the world.

Grand world finale at the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.

The Customizing Championship is a way for dealers and enthusiasts to show creativity in a freestyle format. Participants will have the opportunity to customise their motorcycles using their own unique designs and ideas, as well as the extensive range of high-quality parts and accessories offered by BMW Motorrad. The two best custom motorcycles from each participating country will be selected at the National Contests, which will be eligible to participate in the international semi-finals. In this semi-final, six motorcycles will finally be selected by the jury of experts and one by means of a public vote for the grand world final. This will take place on the occasion of the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin on 29 September 2023.

BMW Motorrad dealers from the following countries are confirmed for the Customizing Championship 2023: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Registration for the Customizing Championship has already closed, and participants have signed up on the official BMW Motorrad website.

The main details of the Customizing Championship:

National Championships: 15 May – 16 July 2023
International semi-final and vote for the best bikes:
31 July – 14 August 2023
World final in Berlin: 29 September 2023

Jury of international experts.

The competition will be judged by a panel of experts, including renowned customizers who are highly regarded within the motorcycle community such as Thor Drake, Michael Lichter and Roland Sands. The jury members are as follows:

Thor Drake is a motorcycle builder and entrepreneur. He is the founder of See See Motorcycles, a custom motorcycle shop and coffeehouse based in Portland, Oregon. Drake was born in Montana in 1977 and grew up with a passion for motorcycles, eventually turning his hobby into a career.

Michael Lichter is a photographer and curator who is best known for his work in the motorcycle industry. He was born in 1951 in Boulder, Colorado, and began his career as a photographer in the 1970s. Lichter has since become one of the best-known and respected photographers in the motorcycle community.

Roland Sands is a motorcycle racer and designer. He was born in Long Beach, California, in 1974 and grew up in the motorcycle industry, with his father being a champion racer and aftermarket parts manufacturer. Sands began his own racing career in the 1990s, competing in events such as the AMA 250GP and the MotoGP World Championship.

J. Shia is an internationally recognised and award-winning motorcycle builder and designer. She is the founder of Madhouse Motors, a custom motorcycle shop based in Boston, Massachusetts. Shia was born in California in 1977 and grew up with a passion for motorcycles, eventually turning her hobby into a career.

Giuseppe Roncen, editor and author of Italy’s car culture and motorcycle magazine Lowride. He was born in 1964. His passion for motorcycles began in Italy where he made his first custom bike after working as in the filming industry before. Since 1994 he has been working as a journalist and ever since writes about café racers, cruisers and many more motorcycle topics, besides others.

Yuichi Yoshizawa is a well-known custom builder from Japan who is creating bikes in multiple styles. He is one of the owners of the Custom Works Zon, a famous workshop that has won many international awards and created the “Departed” among others.

For more information about the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship 2023, including rules and registration details, please visit the official website at https://www.bmw-motorrad.com/en/experience/stories/heritage/customizing-Championship.html

Disclaimer.

The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.

Ducati Reports Best First Half-Year Sales Ever

David Swarts

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July 17, 2023

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Ducati Reports Best First Half-Year Sales Ever

Ducati keeps growing and registers its best first half-year sales figures ever

A record of 34,976 motorcycles were delivered globally in the first half of 2023, 5 percent more than in the same period of 2022

The top three markets for Ducati have grown compared to last year: Italy +10 percent, United States +11 percent and Germany +13 percent

The Multistrada V4 is the top-seller of the Ducati range with 6,382 motorcycles delivered so far in 2023

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 17 July 2023 – Following on from a positive first quarter, Ducati closes the first six months of 2023 reporting growing delivery figures.

The Bologna-based manufacturer delivered a record of 34,976 motorcycles over the course of the semester, thus accomplishing a 5 percent growth compared to the same period of 2022.

Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales: “This first half-year was Ducati’s best ever in terms of deliveries. We reached a record 34,976 bikes delivered, proving that our passionate clients continue to appreciate our product range, which is now wider than ever. The supply bottlenecks experienced last year are now over but the global competition in the market is more intense in the post Covid-era also because of better product availability. Our commitment to reinforce the satisfaction of our Ducatisti is stronger than ever and their continuous trust gives all people in Borgo Panigale an extra motivation.”

At the end of the second quarter of 2023, Italy remains in the leading position among Ducati’s markets with 6,639 motorcycles delivered and a growth of 10 percent compared to last year’s period. The United States represents the second largest market for the Company with 4,505 bikes that result in an 11 percent growth over 2022. Germany is in third position, also gaining a 13 percent growth with 4,217 motorcycles delivered.

The most appreciated motorcycle in the ever-wider Ducati range is the Multistrada V4 in all its versions with 6,382 units delivered globally between January and June 2023. The Ducati’s naked sports bike par excellence, the Monster, is in second position with 4,299 delivered motorcycles in the world, while in third place there is the Scrambler Ducati 800 family with 3,581 bikes.

For 2024 Ducati has already unveiled five new colour schemes for its motorcycles. Enthusiasts can choose their SuperSport 950 S in the Stripe Livery that alternates white, grey and red colours, accentuating the sporty elegance of the bike. The Monster is now even more stylish thanks to the new Iceberg White colour, while the Hypermotard 950 RVE has a new Graffiti Livery Evo inspired by street art that makes the Ducati’s fun bike per excellence even trendier. Boldness meets performance on the Panigale V2 with the new Black on Black Livery, and the pleasure of travelling every day finds a new sporty attitude on the Multistrada V2 S with the Thrilling Black & Street Grey colour scheme.

