Two limited editions of Ducati Panigale V4 celebrate the world titles of Francesco Bagnaia and Álvaro Bautista
The limited series Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2022 World Champion Replica and Panigale V4 Bautista 2022 World Champion Replica will be made in 260 units each and each bike will be made unique by the rider’s original signature on the tank
These special series feature the same liveries as the bikes on which Bagnaia and Bautista won the titles in MotoGP and WorldSBK, an authenticity certificate, dedicated technical equipment and packing case
Celebratory motorcycles on public display at “Campioni in Piazza2” party
Bologna, Italy, 15 December 2022 – Ducati celebrates the double victory of the MotoGP and WorldSBK titles by creating two special series of Panigale V4 bikes inspired by the Desmosedici GP and Panigale V4 R of World Champions Francesco Bagnaia and Álvaro Bautista. The celebratory motorcycles were unveiled during the press conference anticipating “Campioni in Piazza2”, the event in which Ducati celebrates this historic double achievement with its fans.
2022 has been an incredible year for Ducati. The Bologna-based manufacturer is World Champion, for the first time in its history, in both MotoGP and WorldSBK in the same season. A dream result that came true thanks to the exceptional work of the engineers, teams and riders. A double triumph that Ducati wanted to celebrate with two unique, collectible models.
A Ducati Panigale V4 S World Champion Replica representing Francesco Bagnaia’s 2022 MotoGP World Championship. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The two special series, made on the base of the Panigale V4 S, will feature the liveries of the bikes of Pecco Bagnaia #63 and Álvaro Bautista #19. Each motorcycle in the series will be made unique by the original autograph of the rider on the tank, which will then be protected with a layer of clear varnish. The two motorcycles, produced in a numbered and limited series, celebrate in their production numbers the year of Ducati’s birth. In fact, each series will consist of only 260 units, in honor of 1926, the year the company was founded.
Like the race bikes they are inspired by, the Panigale V4 2022 World Champion Replica bikes are offered in single-seat configuration only and are enhanced by the billet aluminum upper clamp with laser engraving of the model name and progressive number. The technical equipment boasts the adoption of the nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, Akrapovič street-legal silencer (2 kg lighter than the Panigale V4’s stock unit), Brembo braking system enhanced by Stylema® R calipers and MCS master cylinder with remote adjuster, Rizoma billet aluminum adjustable footpegs and racing plexiglass.
A Ducati Panigale V4 S World Champion Replica representing Alvaro Bautista’s 2022 Superbike World Championship. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Other technical details that characterize these special bikes are the rear exhaust manifold heat shield, alternator cover, front and rear fenders, and front brake ducts, all made of carbon fiber. Also made of carbon fiber, combined with titanium, is the cover protecting the single-sided swingarm. Finally, the series dedicated to Álvaro Bautista #19 features the brushed aluminum tank found on the more refined versions of the Panigale V4.
Each bike will be delivered in a packing case with dedicated graphics and will come with a certificate of authenticity, a custom bike cover and the Ducati Data Analyser+ data acquisition system. Those who want to take advantage of the performance of these two motorcycles on the circuit will be able to mount the additional accessories provided, such as the carbon fiber open clutch cover, license plate and mirror removal kits and the billet aluminum racing fuel cap.
MotoAmerica’s Director of Operations Niccole Cox has been appointed to the FIM Commission of Circuit Racing (CCR) from 2023 until 2026.
According to the FIM, the CCR “shall study and draw up all rules applicable to racing on closed circuits. It shall control the FIM Championships and Prize events in these disciplines. It shall also deal with questions relating to sprint and drag racing. It shall compile and maintain an updated record of accident statistics in connection with FIM Championships and Prize events in these disciplines. It shall also be responsible for all issues relating to world record attempts, competitions on closed circuits, as well as time-keeping in these disciplines.”
Use the scroll and zoom tools in the edge of the PDF viewer below to better see all pages of the press release issued by FIM.
AHRMA racer Peter Essaff and Ann McKinley were married October 7 at Barber Motorsports Park.
Essaff, together with passenger Eric Lenser, won both Modern Sidecar TT 2 races at the event, wrapping up their third straight National Championship in the class.
Pirelli Announces 2023 #PirelliNation Road Race Rider Program
Submit Your Application by February 28 for the Opportunity to Join Pirelli’s Road Racing Community
ATLANTA (December 15, 2022) – Pirelli Tire North America is pleased to announce the return of its #PirelliNation road race rider program for the 2023 racing season. As the official tire of the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship, Pirelli and its DIABLO™ Superbike lineup are the go-to tires for racers around the world, which includes three consecutive victories at the world-renowned Daytona 200. Pirelli remains dedicated to the grassroots part of the sport, continuing with its motto, “we sell what we race, we race what we sell” and offering all riders the ability to purchase the same race compound tires found on the bikes of their favorite professional riders and World Champions like Alvaro Bautista, Jonathan Rea, and Toprak Razgatlioglu.
The road race community program ensures racers are the first to know about the latest Pirelli news, be notified of the newest Pirelli products, receive updates on national marketing opportunities, and be given access to technical advice and service at select races. Pirelli’s team will also identify and select several candidates who can purchase race compound tires at preferred pricing and be outfitted with Pirelli team-branded gear. Residents of the United States are eligible for the program.
Racers accepted to the program will be awarded with several brand benefits in 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli.
“It was a great introductory season for the #PirelliNation road race rider program, which saw our brand achieve tons of success,” said Oscar Solis, road race manager, Pirelli. “The Pirelli DIABLO Superbike range, and all race compound tires, are developed alongside our professional riders in the World and National Championships before eventually making their way into the hands of local racers and everyday consumers. This strategy allows Pirelli to continuously work on the development to ensure the latest technology is incorporated into the same tires available at local dealers. This road racing community program has allowed us to strengthen our relationship with racers across the nation and provide them with the education and knowledge necessary to choose the best tire for them to reach success.”
Pirelli’s high-performance DIABLO Superbike lineup offers several different compounds including, SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the front and SCX, SC0, SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the rear. View the complete range of DIABLO Superbike tires on the Pirelli website.
CLICK HERE to submit your application for the 2023 #PirelliNation program. All applications must be submitted by February 28, 2023.
The 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years Editions
Special Heritage editions celebrate 100 Years of BMW Motorrad.
Each model to be limited to 1,923 units globally.
MSRP of $18,990 plus $895 Destination for the R 18 100 Years.
MSRP of $19,995 plus $695 Destination for the R nineT 100 Years.
Market Launch planned for Q1, 2023
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 15, 2022…BMW Motorrad USA proudly presents the 2023 BMW R 18 100 Years Edition and the BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition to commemorate 100 Years of BMW Motorrad. In keeping with the year in which BMW Motorrad was founded, each model will be limited to 1,923 units globally.
