Ici, c’est MotoGP™! The fastest show on Earth arrives in France
Le Mans hosts the 1000th Grand Prix in history, with the home heroes in the spotlight and the competition closer than ever
Monday, 08 May 2023
This weekend, history is guaranteed. 999 events later, motorcycle Grand Prix racing celebrates a huge milestone at Le Mans as the world’s first motorsport World Championship hits 1000 Grands Prix. There are far more than 1000 reasons to watch… but we’ll go through a few!
The Championship is tight on the way in as the Tissot Sprint continues to shake up the form book – for some at least – and thrill the grandstands on Saturday. Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is back in the hot seat with the points lead after a tough weekend for Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). KTM are on fire as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) now matches Bagnaia for Sprint wins – and nearly matched him on Sunday too. His teammate Jack Miller is right in the mix. Aprilia are close to the top but haven’t converted that pace yet. Honda have already won this season, but Jerez was back down to Earth. Yamaha? Yamaha are looking for more, and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) too – as well as a little luck.
So here we go! Welcome to Sarthe and one of the most hallowed venues in motorsport. As we said, history is guaranteed!
DUCATI LENOVO TEAM
It’s a question that’s been asked of Francesco Bagnaia a few times already: can he bounce back? The answer has, as yet, never been no. A year ago it was after sliding out at Le Mans when chasing now-teammate Enea Bastianini, then it was after the German GP. And again. Fast forward to COTA 2023 and the question still got asked. But the answer in Jerez was once again yes, and in some style. It was a stunning weekend pushed to the limit by the Red Bull KTMs, and it was a weekend to remind people how Pecco got that #1 plate. On pole at Le Mans last year, surely he arrives into the weekend this year as the favourite.
For Bastianini though, it’s another event on the sidelines. And in his place? A former Le Mans winner: Danilo Petrucci. ‘Petrux’ arrives from WorldSBK in Barcelona and will likely need a little time before getting anywhere near up to speed, but he’ll certainly be an interesting addition. It isn’t *that* long since the Italian was plying his trade at the front in the premier class, after all…
MOONEY VR46 RACING TEAM
From the highs of the first few races, Jerez was a somewhat back down to Earth moment for Mooney VR46, but Le Mans is another bite of the cherry. Marco Bezzecchi will be aiming to get back on the podium once again – and gain back that Championship lead – and teammate Luca Marini will want to get back into that leading postcode after both were a little AWOL in Spain. Le Mans suits the Ducati though – as if anywhere doesn’t, to be fair – so it will be no surprise if the VR46 crew get back to big impressions this weekend.
RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
Well, well, well. In the words of the inimitable Jack Miller, “ha! Where’s the KTM now?” On the podium on both days in Jerez and fighting for both victories? Ja. The Austrian factory were true showstoppers at the Spanish Grand Prix, and with both riders also pretty magic in mixed or wet conditions, there seems little to fear from France. Can they repeat their pace from Jerez? The answer to that question may lie in Friday and Saturday morning’s action, with a great qualifying giving them the perfect platform in Jerez. And one they used to perfection as absolute holeshot heroes. If nothing else though, we can absolutely guarantee that both two-time Tissot Sprint winner Brad Binder and newer arrival Miller will give it a go and a half.
APRILIA RACING
If you’d said after pre-season testing that both Maverick Viñales and Aleix Espargaro would be where they are now, few would probably have believed it. It’s all gone a little downhill after such a promising start, but there is still plenty of promise there. The riders have proven their quality and so has the machine, but it doesn’t take much in the closest competition on two wheels to suddenly find yourself with a bit of a mountain to climb – and just a handful of small mistakes, a few technical glitches and a little bit of pure bad luck have proven enough. Can the Noale factory bounce back? They were on the podium last season at Le Mans with Espargaro, who also arrives from pole at Jerez, and Viñales has been on the box here with his two previous machines, including a win. And the bike? Those few issues aside, it’s a serious contender.
PRIMA PRAMAC RACING
For Jorge Martin, Jerez will probably have tasted a little bitter. Over a weekend with no bad luck and/or drama, the Spaniard wasn’t quite able to take a visit to parc ferme on Saturday or Sunday. He had his bit to say on some of the moves, but with Miller vs Binder vs Pecco in full flow, the number 89 found himself locked out and wanting. Can he do more at Le Mans?
On the other side of the garage it’s a whole different kettle of fish for home hero Johann Zarco. There will be a little pressure, for sure, but there will also be an electric atmosphere for the two-time Moto2™ Champion. He’s been on the podium here before too, but it’s been a little more up and down so far in 2023. Can he take the fight to the rostrum again on hallowed turf, come rain or shine?
LCR HONDA CASTROL/IDEMITSU
After the incredible weekend he enjoyed at COTA, it was likely Alex Rins was going to leave Jerez with a little less, but it was a particularly tough one. The Americas GP wasn’t a mirage though and the number 42 has exactly the same quality, so now it’s time to see if he and his new bike and crew can put the pieces together a little better at Le Mans. He’s had some pace here at Le Mans before but crashed out, so a finish is one aim, and some bigger points hauls the next.
For Takaaki Nakagami, Jerez was a little light in the tunnel and the Japanese rider will want to build on it. He’s taken some solid P7s here over the last few years, which is no mean feat in the field as it is.
GRESINI RACING MotoGP™
On the Alex Marquez side of the box, the Grand Prix race in Spain wasn’t quite what the number 73 is aiming for this year with a P8, but it was at least another haul of points after a tough run. Le Mans, however, staged his first ever premier class podium in 2020 as he absolutely smashed it in the rain, so there are some good memories here. Can he get back into that frontrunning postcode he was in at Termas and COTA?
On the other side of the box, the search for a step forward continues for Fabio Di Giannantonio. He’s had good speed in the lower classes in France, and he’ll hope this is the weekend it starts coming together – especially ahead of Mugello, which was a highlight of his rookie campaign.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MotoGP™
COTA seemed like an upturn, on Sunday at least, for Fabio Quartararo. But Jerez was an adventurous one for the Frenchman. A very controversial Long Lap penalty, that crash, and then a comeback ride… but he also struggled to find speed on one lap at least, missing out on Q2 and suffering one of his worst qualifyings at one of his best venues. But this is home turf and another weekend to reset, with the packed grandstands sure to give the home hero a boost. What has he got in the locker?
For Franco Morbidelli, the tougher run continues too. Argentina is now beginning to fade in the memory, but he was closer to teammate Quartararo at times in Jerez. What will Le Mans bring?
CRYPTODATA RNF MotoGP™ TEAM
The bad luck continues for RNF, with the team already confirming that Miguel Oliveira will be sidelined in France. Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori will replace him. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez has undergone surgery on his arm too, so arrives from his own hurdle. After a tougher start to the season than many expected for the former Moto2™ record breaker, he’ll hope he can now start to rebuild and really get into that fight at the front over the coming races. First stop: getting passed fit to compete in France.
GASGAS FACTORY RACING Tech3
The mission remains similar for both Augusto Fernandez and Jonas Folger: chipping away at that progress. For Folger, of course, it’s also information and a useful adventure to partner his role as test rider. Fernandez’ aim is more points, and more top tens, as he pushes to get into that next postcode up the road.
REPSOL HONDA TEAM
It’s proving a tough season so far for Repsol Honda, but every team is only one Grand Prix away from a turnaround. Joan Mir continues to search for some progress in his adaptation, and the grid continues to search the entry list for Marc Marquez. Will his name be on there this time around?
As is often the case, the number 93 tops many of the stats for Le Mans, with wins, podiums and poles. And that’s without even talking about eight world titles and the pure magic he can pull out of the hat. But he said it himself: he’ll return when he’s healed. We’ll likely find out if that means the French GP pretty soon, but in the mean time we can just hope that the 1000th Grand Prix in history will feature one of the most successful riders over the 999 events before.
SHOWTIME
Friday’s practice sessions decide the automatic entrants to Q2, before the MotoGP™ grid qualify on Saturday morning. This weekend the Tissot Sprint is set for lights out at 15:00 on Saturday as ever, and the Grand Prix race returns to “normal” time. That’s 14:00 CEST!
Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +2)
Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +2)
See you there!
Acosta and Arbolino hit equal points: who leads after Le Mans?
Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) is an established winner in Moto2™, but mamma mia what a win that was in Jerez. The Brit will hope to find a little more of that magic in Le Mans, and reestablish his consistent presence on the podium.
Behind him though, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) still managed to make it a weekend in his favour, pulling equal with Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) on points at the top of the table. Their duel will likely roll on and it’s current advantage Acosta, but Arbolino did a good damage limitation exercise in Jerez considering he couldn’t quite find the pace. Le Mans sometimes sees the skies open, too…
Meanwhile, Alonso Lopez (CAG SpeedUp) continues to prove a fast, fast face at the front. He’s now homing in on Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) in the standings, with Lowes not far behind. Will the trio shuffle again at Le Mans? We’ll find out at 12:15 (GMT +2) on Sunday!
Ortola homes in on the top as Moto3™ heads for Le Mans
Ivan Ortola’s (Angeluss MTA Team) roll continued in style at Jerez, with the Spaniard taking his second win, first back to back win, and first win on home turf. If there was any doubt after Texas, there’s little now: we got ourselves a contender. He’s now third overall, as both Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and closest challenger Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) failed to make it onto the podium last time out. But France is another bite at the cherry…
Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing), meanwhile, is quietly but surely making some inroads into the title fight too – and getting consistent with it. Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) took a top finish after a run of bad luck. And David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar) is now a podium finisher! Who has more in the locker at Le Mans? We’ll find out at 11:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday!
