WorldSBK: Gerloff Hoping Imola Is As Similar To U.S. Tracks As It Looks

David Swarts

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July 12, 2023

WorldSBK: Gerloff Hoping Imola Is As Similar To U.S. Tracks As It Looks

BMW Motorrad Motorsport returns to historic Imola circuit with the WorldSBK – Leon Haslam on the second BMW M 1000 RR of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari at Imola will host the FIM Superbike World Championship for the first time since 2019.

Leon Haslam temporarily returns to the WorldSBK as a substitute rider for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

Imola is new territory for Scott Redding, as well as Garrett Gerloff and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, while Loris Baz is already familiar with the track.

Munich. BMW Motorrad Motorsport is returning to historic Imola (ITA) with the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK). The seventh round of the 2023 WorldSBK season will take place at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari from 14th to 16th July. The WorldSBK has regularly visited Imola in past decades, most recently in 2019. Leon Haslam (GBR) will ride the second BMW M 1000 RR alongside Scott Redding (GBR) in the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

Haslam is no stranger to BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the WorldSBK. The 40-year-old Briton has competed in a total of 316 WorldSBK races between 2003 and 2022, finishing as runner-up in the championship in 2010. In 2011 and 2012, he raced as a BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider with the BMW S 1000 RR, earning a total of eight podium finishes. In the current 2023 season, Haslam competes with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad British Superbike Team aboard the BMW M 1000 RR in the British Superbike Championship (BSB), where he has already achieved six podium finishes, including two at the recent round at Snetterton (GBR).

Imola is a track with a rich tradition, but as it has not been on the WorldSBK calendar in recent years, it is still unfamiliar to some. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team is already familiar with the circuit from the past, as are Haslam and Loris Baz (FRA). However, Redding has not raced there before, and Garrett Gerloff (USA) will also make his Imola debut, as will the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team.

Quotes ahead of the Imola round.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “First of all, many thanks to Leon for being available at short notice to be with us at Imola. We know each other well from the past, where we celebrated success together, and this season he has returned to the BMW Motorrad family in BSB and is familiar with the new BMW M 1000 RR. He also has a lot of WorldSBK experience, and we are confident that he will quickly get back up to speed at Imola. After his crash at Donington, Tom Sykes is on the road to recovery and was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after a week, and we all send him our best wishes. Michael participated in a track day last week, however a return for Imola would still be too early, and we have jointly decided that he will sit out this weekend, and then we will reassess the situation. Now we are excited about Imola. Scott showed a clear upward trend in Donington, which was confirmed by his fourth-place finish in the second race. Garrett was also fast and consistently strong there and we want to continue that at Imola. However, a major topic will be the high heat expected over the weekend which can be challenging for humans, machines, and tyres.”

Garrett Gerloff, #31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “It’s going to be an interesting weekend, I think. It’s a track that I’ve never been to and it looks like it could be technical. But I feel good learning new layouts and this circuit being mainly a left-hand corner dominant one with some elevation changes and being tighter, it kind of reminds me of the tracks I raced in America a lot. I’m hoping this connection is a solid one and it does help me to learn it a bit faster, but I think there’s going to be a few people that haven’t been there or at least haven’t been there for a while. I just hope it will be a good weekend and we can keep improving like we did at Donington.”

Scott Redding, #45 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “Imola is new track for me so it’s another element to the weekend, I always like new tracks! I hope for a good weekend and to keep the momentum from Donington.”

Loris Baz, #76 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “It has been a tough season and tough couple of weekends with completely no luck unfortunately at the last two rounds, which is a shame, because I feel strong again on the bike. I just need to have a calm weekend, so I hope Imola will be that one. I’m sending my best wishes again to Tom Sykes and Michael Ruben Rinaldi who were involved in the crash at Donington and I hope they can come back soon. For me, I’m really happy to come back to Imola. It’s a track that I always loved a lot and I have good memories there. It’s really an old school circuit with an atmosphere that is so different than the rest of the venues. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m sure we can be fast there. I have experience on this track, I know the layout and everything. I just hope we can put all of our bad luck behind now and have a nice and calm weekend on the BMW M 1000 RR. I know the guys in this team never stop working incredibly hard and I feel it’s definitely time to get our normal mojo back and rediscover the pace that we had in the beginning of this season.”

