American Kensei Matsudaira to Represent USA at FIM Speedway World Championship SGP4 Race at Malilla, Sweden
Japanese-American road racer Kensei Matsudaira will make his international speedway racing debut on July 15, 2023 at the FIM Speedway GP of Sweden – Malilla. Kensei, age 12, was selected to represent the US in the FIM Speedway World Championship in the launch of the SGP4 youth category on a new entry-level world championship bike for 11 to 13 year old racers. 18 riders from around the world have been invited to race in this special one-time event at one of World Speedway’s most famous venues.
“I’ve always wanted to race speedway in Europe, so I’m very excited to have this opportunity to race at a FIM Speedway World Championship race,” Kensei said. “I’m proud to represent the US and American speedway, and hoping to do as well as I can to make Team USA Speedway proud.”
Team USA Speedway manager Steve Evans added, “Kensei is an outstanding motorcyclist in so many disciplines. He has more speedway experience and success than anyone else in his age group and is the current 150cc Youth National Champion. The new SGP4 category is huge for the sport and American Speedway and might be just what we need to help elevate the USA back to the top. We wish Kensei well and know with his international racing experience he will make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
Kensei is an accomplished international road racer but is also well accomplished in speedway which he has been racing since the age of 4. After dozens of race wins including an undefeated season in the pee wee class, Kensei moved up to the Junior Speedway 150cc class at age 7 and immediately became a national title contender. In 2022 Kensei became the AMA Speedway Youth 150 National Champion.
In road racing, Kensei is a three-time MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul Champion, taking the 110cc and 160cc crowns in 2021 and the Ohvale GP-2 190cc crown in 2022. He is the first FIM MiniGP World Series North America champion, and has also been racing at the national level in Spain since 2019. He is the 2022 RFME Copa de España de MiniVelocidad vice champion in the Spanish national Moto5 category. Kensei is currently racing full time in Spain in the 2023 RFME ESBK (Campeonato de España de Superbike) Moto4 championship where he sits 8th in points with one podium finish so far this season.
Kensei and his family would like to thank all of their sponsors for their support this year:
Nox#27 Racing Team, Evike.com, Evike Europe, HJC Helmets, Dave Designs, Almassera El Teular, OrangeCat Racing, Iconic Motorbikes, Bison Track, Moto Tecnica, Karen E. Ott Photography, BSP Racing, American Racing Team & Academy, The Starting Grid, TJ Corse, VNM Sport, NLAB Studio, California Superbike School, MadLabs Minimoto, Hans King, 73 Moto Parts, D.I.D Chain, Galfer USA, Bickle Racing, Yoshimura R&D, Vortex Racing, Suspension Matters, Moto Survival School, Live 100 Moto, TechSpec, Landers Racing, Boyko Racing, Mini Moto Alliance
BMW Motorrad celebrates one millionth GS with boxer engine.
World premiere of the new BMW R 1300 GS on 28 September 2023 at BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.
Munich/Berlin. Today, on 21 June 2023, the 1,000,000th GS equipped with a boxer engine rolled off the production line at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau – a BMW R 1250 GS.
BMW motorcycles have been manufactured in Berlin since 1969 and the BMW Motorrad GS models with boxer engines since 1980. Elemental, authentic motorcycles, which possess incomparable all-round qualities have spurred on countless motorbike enthusiasts on trips to distant countries, spectacular adventure trips and expeditions to the remotest regions of our planet over the past decades. The latest edition of the now legendary BMW GS with boxer engine – the R 1300 GS – will be presented on 28 September 2023 at the grand opening of the new BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.
The BMW GS with boxer engine: The legendary combination of road, off-road and long-haul expertise.
Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad: “With the R 80 G/S and its unique combination of on-road and off-road suitability, everyday qualities and long-distance touring abilities, BMW Motorrad created the new motorcycle genre of touring enduros in 1980. The BMW GS with boxer engine became an icon, which achieved global success in this segment. What is more: The BMW GS became a legend and at the same time an indispensable cornerstone in the BMW Motorrad model range. Its outstanding talents, such as dynamic riding performance, brawny off-road qualities, superior long-distance comfort and enormous robustness, have since been continuously developed by BMW Motorrad and transferred to other BMW Motorrad model series with great success. I am therefore very pleased that today, and especially in our “100 Years of BMW Motorrad” anniversary year, we are able to contribute a major milestone to the corporate history of the BMW Group with the one millionth BMW GS motorbike with a boxer engine. I am equally pleased that the unique history of BMW Motorrad models with boxer engines will soon be supplemented by an exciting chapter with numerous innovations with the new R 1300 GS.”
The one millionth BMW GS with a boxer engine is an R 1250 GS in Triple Black Style and was duly celebrated today, 21 June 2023, during a works meeting at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau.
The new BMW R 1300 GS: Premiere at the opening ceremony of BMW Motorrad Welt Berlin on 28 September 2023.
The celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad are continuing at pace. After the big party at the BMW Motorrad Days, where thousands of motorcycle fans from all over the world are expected from 7 to 9 July 2023, BMW Motorrad Welt will officially open its doors on 28 September. In the new “heart of the brand” – located directly next to the BMW Motorrad plant site in Berlin-Spandau – the eagerly awaited new BMW R 1300 GS will be presented at an exclusive opening event. Interested fans will have the opportunity to follow the opening ceremony via livestream on the BMW Group and BMW Motorrad social media channels. From 30 September 2023, BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin will then be open to all visitors.
The BMW R 80 G/S: Initial spark for a new motorcycle segment.
In autumn 1980 BMW Motorrad presented the R 80 G/S, a motorcycle which combined two very special areas of riding for the first time: Off-road and on-road. What began with 798 cubic centimetres of displacement and 50 hp has developed over more than four decades into a fascinating high-tech touring enduro of the calibre of the current BMW R 1250 GS. Complemented by state-of-the-art chassis technology and electronic control systems such as ABS, traction control, engine drag torque control, semi-active suspension and a great deal more. It is also thanks to this ongoing and consistent advancement that the BMW GS models with boxer engine have advanced to become the most sought-after touring enduros in the world to this day.
Will Anyone Stop Gagne’s Win Streak At Ridge Motorsports Park?
Gagne Riding A Four-Race Win Streak At The Racetrack In Washington State
IRVINE, CA (June 21, 2023) – For a fourth straight year, the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship visits the Pacific Northwest with round four of the 2023 championship slated for Ridge Motorsports Park, June 23-25. And for a fourth straight year, Yamaha will be attempting to keep its perfect win streak alive at the tight and twisty circuit on the Olympic Peninsula region of Washington.
For the streak to be broken, someone is going to have to figure out how to beat the combination of Jake Gagne and his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing YZF-R1 with the pair riding a four-race win streak at “the Ridge.” But, based on the fact that both BMW and Ducati have won half of the six races held thus far in 2023, there’s obviously a chance that could happen.
So, who won the two races that Gagne didn’t win at Ridge Motorsports Park? Well, that would be Cameron Beaubier, the victor in the inaugural two MotoAmerica Superbike races at the Ridge in 2020 and the winner of two of the six races held thus far in this year’s title chase. And Beaubier won those two races as Gagne’s teammate on a Yamaha YZF-R1 in 2020. All that translates to the fact that Yamaha has won all six of the Superbike races held at Ridge Motorsports Park.
Three riders will go to Washington with Medallia Superbike wins in 2023: Gagne, Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW’s Beaubier and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin. And only 21 points separate those three atop the championship point standings.
Heading the title chase is two-time defending Medallia Superbike Champion Gagne with his three wins and two additional podiums in his pocket. Gagne also arrives in the Pacific Northwest happy to see Wisconsin and Road America in his rear-view mirror. Gagne went into the Road America round with a 21-point lead over Beaubier after the first two rounds and he was fortunate to leave Wisconsin still with a 12-point lead over the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion.
Gagne’s Yamaha team had a miserable weekend in Wisconsin with engine failures and a lack of top speed momentarily keeping his run for a third straight title in check. Gagne failed to finish race one at Road America, but he he salvaged his weekend with a third-place finish in race two.
Race one at Road America was won by Beaubier, but his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M1000 RR also suffered a mechanical failure in race two that prevented him from keeping the points lead he’d inherited the day before with Gagne’s failure to finish. Thus, the top two in the title chase come to the state of Washington separated by just 12 points.
The man who gained the most at Road America was Herrin with the 2013 AMA Superbike Champion having left Wisconsin with his first win of the year, which came a day after his third-place finish in race one. Herrin starts his weekend at Ridge Motorsports Park nine points behind Beaubier and 21 behind Gagne.
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz is fourth in the point standings, and he also had an off weekend at Road America with eighth- and sixth-place finishes in the two Medallia Superbike races. The South African is nine points behind Herrin and nine points ahead of Beaubier’s Tytlers Cycle Racing teammate PJ Jacobsen.
Like Herrin, Jacobsen is also coming off a great weekend in Wisconsin with the New Yorker carding a pair of second-place finishes in what was easily his best weekend in the Medallia Superbike class.
Sixth in the title chase heading to Washington is Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante. Escalante was a fighting fourth in race one at Road America but had some issues in race two and dropped four places to finish eighth.
Although Cameron Petersen’s weekend in Wisconsin wasn’t stellar by normal standards, it could have been a lot worse. Petersen came into the Road America round with an injured right wrist suffered in a testing crash the week prior but was able to bravely continue, and he finished fifth and fourth in the two races. Still, the South African has a lot of work to do to try and claw his way back into championship contention as he trails teammate Gagne by 54 points.
Corey Alexander, the third of the Tytlers Cycle Racing teamsters, is eighth in the title chase, six points adrift of Petersen and two ahead of the now-retired Toni Elias, who will be replaced for the Ridge round by journeyman racer Taylor Knapp. Knapp is currently sixth in the Steel Commander Stock 1000 Championship, but Ridge Motorsports Park isn’t a round of that championship so he will be able to focus his efforts on the Medallia Superbike class.
Aftercare Scheibe Racing’s Ashton Yates rounds out the top 10 in the Medallia Superbike Championship heading to Ridge Motorsports Park.
Pre-Ridge Superbike Notes
Two-time MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Champion Jake Gagne is the winningest rider in the short three-year (six-race) history of MotoAmerica holding a round of its championship at Ridge Motorsports Park. Gagne has won four of the six races with Cameron Beaubier winning the first two races in 2020.
Last year, Gagne started from pole position and won both races, besting his teammate Cameron Petersen and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci in race one and Petrucci and Petersen in race two.
