100th Loudon Classic: Race To Be Shown On YouTube

David Swarts

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June 16, 2023

100th Loudon Classic: Race To Be Shown On YouTube

The 100^th Loudon Classic presented by NEMRR, scheduled to run Saturday, June 17, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, New Hampshire, is planned to be shown on YouTube.

Details are still being worked out, but Kaplan America is partnering with NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) to shoot and broadcast video of the race on the Kaplan America YouTube channel.

The plan is to record and broadcast on-track action and rider interviews tonight and then show the 25-lap race either live or same-day delayed on Saturday, according to Kaplan America’s Ken Kaplan, Sr.

Australian Superbike: Jones Fastest In Practice At Hidden Valley Raceway

David Swarts

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June 16, 2023

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Australian Superbike: Jones Fastest In Practice At Hidden Valley Raceway

Topsy Turvy Friday In The Top End Comes To A Close With Jones On Top

In the three free practice sessions for the fourth round of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championships presented by Motul in the tropical sunshine at Hidden Valley Raceway, there were different riders that topped the three sessions.

For the third year in a row the Alpinestars Superbike class is on the card with the Repco Supercars Championship and the top-fuel dragsters at the betr Darwin Triple Crown, this weekend.

With the times so close from the opening minutes of the session it was a clear indication that the 2.8km long Hidden Valley circuit will again play host to some intense and brilliant battles over the three 16-lap races.

In conditions that were not quite as hot as last year, the race lap record was bettered in the opening session by championship leader Josh Waters on the McMartin Racing with K-Tech Suspension Ducati Panigale V4 R with an astounding time of 1:05.368. Just 0.180 of a second adrift from Waters was three-time Australian Champion, Glenn Allerton (Spectro Oils GT Racing BMW), with defending champion Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) in third, the trio separated by only 0.295 of a second with the top seven covered by less than a second.

The second session was drama packed as in the first five minutes the red flag was waved after Ted Collins (Livson Racing BMW) crashed spectacularly at the daunting Turn 10 with his bike slamming into the air fence.

It wasn’t the last time for the red flag as with five minutes left in the session, Troy Herfoss on the Penrite Honda had no sooner set the fastest time than he crashed on the exit of turn one as he attempted to improve his time, the mind games that make up a practice day. Due to the incident, it thwarted his rivals from improving their times with Waters second fastest, 0.122 of a second behind Herfoss with Mike Jones breaking into the top three the trio separated by just 0.126 of a second.

When The Alpinestars Superbike class took to the track for the final session the track temperature was nudging 50 degrees celcius, some 17 degrees hotter than the morning session. With such high temperatures it was expected that times may have suffered but try telling that to the talented riders of Australian road racing as Mike Jones claimed the top spot from Waters who was again second with Glenn Allerton third to make it two sessions in the top three for Glenn and “Mad Mike” while Waters was in the top three in all sessions.

Herfoss rode his second bike in the final stanza, but still managed to claim fourth fastest and it was refreshing to see Arthur Sissis back on track after his forced absence at Queensland Raceway due to a broken wrist.

With the combined times of the three sessions it’s Jones who leads the way heading into qualifying tomorrow more from Waters and Herfoss. Next on the charts is Allerton in fourth, Cru Halliday in fifth. Halliday who has finished on the podium in all but the opening race of the year had his last session brought undone when he crashed at the final turn with a little over five minutes remaining.

Behind Halliday, Arthur Sissis and Unitech Racing sit in sixth position and rounding out the Top Ten on Day One is Bryan Staring on the MotoGo Yamaha from Broc Pearson (Desmo Sport Ducati) Anthony West (Addicted To Track Yamaha) with the ever-improving Max Stauffer continually improving his times.

Day two will consist of qualifying in the morning at 08:25am ACST where the outright fastest lap will no doubt be under threat to be lowered by any number of riders, before the first of the three races tomorrow afternoon at 12:40pm ACST.

MotoGP: Zarco Tops Rain-Affected FP1 At Sachsenring

David Swarts

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June 16, 2023

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MotoGP: Zarco Tops Rain-Affected FP1 At Sachsenring

Frenchman Johann Zarco, riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici, topped rain-affected MotoGP Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany.

The top 16 riders’ best times were within one second of leader Zarco’s best lap time, 1:20.702.

MotoGP FP1

Moto2: Acosta P1, Roberts P7, SDK P13 In FP1 At Sachsenring

David Swarts

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June 16, 2023

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Moto2: Acosta P1, Roberts P7, SDK P13 In FP1 At Sachsenring

Spaniard Pedro Acosta led Moto2 Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring with a lap time of 1:23.979 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.

Americans Joe Roberts (1:24.509) and Sean Dylan Kelly (1:24.97) were seventh and 13th, respectively, in the session.

Moto2 FP1

Moto3: Sasaki Breaks Lap Record In FP1 At Sachsenring

David Swarts

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June 16, 2023

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Moto3: Sasaki Breaks Lap Record In FP1 At Sachsenring

Ayumu Sasaki, riding his Liqui Moly Inact GP Husqvarna, broke the All-Time Lap Record during Moto3 FP1 Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Sasaki’s lap time of 1:25.840 beat Ivan Guevara’s 2022 lap record of 1:25.869.

Moto3 FP1

MotoE: Krummenacher Quickest In FP1 In Germany

David Swarts

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June 16, 2023

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MotoE: Krummenacher Quickest In FP1 In Germany

Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE Team’s Randy Krummenacher was quickest during FIM MotoE Free Practice One at Sachsenring, in Germany.