Leon Haslam, #91 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It’s a fantastic opportunity. Obviously I have a lot of history with Imola. We took the championship in 2010 down to the last round at Imola. I have a lot of history from this circuit and it’s fantastic to ride again for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. We are riding the BMW M 1000 RR in the UK so I’m looking forward to work with Shaun Muir and all the guys from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. We will see. I have no real big expectations, I just want to try to enjoy and hopefully we can get some good information and some good results.”

SAVED! Mark Fitzgerald Makes Good Use Of Soft Barriers

Trudy Ulrich

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July 11, 2023

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Saved! Mark Fitzgerald

By Michael Gougis

“I’m probably alive because of you guys.”

That’s how Mark Fitzgerald opened the conversation when he called me back. He may not be exaggerating.

Fitzgerald, 44, of New Boston, New Hampshire, was racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in May when he crashed his Kawasaki ZX-10R into a concrete K-rail so hard that he knocked it over. Just to illustrate how big that hit was, a 10-foot section of K-rail weighs approximately two tons. It’s the type of concrete barrier that is craned into position on street car racing circuits like at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach to help keep cars from flying into the stands and the crowd.

What saved Fitzgerald was the fact that in front of that section of K-rail was an inflatable Alpina soft barrier, purchased by the Roadracing World Action Fund with donations from NEMRR, and deployed at New Hampshire Motor Speedway by NEMRR. (Alpina and Airfence are two separate companies that make similar inflatable soft barriers designed to absorb energy and homologated by the FIM.)

“The last thing I remember was being on the brakes and the bike wasn’t slowing down. The front wheel was still in the air when I got into the braking zone. I had the presence of mind to get off the brakes, but by that point I was well into the dirt. I went into the Airfence at well over 100 mph,” he said.

Fitzgerald’s Alpinestars airbag suit deployed and his Arai helmet hit the barrier so hard that the shell cracked as it absorbed energy, as designed. It was a huge, huge hit.

And 25 minutes later, Fitzgerald was conscious and arguing with the ambulance attendants who wanted to cut him out of his suit.

“I was in the ambulance and they were getting ready to bring me to Concord Hospital as a Class Two trauma. They wanted to cut off my boots and suit and I was pretty upset by that. Against their advice, I stood up in the ambulance and took my boots and my suit off,” he says.

His injuries included third-degree burns on his back and left ankle where the Kawasaki landed on top of him. A broken vertebra, two broken bones in his right ankle, 17 broken ribs, a Class Two (moderate) concussion, and ruptured blood vessels in his left eye.

Before the racing for the day was completed, Fitzgerald was back at the track, watching his friends race.

“I’m not sure I’d be here if it wasn’t for you guys and your Airfence. I haven’t ever had an accident like this before. It just happened so fast. I’m just fortunate that I’m here to talk about it. The fact that I was able to go to work at 6:30 on Monday morning is a testament to the engineering of the Airfence. I’m incredibly fortunate and thankful.”

About the Roadracing World Action Fund

The Roadracing World Action Fund – a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization – began back in 2001 as a grassroots movement to improve racetrack safety for motorcycle racers and riders. At the time, haybales or stacks of tires were sometimes placed in front of concrete walls for rider protection in case of a crash. A far better solution for rider safety existed – FIM-homologated inflatable soft barriers which absorb the energy of a crash. Soft barriers–made by Airfence or Alpina and purchased the Roadracing World Action Fund using donations and fund raisers–help improve the chances that racers can walk away from a crash which in the past might have caused catastrophic injury, or even death.

The Roadracing World Action Fund gained the support of the motorcycle community, as racers, riders, family and friends, motorcycle businesses, racing organizations and racetracks helped make use of soft barriers the standard, rather than the exception, for motorcycle races and track days across the nation. Now, from Laguna Seca to Daytona, Motorsports Ranch to VIR, Road Atlanta to Road America, and many more, soft barriers are deployed more frequently and in greater quantities than ever before, as the Roadracing World Action Fund continues its mission of helping prevent racetrack injuries through motorcycle road racing safety education, and by organizing donations and funding to purchase and deploy FIM-homologated soft barriers.