Portuguese perfection and photo finishes in Estoril!
The 2023 Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship saw Round 1 head to Portugal… and it did not disappoint
The 2023 Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ Championship kicked off in style over the weekend at the historic Estoril Circuit. With no less than six races on Sunday, we saw four riders stand on the top step of the podium as Nico Carraro (Aspar Junior Team) claimed JuniorGP™ honours, while Daniel Muñoz (SP57 Racing Team) took the win in the new era for the Stock European Championship. There was Portuguese perfection for two riders, as Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Brian Uriarte (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) had double delight in Moto2™ European Championship and the European Talent Cup, winning both Race 1 & 2.
There’s just something about Estoril and photo finishes, and Sunday’s JuniorGP™ race was no exception. In an enthralling race that was restarted due to a red flag, the impressive Carraro beat Angel Piqueras (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) to the chequered flag first by just 0.002s, having got into the slipstream of the Spaniard out of the final corner. Alvaro Carpe (STV Laglisse Racing) crossed the line third, but was disqualified due to not meeting the correct weight regulations for the class. As a result, Jakob Rosenthaler (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Racing Team Intact GP Junior Team) is promoted onto the podium.
In the vit was a different story as the hot favourite for title honours in 2023 lived up the billing. All eyes were on Senna Agius as he launched from pole position and in Race 1, he bolted. Having got the perfect start from the line, the 17-year-old Australian had to do it all again due to a red flag after a Martin Vugrinec (Fifty Motorsport) crash – rider ok. Not to be perturbed, Agius pulled the pin to come home seven seconds ahead of Carlos Tatay (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) and compatriot Harrison Voight (Yamaha Philippines Stylobike Racing Team) – both of whom are class rookies.
Despite celebrating a podium together in Race 1, sterner words were exchanged later in the afternoon during Race 2 as Voight and Tatay crashed out of the podium places, with the Australian pointing the finger of blame firmly at the #99. That incident didn’t bother Agius, as he romped home towards a second win of the day to claim the maximum 50 points on offer in Estoril. His winning margin wasn’t quite as emphatic as before, but he still had more than four seconds to spare over Xavi Cardelus (Promoracing) as the Andorran opened his account for the season, as did Niccolo Antonelli (MMR), with the Italian coming home third.
The European Talent Cup were the first class out on track on the west of the Iberian Peninsula, and they warmed up the day’s action with a showstopper. Brian Uriarte, Rico Salmela (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) and Hakim Danish (Monlau Motul) formed a breakaway trio out front and entered wheel-to-wheel combat over 15 laps. Victory wasn’t decided until the three riders took the chequered flag within 0.054s of one another, with Uriarte first ahead of Salmela and Danish completing the podium.
Much like Moto2™, the ETC saw a double winner, with Uriarte going back-to-back, with an even closer finish in Race 2. The young Spaniard pinched the win off of 2021 ETC Champion Maximo Quiles on the line with only 0.006s between them. Quiles, who finished fourth in Race 1 after starting at the back of the grid and going through the LLP loop, will be gutted to have missed out but still goes home with a P2 result, while David Gonzalez (Cuna de Campeones) capped an impressive run with a maiden podium in the class.
Ending the day’s action was the solo Stock race, with the class now a different race to the Moto2™ category. Dani Muñoz carved out his own little piece of history as the maiden race winner, with the opportunity handed to him on a plate as poleman Eric Fernandez (FAU55 TEY Racing) crashed just three laps in. That gave Muñoz a country acre of space in P1 while Marco Garcia (EasyRace Team) and Alex Millan (Fifty Motorsport) battled for second place. In the end, it was Garcia who put in a classy ride to take the second step on the box, with Millan beginning his campaign with a third placed finish.
That’s a wrap then from Round 1 in Estoril, and it was certainly a memorable way to get the 2023 Championship up and running. The next installment of action isn’t far away, with Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia up next on May 21st.
You can also find all the results, videos, photos and information regarding the championship on the official website: www.fimjuniorgp.com
Chase Sexton Wins Denver Supercross and Likely the Championship Crown
RJ Hampshire Grabs Denver Win, Jett Lawrence Wraps 250 West Championship
Denver, Colo., (May 7, 2023) Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took his fifth win of the year at a hugely-significant Round 16 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The win, coupled with what is likely a season-ending injury for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac, put Sexton as the 2023 champion if Tomac cannot line up at the final round next Saturday.
Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen took second place with an incredible charge from the back of the pack inside Empower Field at Mile High. And Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo earned his first podium finish since Round 3 of 2021 in the race that also pays points to the all-new, 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire earned his first win of 2023 with his own thrilling charge. Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence took a hard-fought third in the Main Event to win the Western Regional 250SX Class Championship.
Chase Sexton (23) was picture perfect on a night that changed everything and most likely made him the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Adam Cianciarulo grabbed the holeshot ahead of Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Shane McElrath, Eli Tomac, and Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill. Ken Roczen, on a recent podium streak, slid out in the first corner and started the race in dead last position while his teammate Shane McElrath leapt into the lead down the first rhythm section. Within three corners Tomac had moved into second, then took over the top spot before reaching the green flag. With his hometown race fans going wild, and with Chase Sexton back in sixth, it looked possible that Tomac could earn enough points to wrap up his third Supercross title. But Supercross is one of the toughest sports on the planet, and that fact took over the night, and the title chase, just two and half minutes into the race.
While leading, Eli Tomac stressed his left ankle on a jump take-off. He didn’t crash but instantly lifted his foot from the peg while airborne. After landing he quickly brought down his bike’s speed to roll the rest of the section. He immediately pulled off the track, holding his left ankle away from the bike, then rode instantly to the on-site Alpinestars Medical Rig. Before the race had ended the news was out: Eli Tomac had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and was out for the season.
In one instant Eli Tomac (1) lost the points lead and most surely the title after a non-crash injury down one of the track’s rhythm lanes. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Inside the stadium, Cianciarulo held the lead over Sexton. Five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Sexton took over the lead. By then Roczen had already made his way up to sixth place. Sexton steadily pulled clear of Cianciarulo while Roczen continued his charge, passing McElrath for third just eight and a half minutes into the race and gaining on Cianciarulo.
With 8:15 on the race clock Justin Hill took over fourth. Three and a half minutes after that Roczen was up to Cianciarulo and pressuring for the second place spot. Roczen quickly made his move and looked ahead 6.8 seconds to the leader. Roczen started to gain a little time on Sexton, but not at the rate he’d need to make a run at the win.
Interestingly, in a season that saw Sexton give up some big leads with unforced errors, the Honda rider remained composed and smooth. With the full pressure of the race and the title on him, he rode like a champion. Sexton took his fifth win of 2023 and with it jumped into the points lead by seven. If the early injury assessment of Tomac is accurate and he’s truly out for the season, Sexton is mathematically the champion once Tomac officially does not show up and qualify for the final race.
RJ Hampshire (24) put the pieces together and turned his incredible track speed into his first win of the season. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
When the gate dropped for the Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event, Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland jumped out ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Carson Mumford, and RJ Hampshire. Jett Lawrence, after a difficult Heat Race, was back in tenth as the riders crossed the holeshot stripe. Just over two minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Kitchen had taken over the lead and Hampshire was up to second. Further back in eighth, Lawrence was carefully picking off riders but showed no panic – he needed only to finish in tenth or better to take the title with one round remaining in the 250SX Class.
Five and a half minutes into the race Lopes moved past Vohland to take over third position. The riders made contact in a tight corner, and Vohland tipped over. Lawrence seemed to benefit from the chaos and soon got into fourth place. As the race clock ticked down under eight minutes Lawrence overtook Lopes for third place but was over 12 seconds back from the leaders.
Hampshire used the race’s midpoint to make a drive on Kitchen for the lead. The Husqvarna rider closed in, then leapt past when Kitchen made a small mistake in a short rhythm section. Kitchen recovered and retaliated immediately. Kitchen got back the spot as Hampshire went wide then shorted the track’s big double jump. Hampshire was off the track, but he kept his bike upright. Over the closing laps Hampshire put in a heroic charge. He was the fastest rider on the track and quickly made up the five seconds his off-track excursion had cost him. With 40 seconds on the clock Hampshire blitzed the whoops and took the lead from Kitchen.
Kitchen had one last surge of speed on the final lap, but never got into position to make a pass attempt. Hampshire took the checkered flag and the Denver Supercross win. Kitchen was right behind in second, and Lawrence brought his Honda home in third to win the division title with one race – an East/West Showdown – left on the schedule.
Between now and the Supercross Final in Salt Lake City, fans have an incredible opportunity at some one-of-a-kind memorabilia in the 2023 St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction. All money raised goes directly to the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the St. Jude mission of Finding Cures. Saving Children. The auction runs until Monday, May 15th at 11:59PM ET. The items in the auction were donated by the racers, teams, partners, and supporters of Monster Energy AMA Supercross. To see what’s available to support the incredible St. Jude efforts and take home a piece of the 2023 season, please go to St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Auction.
All-new for 2023 racing, the top 20 racers in combined championship points from the Monster Energy Supercross season and the AMA Pro Motocross season – scheduled for eleven rounds this summer – qualify for a spot in the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship. Riders who finish 21st – 30th in combined points, or those who earn a win yet don’t have the points for a direct qualification, will race a Last Chance Qualifier for the final two spots on the SuperMotocross League starting gate. The all-new series creates the sports’ first playoff season with two Playoff races and one Final race. The 450 class SuperMotocross World Champion will win a cool $1,000,000 payout along with the top spot in the history books. The 250 class champion will take home a $500,000 prize with their SuperMotocross World Championship title.