Gagne is also the lap record holder at Ridge Motorsports Park with the Colorado resident lapping at 1:39.145 in final qualifying last year to break his own record of 1:39.568 from 2021.
Portions of the 16-turn, 2.47-mile Ridge Motorsports Park circuit have undergone re-paving since MotoAmerica visited the track a year ago and that usually results in lap records across all classes. In addition, track owners have also added curbing to the track and have erected new grandstands for spectator viewing.
After winning both Medallia Superbike races a year ago, Jake Gagne moved to within 11 points of then championship leader Danilo Petrucci. This year, Gagne arrives in Washington with a 12-point lead over Cameron Beaubier, who is back in the MotoAmerica series after two years competing in the Moto2 World Championship.
With his two wins thus far in the 2023 Superbike Championship, Beaubier continues to gain ground on his former teammate Josh Hayes on the all-time AMA Superbike win list. Australian Mat Mladin tops the list with his 81 Superbike victories with Hayes second on 61 wins. Beaubier, however, is on the move with 56 victories in AMA Superbike racing.
With his three wins in 2023, Jake Gagne is now tied for fourth on the all-time Superbike win list with Miguel Duhamel and Toni Elias, with the latter announcing his retirement following the Road America round. Those three have 32 Superbike victories.
Hayes, meanwhile, continues to chase the all-time AMA road race win record as he is currently tied with Miguel Duhamel with 86 wins across all classes. Hayes will be aboard his Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 in the two Supersport races at Ridge Motorsports Park. Beaubier, meanwhile, lurks in fourth on the all-time list with 77 wins – nine behind Duhamel and Hayes.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
Editorial Note: To listen to the podcast go HERE and to watch the video of the podcast scroll down.
Episode 8: Kyle Wyman
The Godfather of Bagger Racing
June 21st, 2023 – MotoAmerica / American Flat Track Racers Corey Alexander and James Rispoli are pleased to release Episode 8 of their Pipe Dreams Podcast featuring [2021] King Of The Baggers Champion, MotoAmerica Team Owner, and factory Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle pilot Kyle Wyman.
Kyle has spent the entirety of his career doing whatever he can just to make it to the racetrack, riding whatever bike he could to yield him the best result and at times make him the most marketable to potential sponsors. After conquering the business of racing – out of a pickup truck to owning his own semi hauler and staffing full-time employees, Kyle put it all aside to join the factory Harley-Davidson race team to ride a bagger. Though an early adopter of the bagger vision, his decision would pay off and over the course of the last few years bagger racing has exploded worldwide.
We were able to sit with Kyle and discuss the variety of hurdles he faced throughout his career, from family to injuries and the struggles of maxing out credit cards to make it to the next round. We hope you enjoy learning about the guy behind the bagger! Follow Kyle on social media via @kylewyman or @kwr_harley to see more.
Listen Now
Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the Eighth full episode with Kyle launches today. Video of the episode can be viewed on Spotify and YouTube.
About Pipe Dreams Podcast:
Pipe Dreams Podcast launched in 2023 by MotoAmerica and American Flat Track riders Corey Alexander and James Rispoli in an effort to share the stories of fellow racers and motorsport professionals around the world. The podcast releases twice per month for streaming on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube. Production and editing is curated by videographer Sam Thurman. Follow @pipedreams_pod on social media or visit https://anchor.fm/pipe-dreams to listen now.
Alvaro Bautista’s test with the Ducati Desmosedici GP concluded at Misano.
The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli was the stage of Alvaro Bautista’s long-awaited MotoGP test. It was an intense two days during which the Spanish rider got back on the Ducati Desmosedici GP after the last Grand Prix held on 18 November 2018 in Valencia.
After Day-1 aimed at regaining the feeling with both bike and tyres (50 laps completed), on Day-2 Bautista was able to ride with continuity in the morning, focusing on the set-up and also trying out different tyre solutions.
No time attack attempts were made for the Spaniard; Bautista closed the test (49 laps completed on Day-2) with a quickest time of 1’32.590, recorded on lap seven of the fourth run, on soft tyres and a track temperature of 49°.
In the afternoon the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider was back on his Ducati Panigale V4R to complete a few laps and reacquaint himself with the bike he will ride on the sixth round of the 2023 WorldSBK season, scheduled at Donington (UK) from 29 June to 2 July.
Alvaro Bautista’s (19) test on a Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP racebike at Misano was very thorough. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“It was a good test. I had a lot of fun getting back on the Ducati Desmosedici GP and I’m satisfied with the work we did. Between the first and second day, the feeling improved, also thanks to the team and Ducati, who put me in a position to adjust the bike with some changes that helped me feel even more comfortable. We also worked to find confidence with different tyre solutions and the results were tangible. The time? It’s not important, also because I never pushed for the time: there was no reason to take risks. The future? The future is at Donington and Imola. We have two very close rounds and after this good experience I just have to think about the WorldSBK championship”.
4.54km of adrenaline: strap in for the TT Circuit Assen!
The time has come to return to the Cathedral, and we don’t need to remind you: WE LOVE IT
Wednesday, 21 June 2023
This is it. The final ride before the summer break – and our visit to the Goodwood Festival of Speed – and at a track where that legendary final chicane could decide it all. There’s no better place to bring the curtain down on the first half of a spectacular season than the one that’s been part of the sport since 1949, so let’s get back to where we left off for the Motul TT Assen!
On a roll
If his Tissot Sprint wins and podiums weren’t convincing enough, does taking on the reigning Champion and coming out on top get the job done? It was one of the closest ever finishes at the Sachsenring on Sunday and that was thanks to two riders: Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). Lap by lap, the two staged an instant classic and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in the locker at Assen – with Bagnaia also having won here last year.
Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), meanwhile, is on his own roll of three MotoGP™ podiums in a row for the first time ever, just like Martin. One may not (yet?) be a win, but it’s a fine run of form as Pramac really gain some momentum. Will Assen continue that crescendo?
For Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the run has picked back up again. And the holeshot went to the Aussie once again at the Sachsenring. A lone orange ranger at a Ducati party after a crash for teammate Brad Binder, Miller kept it on the road for another good chunk of points – and his form at Assen is fine, including that first ever MotoGP™ win. He, and Binder as he’ll dust himself off ready to race again, can’t be counted out of the fight at the front.
Back on it
It wasn’t the greatest weekend ever for Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) last time out, but it was a solid one. And the TT Circuit Assen is where he took that maiden MotoGP™ podium, so we can likely expect him right back in the fight at the front at a very different venue to the Sachsenring. Teammate Luca Marini too, with the number 10 still taking those top finishes although now looking for another real assault on the top – all the way to the finish line.
Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, took some good points at the Sachsenring after a crash out in Mugello and he’ll want that to prove an uptick. Miguel Oliveira (CryptoData RNF MotoGP™ Team) was the top Aprilia and back in the top ten despite his ongoing recovery, and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is also getting back in the groove.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, is also banking those points and top tens, but can he take another step? Finally, for Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) it’s going pretty well. He hasn’t managed to replicate that stunning top four in France yet, but he’s kept scoring and is only one of three riders to do so on every Sunday so far. He also adores Assen.
Time for a turnaround
After an impressive pre-season for Aprilia, it’s all gone a bit quiet on the frontrunning by the time we arrive at Assen. But if there’s anywhere Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) would choose to stake his claim back on the podium fight, it could well be Assen. His record at the track is exemplary and it’s where he took his first Aprilia podium too… so could it start here? Teammate Aleix Espargaro will also want to press that reset button, and his record at Assen is no slouch either. Cast your mind back to this time last year and enjoy a re-watch of THAT final chicane overtake.
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™, meanwhile, there are also some good memories from Assen but the Iwata marque need some form. What can bring them closer to the front? What are they working on? Questions for the next time we can “talk to Lin.” But aside from the swirling maelstrom of media talk there remain the 2021 World Champion and a multiple MotoGP™ winner on the machinery, so what can they do? For Fabio Quartararo the mission will probably start on Friday again, and getting into that Q2. And finishing ahead of Franco Morbidelli – something he hasn’t done in the last couple of races.
For Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team), however, it’s probably points. It remains a tough season with not much to show for it yet, although that arm surgery wasn’t too long ago either. Can he make a step at Assen?
Back in the saddle
We know Jonas Folger will continue subbing for Pol Espargaro at GASGAS Factory Racing Tech 3, and another reveal is the return of Iker Lecuona to Repsol Honda Team colours after the Spaniard rode in his home round at Jerez and had a pretty solid weekend, this time standing in for Joan Mir. As Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) continues to recover, we also know it’ll be HRC test rider Stefan Bradl in the saddle in the Spaniard’s place.
All this is also the backdrop to a quiet run of points scoring GP finishes for Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). He’s only failed to score once this season, at COTA, somewhat interestingly where Rins won Honda’s first race for some time earlier in the year. The arrival of Lecuona and Bradl is a new benchmark for the Japanese rider.
The biggest question of all
In the pre-event press conference ahead of the German GP, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) said he was interested to see how the weekend would go after he missed out on competing at some of his other best tracks, Termas de Rio Hondo and the Circuit of the Americas. But the answer wasn’t what he wanted. After five crashes peppered with some heroics in between, the eight-time World Champion called time on his Sachsenring weekend before the Grand Prix race. He therefore remains undefeated at the venue but looking for a lot more at the TT Circuit Assen. He has “only” won twice at the track in MotoGP™, but could that work in his favour as the pressure comes off? One of the most successful partnerships in the history of motorcycle cycling is now looking at the north face of their own Eiger – and plenty thought that would never be scaled. It has been. Can they start rebuilding from here?
Assen was on the very first calendar in 1949, and as the world’s first motorsport returns to the venue in 2023, a lot has changed. But not the sheer adoration of racing, and not the crowds that flock in. It’s going to be a rollercoaster weekend of the best kind, so strap in and let’s go racing on truly hallowed ground at the Cathedral!
SHOWTIME
Friday’s practice sessions decide the automatic entrants to Q2, before the MotoGP™ grid qualify on Saturday morning. The Tissot Sprint is set for lights out at 15:00 on Saturday as ever, and the Grand Prix gets going at 14:00 CEST!
Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +2)
Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +2)
Moto2™: Can Arbolino strike back?
Tony Arbolino’s (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) lead in the Moto2™ standings is getting smaller. After that crash in France for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), the Italian had some breathing space… but he’s not been able to beat the Spaniard since. Now it’s another new and wildly different venue, Arbolino will aim to make now the time to strike back – taking the momentum into the summer break. But can he stop Acosta?