Canadian Superbike: Dumas Leads Championship Heading To Atlantic Motorsports Park

David Swarts

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July 17, 2023

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Canadian Superbike: Dumas Leads Championship Heading To Atlantic Motorsports Park

Dumas leads CSBK east as championship leader eyes redemption at AMP

Toronto, ON – The Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship has already delivered plenty of twists and turns to begin the 2023 campaign, so there’s nowhere more fitting for the season to go next than Atlantic Motorsport Park this weekend, July 20-23, presented by Pro Cycle and Kawasaki.

The uniquely demanding circuit, known affectionately as “the rollercoaster,” will be the site of round three of the GP Bikes Pro Superbike class, but there’s no need to remind championship leader Alex Dumas of the challenge that lies ahead near Halifax, Nova Scotia.

It was just one year ago that the battle for the 2022 Canada Cup was blown wide open at AMP, with Dumas crashing out of the lead amidst an intense battle with Ben Young, who would go on to win his second feature championship in large part thanks to Dumas’ costly error.

Jump ahead to 2023, and there are so far no errors to be found for Dumas.

The Purple Skull Brewing/Liqui Moly Suzuki rider has been sensational, winning three of four races in dominant fashion and taking a commanding 36-point lead over Young to put one finger on the Canada Cup already.

Granted, there has been plenty of misfortune for the reigning champion that has helped expand Dumas’ gap atop the standings, but all three of his victories have demonstrated a new, more determined version of himself than the one we have seen so far in his short career.

It also won’t take much improvement in outright pace for Dumas to close his gap to Young, as there memorably wasn’t any gap at all a year ago – the duo infamously tying in qualifying and needing a coin toss to decide the polesitter – with his race mistakes making it seem as though Young’s advantage was bigger than it is.

With that, it’s hard not anoint Dumas the favourite even with his forgettable east-coast debut last season, as he will know Young has to throw everything at him across the final five races in hopes of rallying back in the championship.

However, the Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW rider will have his own claim to being the weekend favourite. After all, Young swept both races in 2022 and has won three of the last four on the east coast, including his spectacular comeback from tenth to first in 2019.

The circuit has traditionally favoured Young, perhaps owed in part to his experience on narrow, twisty tracks in the British Superbike Championship, and that comeback win four years ago is still considered the best of his career.

However, that victory will also remind Young that AMP is no stranger to chaotic results, likely a bigger concern for Dumas than himself as the title leader aims to avoid any drama, and it may be a closer group of challengers this weekend than the duo has grown accustomed to.

Riding the biggest wave of momentum will be Trevor Daley, who is fresh off a historic charge of his own in Grand Bend where he snatched fourth after crashing out of a battle for the lead on lap two.

Daley has rarely had luck on his side, but round two proved once again he has the race-winning pace to overcome it, and there may not be anywhere better for the OneSpeed Suzuki rider to finally end his quest for a debut victory than at the same place where he came painstakingly close in 2019.

The true X-factor may be tied to Daley regardless, as the biggest question mark of the weekend will be the home favourite aboard his old machine, 17-year-old rookie John Fraser.

Riding the rebranded RLS Contracting Suzuki, Fraser has quietly put together a strong debut campaign already with top-eight finishes in three of four races, but he could more than double that output with a pair of podium challenges this weekend.

That may seem like a tall ask for the first-year rider just out of high school, but Fraser has already approached pole position times in his regional stints at AMP, and even for his young age will bring more track knowledge than majority of the Superbike field.

Rookie pro John Fraser (8) is looking to continue his strong debut CSBK Superbike season as the series heads to Atlantic Motorsport Park, the 17-year-old's home track. Photo Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK. — Rookie pro John Fraser (8) is looking to continue his strong debut CSBK Superbike season as the series heads to Atlantic Motorsport Park, the 17-year-old’s home track. Photo Rob O’Brien, courtesy CSBK.

One rider he certainly won’t have more experience than, however, is 14-time AMP winner (and coincidentally 14-time champion) Jordan Szoke, who will be first in line to pick up the pieces if any of the three Suzuki’s falter.

The banged-up veteran will likely be in for his toughest test yet since his inspiring return, with a pair of 22-lap races on the schedule around a physically grueling circuit, but Szoke and his LDS Consultants Kawasaki will have more expertise to draw from than many of his competitors combined, having tasted victory so many times in Nova Scotia.

That knowledge will be especially valuable to his teammate, LDS Consultants Kawasaki rookie Trevor Dion, as he tries to navigate a Superbike around the Shubenacadie track for the first time. Dion won at AMP a year ago during his Sport Bike championship campaign, but it’s a far different ask around a 210-horsepower feature bike as he looks to build upon his race two podium from Grand Bend.

A difficult challenger to predict will be usual frontrunner Sam Guerin, who has looked like a legitimate race-winning threat on numerous occasions in 2023 but was ordinary in his 2022 Atlantic debut, finishing a distant fourth and fifth aboard his EFC Group BMW.

AMP is no stranger to wet weather, though, and Guerin has begun to gain a reputation as a rain expert, meaning he could be quick to climb the leaderboard if the skies open up at any point over the weekend.

Another wet-track expert worth mentioning is Parts Canada Yamaha rider Tomas Casas, who famously scored his first career Superbike podium in the rain at AMP in 2019.

Casas has dealt with his own physical challenges this season after an injury-shortened 2022 campaign, and this track is hardly one to ease himself back into after four years away, but fond memories may give his team the boost they need in round three.

The midway point of the season will also prove to be crucial in the Constructors Championship fight, where Young’s adversity has left BMW a comfortable 28 points adrift of leaders Suzuki.