In December 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz put the first full-scale BMW motorcycle on the drawing board. At its heart was a 494 cc, 8.5 hp, air-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine. The first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was unveiled in September 1923 at the German Motor Show in Berlin. Production soon began in an area sectioned off, by a wooden fence, from the BMW aircraft engine works on the edge of the Munich’s Oberwiesenfeld airfield. Those humble beginnings of BMW motorcycle production launched an unprecedented success story that would span a century.
BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition
The design of the R nineT is shaped by 100 years of motorcycle production and by BMW Motorrad’s unwavering passion for the boxer engine. The classic roadster design recipe begins with a compact tank and an upright seating position and extends to premium materials and stylish design elements. The new R nineT 100 Years becomes an exclusive anniversary edition thanks to numerous special features. The heart is still the air/oil-cooled, 1,170 cc, 109 hp two-cylinder boxer engine. In the anniversary edition, the legendary engine is accompanied by chrome and Option 719 parts, including paint-on-chrome surfaces and exquisitely milled parts and wheels.
A 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
Paint finishes in combination with chrome surfaces also have an almost 100-year tradition in motorcycle production. Chrome surfaces, usually consisting of a copper, nickel and final chrome layer are known for their hardness and resulting high durability, very good protection against corrosion, but above all by their radiant, mirror-like shine. This made chrome a common stylistic device for designers, from the late 1920s onwards. The BMW R 75/5 with its chrome-plated tank sides and side covers, for example, is legendary within BMW Motorrad enthusiast circles. With the new BMW R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years and the Classic Chrome surface finish, BMW Motorrad is reviving this incomparably beautiful and sophisticated interplay of paint and chrome.
50 years ago, the “paint on chrome” technology did not pose much of a problem for motorcycle manufacturers. At that time, the solvent-based paints combined well with chromium — significantly better than the solvent-free paints of today. Today, the 100 Year Edition models use only REACH compliant Chromium III. The chrome plating process and the preparatory work are extremely complex: In preparation, the metal tank for example, is first polished to a high gloss. The surface must be completely free of dust and scratches for further treatment. After this step, the part is immersed in various electroplating baths. Layers of copper, nickel and ultimately chromium are applied. The finished chrome-plated part is then painted in several layers; a final coat of clear coat covers the entire tank.
The paint on chrome fuel tank is a big part of the 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
The metal tanks on both anniversary models feature this paint on chrome process, called Classic Chrome. On the R nineT, the tank finish combines black paint with chrome and white double-pinstriping, knee pads and a 100 Years badge. Classic Chrome is also found on the seat’s rear cover. The front wheel fender is painted in black and features white double-pinstriping. A two-tone seat in black/oxblood red rounds off the design.
Numerous black components such as fork tubes, air intake snorkels and some Option 719 components complement the look. The R nineT 100 Years includes Option 719 Classic wheels with black anodized rims, the Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow with milled cylinder head covers, front engine cover, seat holders, oil filler plug and the Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow II, consisting of adjustable hand levers and foot pegs, passenger foot pegs as well as expansion tank covers and handlebar end mirrors. The 100 Years Edition also includes an adaptive turning headlight, heated grips, cruise control and Riding Modes Pro. An anti-theft alarm system can be fitted as a dealer installed accessory.
BMW R 18 100 Years Edition
The unmistakable center piece of the R 18 100 Years is the 1,802 cc, 91 hp boxer motor, the largest displacement engine ever installed in a BMW motorcycle. Both technically and visually, the BMW R 18 borrows from famous BMW models such as the 1936 BMW R 5 and puts the focus back on the essentials of motorcycling: Purist and no-frills, with the boxer engine as the epicenter of the riding experience. The big boxer is complemented by numerous special features and details. The paint finish of the R 18 100 Years, like that of the anniversary model of the R nineT, is in Classic Chrome and thus combines black paintwork and high-gloss chrome surfaces as well as white double-pinstriping and a 100 Years badge. The paint-on-chrome Classic Chrome finish is also found on the rear fender in combination with white double-pinstriping. The front fender and the side covers are painted in black, complemented by white double-pinstriping on the front fender. The Option 719 seat is upholstered in the two-tone combination black/oxblood red and features diamond embossing.
A 2023 BMW R 18 100 Years Edition. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
Black is a symbolic and traditional BMW Motorrad color and also adorns the engine, transmission housing and rear axle drive. The exact designation of the color is Avus Black – a nod to the legendary 12.1-mile-long high-speed racetrack running through the Grunewald Forest, West of Berlin, where BMW Motorrad once celebrated great racing successes and where the AVUS monument with BMW Motorrad factory rider Ernst Henne still stands today. Berlin is also home to the BMW Motorrad production plant. The plant, located in Berlin-Spandau, is the lead plant for BMW Motorrad’s international motorcycle production.
The R 18 100 Years Edition is complemented by numerous Chrome design parts. The durable galvanic surface coating can be found on: The handlebar fittings, gear shift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, handlebar weights, mirrors, brake master cylinders, brake calipers, engine cover, cylinder head covers and intake manifold covers.
Other features of the BMW R 18 100 Years also include a chromed Akrapovič rear muffler with perforated tailpipe trim in the shape of the BMW logo. Safety and comfort are ensured by ASC Automatic Stability Control, Headlight Pro, cruise control and heated grips.
The 2023 BMW R 18 100 Years Edition has many special details, like the exhaust end cap made to resemble the BMW logo. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
With the Heritage line R nineT and R 18 models, BMW Motorrad is paying tribute to its 100-year history and tradition, which is inextricably linked with the legendary boxer engine. Tradition and history can also be found at the BMW Motorrad production plant in Berlin – the birthplace of almost every BMW motorcycle for over 50 years. The iconic design and the unmistakable boxer engine illustrate that it’s about the roots of BMW Motorrad, about historically inspired shapes and details, about an authentic riding experience and about reducing motorbikes to the essentials. In short: The Heritage line experience is all about a unique attitude to life, shaped by the legendary boxer engine.
Standard Equipment
BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition
1,170 cc air/oil-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine.
109 hp @ 7,250 rpm and 85.5 lb-ft torque @ 6,000 rpm.
Constant mesh six-speed transmission with shaft drive.
ASC Automatic Stability Control.
BMW Motorrad ABS Pro
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
MSR Dynamic Engine Brake Control
Full LED lighting with Adaptive turning headlight.
Heated Grips
Ride Modes Pro (adds DYNAMIC mode to existing ROAD and RAIN modes)
USB port.
Special Edition Features
Avus Black paint and Classic Chrome highlights.