British Superbike: FHO Racing Re-Signs Brookes And Hickman For 2024

David Swarts

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July 11, 2023

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British Superbike: FHO Racing Re-Signs Brookes And Hickman For 2024

BROOKES, HICKMAN AND FHO RACING REMAIN TOGETHER FOR THE 2024 SEASON

The FHO Racing BMW Motorrad team is delighted to announce that Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman will continue with the team next season in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and on the Roads, as team owner Faye Ho announced her 2024 plans at the weekend at Snetterton.

Since its launch in 2021, FHO Racing has become a dominant force in the British Championship as well as on the roads, and signing two-time British Champion Brookes for this season showed the teams’ desire to succeed in BSB.

Enjoying a good start to the year, Brookes finished on the podium in second and third, as well as claiming a race win aboard the BMW M 1000 RR at the opening round. Currently sitting fourth overall Brookes is still very much a title contender for the 2023 season. Having won two races, he has also collected three second place finishes and two third places with just five rounds completed this year.

Alongside the British Championship, FHO Racing has achieved high levels of success at the Isle of Man TT Races with Hickman, where in the team’s debut year in 2022 they won the Superbike, Superstock and the Senior TT Races. At this year’s event Hicky and FHO showed their dominance again, going on to win both Superstock races, smashing the outright TT lap record in the second race and finished the week victorious in the Senior TT.

With both riders retained early for 2024, the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad team can breathe sigh of relief that they have next season already sorted and can look forward to the remainder of this season in the British Superbike Championship.

Josh Brookes:

“I think it is often the case that it takes a good portion of a year before any rider will settle properly with a new bike and team combination, so I think it is common to do multi-year contracts to see the best potential. I have always done a year-by-year deal, but in the past I have always stayed and done multi-years with the same team for that reason. I think it makes sense for me to that again and we are just improving the bike now and I think the results can improve a lot and so it was quite an easy decision and I had no reservations when I had the opportunity to extent the contract for another year and stay with the team. The crew, team and management are all first class and I am happy to continue on. It is also a little bonus to be secure in the future so you can concentrate clearly on the job that we are doing and not have to worry about what might be next year. From my side it is all very positive and I am pleased to announce this early in the year where I will be for next year.”

Peter Hickman:

“I am mega happy to be signed up so early in particular in the season ready for next year. I think it has been a good year for Josh, but it has not been a great year for me in BSB, obviously the roads have been strong for me. But not really BSB even though I have shown promise here and there like qualifying on the front row at Oulton Park and stuff. I am really happy to keep the team together really. It has worked out really well this year and the team dynamic has really worked. As much as my results haven’t been there it is not through lack of trying and it is not because we are not capable. It has just been one of those things. To get signed up this early to get sorted is absolutely mega and I am looking forward to see what we can do for the rest of this year for a start and see where we end up by the end and then see what we can do in 2024. It takes the pressure off in a lot of different ways and I am super excited about it all. It is good to get sorted!”

Faye Ho – Team Principal:

“I’m really happy to announce that both Josh and Pete will be staying with us in 2024. We’ve got a really strong team and we’ve showed that with the results on the Roads, and also with what Josh has done so far in BSB this year. Everyone works together so well and the dynamic between the riders is just fantastic, so we had no reason to disrupt that for next season, just continue on what we have been building. I think it also takes a lot of pressure off everyone getting it all sorted early, so no one is guessing what’s going to happen. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with Josh and Pete and working with them again next year, hopefully we can be on the top step of the championship – that’s the goal I’m looking for!”

WorldSBK: Championship Returning To Imola This Coming Weekend

David Swarts

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July 11, 2023

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WorldSBK: Championship Returning To Imola This Coming Weekend

Excitement builds as WorldSBK returns to Imola

Imola is a classic WorldSBK venue, offering thrilling races and a vibrant atmosphere. The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari carries a rich history and hosted some of the finest WorldSBK battles such as the Bayliss-Edwards’ Showdown in 2002.

DID YOU KNOW?

In the 2001 Race 2 at Imola, the victory was decided by a razor-thin margin of just 0.021 seconds separating Regis Laconi and Ruben Xaus, making it the closest finish in the circuit’s history.

IMOLA’S HOT SPOTS WITH TOPRAK RAZGATLIOGLU

T2-3/ “I enjoy the first sector. In some corners you cannot see as they have blind entries. The first sector is fine and it becomes quite difficult afterwards. The first straight isn’t exactly straight, it’s a long curve before entering the first of four chicanes – Variante Tamburello. This chicane is not small or tight – it’s quite a big one … left, right then a curve on the exit.”

