Featured In the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World:
It seems like there are two kinds of people who work in the motorcycle industry—those who are born into it and those who are drawn to it. Scott Diamond had no family history in motorcycling and already had a career working on Wall Street, but he fell in love with riding motorcycles as an adult and decided to make motorcycles his life. Along the way, he started MOTO- D Racing to fuel his passion and the passion of others, and he hasn’t let off the gas since…
—Shops: MOTO-D Racing, by David Swarts
MOTO-D Racing is more than just a passion project. The company has become a supporter of track day riding, racing, and performance motorcycling, to the point where it’s rare to walk past three garages at a race or track day without seeing at least one of the company’s products in use. Read the story of MOTO-D’s establishment and growth—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
PREVIEW the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Read the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Bridewell 0.1s off the fastest ever lap as 12 riders confirmed for Omologato Superpole
Tommy Bridewell upped the pace in the second Bennetts British Superbike Championship SUPERPICKS Free Practice session topping the times for Oxford Products Racing Ducati, just 0.173s adrift of the fastest ever lap of the Lincolnshire circuit.
Following the two combined sessions today, the top 12 riders progress directly into tomorrow’s Omologato Superpole Qualifying, but it was hard-fought with the top 17 riders covered by just 0.982s.
Bridewell set his pace-setting lap with 15-minutes of the session remaining, but tipped off at the bottom of the Mountain on the following lap. He was able to return to the eBay pitlane and complete the session, holding off Bradley Ray by 0.035s at the chequered flag.
Danny Buchan completed the top three on combined times, the SYNETIQ BMW rider holding off the Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki pairing of Lee Jackson and Rory Skinner who locked out the top five.
In incredibly close combined times, Andrew Irwin was sixth fastest, just 0.001s adrift of Skinner, with Leon Haslam in seventh just 0.003s behind the SYNETIQ BMW ahead of him.
Jason O’Halloran was the leading McAMS Yamaha rider in eighth place with Takumi Takahashi continuing to lead the Honda Racing UK charge in ninth place, qualifying for his first Omologato Superpole experience tomorrow.
Christian Iddon moved inside the top 12 in the closing stages for Buildbase Suzuki, with Ryan Vickers and Tarran Mackenzie completing the contenders already confirmed in tomorrow’s Omologato Superpole.
Peter Hickman was the first rider to miss out on the top 12 just ahead of Ryo Mizuno and Glenn Irwin. They will lead the charge of riders taking part in SUPERPICKS Qualifying tomorrow, with the top three from that session completing the 15 rider line up in the battle for pole position in the much-anticipated Omologato Superpole, which will decide the grid for the eBay Sprint race.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Cadwell Park, SUPERPICKS Free Practice combined times:
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 1m:25.989s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.035s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.065s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki) +0.235s
Ryan Vickers (FHO Racing BMW with Attis Sports) +0.610s
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.643s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tommy Bridewell
Oxford Products Racing Ducati
“Today’s been a good day, just standard to be honest! We’ve got new bits here and we’ve got a lot we’re trying and it all takes time, so yes we benefitted from that test last night.
“We’re struggling in all honesty more so with the electronics to get the bike to stop so we’re still searching for areas for that to improve. I’m probably over riding the bike a bit to make the time and I could just do with knocking that back a bit.
“We’re getting there! We’ve got a new fork internal from K-Tech, the new swinging arm, we’ve got bits and pieces that we’re testing, different electronic strategy, so it’s all fairly overwhelming as mad as it sounds, but we’re making it work.
“We’ve got plenty of time tonight to make a big step tomorrow, I don’t think the outright lap time will go much quicker, but I feel we can make the bike do low 26s with race pace.
“Obviously our goal is racing and that’s still the target, but we’re not far away. I’m not completely happy, on a scale of one to 10 I would probably say I’m about a six and a half-ish although to be quite honest I don’t know if I’ve ever been a 10!”
Featured In the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World:
When Editor-At-Large Michael Gougis interviewed Energica USA CEO Stefano Benatti, he hinted at the next racing project for the company’s electric motorcycles.
We now know that project was to enter an Energica in the Roland Sands Design (RSD) Super Hooligan race during the MotoAmerica event weekend at Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca and compete head-to-head against gasoline-fueled motorcycles. By all accounts the effort was a success and may lead to even more electric racing…
—Stefano Mesa’s Big Electric Adventure, by David Swarts
It was an exercise in adaptation for racer Stefano Mesa, but he showed the potential of electric racing machines when he took an Energica Eva Ribelle RS streetbike into competition in the MotoAmerica RSD Super Hooligans class. Read how Mesa ran in the top six for most of the race—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
PREVIEW the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Read the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
Featured in the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
Energica is on a roll. The all-electric motorcycle company has just landed major new financial backing, has added an additional factory to increase production capability, and is wrapping up a successful four-year stint as the exclusive manufacturer of the racebikes used in the FIM MotoE World Cup Series.