The trio of Dumas, Daley, and Fraser don’t appear likely to ease that gap anytime soon, either, but Young and Guerin will be equally in the mix up front for BMW.

Friday’s qualifying sessions could also go a long way in deciding the BS Battery Pole Position award, where Young currently leads Dumas by six points after taking pole in both rounds thus far, with a three-way tie for third another six points back.

The full schedule for the feature GP Bikes class, as well as the six support classes, can be found on the series’ official website at CSBK.ca.

Royal Enfield Bringing Project Origin To AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

David Swarts

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July 17, 2023

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Royal Enfield Bringing Project Origin To AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Royal Enfield’s Project Origin To Make U.S. Debut At 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Tens of thousands of vintage motorcycling enthusiasts at 2023 Permco Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield will get a glimpse of history during this year’s event, which runs July 21-23 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Presenting sponsor Royal Enfield is bringing its one-of-a-kind Project Origin to 2023 Permco Vintage Motorcycle Days, marking the project’s first trip across the pond since its construction in 2021. Project Origin is an authentic, working replica of Royal Enfield’s very first motor-bicycle, which was originally constructed in 1901, and was painstakingly rebuilt using old photographs and promotional ads from the turn of the century.

“Building an authentic working replica of our very first ‘motor-bicycle’ was a thrill for the entire Royal Enfield company, and now bringing this amazingly hand-crafted machine to ride at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is extremely special,” said Nathan Kolbe, Head of Marketing — Americas Region. “We’re incredibly proud to showcase the foundation upon which Royal Enfield has built its enduring legacy of ‘Pure Motorcycling’ here at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.”

Not only will Project Origin be on display for those in attendance but Royal Enfield historian Gordon May — who is one of the only people on the planet who can operate the motorbike — will ride the track at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, marking Project Origin’s inaugural ride on North American soil.

“Project Origin is unlike anything we’ve seen at VMD in a long time,” said AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm, “and I can’t wait to see it in operation at Mid-Ohio. This particular Royal Enfield will surely resonate with the thousands of savvy vintage motorcycling fans that flock to our event each year, and we’re grateful Royal Enfield decided to bring this 1901 piece of history along.”

The chance to view Project Origin in action is one of many exciting opportunities available for enthusiasts at 2023 Permco Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield, with the AMA Hall of Fame Bike Show and the annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days swap meet, among other exhilarating events, also available to attendees.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Steve Wise will serve as the Grand Marshal for 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield and will be available to sign autographs, speak with fans at the AMA Soundstage and lead the Lap For History event each day.

There will also be plenty of vintage racing opportunities in many disciplines during the three-day event. For those interested in racing, visit https://www.vintagemotorcycledays.com/page/racing.

For further information regarding Royal Enfield’s Project Origin, visit https://www.royalenfield.com/uk/en/our-world/media/news/product-launches/project-origin/.

To find out more about Vintage Motorcycle Days, visit https://www.vintagemotorcycledays.com/, sign up for the AMA VMD newsletter or follow #AMAVMD on social media channels. To purchase tickets, visit https://midohio.com/tickets/vintage-motorcycle-days-ama.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

FIM JuniorGP: American Daniel LCQ To P7 In European Talent Cup At Catalunya

David Swarts

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July 17, 2023

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FIM JuniorGP: American Daniel LCQ To P7 In European Talent Cup At Catalunya

EUROPEAN TALENT CUP: FIRST TOP 10 FINISH FOR AMERICAN KRISTIAN DANIEL JR

Kristian Daniel Jr finishes 7th place in a chaotic European Talent Cup race

July 16th – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain

After securing a career best 12th position earlier in the year at Round 2 of the FIM European Talent Cup, MRE Talent Team rider Kristian Daniel Jr fought through a chaotic race this past weekend in Barcelona to cross the line in the top ten of the elite junior racing series.

The young American was showing great pace during Thursday and Friday’s practices but ended Friday with a high-speed crash in the last corner of Circuit de Catalunya, seeing rider and bike tumble through the gravel. Kristian walked away uninjured and the team repaired the Honda NSF250R in order to run a strong qualifying Saturday. Bad luck struck Saturday when during Qualifying One, two crash-related technical issues saw Kristian and team lose valuable laps while the team repaired the bike. They had another chance during Qualifying Two, but half way through the session a rock broke the radiator, putting an end to their session. Kristian finished 0.3 second away from a position that would have qualified him straight into the main race, which meant that he had to compete in the Last Chance Qualifying (LCQ) race Sunday morning in order to participate in the main race Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday morning, 24 riders lined up in the seven-lap LCQ race, where only the first and 2nd place finishers advanced to the main race in the afternoon. Kristian was in control for most of the race, except for the penultimate lap when he dropped back to sixth after being slipstreamed down the main straight. He recovered the positions in the final lap, crossing the line in second, qualifying him to compete in the main race.

On Sunday afternoon, Kristian was supposed to line up 30th on the grid for the Main Race, but due to penalties handed out to riders further ahead who were moved to the back of the grid, he started from 25th position. The young American showed his pace early on, moving from 25th to 15th by lap three. While he battled and led the second group for most laps, this race quickly turned into a race of attrition, seeing many riders either crash or make mistakes. By lap eight, Kristian was engrossed in a fierce battle against eight other riders for 11th position. During the last lap, four of the leading riders crashed out in corner 10, and Kristian, seeing this, made a daring last-corner move to cross the line in seventh position. This marks his best finish in the championship and the best result for an American in the European Talent Cup.