Tickets for next weekend’s Supercross Final are on sale now. If you can’t make it to Utah, each race of the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship streams live on Peacock with select events also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. To purchase tickets, watch video recaps of the season, and get feature stories, race results, and streaming and broadcast airtimes please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class podium (riders from left) Adam Cianciarulo, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
450SX Class Results
1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
3. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
4. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
5. Shane McElrath, Oakland, Fla., Suzuki
6. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
7. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM
8. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Suzuki
9. Grant Harlan, Decatur, Tex., Yamaha
10. Justin Starling, Riverview, Fla., GASGAS
450SX Class Championship Standings
1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (346)
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (339)
3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (303)
5. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)
6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)
7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)
8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (191)
9. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (191)
10. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (182)
250SX Class podium (riders from left) Jett Lawrence, RJ Hampshire, and Levi Kitchen. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Western Regional 250SX Class Results
1. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
2. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha
3. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda
4. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
5. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
6. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM
7. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM
8. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki
9. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha
10. Robbie Wageman, Newhall, Calif., Suzuki
Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (197)
2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (163)
3. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (137)
4. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (135)
5. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (121)
6. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (117)
7. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista won World Superbike Race Two Sunday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain.
Bautista won the 20-lap race by 8.5 seconds, giving him his eighth victory of the season. In fact, the Spaniard has won every full-length World Superbike race so far in 2023.
Pata Yamaha Prometeon’s Toprak Razgatlioglu was the runner-up, after just holding off Bautista’s teammate Michael Rinaldi by 0.06 second at the finish line.
American Garrett Gerloff finished 10th on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.
The current Championship leader, Alvaro Bautista, won three races of out three in Catalunya. He took the win in Race 2 ahead of teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi. He leaves Barcelona with 236 points and a 69-point advantage over Toprak Razgatlioglu.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“The weekend has been perfect. We won three races and each race was a bit different, especially the Superpole Race. It was a bit scary in the last few laps because it started to rain, but not regularly. It was sometimes raining in the first sector, the next lap in sector three, the next one in four and two… leading the way was quite difficult because you never knew what to expect, the amount of water is on the track, so I was discovering the track every lap. It was the longest three laps of my life! For Race 2, the conditions were similar to Race 1 but maybe the grip was a bit lower because of the rain in the morning. I understood the track and I can keep my pace. I’m really happy especially to win three races here in Spain, in front of all the fans and my family, is always more special.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) leads Alex Lowes (22) and Andrea Locatelli (55). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Second place goes to Toprak Razgatlioglu who claimed Yamaha’s 400th podium finish. He stands in second place in the standings with 167 points.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi was third, bouncing back after Race 1 DNF. He finished 8.643s behind his teammate.
Alex Lowes (22) leads Toprak Razgatlioglu (54), Andrea Locatelli (55), and Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alex Lowes was the lead Kawasaki rider in fourth place. Teammate Jonathan Rea took fifth place.
Local hero Xavi Vierge completed Race 2 top six as the lead Honda rider.
P6 | Xavi Vierge | Team HRC
“Unfortunately, Superpole is still our weak point but we are working to try to improve. We grew up a lot during the weekend and we finished we a solid result in Race 2. We made some solid changes on the bike which gave me more feeling with the bike. When you see 10 laps to go, and you see the podium is close, you have something which tells you to give your best. But as soon as I pushed, I felt the tyre dropping and I could do nothing more than try to keep the pace that I had. Finally, Locatelli had a little something more than me. Anyway, I think we made a solid race with sixth position.”
WorldSBK Race 2 Report
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship action concluded at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Prosecco DOC Catalunya Round as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed a Barcelona hat-trick to extend his Championship lead, while Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) pipped Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) on the line to deny Ducati a 1-2 finish in Spain.
Bautista lost out initially as the lights went out but recovered heading into Turn 1 to retake the lead although Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) did briefly take the lead on the opening lap, although it did not last long as Bautista recovered the lead of the race before building out a gap over teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi in second place, with Rinaldi able to build a gap over Razgatlioglu in third in the first half of the race. Rinaldi overtook Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) at Turn 1 on Lap 5 to promote himself into second.
It had looked like Rinaldi would finish in second place to lead home a Ducati 1-2, but his final lap was around two seconds slower than Razgatlioglu and the 2021 Champion was able to overtake Rinaldi on the run to the line to take second place and secure Yamaha’s 400th WorldSBK podium, which demoted Rinaldi to third as he ended his Catalunya Round on the podium. As the race progressed, Razgatlioglu was able to pull out a gap over Lowes with the gap over a second by the start of Lap 17, allowing Razgatlioglu to claim his third podium of the weekend.
As the laps ticked down, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who started tenth, closed in on his teammate in the fight for fourth place but Rea was unable to make a move on his teammate. The KRT pair finished in fourth and fifth after Rea battled back from tenth place; he started there as a result of his Tissot Superpole Race crash.
WorldSBK returns for the Pirelli Emilia-Romagne Round at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” from the 2nd to the 4th of June.
Defending World Champion Alvaro Bautista won the World Superbike Superpole Race Sunday morning at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, Bautista won the 10-lap race by 2.1 seconds.
Pata Yamaha Prometeon rider Toprak Razgatlioglu finished second, just ahead of his teammate Andrea Locatelli.
American Garrett Gerloff placed seventh on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR and was the top-finishing BMW rider.
Provisional Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kenzie Luker (Roy), 8 laps
2. Morgan Monroe (Roy), -00.592 seconds
3. Zaria Martens (Roy), -01.254
4. Makenna Hiatt (Roy), -05.582
5. Shasta L’Heureux (Roy), -06.474
6. Anna Serena (Roy), -17.537
7. Justine Marsh (Roy), -17.891
8. Morgan Piller (Roy), -18.589
9. Mia Reese (Roy), -1 lap, -00.001
10. Erin Ferris (Roy), -1 lap, -01.064
11. Moriah Hummer (Roy), -1 lap, -11.090
Provisional Hooligans Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Tyler Clark (Har), 8 laps
2. Tony Alves (Har), -01.157 seconds
3. Sam Cover (KTM), -02.011
4. Chris McDougal (Har), -03.733
5. Frank Flores (Har), -04.188
6. Jacob Crawford (Har), -06.306
7. Jeff Hiatt (Har), -08.250
8. Stace Richmond (KTM), -08.517
9. Darren Johnson (Har), -08.836
10. Pedro Brown (Har), -09.005
11. Adam Lesley (Har), -11.573
12. Mike Schroeder (Har), -15.740
13. Ken Wheaton (Har), -15.810
14. Rich Silva Jr. (Har), -1 lap, -09.943
15. Austin Helwig (Har), -8 laps, -**.***
16. Craig Reynolds (Har), -8 laps
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 25 laps
2. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -00.293 seconds
3. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -01.490
4. Max Whale (KTM), -01.693
5. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -02.015
6. Trent Lowe (Hon), -04.531
7. Tom Drane (Yam), -04.829
8. Cole Frederickson (Hon), -05.513
9. Justin Jones (KTM), -05.999
10. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -06.558
11. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -07.600
12. Andrew Luker (Yam), -08.781
13. James Ott (Hus), -10.782
14. Jared Lowe (Hon), -11.086
15. Travis Petton (KTM), -11.519
16. Chad Cose (Hus), -11.740
17. Cole Zabala (Hon), -12.492
18. Logan Eisenhard (KTM), -1 lap, -02.544
19. Tarren Santero (Hon), -1 lap
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 26 laps
2. JD Beach (Yam), -00.963 seconds
3. Jared Mees (Ind), -05.621
4. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -10.767
5. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -11.403
6. Sammy Halbert (Har), -12.039
7. Briar Bauman (KTM), -12.434
8. Davis Fisher (Ind), -12.820
9. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -13.806
10. Ben Lowe (Ind), -14.251
11. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -14.476
12. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -1 lap, -0*.**0
13. Kayl Kolkman (Yam), -1 lap, -01.287
14. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), -1 lap, -01.330
15. Ryan Wells (Roy), -1 lap, -01.604
16. Michael Hill (Kaw), -1 lap, -02.894
17. Shelby Miller (KTM), -1 lap, -08.422
18. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -16 laps, -**.***
19. Brandon Price (Har), -26 laps
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Daniels in Command at Inaugural Ventura Short Track
Dallas Daniels (center), the winner of the Ventura Short Track AFT SuperTwins race, with runner-up JD Beach (far left) and third-place finisher Jared Mees (far right). Photo courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 6, 2023) – The dream season of ascending Progressive American Flat Track star Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) continued with his convincing victory in Saturday night’s inaugural Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California.
As impressive as he was a year ago as a Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle rookie, Daniels has taken his game to the next level in 2023. The prodigious teenager extended his unblemished run of firsts and seconds this season with a calm and controlled performance en route to the top step on the box at the scenic ocean-adjacent venue.
Daniels’ teammate, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), shot off the line in first but held the position for less than a single quick circulation of the 1/5-mile clay oval. Beach did well to keep Daniels honest after being dropped to second and even reeled him back in at one point. But the relentless perfection of the title leader gradually stacked up to a near one-second advantage by the time the Main Event was seven minutes deep, with reigning champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) significantly further back in third.