MotoE FP1

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Says “It’s True I Override Sometimes”

David Swarts

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June 15, 2023

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MotoGP: Marc Marquez Says “It’s True I Override Sometimes”

“I’m ready to attack!”: Thursday talking points at the Sachsenring

Hear from Bagnaia, Bezzecchi, Martin, Marc Marquez, Binder, Zarco and Quartararo!

Thursday, 15 June 2023

And we’re BACK! The Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland is our second stop on the triple header as we keep it pinned, and ahead of track action, two press conferences covered some key talking points with some key faces:

The first comprised Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), before the second saw Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) joined by Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing).

Here are some key quotes!

FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “It’s a track where last year the performance was there. Friday we were competitive, pole position and in the race we know what happened, I crashed. The important thing is to start how we finished in Mugello and the same way I had the feeling last year so let’s try. It won’t be easy, it looks like the conditions can change quickly like today so let’s see. I am confident the performance is there, and we can be competitive against the top riders.”

Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna. — Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Last years’ experience and taking that for 2023?

“To believe always. It was a difficult moment. It wasn’t the first time I was competitive and then I lost everything I just tried to understand what happened, I just tried to understand our potential. The meeting after the race was very important for the team and for me. From that moment, everything changed from Assen. At the front, we were always competitive and fighting for the win and it was a great comeback. My feeling was incredible with the bike and sometimes I still think about the Sachsenring from last year where we had to be more focused.”

On the Miller Mugello start onboard?

“I saw him at that moment when he was raising his arm. I thought he started from the second row and closed the line on someone and thought he was saying sorry! In MX when you do the holsehot, they are happy so they raise the arm like that. It was fun to see!”

MARCO BEZZECCHI: “Sunday at Mugello was a bit frustrating because I was expecting a bit more, of course beating Pecco was very difficult as I saw in the Sprint because he was very quick, but I thought there was the possibility to stay with Jorge or Johann to fight for the top five at least. But immediately when I started the race I felt really bad with the front end of the bike and I couldn’t really understand why, so we took some days to forget this day but when I got here I immediately started to look at the data and trying to understand, we saw what the problem was and fortunately it wasn’t because of my riding. I was a bit nervous for this but fortunately it wasn’t this. Now we can concentrate on this round and try to do a little bit better.”

Can you tell us what the problem was?

“I think no, haha.”

Is this a good track to bounce back at?

“Yeah it’s a track I like, it’s very particular because it’s very small with a MotoGP bike but in the past years I’ve been able to get a podium in Moto2 and Moto3, so it will be nice to ride it again on a MotoGP bike. Last year I was not so bad but it will be difficult for me to be close to the top riders like Marc or Pecco who are really quick here, but I will try my best to make the best performance I can to try to get a good result and continue in this positive few races that I’m making.”

JORGE MARTIN: “I feel great with the bike. I know the bike really well and I know where the limit is more or less, for sure Pecco knows it a bit better but I feel I’m closing the gap, every time I am stronger and finishing races is one of the keys so I hope to keep this progress.”

Chances of victory?

“Yeah, the Sunday win is still missing and hopefully it comes soon. I’m not in a rush, I want to always finish close to the podium, that would be amazing. My time will come for sure. Sachsenring is a nice track, I always enjoy riding here. I won in Moto3 here, the last seasons haven’t been so bad, so I hope to be competitive.”

MARC MARQUEZ: “I’m interested to see how it is here at the Sachsenring, especially because I couldn’t race two good circuits for my riding style, Argentina and Americas, so this is the first circuit I’ll race this season where normally I feel comfortable from P1 on. But it will be difficult, I’m not coming from my best moment, I’m coming from two crashes in a row on Sunday, so of course your confidence gets lower, but anyway I’m arriving with a good mentality and I’d like to be on the podium on Sunday.

On injury worries, and Honda riders riding on the limit:

“I’m not worried about another injury, if you do you’re not fast on the racetrack. But it’s true the way we’re riding now, I feel ready. Last year I wasn’t ready to attack but now I’m ready to attack, I’m riding well and I feel ready to be there. But it’s true I override sometimes. In Le Mans it was normal because I was pushing for the podium, and I was pushing too much. But in Mugello I was very comfortable, I mean I was controlling myself, because I chose the soft rear, I was controlling the gas and the situation to finish in the top six or top seven because that was possible. But I crashed, went wide and I didn’t expect it but I lost the front. We’ll see, but I’ll keep going and keep pushing to change the situation for the future.”

On a meeting at Mugello with Honda senior management:

“It wasn’t the first meeting I’ve had with HRC, but an important one because Aoyama-san and Watanabe-san, big bosses. It was important. The feeling was good in the meeting and, in the future but not far way and soon, we need some reaction there. We have very good riders in Honda and we need something more to fight for the top positions.”

On Jorge Lorenzo’s statement he believes Marc could go to KTM:

“Next race he’ll say Aprilia, no? Jokes aside, now in MotoGP the level is super high. All manufacturers. It looks like Honda and Yamaha are struggling a bit more, but the European manufacturers are pushing a lot and they are going very aggressive mode to develop the bike. And it’s there we’re trying to react, together with Honda, to improve this year and especially the Misano test looking to 2024… we’re working together to try and be there. But of course… I appreciate Jorge haha.”

What’s needed this weekend to bring you closer to the front?