T7/” This is the only real hairpin, with a big climb on the exit. It’s slightly off-camber here. This is a good corner for braking. And you need good acceleration on the way out to arrive at T9. It is all uphill, so you need to carry good the speed with you.”

T18/ “It’s a curving downhill section followed by two left corners. I always like an old school track and an old school bike. I am going to ride here on my Yamaha for the first time.”

WorldSBK | KEY STAT

100

With three podium finishes at Donington Park, Toprak Razgatlioglu has now accumulated a total of 99 podiums, leaving him just one step away from reaching the impressive milestone of 100.

What to look out for in Imola

As the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship arrives at the historic Imola circuit, anticipation is building for a thrilling weekend of racing.

Alvaro Bautista (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati), currently leading the Championship standings, will be eager to make his mark at Imola, Ducati’s home round. With solid past results at this circuit, including a third-place finish in the Tissot Superpole Race and a second-place finish in Race 1 in 2019, Bautista knows what it takes to excel on this demanding track as he looks to add valuable points to his championship campaign and claim his first victory at the historic circuit.

Meanwhile, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) is on the verge of a significant milestone as he stands at 99 podium finishes. Imola presents a golden opportunity for him to reach the impressive milestone of 100 podiums. Despite it being his first time racing at Imola with Yamaha, Razgatlioglu will be pushing hard to achieve this feat and continue his strong form at Imola.

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) will be aiming to climb up the championship standings. Imola has been a happy hunting ground for Rea in the past, with his exceptional record at this circuit including 9 victories (among them the last four WorldSBK races at Imola). As he looks to close the gap in the championship race, Rea will spare no effort in his pursuit of success.

Another rider to watch out for is Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who recently celebrated his first podium finish at Donington Park. Competing on home soil, the Italian rider will strive to build on his recent success and deliver a strong performance at Imola.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK), currently holding third position in the championship standings, faces a unique challenge as he takes on Imola for the first time with a Superbike. The Yamaha rider will be eager to adapt quickly to the demanding circuit and maintain his strong position in the championship battle.

The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team will aim to carry forward their momentum after Scott Redding’s solid fourth-place finish in Race 2 at Donington Park. There’s a question mark over Redding’s teammate for the round, as Tom Sykes will be out injured after his Race 2 crash at Donington Park, whilst Michael van der Mark hopes to come back, but will only do so if he’s feeling fit enough.

More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:

Classic Italian Venue Next For Lowes And Rea

Kawasaki's Jonathan Rea (65) and Alex Lowes (22) in action at the previous round at Donington Park. Photo courtesy Kawasaki. — Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea (65) and Alex Lowes (22) in action at the previous round at Donington Park. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.

Kawasaki Racing Team riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes will journey to the iconic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola circuit in Italy for the seventh round of the 2023 WorldSBK championship, which will be held between 14-16 July.

The once regular WorldSBK venue of Imola makes a somewhat unexpected welcome return to the calendar this season, offering a second immersive Italian experience after the fifth round was held at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in early June.

Both KRT riders have competed on WorldSBK machinery at Imola before, although Lowes is about to race his official Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR there for the first time.

Rea has scored no fewer than nine of his record 118 career race wins at Imola, the most recent six of his Imola successes in partnership with KRT. His first Imola win was in 2011 and his most recent two were taken the last time WorldSBK raced there, in 2019.

Lowes is yet to score a podium at Imola but has already taken a top-three finish this season, at Mandalika, in early March.

In what has been a challenging campaign at times due to current Championship rules that compromise the ultimate racing potential of the Ninja ZX-10RR, Rea is fourth in the championship rankings and Lowes is seventh after six of 12 rounds have been completed.

The 4.936km Imola circuit is as unique as it is renowned, with no fewer than four chicanes of various designs and speeds. The layout backs onto the Santerno River on two sides, limiting any potential enlargement of the long, narrow paddock. The historic town of Imola is in plain view at its eastern end while the circuit itself encloses both the community-owned Acque Minerali park and even some private residences inside its heavily undulating layout.