Just when the podium order seemed all but academic, a red-flag reset occurred after Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) came out the worst of an accordion-style crash that marred the multi-rider fight for fourth. Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) got into the back of Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), leading directly to Robinson’s spill. The fallen Robinson was subsequently clipped by Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Dodge Bros. Racing/Martin Trucking Harley-Davidson XR750) forcing a stoppage in the action.
But even after Beach, Mees, and the field being given a second chance, little changed at the front following the staggered restart. Daniels simply went back to piling up his advantage, ultimately scooping up a third win of the year to go with his three runner-ups.
Beach completed the Estenson Racing Yamaha 1-2, while Mees managed to score podium points on a night he never really felt at home on the track.
Likewise, two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke) came away with fourth after running as low as ninth early.
Lewis held on for his second top five of the season in fifth, followed closely to the line by Halbert and Bauman’s younger sibling, Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 890 Duke).
Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) picked up his best result of the season in eighth, while Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) and Vanderkooi rounded out the top ten.
As a result of the third triumph of his sophomore campaign, Daniels tightened his grip on the title fight. He opened his lead to 24 points over Mees (138-114) a third of the way into the season, while Beach moved back ahead of Bauman for third (97-94).
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Like Daniels, Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) earned the third win of his 2023 season as he continued his Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER title defense in stellar fashion.
However, in contrast to his twin victory cruises at the DAYTONA double opener, Kopp was pushed to the brink by a hungry Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) under the lights at Ventura Raceway.
After a handful of hectic early laps, the two shook free from Saathoff’s Turner Racing teammates, Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R). From that point on, the race became a two-rider duel for top honors.
While Kopp controlled the bulk of the tense contest from the front, the Honda pilot threw in a few late haymakers, including a skittering, crisscrossing double lead change that got the fans on their feet with less than 30 seconds remaining on the clock.
But a last-lap encore wasn’t in the cards, as a minor moment on Saathoff’s part with two laps to go allowed Kopp just enough air to power to the checkered flag firework-free.
Kopp said, “Chase is a helluva competitor. He was my fiercest rival and competitor growing up on 85s, 250s, and 450s. Man, that was probably the most fun race I’ve ever had – we were squaring each other up. I hope it was a fun one to watch.”
Mischler held off Kopp’s charging teammate, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), to pick up his second consecutive podium, while Estenson Racing Yamaha’s Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) charged his way forward to fifth after getting off the line in ninth.
Dallas winner Lowe came home sixth, while Brunner’s Estenson Racing Yamaha teammate, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), took seventh. Cole Frederickson (No. 151 Lehmann Racing/Miller Tree Service Honda CRF450R) fifth eighth, followed by Justin Jones (No. 91 NRC Racing/Elder Trucking KTM 450 SX-F).
Kopp’s closest title rival, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) was the final rider in the top ten. That allowed Kopp to press his advantage up to a healthy 19 points (127-108) with Whale third at 102 and the on-form Saathoff fourth with 97.
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 Ventura Short Track, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, May 13, at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT).
Progressive American Flat Track 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.
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
NEAR-PERFECT OUTING FOR RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S KODY KOPP AT VENTURA SHORT TRACK
Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Round 6 – American Flat Track Championship
VENTURA, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp has achieved a near-perfect outing in the sixth round of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship at the Ventura Short Track, taking the Main Event victory in the AFT Singles Class, while teammate Max Whale finished in fourth position.
Qualifying in second position, just 0.024s off the pole, defending champion Kopp looked right at home on the Southern Californian circuit, powering his #1 KTM 450 SX-F to victory in the opening Heat race of the event. The 18-year-old then took victory in the Dash-for-Cash, before going on to secure a stellar P1 ride in the Main Event to extend his points advantage in the championship.
Kody Kopp: “Man, that was a gnarly one. Probably the best battle I’ve ever had in a Main Event – Chase [Saathoff] and I were going back and forth, a little bit of cat and mouse, and put on a great show for the fans. I managed to win the Dash-for-Cash and the Main Event, putting us back to where we belong. This season will continue to be a dogfight until the end. Hats off to my team, Red Bull KTM, it was a great weekend.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale shadowed Kopp in qualifying, landing position three on the timesheets by the session’s end. With momentum on his side, Whale continued his form in the second Heat race of the night, crossing the line in third just 0.775s from the win, before bringing home his KTM 450 SX-F fourth place on the Main Event. He’s third in the point standings.
Max Whale: “Today started out awesome and the track was unreal with loads of passing opportunities, which was good fun. I struggled a bit as the day went on, and messed up in the Heat, which put me on the second row and left me a little frustrated at myself, although I fought hard in the Main Event tonight for P4. I’m working hard, the team’s working harder, so, Sacramento in one weekend’s time. Let’s go!”
Next Race: Sacramento Mile – Sacramento, California – May 13, 2023
Race results from Round One and Round Two of the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Presented by Motul Series May 5-6 at Carolina Motorsports Park, in Kershaw, South Carolina.
There are four PDF documents below. The first is the Round One Race One results for each of the five Mini Cup classes. The second is the Round One Race Two results for each of the five Mini Cup classes. The third is the Round Two Race One results for each of the five Mini Cup classes. And the fourth is the Round Two Race Two results for each of the five Mini Cup classes.
Use the scroll and zoom tools in the PDF viewer to see all of the race results.
Nicolo Bulega, riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2, won World Supersport Race One Saturday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Bulega held off Marcel Schroetter and his Reparto Corse MV Agusta F3 RR 800cc triple by 0.626 second to claim his third straight win and fifth of the season, extending his Championship point lead.
Schroetter’s teammate Bahattin Sofuoglu, the nephew of multi-time Supersport World Champion Kenan Sofuoglu, finished third.
Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista won restarted World Superbike Race One Saturday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain.
Riding his Panigale V4 R, Bautista held a 0.9-second lead over his teammate Michael Rinaldi on lap four when the race was red flagged for a crash involving Eric Granado.
The restart lasted for 17 laps, and Bautista pulled away to win by eight seconds. It was the Spaniard’s seventh win of the season, extending his Championship point lead.
Pata Yamaha Prometeon rider Toprak Razgatlioglu stole the runner-up spot from Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea late in the race. Rea placed third.
American Garrett Gerloff finished ninth — and top BMW rider — on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.
Ninth win of 2023 in Catalunya for Alvaro Bautista
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Championship leader Alvaro Bautista extended his lead with his Race 1 win, as he finished
8.864s ahead of Toprak Razgatlioglu. He now has 199 points in the standings.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“I’m so happy to win here in Barcelona especially after today’s Superpole. I was fast and had a good feeling with the bike. In the race, it was different as we have to manage the tyre consumption, especially in the first laps. Honestly, I was surprised with the lap time because I was not forcing too much on the tyres, but I saw the time which was quite fast. The feeling with the bike was amazing, and for me that’s the most important. I try to stay focused, to push to the maximum that the tyre allows me to. I’m very happy with the feeling, and to win here in front of my friends and family, and the Spanish fans.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Toprak Razgatlioglu took second place, claiming his 91st podium and getting Yamaha closer to its 400th podium finish.
Jonathan Rea (65) leads Toprak Razgatlioglu (54), Andrea Locatelli (55), and Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jonathan Rea was third in Race 1, just 0.063s behind Razgatlioglu.
Andrea Locatelli (55) and Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Andrea Locatelli was the best of the rest in fourth place, while Aegerter was fifth meaning there were three Yamaha riders in the top five.
Iker Lecuona (7) leads Alex Lowes (22) and others during Race One. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Spanish rider Iker Lecuona completed Race 1’s top six, while his teammate Xavi Vierge was eighth.
WorldSBK Race 1 Report
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s opening race of the Prosecco DOC Catalunya Round at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was a dramatic affair as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed his fourth consecutive win in Barcelona to extend his Championship lead in Race 1, while there was a fierce battle for second with several riders at different points. The race was run over a 17-lap distance following a red flag on Lap 4 of the initial race, with Bautista winning the shortened race by 8.8 seconds.
The race was red flagged on Lap 4 of 20 after an incident on the exit of Turn 11 and the entrance of Turn 12 involving Eric Granado (PETRONAS MIE Racing HONDA Team). The Brazilian rider was conscious and taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash. Granado was declared unfit following the crash with concussion and he was transported to hospital for further assessments. The riders took to the grid for the restarted race based on their positions at the last completed time-keeping point for each rider, meaning Bautista took the front row ahead of teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).
The new race was restarted over a 17-lap distance with Bautista able to once again stay ahead from the front while his rivals squabbled behind him. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) moved from fifth to third, and then ahead of Rinaldi into second, before the factory Ducati barged his way through at Turn 3. They were still side by side through Turn 10 and into Turn 11. The pair made contact with Rinaldi retiring from the race and Bassani continuing; the incident was investigated by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards. Bassani was given a Long Lap Penalty for his role in the incident which he took instantly on Lap 6, dropping him from second to fifth.
Bassani’s penalty promoted Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) into second and third place and the pair were battling it out for second place as Bautista pulled out a gap over Rea and Razgatlioglu. Razgatlioglu was consistently putting Rea under pressure but, despite the 2021 Champion looking to make a move into Turn 1, he made the move on the final lap at Turn 1 despite being massively out of shape in the braking zone.
WorldSBK action resumes on Sunday from 09:00 (Local Time) with the Warm-Up, followed by Tissot Superpole Race at 11:00 and Race 2 at 14:00.
The Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans, France, will host the 1000th motorcycle Grand Prix. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Ici, c’est MotoGP™! The fastest show on Earth arrives in France
Le Mans hosts the 1000th Grand Prix in history, with the home heroes in the spotlight and the competition closer than ever
Monday, 08 May 2023
This weekend, history is guaranteed. 999 events later, motorcycle Grand Prix racing celebrates a huge milestone at Le Mans as the world’s first motorsport World Championship hits 1000 Grands Prix. There are far more than 1000 reasons to watch… but we’ll go through a few!
The Championship is tight on the way in as the Tissot Sprint continues to shake up the form book – for some at least – and thrill the grandstands on Saturday. Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is back in the hot seat with the points lead after a tough weekend for Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). KTM are on fire as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) now matches Bagnaia for Sprint wins – and nearly matched him on Sunday too. His teammate Jack Miller is right in the mix. Aprilia are close to the top but haven’t converted that pace yet. Honda have already won this season, but Jerez was back down to Earth. Yamaha? Yamaha are looking for more, and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) too – as well as a little luck.
So here we go! Welcome to Sarthe and one of the most hallowed venues in motorsport. As we said, history is guaranteed!
DUCATI LENOVO TEAM
It’s a question that’s been asked of Francesco Bagnaia a few times already: can he bounce back? The answer has, as yet, never been no. A year ago it was after sliding out at Le Mans when chasing now-teammate Enea Bastianini, then it was after the German GP. And again. Fast forward to COTA 2023 and the question still got asked. But the answer in Jerez was once again yes, and in some style. It was a stunning weekend pushed to the limit by the Red Bull KTMs, and it was a weekend to remind people how Pecco got that #1 plate. On pole at Le Mans last year, surely he arrives into the weekend this year as the favourite.
For Bastianini though, it’s another event on the sidelines. And in his place? A former Le Mans winner: Danilo Petrucci. ‘Petrux’ arrives from WorldSBK in Barcelona and will likely need a little time before getting anywhere near up to speed, but he’ll certainly be an interesting addition. It isn’t *that* long since the Italian was plying his trade at the front in the premier class, after all…
MOONEY VR46 RACING TEAM
From the highs of the first few races, Jerez was a somewhat back down to Earth moment for Mooney VR46, but Le Mans is another bite of the cherry. Marco Bezzecchi will be aiming to get back on the podium once again – and gain back that Championship lead – and teammate Luca Marini will want to get back into that leading postcode after both were a little AWOL in Spain. Le Mans suits the Ducati though – as if anywhere doesn’t, to be fair – so it will be no surprise if the VR46 crew get back to big impressions this weekend.
RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
Well, well, well. In the words of the inimitable Jack Miller, “ha! Where’s the KTM now?” On the podium on both days in Jerez and fighting for both victories? Ja. The Austrian factory were true showstoppers at the Spanish Grand Prix, and with both riders also pretty magic in mixed or wet conditions, there seems little to fear from France. Can they repeat their pace from Jerez? The answer to that question may lie in Friday and Saturday morning’s action, with a great qualifying giving them the perfect platform in Jerez. And one they used to perfection as absolute holeshot heroes. If nothing else though, we can absolutely guarantee that both two-time Tissot Sprint winner Brad Binder and newer arrival Miller will give it a go and a half.
APRILIA RACING
If you’d said after pre-season testing that both Maverick Viñales and Aleix Espargaro would be where they are now, few would probably have believed it. It’s all gone a little downhill after such a promising start, but there is still plenty of promise there. The riders have proven their quality and so has the machine, but it doesn’t take much in the closest competition on two wheels to suddenly find yourself with a bit of a mountain to climb – and just a handful of small mistakes, a few technical glitches and a little bit of pure bad luck have proven enough. Can the Noale factory bounce back? They were on the podium last season at Le Mans with Espargaro, who also arrives from pole at Jerez, and Viñales has been on the box here with his two previous machines, including a win. And the bike? Those few issues aside, it’s a serious contender.
PRIMA PRAMAC RACING
For Jorge Martin, Jerez will probably have tasted a little bitter. Over a weekend with no bad luck and/or drama, the Spaniard wasn’t quite able to take a visit to parc ferme on Saturday or Sunday. He had his bit to say on some of the moves, but with Miller vs Binder vs Pecco in full flow, the number 89 found himself locked out and wanting. Can he do more at Le Mans?
On the other side of the garage it’s a whole different kettle of fish for home hero Johann Zarco. There will be a little pressure, for sure, but there will also be an electric atmosphere for the two-time Moto2™ Champion. He’s been on the podium here before too, but it’s been a little more up and down so far in 2023. Can he take the fight to the rostrum again on hallowed turf, come rain or shine?
LCR HONDA CASTROL/IDEMITSU
After the incredible weekend he enjoyed at COTA, it was likely Alex Rins was going to leave Jerez with a little less, but it was a particularly tough one. The Americas GP wasn’t a mirage though and the number 42 has exactly the same quality, so now it’s time to see if he and his new bike and crew can put the pieces together a little better at Le Mans. He’s had some pace here at Le Mans before but crashed out, so a finish is one aim, and some bigger points hauls the next.
For Takaaki Nakagami, Jerez was a little light in the tunnel and the Japanese rider will want to build on it. He’s taken some solid P7s here over the last few years, which is no mean feat in the field as it is.
GRESINI RACING MotoGP™
On the Alex Marquez side of the box, the Grand Prix race in Spain wasn’t quite what the number 73 is aiming for this year with a P8, but it was at least another haul of points after a tough run. Le Mans, however, staged his first ever premier class podium in 2020 as he absolutely smashed it in the rain, so there are some good memories here. Can he get back into that frontrunning postcode he was in at Termas and COTA?
On the other side of the box, the search for a step forward continues for Fabio Di Giannantonio. He’s had good speed in the lower classes in France, and he’ll hope this is the weekend it starts coming together – especially ahead of Mugello, which was a highlight of his rookie campaign.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MotoGP™
COTA seemed like an upturn, on Sunday at least, for Fabio Quartararo. But Jerez was an adventurous one for the Frenchman. A very controversial Long Lap penalty, that crash, and then a comeback ride… but he also struggled to find speed on one lap at least, missing out on Q2 and suffering one of his worst qualifyings at one of his best venues. But this is home turf and another weekend to reset, with the packed grandstands sure to give the home hero a boost. What has he got in the locker?
For Franco Morbidelli, the tougher run continues too. Argentina is now beginning to fade in the memory, but he was closer to teammate Quartararo at times in Jerez. What will Le Mans bring?
CRYPTODATA RNF MotoGP™ TEAM
The bad luck continues for RNF, with the team already confirming that Miguel Oliveira will be sidelined in France. Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori will replace him. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez has undergone surgery on his arm too, so arrives from his own hurdle. After a tougher start to the season than many expected for the former Moto2™ record breaker, he’ll hope he can now start to rebuild and really get into that fight at the front over the coming races. First stop: getting passed fit to compete in France.
GASGAS FACTORY RACING Tech3
The mission remains similar for both Augusto Fernandez and Jonas Folger: chipping away at that progress. For Folger, of course, it’s also information and a useful adventure to partner his role as test rider. Fernandez’ aim is more points, and more top tens, as he pushes to get into that next postcode up the road.
REPSOL HONDA TEAM
It’s proving a tough season so far for Repsol Honda, but every team is only one Grand Prix away from a turnaround. Joan Mir continues to search for some progress in his adaptation, and the grid continues to search the entry list for Marc Marquez. Will his name be on there this time around?
As is often the case, the number 93 tops many of the stats for Le Mans, with wins, podiums and poles. And that’s without even talking about eight world titles and the pure magic he can pull out of the hat. But he said it himself: he’ll return when he’s healed. We’ll likely find out if that means the French GP pretty soon, but in the mean time we can just hope that the 1000th Grand Prix in history will feature one of the most successful riders over the 999 events before.
SHOWTIME
Friday’s practice sessions decide the automatic entrants to Q2, before the MotoGP™ grid qualify on Saturday morning. This weekend the Tissot Sprint is set for lights out at 15:00 on Saturday as ever, and the Grand Prix race returns to “normal” time. That’s 14:00 CEST!
Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +2)
Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +2)
See you there!
Acosta and Arbolino hit equal points: who leads after Le Mans?
Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) is an established winner in Moto2™, but mamma mia what a win that was in Jerez. The Brit will hope to find a little more of that magic in Le Mans, and reestablish his consistent presence on the podium.
Behind him though, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) still managed to make it a weekend in his favour, pulling equal with Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) on points at the top of the table. Their duel will likely roll on and it’s current advantage Acosta, but Arbolino did a good damage limitation exercise in Jerez considering he couldn’t quite find the pace. Le Mans sometimes sees the skies open, too…
Meanwhile, Alonso Lopez (CAG SpeedUp) continues to prove a fast, fast face at the front. He’s now homing in on Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) in the standings, with Lowes not far behind. Will the trio shuffle again at Le Mans? We’ll find out at 12:15 (GMT +2) on Sunday!
Ortola homes in on the top as Moto3™ heads for Le Mans
Ivan Ortola’s (Angeluss MTA Team) roll continued in style at Jerez, with the Spaniard taking his second win, first back to back win, and first win on home turf. If there was any doubt after Texas, there’s little now: we got ourselves a contender. He’s now third overall, as both Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and closest challenger Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) failed to make it onto the podium last time out. But France is another bite at the cherry…
Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing), meanwhile, is quietly but surely making some inroads into the title fight too – and getting consistent with it. Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) took a top finish after a run of bad luck. And David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar) is now a podium finisher! Who has more in the locker at Le Mans? We’ll find out at 11:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday!
Portuguese perfection and photo finishes in Estoril!