BRAD BINDER: “Looking back at last week it was incredible to walk away with the 366km/h, it’s quite crazy to think about it but in general I’m quite excited to get started here at the Sachsenring, it’s a track I have a lot of great memories at, I got my first World Championship podium here, my first win in Moto2 and in GP I’ve always had quite good races, not quite so good last year but other than that I’ve always had a good feeling here so I’m excited to get started, the way our bike is working this season I think we can be incredibly competitive here and I’m looking forward to see where we really pan out.”

Turning a key weapon here this weekend?

“Definitely. It’s clear we struggled a bit more in Mugello where things were a lot more flowing but where we have to brake and really stop the bike and use our acceleration to get out, we are much stronger than last season. I see things being a lot better for us here and yeah we have some small things to try and improve in the rolling long corners, and if we can do so I’m sure we’ll be in for a good weekend.”

Setting or new parts?

“Just simply playing with the settings.”

Does the nature of the track add to the pressure of qualifying?

“I think if we look back at previous seasons here it can be less than 0.3 from first to tenth. So with it being such a short track things are extremely tight, extremely close, and yeah it’s going to be important to try get a strong lap in to try get a spot in Q2.”

Are you a contender this weekend?

JOHANN ZARCO: “I’m sure I have the package, with the bike and the team we are competitive and we enjoy the Ducati a lot at the moment. I’m not the only one, we have other fast riders. The package is ready but we have to choose the tyres well as it is a particular track. I don’t say the tyre makes a real difference, but the way you use it can make a difference. Let’s see how we begin on Friday. The weather conditions also – to adapt as well as possible. Last year I had a fantastic race trying to catch Fabio. I had the harder tyre he had the medium, but I couldn’t catch him. He didn’t give up and I could not catch him. It would be nice to repeat these kind of moments but with an even better feeling.”

Ducati transfer rumours… what’s plan A for Zarco?

“I hope (to stay). Clearly, it’s the best place to be. The way I can perform now and enjoy with the team. With Jorge we are three years together. He was not so consistent the last two years, since the beginning of the year, it’s only the first race he really missed out, now he is there. We are together here now, why not continue going like this!?”

Does the nature of the track add to the pressure of qualifying?

“Different circuit to Mugello but same challenge. With the Sprint we are learning QP is getting more and more important. I would love to be on the front row, even the first two rows because the last few races I’ve been on the third. Even if I did a good race in Mugello, it’s not making the work easier, so it would be good to be in the top three guys to push for the podium on Saturday and Sunday.”

Optimistic about being at the front this weekend?

FABIO QUARTARARO: “To be at the front, I don’t know. To be honest, the main goal for me this weekend is trying to be in the top ten from tomorrow to at least help in qualifying to secure a good place, because you know the last few qualifyings were terrible for us. Hopefully we can make a step, especially in qualifying. Then the races is a different thing.”

Is this the toughest moment of your career?

“Of my career no, in MotoGP, yes. I’m struggling to understand it because we didn’t make big changes but it totally changed the way of riding my bike, and especially we’re missing a lot from last year, from 2021, but this year I’m struggling especially with new tyres to do one lap. So we have to find a solution and take the best from ourselves.”

Thoughts on Morbidelli’s ‘who says I want another year with Yamaha?’

“I loved it quite a lot when I saw the video, but it’s not my job to evaluate what he’s saying, so… it’s something that made me laugh but I don’t really care.”

Do you hope Franco is your teammate in 2024?

“I don’t go into these things. I think he and Yamaha know exactly what they’re doing, so it’s all in their hands.”

Does the Sachsenring make it even more crucial to get a good grid spot?

“I think first of all for us, it’s to go straight into Q2 and then we’ll see. But the goal is to start on the first two rows, even the third I’ll accept.”

Dainese San Diego Opening June 17

David Swarts

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June 15, 2023

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Dainese Group Announces Grand Opening of San Diego Flagship Location

An Experience with Racing Memorabilia and Full Lines of Protective Wear from Dainese Group Brands; Dainese, AGV Helmets, and TCX Footwear

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – JUNE 15, 2023 – Dainese (www.dainese.com), the world leader of protective wear for dynamic sports, today announced the grand opening of its latest flagship retail location in San Diego.

The new San Diego D-Store retail location offers an extensive range of Dainese’s cutting-edge motorcycle apparel, including leather suits, jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and advanced protective gear. With a reputation built on decades of innovation and commitment to rider safety, Dainese continues to push boundaries in technology, design, and craftsmanship, catering to the evolving needs of the motorcycle community. Product highlights include the world’s first and most advanced wearable airbag system for any type of motorcyclist. From D-air racing suits and jackets for street and touring and the versatile Smart Jacket can be worn underneath or above other garments for everyday use.

Visitors to the San Diego D-Store can experience Dainese’s Custom Works program and design the leathers of their dreams with full personalization, including colors, graphic art, logos, and more. The innovative line of AGV Helmets will also be available, including the just-launched Tourmodular, K6, Pista GP RR along with the AX-9, and Legends Collection. As well as the full 2023 footwear collection for TCX Boots built with maximum protection and comfort on – and off-road, for all four seasons.

The interior of Dainese's newest store, in San Diego, California. Photo courtesy Dainese. — The interior of Dainese’s newest store, in San Diego, California. Photo courtesy Dainese.

“The new San Diego store is a true experience, and we’re very excited to be opening our doors in this dynamic city that is one of the most enthusiastic markets for the motorcycle industry ” said Louis Ortega, General Manager, Dainese North America. “We are excited to see our D-store San Diego location become one of the many spots this great city has to offer for group rides, events and a place for the community to gather and connect.”