At an Energica Exclusive Riding Experience event in Italy, Stefano Benatti, the company’s U.S. CEO, sat down for a one-on-one interview with Roadracing World about the company’s growth, technological development, and lessons learned by racing during MotoGP weekends…
—Interview: Energica USA CEO Stefano Benatti, by Michael Gougis
From finance to technology to racing, whether on the International stage or in the Hooligan scrum in the U.S., Stefano Benatti lays out his vision for Energica in the U.S. Read his mind—or at least his words—in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
PREVIEW the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Read the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
Honda HRC opens the doors of its box, hospitality and offices at the track to commemorate the company’s 40th anniversary, which will be held on September 1, during the San Marino Grand Prix.
The series, titled ‘Behind the Dream’, will cover six completely different characters in six different departments of Honda Racing Corporation across six episodes, which have been recorded throughout the season and will be distributed every two weeks, until the final race at the Valencia Grand Prix.
The first chapter is entitled ‘Marc‘ and covers the extraordinary visit of Marc Marquez at the Austrian Grand Prix, where the eight-time MotoGP world champion is honest about the difficulties facing the iconic factory. “I arrived here with another role, another mentality”.
The Spanish rider met with the HRC leadership, with his team and with the rest of the Honda riders to fully understand the evolution and development direction that has gone on in his absence, “Everyone is doing their 100%, but now in a difficult situation, the most important thing is to keep everyone’s motivation.”
On a personal note, #93 explains his relationship with fear, how he has changed in the two years since his accident at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera. “2 years ago I didn’t feel fear,” and “the way I approach races is changing”. Marquez left the same Friday after FP2 at the Red Bull Ring “to continue with the rehabilitation” and wait for the right moment for his return to competition, which is getting closer every day after the green light given by doctors last Wednesday.
The champion from Cervera also takes advantage of this short to explain the importance of his team in the worst moments, which is when you must be more united. “The people around me are the most important,” he notes.
Episode 2 is titled ‘Stefan’, scheduled for September 9th.
Crunch time at Cadwell Park: Showdown looming ahead of Bank Holiday season highlight
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns to Lincolnshire this August Bank Holiday weekend as fans prepare to descend on Cadwell Park for one of the annual season highlights.
This weekend’s event will play a crucial part in the battle to become 2022 Bennetts BSB champion, with just six races (three at Cadwell Park and three at Snetterton) now remaining before the final top eight line up is confirmed ahead of the title-deciding Showdown.
Last time out at Thruxton, fans were treated to a spectacular dogfight between Jason O’Halloran, Tarran Mackenzie and Bradley Ray, who fought to the finish in the closest races of the season so far.
McAMS Yamaha’s O’Halloran leads the standings into Cadwell Park this weekend ahead of Ray, with the pair the first two riders to confirm their place as Title Fighters in the Showdown, but six places are still to be decided.
Local contender Lee Jackson currently holds third place in the standings and is bidding for a place in the Showdown for the first time.
The Lincoln rider has had his strongest campaign to date so far with Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Racing Kawasaki and has high hopes for his home round, where a strong showing could confirm his place in the Showdown.
Rory Skinner arrives at Cadwell Park following his recent performance in the Moto2 World Championship last weekend holding fourth in the standings.
The second of the Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Racing Kawasaki riders, the young Scot is also striving for a place in the Showdown for the first time.
A consistent weekend at Thruxton has elevated Glenn Irwin into fifth in the standings and the Silverstone triple race-winner will be looking to further strengthen his positon at the Honda Racing UK team’s home round.
Kyle Ryde is now just three points ahead of Mackenzie for sixth in the standings as the defending champion continues to catapult himself back up the order.
The McAMS Yamaha rider has been playing catch up since his recovery from pre-season injuries, but Mackenzie’s recent performances have put him firmly back in contention as he bids for consecutive titles.
Tommy Bridewell has had a strong run of form at Cadwell Park in the past and the Oxford Products Racing Ducati rider holds the final position in the top eight of the standings ahead of the three races this weekend.
It’s home hero Peter Hickman though who is leading the hunt to displace them and fire themselves into the top eight of the standings.
Hickman has fond memories of the circuit from last season; it was the scene of FHO Racing BMW’s first victory in the series and the Louth-based team will be determined to deliver a repeat performance as they bid for a place in the Showdown.
Leon Haslam remains the most successful rider of the current grid in terms of race wins at Cadwell Park; the VisionTrack Kawasaki rider has recorded nine wins at the challenging Lincolnshire circuit and adding to those would edge him closer to the top eight.
Danny Buchan and Christian Iddon are just outside of the top ten as they strive to close in on the Showdown positions.
Meanwhile one of the most popular riders with the Cadwell Park crowds is MCE Ducati’s Josh Brookes; the double champion is famed for his style at The Mountain but needs to be in the podium fight this weekend if he is to remain in Showdown contention.
Brookes has featured in every Showdown he has competed in, so will remain determined to turn his Showdown aspirations around this weekend.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 331 – SHOWDOWN CONFIRMED
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) 307 – SHOWDOWN CONFIRMED
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki) 219
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 158
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Jason O’Halloran
McAMS Yamaha
Championship leader
“I really enjoy riding at Cadwell Park, it’s unlike any other track in the UK and probably one of my favourite circuits on the calendar.
“Last year we had two seconds and a win, which was one of my most enjoyable wins of the year as it came at what I’d consider my home track.
“I might be an Aussie but Lincolnshire has been my home for a long time now! We’ve had a good run these last few races, we haven’t been off the podium in the last 12 races.