100 Years “1 of 1923” BMW Motorrad tank badge.
Classic Chrome / Avus Black 4.5-gallon fuel tank with white double-pinstriping.
Avus Black front fender with white double-pinstriping.
Black inverted 45 mm front fork, black frame, and air intake runners.
Black / oxblood red seat with solo seat back rest.
Classic Chrome / Avus Black rear seat cover with white double-pinstriping.
Option 719 Classic spoked wheels with black anodized rims.
Chrome plated exhaust manifold.
Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow
Milled aluminum front engine cover, cylinder head covers, seat brackets, and oil filler plug.
Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow II
Milled aluminum adjustable hand control levers and foot controls, foot pegs, expansion tank covers and bar end mirrors.
BMW R 18 100 Years Edition
1,802 cc air/oil-cooled, two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine.
91 hp @ 4,750 rpm and 116 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm.
Constant-mesh 6-speed transmission with nickel-plated drive shaft.
ASC Automatic Stability Control.
MSR Dynamic Engine Brake Control.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control.
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS
Full LED lighting.
Keyless Ride.
Heated Grips.
Cruise Control.
Reverse Assist.
Special Edition Features
Avus Black paint and Classic Chrome highlights.
100 Years “1 of 1923” BMW Motorrad tank badge.
Classic Chrome / Avus Black 4.2-gallon fuel tank with white double-pinstriping.
Classic Chrome / Avus Black rear fender with white double-pinstriping.
Avus Black front fender with white double-pinstriping.
Black engine and front fork covers.
Option 719 black / oxblood red diamond-embossed solo seat.
Chrome Akrapovič rear muffler with perforated BMW logo tailpipe trim.
Design Option Chrome
Chrome plated front engine cover, cylinder covers, exhaust manifold, handlebar fittings, gear shift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, handlebar weights, mirrors, brake master cylinders, brake calipers, and intake covers.
Optional Equipment
BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition
Anti-Theft Alarm – Dealer installed accessory.
BMW R 18 100 Years Edition
Floorboards – Dealer installed accessory.
Anti-Theft Alarm – Dealer installed accessory.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing is proud to announce its return to the American Flat Track (AFT) series in 2023 with 2019 AFT Singles Champion Dalton Gauthier and rising star Landen Smith.
The D&D Cycles/Certified Racing riders will be on factory-supported KTM SX-F 450s. The team will operate out of the D&D Cycles race shop in Pensacola, Florida. Motorcycles and engines will be built in-house with engine development work done in collaboration with Vance & Hines Racing, in Brownsburg, Indiana.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing Team Manager Rob McLendon and Gauthier worked together to win the 2019 AFT Singles National Championship. This earned Gauthier a ride on a Vance & Hines-supported factory Harley-Davidson XG750R in the 2020 and 2021 AFT Production Twins Championships. In 2022, Gauthier rode a factory Honda CRF450R for Turner Racing Team, earning the runner-up spot in the AFT Singles Championship.
“Being able to just do my own thing, ride a bike I am more comfortable on, and just having a little more freedom was my motivation,” said Gauthier. “Rob told me we could put together a team where I would be able to mentor younger teammates, and after already working with Landen for several years, I am excited to be teamed together. I know D&D Cycles/Certified Racing will provide me with top-level machines, and I am looking to win more races and another championship. Point Blank. That’s my goal. It was an honor and pleasure riding for Turner Racing. I respect those guys and appreciate the opportunity they gave me.”
Smith has been under McLendon’s wing for his entire Amateur career and is looking to make a name for himself as he moves into the Pro ranks.
“It’s a dream come true to be picked for this opportunity right out of the Amateur ranks,” said Smith. “I have been riding daily and really working on improving myself. It’s one thing to be fast as an Amateur, but these Pro boys aren’t playing. I am ready to take the next step and I’m happy it’s with Rob and D&D Cycles/Certified Racing.”
For 2023, D&D is teaming up with Certified Racing, also out of Pensacola, Florida, to compete in the full AFT Singles Championship.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing would like to thank the following partners for their assistance in chasing the 2023 American Flat Track 450 Singles Championship: KTM North America, Certified Plumbing Sewer & Gas, Vance & Hines- Exhaust & Cylinder Heads, TCD Racing- Suspension & Chassis, WP Suspension, Vortex Racing- Sprockets & Chains, Bell Helmets, and Seafood Atlantic.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing is looking for additional sponsors for the 2023 season. Interested parties should contact Rob McLendon at [email protected] or call (850) 456-0354.
MIE Racing doubles down and launches a brand new WSSP project
MIE Racing, the Midori International Engineering company owned by Midori Moriwaki, will redouble its efforts in the production-derived championship in 2023.
The brand-new MIE MS Racing Honda Team sees MIE Racing, which also fields the WorldSBK MIE Racing Honda Team, join forces with the MS Racing Team, a competitor in the production-derived series since 2018. This newly formed team will enter the 2023 Supersport World Championship with two strong riders aboard Honda CBR600RR machines.
The first rider is 27-year old Tarran Mackenzie, a very welcome addition to the WSSP class. The Brit has already forged an impressive career path, with highlights including the 2016 British Supersport 600 title and the 2021 British Superbike title.
His team-mate will be Malaysian rider Adam Norrodin, another experienced rider who has completed three full seasons in the Moto3 World Championship, has competed in Moto2, and who finished as runner-up in the 2020 SS600 Asia Road Racing Championship.
More information will be released during the 2023 team launch event.
Tarran Mackenzie
“I’m really excited to join the MIE MS Racing Honda Team and the WSSP Championship! It has been a big goal of mine to return to world championship level and I think that competing in the World Supersport class is the perfect way to learn and move forward. I just want to say a big thank you to Midori and the whole team for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to begin!”
Adam Norrodin
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be able to join the MIE MS Racing Honda Team and I would like to thank Midori Moriwaki very much for giving me the opportunity to race on the world stage. I fully intend to give it my all, as this is a great opportunity for my future. I can’t wait to join the team, to take part in our first tests and, of course, to start racing when the season kicks off in February.”
Midori Moriwaki (MIE Racing)
“Just do it. This has been a motto of mine ever since I started my racing activities and this is why I’m very happy and proud to announce that MIE Racing will debut in the WSSP category in 2023 with two riders of the calibre of Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin, and with the Honda family of course, competing with CBR600RR machines. Forming a partnership with the MS Racing Team means that we can start racing already next season. I’m sure that our combined strength and expertise will be instrumental in what will be an ongoing project, which will include an initial phase of development work that only the challenges posed by high-level racing can help with. We warmly welcome Tarran and Adam to the MIE and Honda family and we look forward to getting started!”