San Diego is a strategic location for the brand. Known for its thriving motorcycle community, picturesque landscapes, and favorable riding conditions, San Diego is one of the top markets for motorcycle protective apparel sales.

Dainese San Diego is conveniently located at 3740 Rosecrans St. Suite F, San Diego, CA 92110, just down the street from the Pechanga Arena. In addition to the store’s retail offerings, Dainese San Diego will regularly host group rides and meetups, fostering a sense of community among local riders.

MotoGP: Hans-Georg Anscheidt Joins MotoGP Legends

David Swarts

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June 15, 2023

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MotoGP: Hans-Georg Anscheidt Joins MotoGP Legends

Hans-Georg Anscheidt becomes a MotoGP™ Legend

The German rider is inducted into the Hall of Fame on home turf at the Sachsenring

Thursday, 15 June 2023

Hans-Georg Anscheidt is now a MotoGP™ Legend! The German was one of the most successful riders in the first decade of the 50cc World Championship and won three back-to-back World Championships in the class from 1966 to 1968.

Born in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad) in 1935, Anscheidt started riding Enduro in 1955 before switching to Speedway in 1957, then taking on the new challenge of 50cc circuit racing from 1959. After European level success, Anscheidt continued racing for Kreidler when the 50cc class officially debuted as a World Championship in 1962.

He won the first race of the season at Montjuïc and took a second Grand Prix win at Monza in the Nations Grand Prix, finishing the year runner up overall – a feat he repeated in 1963 as he added three more victories to his count. He then ended 1964 in third place overall, taking another win, before a tougher 1965 ahead of a switch to Suzuki.

That switch saw Anscheidt begin an incredible winning run. He took his first 50cc World Championship in 1966 and it didn’t stop there as the German won an impressive three titles in a row from 1966 to 1968. Remarkably, the first two saw Anscheidt compete as a factory Suzuki rider, but in 1968 he won his final Championship as a privateer. With his name in the history books as a three-time World Champion and winner of 14 Grands Prix, Anscheidt retired as the reigning Champion at the end of 1968.

Hans-Georg Anscheidt (201) on a 50cc Suzuki in 1966. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Now he joins a list of MotoGP™ Legends that includes Valentino Rossi, Giacomo Agostini, Hugh Anderson, Kork Ballington, Max Biaggi, Alex Crivillé, Mick Doohan, Stefan Dörflinger, Andrea Dovizioso, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Nicky Hayden, Jorge Lorenzo, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Anton Mang, Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez, Angel Nieto, Dani Pedrosa, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Luigi Taveri, Carlo Ubbiali and Franco Uncini.

CARMELO EZPELETA, CEO OF DORNA: “It’s a special pleasure for me to meet today Hans-Georg Anscheidt, I was telling his son that I was especially happy because I had the chance to see him race in Spain in Montjuïc in 63 or 64, I was starting my great feeling for bikes and I remember the sound of the Suzuki, a lot of gearbox! I remember it so well. He was a very successful rider and it’s a big honour to induct him into the MotoGP Hall of Fame.”

HANS-GEORG ANSCHEIDT as translated by his son, Achim Anscheidt:

“When he started his career at the start of the 60s, it was in European races, the motorcycles were almost like racing mopeds doing a maximum of 100km/h. And then from 1961 it became more serious racing, international and in the European championship, and at the same time competing in the German championship. After beginning his career with offroad and dirt track, he signed a contract with the Kreidler factory from Stuttgart and became factory rider and a test rider from 1961 to 1964, and was second in the title in 1962 and 1963.

“In this time he was employed by Kreidler not only racing on roads, and also doing offroad and six-day trials and enduro. Kreidler then decided to stop factory road racing, against Suzuki and Honda they didn’t have much chance. And then a very secretive Japanese person put a Telegram in his hand telling him to contact the factory in Hamamatsu! And in six years he’d seen Mr Kreidler once. So he wrote a letter to him, saying can you please let me do this race. Suzuki wanted him to do the last Grand Prix of 1965 and Mr Kreidler said yes. And good luck! Then the Suzuki time began.

“He had a lot of success with Suzuki with the 50cc and 125cc machinery, but they always said they wanted me to do 50cc. The 50cc class was very challenging in terms of the technical development, almost like Group B rally development in the 1990s. Technology got so exotic and only Suzuki and Honda really were able to produce it. The motorcycle is mostly titanium, the frame is aluminium, two cylinders and a 14-speed gearbox, with a usable rev range between 17,500 and 18,000.

“He became World Champion in 1966 and 1967, but Suzuki decided to withdraw. So my father asked nicely if he could have a bike and spares, and Suzuki granted it him. This one was raced by Katayama in 1967, it had a terrible accident and went back to Japan. They repaired it there and then they decided to give it to my father to race it in 1968 and he became a privateer World Champion.

“He is very thankful to Dorna and the management for giving him the chance to be here, and that he was able to invite his family. So thank you, thank you very much.”

World Endurance: BMW Motorrad Team Looking To Repeat At Spa 24-Hour

David Swarts

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June 15, 2023

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World Endurance: BMW Motorrad Team Looking To Repeat At Spa 24-Hour

EVENT PREVIEW: SPECTACULAR SPA TO CHALLENGE EWC HEROES BY DAY AND BY NIGHT

*All-action FIM EWC season continues with second edition of 24H SPA EWC Motos

*Legendary Belgian track to provide a tough test for rider and machine

*36 permanent EWC teams set for FIM Endurance World Championship glory chase

*Dunlop Superstock Trophy adds to the exciting twice round-the-clock spectacle

International motorcycle racing’s ultimate rollercoaster contest is about to get under way with Belgium’s legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps gearing up to host round two of the FIM Endurance World Championship, the 24H SPA Motos, from tomorrow (Friday) until Sunday.