Behind that duo, Jake Dixon (Autosolar GASGAS Aspar Team) was back on the podium in Germany to make it exactly the same rostrum, but it was quite a different race for second. The Brit was glued to the back of Arbolino late in the race, so that’s one mission accomplished. The next? Really mix it up with the two, and Assen is a venue he knows very, very well.
Are we set for another Arbolino vs Acosta classic or can Dixon or the likes of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) get in that battle? Find out on Sunday at 12:15 (GMT +2)!
Will Öncü vs Sasaki take on Assen?
Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) did everything he needed to in Germany to keep that impressive lead going, taking third and another podium on a day where he couldn’t quite push to fight for that win. But looking at the pace of Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), the Spaniard will want to hit back at Assen.
Öncü and Sasaki almost created their own Grand Prix class in Germany, staging a tense chess match right to the flag and disappearing in a private duel to do so. Can they show that speed once again at Assen? Both are used to running at the front, but not quite that far in front. Öncü is also now a Grand Prix winner after coming so so close, so many times. With the pressure off in that regard, box ticked, he’ll be an interesting one to watch. As ever! Are the veterans now back in that groove?
Tune in for more Moto3™ on Sunday at 11:00 (GMT+2) to find out!
Brembo wins the 2023 Red Dot Award for the 19RCS CORSA CORTA RR
THE 2022 EVOLUTION OF THE ICONIC RADIAL MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PRESTIGIOUS DISTINCTION IN THE PRODUCT DESIGN CATEGORY
Brembo has been awarded today with the 2023 Red Dot Award for its 19RCS CORSA CORTA RR- Race Replica in the Product Design category.
As one of the most important and prestigious design competitions, the Red Dot Award selects and celebrates the best creations that combine innovation with outstanding aesthetics. Winning this award further underlines the distinctive design of Brembo’s solutions and confirms the company’s unwavering commitment to bringing innovation to the mobility of tomorrow and the unparalleled capacity to combine design and performance up to top motorsport championships.
The award-winning 19RCS CORSA CORTA RR is the 2022 evolution of the company’s radial master cylinder that combines even greater performance and lightness with a sporty look, in line with SuperSport and Naked bikes for which it has been designed.
Machined from billet of Aeronautical Aluminum Alloy and finished with a hard oxidation treatment, its high level of technology is directly derived from the master cylinders used in MotoGP and SBK championships.
In all its improvements over the years, the lever has always been highly regarded by enthusiasts since it allows riders to tailor the “bite point” exactly where they want it, with an easily accessible selector on the top of the master cylinder itself.
The selector operates a cam mechanism to let the user choose between three different responsiveness settings (Normal, Sport and Race). In addition, it is equipped with the RCS (Ratio Click System), which permits to change in the brake force distribution without altering the system’s performance in terms of pure power.
The adjustment system allows the riders to achieve a complete feeling with their bike and to adapt braking performance to their riding style, weather and road conditions. Therefore, this radial master cylinder is considered the perfect choice for riders are looking for a performance upgrade and taking care of their bike’s set-up, without ever compromising its aesthetics.
The 19 RCS CORSA CORTA RR earned Brembo its second Red Dot Award, while the first was won in 2019 with the previous 19 RCS CORSA CORTA. The design quality is the common factor in these awarded products.
With around 20.000 entries per year, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s largest design competitions. In 2023, projects from 60 countries were submitted and evaluated in 51 competition categories.
The Brembo 19 RCS CORSA CORTA RR has been selected by a jury of 43 international design experts who have been convening for more than 60 years to choose the year’s best designs. The prizes, which have been awarded since 1955, are presented at a special ceremony, the 2023 edition of which has been held today in Essen, Germany.
Daniels and Co. Attempt to Slow Mees’ Roll at Lima Half-Mile
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Following three straight Miles, Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, now shifts its gears to race four consecutive Half-Miles starting with this weekend’s Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio, on Saturday, June 24.
Reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) comes in with all the momentum after sweeping the aforementioned Miles. He’s also fully at home at the venue with its trademark pea-gravel cushion, considering he’s not just a five-time winner of the race but also its promoter with wife Nichole.
Even with all that considered, Mees isn’t necessarily the overwhelming favorite to win this weekend; several others have a legitimate claim as well.
Even as a rookie, Mission SuperTwins points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) looked like the rider to beat pretty much all day here a year ago. In the Main Event, he fought his way up from a bad start to battle for the lead before coming home in second place.
And the rider who ultimately beat Daniels was not Mees, but rather Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750). Robinson, who comes in fresh off an ultra-close runner-up result at the DuQuoin Mile, is a two-time winner of the Lima Half-Mile and driven to score his first victory of ‘23.
That’s also the case for Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), another two-time winner of the prestigious event. Bauman was as strong as he’s been all season this past weekend and is now primed to capitalize as the season shifts to some tracks well aligned with his strengths.
JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) have all had their moments this season and look to add some more this weekend as the trio headline an extended list of additional podium contenders.
Another rider to keep tabs on is the returning Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), who won the Mission Production Twins race aboard the Royal Enfield here in 2021.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
The hard-won points advantage of defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) took something of a battering during the recent run of Miles. This didn’t come entirely unexpectedly, and despite the dip, he still managed to weather the storm and continues to stand atop the championship standings.
Now he’s poised to strike back. A year ago, the foundations of Kopp’s championship campaign were built on his Half-Mile prowess, reeling in five HM victories in eight attempts. Included in that list of wins was a blowout performance at the Lima Half-Mile, in which he shook free from the pack on the race’s opening lap and never looked back.
The riders who joined him on the podium that night will look to make it more of a contest this time around, as both come into the weekend considerably more experienced and in stellar form.
Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) is just nine points behind Kopp on the strength of five consecutive podiums, four of which runner-ups. And he’s the opposite of satisfied by that impressive stat considering he’s still seeking his first Progressive AFT victory after multiple near-misses.
Even with Kopp’s one-sided victory, the rider who turned the most heads at Lima a year ago was arguably Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), who finished in second while making his series’ debut. The Aussie is a class full-timer now and quickly making his presence felt, notching up a pair of race wins already in ‘23.
The rest of the usual suspects should factor up front again this weekend, including the likes of Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).
While a bit quiet at the last two rounds, 1st Impressions Husqvarna teammates Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) might just make more noise this weekend. Cose managed to win a Mission Production Twins race and podium in Parts Unlimited AFT Singles at Lima on a single evening back in ‘19, while Ott finished inside the top five here just last year.
And don’t rule out a huge night for Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F), who was victorious at Lima in both 2018 and 2019.
There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday as well, including numerous vendors, expansive food and beverage options, and extensive motorcycle parking.
Don’t miss your last chance to save $10 per ticket before the sale ends and prices return to normal on Wednesday, June 21. Act fast to get General Admission Bleacher tickets for just $30 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult GA ticket). Upgraded options include Reserved Grandstand and Premier Reserved Grandstand tickets along with VIP ticket add-ons.
Pit Pass Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.
Gates will open for fans at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. ET (3:40 p.m. PT).
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage of the Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 2, at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 p.m. PT).
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
ALPINESTARS REVEALS THE ALL-NEW SUPERTECH R10 ROAD RACING HELMET LAUNCH EDITION
Asolo, Italy and Los Angeles, CA – Alpinestars is pleased to present the all-new Supertech R10 Road Racing Helmet Launch Edition. The result of over 10 years of intensive study, development, and testing, the goal of the Supertech family of helmets is to create the most advanced, protective, and performance-enhancing helmets possible for racers and riders worldwide.
Three views of Alpinestars’ new Supertech R10 Launch Edition full-face road race helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
After years of research, development, and testing of the S-R10 with Alpinestars’ Helmet Product Development Department and alongside MotoGP LEGEND Andrea Dovizioso and MotoGP riders Jorge Martin, and Jack Miller, Alpinestars is launching an exclusive numbered series of S-R10 Launch Edition Road Racing Helmets. With the S-R10, the focus of the design was to ensure the highest level of performance, especially when it comes to protection and providing a new level of safety. The S-R10 Helmet has been engineered to provide the perfect blend of excellent ventilation, unsurpassed comfort, and the lightest weight possible, without compromising on any other front. Another crucial element unique to the S-R10’s design and development is the helmet’s advanced aerodynamics, with countless sessions in the wind tunnel focused on reducing drag and providing optimal aerodynamic stability.
The S-R10 Helmet Launch Edition comes in dark candy red sublimated by vibrant red accents, and a carbon glossy colorway, where dark candy red ink has been incorporated in the clear coating and manually sprayed on the carbon helmet to create a unique grading effect. The Alpinestars’ branding on the helmet is subtle, providing intense contrasting energy to the helmet, where a glossy layer has been applied to give it a unique shiny look. The internal helmet lining is handcrafted in Italy.
The S-R10 Helmet Launch Edition in the Red Carbon Glossy colorway will be available for purchase on alpinestars.com starting at 6 pm CET / 9 am PST on July 10th, with a limited numbered series of 200 units. Accessories provided with the S-R10 Helmet Launch Edition include two separate race and standard spoilers, clear and dark smoke visors, tear-offs set, Pinlock lens, the chin curtain, wind, and breath deflectors, and all can be stored comfortably in the paddock helmet bag provided.
MotoGP racer Jack Miller wearing his custom-painted Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
“I could not be more pleased with the new S-R10 helmet. From the get-go, I have been very, very comfortable with the helmet. The amount of visibility is unrivalled and the aerodynamics of the S-R10 helmet combined with the leather suit are amazing in terms of speed and comfortability. It’s incredible how light the helmet is and truly amazing that with the carbon fiber, they’ve been able to reduce the weight without compromising safety. It is a true honor to be able to wear the S-R10 helmet.” – JACK MILLER, MotoGP
“Starting with the new S-R10 helmet this season with Alpinestars, has been an amazing journey. Working on the development of the S-R10 together with Alpinestars, we’ve done a great job, an amazing job – the helmet feels great, it’s super comfortable, and it fits my head perfectly. I feel like it’s the best comfort I’ve ever had in a helmet in my entire career. Ventilation is also great especially in the hot races, when it’s extremely hot, I feel great. The helmet is also very lightweight. I don’t get tired while using it, and when I’m doing long distances in the races, I feel super good. In addition, the field of vision is great which is important when going 360 km/h into the corner where I can see well, and I feel especially good.” – Jorge Martin, MotoGP
“Alpinestars’ new S-R10 MotoGP-derived helmet is very aerodynamic, and at high speeds it feels ultra-lightweight and stable; and that is reassuring. The field of vision is incredible. The view the S-R10 offers feels super ‘widescreen’ and you can see a huge amount in all directions. That is a massive positive and is probably its most important feature. The S-R10 has an advanced design and I think it is a really good helmet to wear. Not only is it very comfortable, but it’s also super ventilated.” – Andrea Dovizioso, MotoGP
SUPERTECH R10 HELMET TECHNICAL FEATURES
A cutaway view of the outer shell construction on the Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
OUTER SHELL
CARBON SHELL CONSTRUCTION MULTI-LAYER COMPOSITE DISPERSES ENERGY IN IMPACTS
Homologated to ECE 22.06, DOT, and FIM standards, the Supertech R10’s shell construction utilizes a highly advanced molding technology with a multi-composite combination featuring a 3K high-density carbon outer layer, a uni-directional carbon composite layer, an aramid fiber layer, and a fiberglass layer.