After the Imola event, Autodrom Most hosts the Czech Round of WorldSBK, between 28-30 July. A five weekend-long summer break follows immediately after.

Jonathan Rea, stated: “When I saw Imola was back on the calendar I was already looking forward to this one. It is a great track with a real atmosphere. You feel very close to the fans, especially with the paddock being so closely-knit and intimate. The circuit is steeped in history. It has a nice layout, undulations and some of the most iconic sections of track in the world. I am looking forward to getting there and we have good memories from 2019. With a lot of data I hope we can start Friday with a strong set-up and continue being competitive, like we were at Donington last time out. It is important to try to stay on the podium and try to score some good points for our championship battles, because we will move on to Most soon after. These next two rounds, in Italy and the Czech Republic, mark a part of the championship where we want to capitalise and be strong. I cannot wait to get stuck in.”

Alex Lowes, stated: “Imola is an historic track which has seen some amazing WorldSBK battles, most notably the Edwards/Bayliss scrap to decide the championship during the 2002 season. The layout itself is quite challenging with fast and slow changes of direction and also some elevations and drops. We haven’t ridden there since 2019 but it is a track I really enjoy. It is an ‘old school’ style of circuit, which is quite challenging physically, especially in the hot temperatures that have been forecast for race weekend. My target, as always, is to get off to a good start on Friday so we can challenge for the podiums on Saturday and Sunday – and of course have some fun.”

Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti racing) will ride for his Italian-based team once more, this time at the second home round for the Puccetti squad, which is based in Reggio Emilia – a relatively short drive along the Autostrada network from Imola.

Oliver König (Orelac Racing Movisio Kawasaki) and Isaac Vinales (TPR by Vinales Racing Kawasaki) continue their seasons at Imola, looking to score championship points.

AHRMA: 500cc Grand Prix Bikes Racing At Laguna Seca

David Swarts

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July 11, 2023

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AHRMA: 500cc Grand Prix Bikes Racing At Laguna Seca

Bridgestone, 4SR USA and Markbilt Racebikes Sponsor Open Two Stroke Class Featuring MotoGP™ Bikes at AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey July 14-16

Monterey, CA – The sound and aroma of classic MotoGP bikes are back at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Ralph Staropoli will race a 1992 ROC YZR500 and Dave Frick will race a 1992 Harris YZR500. Adrian Jasso will add even more exotic flair on his Suter MMX 500.

They will all be competing in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Open Two Stroke race which is part of the AHRMA Classic MotoFest of Monterey July 15th and 16^th.

All racers in the Open Two Stroke class will compete for a cash purse provided by a group of individual AHRMA racers. Additional support from 4SR USA and Markbilt Racebikes has increased the purse to $4,500.

Bridgestone Motorcycles Tires will provide a set of race tires to the winners of each of these following tiers within Saturday’s Open Two Stroke race: 125cc, 250cc, and more than 250cc.

Learn more at AHRMA.org. Spectators can purchase tickets here.

About Bridgestone

Bridgestone Tires is the 2023 AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing series sponsor and offers tires for all types of motorcycles.

About 4SR USA Inc

4SR USA produces stylish and functional motorcycle clothing of the highest quality. As active bikers and competitors, all of their designs, materials, development, and testing are performed by them and their sponsored riders. Their personal experience and the experience of their sponsored riders give them the ability to continuously produce gear that is innovative, safe, and stylish.

About Markbilt Racebikes

Markbiltracebikes LLC has been owned and operated by former racer and motorcycle enthusiast Mark Rozema since 1998. Not only does Markbilt take pride in building race worthy motorcycles, but also in tuning , suspension , fabrication, welding and chassis service.

About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned 2.238-mile traditional road course that was built in 1957 and was known at the time as Laguna Seca Raceway. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is owned by the County of Monterey and operated by A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC.

The 2023 premier event schedule includes the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey July 14-16, the Monterey Pre-Reunion August 12-13, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 16-19, Corkscrew Hillclimb & Community Day August 20, the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey September 8-10 and the Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7 September 28 – October 1.

ABOUT AHRMA

American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

MV Agusta Introduces Dragster RR SCS America (Updated With Video)

David Swarts

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July 11, 2023

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MV Agusta Introduces Dragster RR SCS America (Updated With Video)

MV AGUSTA DRAGSTER RR SCS AMERICA

Varese, 11th July 2023 – The “America” versions of MV Agusta pay tribute to the United States, the land of the free, adventure, epic journeys. And, naturally, racing.