“The plan has to be to continue that with the focus on podium points to put us in the strongest position possible to fight for the title over the last three rounds which are approaching very fast!’
Lee Jackson
Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Racing Kawasaki
“My main aim to start with is to have a consistent weekend and get the bike to where it needs to be so that we are in a good place going into qualifying.
“In the races I need to get myself up the sharp end, ideally the main aim is a podium at my home round – that would be fantastic. Hopefully that will mean that I have my place confirmed in the Showdown.
“If I can get into the Showdown this weekend then that would take a little bit of the pressure off going into Snetterton. We need to get back onto the podium now and try and get some of those podium points to push myself and the team back up in the championship.
“I am looking forward to this weekend. It has been a good track for me in the past, but I also know that it is a tough track and there are quite a few riders who have gone well there too. My hopes are high but also realistic. There is always pressure but I am going to try to turn that into something I can thrive off to give me that little bit extra I need on raceday.
“I think there will be about eight of us who can be up there fighting for the win or podiums, it won’t be easy but it is all about getting a good start, being in the lead group and then just going from there. Ideally, you want to get to the front and break away but this is BSB and it is never that easy!”
Enea Bastianini to become Francesco Bagnaia’s next teammate in the Ducati Lenovo Team
Ducati Corse is pleased to announce that Enea Bastianini will defend the colours of the Ducati Lenovo Team starting from the next MotoGP World Championship season, alongside the already confirmed Pecco Bagnaia. The 24-year-old rider from Rimini, who has already won three GPs this year in Qatar, Texas and France, has a two-year contract with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer and will wear the colours of the official team after two seasons in the premier class with the Desmosedici GP of the Esponsorama Racing (2021) and Gresini Racing (2022) teams.
Enea Bastianini: “I am thrilled to be able to wear the colours of the official Ducati team starting next year. It was my dream, and now it has come true. In these two years in MotoGP, I have learned and grown a lot, and I believe that I can only improve with the engineers and men of the Ducati Lenovo Team! I want to thank Claudio, Gigi, Paolo and Davide for trusting me and giving me this incredible opportunity. Still, I also want to thank Nadia and the whole Gresini team for the great support I have received from them during this wonderful season together. I will try to close out this 2022 in the best possible way before tackling my new adventure as a factory Ducati rider with total commitment and the right team spirit.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (General Manager of Ducati Corse): “We are delighted to have Bastianini in the factory team. Enea is a very talented rider who has matured a lot in these two years with Ducati. He has been able to grow quickly, scoring two podiums in his debut year in MotoGP and then taking three stunning victories this year with Gresini Racing in Qatar, the USA and France. We are convinced that next year, as an official Ducati Lenovo Team rider, he will be able to take another step forward and be among the protagonists in every race. It was not an easy choice. Enea and Jorge Martin are two very fast and young riders, which is precisely why we still wanted to ensure the same material and technical support for both. We are sure they will be able to show all their great talent on track”.
Where and when there is a need, manufacturing follows. There is a need for helmets in Thailand, a country of 70 million people. According to the Pew Research Center, there are at least 15 million motorcycles in use in the country, or, to put it another way, an incredible 87% of all Thai households own at least one motorcycle. In comparison, only 14% of all U.S. households own a motorcycle.
Bilmola, a Thai company, started producing helmets for other companies in 2010, and has in recent years started to produce products under its own name. In 2020, the company established a U.S. headquarters in California, and early in 2022 introduced its latest high-performance, full-face helmet, the RC-1.
The Travis Wyman Replica Bilmola RC-1 will not be sold in the U.S. until 2023. Here, Wyman is climbing the Stock 1000 podium at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The helmet completely looks the part of a high-tech, cutting-edge protective device. The forged composite shell shows off its structural materials, with the helmet finished in a clear coat and the composites on clear display. The styling is angular, sharp and modern.
After several hundreds of miles wearing this helmet on a variety of motorcycles–sportbike, naked and touring–I can say it is an impressive first effort, although not quite up to the standards of the premium helmets that are in its price range.
Tech Specs
The Bilmola RC-1’s shell is made with a forged composite material and process. Also known as forged carbon, it differs from traditional carbon-fiber in that the pieces of carbon fiber are smaller and are pressed into position in the resin as it cures. The process does away with the labor-intensive manual layup of pre-impregnated sheets of carbon fiber.
According to a paper presented at the American Society of Composites 26th Technical Conference in Montreal in 2011, the process uses high pressures in addition to heat to cure the material. The process comes from the world of the truly high-end–it was developed by the Callaway Golf Company and Lamborghini!
The author wearing a Bilmola RC-1 during a recent Yamaha new model press launch. The Bilmola RC-1 helmet’s forged composite construction gives it a high-tech, cutting edge look. Photo by Ali Donze/courtesy Yamaha.
Forged composite materials are stronger that traditional carbon-fiber and have smaller variations in strength, and cures in three to five minutes, the paper states. In addition, it can be formed into more complex shapes. In the Lamborghini demonstration vehicle–the Sesto Elemento–the suspension control arms made from forged composite materials were cheaper and quicker to make and 30% lighter than the same part made from forged aluminum. Manufacturing suspension parts from the material took only six minutes from start to finished product, the paper stated.