Reviving the spirit of the famous 24 Heures de Liège, which was part of the EWC up until 2001, the second edition of the 24H SPA EWC Motos is hotly anticipated following on from the action-packed season-opening 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in April.

It’s also an event with a formidable reputation as riders race flat out on the 6.985-kilometre undulating track by day and by night with the prospect of changeable weather conditions always a factor at the venue, which is also home to the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix.

Viewers in 196 countries will be treated to spectacular coverage from the 24H SPA EWC Motos, one of the most exciting races in two-wheel motorsport, with live action available in 75 countries. Fans travelling to Spa can also look forward to three days of epic entertainment both on and off the track.

THE EWC STARS ASSEMBLING IN THE ARDENNES HOPING FOR A SPA BREAK

The second edition of the 24H SPA EWC Motos will be contested by some of the best riders in the business. Thirty-seven teams have entered with world champions, national title winners, riders with MotoGP and World Superbike experience, plus young stars aiming for the top in the EWC all set to take part. Here’s a summary of just some of the entry highlights.

Take two for BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team?

After winning the inaugural 24H SPA EWC Motos in June 2022, Belgian squad BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is preparing to push for a victory double under the guidance of formidable ex-racer Werner Daemen. Riders Jérémy Guarnoni, Illya Mykhalchyk and Markus Reiterberger will be aiming to keep the #37 BMW at the top of the timesheets.

World champions on a roll

Having won the season-opening 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans, F.C.C. TSR Honda France is on a roll heading to Spa where it placed third in 2022 following a heroic final stint from Gino Rea. While the Briton won’t be in action this year as he continues his recovery from serious injury, the combination of Mike Di Meglio, Josh Hook and Alan Techer provide a potent threat.

Leblanc brings podium pedigree to Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar

Part of the TATI Team Beringer Racing line-up that finished second overall at Spa 12 months ago, Grégory Leblanc is a new addition to the Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar attack, which also includes Randy de Puniet and Spa rookie Kazuki Watanabe. Meanwhile, Spaniard Román Ramos takes Leblanc’s place on the #4 Kawasaki alongside Hugo Clere and Baptiste Guittet, part of the 2022 FIM Endurance World Cup-winning Team 18 Sapeurs Pompiers Motostore squad.

Rivals eye Spa revenge

YART Yamaha and Yoshimura SERT Motul both have scores to settle at Spa. The Austrian YART team was leading in 2022 when engine failure spelt retirement on the final morning, while its Suzuki-powered rival lost out on a podium place during a thrilling late-race battle.

Home heroes on show
Belgium-based KM99 launched its EWC attack to the world ahead of last year’s 24H SPA EWC Motos. Now it’s preparing to put on a show for real with local rider Bastien Mackels finally getting the chance to compete at home in the EWC after injury ruled him out last season.

Inspired by past glories

Team Bolliger Switzerland’s Kevin Bolliger “grew up in the Spa paddock” watching his father Hanspeter competing in the 24 Heures de Liège, Belgium’s previous EWC fixture and the inspiration behind the 24H SPA EWC Motos. The Kawasaki squad is one of the leading privateer outfits preparing for action along with Yamaha-powered Moto Ain and Wójcik Racing Team, which welcomes back Sheridan Morais to its Formula EWC attack following injury. Honda Viltaïs Racing completed the 2022 EWC season with victory in the Bol d’Or and will look to Spa to build on its fine fourth place finish in April’s 24 Heures Motos, where ERC Endurance Ducati, Maco Racing, Motobox Kremer Racing and Team LRP Poland also scored important points. They will all be targeting more success at Spa where Mana’au Compétition soutient la Ligue contre le cancer will be a new permanent EWC team.

Superstock superstars

Headed by Le Mans-winning Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, the Dunlop Superstock Trophy contingent also features ADSS 97, Chromeburner RAC41 Honda, Honda No Limits, National Motos Honda, Pitlane Endurance and Slider Endurance.

OG Motorsport World Endurance Team welcomes back Camille Hedelin to its ranks, while Gabriel Pons is returning to Team 33 Louit April Moto, which led in Spa last season.

Two-time Supermoto world champion Marc Reiner-Schmidt comes in for the injured Marco Fetz at Energie Endurance where Sander Claessen is a new recruit for Spa. An injury sustained in the Isle of Man TT Races recently has ruled out Matthieu Lagrive, leading to 3ART Best of Bike calling up Alex Plancassagne as his replacement.

Aviobike, Holland Motorstore Racing, JMA Racing Action Bike, Team 18 Sapeurs Pompiers Motostore, Team 202, TRT Bazar 2 la Bécane, Uniserv Moto82 Team and Wójcik Racing Team will also be in contention for Dunlop Superstock Trophy honours along with Team Racing 85.

PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE:

Key FIM EWC timings are as follows:

Friday 16 June:

10h00-11h00: Free Practice

12h00-14h00: First Qualifying

15h15-17h15: Second Qualifying

17h30-18h00: Post-qualifying press conference (Room 132)

19h45-20h45: Pitwalk and autograph session

21h30-23h00: Night Practice

Saturday 17 June:

11h30-12h30: Pitwalk and autograph session

13h00: Pitlane open

13h20: Pitlane closed

14h00: Start of 24H SPA EWC Motos

Sunday 18 June:

14h00: Finish of 24H SPA EWC Motos

14h10: Podium ceremony

14h30: Post-race press conference (Room 132)

LIVE TIMING: https://www.its-live.net/#/live/ewc/2023/24hspa

24H SPA EWC MOTOS IN 100 WORDS:

A track as legendary as it is demanding hosted international-level motorbike racing for the first time since 2001 when the 24H SPA EWC Motos revived the spirit of the 24 Heures de Liège, once an EWC calendar mainstay, in June 2022. The iconic circuit underwent extensive safety upgrades mandated by FIM and FMB specifically for the EWC’s return with the 6.985-kilometre layout – the longest of the season – featuring expanded run-off areas, the repositioning of safety barriers, plus the realignment of Turn 9 for bike use only. Belgium-based BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team came out on top of a rain-hit race.

24H SPA EWC MOTOS FAST FACTS:

*The 24H SPA EWC Motos recreated the spirit of the famous 24 Heures de Liège, which counted as a round of the EWC up until 2001, when it ran for the first time in June 2022.

*It took place on a track upgraded specifically for the EWC as part of an investment programme costing 25 million euros.

*The return of the EWC to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was first discussed in 2015, shortly after Discovery Sports Events (formerly Eurosport Events) became championship promoter as part of a long-term agreement with governing body, FIM.

*At 6.985 kilometres, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the longest on the EWC calendar.

*Appointed as the event coordination agency for the first 24H SPA EWC Motos in June 2022, PHA Claude Michy was named local event promoter for a nine-year period in September 2022, in addition to continuing its existing responsibilities associated with organising the event.

24H SPA EWC MOTOS ESSENTIALS:

WHERE: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

LOCATION: Rte du Circuit 55, 4970 Stavelot, Belgium

WHEN: 16-18 June 2023

TRACK LENGTH: 6.985 kilometres

RACE DISTANCE: 24 hours

QUALIFYING LAP RECORD:

YART – Yamaha Official Team EWC – Karel Hanika, 2m18.845s, 2022

RACE LAP RECORD:

Yoshimura SERT Motul – Sylvain Guintoli, 2m21.056s, 2022

RECENT WINNERS:

2022: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (Markus Reiterberger, Illya Mykhalchyk, Jérémy Guarnoni), 508 laps

EXPERT VIEW BY BASTIEN MACKELS, KM99

“I know Spa really well but every time on the first day when you come back to Spa the circuit is so fast that you have to let one day for your brain to understand how fast is it, how faster is it compared to all the other tracks you have in Europe and even in the world. Of course we have to be patient and really concentrated on every corner, every lap of the track. We have to manage the speed on this track because it’s so much more faster than, let’s say, Le Mans. But it’s still not enough because the track allows you to go even faster so you have to learn lap after lap and get focused. It looks not so physical but you spend so much time in the long corners, left, right that it asks a lot from your body. There’s no question that Raidillon is the best corner in the world. Every rider who comes to Spa wants to try this corner. I can’t wait to be in the first lap because the first lap in Spa when you go full in fifth, this corner is amazing, you cannot compare this feeling. The compression in the corner is really incredible, I love it so much and every lap you are waiting for this corner. Full in fifth gear it will be something like 265kph with the slowest point around 200kph, amazing. In Spa the weather is even more difficult because the track is so big. In the past I remember it being dry in the paddock but wet and rainy on the other side of the track so it’s something you must be focused on. If you see a cloud coming you really have to take care about that because it’s possible that it’s raining on one side but not the other side. But in every endurance race you have to be really concentrated on the weather because it’s easy to make a mistake. If I knew something special about the weather I would keep it for me but it’s not really like that! I remember once we had hailstones and you could see these balls of ice jumping on the track, we were braking but we could see these balls of ice in the last chicane, it was really unbelievable. You really can have everything and maybe two weeks later it could be 35 degrees and you cannot breathe.”

More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:

24H SPA EWC Motos: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team extra motivated ahead of FIM EWC home round.

Round two of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship.
After last year’s historic victory, Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik and Jérémy Guarnoni now compete with the new #37 BMW M 1000 RR in the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour race.
Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team ready for its first outing in the Ardennes, following its Superstock win at Le Mans.

Spa-Francorchamps. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is returning to the scene of its greatest success to date. This weekend, the 24H SPA EWC Motos (BEL) forms round two of the FIM Endurance World Championship 2023 (FIM EWC). Last year, the team and its riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR) and Jérémy Guarnoni (FRA) claimed a historic victory in the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. The success at the team’s home event was not only the first win in a 24-hour race for Werner Daemen’s (BEL) outfit, but also the first time a European manufacturer had won over this distance for several decades. All set for its first appearance at the event is the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team. They start in the Superstock class of the FIM EWC and are making their debut on the Ardennes rollercoaster at Spa-Francorchamps.

This season, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is running the new version of the BMW M 1000 RR. The three regular riders – Reiterberger, Mikhalchik and Guarnoni – immediately finished on the podium in the first race with the new bike when the trio came home third on the #37 M RR at the opening round of the 2023 season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) in mid-April. The team is now extremely motivated ahead of the second race of the season at the iconic racetrack, which is just a one-hour drive from the Belgian team’s base. The fourth rider at Spa-Francorchamps is Vincent Lonbois (BEL). Over the course of his career, the 32-year-old has spent many years riding BMW motorcycles at racetracks and on the road racing scene. In 2016, he was crowned champion in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) with the BMW S 1000 RR. He also finished runner-up in the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy in the same year.