Felix Garrido (MS Racing)
“We at MS Racing are super happy to be involved in this project together with Midori and Honda and want to thank them very much for choosing us. We are aware of the challenges involved when starting a project of this magnitude, but we are willing to give it everything and more in order for the project to be successful. We are eager to start testing with the CBR600RR and the riders.”
‘Racetober’ for the 2023 ASBK Calendar As We Double The Phillip Island Action!
The 2023 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) Calendar continues to take shape with today’s announcement of ASBK Round 6 at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria from 27-29 October 2023.
This will be the second Phillip Island round of 2023, nearly book ending the 2023 ASBK Championship. The already-announced Round 1 will also be at the revered 4.5km Phillip Island GP Circuit and will be the opening round of the season for both the FIM Superbike World Championship and ASBK Championships.
The Phillip Island Circuit is known around the world as a rider’s track, and for the ASBK Championship competitors to battle it out on two occasions is a great opportunity for ASBK riders and fans alike. In 2023, ASBK Round 6 at ‘The Island’ will be a two-wheel festival of the best in Australian Superbike racing.
Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle: “Anytime the ASBK Championship visits the famed Phillip Island Circuit you know you’re in for a great weekend of racing.
“‘The Island’ is a circuit that creates close bar-to-bar action and has often seen a few unexpected twists in the championship battle. October will be a month full of motorcycle racing, and the ASBK Championship will have the opportunity to once again show that Aussie riders are world class.’’
Now that ASBK Round 6 at Phillip Island is cemented for October, the final parts of the 2023 calendar puzzle will soon fall into place and will include further exciting developments for the ASBK Championship.
For more information on season 2023, stay tuned to the ASBK website and social pages.
MotoAmerica: Altus Motorsports Revs up for the 2023 MotoAmerica Season.
(Altus, OK) Since MotoAmerica began in 2015, Altus Motorsports has been a fixture in the paddock. For 2023, the team will once again have entries in the Supersport and Junior Cup classes. Although they are still working to secure a Stock 1000 entry to complete their lineup, Altus is excited to announce the addition of a Twins Cup bike this season.
“It’s been a busy off-season already. Suzuki is back on board for our Stock 1000 effort and Yamaha has jumped in to help out our Twins Cup program. We are also expanding our staff for 2023 to more effectively support the riders,” said team owner, George Nassaney.
Superbike Cup & Stock 1000
Altus Motorsports has every intention of continuing to compete in the Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup classes. With a proven bike, experienced staff, and quality rider, the only thing holding the team back is money.
“Getting financial sponsorship is always a challenge but the current economic landscape makes it even more difficult,” said team owner, George Nassaney. “Altus has what it takes to win championships. We have the motorcycles, mechanics, and, if we can get the funds, a rider that can be on the podium consistently.”
Supersport
Jaret Nassaney returns to run the MotoAmerica Supersport on his Suzuki GSX-R750. He finished 7th in the class last year and aims to better that in 2023. Nassaney has been in Supersport since 2017 and is looking to continue his growth in the upcoming season.
“We ended the season strong and we want to carry that into the 2023 season! We are looking to do some winter testing and start next season where we left off,” said Jaret Nassaney.
Twins Cup
After a few years away from the class, Altus Motorsports returns to the Twins Cup in 2023 on a Yamaha YZF-R7 piloted by Joseph Limandri Jr. The 17-year-old started racing at the age of eight with NJ MiniGP and has spent the last three seasons in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup. 2022 was his first full season in the extremely competitive class. He finished 4th in the overall standings, just 23 points out of first. He steps up to the Twins Cup next season and, in spite of having to learn a new bike, expects to be in the championship hunt.
Joseph LiMandri, Jr. Photo courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“Altus is a good team that has proven they can win championships. I am excited that I won’t have to worry about the bike. I can just focus on myself and show up to each round ready to fight for wins,” said Joe Limandri Jr.
Junior Cup
2022 North American Talent Cup Champion, Alessandro Di Mario will join the team to race the Junior Cup class on the Altus Motorsports Kawasaki Ninja 400. The Italian-born teen has lived in Kentucky for the past decade and is currently training in Spain in preparation for the upcoming season.
Alessandro Di Mario. Photo courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“We are excited to have Alessandro join the team. His amazing talent is matched by his incredible work ethic and commitment,” said team owner, George Nassaney.
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Company, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
Dunlop is pleased to introduce the successor to the highly popular Sportmax Q3+. The Dunlop Sportmax Q5S sets the new benchmark for the ultimate street and track-day tire. Following in the development footsteps of the Q5, the Q5S, when compare to the Q3+, has achieved even higher performance by utilizing aspects from Dunlop’s cutting-edge road race tires developed in Buffalo, NY and used in the MotoAmerica Road Race Series.
Having enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds and tread patterns, the Q5S provides lighter and nimbler handling and improved dry and wet grip to make it even more user-friendly all while maintaining class-leading durability.
To differentiate the Q5S from the Q3+, Dunlop wanted to make the Q5S have a lighter feel to make it more responsive for street riding. With this goal set, Dunlop went to work on making the necessary changes to achieve the performance characteristics they were looking for.
Key features of the all new Sportmax Q5S:
Optimized tread pattern design to improve wear characteristics and enhance warm-up times
Front tire profile has a shorter and narrower profile to improve responsiveness and give the tire a lighter feel.
Front tire has reduced dynamic stiffness and increased damping to improve compliance all to improve braking and handling performance.
Added 200/55ZR17 rear size to allow for additional bike fitments.
Rear tread contains Dunlop’s MT Multi-Tread™ technology, giving riders outstanding mileage without sacrificing handling.
Improved compound to enhance both the wet and dry grip by adjusting the compound formula.
Both front and rear tires utilize Dunlop’s proprietary Racing Type Fine Carbon Technology in the tread compound.
Dunlop’s proprietary Intuitive Response Profile (IRP) for ultra-linear and responsive steering.
Proudly made in Dunlop’s Buffalo, NY factory.
Availability:
The Sportmax Q5S will be sold through all Dunlop retailers, as well as race tire distributors, to be easily accessible to all street or track riders. Tires will be available in all channels beginning mid-December.
2022 MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (left) with his World Champion Replica Panigale V4 S and 2022 Superbike World Champion Alvaro Bautista (right) with his World Champion Replica Panigale V4 S. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Two limited editions of Ducati Panigale V4 celebrate the world titles of Francesco Bagnaia and Álvaro Bautista
The limited series Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2022 World Champion Replica and Panigale V4 Bautista 2022 World Champion Replica will be made in 260 units each and each bike will be made unique by the rider’s original signature on the tank
These special series feature the same liveries as the bikes on which Bagnaia and Bautista won the titles in MotoGP and WorldSBK, an authenticity certificate, dedicated technical equipment and packing case
Celebratory motorcycles on public display at “Campioni in Piazza2” party
Bologna, Italy, 15 December 2022 – Ducati celebrates the double victory of the MotoGP and WorldSBK titles by creating two special series of Panigale V4 bikes inspired by the Desmosedici GP and Panigale V4 R of World Champions Francesco Bagnaia and Álvaro Bautista. The celebratory motorcycles were unveiled during the press conference anticipating “Campioni in Piazza2”, the event in which Ducati celebrates this historic double achievement with its fans.