The RC-1 comes in two shell sizes–medium and small. There are three different expanded polystyrene (EPS) lining sizes, and combined with different sizes of the lining material–a product the company calls Active Air padding–the helmet is available in six sizes from S to XXL.
The forged composite construction process allows for a lighter shell than traditional carbon fiber and sharper, more complex shapes. Photo courtesy Bilmola.
The shell is designed with a spoiler, two intake air vents–one at the chin, another above the visor–and two air extractors. The antibacterial lining is claimed to dry 30 to 50% more quickly than the industry standard. The optical-quality visor is made of an anti-scratch material and features a positive locking mechanism at the bottom and center of the visor. The visors come in dark smoke, light smoke, and clear, and are compatible with Pinlock 70 Maxvision inserts. A traditional dual D-ring system secures the helmet, and an emergency release tab releases the cheek pads with a single pull in case the helmet needs to be removed from an injured rider.
Weight is a claimed 1350 grams, or about 2.97 pounds. Suggested retail price is $523.
Riding Impressions
Picking up the RC-1 confirms the company’s claims on weight–it is very light in the hand. Changing the installed clear shield to the optional dark shield was a snap as well, with the rotational mechanisms clearly visible. On the positive side of the ledger, on my head (I tested the medium size) the helmet felt very light. The visor was indeed crystal-clear, and once secured, it did a very good job of sealing out the wind.
Airflow in the helmet was well controlled, although a bit more ventilation through the chin would have been helpful in the roasting Southern California spring and summer riding season. There was little or no buffeting, and sound levels inside the helmet were relatively low.
And the helmet looks completely badass. It got a lot of compliments from other riders, who thought it cost literally twice its actual price.
An Emergency Release system allows EMTs or other medical personnel to remove the cheek pads with a single pull. Photo courtesy Bilmola.
Negatives were few, and at least one is simply a matter of philosophy. Compared to the other helmets in this price range, the RC-1 felt less refined. While the sound levels were low, the helmet had a hollow sound, compared to the relative hush of higher-end helmets.
The lining handled sweat and perspiration well, but the edge of the EPS lining across the forehead had a sharp edge, compared to the larger-radius edge found on more premium helmets. This led to a hot spot of discomfort, although only after a hundred miles or more on a single ride. And the button release on the visor was a bit small and could be difficult to find with racing gloves on.
And the philosophy part? While the helmet meets ECE R22.05 and DOT certification standards, many if not most other helmets in this price range are Snell Foundation certified. For years, Snell certification has been the gold standard for premium helmets, and buyers in this market–especially for racing purposes–frequently are looking for that final assurance of performance in a crash. One unanswered question is, how does a helmet with a forged carbon-fiber shell perform in a Snell test compared to a helmet with a laminated fiberglass or laminated carbon-fiber shell? Does it absorb more energy and transmit less energy?
Overall, it is a very good first effort, and a helmet that with a bit more refinement could take its place as a product that, if not direct competition for the premium brands in the U.S., at least a viable, lower-cost alternative.
Dunlop and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC are supporting the Roadracing World Action Fund with a special deal at a special track day.
Dunlop is donating 100% of the sales of 20 sets of brand-new Sportmax Q5 track day tires for use during the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC track day on August 29, 2022, at Pocono Raceway.
In addition to track time, the track day will feature appearances by Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC rider Josh Herrin and Dunlop tire engineer Anthony “Tony” Romo, who will be on hand to help Dunlop customers.
Riders who have registered for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC track day can purchase one set of the new Q5 tires (either 120/70-17 and 180/60-17 or 120/70-17 and 200/60-17) for $300 per set, and the entire $300 will be donated to the Roadracing World Action Fund.
One of Dunlop’s new Sportmax Q5 track day tires. Photo courtesy Dunlop.
The Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes motorcycle racetrack safety education, helping prevent racetrack injuries by encouraging, facilitating, and funding the deployment of life-saving soft barriers at motorcycle road races and track days nationwide.
The Dunlop Q5 tires can be purchased (and must be mounted to wheels) at Warhorse HSBK Racing 1000 Dunham Dr., Dunmore, PA 18512 (570-346-2453) starting on Friday, August 26 or they can be purchased trackside (without mandatory mounting) at Pocono Raceway on August 29.
Either way the purchaser must prove that they are registered for the track day.
Only 10 sets of each size pairing will be available through this special deal.
In addition to helping support the work of the Roadracing World Action Fund and being one of the first riders in North America to try out Dunlop’s new Q5, participants in the track day will also get a $100 coupon from Dunlop good toward a future tire purchase at any participating Dunlop dealer.
Scott Diamond (second from right) with his staffers and an inner-suit-wearing mannequin at Moto-D headquarters in Bethel, Connecticut. From left, Matt, Big Jimmy, the display mannequin, Terri, Julian, Scott, and Nick.