1973 saw the launch of the iconic 750S, which flaunted the colours of the American flag to highlight the importance of this specific market. Many years later, in 2004, the “America” name became associated with another model, the Brutale 750. This motorcycle created the sports naked segment. 2012 saw another four-cylinder steal the scene: the Brutale 1090 RR America. This model was the most powerful naked ever produced by MV Agusta up to that point.

Five years later, in 2017, a new platform was introduced which gave birth to the three-cylinder Brutale 800 RR America which stood out for its combination of design, performance, and engine technology. This model was followed, in 2018, by the Dragster 800 RR America, an exclusive limited edition model of only 200 units.

Today, in 2023, MV Agusta celebrates its most important market with a new, exclusive 300-unit edition of the new Dragster RR SCS America. This uniquely numbered special edition model, available only in North America, is part of the strategic vision and emphasis of this market for the future of MV Agusta.

This new Special Edition stands out for its dedicated colour scheme that, like its predecessors, recalls the colours of the US flag and is enhanced with a dedicated seat with hand-stitched “America Special Edition” wording.

The attention to detail can be seen in the aerodynamic carbon-fiber wheel cover, complete with dedicated colour scheme, as well as on the fuel tank. The individual series number – from 001 to 300 – is laser-engraved on the top triple clamp.

The accompanying Special Parts Kit includes the transparent SCS clutch cover, dedicated motorcycle cover and a certificate of authenticity. Standing out among the special parts available as accessories is the Akrapovič titanium sports exhaust with dedicated ECU, which allows for an increase in maximum power to 148 hp at 12,800 rpm, further emphasizing the motorcycle’s aggressive character.

Based on the renowned Dragster RR SCS, this unique motorcycle combines exciting performance with premium technical components, including the SCS automatic clutch developed in collaboration with Rekluse.

The Dragster RR SCS America combines extreme attention to detail, with the technical base of a super sports bike. The compact and powerful in-line-three engine coupled with the afore mentioned SCS 3.0 clutch, which eliminates the need for the clutch lever, and the MotoGP-derived counter-rotating crankshaft and removable gearbox, are solutions that can only be found on MV Agusta models.

The electronic Ride By Wire twist grip includes counter rotation, which was only recently introduced to the range, and improves control and feeling mid-turn and makes for a more progressive cruise control deactivation. The advanced 6-axes inertial platform allows the rider to fully exploit the traction control, front-lift control and ABS with cornering function.

The 8-level adjustable steering damper adds to the dynamics and safety of the Dragster RR SCS America, even at high speeds. The braking system is designed to ensure extremely powerful and safe deceleration thanks to the dual 320 mm front brake discs with four-piston Brembo radial calipers.

The 5.5” TFT display is very easy to read in all light conditions and benefits from updated software.

The dashboard interfaces with the revolutionary MV Ride App offering a variety of customisation and connectivity features. Lastly, the Mobisat anti-theft system with geolocation offers all Dragster RR SCS America’s owners piece of mind knowing that their Motorcycle Art will always be very well looked after.

The Dragster RR SCS America will be available exclusively at select MV Agusta dealerships across North America, starting from 11th July.

ASRA/CCS: Date Change For Event At Roebling Road Raceway

David Swarts

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July 10, 2023

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ASRA/CCS: Date Change For Event At Roebling Road Raceway

ASRA/CCS has changed the date of an upcoming Southeast Roadracing Championship Series event at Roebling Road Raceway, in Bloomingdale, Georgia.

The event has been moved from its originally scheduled date of August 19-20 to September 23-24.

For more information, go to asraracing.com.

MotoGP: 2023 Awards Ceremony Will Be Open To Fans

David Swarts

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July 10, 2023

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MotoGP: 2023 Awards Ceremony Will Be Open To Fans

MotoGP™ partners NSN to usher in new era of fan events

A new three-year agreement will give fans even more opportunities to get involved with their favourite sport – starting at the 2023 finale in Valencia

Monday, 10 July 2023

MotoGP™ is all about the fans, and as the Tissot Sprint and incredible array of fan activities continue to light up the track at each Grand Prix, there will soon be even more to look forward to for MotoGP™’s millions of devotees around the world. A new three-year agreement with NSN (Never say Never) is set to usher in a new era of fan-centred entertainment events and experiences, and it’s all set to start at the 2023 season finale in Valencia.