N2/WERA National Endurance: Army Of Darkness Overcomes Adversity To Win Again

David Swarts

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July 17, 2023

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N2/WERA National Endurance: Army Of Darkness Overcomes Adversity To Win Again

Army Of Darkness Digs Out Of A Mud Hole to Overall And Heavyweight Class Wins at the WERA/N2 National Endurance Race by Dunlop at Roebling Road Raceway

Josh Hayes and Hunter Dunham piloted the AOD Yamaha YZF-R1 to a win with a four-lap lead over second place on July 15th. The race was won on the track, but the war was waged in the pits.

Josh Hayes (99) at speed on the Army of Darkness Yamaha. Photo courtesy Army of Darkness. — Josh Hayes (99) at speed on the Army of Darkness Yamaha. Photo by Aaron Galloway, courtesy Army of Darkness.

Ben Walters shared, “I am a certified industrial safety consultant and one of the things we always stress is you can have the systems and procedures in place on paper, but you can’t replace real live drills to help your people succeed.”

With that selfless commitment to team improvement, Walters lowsided the A Bike in practice on Friday in Turn Four. Both he and the bike ultimately exhausted their potential energy in a shallow muddy pond with a rock wedging the dry brake on the gas tank open. The bike had to be recovered with tow straps looped around the wheels inverted and it was unceremoniously deposited on the recovery trailer on its side.

Flood damage is the most insidious of mechanical projects and yet, in the 107^o F real feel heat, the team set to tearing the bike down to try to clean as much sand and water out of it; cognizant that a single grain of sand in an injector or switch could spell the difference between victory, or losing the overall razor-thin points lead.

Saturday saw Hayes qualify on pole but the bike lost power shortly thereafter.

Hunter Dunham (99) at speed on the Army of Darkness Yamaha. Photo courtesy Army of Darkness. — Hunter Dunham (99) at speed on the Army of Darkness Yamaha. Photo by Aaron Galloway, courtesy Army of Darkness.

Another two hours of cleaning and preparation finally saw the start of the race. While the crew chewed their nails down to the quick, Hayes took the lead from the start and AOD never relinquished it for the duration of the four hours.

Tim Gooding, AOD Crew Chief, “It was really selfless of Ben to sacrifice the well being of his leathers and his [possibly fractured] tibia to help us do a drill of what we would have to do to recover from dropping the bike into a mud pond with the dry brakes on the tank open. That sort of commitment to the long term strength of the team is hard to find in today’s younger riders.”

Dunlop’s Tony Romo judged “Today was a legit race story.”

(From left) Madeline Tucker, Tony Romo, Hunter Dunham, Anthony Consorte, Sam Fleming, Melissa Berkoff, Tim Gooding, Josh Hayes, Chris Manfrin, Ben Walters, Steve Brunton, YT Lechner and the drowned and revived Gaijin (currently wearing Yankii’s clothes). Photo courtesy Army of Darkness.

Valentino Rossi Wins GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup Race At Misano

David Swarts

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July 17, 2023

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Valentino Rossi Wins GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup Race At Misano

MAIDEN FANATEC GT WIN FOR ROSSI-MARTIN WHILE KRUETTEN-WILLIAMS TAKE SECOND VICTORY IN THE GOLD CUP

It was a memorable weekend of glory for Team WRT at Misano in the second round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup, as Valentino Rossi and Maxime Martin took a dominant victory in race two, in the heat of the Italian track. A historic win for the legendary Italian driver, who signed his first Fanatec GT win in front of his fans, at his home track and where he won many times on two wheels. There was more satisfaction for the Belgian squad as two other overall podium finishes were netted by Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts, with a third place in race one, and by Thomas Neubauer and Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer, claiming third in race two. Calan Williams and Niklas Kruetten rounded the results, taking their second Gold Cup Sprint win and a second place.

Team Principal Vincent Vosse could not hide his feelings after the race: “We went through a lot of emotions this weekend, and it’s a very emotional moment now. After a frustrating first qualifying yesterday, we had a great come back in race one with cars #32 and #30, which got onto their respective podiums, third overall and second in the Gold Cup. Then this Sunday, we took pole position and a spot on the second row. We won the race with Vale and Maxime, took one more overall podium with car #31, won in the Gold Cup and won the Pit Stop Challenge thanks to our impressive crews. Misano has always been a special place for us, we have had great success here in the past, but winning here with Vale is really something different. On a more personal note, I would like to dedicate this win to my mum, who on top of having always supported me in everything I did, is a great fan of Vale since his MotoGP days, and is very, very happy today!”

The free practice session was promising, as the four cars of Team WRT made it to the top-20, with car #32 third-fastest and car #31 ninth, but the better top speed pace of rivals materialised from pre-qualifying onwards. In the qualifying for race one, the best-placed was #32’s Charles Weerts in P22, with Valentino Rossi placing #46 in P24, and #30’s Niklas Kruetten #30 in P35, right ahead of Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer with car #31.

Race one was going to be a recovery exercise for all Team WRT drivers, and that is what they did perfectly, avoiding trouble and climbing positions, often with great moves and heated duels. Shortly before the pit stop, Weerts was already 14^th, Rossi 16^th, Kruetten 18^th and third in the Gold Cup, and Simmenauer 25^th. The pit stops were perfectly executed, in laps 17 and 18, and allowed to gain further positions, while Dries Vanthoor set the fastest lap of the race shortly after taking the wheel.

After all driver changes, Vanthoor was sixth and Martin ninth, while Williams took second in the Gold Cup, running 15^th overall, and Neubauer was 18^th. There were more fierce battles for all of them, with Vanthoor gaining an incredible three positions in the final laps to finish on the podium. Martin crossed the line in eighth, Williams 12^th, securing second in the Gold Cup, and Neubauer 15^th.