The 2023 Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship saw Round 1 head to Portugal… and it did not disappoint
The 2023 Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ Championship kicked off in style over the weekend at the historic Estoril Circuit. With no less than six races on Sunday, we saw four riders stand on the top step of the podium as Nico Carraro (Aspar Junior Team) claimed JuniorGP™ honours, while Daniel Muñoz (SP57 Racing Team) took the win in the new era for the Stock European Championship. There was Portuguese perfection for two riders, as Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Brian Uriarte (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) had double delight in Moto2™ European Championship and the European Talent Cup, winning both Race 1 & 2.
There’s just something about Estoril and photo finishes, and Sunday’s JuniorGP™ race was no exception. In an enthralling race that was restarted due to a red flag, the impressive Carraro beat Angel Piqueras (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) to the chequered flag first by just 0.002s, having got into the slipstream of the Spaniard out of the final corner. Alvaro Carpe (STV Laglisse Racing) crossed the line third, but was disqualified due to not meeting the correct weight regulations for the class. As a result, Jakob Rosenthaler (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Racing Team Intact GP Junior Team) is promoted onto the podium.
In the vit was a different story as the hot favourite for title honours in 2023 lived up the billing. All eyes were on Senna Agius as he launched from pole position and in Race 1, he bolted. Having got the perfect start from the line, the 17-year-old Australian had to do it all again due to a red flag after a Martin Vugrinec (Fifty Motorsport) crash – rider ok. Not to be perturbed, Agius pulled the pin to come home seven seconds ahead of Carlos Tatay (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) and compatriot Harrison Voight (Yamaha Philippines Stylobike Racing Team) – both of whom are class rookies.
Despite celebrating a podium together in Race 1, sterner words were exchanged later in the afternoon during Race 2 as Voight and Tatay crashed out of the podium places, with the Australian pointing the finger of blame firmly at the #99. That incident didn’t bother Agius, as he romped home towards a second win of the day to claim the maximum 50 points on offer in Estoril. His winning margin wasn’t quite as emphatic as before, but he still had more than four seconds to spare over Xavi Cardelus (Promoracing) as the Andorran opened his account for the season, as did Niccolo Antonelli (MMR), with the Italian coming home third.
The European Talent Cup were the first class out on track on the west of the Iberian Peninsula, and they warmed up the day’s action with a showstopper. Brian Uriarte, Rico Salmela (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) and Hakim Danish (Monlau Motul) formed a breakaway trio out front and entered wheel-to-wheel combat over 15 laps. Victory wasn’t decided until the three riders took the chequered flag within 0.054s of one another, with Uriarte first ahead of Salmela and Danish completing the podium.
Much like Moto2™, the ETC saw a double winner, with Uriarte going back-to-back, with an even closer finish in Race 2. The young Spaniard pinched the win off of 2021 ETC Champion Maximo Quiles on the line with only 0.006s between them. Quiles, who finished fourth in Race 1 after starting at the back of the grid and going through the LLP loop, will be gutted to have missed out but still goes home with a P2 result, while David Gonzalez (Cuna de Campeones) capped an impressive run with a maiden podium in the class.
Ending the day’s action was the solo Stock race, with the class now a different race to the Moto2™ category. Dani Muñoz carved out his own little piece of history as the maiden race winner, with the opportunity handed to him on a plate as poleman Eric Fernandez (FAU55 TEY Racing) crashed just three laps in. That gave Muñoz a country acre of space in P1 while Marco Garcia (EasyRace Team) and Alex Millan (Fifty Motorsport) battled for second place. In the end, it was Garcia who put in a classy ride to take the second step on the box, with Millan beginning his campaign with a third placed finish.
That’s a wrap then from Round 1 in Estoril, and it was certainly a memorable way to get the 2023 Championship up and running. The next installment of action isn’t far away, with Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia up next on May 21st.
You can also find all the results, videos, photos and information regarding the championship on the official website: www.fimjuniorgp.com
A scene from the AMA Pro Supercross event at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, in 2023. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Chase Sexton Wins Denver Supercross and Likely the Championship Crown
RJ Hampshire Grabs Denver Win, Jett Lawrence Wraps 250 West Championship
Denver, Colo., (May 7, 2023) Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took his fifth win of the year at a hugely-significant Round 16 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The win, coupled with what is likely a season-ending injury for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac, put Sexton as the 2023 champion if Tomac cannot line up at the final round next Saturday.
Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen took second place with an incredible charge from the back of the pack inside Empower Field at Mile High. And Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo earned his first podium finish since Round 3 of 2021 in the race that also pays points to the all-new, 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire earned his first win of 2023 with his own thrilling charge. Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence took a hard-fought third in the Main Event to win the Western Regional 250SX Class Championship.
Chase Sexton (23) was picture perfect on a night that changed everything and most likely made him the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Adam Cianciarulo grabbed the holeshot ahead of Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Shane McElrath, Eli Tomac, and Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill. Ken Roczen, on a recent podium streak, slid out in the first corner and started the race in dead last position while his teammate Shane McElrath leapt into the lead down the first rhythm section. Within three corners Tomac had moved into second, then took over the top spot before reaching the green flag. With his hometown race fans going wild, and with Chase Sexton back in sixth, it looked possible that Tomac could earn enough points to wrap up his third Supercross title. But Supercross is one of the toughest sports on the planet, and that fact took over the night, and the title chase, just two and half minutes into the race.
While leading, Eli Tomac stressed his left ankle on a jump take-off. He didn’t crash but instantly lifted his foot from the peg while airborne. After landing he quickly brought down his bike’s speed to roll the rest of the section. He immediately pulled off the track, holding his left ankle away from the bike, then rode instantly to the on-site Alpinestars Medical Rig. Before the race had ended the news was out: Eli Tomac had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and was out for the season.
In one instant Eli Tomac (1) lost the points lead and most surely the title after a non-crash injury down one of the track’s rhythm lanes. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Inside the stadium, Cianciarulo held the lead over Sexton. Five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Sexton took over the lead. By then Roczen had already made his way up to sixth place. Sexton steadily pulled clear of Cianciarulo while Roczen continued his charge, passing McElrath for third just eight and a half minutes into the race and gaining on Cianciarulo.
With 8:15 on the race clock Justin Hill took over fourth. Three and a half minutes after that Roczen was up to Cianciarulo and pressuring for the second place spot. Roczen quickly made his move and looked ahead 6.8 seconds to the leader. Roczen started to gain a little time on Sexton, but not at the rate he’d need to make a run at the win.
Interestingly, in a season that saw Sexton give up some big leads with unforced errors, the Honda rider remained composed and smooth. With the full pressure of the race and the title on him, he rode like a champion. Sexton took his fifth win of 2023 and with it jumped into the points lead by seven. If the early injury assessment of Tomac is accurate and he’s truly out for the season, Sexton is mathematically the champion once Tomac officially does not show up and qualify for the final race.
RJ Hampshire (24) put the pieces together and turned his incredible track speed into his first win of the season. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
When the gate dropped for the Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event, Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland jumped out ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Carson Mumford, and RJ Hampshire. Jett Lawrence, after a difficult Heat Race, was back in tenth as the riders crossed the holeshot stripe. Just over two minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Kitchen had taken over the lead and Hampshire was up to second. Further back in eighth, Lawrence was carefully picking off riders but showed no panic – he needed only to finish in tenth or better to take the title with one round remaining in the 250SX Class.
Five and a half minutes into the race Lopes moved past Vohland to take over third position. The riders made contact in a tight corner, and Vohland tipped over. Lawrence seemed to benefit from the chaos and soon got into fourth place. As the race clock ticked down under eight minutes Lawrence overtook Lopes for third place but was over 12 seconds back from the leaders.
Hampshire used the race’s midpoint to make a drive on Kitchen for the lead. The Husqvarna rider closed in, then leapt past when Kitchen made a small mistake in a short rhythm section. Kitchen recovered and retaliated immediately. Kitchen got back the spot as Hampshire went wide then shorted the track’s big double jump. Hampshire was off the track, but he kept his bike upright. Over the closing laps Hampshire put in a heroic charge. He was the fastest rider on the track and quickly made up the five seconds his off-track excursion had cost him. With 40 seconds on the clock Hampshire blitzed the whoops and took the lead from Kitchen.
Kitchen had one last surge of speed on the final lap, but never got into position to make a pass attempt. Hampshire took the checkered flag and the Denver Supercross win. Kitchen was right behind in second, and Lawrence brought his Honda home in third to win the division title with one race – an East/West Showdown – left on the schedule.
Between now and the Supercross Final in Salt Lake City, fans have an incredible opportunity at some one-of-a-kind memorabilia in the 2023 St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction. All money raised goes directly to the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the St. Jude mission of Finding Cures. Saving Children. The auction runs until Monday, May 15th at 11:59PM ET. The items in the auction were donated by the racers, teams, partners, and supporters of Monster Energy AMA Supercross. To see what’s available to support the incredible St. Jude efforts and take home a piece of the 2023 season, please go to St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Auction.
All-new for 2023 racing, the top 20 racers in combined championship points from the Monster Energy Supercross season and the AMA Pro Motocross season – scheduled for eleven rounds this summer – qualify for a spot in the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship. Riders who finish 21st – 30th in combined points, or those who earn a win yet don’t have the points for a direct qualification, will race a Last Chance Qualifier for the final two spots on the SuperMotocross League starting gate. The all-new series creates the sports’ first playoff season with two Playoff races and one Final race. The 450 class SuperMotocross World Champion will win a cool $1,000,000 payout along with the top spot in the history books. The 250 class champion will take home a $500,000 prize with their SuperMotocross World Championship title.