The new Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, in which the French Tecmas Racing Team and its owner Arnaud Sassone (FRA) is collaborating with Werner Daemen’s company Motorcycle Racing Parts and BMW Motorrad Motorsport, made a dream start to its debut season in the FIM EWC at Le Mans. Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER) and Loïc Arbel (FRA) took victory in the Superstock class with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. The team is now entering uncharted territory at Spa-Francorchamps. Although the Tecmas Racing Team has contested individual races in the FIM EWC in the past, it did not start the 24H SPA EWC Motos last year.

The race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps begins with free practice on Friday morning. The grid positions will then be determined in the two-part qualifying on Friday afternoon. The race itself gets underway on Saturday at 14:00 (CEST). As well as the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, private BMW outfit Team LRP Poland also competes at the 24H SPA EWC Motos.

Quotes ahead of the 24H SPA EWC Motos.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “It goes without saying that last year’s fantastic victory remains a memorable one. We are now back in the Ardennes to face this special challenge again. We have shown that we can be successful at the home circuit for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, and are obviously hoping for a similar result this year. The current season got off to a successful start with the new BMW M 1000 RR at Le Mans, with third place overall for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the debut victory in the Superstock class for the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team. We now travel to Spa-Francorchamps well prepared. The law of any 24-hour race obviously also applies here – namely that anything can happen. However, as far as the riders, teams and machinery are concerned, we are well prepared and very confident ahead of the weekend.“

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “We are expecting a hot week at Spa–Francorchamps. The weather forecast is perfect. Last week, we had a successful pre-test. I was a little bit worried about the weather but the new BMW M 1000 RR also looks very good in hot conditions this year. So I think that we are well prepared for defending our good result from last year and hopefully we also have the necessary luck.”

Markus Reiterberger: “Spa-Francorchamps is the home event for our team, and it is practically the home race for us too. Spa is a really great racetrack, and we have very fond memories of the circuit after last year’s victory. We completed a two-day function test there at a hobby event, during which we gained our first impressions of the new bike at this track. We now continue with the final tests, in which we will work on the fine-tuning. As a team, I believe we are better positioned than ever. We are ready. We want to at least finish on the podium, but would obviously prefer to win. That is the goal we have set ourselves. The weather forecast is good, the team is super. There is nothing to stop us being successful, and we will do everything we can to make that the case.”

Ilya Mikhalchik: “I am looking forward to a great race weekend at Spa on a beautiful track. I can’t wait to get back there with our new beautiful bike. Let’s hope for a good weekend and to enjoy riding our BMW M 1000 RR there. We want to show good speed over the entire weekend and to do a good job during the race. It would be great to finish the race on Sunday with a strong result.”

Jérémy Guarnoni: “The target for Spa is clear; like always, we want to win. We know that it is a track we are really fast on. Last year we won there, so obviously the goal is to repeat that. That would be really amazing. It is also a special race for us because it is the team’s home race. This gives us an extra motivation. We know that in dry conditions, we are really fast there so let’s see what will happen. I am confident. At the pre–test, we saw that all is okay. Everything is on point so let’s see.”

Arnaud Sassone, Team Owner Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team: “We arrive at Spa-Francorchamps as the championship leader and with an advantage of eleven points. That is perfect, but it does put us under extra pressure, which we must manage. This race at Spa is a first for my team of technicians, but we have worked hard and listened to our riders in order to be well prepared. BMW Motorrad has been successful at Spa in the past, with the overall victory for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team last year. Our three Tecmas riders, led by their leader Kenny Foray, are a well-oiled team, which is both fast and capable of providing the engineers with precise information. They are also in great form and very motivated. All three of them are very familiar with the track in the Ardennes. Kenny took part in qualifying with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in 2022, while Loïc Arbel finished runner-up in the overall standings on the Tati Team’s Kawasaki. And Jan Bühn has been a regular at the Spa circuit for years.”

More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

Yamalube YART Yamaha Seeking Spa Redemption

The Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team head into Round 2 of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship, the second edition of the 24H SPA EWC Motos, aiming to build on their podium at the opening round of the season in Le Mans and bounce back from their heart-breaking late DNF while leading last year’s race.

The YART Yamaha Team of Karel Hanika, Niccolò Canepa, Marvin Fritz, and reserve-rider Robin Mulhauser are determined to get revenge at the 24H SPA EWC Motos after joy turned to despair during the 2022 edition of the race. Recovering from a tricky start, the team had mounted a sensational fightback to take the lead just before the 18-hour mark, only to see a technical issue force them to DNF and effectively end their championship aspirations.

Heading to Belgium in 2023 with 65 points up for grabs at each 24-hour race, the Australian squad are currently second in the EWC overall standings with 54 points after a stunning second place at the Le Mans 24 Heures Motos. The team is confident in following that result with another strong performance after topping Tuesday’s official test at Spa with a 2:19.657, 0.873s ahead of their nearest rival, as they look to lift their first title since 2009.

During the test, all three main riders showed excellent one-lap pace and managed to run extensive race simulations as they worked on finetuning the electronics setup and front-end feeling on the Bridgestone-shod #7 R1, while reserve-rider Mulhauser tested and prepared parts for the race. Their advantage at the top was even more impressive when you consider YART were one of the few leading EWC teams not to previously take part in a private test at the circuit in 2023.