2022 has been an incredible year for Ducati. The Bologna-based manufacturer is World Champion, for the first time in its history, in both MotoGP and WorldSBK in the same season. A dream result that came true thanks to the exceptional work of the engineers, teams and riders. A double triumph that Ducati wanted to celebrate with two unique, collectible models.
A Ducati Panigale V4 S World Champion Replica representing Francesco Bagnaia’s 2022 MotoGP World Championship. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The two special series, made on the base of the Panigale V4 S, will feature the liveries of the bikes of Pecco Bagnaia #63 and Álvaro Bautista #19. Each motorcycle in the series will be made unique by the original autograph of the rider on the tank, which will then be protected with a layer of clear varnish. The two motorcycles, produced in a numbered and limited series, celebrate in their production numbers the year of Ducati’s birth. In fact, each series will consist of only 260 units, in honor of 1926, the year the company was founded.
Like the race bikes they are inspired by, the Panigale V4 2022 World Champion Replica bikes are offered in single-seat configuration only and are enhanced by the billet aluminum upper clamp with laser engraving of the model name and progressive number. The technical equipment boasts the adoption of the nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, Akrapovič street-legal silencer (2 kg lighter than the Panigale V4’s stock unit), Brembo braking system enhanced by Stylema® R calipers and MCS master cylinder with remote adjuster, Rizoma billet aluminum adjustable footpegs and racing plexiglass.
A Ducati Panigale V4 S World Champion Replica representing Alvaro Bautista’s 2022 Superbike World Championship. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Other technical details that characterize these special bikes are the rear exhaust manifold heat shield, alternator cover, front and rear fenders, and front brake ducts, all made of carbon fiber. Also made of carbon fiber, combined with titanium, is the cover protecting the single-sided swingarm. Finally, the series dedicated to Álvaro Bautista #19 features the brushed aluminum tank found on the more refined versions of the Panigale V4.
Each bike will be delivered in a packing case with dedicated graphics and will come with a certificate of authenticity, a custom bike cover and the Ducati Data Analyser+ data acquisition system. Those who want to take advantage of the performance of these two motorcycles on the circuit will be able to mount the additional accessories provided, such as the carbon fiber open clutch cover, license plate and mirror removal kits and the billet aluminum racing fuel cap.
MotoAmerica Director of Operations Niccole Cox (right) with Diane Shepard Tribou (left), a long-time race official who works with many different organizations. Photo courtesy Diane Shepard Tribou.
MotoAmerica’s Director of Operations Niccole Cox has been appointed to the FIM Commission of Circuit Racing (CCR) from 2023 until 2026.
According to the FIM, the CCR “shall study and draw up all rules applicable to racing on closed circuits. It shall control the FIM Championships and Prize events in these disciplines. It shall also deal with questions relating to sprint and drag racing. It shall compile and maintain an updated record of accident statistics in connection with FIM Championships and Prize events in these disciplines. It shall also be responsible for all issues relating to world record attempts, competitions on closed circuits, as well as time-keeping in these disciplines.”
Use the scroll and zoom tools in the edge of the PDF viewer below to better see all pages of the press release issued by FIM.
Peter Essaff and Ann McKinley. Photo courtesy Peter Essaff.
AHRMA racer Peter Essaff and Ann McKinley were married October 7 at Barber Motorsports Park.
Essaff, together with passenger Eric Lenser, won both Modern Sidecar TT 2 races at the event, wrapping up their third straight National Championship in the class.
Brandon Paasch (96) will go for a third consecutive Daytona 200 victory on Pirelli tires. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli.
Pirelli Announces 2023 #PirelliNation Road Race Rider Program
Submit Your Application by February 28 for the Opportunity to Join Pirelli’s Road Racing Community
ATLANTA (December 15, 2022) – Pirelli Tire North America is pleased to announce the return of its #PirelliNation road race rider program for the 2023 racing season. As the official tire of the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship, Pirelli and its DIABLO™ Superbike lineup are the go-to tires for racers around the world, which includes three consecutive victories at the world-renowned Daytona 200. Pirelli remains dedicated to the grassroots part of the sport, continuing with its motto, “we sell what we race, we race what we sell” and offering all riders the ability to purchase the same race compound tires found on the bikes of their favorite professional riders and World Champions like Alvaro Bautista, Jonathan Rea, and Toprak Razgatlioglu.
The road race community program ensures racers are the first to know about the latest Pirelli news, be notified of the newest Pirelli products, receive updates on national marketing opportunities, and be given access to technical advice and service at select races. Pirelli’s team will also identify and select several candidates who can purchase race compound tires at preferred pricing and be outfitted with Pirelli team-branded gear. Residents of the United States are eligible for the program.
Racers accepted to the program will be awarded with several brand benefits in 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli.
“It was a great introductory season for the #PirelliNation road race rider program, which saw our brand achieve tons of success,” said Oscar Solis, road race manager, Pirelli. “The Pirelli DIABLO Superbike range, and all race compound tires, are developed alongside our professional riders in the World and National Championships before eventually making their way into the hands of local racers and everyday consumers. This strategy allows Pirelli to continuously work on the development to ensure the latest technology is incorporated into the same tires available at local dealers. This road racing community program has allowed us to strengthen our relationship with racers across the nation and provide them with the education and knowledge necessary to choose the best tire for them to reach success.”
Pirelli’s high-performance DIABLO Superbike lineup offers several different compounds including, SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the front and SCX, SC0, SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the rear. View the complete range of DIABLO Superbike tires on the Pirelli website.
CLICK HERE to submit your application for the 2023 #PirelliNation program. All applications must be submitted by February 28, 2023.
A 1923 BMW R 32 is flanked by a 2023 R 18 100 Years Edition (left) and a 2023 R nineT 100 Years Edition (right). Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
The 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years Editions
Special Heritage editions celebrate 100 Years of BMW Motorrad.
Each model to be limited to 1,923 units globally.
MSRP of $18,990 plus $895 Destination for the R 18 100 Years.
MSRP of $19,995 plus $695 Destination for the R nineT 100 Years.