Featured In the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World:
It seems like there are two kinds of people who work in the motorcycle industry—those who are born into it and those who are drawn to it. Scott Diamond had no family history in motorcycling and already had a career working on Wall Street, but he fell in love with riding motorcycles as an adult and decided to make motorcycles his life. Along the way, he started MOTO- D Racing to fuel his passion and the passion of others, and he hasn’t let off the gas since…
—Shops: MOTO-D Racing, by David Swarts
MOTO-D Racing is more than just a passion project. The company has become a supporter of track day riding, racing, and performance motorcycling, to the point where it’s rare to walk past three garages at a race or track day without seeing at least one of the company’s products in use. Read the story of MOTO-D’s establishment and growth—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
PREVIEW the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Read the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Bridewell 0.1s off the fastest ever lap as 12 riders confirmed for Omologato Superpole
Tommy Bridewell upped the pace in the second Bennetts British Superbike Championship SUPERPICKS Free Practice session topping the times for Oxford Products Racing Ducati, just 0.173s adrift of the fastest ever lap of the Lincolnshire circuit.
Following the two combined sessions today, the top 12 riders progress directly into tomorrow’s Omologato Superpole Qualifying, but it was hard-fought with the top 17 riders covered by just 0.982s.
Bridewell set his pace-setting lap with 15-minutes of the session remaining, but tipped off at the bottom of the Mountain on the following lap. He was able to return to the eBay pitlane and complete the session, holding off Bradley Ray by 0.035s at the chequered flag.
Danny Buchan completed the top three on combined times, the SYNETIQ BMW rider holding off the Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki pairing of Lee Jackson and Rory Skinner who locked out the top five.
In incredibly close combined times, Andrew Irwin was sixth fastest, just 0.001s adrift of Skinner, with Leon Haslam in seventh just 0.003s behind the SYNETIQ BMW ahead of him.
Jason O’Halloran was the leading McAMS Yamaha rider in eighth place with Takumi Takahashi continuing to lead the Honda Racing UK charge in ninth place, qualifying for his first Omologato Superpole experience tomorrow.
Christian Iddon moved inside the top 12 in the closing stages for Buildbase Suzuki, with Ryan Vickers and Tarran Mackenzie completing the contenders already confirmed in tomorrow’s Omologato Superpole.
Peter Hickman was the first rider to miss out on the top 12 just ahead of Ryo Mizuno and Glenn Irwin. They will lead the charge of riders taking part in SUPERPICKS Qualifying tomorrow, with the top three from that session completing the 15 rider line up in the battle for pole position in the much-anticipated Omologato Superpole, which will decide the grid for the eBay Sprint race.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Cadwell Park, SUPERPICKS Free Practice combined times:
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 1m:25.989s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.035s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.065s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki) +0.235s
Ryan Vickers (FHO Racing BMW with Attis Sports) +0.610s
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.643s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tommy Bridewell
Oxford Products Racing Ducati
“Today’s been a good day, just standard to be honest! We’ve got new bits here and we’ve got a lot we’re trying and it all takes time, so yes we benefitted from that test last night.
“We’re struggling in all honesty more so with the electronics to get the bike to stop so we’re still searching for areas for that to improve. I’m probably over riding the bike a bit to make the time and I could just do with knocking that back a bit.
“We’re getting there! We’ve got a new fork internal from K-Tech, the new swinging arm, we’ve got bits and pieces that we’re testing, different electronic strategy, so it’s all fairly overwhelming as mad as it sounds, but we’re making it work.
“We’ve got plenty of time tonight to make a big step tomorrow, I don’t think the outright lap time will go much quicker, but I feel we can make the bike do low 26s with race pace.
“Obviously our goal is racing and that’s still the target, but we’re not far away. I’m not completely happy, on a scale of one to 10 I would probably say I’m about a six and a half-ish although to be quite honest I don’t know if I’ve ever been a 10!”
Early in the RSD Super Hooligans race at Laguna Seca, Stefano Mesa (137) on an Energica electric bike chased Jeremy McWilliams (99), Andy DiBrino (62), and Cory West (13), and led Tyler O'Hara, Nate Kern, Alex Taylor, and Josh Baird. Mesa raced Kern and Baird for sixth until slowing on the last lap with hot batteries, and finished 13th. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Featured In the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World:
When Editor-At-Large Michael Gougis interviewed Energica USA CEO Stefano Benatti, he hinted at the next racing project for the company’s electric motorcycles.
We now know that project was to enter an Energica in the Roland Sands Design (RSD) Super Hooligan race during the MotoAmerica event weekend at Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca and compete head-to-head against gasoline-fueled motorcycles. By all accounts the effort was a success and may lead to even more electric racing…
—Stefano Mesa’s Big Electric Adventure, by David Swarts
It was an exercise in adaptation for racer Stefano Mesa, but he showed the potential of electric racing machines when he took an Energica Eva Ribelle RS streetbike into competition in the MotoAmerica RSD Super Hooligans class. Read how Mesa ran in the top six for most of the race—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
PREVIEW the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Read the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
Stefano Benatti, CEO of Energica Motor Company, USA, with the company's new Experia Green Tourer. Benatti used his personal connection with enthusiastic customers to provide feedback to the factory in Italy, which made his job significantly more interesting. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Featured in the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
Energica is on a roll. The all-electric motorcycle company has just landed major new financial backing, has added an additional factory to increase production capability, and is wrapping up a successful four-year stint as the exclusive manufacturer of the racebikes used in the FIM MotoE World Cup Series.