A NEW ERA OF EVENTS

This new partnership sees MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports join forces with NSN, organiser of the OMG La Liga Music Experience, to stage events together throughout the next three years, the first of which will celebrate the history-making 2023 season in style with a new-look FIM MotoGP™ Awards ceremony in Valencia. The reimagined event will open the doors to fans and let them see their heroes rewarded for another incredible season – alongside some topflight musical guests and performances.

It won’t stop there. The 2023 Awards will be the first event as part of this new three-year partnership, but there’s plenty more in the pipeline. NSN will organise fan-centred music events alongside MotoGP™ for the duration of the agreement, expanding an already impressive MotoGP™ weekend experience to offer even more entertainment and adrenaline at a number of Grands Prix across the calendar.

FANS ARE THE FOCUS

Each event will put fans at the centre of the experience, whether it be opening the doors to the end of season Awards or offering exclusive concerts and music events at different Grands Prix. MotoGP™ offers an incredible timetable of world-leading action on track, but the party doesn’t need to stop there.

Established fans will find even more at their fingertips thanks to this new partnership, ensuring a Grand Prix delivers adrenaline-packed track action, the chance to meet their heroes AND world class music events in the evening. Newer audiences who are starting to discover the world’s most exciting motorsport will find out just how true that is – with action on and off track to offer a full weekend of incredible entertainment.

Vicenç Fábregas, Head of Live Experience, NSN (left) with Dorna Sports Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Vicenç Fábregas, Head of Live Experience, NSN: “Collaborating with Dorna, a worldwide reference institution, consolidates our vision of merging worlds and breaking barriers in entertainment. At NSN, we are very committed to providing an enhanced entertainment product and offering unique experiences. Our goal with this partnership is to surpass the expectations of motorcycling fans and create an unforgettable event that combines the thrill of racing with the spectacle of live entertainment.”

Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer, Dorna Sports: “We’re super happy to be able to announce this new agreement with NSN and reveal another of these new, fan-focused events. A fan’s experience of a Grand Prix doesn’t pause when the bikes go back into pitlane, and we’ve already added some awesome extra experiences at the track – things like the Hero Walk, the Sprint podium, track invasions, the rider parade – to really maximise their experience. But there’s always more we can offer and we’re always thinking about how we can level it up.

“When you’re travelling to a MotoGP event, and many fans do so for various days, we want you to enjoy every possible second of it. On track, we already have an amazing show and off track, we can now increasingly say the same. Introducing a refreshed and augmented Awards ceremony offers us the perfect opportunity to invite fans to celebrate the end of the season with us and for the sport to reach new audiences, combining a celebration of MotoGP with some of the biggest names in music. So we’re excited to work with NSN and add another highlight to some Grands Prix weekends, both for our faithful fans and as another incentive for new audiences to discover the world’s most exciting motorsport.”

About NSN

NSN (Never say Never) is a global company specialized in blurring barriers between sport and entertainment to create new opportunities for brands and talents. Founded in 2018, NSN started as a representation and brokerage agency in the soccer business, with players such as Andrés Iniesta, Brahim Díaz, Bojan Krkić, Sergi Samper or, Junior Firpo. Throughout its five years of existence, it has been diversifying its activity by entering the field of entertainment and currently represents soccer players, produces audiovisual content and documentaries, promotes its own projects such as Capitten as well as investing in startups such as Vicio; organizes entertainment events such as OMG! jointly with LaLiga or the match between Vissel Kobe and FC Barcelona in Tokyo; it is the sponsorship activation agency with TP Vision and Stage Front, and manages eSports accounts for clubs such as RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad. NSN is currently a global entertainment and sports marketing company with different verticals that aims to respond to the service, communication, and content needs of its clients such as Sony Pictures, Rakuten, TP Vision, Stage Front, Ifeel, Konami, Springfield or Wallapop, among others. The company develops business from Barcelona and Madrid (Spain), Kobe (Japan), Lima (Peru), Seoul (South Korea), Mexico City (Mexico), and New York (USA).