The 3K high-density carbon outer layer provides excellent strength and efficiency of energy dissipation over the shell. The uni-directional (UD) carbon composite layer provides significantly greater radial strength around the shell, preventing compression, but allowing controlled deflection for reducing transmitted impact energy, while the aramid fiber plus fiberglass layers provide critical penetration protection.
This layered composite combination created by bonding everything together with an advanced epoxy resin already applied on the pre-preg fiber, perfectly controls the ideal proportion of resin versus fiber to maximize strength, mechanical performance, and lightweight. The combination of material layers provides improved energy management, as well as limited outer shell deflection, making the energy spread wider and better absorbed by the EPS liner.
The S-R10’s unique shell construction results in extremely effective impact protection. With a fully equipped in-house helmet testing facility within Alpinestars’ state-of-the-art Research and Development center, the company has carried out an exhaustive impact research program, where research and development efforts have shown the S-R10 helmet returning linear and oblique impact performance results which far exceed current ECE 22.06 helmet regulation standard limits. For direct linear impacts, which are impacts at a 90-degree angle between the helmet and an object, the S-R10 surpasses the standard by an average magnitude of 37%. And for rotational acceleration and oblique impact performance, where impact energy comes from an angle other than a linear 90-degree, or right-angle straight impact, the S-R10 exceeds the standard by 65%.
The “inner shell” of the Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
INNER SHELL
THE S-R10’S INNER SHELL IS MADE FROM EPS IN DIFFERENT DENSITIES
The S-R10 Helmet has four inner shells just like the outer shell, and is available in four anatomical sizes. The S-R10’s construction is optimized to ensure riders have the correct fit, which not only improves comfort and reduces overall weight but most importantly, improves the effectiveness of the helmet in an impact. Underneath the helmet’s outer shell is an eight-piece multi-density EPS liner, with six specific densities that are strategically positioned in different zones to ensure excellent energy absorption from impact forces dissipated over the outer shell, as well as a close and comfortable fit. The EPS liner, just like the outer shell, has its own unique dimension for each helmet size, further tailoring the helmet’s performance and fit when it comes to protection and comfort.
LINEAR AND OBLIQUE FORCE MANAGEMENT
The EPS inner surface is smooth, creating an optimized, low-friction area, for superior oblique impact management. When it comes to other types of helmet testing, the best helmets are those that provide protection against rotational, as well as oblique and linear impact forces.
To help fight and mitigate those rotational, oblique, and linear impact forces, Alpinestars has designed a low-friction surface on the inner surface of the EPS liner. The inner surface is polished to be incredibly smooth, and then specially coated to reduce friction even further, allowing the comfort liner to move against the EPS. The result is increased rotational and oblique and linear force management, allowing the rider’s head to move independently inside of the helmet, or vice-versa, which can significantly reduce the amount of force transmitted to the head, neck, brain, and spine from an oblique impact, while simultaneously reducing the possibility of a concussion. To recap, specific rotational impact protection is provided by the combination of the internal shape and the specific coating of the EPS liner, coupled with the specially developed surface in the comfort liner. This patented technology reduces rotational acceleration transmitted to the rider’s head.
Alpinestars’ patented A-Head fitment system allows custom fitment of the Supertech R10. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
A-HEAD FITMENT SYSTEM
Adding to the personalization and custom, tailor-made fit of the S-R10, is the helmet’s unique and patented A-Head Fitment System. The A-Head System allows the helmet to be tuned exactly to the rider’s preference by having the ability to adjust both the height and angle at which the helmet sits on the head. The EPS is fitted with the A-Head Fitment System that allows for an ultra-specific setup that can be adapted to how deep the rider’s head sits in the helmet, as well as how far forward or backward the helmet is tilted.
The Supertech R10 was shaped by aerodynamics. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
AERODYNAMICS
DEVELOPED WITH CFD SIMULATIONS, VALIDATED IN THE WIND TUNNEL AND ON TRACK, THE S-R10 HELMET IS OPTIMIZED FOR LOW DRAG PERFORMANCE AND MAXIMUM AERODYNAMIC STABILITY
The S-R10 has been developed in the full-scale wind tunnel since the beginning of its development. Aerodynamic targets for the coefficient of drag in different head positions, as well as stability at different angles were a primary goal in the helmet shape development, first extensively developed with Computational Fluid Dynamics, then validated in the full-scale wind tunnel, and finally on track. The result is a helmet that achieves the lowest level of drag, and the highest level of aerodynamic stability at high speed compared to any other race helmet that we have tested in the wind gallery. This has made the S-R10 already the helmet of choice by factory MotoGP teams for its top aero performance. Road riders will likely benefit from this too, with reduced strain on their necks at high speed and low levels of wind noise.
The S-R10 Helmet comes with two separate aerodynamic spoilers – a standard, and longer race version – and they’re both fitted with an Alpinestars patented release system, with elastic joints that help the spoiler detach from the helmet shell if it is subjected to a significant impact, no matter the angle, to reduce potential rotational energy.
The helmet also comes with lateral winglets to further support the S-R10’s stability and improve aerodynamic drag. In addition, the helmet visor has turbulators to improve aero-acoustic performance. As a result, compared to the aerodynamic performance of the helmet fitted with the standard road spoiler, the S-R10 itself is already the top-performing, aerodynamic helmet we have tested, and with the configuration of the race spoiler and the aero winglets together, we have achieved a reduction in drag by an additional 4.54%.
The Supertech R10 has 11 ventilation points. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
VENTILATION
THE SUPERTECH R10 HELMET CONTAINS ELEVEN VENTILATION POINTS
When it comes to ventilation and breathability, there are 11 ventilation ports, not including the eyeport, with 7 intakes including 3 in the chinguard and 4 on the top of the helmet, plus 4 exhausts, with 2 lateral ports on the chin bar, and 2 on the top rear of the helmet. These ventilation ports integrate directly with the helmet’s shell with a series of air ducts through the inner EPS liner. With the S-R10, airflow comes in through the ports, as well as actively circulates over and around the rider’s head through a series of channels, and then gets extracted out the back of the helmet.
The top vent features a large central slider that channels air down to the top of the head for better comfort, which when open, has vents for hot air extraction from the rider’s forehead. Under the rear spoiler, there are two extractor vents for effective hot air exhausting. The chin vents are formed by two openings located at the front of the helmet at the sides of the shield lock mechanism, where each flap has a tab in the corner, which is used to open or close the vent. Air entering from this point is channeled towards the inner side of the shields, creating a laminated flow of air that effectively prevents fogging and misting. In addition, the chin bar vents are used to extract humid air to the outside of the helmet.
SHIELD FEATURES
THE SHIELD MECHANISM IS FITTED WITH METAL LOCK COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNWANTED SHIELD DETACHMENT DURING IMPACTS, LOCKED IN THE CLOSED POSITION BY A FRONT METAL LOCK
The visor has two unique features including a metal locking mechanism lever to prevent unwanted shield detachment during impacts and/or crashes, plus a lowered side line for a maximized field of view, coming on top of an already outstanding wide eyeport providing 220-degrees of lateral and 57-degrees of vertical visibility for great riding comfort. The shield attaches to the shell via side cams mechanisms, allowing the shield to rotate and to move, in order to seal it completely against the helmet’s rubber window trim.
Additionally, the visor itself can be easily changed or removed thanks to its secure and tool-less quick-release system. The S-R10 is fitted with an Optical Class 1 shield, 3mm in thickness, and coated with an anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment. The shield is equipped with internal pins to accommodate a PINLOCK 120XLT – 100 % MAX VISION lens and external pins to accommodate tear-offs.
REMOVABLE LINING
LININGS ARE REMOVABLE AND WASHABLE, AND FEATURE FABRICS WITH ANTI-MICROBIAL TREATMENTS
Crown Pad: The crown pad and the neck pad are elastically connected, for enhanced oblique impact management, with a construction based on four panels (front, sides, rear), for an optimized fit with the proper foam thickness.
Top Pad: The top pad is removable and height adjustable via the A-Head Fitment System.
Cheek Pads: The cheek pads are fitted with premium foam and fabrics, offering comfort and breathability. The cheek pads also feature an emergency extraction system, allowing the side cheek padding to be easily removed by trackside support and medical staff, and they also have a channel for the installation of a hydration system.
CHIN BAR PROFILE
Another outer shell design protection feature is the chin bar’s profile, where the base area has been specifically sculpted to give a relief section. The bottom profile is raised to clear the collarbone, and instead of the hard carbon shell coming into potential contact with the collarbone, the S-R10 has a softer EPP (expanded Polypropilene) liner which extends beyond the helmet shell itself, and is covered by a more flexible rubber compound. This chin bar design provides a reduced chance of any sort of collarbone injury, one of the more common injuries in motorcycling.
WEIGHT
And finally, when it comes to weight, the ECE / DOT / FIM certified Supertech R10 helmet tips the scales at an impressive 1,540 grams for a size medium, or 3.4 pounds, providing the S-R10 with an extremely high performance to protection to weight ratio.
ABOUT ALPINESTARS
Alpinestars was established in 1963 and is the world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance apparel, and technical footwear. Alpinestars understands that the best design and research are achieved under extreme conditions. The company’s involvement in Formula 1, NASCAR, AMA, World Motocross, and MotoGP has led to the creation of the most advanced technical equipment for the racing world’s top athletes. ALPINESTARS PROTECTS.
Kensei Matsudaira (74) on his victory lap after winning the 2022 AMA Speedway Youth 150 National Championship. Photo by Vladimir Kruk, courtesy Evike.com.