The EWC returns to the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the second year in a row with the 24H SPA EWC Motos after a 21-year break, reviving the spirit of the famous 24 Heures de Liege that run until 2001.

The return of the historic Belgian track to the endurance calendar saw it undergo several changes to the layout to meet motorcycle racing safety requirements, including expanded run-off areas at several corners, repositioning of some safety barriers, and a minor realignment of Turn 9.

The new endurance-specific layout is 6.985km, making it the longest track on the calendar in 2023. It is also one of the fastest and features a combination of long straights, high-speed sections, and undulating elevation changes that make it one of the world’s most challenging circuits, with YART’s Hanika the current outright lap record holder with a 2:18.845 set in qualifying last year.

It was not just YART on the podium at Le Mans in April, as the 3ART Best of Bike Yamaha team of Martin Renaudin, Ludovic Cauchi, and Mathieu Lagrive were also celebrating after they claimed second in the FIM Endurance World Cup and ninth overall in front of their home fans, scoring 53 points in the SST class and leaving France second in the Cup Standings.

Wojcik Racing Team EWC 77’s Sheridan Morais, Isaac Vinales and Mathieu Gines will be looking for a top-ten finish after securing 12th at Le Mans, while the Maco Racing Team of Anthony West, Enzo Boulom and Bálint Kovács are hoping to improve on their 32nd place finish last time out in France.

The KM Motos squad of Lucas Mahias, Florian Marino and Bastien Mackels, and the Moto Ain Yamaha EWC Supported Team of Claudio Corti, Corentin Perolari, and Roberto Tamburini will be aiming to kickstart their seasons after they were both forced to retire from the race in Le Mans.

The action at the 2023 24H SPA EWC Motos kicks off on Friday with a one-hour Free Practice session at 10:00 am local time (UTC+2) before the 1st Qualifying Practice Session between 12:00-14:00 and the 2nd Qualifying Practice Session from 15:15-17:15. Then there is a 90-minute Night Practice session between 21:30-23:00 before Saturday’s 24-hour race kicks off at 14:00 with the iconic “Le Mans” running start.

Karel Hanika

Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team

“I am looking forward to the race now. Unlike most other teams, we only had the one-day official pre-test here on Tuesday. We were a bit worried beforehand that we might be a step behind the rest, but we were immediately up to speed, and the whole team was fast on long and short runs, which saw us end the day on top of the combined timesheets. I love racing here as it is a high-speed track. The YART R1 was awesome; we still need to improve a few little things on the settings for the traction control and engine braking, and a little with the front end, but honestly, we feel ready and fast. Our pace fills us with confidence, we need a little more luck than last year, and we can put ourselves in a solid championship position.”

Niccolò Canepa

Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team

“I am delighted with the test this week, as some of the other teams had some to Spa to test previously, and for us to be so much quicker was an excellent sign. We did a race simulation that was much faster than last year’s race pace, plus we also had very speed over one lap on the soft tyre. Therefore, we are confident heading into the rac3. The weather looks like it will be perfect too. Last year, we were leading the race when we had an issue that forced us to retire, so I believe we can fight for victory this year too.”

Marvin Fritz

Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team

“We are as ready as we can be. We had fantastic weather here for the private practice at Spa, which meant we could ride all day with two bikes. This was important because we were one of the only teams which didn’t test beforehand. We worked on many things with the bike and showed our potential by ending the day in P1. I had been stuck in bed for one and a half weeks due to being sick, so I was happy I could get back on the bike and immediately be on the pace with my teammates. We aim to continue to work on Friday to be even stronger during the race.”

Robin Mulhauser

Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team

“I think we have prepared for this race superbly, even more so than last year, when it was a new track for most of us. The test went well, as we were not necessarily looking for fast lap times, yet we had a great pace. My three teammates were fast on their long stints while I helped prepare and test some parts of the race. Last year was heartbreaking for the whole team, so we are looking forward to getting the result we deserve this year here at Spa.”

Mandy Kainz

Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team – Team Manager

“It is great to be back at Spa. It is such an iconic circuit, with its elevation changes and high-speed nature, but this year we want to get our redemption after suffering from heartbreak in last year’s race. The team have prepared superbly. Unlike most teams, we did not test here before Tuesday, so finishing 0.8s ahead of the rest of the field was encouraging. The riders worked hard on the bike setup and completed race simulations, so we know we have good pace over a hot lap and longer stints. Now we must put it all together in the race and hope for better luck. Our aim, as always, is first to finish the race, as with so many points available, it is essential we reach the end of the 24 hours in the best position possible. I want to thank the whole team and Bridgestone for all of their hard work, and we are confident that if things go our way, we can be in the fight for victory.”

100th Loudon Classic: Race To Be Shown On YouTube

June 16, 2023

New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, New Hampshire. Photo by David Swarts.

The 100^th Loudon Classic presented by NEMRR, scheduled to run Saturday, June 17, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, New Hampshire, is planned to be shown on YouTube.

Details are still being worked out, but Kaplan America is partnering with NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) to shoot and broadcast video of the race on the Kaplan America YouTube channel.

The plan is to record and broadcast on-track action and rider interviews tonight and then show the 25-lap race either live or same-day delayed on Saturday, according to Kaplan America’s Ken Kaplan, Sr.

Australian Superbike: Jones Fastest In Practice At Hidden Valley Raceway

June 16, 2023

Mike Jones was fastest during Australian Superbike practice Friday at Hidden Valley Raceway, in Darwin, Australia. Photo by Endorphin Media, courtesy ASBK.