At an Energica Exclusive Riding Experience event in Italy, Stefano Benatti, the company’s U.S. CEO, sat down for a one-on-one interview with Roadracing World about the company’s growth, technological development, and lessons learned by racing during MotoGP weekends…
—Interview: Energica USA CEO Stefano Benatti, by Michael Gougis
From finance to technology to racing, whether on the International stage or in the Hooligan scrum in the U.S., Stefano Benatti lays out his vision for Energica in the U.S. Read his mind—or at least his words—in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
PREVIEW the August 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Read the August 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
In preparation for his return from surgery, Marc Marquez visited the Repsol Honda team at the Austrian Grand Prix. Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Behind the Dream
Honda HRC opens the doors of its box, hospitality and offices at the track to commemorate the company’s 40th anniversary, which will be held on September 1, during the San Marino Grand Prix.
The series, titled ‘Behind the Dream’, will cover six completely different characters in six different departments of Honda Racing Corporation across six episodes, which have been recorded throughout the season and will be distributed every two weeks, until the final race at the Valencia Grand Prix.
The first chapter is entitled ‘Marc‘ and covers the extraordinary visit of Marc Marquez at the Austrian Grand Prix, where the eight-time MotoGP world champion is honest about the difficulties facing the iconic factory. “I arrived here with another role, another mentality”.
The Spanish rider met with the HRC leadership, with his team and with the rest of the Honda riders to fully understand the evolution and development direction that has gone on in his absence, “Everyone is doing their 100%, but now in a difficult situation, the most important thing is to keep everyone’s motivation.”
On a personal note, #93 explains his relationship with fear, how he has changed in the two years since his accident at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera. “2 years ago I didn’t feel fear,” and “the way I approach races is changing”. Marquez left the same Friday after FP2 at the Red Bull Ring “to continue with the rehabilitation” and wait for the right moment for his return to competition, which is getting closer every day after the green light given by doctors last Wednesday.
The champion from Cervera also takes advantage of this short to explain the importance of his team in the worst moments, which is when you must be more united. “The people around me are the most important,” he notes.
Episode 2 is titled ‘Stefan’, scheduled for September 9th.
Josh Brookes (25) is currently outside the Showdown positions (top eight in the Championship), but the veteran will be looking to jump up the standings this Bank Holiday weekend at Cadwell Park. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Crunch time at Cadwell Park: Showdown looming ahead of Bank Holiday season highlight
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns to Lincolnshire this August Bank Holiday weekend as fans prepare to descend on Cadwell Park for one of the annual season highlights.
This weekend’s event will play a crucial part in the battle to become 2022 Bennetts BSB champion, with just six races (three at Cadwell Park and three at Snetterton) now remaining before the final top eight line up is confirmed ahead of the title-deciding Showdown.
Last time out at Thruxton, fans were treated to a spectacular dogfight between Jason O’Halloran, Tarran Mackenzie and Bradley Ray, who fought to the finish in the closest races of the season so far.
McAMS Yamaha’s O’Halloran leads the standings into Cadwell Park this weekend ahead of Ray, with the pair the first two riders to confirm their place as Title Fighters in the Showdown, but six places are still to be decided.
Local contender Lee Jackson currently holds third place in the standings and is bidding for a place in the Showdown for the first time.
The Lincoln rider has had his strongest campaign to date so far with Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Racing Kawasaki and has high hopes for his home round, where a strong showing could confirm his place in the Showdown.
Rory Skinner arrives at Cadwell Park following his recent performance in the Moto2 World Championship last weekend holding fourth in the standings.
The second of the Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Racing Kawasaki riders, the young Scot is also striving for a place in the Showdown for the first time.
A consistent weekend at Thruxton has elevated Glenn Irwin into fifth in the standings and the Silverstone triple race-winner will be looking to further strengthen his positon at the Honda Racing UK team’s home round.
Kyle Ryde is now just three points ahead of Mackenzie for sixth in the standings as the defending champion continues to catapult himself back up the order.
The McAMS Yamaha rider has been playing catch up since his recovery from pre-season injuries, but Mackenzie’s recent performances have put him firmly back in contention as he bids for consecutive titles.
Tommy Bridewell has had a strong run of form at Cadwell Park in the past and the Oxford Products Racing Ducati rider holds the final position in the top eight of the standings ahead of the three races this weekend.
It’s home hero Peter Hickman though who is leading the hunt to displace them and fire themselves into the top eight of the standings.
Hickman has fond memories of the circuit from last season; it was the scene of FHO Racing BMW’s first victory in the series and the Louth-based team will be determined to deliver a repeat performance as they bid for a place in the Showdown.
Leon Haslam remains the most successful rider of the current grid in terms of race wins at Cadwell Park; the VisionTrack Kawasaki rider has recorded nine wins at the challenging Lincolnshire circuit and adding to those would edge him closer to the top eight.
Danny Buchan and Christian Iddon are just outside of the top ten as they strive to close in on the Showdown positions.
Meanwhile one of the most popular riders with the Cadwell Park crowds is MCE Ducati’s Josh Brookes; the double champion is famed for his style at The Mountain but needs to be in the podium fight this weekend if he is to remain in Showdown contention.