American Kensei Matsudaira to Represent USA at FIM Speedway World Championship SGP4 Race at Malilla, Sweden
Japanese-American road racer Kensei Matsudaira will make his international speedway racing debut on July 15, 2023 at the FIM Speedway GP of Sweden – Malilla. Kensei, age 12, was selected to represent the US in the FIM Speedway World Championship in the launch of the SGP4 youth category on a new entry-level world championship bike for 11 to 13 year old racers. 18 riders from around the world have been invited to race in this special one-time event at one of World Speedway’s most famous venues.
“I’ve always wanted to race speedway in Europe, so I’m very excited to have this opportunity to race at a FIM Speedway World Championship race,” Kensei said. “I’m proud to represent the US and American speedway, and hoping to do as well as I can to make Team USA Speedway proud.”
Team USA Speedway manager Steve Evans added, “Kensei is an outstanding motorcyclist in so many disciplines. He has more speedway experience and success than anyone else in his age group and is the current 150cc Youth National Champion. The new SGP4 category is huge for the sport and American Speedway and might be just what we need to help elevate the USA back to the top. We wish Kensei well and know with his international racing experience he will make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
Kensei is an accomplished international road racer but is also well accomplished in speedway which he has been racing since the age of 4. After dozens of race wins including an undefeated season in the pee wee class, Kensei moved up to the Junior Speedway 150cc class at age 7 and immediately became a national title contender. In 2022 Kensei became the AMA Speedway Youth 150 National Champion.
In road racing, Kensei is a three-time MotoAmerica Mini Cup by Motul Champion, taking the 110cc and 160cc crowns in 2021 and the Ohvale GP-2 190cc crown in 2022. He is the first FIM MiniGP World Series North America champion, and has also been racing at the national level in Spain since 2019. He is the 2022 RFME Copa de España de MiniVelocidad vice champion in the Spanish national Moto5 category. Kensei is currently racing full time in Spain in the 2023 RFME ESBK (Campeonato de España de Superbike) Moto4 championship where he sits 8th in points with one podium finish so far this season.
Kensei and his family would like to thank all of their sponsors for their support this year:
Nox#27 Racing Team, Evike.com, Evike Europe, HJC Helmets, Dave Designs, Almassera El Teular, OrangeCat Racing, Iconic Motorbikes, Bison Track, Moto Tecnica, Karen E. Ott Photography, BSP Racing, American Racing Team & Academy, The Starting Grid, TJ Corse, VNM Sport, NLAB Studio, California Superbike School, MadLabs Minimoto, Hans King, 73 Moto Parts, D.I.D Chain, Galfer USA, Bickle Racing, Yoshimura R&D, Vortex Racing, Suspension Matters, Moto Survival School, Live 100 Moto, TechSpec, Landers Racing, Boyko Racing, Mini Moto Alliance
The one millionth BMW GS model with a boxer engine - an R 1250 GS. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.
BMW Motorrad celebrates one millionth GS with boxer engine.
World premiere of the new BMW R 1300 GS on 28 September 2023 at BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.
Munich/Berlin. Today, on 21 June 2023, the 1,000,000th GS equipped with a boxer engine rolled off the production line at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau – a BMW R 1250 GS.
BMW motorcycles have been manufactured in Berlin since 1969 and the BMW Motorrad GS models with boxer engines since 1980. Elemental, authentic motorcycles, which possess incomparable all-round qualities have spurred on countless motorbike enthusiasts on trips to distant countries, spectacular adventure trips and expeditions to the remotest regions of our planet over the past decades. The latest edition of the now legendary BMW GS with boxer engine – the R 1300 GS – will be presented on 28 September 2023 at the grand opening of the new BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.
The BMW GS with boxer engine: The legendary combination of road, off-road and long-haul expertise.
Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad: “With the R 80 G/S and its unique combination of on-road and off-road suitability, everyday qualities and long-distance touring abilities, BMW Motorrad created the new motorcycle genre of touring enduros in 1980. The BMW GS with boxer engine became an icon, which achieved global success in this segment. What is more: The BMW GS became a legend and at the same time an indispensable cornerstone in the BMW Motorrad model range. Its outstanding talents, such as dynamic riding performance, brawny off-road qualities, superior long-distance comfort and enormous robustness, have since been continuously developed by BMW Motorrad and transferred to other BMW Motorrad model series with great success. I am therefore very pleased that today, and especially in our “100 Years of BMW Motorrad” anniversary year, we are able to contribute a major milestone to the corporate history of the BMW Group with the one millionth BMW GS motorbike with a boxer engine. I am equally pleased that the unique history of BMW Motorrad models with boxer engines will soon be supplemented by an exciting chapter with numerous innovations with the new R 1300 GS.”
The one millionth BMW GS with a boxer engine is an R 1250 GS in Triple Black Style and was duly celebrated today, 21 June 2023, during a works meeting at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau.
The new BMW R 1300 GS: Premiere at the opening ceremony of BMW Motorrad Welt Berlin on 28 September 2023.
The celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad are continuing at pace. After the big party at the BMW Motorrad Days, where thousands of motorcycle fans from all over the world are expected from 7 to 9 July 2023, BMW Motorrad Welt will officially open its doors on 28 September. In the new “heart of the brand” – located directly next to the BMW Motorrad plant site in Berlin-Spandau – the eagerly awaited new BMW R 1300 GS will be presented at an exclusive opening event. Interested fans will have the opportunity to follow the opening ceremony via livestream on the BMW Group and BMW Motorrad social media channels. From 30 September 2023, BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin will then be open to all visitors.
The BMW R 80 G/S: Initial spark for a new motorcycle segment.
In autumn 1980 BMW Motorrad presented the R 80 G/S, a motorcycle which combined two very special areas of riding for the first time: Off-road and on-road. What began with 798 cubic centimetres of displacement and 50 hp has developed over more than four decades into a fascinating high-tech touring enduro of the calibre of the current BMW R 1250 GS. Complemented by state-of-the-art chassis technology and electronic control systems such as ABS, traction control, engine drag torque control, semi-active suspension and a great deal more. It is also thanks to this ongoing and consistent advancement that the BMW GS models with boxer engine have advanced to become the most sought-after touring enduros in the world to this day.
Jake Gagne (1), as seen earlier this season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Will Anyone Stop Gagne’s Win Streak At Ridge Motorsports Park?
Gagne Riding A Four-Race Win Streak At The Racetrack In Washington State
IRVINE, CA (June 21, 2023) – For a fourth straight year, the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship visits the Pacific Northwest with round four of the 2023 championship slated for Ridge Motorsports Park, June 23-25. And for a fourth straight year, Yamaha will be attempting to keep its perfect win streak alive at the tight and twisty circuit on the Olympic Peninsula region of Washington.
For the streak to be broken, someone is going to have to figure out how to beat the combination of Jake Gagne and his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing YZF-R1 with the pair riding a four-race win streak at “the Ridge.” But, based on the fact that both BMW and Ducati have won half of the six races held thus far in 2023, there’s obviously a chance that could happen.
So, who won the two races that Gagne didn’t win at Ridge Motorsports Park? Well, that would be Cameron Beaubier, the victor in the inaugural two MotoAmerica Superbike races at the Ridge in 2020 and the winner of two of the six races held thus far in this year’s title chase. And Beaubier won those two races as Gagne’s teammate on a Yamaha YZF-R1 in 2020. All that translates to the fact that Yamaha has won all six of the Superbike races held at Ridge Motorsports Park.
Three riders will go to Washington with Medallia Superbike wins in 2023: Gagne, Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW’s Beaubier and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin. And only 21 points separate those three atop the championship point standings.
Heading the title chase is two-time defending Medallia Superbike Champion Gagne with his three wins and two additional podiums in his pocket. Gagne also arrives in the Pacific Northwest happy to see Wisconsin and Road America in his rear-view mirror. Gagne went into the Road America round with a 21-point lead over Beaubier after the first two rounds and he was fortunate to leave Wisconsin still with a 12-point lead over the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion.
Gagne’s Yamaha team had a miserable weekend in Wisconsin with engine failures and a lack of top speed momentarily keeping his run for a third straight title in check. Gagne failed to finish race one at Road America, but he he salvaged his weekend with a third-place finish in race two.
Race one at Road America was won by Beaubier, but his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M1000 RR also suffered a mechanical failure in race two that prevented him from keeping the points lead he’d inherited the day before with Gagne’s failure to finish. Thus, the top two in the title chase come to the state of Washington separated by just 12 points.
The man who gained the most at Road America was Herrin with the 2013 AMA Superbike Champion having left Wisconsin with his first win of the year, which came a day after his third-place finish in race one. Herrin starts his weekend at Ridge Motorsports Park nine points behind Beaubier and 21 behind Gagne.
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz is fourth in the point standings, and he also had an off weekend at Road America with eighth- and sixth-place finishes in the two Medallia Superbike races. The South African is nine points behind Herrin and nine points ahead of Beaubier’s Tytlers Cycle Racing teammate PJ Jacobsen.
Like Herrin, Jacobsen is also coming off a great weekend in Wisconsin with the New Yorker carding a pair of second-place finishes in what was easily his best weekend in the Medallia Superbike class.
Sixth in the title chase heading to Washington is Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante. Escalante was a fighting fourth in race one at Road America but had some issues in race two and dropped four places to finish eighth.
Although Cameron Petersen’s weekend in Wisconsin wasn’t stellar by normal standards, it could have been a lot worse. Petersen came into the Road America round with an injured right wrist suffered in a testing crash the week prior but was able to bravely continue, and he finished fifth and fourth in the two races. Still, the South African has a lot of work to do to try and claw his way back into championship contention as he trails teammate Gagne by 54 points.
Corey Alexander, the third of the Tytlers Cycle Racing teamsters, is eighth in the title chase, six points adrift of Petersen and two ahead of the now-retired Toni Elias, who will be replaced for the Ridge round by journeyman racer Taylor Knapp. Knapp is currently sixth in the Steel Commander Stock 1000 Championship, but Ridge Motorsports Park isn’t a round of that championship so he will be able to focus his efforts on the Medallia Superbike class.
Aftercare Scheibe Racing’s Ashton Yates rounds out the top 10 in the Medallia Superbike Championship heading to Ridge Motorsports Park.
Pre-Ridge Superbike Notes
Two-time MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Champion Jake Gagne is the winningest rider in the short three-year (six-race) history of MotoAmerica holding a round of its championship at Ridge Motorsports Park. Gagne has won four of the six races with Cameron Beaubier winning the first two races in 2020.
Last year, Gagne started from pole position and won both races, besting his teammate Cameron Petersen and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci in race one and Petrucci and Petersen in race two.