On Sunday, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees celsius and 63 degrees on track, things changed drastically. Dries Vanthoor took pole position for race two, with Martin qualifying third, Neubauer ninth, and Williams second in the Gold Cup.

Everything went well in the first part of the race, with Vanthoor building a 2-second lead overall and Martin keeping third, while Neubauer climbed up to 7^th and Williams took the Gold Cup lead shortly before a safety car period right ahead of the driver changes. The pit stop didn’t go as expected for the leading #32 car, but Valentino Rossi emerged first after all changes and posted the provisional fastest lap of the race. Progressively, his gap reached five seconds, with Simmenauer an excellent third and Weerts in ninth. Kruetten, on his side, held station in the lead of the Gold Cup. Nothing got in the way of the WRT drivers, which signed a sensational team success.

Niklas Kruetten (car #30): “It is a really positive weekend, difficult to predict after a difficult qualifying. But in the races, the set-up was so good and much better than our rivals. Today we had a difficult pit stop, but it didn’t prevent us to win. We scored very good points and we’ll try to keep it going as it is.”

Calan Williams (car #30): “The weekend started tricky in qualifying, it looked as if it was going to be a difficult weekend, but we kept working and pushing hard and in the end, second and first in the class, are very good results. It’s great, we are now leading the championship in the Gold Cup. On my side, there are still things I need to work on, the pace was good but I did a mistake during the driver change, I take responsibility for this, it’s a pity because we could have comfortably finished in the top 10 and even the top five overall.”

Thomas Neubauer (car #31): “P3 overall in race two is a positive result and a good way to finish the weekend, after the difficulties we had in qualifying and race one to find the right pace. Today, we had a good start and an excellent pit stop, thank you to the mechanics for all their good work. After a difficult start of the season, today I can finally leave a track with a smile on my face.”

Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer (#31): “It’s our first overall podium of the season, it feels very good after yesterday’s race. I am very pleased with how things went today, Thomas did a great job, the pit stop was perfect, and I just had to bring the car home.”

Dries Vanthoor (car #32): “In general, it’s been a positive weekend for us. Knowing the car, we were not expecting a lot from Misano, but we are working in the right direction and the car is improving at every race. We showed we have a very strong car, finishing third yesterday after starting from P21. I really had some fun in yesterday’s race and today, with the pole and a good first stint, we proved again that we are here. Unfortunately, a mistake in the pit stop cost us the victory, but there is nothing to complain about or anyone to blame. We still have the best crews of the whole paddock, they have helped us so many times achieve great things, and today is our turn to support them.”

Charles Weerts (car #32): “Overall, a good weekend, considering where we came from in qualifying, where we had some issues. We managed to pull out a great race one, it was a good team effort, and got a well-deserved podium. Today, it started well with the pole position, a great stint from Dries, but unfortunately, the safety car erased the gap, then we had some issues in the pit stop, which is very unusual at WRT, but it just shows that we are all human. I feel lucky to work with such amazing guys and with Dries, today we still managed to salvage some points, and so let’s move to the next one.”

Maxime Martin (car #46): “It’s definitely a fantastic weekend! We struggled a little bit yesterday but we came back in race one, with a good result. Today, I qualified well, which allowed us to stay with the front-runners, the pit stop was perfect, our crew won the Pit Stop Challenge, and Vale finished the job. For sure, if we were to choose one race to win, Vale would have said ‘Misano’, so we couldn’t dream for a better result. I am also very happy for BMW, as it is since 2015 they hadn’t won a sprint race. I was in that car, at Nogaro, with Dirk Müller, and it’s great to prove the brand is back also in sprint races.”

Valentino Rossi (car #46): “I cannot be happier. To win here at Misano is very special. We knew we could be strong, but winning is another story! I won my first GT race at Road to Le Mans, but this is different, as this is our main championship, the level is so high and there are so many fast drivers. It all started one and a half years ago, with Vincent, with the entire WRT team, and this is a great achievement. Everybody did a mega job, Maxime, the boys, and I thank everybody and BMW. I’m enjoying the moment and let’s continue like this.”

Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Sprint Cup – Round 2

Misano Adriatico, Italy, 15-16 July 2023

Race 1 results:

1. Marciello-Boguslavskiy (Mercedes AMG GT3) 38 laps

2. Altoè-Lappainen (Ferrari 296 GT3) + 7s461

3. Vanthoor-Weerts (BMW M4 GT3) +15s909

4. Vervisch-Baert (Audi R8 LMS) +18s057

5. Costa-Vermeulen (Ferrari 296 GT3) +18s438

8. Martin-Rossi (BMW M4 GT3) +28s043

11. Kruetten-Williams (BMW M4 GT3) +34s808 (2^nd in Gold)

15. Simmenauer-Neubauer (BMW M4 GT3) +44s057

Race 2 results:

1. Martin-Rossi (BMW M4 GT3) 36 laps

2. Légeret-Haase (Audi R8 LMS) + 4s743

3. Neubauer-Simmenauer (BMW M4 GT3) + 6s105

4. Marciello-Boguslavskiy (Mercedes AMG GT3) +10s644

5. Costa-Vermeulen (Ferrari 296 GT3) +11s618

9. Vanthoor-Weerts (BMW M4 GT3) +16s789

12. Kruetten-Williams (BMW M4 GT3) +24s562 (1^st in Gold)

MotoGP: Practice And Qualifying Sessions Tweaked

David Swarts

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July 17, 2023

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MotoGP: Practice And Qualifying Sessions Tweaked

FIM Grand Prix World Championship

Decisions of the Grand Prix Commission

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Biense Bierma (MSMA), assisted by Messrs. Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Carlos Ezpeleta (Dorna), Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting) and Corrado Cecchinelli (Director of Technology), in electronic meetings held in July 2023, made the following decisions, effective immediately:

MotoGP™ Class Practice Sessions timed for entry into Q2

Following unanimous agreement between the MotoGP™ Class Teams, the GPC has approved a proposal to change the sessions timed for entry into Qualifying 2.