Brookes has featured in every Showdown he has competed in, so will remain determined to turn his Showdown aspirations around this weekend.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 331 – SHOWDOWN CONFIRMED
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) 307 – SHOWDOWN CONFIRMED
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki) 219
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 158
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Jason O’Halloran
McAMS Yamaha
Championship leader
“I really enjoy riding at Cadwell Park, it’s unlike any other track in the UK and probably one of my favourite circuits on the calendar.
“Last year we had two seconds and a win, which was one of my most enjoyable wins of the year as it came at what I’d consider my home track.
“I might be an Aussie but Lincolnshire has been my home for a long time now! We’ve had a good run these last few races, we haven’t been off the podium in the last 12 races.
“The plan has to be to continue that with the focus on podium points to put us in the strongest position possible to fight for the title over the last three rounds which are approaching very fast!’
Lee Jackson
Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Racing Kawasaki
“My main aim to start with is to have a consistent weekend and get the bike to where it needs to be so that we are in a good place going into qualifying.
“In the races I need to get myself up the sharp end, ideally the main aim is a podium at my home round – that would be fantastic. Hopefully that will mean that I have my place confirmed in the Showdown.
“If I can get into the Showdown this weekend then that would take a little bit of the pressure off going into Snetterton. We need to get back onto the podium now and try and get some of those podium points to push myself and the team back up in the championship.
“I am looking forward to this weekend. It has been a good track for me in the past, but I also know that it is a tough track and there are quite a few riders who have gone well there too. My hopes are high but also realistic. There is always pressure but I am going to try to turn that into something I can thrive off to give me that little bit extra I need on raceday.
“I think there will be about eight of us who can be up there fighting for the win or podiums, it won’t be easy but it is all about getting a good start, being in the lead group and then just going from there. Ideally, you want to get to the front and break away but this is BSB and it is never that easy!”
Enea Bastianini to become Francesco Bagnaia’s next teammate in the Ducati Lenovo Team
Ducati Corse is pleased to announce that Enea Bastianini will defend the colours of the Ducati Lenovo Team starting from the next MotoGP World Championship season, alongside the already confirmed Pecco Bagnaia. The 24-year-old rider from Rimini, who has already won three GPs this year in Qatar, Texas and France, has a two-year contract with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer and will wear the colours of the official team after two seasons in the premier class with the Desmosedici GP of the Esponsorama Racing (2021) and Gresini Racing (2022) teams.
Enea Bastianini: “I am thrilled to be able to wear the colours of the official Ducati team starting next year. It was my dream, and now it has come true. In these two years in MotoGP, I have learned and grown a lot, and I believe that I can only improve with the engineers and men of the Ducati Lenovo Team! I want to thank Claudio, Gigi, Paolo and Davide for trusting me and giving me this incredible opportunity. Still, I also want to thank Nadia and the whole Gresini team for the great support I have received from them during this wonderful season together. I will try to close out this 2022 in the best possible way before tackling my new adventure as a factory Ducati rider with total commitment and the right team spirit.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (General Manager of Ducati Corse): “We are delighted to have Bastianini in the factory team. Enea is a very talented rider who has matured a lot in these two years with Ducati. He has been able to grow quickly, scoring two podiums in his debut year in MotoGP and then taking three stunning victories this year with Gresini Racing in Qatar, the USA and France. We are convinced that next year, as an official Ducati Lenovo Team rider, he will be able to take another step forward and be among the protagonists in every race. It was not an easy choice. Enea and Jorge Martin are two very fast and young riders, which is precisely why we still wanted to ensure the same material and technical support for both. We are sure they will be able to show all their great talent on track”.
MotoAmerica Superbike, Stock 1000, and King Of The Baggers racer Travis Wyman (10) has partnered with Bilmola. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Copyright 2022, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
By Michael Gougis
Where and when there is a need, manufacturing follows. There is a need for helmets in Thailand, a country of 70 million people. According to the Pew Research Center, there are at least 15 million motorcycles in use in the country, or, to put it another way, an incredible 87% of all Thai households own at least one motorcycle. In comparison, only 14% of all U.S. households own a motorcycle.
Bilmola, a Thai company, started producing helmets for other companies in 2010, and has in recent years started to produce products under its own name. In 2020, the company established a U.S. headquarters in California, and early in 2022 introduced its latest high-performance, full-face helmet, the RC-1.
The Travis Wyman Replica Bilmola RC-1 will not be sold in the U.S. until 2023. Here, Wyman is climbing the Stock 1000 podium at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The helmet completely looks the part of a high-tech, cutting-edge protective device. The forged composite shell shows off its structural materials, with the helmet finished in a clear coat and the composites on clear display. The styling is angular, sharp and modern.
After several hundreds of miles wearing this helmet on a variety of motorcycles–sportbike, naked and touring–I can say it is an impressive first effort, although not quite up to the standards of the premium helmets that are in its price range.
Tech Specs
The Bilmola RC-1’s shell is made with a forged composite material and process. Also known as forged carbon, it differs from traditional carbon-fiber in that the pieces of carbon fiber are smaller and are pressed into position in the resin as it cures. The process does away with the labor-intensive manual layup of pre-impregnated sheets of carbon fiber.