Gagne is also the lap record holder at Ridge Motorsports Park with the Colorado resident lapping at 1:39.145 in final qualifying last year to break his own record of 1:39.568 from 2021.
Portions of the 16-turn, 2.47-mile Ridge Motorsports Park circuit have undergone re-paving since MotoAmerica visited the track a year ago and that usually results in lap records across all classes. In addition, track owners have also added curbing to the track and have erected new grandstands for spectator viewing.
After winning both Medallia Superbike races a year ago, Jake Gagne moved to within 11 points of then championship leader Danilo Petrucci. This year, Gagne arrives in Washington with a 12-point lead over Cameron Beaubier, who is back in the MotoAmerica series after two years competing in the Moto2 World Championship.
With his two wins thus far in the 2023 Superbike Championship, Beaubier continues to gain ground on his former teammate Josh Hayes on the all-time AMA Superbike win list. Australian Mat Mladin tops the list with his 81 Superbike victories with Hayes second on 61 wins. Beaubier, however, is on the move with 56 victories in AMA Superbike racing.
With his three wins in 2023, Jake Gagne is now tied for fourth on the all-time Superbike win list with Miguel Duhamel and Toni Elias, with the latter announcing his retirement following the Road America round. Those three have 32 Superbike victories.
Hayes, meanwhile, continues to chase the all-time AMA road race win record as he is currently tied with Miguel Duhamel with 86 wins across all classes. Hayes will be aboard his Squid Hunter Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 in the two Supersport races at Ridge Motorsports Park. Beaubier, meanwhile, lurks in fourth on the all-time list with 77 wins – nine behind Duhamel and Hayes.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
Kyle Wyman (33), as seen at Daytona in 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Editorial Note: To listen to the podcast go HERE and to watch the video of the podcast scroll down.
Episode 8: Kyle Wyman
The Godfather of Bagger Racing
June 21st, 2023 – MotoAmerica / American Flat Track Racers Corey Alexander and James Rispoli are pleased to release Episode 8 of their Pipe Dreams Podcast featuring [2021] King Of The Baggers Champion, MotoAmerica Team Owner, and factory Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle pilot Kyle Wyman.
Kyle has spent the entirety of his career doing whatever he can just to make it to the racetrack, riding whatever bike he could to yield him the best result and at times make him the most marketable to potential sponsors. After conquering the business of racing – out of a pickup truck to owning his own semi hauler and staffing full-time employees, Kyle put it all aside to join the factory Harley-Davidson race team to ride a bagger. Though an early adopter of the bagger vision, his decision would pay off and over the course of the last few years bagger racing has exploded worldwide.
We were able to sit with Kyle and discuss the variety of hurdles he faced throughout his career, from family to injuries and the struggles of maxing out credit cards to make it to the next round. We hope you enjoy learning about the guy behind the bagger! Follow Kyle on social media via @kylewyman or @kwr_harley to see more.
Listen Now
Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the Eighth full episode with Kyle launches today. Video of the episode can be viewed on Spotify and YouTube.
About Pipe Dreams Podcast:
Pipe Dreams Podcast launched in 2023 by MotoAmerica and American Flat Track riders Corey Alexander and James Rispoli in an effort to share the stories of fellow racers and motorsport professionals around the world. The podcast releases twice per month for streaming on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube. Production and editing is curated by videographer Sam Thurman. Follow @pipedreams_pod on social media or visit https://anchor.fm/pipe-dreams to listen now.
Alvaro Bautista (19) testing a Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP racebike at Misano. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Alvaro Bautista’s test with the Ducati Desmosedici GP concluded at Misano.
The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli was the stage of Alvaro Bautista’s long-awaited MotoGP test. It was an intense two days during which the Spanish rider got back on the Ducati Desmosedici GP after the last Grand Prix held on 18 November 2018 in Valencia.
After Day-1 aimed at regaining the feeling with both bike and tyres (50 laps completed), on Day-2 Bautista was able to ride with continuity in the morning, focusing on the set-up and also trying out different tyre solutions.
No time attack attempts were made for the Spaniard; Bautista closed the test (49 laps completed on Day-2) with a quickest time of 1’32.590, recorded on lap seven of the fourth run, on soft tyres and a track temperature of 49°.
In the afternoon the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider was back on his Ducati Panigale V4R to complete a few laps and reacquaint himself with the bike he will ride on the sixth round of the 2023 WorldSBK season, scheduled at Donington (UK) from 29 June to 2 July.
Alvaro Bautista’s (19) test on a Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP racebike at Misano was very thorough. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“It was a good test. I had a lot of fun getting back on the Ducati Desmosedici GP and I’m satisfied with the work we did. Between the first and second day, the feeling improved, also thanks to the team and Ducati, who put me in a position to adjust the bike with some changes that helped me feel even more comfortable. We also worked to find confidence with different tyre solutions and the results were tangible. The time? It’s not important, also because I never pushed for the time: there was no reason to take risks. The future? The future is at Donington and Imola. We have two very close rounds and after this good experience I just have to think about the WorldSBK championship”.
4.54km of adrenaline: strap in for the TT Circuit Assen!
The time has come to return to the Cathedral, and we don’t need to remind you: WE LOVE IT
Wednesday, 21 June 2023
This is it. The final ride before the summer break – and our visit to the Goodwood Festival of Speed – and at a track where that legendary final chicane could decide it all. There’s no better place to bring the curtain down on the first half of a spectacular season than the one that’s been part of the sport since 1949, so let’s get back to where we left off for the Motul TT Assen!
On a roll
If his Tissot Sprint wins and podiums weren’t convincing enough, does taking on the reigning Champion and coming out on top get the job done? It was one of the closest ever finishes at the Sachsenring on Sunday and that was thanks to two riders: Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). Lap by lap, the two staged an instant classic and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in the locker at Assen – with Bagnaia also having won here last year.
Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), meanwhile, is on his own roll of three MotoGP™ podiums in a row for the first time ever, just like Martin. One may not (yet?) be a win, but it’s a fine run of form as Pramac really gain some momentum. Will Assen continue that crescendo?
For Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the run has picked back up again. And the holeshot went to the Aussie once again at the Sachsenring. A lone orange ranger at a Ducati party after a crash for teammate Brad Binder, Miller kept it on the road for another good chunk of points – and his form at Assen is fine, including that first ever MotoGP™ win. He, and Binder as he’ll dust himself off ready to race again, can’t be counted out of the fight at the front.
Back on it
It wasn’t the greatest weekend ever for Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) last time out, but it was a solid one. And the TT Circuit Assen is where he took that maiden MotoGP™ podium, so we can likely expect him right back in the fight at the front at a very different venue to the Sachsenring. Teammate Luca Marini too, with the number 10 still taking those top finishes although now looking for another real assault on the top – all the way to the finish line.
Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, took some good points at the Sachsenring after a crash out in Mugello and he’ll want that to prove an uptick. Miguel Oliveira (CryptoData RNF MotoGP™ Team) was the top Aprilia and back in the top ten despite his ongoing recovery, and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is also getting back in the groove.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, is also banking those points and top tens, but can he take another step? Finally, for Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) it’s going pretty well. He hasn’t managed to replicate that stunning top four in France yet, but he’s kept scoring and is only one of three riders to do so on every Sunday so far. He also adores Assen.
Time for a turnaround
After an impressive pre-season for Aprilia, it’s all gone a bit quiet on the frontrunning by the time we arrive at Assen. But if there’s anywhere Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) would choose to stake his claim back on the podium fight, it could well be Assen. His record at the track is exemplary and it’s where he took his first Aprilia podium too… so could it start here? Teammate Aleix Espargaro will also want to press that reset button, and his record at Assen is no slouch either. Cast your mind back to this time last year and enjoy a re-watch of THAT final chicane overtake.
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™, meanwhile, there are also some good memories from Assen but the Iwata marque need some form. What can bring them closer to the front? What are they working on? Questions for the next time we can “talk to Lin.” But aside from the swirling maelstrom of media talk there remain the 2021 World Champion and a multiple MotoGP™ winner on the machinery, so what can they do? For Fabio Quartararo the mission will probably start on Friday again, and getting into that Q2. And finishing ahead of Franco Morbidelli – something he hasn’t done in the last couple of races.
For Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team), however, it’s probably points. It remains a tough season with not much to show for it yet, although that arm surgery wasn’t too long ago either. Can he make a step at Assen?
Back in the saddle
We know Jonas Folger will continue subbing for Pol Espargaro at GASGAS Factory Racing Tech 3, and another reveal is the return of Iker Lecuona to Repsol Honda Team colours after the Spaniard rode in his home round at Jerez and had a pretty solid weekend, this time standing in for Joan Mir. As Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) continues to recover, we also know it’ll be HRC test rider Stefan Bradl in the saddle in the Spaniard’s place.
All this is also the backdrop to a quiet run of points scoring GP finishes for Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). He’s only failed to score once this season, at COTA, somewhat interestingly where Rins won Honda’s first race for some time earlier in the year. The arrival of Lecuona and Bradl is a new benchmark for the Japanese rider.
The biggest question of all
In the pre-event press conference ahead of the German GP, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) said he was interested to see how the weekend would go after he missed out on competing at some of his other best tracks, Termas de Rio Hondo and the Circuit of the Americas. But the answer wasn’t what he wanted. After five crashes peppered with some heroics in between, the eight-time World Champion called time on his Sachsenring weekend before the Grand Prix race. He therefore remains undefeated at the venue but looking for a lot more at the TT Circuit Assen. He has “only” won twice at the track in MotoGP™, but could that work in his favour as the pressure comes off? One of the most successful partnerships in the history of motorcycle cycling is now looking at the north face of their own Eiger – and plenty thought that would never be scaled. It has been. Can they start rebuilding from here?
Assen was on the very first calendar in 1949, and as the world’s first motorsport returns to the venue in 2023, a lot has changed. But not the sheer adoration of racing, and not the crowds that flock in. It’s going to be a rollercoaster weekend of the best kind, so strap in and let’s go racing on truly hallowed ground at the Cathedral!
SHOWTIME
Friday’s practice sessions decide the automatic entrants to Q2, before the MotoGP™ grid qualify on Saturday morning. The Tissot Sprint is set for lights out at 15:00 on Saturday as ever, and the Grand Prix gets going at 14:00 CEST!
Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +2)
Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +2)
Moto2™: Can Arbolino strike back?
Tony Arbolino’s (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) lead in the Moto2™ standings is getting smaller. After that crash in France for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), the Italian had some breathing space… but he’s not been able to beat the Spaniard since. Now it’s another new and wildly different venue, Arbolino will aim to make now the time to strike back – taking the momentum into the summer break. But can he stop Acosta?