Market Launch planned for Q1, 2023
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 15, 2022…BMW Motorrad USA proudly presents the 2023 BMW R 18 100 Years Edition and the BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition to commemorate 100 Years of BMW Motorrad. In keeping with the year in which BMW Motorrad was founded, each model will be limited to 1,923 units globally.
In December 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz put the first full-scale BMW motorcycle on the drawing board. At its heart was a 494 cc, 8.5 hp, air-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine. The first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was unveiled in September 1923 at the German Motor Show in Berlin. Production soon began in an area sectioned off, by a wooden fence, from the BMW aircraft engine works on the edge of the Munich’s Oberwiesenfeld airfield. Those humble beginnings of BMW motorcycle production launched an unprecedented success story that would span a century.
BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition
The design of the R nineT is shaped by 100 years of motorcycle production and by BMW Motorrad’s unwavering passion for the boxer engine. The classic roadster design recipe begins with a compact tank and an upright seating position and extends to premium materials and stylish design elements. The new R nineT 100 Years becomes an exclusive anniversary edition thanks to numerous special features. The heart is still the air/oil-cooled, 1,170 cc, 109 hp two-cylinder boxer engine. In the anniversary edition, the legendary engine is accompanied by chrome and Option 719 parts, including paint-on-chrome surfaces and exquisitely milled parts and wheels.
A 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
Paint finishes in combination with chrome surfaces also have an almost 100-year tradition in motorcycle production. Chrome surfaces, usually consisting of a copper, nickel and final chrome layer are known for their hardness and resulting high durability, very good protection against corrosion, but above all by their radiant, mirror-like shine. This made chrome a common stylistic device for designers, from the late 1920s onwards. The BMW R 75/5 with its chrome-plated tank sides and side covers, for example, is legendary within BMW Motorrad enthusiast circles. With the new BMW R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years and the Classic Chrome surface finish, BMW Motorrad is reviving this incomparably beautiful and sophisticated interplay of paint and chrome.
50 years ago, the “paint on chrome” technology did not pose much of a problem for motorcycle manufacturers. At that time, the solvent-based paints combined well with chromium — significantly better than the solvent-free paints of today. Today, the 100 Year Edition models use only REACH compliant Chromium III. The chrome plating process and the preparatory work are extremely complex: In preparation, the metal tank for example, is first polished to a high gloss. The surface must be completely free of dust and scratches for further treatment. After this step, the part is immersed in various electroplating baths. Layers of copper, nickel and ultimately chromium are applied. The finished chrome-plated part is then painted in several layers; a final coat of clear coat covers the entire tank.
The paint on chrome fuel tank is a big part of the 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
The metal tanks on both anniversary models feature this paint on chrome process, called Classic Chrome. On the R nineT, the tank finish combines black paint with chrome and white double-pinstriping, knee pads and a 100 Years badge. Classic Chrome is also found on the seat’s rear cover. The front wheel fender is painted in black and features white double-pinstriping. A two-tone seat in black/oxblood red rounds off the design.
Numerous black components such as fork tubes, air intake snorkels and some Option 719 components complement the look. The R nineT 100 Years includes Option 719 Classic wheels with black anodized rims, the Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow with milled cylinder head covers, front engine cover, seat holders, oil filler plug and the Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow II, consisting of adjustable hand levers and foot pegs, passenger foot pegs as well as expansion tank covers and handlebar end mirrors. The 100 Years Edition also includes an adaptive turning headlight, heated grips, cruise control and Riding Modes Pro. An anti-theft alarm system can be fitted as a dealer installed accessory.
BMW R 18 100 Years Edition
The unmistakable center piece of the R 18 100 Years is the 1,802 cc, 91 hp boxer motor, the largest displacement engine ever installed in a BMW motorcycle. Both technically and visually, the BMW R 18 borrows from famous BMW models such as the 1936 BMW R 5 and puts the focus back on the essentials of motorcycling: Purist and no-frills, with the boxer engine as the epicenter of the riding experience. The big boxer is complemented by numerous special features and details. The paint finish of the R 18 100 Years, like that of the anniversary model of the R nineT, is in Classic Chrome and thus combines black paintwork and high-gloss chrome surfaces as well as white double-pinstriping and a 100 Years badge. The paint-on-chrome Classic Chrome finish is also found on the rear fender in combination with white double-pinstriping. The front fender and the side covers are painted in black, complemented by white double-pinstriping on the front fender. The Option 719 seat is upholstered in the two-tone combination black/oxblood red and features diamond embossing.
A 2023 BMW R 18 100 Years Edition. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
Black is a symbolic and traditional BMW Motorrad color and also adorns the engine, transmission housing and rear axle drive. The exact designation of the color is Avus Black – a nod to the legendary 12.1-mile-long high-speed racetrack running through the Grunewald Forest, West of Berlin, where BMW Motorrad once celebrated great racing successes and where the AVUS monument with BMW Motorrad factory rider Ernst Henne still stands today. Berlin is also home to the BMW Motorrad production plant. The plant, located in Berlin-Spandau, is the lead plant for BMW Motorrad’s international motorcycle production.
The R 18 100 Years Edition is complemented by numerous Chrome design parts. The durable galvanic surface coating can be found on: The handlebar fittings, gear shift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, handlebar weights, mirrors, brake master cylinders, brake calipers, engine cover, cylinder head covers and intake manifold covers.
Other features of the BMW R 18 100 Years also include a chromed Akrapovič rear muffler with perforated tailpipe trim in the shape of the BMW logo. Safety and comfort are ensured by ASC Automatic Stability Control, Headlight Pro, cruise control and heated grips.
The 2023 BMW R 18 100 Years Edition has many special details, like the exhaust end cap made to resemble the BMW logo. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
With the Heritage line R nineT and R 18 models, BMW Motorrad is paying tribute to its 100-year history and tradition, which is inextricably linked with the legendary boxer engine. Tradition and history can also be found at the BMW Motorrad production plant in Berlin – the birthplace of almost every BMW motorcycle for over 50 years. The iconic design and the unmistakable boxer engine illustrate that it’s about the roots of BMW Motorrad, about historically inspired shapes and details, about an authentic riding experience and about reducing motorbikes to the essentials. In short: The Heritage line experience is all about a unique attitude to life, shaped by the legendary boxer engine.
Standard Equipment
BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition
1,170 cc air/oil-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine.
109 hp @ 7,250 rpm and 85.5 lb-ft torque @ 6,000 rpm.
Constant mesh six-speed transmission with shaft drive.
ASC Automatic Stability Control.
BMW Motorrad ABS Pro
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
MSR Dynamic Engine Brake Control
Full LED lighting with Adaptive turning headlight.
Heated Grips
Ride Modes Pro (adds DYNAMIC mode to existing ROAD and RAIN modes)
USB port.