Tickets for next weekend’s Supercross Final are on sale now. If you can’t make it to Utah, each race of the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship streams live on Peacock with select events also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. To purchase tickets, watch video recaps of the season, and get feature stories, race results, and streaming and broadcast airtimes please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class podium (riders from left) Adam Cianciarulo, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
450SX Class Results
1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
3. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
4. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
5. Shane McElrath, Oakland, Fla., Suzuki
6. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
7. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM
8. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Suzuki
9. Grant Harlan, Decatur, Tex., Yamaha
10. Justin Starling, Riverview, Fla., GASGAS
450SX Class Championship Standings
1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (346)
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (339)
3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (303)
5. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)
6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)
7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)
8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (191)
9. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (191)
10. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (182)
250SX Class podium (riders from left) Jett Lawrence, RJ Hampshire, and Levi Kitchen. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Western Regional 250SX Class Results
1. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
2. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha
3. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda
4. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
5. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
6. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM
7. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM
8. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki
9. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha
10. Robbie Wageman, Newhall, Calif., Suzuki
Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (197)
2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (163)
3. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (137)
4. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (135)
5. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (121)
6. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (117)
7. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista won World Superbike Race Two Sunday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain.
Bautista won the 20-lap race by 8.5 seconds, giving him his eighth victory of the season. In fact, the Spaniard has won every full-length World Superbike race so far in 2023.
Pata Yamaha Prometeon’s Toprak Razgatlioglu was the runner-up, after just holding off Bautista’s teammate Michael Rinaldi by 0.06 second at the finish line.
American Garrett Gerloff finished 10th on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.
The current Championship leader, Alvaro Bautista, won three races of out three in Catalunya. He took the win in Race 2 ahead of teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi. He leaves Barcelona with 236 points and a 69-point advantage over Toprak Razgatlioglu.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“The weekend has been perfect. We won three races and each race was a bit different, especially the Superpole Race. It was a bit scary in the last few laps because it started to rain, but not regularly. It was sometimes raining in the first sector, the next lap in sector three, the next one in four and two… leading the way was quite difficult because you never knew what to expect, the amount of water is on the track, so I was discovering the track every lap. It was the longest three laps of my life! For Race 2, the conditions were similar to Race 1 but maybe the grip was a bit lower because of the rain in the morning. I understood the track and I can keep my pace. I’m really happy especially to win three races here in Spain, in front of all the fans and my family, is always more special.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) leads Alex Lowes (22) and Andrea Locatelli (55). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Second place goes to Toprak Razgatlioglu who claimed Yamaha’s 400th podium finish. He stands in second place in the standings with 167 points.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi was third, bouncing back after Race 1 DNF. He finished 8.643s behind his teammate.
Alex Lowes (22) leads Toprak Razgatlioglu (54), Andrea Locatelli (55), and Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alex Lowes was the lead Kawasaki rider in fourth place. Teammate Jonathan Rea took fifth place.
Local hero Xavi Vierge completed Race 2 top six as the lead Honda rider.
P6 | Xavi Vierge | Team HRC
“Unfortunately, Superpole is still our weak point but we are working to try to improve. We grew up a lot during the weekend and we finished we a solid result in Race 2. We made some solid changes on the bike which gave me more feeling with the bike. When you see 10 laps to go, and you see the podium is close, you have something which tells you to give your best. But as soon as I pushed, I felt the tyre dropping and I could do nothing more than try to keep the pace that I had. Finally, Locatelli had a little something more than me. Anyway, I think we made a solid race with sixth position.”
WorldSBK Race 2 Report
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship action concluded at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Prosecco DOC Catalunya Round as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed a Barcelona hat-trick to extend his Championship lead, while Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) pipped Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) on the line to deny Ducati a 1-2 finish in Spain.
Bautista lost out initially as the lights went out but recovered heading into Turn 1 to retake the lead although Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) did briefly take the lead on the opening lap, although it did not last long as Bautista recovered the lead of the race before building out a gap over teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi in second place, with Rinaldi able to build a gap over Razgatlioglu in third in the first half of the race. Rinaldi overtook Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) at Turn 1 on Lap 5 to promote himself into second.
It had looked like Rinaldi would finish in second place to lead home a Ducati 1-2, but his final lap was around two seconds slower than Razgatlioglu and the 2021 Champion was able to overtake Rinaldi on the run to the line to take second place and secure Yamaha’s 400th WorldSBK podium, which demoted Rinaldi to third as he ended his Catalunya Round on the podium. As the race progressed, Razgatlioglu was able to pull out a gap over Lowes with the gap over a second by the start of Lap 17, allowing Razgatlioglu to claim his third podium of the weekend.
As the laps ticked down, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who started tenth, closed in on his teammate in the fight for fourth place but Rea was unable to make a move on his teammate. The KRT pair finished in fourth and fifth after Rea battled back from tenth place; he started there as a result of his Tissot Superpole Race crash.
WorldSBK returns for the Pirelli Emilia-Romagne Round at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” from the 2nd to the 4th of June.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Defending World Champion Alvaro Bautista won the World Superbike Superpole Race Sunday morning at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, Bautista won the 10-lap race by 2.1 seconds.
Pata Yamaha Prometeon rider Toprak Razgatlioglu finished second, just ahead of his teammate Andrea Locatelli.
American Garrett Gerloff placed seventh on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR and was the top-finishing BMW rider.
Provisional Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kenzie Luker (Roy), 8 laps
2. Morgan Monroe (Roy), -00.592 seconds
3. Zaria Martens (Roy), -01.254
4. Makenna Hiatt (Roy), -05.582
5. Shasta L’Heureux (Roy), -06.474
6. Anna Serena (Roy), -17.537
7. Justine Marsh (Roy), -17.891
8. Morgan Piller (Roy), -18.589
9. Mia Reese (Roy), -1 lap, -00.001
10. Erin Ferris (Roy), -1 lap, -01.064
11. Moriah Hummer (Roy), -1 lap, -11.090
Provisional Hooligans Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Tyler Clark (Har), 8 laps
2. Tony Alves (Har), -01.157 seconds
3. Sam Cover (KTM), -02.011
4. Chris McDougal (Har), -03.733
5. Frank Flores (Har), -04.188
6. Jacob Crawford (Har), -06.306
7. Jeff Hiatt (Har), -08.250
8. Stace Richmond (KTM), -08.517
9. Darren Johnson (Har), -08.836
10. Pedro Brown (Har), -09.005
11. Adam Lesley (Har), -11.573
12. Mike Schroeder (Har), -15.740
13. Ken Wheaton (Har), -15.810
14. Rich Silva Jr. (Har), -1 lap, -09.943
15. Austin Helwig (Har), -8 laps, -**.***
16. Craig Reynolds (Har), -8 laps
Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 25 laps
2. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -00.293 seconds
3. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -01.490
4. Max Whale (KTM), -01.693
5. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -02.015
6. Trent Lowe (Hon), -04.531
7. Tom Drane (Yam), -04.829
8. Cole Frederickson (Hon), -05.513
9. Justin Jones (KTM), -05.999
10. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -06.558
11. Aidan RoosEvans (Hon), -07.600
12. Andrew Luker (Yam), -08.781
13. James Ott (Hus), -10.782
14. Jared Lowe (Hon), -11.086
15. Travis Petton (KTM), -11.519
16. Chad Cose (Hus), -11.740
17. Cole Zabala (Hon), -12.492
18. Logan Eisenhard (KTM), -1 lap, -02.544
19. Tarren Santero (Hon), -1 lap
Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 26 laps
2. JD Beach (Yam), -00.963 seconds
3. Jared Mees (Ind), -05.621
4. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -10.767
5. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -11.403
6. Sammy Halbert (Har), -12.039
7. Briar Bauman (KTM), -12.434
8. Davis Fisher (Ind), -12.820
9. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -13.806
10. Ben Lowe (Ind), -14.251
11. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -14.476
12. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -1 lap, -0*.**0
13. Kayl Kolkman (Yam), -1 lap, -01.287
14. Kasey Sciscoe (Har), -1 lap, -01.330
15. Ryan Wells (Roy), -1 lap, -01.604
16. Michael Hill (Kaw), -1 lap, -02.894
17. Shelby Miller (KTM), -1 lap, -08.422
18. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -16 laps, -**.***
19. Brandon Price (Har), -26 laps
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track (AFT):
Daniels in Command at Inaugural Ventura Short Track
Dallas Daniels (center), the winner of the Ventura Short Track AFT SuperTwins race, with runner-up JD Beach (far left) and third-place finisher Jared Mees (far right). Photo courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 6, 2023) – The dream season of ascending Progressive American Flat Track star Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) continued with his convincing victory in Saturday night’s inaugural Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California.
As impressive as he was a year ago as a Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle rookie, Daniels has taken his game to the next level in 2023. The prodigious teenager extended his unblemished run of firsts and seconds this season with a calm and controlled performance en route to the top step on the box at the scenic ocean-adjacent venue.
Daniels’ teammate, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), shot off the line in first but held the position for less than a single quick circulation of the 1/5-mile clay oval. Beach did well to keep Daniels honest after being dropped to second and even reeled him back in at one point. But the relentless perfection of the title leader gradually stacked up to a near one-second advantage by the time the Main Event was seven minutes deep, with reigning champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) significantly further back in third.