Behind that duo, Jake Dixon (Autosolar GASGAS Aspar Team) was back on the podium in Germany to make it exactly the same rostrum, but it was quite a different race for second. The Brit was glued to the back of Arbolino late in the race, so that’s one mission accomplished. The next? Really mix it up with the two, and Assen is a venue he knows very, very well.
Are we set for another Arbolino vs Acosta classic or can Dixon or the likes of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) get in that battle? Find out on Sunday at 12:15 (GMT +2)!
Will Öncü vs Sasaki take on Assen?
Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) did everything he needed to in Germany to keep that impressive lead going, taking third and another podium on a day where he couldn’t quite push to fight for that win. But looking at the pace of Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), the Spaniard will want to hit back at Assen.
Öncü and Sasaki almost created their own Grand Prix class in Germany, staging a tense chess match right to the flag and disappearing in a private duel to do so. Can they show that speed once again at Assen? Both are used to running at the front, but not quite that far in front. Öncü is also now a Grand Prix winner after coming so so close, so many times. With the pressure off in that regard, box ticked, he’ll be an interesting one to watch. As ever! Are the veterans now back in that groove?
Tune in for more Moto3™ on Sunday at 11:00 (GMT+2) to find out!
Brembo wins the 2023 Red Dot Award for the 19RCS CORSA CORTA RR
THE 2022 EVOLUTION OF THE ICONIC RADIAL MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PRESTIGIOUS DISTINCTION IN THE PRODUCT DESIGN CATEGORY
Brembo has been awarded today with the 2023 Red Dot Award for its 19RCS CORSA CORTA RR- Race Replica in the Product Design category.
As one of the most important and prestigious design competitions, the Red Dot Award selects and celebrates the best creations that combine innovation with outstanding aesthetics. Winning this award further underlines the distinctive design of Brembo’s solutions and confirms the company’s unwavering commitment to bringing innovation to the mobility of tomorrow and the unparalleled capacity to combine design and performance up to top motorsport championships.
The award-winning 19RCS CORSA CORTA RR is the 2022 evolution of the company’s radial master cylinder that combines even greater performance and lightness with a sporty look, in line with SuperSport and Naked bikes for which it has been designed.
Machined from billet of Aeronautical Aluminum Alloy and finished with a hard oxidation treatment, its high level of technology is directly derived from the master cylinders used in MotoGP and SBK championships.
In all its improvements over the years, the lever has always been highly regarded by enthusiasts since it allows riders to tailor the “bite point” exactly where they want it, with an easily accessible selector on the top of the master cylinder itself.
The selector operates a cam mechanism to let the user choose between three different responsiveness settings (Normal, Sport and Race). In addition, it is equipped with the RCS (Ratio Click System), which permits to change in the brake force distribution without altering the system’s performance in terms of pure power.
The adjustment system allows the riders to achieve a complete feeling with their bike and to adapt braking performance to their riding style, weather and road conditions. Therefore, this radial master cylinder is considered the perfect choice for riders are looking for a performance upgrade and taking care of their bike’s set-up, without ever compromising its aesthetics.
The 19 RCS CORSA CORTA RR earned Brembo its second Red Dot Award, while the first was won in 2019 with the previous 19 RCS CORSA CORTA. The design quality is the common factor in these awarded products.
With around 20.000 entries per year, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s largest design competitions. In 2023, projects from 60 countries were submitted and evaluated in 51 competition categories.
The Brembo 19 RCS CORSA CORTA RR has been selected by a jury of 43 international design experts who have been convening for more than 60 years to choose the year’s best designs. The prizes, which have been awarded since 1955, are presented at a special ceremony, the 2023 edition of which has been held today in Essen, Germany.
Jared Mees (1) at the DuQuoin Mile. Photo by Tim Lester, courtesy AFT.
Daniels and Co. Attempt to Slow Mees’ Roll at Lima Half-Mile
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Following three straight Miles, Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, now shifts its gears to race four consecutive Half-Miles starting with this weekend’s Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio, on Saturday, June 24.
Reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) comes in with all the momentum after sweeping the aforementioned Miles. He’s also fully at home at the venue with its trademark pea-gravel cushion, considering he’s not just a five-time winner of the race but also its promoter with wife Nichole.
Even with all that considered, Mees isn’t necessarily the overwhelming favorite to win this weekend; several others have a legitimate claim as well.
Even as a rookie, Mission SuperTwins points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) looked like the rider to beat pretty much all day here a year ago. In the Main Event, he fought his way up from a bad start to battle for the lead before coming home in second place.
And the rider who ultimately beat Daniels was not Mees, but rather Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750). Robinson, who comes in fresh off an ultra-close runner-up result at the DuQuoin Mile, is a two-time winner of the Lima Half-Mile and driven to score his first victory of ‘23.
That’s also the case for Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), another two-time winner of the prestigious event. Bauman was as strong as he’s been all season this past weekend and is now primed to capitalize as the season shifts to some tracks well aligned with his strengths.
JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) have all had their moments this season and look to add some more this weekend as the trio headline an extended list of additional podium contenders.
Another rider to keep tabs on is the returning Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), who won the Mission Production Twins race aboard the Royal Enfield here in 2021.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
The hard-won points advantage of defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) took something of a battering during the recent run of Miles. This didn’t come entirely unexpectedly, and despite the dip, he still managed to weather the storm and continues to stand atop the championship standings.
Now he’s poised to strike back. A year ago, the foundations of Kopp’s championship campaign were built on his Half-Mile prowess, reeling in five HM victories in eight attempts. Included in that list of wins was a blowout performance at the Lima Half-Mile, in which he shook free from the pack on the race’s opening lap and never looked back.
The riders who joined him on the podium that night will look to make it more of a contest this time around, as both come into the weekend considerably more experienced and in stellar form.
Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) is just nine points behind Kopp on the strength of five consecutive podiums, four of which runner-ups. And he’s the opposite of satisfied by that impressive stat considering he’s still seeking his first Progressive AFT victory after multiple near-misses.
Even with Kopp’s one-sided victory, the rider who turned the most heads at Lima a year ago was arguably Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), who finished in second while making his series’ debut. The Aussie is a class full-timer now and quickly making his presence felt, notching up a pair of race wins already in ‘23.
The rest of the usual suspects should factor up front again this weekend, including the likes of Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).
While a bit quiet at the last two rounds, 1st Impressions Husqvarna teammates Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) might just make more noise this weekend. Cose managed to win a Mission Production Twins race and podium in Parts Unlimited AFT Singles at Lima on a single evening back in ‘19, while Ott finished inside the top five here just last year.
And don’t rule out a huge night for Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F), who was victorious at Lima in both 2018 and 2019.
There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday as well, including numerous vendors, expansive food and beverage options, and extensive motorcycle parking.
Don’t miss your last chance to save $10 per ticket before the sale ends and prices return to normal on Wednesday, June 21. Act fast to get General Admission Bleacher tickets for just $30 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult GA ticket). Upgraded options include Reserved Grandstand and Premier Reserved Grandstand tickets along with VIP ticket add-ons.
Pit Pass Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.
Gates will open for fans at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. ET (3:40 p.m. PT).
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage of the Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 2, at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 p.m. PT).
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
A test rider wearing Alpinestars' new Supertech R10 full-face road race helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
ALPINESTARS REVEALS THE ALL-NEW SUPERTECH R10 ROAD RACING HELMET LAUNCH EDITION
Asolo, Italy and Los Angeles, CA – Alpinestars is pleased to present the all-new Supertech R10 Road Racing Helmet Launch Edition. The result of over 10 years of intensive study, development, and testing, the goal of the Supertech family of helmets is to create the most advanced, protective, and performance-enhancing helmets possible for racers and riders worldwide.
Three views of Alpinestars’ new Supertech R10 Launch Edition full-face road race helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
After years of research, development, and testing of the S-R10 with Alpinestars’ Helmet Product Development Department and alongside MotoGP LEGEND Andrea Dovizioso and MotoGP riders Jorge Martin, and Jack Miller, Alpinestars is launching an exclusive numbered series of S-R10 Launch Edition Road Racing Helmets. With the S-R10, the focus of the design was to ensure the highest level of performance, especially when it comes to protection and providing a new level of safety. The S-R10 Helmet has been engineered to provide the perfect blend of excellent ventilation, unsurpassed comfort, and the lightest weight possible, without compromising on any other front. Another crucial element unique to the S-R10’s design and development is the helmet’s advanced aerodynamics, with countless sessions in the wind tunnel focused on reducing drag and providing optimal aerodynamic stability.
The S-R10 Helmet Launch Edition comes in dark candy red sublimated by vibrant red accents, and a carbon glossy colorway, where dark candy red ink has been incorporated in the clear coating and manually sprayed on the carbon helmet to create a unique grading effect. The Alpinestars’ branding on the helmet is subtle, providing intense contrasting energy to the helmet, where a glossy layer has been applied to give it a unique shiny look. The internal helmet lining is handcrafted in Italy.
The S-R10 Helmet Launch Edition in the Red Carbon Glossy colorway will be available for purchase on alpinestars.com starting at 6 pm CET / 9 am PST on July 10th, with a limited numbered series of 200 units. Accessories provided with the S-R10 Helmet Launch Edition include two separate race and standard spoilers, clear and dark smoke visors, tear-offs set, Pinlock lens, the chin curtain, wind, and breath deflectors, and all can be stored comfortably in the paddock helmet bag provided.
MotoGP racer Jack Miller wearing his custom-painted Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
“I could not be more pleased with the new S-R10 helmet. From the get-go, I have been very, very comfortable with the helmet. The amount of visibility is unrivalled and the aerodynamics of the S-R10 helmet combined with the leather suit are amazing in terms of speed and comfortability. It’s incredible how light the helmet is and truly amazing that with the carbon fiber, they’ve been able to reduce the weight without compromising safety. It is a true honor to be able to wear the S-R10 helmet.” – JACK MILLER, MotoGP
“Starting with the new S-R10 helmet this season with Alpinestars, has been an amazing journey. Working on the development of the S-R10 together with Alpinestars, we’ve done a great job, an amazing job – the helmet feels great, it’s super comfortable, and it fits my head perfectly. I feel like it’s the best comfort I’ve ever had in a helmet in my entire career. Ventilation is also great especially in the hot races, when it’s extremely hot, I feel great. The helmet is also very lightweight. I don’t get tired while using it, and when I’m doing long distances in the races, I feel super good. In addition, the field of vision is great which is important when going 360 km/h into the corner where I can see well, and I feel especially good.” – Jorge Martin, MotoGP
“Alpinestars’ new S-R10 MotoGP-derived helmet is very aerodynamic, and at high speeds it feels ultra-lightweight and stable; and that is reassuring. The field of vision is incredible. The view the S-R10 offers feels super ‘widescreen’ and you can see a huge amount in all directions. That is a massive positive and is probably its most important feature. The S-R10 has an advanced design and I think it is a really good helmet to wear. Not only is it very comfortable, but it’s also super ventilated.” – Andrea Dovizioso, MotoGP
SUPERTECH R10 HELMET TECHNICAL FEATURES
A cutaway view of the outer shell construction on the Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
OUTER SHELL
CARBON SHELL CONSTRUCTION MULTI-LAYER COMPOSITE DISPERSES ENERGY IN IMPACTS
Homologated to ECE 22.06, DOT, and FIM standards, the Supertech R10’s shell construction utilizes a highly advanced molding technology with a multi-composite combination featuring a 3K high-density carbon outer layer, a uni-directional carbon composite layer, an aramid fiber layer, and a fiberglass layer.