About MotoGP™ & Dorna Sports

The FIM Grand Prix World Championship, MotoGP™, is the world’s most exciting motorsport. 22 of the fastest riders compete on purpose-built prototype motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, creating one of the most thrilling shows on Earth. Since it was inaugurated in 1949, the sport has grown to comprise 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world.

Dorna Sports became the sole commercial and television rights holder of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship in 1991. Based in Madrid, Spain, with premises in Barcelona and a subsidiary in Rome, the Dorna Group is a leader in sports management, marketing and media, and has seen continued growth over the years; expanding from solely MotoGP™ to include other leading motorcycle racing championships across the globe.

AHRMA: Team Obsolete Will Be Back In Action At Laguna Seca

David Swarts

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July 10, 2023

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AHRMA: Team Obsolete Will Be Back In Action At Laguna Seca

AHRMA – Laguna Seca, July 14-15-16

Team Obsolete is again bringing one of our Matchless G50s for Dave Roper to ride in the 500 Premier, along with his Aermacchi 350 in 350 Grand Prix. Walt Fulton will again ride our ex-factory Harley-Davidson XR750TT.

We hope that other competitors will dust off their G50s and Manx Nortons to breathe some needed life back into 500 Premier!

Team Obsolete thanks our sponsors Vanson Leathers, Redline Synthetic Oil, AVON TYRES, and Buchanan’s Spoke and Rim, Inc.

World Supersport: PTR Triumph Splits With Title Sponsor Dynavolt

David Swarts

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July 10, 2023

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World Supersport: PTR Triumph Splits With Title Sponsor Dynavolt

Simon Says – The end of our Dynavolt partnership

For the last three years Dynavolt have been our main partner and title sponsor of our team. For this year, 2023 we had verbally agreed to continue and were awaiting the signing of the contract. Just two days before we left for the opening round in Australia, the President of Dynavolt informed me that they would not be able to sign the contract due to a reduction in their marketing budget.

I have to say this was a big shock to me as everything was agreed. For sure this left me in a very difficult position to say the least. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dynavolt for the three years of valuable support and on behalf of PTR Triumph, thank the President, Leonard Chen, the Managing Director of Dynavolt Tech Thailand, James Nay and everyone at Dynavolt for your support.

I have worked with Triumph and have raised budget supporting other Triumph teams in Europe and looking towards 2024. Also, of course I have had to invest a lot of my own money to replace the big hole Dynavolt have left. I am passionate about racing so I do this in good faith.

We are working very closely with Triumph to introduce a new title partner in 2024 and we are confident from both sides. I would like to say to all our fans and supporters that all is well for the rest of 2023 due to everyone around me and all our loyal partners working together for the Triumph Racing Team.

We are still fifth in the Championship with Niki Tuuli despite the last two rounds being disappointing. We and Niki are working hard to overcome this. It is difficult as the lap time is there, it is just in the race he cannot overtake and struggles to maintain consistent times for the whole race.

Harry also is not progressing after starting well with an eleventh-place finish in Australia. As an ex-rider I know how hard it is to regain confidence when things are not going well but we will keep working with Harry to improve.

I know in the past criticism has been levelled at me for working with riders who bring support to the team. Some people call this ‘pay rides’ but in my view, it is not that way at all. It is just two parties working together to achieve their goals in the best way. Trust me, whilst we may have been one of the first teams to openly admit working in this way, we are nowhere near the team who is asking riders and their partners for the most support. I have always wanted to work in the best way with all our riders and where at all possible, to work with British riders to help develop British riders in World Championship racing.

In the case of Harry Truelove this was the case and in fact I turned down opportunities which would have brought more benefit to the team to give a British rider a chance to shine at World level. I did discuss with Harry and his dad Paul just what a huge step up in level World Supersport was from British Supersport right at the start of our discussions. This has proved to be the case and while we have seen glimpses of Harry making the step there is still a long way to go and we will do everything we can to help him make that step.

Sometimes people miss the point that in Supersport there is not so much that can be changed on the bike and whilst all bikes have different strengths and weaknesses, quite soon the rider has to adapt to getting the best from his bike and make it happen. Niki has done this at times and at others times not. We have done half the season and now it is time to make it happen together.

Cheers

Simon

WorldSBK: Gerloff Hoping Imola Is As Similar To U.S. Tracks As It Looks

July 12, 2023

Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.