The first premier class practice session of a Grand Prix weekend will no longer be timed for
qualifying/entry into Qualifying 2.

It will remain 45 minutes in length and will now be named Free Practice 1.

The second, 60-minute practice session on Friday will now be named Practice. It will be the sole practice session timed for entry into Q2.

The 30-minute session on Saturday morning will now be named Free Practice 2.

MotoGP™ Class sessions therefore now comprise:

• Friday

− Free Practice 1 (FP1): 45 mins

− Practice (PR): 60 mins, timed for entry into Q2

• Saturday

− Free Practice 2 (FP2): 30 mins

− Qualifying 1 (Q1): 15 mins

− Qualifying 2 (Q2): 15 mins

− MotoGP™ Tissot Sprint (SPR)

• Sunday

− Warm Up (WUP): 10 mins

− Race (RACE)

A regularly updated version of the FIM Grand Prix Regulations which contains the detailed text of the regulation changes may be viewed shortly on:
https://www.fim-moto.com/en/sports/view/fim-world-championship-grand-prix-4327

FIM JuniorGP: Race Report From Catalunya

David Swarts

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July 16, 2023

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FIM JuniorGP: Race Report From Catalunya

Editorial Notes: Canadian Torin Collins, riding his AGR Team KTM, finished 27th inn JuniorGP Race One and 18th in Race Two. American Max Toth, riding his MMR Kalex, finished 15th in Moto2 Race One and he DNF Moto2 Race Two. American Kristian Daniel Jr., riding his MRE Talent Honda, finished a season-high seventh in the sole European Talent Cup (ETC) race.

Zurutuza and Aditama take stunning JuniorGP™ wins as Moto2™ title race intensifies

Six thrilling races saw six different winners under the beating Barcelona sun, and all title fights going another round

The blistering Spanish sun welcomed riders to its shores as Round 5 of the Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship took place at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya. Six races saw six different winners, with Xabier Zurutuza (MTA Junior Team) and Fadillah Arbi Aditama (Astra Honda Racing Team) claiming JuniorGP™ honours, with Xavier Cardelus (Promoracing) and Unai Orradre (STV Laglisse Racing) securing success in the Moto2™ European Championship.

In the single races in Catalunya, Guido Pini (AC Racing Team) stood on the top step in the European Talent Cup with Daniel Muñoz (SP57 Racing Team) doing likewise in the Stock European Championship, both after some incredible last lap drama.

In JuniorGP™, Xabi Zurutuza emerged from a large group of riders to take Race 1 victory in Barcelona, showing his class to lead the last lap and withstand pressure from behind to take the chequered flag first, and in the process, earn a second win of the campaign. Jacob Roulstone (Aspar Junior Team) followed the Spaniard over the line, while Championship leader Angel Piqueras (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) claimed third.

The opening race didn’t pass without incident, with David Almansa (Finetwork Mir Racing Team) crashing out of his podium charge on the last lap after luck deserted him, while poleman Piqueras’ podium meant he could set his sights on securing the title in Race 2.

There was drama from lights out to the chequered flag, and beyond, in the afternoon event, with a dramatic race seeing Indonesia rider Fadillah Arbi Aditama given the win. Once again, a large lead group formed, with P1 changing hands on a corner by corner basis. With two laps to go and space at a premium, there was a mid-pack collision that saw Alvaro Carpe (STV Laglisse Racing), Eddie O’Shea (British Talent Team), Jacob Roulstone and Xabi Zurutuza hit the gravel trap.

A lap and a half later, Almansa squeezed over the line ahead of Aditama by just 0.005s, but the Spaniard was adjudged to have overtaken under yellow flags and was demoted a place to second. Luca Lunetta (AC Raccing Team) came across third, but like Almansa, was penalized for the same infringement, with Joel Esteban (Aspar Junior Team) benefitting. Piqueras came home sixth, but it wasn’t enough for the title, and his charge continues into Aragon after the summer break where he will hold a comfortable 68 point advantage.

In Moto2™, Championship leader Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP Team) was ruled out of both races, handing a big opportunity to his rivals to close the gap, and Xavi Cardelus duly obliged. The Andorran started on pole and led the majority of the race, put on an exhibitionary defensive performance to reject the advances of Unai Orradre for the win, though, the STV Laglisse Racing rider claimed a debut podium in the class. Alberto Surra (Team Ciatti – Boscoscuro) followed the two over the line, and those three riders were the main protagonists in Race 2.

Later in the day, Orradre did manage to get the win in fine fashion in what has proved a breakthrough weekend, while it was Surra who came second, and Cardelus third after an epic three way battle for the win. All that means that going into the next round, Cardelus comes back into the title picture and sits just 20 points behind Agius in the standings.

There were twists and turns at every corner in the European Talent Cup race in Barcelona. Guido Pini claimed the win, with Casey O’Gorman (SuperHugo44 Team) and Ruche Moodley (Finetwork Mir Junior Team) on the podium after showstopping event.