The 3K high-density carbon outer layer provides excellent strength and efficiency of energy dissipation over the shell. The uni-directional (UD) carbon composite layer provides significantly greater radial strength around the shell, preventing compression, but allowing controlled deflection for reducing transmitted impact energy, while the aramid fiber plus fiberglass layers provide critical penetration protection.
This layered composite combination created by bonding everything together with an advanced epoxy resin already applied on the pre-preg fiber, perfectly controls the ideal proportion of resin versus fiber to maximize strength, mechanical performance, and lightweight. The combination of material layers provides improved energy management, as well as limited outer shell deflection, making the energy spread wider and better absorbed by the EPS liner.
The S-R10’s unique shell construction results in extremely effective impact protection. With a fully equipped in-house helmet testing facility within Alpinestars’ state-of-the-art Research and Development center, the company has carried out an exhaustive impact research program, where research and development efforts have shown the S-R10 helmet returning linear and oblique impact performance results which far exceed current ECE 22.06 helmet regulation standard limits. For direct linear impacts, which are impacts at a 90-degree angle between the helmet and an object, the S-R10 surpasses the standard by an average magnitude of 37%. And for rotational acceleration and oblique impact performance, where impact energy comes from an angle other than a linear 90-degree, or right-angle straight impact, the S-R10 exceeds the standard by 65%.
The “inner shell” of the Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
INNER SHELL
THE S-R10’S INNER SHELL IS MADE FROM EPS IN DIFFERENT DENSITIES
The S-R10 Helmet has four inner shells just like the outer shell, and is available in four anatomical sizes. The S-R10’s construction is optimized to ensure riders have the correct fit, which not only improves comfort and reduces overall weight but most importantly, improves the effectiveness of the helmet in an impact. Underneath the helmet’s outer shell is an eight-piece multi-density EPS liner, with six specific densities that are strategically positioned in different zones to ensure excellent energy absorption from impact forces dissipated over the outer shell, as well as a close and comfortable fit. The EPS liner, just like the outer shell, has its own unique dimension for each helmet size, further tailoring the helmet’s performance and fit when it comes to protection and comfort.
LINEAR AND OBLIQUE FORCE MANAGEMENT
The EPS inner surface is smooth, creating an optimized, low-friction area, for superior oblique impact management. When it comes to other types of helmet testing, the best helmets are those that provide protection against rotational, as well as oblique and linear impact forces.
To help fight and mitigate those rotational, oblique, and linear impact forces, Alpinestars has designed a low-friction surface on the inner surface of the EPS liner. The inner surface is polished to be incredibly smooth, and then specially coated to reduce friction even further, allowing the comfort liner to move against the EPS. The result is increased rotational and oblique and linear force management, allowing the rider’s head to move independently inside of the helmet, or vice-versa, which can significantly reduce the amount of force transmitted to the head, neck, brain, and spine from an oblique impact, while simultaneously reducing the possibility of a concussion. To recap, specific rotational impact protection is provided by the combination of the internal shape and the specific coating of the EPS liner, coupled with the specially developed surface in the comfort liner. This patented technology reduces rotational acceleration transmitted to the rider’s head.
Alpinestars’ patented A-Head fitment system allows custom fitment of the Supertech R10. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
A-HEAD FITMENT SYSTEM
Adding to the personalization and custom, tailor-made fit of the S-R10, is the helmet’s unique and patented A-Head Fitment System. The A-Head System allows the helmet to be tuned exactly to the rider’s preference by having the ability to adjust both the height and angle at which the helmet sits on the head. The EPS is fitted with the A-Head Fitment System that allows for an ultra-specific setup that can be adapted to how deep the rider’s head sits in the helmet, as well as how far forward or backward the helmet is tilted.
The Supertech R10 was shaped by aerodynamics. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
AERODYNAMICS
DEVELOPED WITH CFD SIMULATIONS, VALIDATED IN THE WIND TUNNEL AND ON TRACK, THE S-R10 HELMET IS OPTIMIZED FOR LOW DRAG PERFORMANCE AND MAXIMUM AERODYNAMIC STABILITY
The S-R10 has been developed in the full-scale wind tunnel since the beginning of its development. Aerodynamic targets for the coefficient of drag in different head positions, as well as stability at different angles were a primary goal in the helmet shape development, first extensively developed with Computational Fluid Dynamics, then validated in the full-scale wind tunnel, and finally on track. The result is a helmet that achieves the lowest level of drag, and the highest level of aerodynamic stability at high speed compared to any other race helmet that we have tested in the wind gallery. This has made the S-R10 already the helmet of choice by factory MotoGP teams for its top aero performance. Road riders will likely benefit from this too, with reduced strain on their necks at high speed and low levels of wind noise.
The S-R10 Helmet comes with two separate aerodynamic spoilers – a standard, and longer race version – and they’re both fitted with an Alpinestars patented release system, with elastic joints that help the spoiler detach from the helmet shell if it is subjected to a significant impact, no matter the angle, to reduce potential rotational energy.
The helmet also comes with lateral winglets to further support the S-R10’s stability and improve aerodynamic drag. In addition, the helmet visor has turbulators to improve aero-acoustic performance. As a result, compared to the aerodynamic performance of the helmet fitted with the standard road spoiler, the S-R10 itself is already the top-performing, aerodynamic helmet we have tested, and with the configuration of the race spoiler and the aero winglets together, we have achieved a reduction in drag by an additional 4.54%.
The Supertech R10 has 11 ventilation points. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
VENTILATION
THE SUPERTECH R10 HELMET CONTAINS ELEVEN VENTILATION POINTS
When it comes to ventilation and breathability, there are 11 ventilation ports, not including the eyeport, with 7 intakes including 3 in the chinguard and 4 on the top of the helmet, plus 4 exhausts, with 2 lateral ports on the chin bar, and 2 on the top rear of the helmet. These ventilation ports integrate directly with the helmet’s shell with a series of air ducts through the inner EPS liner. With the S-R10, airflow comes in through the ports, as well as actively circulates over and around the rider’s head through a series of channels, and then gets extracted out the back of the helmet.
The top vent features a large central slider that channels air down to the top of the head for better comfort, which when open, has vents for hot air extraction from the rider’s forehead. Under the rear spoiler, there are two extractor vents for effective hot air exhausting. The chin vents are formed by two openings located at the front of the helmet at the sides of the shield lock mechanism, where each flap has a tab in the corner, which is used to open or close the vent. Air entering from this point is channeled towards the inner side of the shields, creating a laminated flow of air that effectively prevents fogging and misting. In addition, the chin bar vents are used to extract humid air to the outside of the helmet.
SHIELD FEATURES
THE SHIELD MECHANISM IS FITTED WITH METAL LOCK COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNWANTED SHIELD DETACHMENT DURING IMPACTS, LOCKED IN THE CLOSED POSITION BY A FRONT METAL LOCK
The visor has two unique features including a metal locking mechanism lever to prevent unwanted shield detachment during impacts and/or crashes, plus a lowered side line for a maximized field of view, coming on top of an already outstanding wide eyeport providing 220-degrees of lateral and 57-degrees of vertical visibility for great riding comfort. The shield attaches to the shell via side cams mechanisms, allowing the shield to rotate and to move, in order to seal it completely against the helmet’s rubber window trim.
Additionally, the visor itself can be easily changed or removed thanks to its secure and tool-less quick-release system. The S-R10 is fitted with an Optical Class 1 shield, 3mm in thickness, and coated with an anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment. The shield is equipped with internal pins to accommodate a PINLOCK 120XLT – 100 % MAX VISION lens and external pins to accommodate tear-offs.
REMOVABLE LINING
LININGS ARE REMOVABLE AND WASHABLE, AND FEATURE FABRICS WITH ANTI-MICROBIAL TREATMENTS
Crown Pad: The crown pad and the neck pad are elastically connected, for enhanced oblique impact management, with a construction based on four panels (front, sides, rear), for an optimized fit with the proper foam thickness.
Top Pad: The top pad is removable and height adjustable via the A-Head Fitment System.
Cheek Pads: The cheek pads are fitted with premium foam and fabrics, offering comfort and breathability. The cheek pads also feature an emergency extraction system, allowing the side cheek padding to be easily removed by trackside support and medical staff, and they also have a channel for the installation of a hydration system.
CHIN BAR PROFILE
Another outer shell design protection feature is the chin bar’s profile, where the base area has been specifically sculpted to give a relief section. The bottom profile is raised to clear the collarbone, and instead of the hard carbon shell coming into potential contact with the collarbone, the S-R10 has a softer EPP (expanded Polypropilene) liner which extends beyond the helmet shell itself, and is covered by a more flexible rubber compound. This chin bar design provides a reduced chance of any sort of collarbone injury, one of the more common injuries in motorcycling.
WEIGHT
And finally, when it comes to weight, the ECE / DOT / FIM certified Supertech R10 helmet tips the scales at an impressive 1,540 grams for a size medium, or 3.4 pounds, providing the S-R10 with an extremely high performance to protection to weight ratio.
ABOUT ALPINESTARS
Alpinestars was established in 1963 and is the world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance apparel, and technical footwear. Alpinestars understands that the best design and research are achieved under extreme conditions. The company’s involvement in Formula 1, NASCAR, AMA, World Motocross, and MotoGP has led to the creation of the most advanced technical equipment for the racing world’s top athletes. ALPINESTARS PROTECTS.
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www.roadracingworld.com
November 12, 2026
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Disability profiles supported in our website
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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