Special Edition Features
Avus Black paint and Classic Chrome highlights.
100 Years “1 of 1923” BMW Motorrad tank badge.
Classic Chrome / Avus Black 4.5-gallon fuel tank with white double-pinstriping.
Avus Black front fender with white double-pinstriping.
Black inverted 45 mm front fork, black frame, and air intake runners.
Black / oxblood red seat with solo seat back rest.
Classic Chrome / Avus Black rear seat cover with white double-pinstriping.
Option 719 Classic spoked wheels with black anodized rims.
Chrome plated exhaust manifold.
Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow
Milled aluminum front engine cover, cylinder head covers, seat brackets, and oil filler plug.
Option 719 Billet Pack Shadow II
Milled aluminum adjustable hand control levers and foot controls, foot pegs, expansion tank covers and bar end mirrors.
BMW R 18 100 Years Edition
1,802 cc air/oil-cooled, two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine.
91 hp @ 4,750 rpm and 116 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm.
Constant-mesh 6-speed transmission with nickel-plated drive shaft.
ASC Automatic Stability Control.
MSR Dynamic Engine Brake Control.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control.
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS
Full LED lighting.
Keyless Ride.
Heated Grips.
Cruise Control.
Reverse Assist.
Special Edition Features
Avus Black paint and Classic Chrome highlights.
100 Years “1 of 1923” BMW Motorrad tank badge.
Classic Chrome / Avus Black 4.2-gallon fuel tank with white double-pinstriping.
Classic Chrome / Avus Black rear fender with white double-pinstriping.
Avus Black front fender with white double-pinstriping.
Black engine and front fork covers.
Option 719 black / oxblood red diamond-embossed solo seat.
Chrome Akrapovič rear muffler with perforated BMW logo tailpipe trim.
Design Option Chrome
Chrome plated front engine cover, cylinder covers, exhaust manifold, handlebar fittings, gear shift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, handlebar weights, mirrors, brake master cylinders, brake calipers, and intake covers.
Optional Equipment
BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition
Anti-Theft Alarm – Dealer installed accessory.
BMW R 18 100 Years Edition
Floorboards – Dealer installed accessory.
Anti-Theft Alarm – Dealer installed accessory.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Dalton Gauthier (122) at speed on his D&D Cycles Husqvarna in 2019, when he won the AFT Singles Championship. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing is proud to announce its return to the American Flat Track (AFT) series in 2023 with 2019 AFT Singles Champion Dalton Gauthier and rising star Landen Smith.
The D&D Cycles/Certified Racing riders will be on factory-supported KTM SX-F 450s. The team will operate out of the D&D Cycles race shop in Pensacola, Florida. Motorcycles and engines will be built in-house with engine development work done in collaboration with Vance & Hines Racing, in Brownsburg, Indiana.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing Team Manager Rob McLendon and Gauthier worked together to win the 2019 AFT Singles National Championship. This earned Gauthier a ride on a Vance & Hines-supported factory Harley-Davidson XG750R in the 2020 and 2021 AFT Production Twins Championships. In 2022, Gauthier rode a factory Honda CRF450R for Turner Racing Team, earning the runner-up spot in the AFT Singles Championship.
“Being able to just do my own thing, ride a bike I am more comfortable on, and just having a little more freedom was my motivation,” said Gauthier. “Rob told me we could put together a team where I would be able to mentor younger teammates, and after already working with Landen for several years, I am excited to be teamed together. I know D&D Cycles/Certified Racing will provide me with top-level machines, and I am looking to win more races and another championship. Point Blank. That’s my goal. It was an honor and pleasure riding for Turner Racing. I respect those guys and appreciate the opportunity they gave me.”
Smith has been under McLendon’s wing for his entire Amateur career and is looking to make a name for himself as he moves into the Pro ranks.
“It’s a dream come true to be picked for this opportunity right out of the Amateur ranks,” said Smith. “I have been riding daily and really working on improving myself. It’s one thing to be fast as an Amateur, but these Pro boys aren’t playing. I am ready to take the next step and I’m happy it’s with Rob and D&D Cycles/Certified Racing.”
For 2023, D&D is teaming up with Certified Racing, also out of Pensacola, Florida, to compete in the full AFT Singles Championship.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing would like to thank the following partners for their assistance in chasing the 2023 American Flat Track 450 Singles Championship: KTM North America, Certified Plumbing Sewer & Gas, Vance & Hines- Exhaust & Cylinder Heads, TCD Racing- Suspension & Chassis, WP Suspension, Vortex Racing- Sprockets & Chains, Bell Helmets, and Seafood Atlantic.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing is looking for additional sponsors for the 2023 season. Interested parties should contact Rob McLendon at [email protected] or call (850) 456-0354.
Tarran Mackenzie (1) won the 2021 British Superbike Championship. Photo courtesy McAMS Yamaha.
MIE Racing doubles down and launches a brand new WSSP project
MIE Racing, the Midori International Engineering company owned by Midori Moriwaki, will redouble its efforts in the production-derived championship in 2023.
The brand-new MIE MS Racing Honda Team sees MIE Racing, which also fields the WorldSBK MIE Racing Honda Team, join forces with the MS Racing Team, a competitor in the production-derived series since 2018. This newly formed team will enter the 2023 Supersport World Championship with two strong riders aboard Honda CBR600RR machines.
The first rider is 27-year old Tarran Mackenzie, a very welcome addition to the WSSP class. The Brit has already forged an impressive career path, with highlights including the 2016 British Supersport 600 title and the 2021 British Superbike title.
His team-mate will be Malaysian rider Adam Norrodin, another experienced rider who has completed three full seasons in the Moto3 World Championship, has competed in Moto2, and who finished as runner-up in the 2020 SS600 Asia Road Racing Championship.
More information will be released during the 2023 team launch event.
Tarran Mackenzie
“I’m really excited to join the MIE MS Racing Honda Team and the WSSP Championship! It has been a big goal of mine to return to world championship level and I think that competing in the World Supersport class is the perfect way to learn and move forward. I just want to say a big thank you to Midori and the whole team for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to begin!”
Adam Norrodin
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be able to join the MIE MS Racing Honda Team and I would like to thank Midori Moriwaki very much for giving me the opportunity to race on the world stage. I fully intend to give it my all, as this is a great opportunity for my future. I can’t wait to join the team, to take part in our first tests and, of course, to start racing when the season kicks off in February.”