Championship leader Max Quiles (Aspar Junior Team) started at the back of the grid, while his main rival Brian Uriarte (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) launched from pole. However, Quiles found himself among the lead group after just a few laps while Uriarte ended up in the gravel, ending his victory charge. The drama continued onto the last lap, with Quiles’ teammate Dodo Boggio attempting an ambitious move at Turn 10, only for the Italian to wipe out his teammate and Rico Salmela (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0). As a result, Pini profited enormously to take the win and enter the title picture heading to Aragon.

Rounding out the day’s runs was the Stock European Championship, and keeping with the theme of the day, it was a gripping watch to the very end. Daniel Muñoz took the win, and did so in style.

In a race that often saw a strangely slow pace set at the front, the Championship leader decided to take things into his own hands with just a few laps remaining. Eric Fernandez (FAU55 Racing Team) applied the pressure from behind, and even took the lead on the last lap after a brilliant Turn 10 maneuver, but Muñoz showed his x-factor with a Valentino Rossi-like overtake at the final corner to secure a sensational win. Dino Iozzo (IUM Motorsports) ran with the top two in the title race, and claimed a superb P3.

After Muñoz sensational late move, it stretches his advantage in the Championship to 35 points, and with just 50 left on the board, he can claim the Stock crown in Aragon after the summer break.

Next up for the Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship is MotorLand Aragon, which is penciled in for October 8th. Make sure you join us then!
You can also find all the results, videos, photos and information regarding the championship on the official website: www.fimjuniorgp.com

Australian Superbike: Race Results From Morgan Park Raceway

David Swarts

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July 16, 2023

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Australian Superbike: Race Results From Morgan Park Raceway

Race One
Race Two

More, from a press release issued by ASBK:

Herfoss Seizes Championship Lead With Decisive Morgan Park Victories

Alpinestars Superbike

The fifth round of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul was absolutely breathtaking with exceptional racing across all the classes and has wet the appetite for a monumental last two rounds. Every race featured at least four riders duking it out for the win with some races decided by tens of thousandths of a second.

As for the premier category, the Alpinestars Superbike class, the championship has been turned on its head.

Race One

The first 16-lap race exploded into action with Herfoss grabbing the holeshot from Jones, Waters, Allerton, Halliday, and Arthur Sissis who had a blinding start while Broc Pearson went backward from the first row to be back in eighth position after the first lap with the top five separated by just 0.766 seconds.

Halliday was the first to be dropped off the extremely fast pace with Allerton valiantly hanging on to the leading trio of Herfoss, Jones and Waters. The leading pair were locked together as Waters was on the rear wheel of Jones as Herfoss tried to break away. Herfoss led for the opening five laps from Jones and Waters as Jones tried everything in the book but on the sixth lap, he found the page with the move to take the lead in a great braking move, but Herfoss was back in front two laps later.

The pace started to tell on Waters as he was noticeably dropping off the pair to be over a second off the lead after 10-laps as millimetres separated the two riders who have dominated the previous two rounds. On the start of the twelfth lap as Waters tried valiantly to keep in touch, in a déjà vu moment from Darwin ran off the track at Turn Two but managed to re-join way back in eleventh place nearly 20 seconds adrift while Allerton inherited third place. The mistake ensured that Herfoss would take the lead in the championship. It all is depending on how many places Waters could make up to salvage as many points as possible.

The dynamic duo was all over each other with no rider able to make a break as Jones retook the lead on the fourteenth lap setting the scene for a lightning bolt finish. For nine of the sixteen laps the pair were separated by less than a tenth of a second bringing back memories of the golden years of Australian road racing with the legendary battles of Robbie Phillis and Mal Campbell. The engrossed spectators all knew that there was one shot left for Herfoss in the closing two laps and it happened at the sixth corner on the last lap as Herfoss jammed his Honda on the inside of Jones and in a perfect brake check forced Jones wide with the pair side by side on the exit, but Herfoss had the slight advantage to get on the gas that millisecond earlier.

Jones tried a way through in the final few corners, but Herfoss was not to be denied and took the win by 0.097 of a second from Jones to move into the championship lead. Allerton was third a little over a second in front of Halliday with Pearson recovering from his bad start to claim another sixth place from Bryan Staring, Anthony West, and Arthur Sissis. The end results saw Waters eight-point lead turn around to be a five-point deficient. As Jones continued to clamber up the points table in his sterling efforts to retain his Number One plate.

Race Two

By the time the Alpinestars Superbike field lined up for race two, the track temp was over 38 degrees and the wind had dropped to ensure the race would be run at a red-hot pace.

Lights out and it was Herfoss again who stormed into the lead with Allerton in hot pursuit with Pearson third from Jones, but Jones was into third by the end of the opening lap while Waters had a shocker of a start in his view to end lap one in sixth place.

Jones muscled his way into second place on the fifth lap with a gap of about eight bike lengths to make up as Herfoss set the pace at the front although Jones bettered Herfoss’ 2018 lap record on the second lap and on the fifth lowered it again to take almost half a second off the old record. An amazing feat considering the tight nature of Morgan Park where it is so very difficult to make up time.

Allerton held third for the entire race while Pearson managed to maintain fourth spot for the entire race as some battles raged behind with Halliday, Waters, Staring, West and Sissis having some great battles just out of the top four spots.

Back at the front, the Jones and Herfoss street fight continued unabated as Herfoss attempted to keep the ever-closing Jones at bay. Jones had his wish answered at the halfway point to take the lead and held it for five laps before Herfoss found a way through, but it was far from over. With just over a lap remaining Jones hit the front again and it appeared that he had enough of a gap to finally grab his first victory since the final round at The Bend Motorsport Park last year.