Just when the podium order seemed all but academic, a red-flag reset occurred after Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) came out the worst of an accordion-style crash that marred the multi-rider fight for fourth. Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) got into the back of Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), leading directly to Robinson’s spill. The fallen Robinson was subsequently clipped by Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Dodge Bros. Racing/Martin Trucking Harley-Davidson XR750) forcing a stoppage in the action.
But even after Beach, Mees, and the field being given a second chance, little changed at the front following the staggered restart. Daniels simply went back to piling up his advantage, ultimately scooping up a third win of the year to go with his three runner-ups.
Beach completed the Estenson Racing Yamaha 1-2, while Mees managed to score podium points on a night he never really felt at home on the track.
Likewise, two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke) came away with fourth after running as low as ninth early.
Lewis held on for his second top five of the season in fifth, followed closely to the line by Halbert and Bauman’s younger sibling, Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 890 Duke).
Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) picked up his best result of the season in eighth, while Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) and Vanderkooi rounded out the top ten.
As a result of the third triumph of his sophomore campaign, Daniels tightened his grip on the title fight. He opened his lead to 24 points over Mees (138-114) a third of the way into the season, while Beach moved back ahead of Bauman for third (97-94).
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Like Daniels, Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) earned the third win of his 2023 season as he continued his Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER title defense in stellar fashion.
However, in contrast to his twin victory cruises at the DAYTONA double opener, Kopp was pushed to the brink by a hungry Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) under the lights at Ventura Raceway.
After a handful of hectic early laps, the two shook free from Saathoff’s Turner Racing teammates, Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R). From that point on, the race became a two-rider duel for top honors.
While Kopp controlled the bulk of the tense contest from the front, the Honda pilot threw in a few late haymakers, including a skittering, crisscrossing double lead change that got the fans on their feet with less than 30 seconds remaining on the clock.
But a last-lap encore wasn’t in the cards, as a minor moment on Saathoff’s part with two laps to go allowed Kopp just enough air to power to the checkered flag firework-free.
Kopp said, “Chase is a helluva competitor. He was my fiercest rival and competitor growing up on 85s, 250s, and 450s. Man, that was probably the most fun race I’ve ever had – we were squaring each other up. I hope it was a fun one to watch.”
Mischler held off Kopp’s charging teammate, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), to pick up his second consecutive podium, while Estenson Racing Yamaha’s Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) charged his way forward to fifth after getting off the line in ninth.
Dallas winner Lowe came home sixth, while Brunner’s Estenson Racing Yamaha teammate, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), took seventh. Cole Frederickson (No. 151 Lehmann Racing/Miller Tree Service Honda CRF450R) fifth eighth, followed by Justin Jones (No. 91 NRC Racing/Elder Trucking KTM 450 SX-F).
Kopp’s closest title rival, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) was the final rider in the top ten. That allowed Kopp to press his advantage up to a healthy 19 points (127-108) with Whale third at 102 and the on-form Saathoff fourth with 97.
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 Ventura Short Track, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, May 13, at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT).
Progressive American Flat Track 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.
More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:
NEAR-PERFECT OUTING FOR RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S KODY KOPP AT VENTURA SHORT TRACK
Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Round 6 – American Flat Track Championship
VENTURA, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp has achieved a near-perfect outing in the sixth round of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship at the Ventura Short Track, taking the Main Event victory in the AFT Singles Class, while teammate Max Whale finished in fourth position.
Qualifying in second position, just 0.024s off the pole, defending champion Kopp looked right at home on the Southern Californian circuit, powering his #1 KTM 450 SX-F to victory in the opening Heat race of the event. The 18-year-old then took victory in the Dash-for-Cash, before going on to secure a stellar P1 ride in the Main Event to extend his points advantage in the championship.
Kody Kopp: “Man, that was a gnarly one. Probably the best battle I’ve ever had in a Main Event – Chase [Saathoff] and I were going back and forth, a little bit of cat and mouse, and put on a great show for the fans. I managed to win the Dash-for-Cash and the Main Event, putting us back to where we belong. This season will continue to be a dogfight until the end. Hats off to my team, Red Bull KTM, it was a great weekend.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale shadowed Kopp in qualifying, landing position three on the timesheets by the session’s end. With momentum on his side, Whale continued his form in the second Heat race of the night, crossing the line in third just 0.775s from the win, before bringing home his KTM 450 SX-F fourth place on the Main Event. He’s third in the point standings.
Max Whale: “Today started out awesome and the track was unreal with loads of passing opportunities, which was good fun. I struggled a bit as the day went on, and messed up in the Heat, which put me on the second row and left me a little frustrated at myself, although I fought hard in the Main Event tonight for P4. I’m working hard, the team’s working harder, so, Sacramento in one weekend’s time. Let’s go!”
Next Race: Sacramento Mile – Sacramento, California – May 13, 2023
Mini Cup 160 Ohvale Round One Race One winner Nathan Gouker (center), runner-up Mahdi Salem (left), and third-place finisher Reese Frankenfield (right). Photo courtesy 35Motorsports.
Race results from Round One and Round Two of the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Presented by Motul Series May 5-6 at Carolina Motorsports Park, in Kershaw, South Carolina.
There are four PDF documents below. The first is the Round One Race One results for each of the five Mini Cup classes. The second is the Round One Race Two results for each of the five Mini Cup classes. The third is the Round Two Race One results for each of the five Mini Cup classes. And the fourth is the Round Two Race Two results for each of the five Mini Cup classes.
Use the scroll and zoom tools in the PDF viewer to see all of the race results.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Nicolo Bulega, riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2, won World Supersport Race One Saturday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Bulega held off Marcel Schroetter and his Reparto Corse MV Agusta F3 RR 800cc triple by 0.626 second to claim his third straight win and fifth of the season, extending his Championship point lead.
Schroetter’s teammate Bahattin Sofuoglu, the nephew of multi-time Supersport World Champion Kenan Sofuoglu, finished third.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista won restarted World Superbike Race One Saturday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Spain.
Riding his Panigale V4 R, Bautista held a 0.9-second lead over his teammate Michael Rinaldi on lap four when the race was red flagged for a crash involving Eric Granado.
The restart lasted for 17 laps, and Bautista pulled away to win by eight seconds. It was the Spaniard’s seventh win of the season, extending his Championship point lead.
Pata Yamaha Prometeon rider Toprak Razgatlioglu stole the runner-up spot from Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea late in the race. Rea placed third.
American Garrett Gerloff finished ninth — and top BMW rider — on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.
Ninth win of 2023 in Catalunya for Alvaro Bautista
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Championship leader Alvaro Bautista extended his lead with his Race 1 win, as he finished
8.864s ahead of Toprak Razgatlioglu. He now has 199 points in the standings.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“I’m so happy to win here in Barcelona especially after today’s Superpole. I was fast and had a good feeling with the bike. In the race, it was different as we have to manage the tyre consumption, especially in the first laps. Honestly, I was surprised with the lap time because I was not forcing too much on the tyres, but I saw the time which was quite fast. The feeling with the bike was amazing, and for me that’s the most important. I try to stay focused, to push to the maximum that the tyre allows me to. I’m very happy with the feeling, and to win here in front of my friends and family, and the Spanish fans.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Toprak Razgatlioglu took second place, claiming his 91st podium and getting Yamaha closer to its 400th podium finish.
Jonathan Rea (65) leads Toprak Razgatlioglu (54), Andrea Locatelli (55), and Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jonathan Rea was third in Race 1, just 0.063s behind Razgatlioglu.
Andrea Locatelli (55) and Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Andrea Locatelli was the best of the rest in fourth place, while Aegerter was fifth meaning there were three Yamaha riders in the top five.
Iker Lecuona (7) leads Alex Lowes (22) and others during Race One. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Spanish rider Iker Lecuona completed Race 1’s top six, while his teammate Xavi Vierge was eighth.
WorldSBK Race 1 Report
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s opening race of the Prosecco DOC Catalunya Round at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was a dramatic affair as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed his fourth consecutive win in Barcelona to extend his Championship lead in Race 1, while there was a fierce battle for second with several riders at different points. The race was run over a 17-lap distance following a red flag on Lap 4 of the initial race, with Bautista winning the shortened race by 8.8 seconds.
The race was red flagged on Lap 4 of 20 after an incident on the exit of Turn 11 and the entrance of Turn 12 involving Eric Granado (PETRONAS MIE Racing HONDA Team). The Brazilian rider was conscious and taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash. Granado was declared unfit following the crash with concussion and he was transported to hospital for further assessments. The riders took to the grid for the restarted race based on their positions at the last completed time-keeping point for each rider, meaning Bautista took the front row ahead of teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).
The new race was restarted over a 17-lap distance with Bautista able to once again stay ahead from the front while his rivals squabbled behind him. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) moved from fifth to third, and then ahead of Rinaldi into second, before the factory Ducati barged his way through at Turn 3. They were still side by side through Turn 10 and into Turn 11. The pair made contact with Rinaldi retiring from the race and Bassani continuing; the incident was investigated by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards. Bassani was given a Long Lap Penalty for his role in the incident which he took instantly on Lap 6, dropping him from second to fifth.
Bassani’s penalty promoted Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) into second and third place and the pair were battling it out for second place as Bautista pulled out a gap over Rea and Razgatlioglu. Razgatlioglu was consistently putting Rea under pressure but, despite the 2021 Champion looking to make a move into Turn 1, he made the move on the final lap at Turn 1 despite being massively out of shape in the braking zone.
WorldSBK action resumes on Sunday from 09:00 (Local Time) with the Warm-Up, followed by Tissot Superpole Race at 11:00 and Race 2 at 14:00.
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