Midori Moriwaki (MIE Racing)
“Just do it. This has been a motto of mine ever since I started my racing activities and this is why I’m very happy and proud to announce that MIE Racing will debut in the WSSP category in 2023 with two riders of the calibre of Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin, and with the Honda family of course, competing with CBR600RR machines. Forming a partnership with the MS Racing Team means that we can start racing already next season. I’m sure that our combined strength and expertise will be instrumental in what will be an ongoing project, which will include an initial phase of development work that only the challenges posed by high-level racing can help with. We warmly welcome Tarran and Adam to the MIE and Honda family and we look forward to getting started!”
Felix Garrido (MS Racing)
“We at MS Racing are super happy to be involved in this project together with Midori and Honda and want to thank them very much for choosing us. We are aware of the challenges involved when starting a project of this magnitude, but we are willing to give it everything and more in order for the project to be successful. We are eager to start testing with the CBR600RR and the riders.”
A scene from a race event at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Photo courtesy ASBK.
‘Racetober’ for the 2023 ASBK Calendar As We Double The Phillip Island Action!
The 2023 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) Calendar continues to take shape with today’s announcement of ASBK Round 6 at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria from 27-29 October 2023.
This will be the second Phillip Island round of 2023, nearly book ending the 2023 ASBK Championship. The already-announced Round 1 will also be at the revered 4.5km Phillip Island GP Circuit and will be the opening round of the season for both the FIM Superbike World Championship and ASBK Championships.
The Phillip Island Circuit is known around the world as a rider’s track, and for the ASBK Championship competitors to battle it out on two occasions is a great opportunity for ASBK riders and fans alike. In 2023, ASBK Round 6 at ‘The Island’ will be a two-wheel festival of the best in Australian Superbike racing.
Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle: “Anytime the ASBK Championship visits the famed Phillip Island Circuit you know you’re in for a great weekend of racing.
“‘The Island’ is a circuit that creates close bar-to-bar action and has often seen a few unexpected twists in the championship battle. October will be a month full of motorcycle racing, and the ASBK Championship will have the opportunity to once again show that Aussie riders are world class.’’
Now that ASBK Round 6 at Phillip Island is cemented for October, the final parts of the 2023 calendar puzzle will soon fall into place and will include further exciting developments for the ASBK Championship.
For more information on season 2023, stay tuned to the ASBK website and social pages.
Altus Motorsports will continue with Jaret Nassaney (59) in the MotoAmerica Supersport class in 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.
MotoAmerica: Altus Motorsports Revs up for the 2023 MotoAmerica Season.
(Altus, OK) Since MotoAmerica began in 2015, Altus Motorsports has been a fixture in the paddock. For 2023, the team will once again have entries in the Supersport and Junior Cup classes. Although they are still working to secure a Stock 1000 entry to complete their lineup, Altus is excited to announce the addition of a Twins Cup bike this season.
“It’s been a busy off-season already. Suzuki is back on board for our Stock 1000 effort and Yamaha has jumped in to help out our Twins Cup program. We are also expanding our staff for 2023 to more effectively support the riders,” said team owner, George Nassaney.
Superbike Cup & Stock 1000
Altus Motorsports has every intention of continuing to compete in the Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup classes. With a proven bike, experienced staff, and quality rider, the only thing holding the team back is money.
“Getting financial sponsorship is always a challenge but the current economic landscape makes it even more difficult,” said team owner, George Nassaney. “Altus has what it takes to win championships. We have the motorcycles, mechanics, and, if we can get the funds, a rider that can be on the podium consistently.”
Supersport
Jaret Nassaney returns to run the MotoAmerica Supersport on his Suzuki GSX-R750. He finished 7th in the class last year and aims to better that in 2023. Nassaney has been in Supersport since 2017 and is looking to continue his growth in the upcoming season.
“We ended the season strong and we want to carry that into the 2023 season! We are looking to do some winter testing and start next season where we left off,” said Jaret Nassaney.
Twins Cup
After a few years away from the class, Altus Motorsports returns to the Twins Cup in 2023 on a Yamaha YZF-R7 piloted by Joseph Limandri Jr. The 17-year-old started racing at the age of eight with NJ MiniGP and has spent the last three seasons in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup. 2022 was his first full season in the extremely competitive class. He finished 4th in the overall standings, just 23 points out of first. He steps up to the Twins Cup next season and, in spite of having to learn a new bike, expects to be in the championship hunt.
Joseph LiMandri, Jr. Photo courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“Altus is a good team that has proven they can win championships. I am excited that I won’t have to worry about the bike. I can just focus on myself and show up to each round ready to fight for wins,” said Joe Limandri Jr.
Junior Cup
2022 North American Talent Cup Champion, Alessandro Di Mario will join the team to race the Junior Cup class on the Altus Motorsports Kawasaki Ninja 400. The Italian-born teen has lived in Kentucky for the past decade and is currently training in Spain in preparation for the upcoming season.
Alessandro Di Mario. Photo courtesy Altus Motorsports.
“We are excited to have Alessandro join the team. His amazing talent is matched by his incredible work ethic and commitment,” said team owner, George Nassaney.
The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Company, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
Dunlop is pleased to introduce the successor to the highly popular Sportmax Q3+. The Dunlop Sportmax Q5S sets the new benchmark for the ultimate street and track-day tire. Following in the development footsteps of the Q5, the Q5S, when compare to the Q3+, has achieved even higher performance by utilizing aspects from Dunlop’s cutting-edge road race tires developed in Buffalo, NY and used in the MotoAmerica Road Race Series.
Having enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds and tread patterns, the Q5S provides lighter and nimbler handling and improved dry and wet grip to make it even more user-friendly all while maintaining class-leading durability.
To differentiate the Q5S from the Q3+, Dunlop wanted to make the Q5S have a lighter feel to make it more responsive for street riding. With this goal set, Dunlop went to work on making the necessary changes to achieve the performance characteristics they were looking for.
Key features of the all new Sportmax Q5S:
Optimized tread pattern design to improve wear characteristics and enhance warm-up times
Front tire profile has a shorter and narrower profile to improve responsiveness and give the tire a lighter feel.
Front tire has reduced dynamic stiffness and increased damping to improve compliance all to improve braking and handling performance.
Added 200/55ZR17 rear size to allow for additional bike fitments.
Rear tread contains Dunlop’s MT Multi-Tread™ technology, giving riders outstanding mileage without sacrificing handling.
Improved compound to enhance both the wet and dry grip by adjusting the compound formula.
Both front and rear tires utilize Dunlop’s proprietary Racing Type Fine Carbon Technology in the tread compound.
Dunlop’s proprietary Intuitive Response Profile (IRP) for ultra-linear and responsive steering.
Proudly made in Dunlop’s Buffalo, NY factory.
Availability:
The Sportmax Q5S will be sold through all Dunlop retailers, as well as race tire distributors, to be easily accessible to all street or track riders. Tires will be available in all channels beginning mid-December.
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Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
May 13, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