But with just three corners remaining Jones tried to cover his line but entered turn ten a little too hot and a little too tight as he attempted to prevent Herfoss from a final attack but the rear tyre of his bike slid out which was enough for Herfoss to slip underneath the Yamaha and take the lead with enough momentum to hang onto take the win by nearly eight-tenths of a second, the biggest gap between the pair the entire weekend.

Herfoss’ victory has seen his lead over Waters increase to fourteen points with Jones in third just six points ahead of Allerton.

With four races left and 102 points up for grabs the 2023 season is shaping up as another to provide another exciting climax to an enthralling season.

BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship Ends September 29

July 17, 2023

The R 18 "Iron Annie" Custom Bike from Switzerland. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.

BMW Motorrad presents Customizing Championship.

Spectacular BMW R 18 custom bikes from all over the world battle it out for victory.

Munich. For years, the BMW R 18 has been inspiring motorcycle fans all over the world to create fascinating customizing creations. The upcoming BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship is now intended to give due recognition to outstanding creativity and artistic craft relating to the BMW R 18.

Initiative by 150 BMW Motorrad dealers from 18 countries.

Four R 18 models as a starting point.

The BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship will take place from 11 April to 29 September 2023. This exciting competition is an initiative of the BMW Motorrad global dealer network, with 150 dealers from 18 countries having already confirmed participation. They will bring together motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world to showcase creativity and skill in customizing BMW R 18 motorcycles.

Four models of the BMW Motorrad R 18 series can be used by customizers – the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental. The BMW R 18 showcases clear, contemporary technology and a sleek, streamlined design that is sure to turn heads. Striking a perfect balance between form and function, the BMW R 18 is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. All the R 18 family members offer a very conversion-friendly architecture for easy customizing and optimal individualization: this was the focus when the basic design of the R 18 series was originally conceived.

“We are thrilled to launch the first-ever BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship,” says Stephan Reiff, Head of Customer, Brand, Sales BMW Motorrad. “This competition is a celebration of the passion and creativity of the BMW Motorrad dealer network and motorcycle enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to see what new members of the R 18 family the participants will come up with.” The winners of the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship 2023 will receive a range of exciting prizes, including the opportunity to showcase their custom motorcycles at major motorcycle events around the world.

Grand world finale at the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.

The Customizing Championship is a way for dealers and enthusiasts to show creativity in a freestyle format. Participants will have the opportunity to customise their motorcycles using their own unique designs and ideas, as well as the extensive range of high-quality parts and accessories offered by BMW Motorrad. The two best custom motorcycles from each participating country will be selected at the National Contests, which will be eligible to participate in the international semi-finals. In this semi-final, six motorcycles will finally be selected by the jury of experts and one by means of a public vote for the grand world final. This will take place on the occasion of the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin on 29 September 2023.

BMW Motorrad dealers from the following countries are confirmed for the Customizing Championship 2023: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Registration for the Customizing Championship has already closed, and participants have signed up on the official BMW Motorrad website.

The main details of the Customizing Championship:

National Championships: 15 May – 16 July 2023
International semi-final and vote for the best bikes:
31 July – 14 August 2023
World final in Berlin: 29 September 2023

Jury of international experts.

The competition will be judged by a panel of experts, including renowned customizers who are highly regarded within the motorcycle community such as Thor Drake, Michael Lichter and Roland Sands. The jury members are as follows:

Thor Drake is a motorcycle builder and entrepreneur. He is the founder of See See Motorcycles, a custom motorcycle shop and coffeehouse based in Portland, Oregon. Drake was born in Montana in 1977 and grew up with a passion for motorcycles, eventually turning his hobby into a career.

Michael Lichter is a photographer and curator who is best known for his work in the motorcycle industry. He was born in 1951 in Boulder, Colorado, and began his career as a photographer in the 1970s. Lichter has since become one of the best-known and respected photographers in the motorcycle community.

Roland Sands is a motorcycle racer and designer. He was born in Long Beach, California, in 1974 and grew up in the motorcycle industry, with his father being a champion racer and aftermarket parts manufacturer. Sands began his own racing career in the 1990s, competing in events such as the AMA 250GP and the MotoGP World Championship.

J. Shia is an internationally recognised and award-winning motorcycle builder and designer. She is the founder of Madhouse Motors, a custom motorcycle shop based in Boston, Massachusetts. Shia was born in California in 1977 and grew up with a passion for motorcycles, eventually turning her hobby into a career.

Giuseppe Roncen, editor and author of Italy’s car culture and motorcycle magazine Lowride. He was born in 1964. His passion for motorcycles began in Italy where he made his first custom bike after working as in the filming industry before. Since 1994 he has been working as a journalist and ever since writes about café racers, cruisers and many more motorcycle topics, besides others.

Yuichi Yoshizawa is a well-known custom builder from Japan who is creating bikes in multiple styles. He is one of the owners of the Custom Works Zon, a famous workshop that has won many international awards and created the “Departed” among others.

For more information about the BMW Motorrad Customizing Championship 2023, including rules and registration details, please visit the official website at https://www.bmw-motorrad.com/en/experience/stories/heritage/customizing-Championship.html

Disclaimer.

The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.

Ducati Reports Best First Half-Year Sales Ever

July 17, 2023

A 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally fitted with optional equipment. Photo courtesy Ducati. — A 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally fitted with optional equipment. The Multistrada V4 is Ducati's best-selling model. Photo courtesy Ducati.