According to a paper presented at the American Society of Composites 26th Technical Conference in Montreal in 2011, the process uses high pressures in addition to heat to cure the material. The process comes from the world of the truly high-end–it was developed by the Callaway Golf Company and Lamborghini!
The author wearing a Bilmola RC-1 during a recent Yamaha new model press launch. The Bilmola RC-1 helmet’s forged composite construction gives it a high-tech, cutting edge look. Photo by Ali Donze/courtesy Yamaha.
Forged composite materials are stronger that traditional carbon-fiber and have smaller variations in strength, and cures in three to five minutes, the paper states. In addition, it can be formed into more complex shapes. In the Lamborghini demonstration vehicle–the Sesto Elemento–the suspension control arms made from forged composite materials were cheaper and quicker to make and 30% lighter than the same part made from forged aluminum. Manufacturing suspension parts from the material took only six minutes from start to finished product, the paper stated.
The RC-1 comes in two shell sizes–medium and small. There are three different expanded polystyrene (EPS) lining sizes, and combined with different sizes of the lining material–a product the company calls Active Air padding–the helmet is available in six sizes from S to XXL.
The forged composite construction process allows for a lighter shell than traditional carbon fiber and sharper, more complex shapes. Photo courtesy Bilmola.
The shell is designed with a spoiler, two intake air vents–one at the chin, another above the visor–and two air extractors. The antibacterial lining is claimed to dry 30 to 50% more quickly than the industry standard. The optical-quality visor is made of an anti-scratch material and features a positive locking mechanism at the bottom and center of the visor. The visors come in dark smoke, light smoke, and clear, and are compatible with Pinlock 70 Maxvision inserts. A traditional dual D-ring system secures the helmet, and an emergency release tab releases the cheek pads with a single pull in case the helmet needs to be removed from an injured rider.
Weight is a claimed 1350 grams, or about 2.97 pounds. Suggested retail price is $523.
Riding Impressions
Picking up the RC-1 confirms the company’s claims on weight–it is very light in the hand. Changing the installed clear shield to the optional dark shield was a snap as well, with the rotational mechanisms clearly visible. On the positive side of the ledger, on my head (I tested the medium size) the helmet felt very light. The visor was indeed crystal-clear, and once secured, it did a very good job of sealing out the wind.
Airflow in the helmet was well controlled, although a bit more ventilation through the chin would have been helpful in the roasting Southern California spring and summer riding season. There was little or no buffeting, and sound levels inside the helmet were relatively low.
And the helmet looks completely badass. It got a lot of compliments from other riders, who thought it cost literally twice its actual price.
An Emergency Release system allows EMTs or other medical personnel to remove the cheek pads with a single pull. Photo courtesy Bilmola.
Negatives were few, and at least one is simply a matter of philosophy. Compared to the other helmets in this price range, the RC-1 felt less refined. While the sound levels were low, the helmet had a hollow sound, compared to the relative hush of higher-end helmets.
The lining handled sweat and perspiration well, but the edge of the EPS lining across the forehead had a sharp edge, compared to the larger-radius edge found on more premium helmets. This led to a hot spot of discomfort, although only after a hundred miles or more on a single ride. And the button release on the visor was a bit small and could be difficult to find with racing gloves on.
And the philosophy part? While the helmet meets ECE R22.05 and DOT certification standards, many if not most other helmets in this price range are Snell Foundation certified. For years, Snell certification has been the gold standard for premium helmets, and buyers in this market–especially for racing purposes–frequently are looking for that final assurance of performance in a crash. One unanswered question is, how does a helmet with a forged carbon-fiber shell perform in a Snell test compared to a helmet with a laminated fiberglass or laminated carbon-fiber shell? Does it absorb more energy and transmit less energy?
Overall, it is a very good first effort, and a helmet that with a bit more refinement could take its place as a product that, if not direct competition for the premium brands in the U.S., at least a viable, lower-cost alternative.
Dunlop and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC are supporting the Roadracing World Action Fund with a special deal at a special track day.
Dunlop is donating 100% of the sales of 20 sets of brand-new Sportmax Q5 track day tires for use during the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC track day on August 29, 2022, at Pocono Raceway.
In addition to track time, the track day will feature appearances by Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC rider Josh Herrin and Dunlop tire engineer Anthony “Tony” Romo, who will be on hand to help Dunlop customers.
Riders who have registered for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC track day can purchase one set of the new Q5 tires (either 120/70-17 and 180/60-17 or 120/70-17 and 200/60-17) for $300 per set, and the entire $300 will be donated to the Roadracing World Action Fund.
One of Dunlop’s new Sportmax Q5 track day tires. Photo courtesy Dunlop.
The Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes motorcycle racetrack safety education, helping prevent racetrack injuries by encouraging, facilitating, and funding the deployment of life-saving soft barriers at motorcycle road races and track days nationwide.
The Dunlop Q5 tires can be purchased (and must be mounted to wheels) at Warhorse HSBK Racing 1000 Dunham Dr., Dunmore, PA 18512 (570-346-2453) starting on Friday, August 26 or they can be purchased trackside (without mandatory mounting) at Pocono Raceway on August 29.
Either way the purchaser must prove that they are registered for the track day.
Only 10 sets of each size pairing will be available through this special deal.
In addition to helping support the work of the Roadracing World Action Fund and being one of the first riders in North America to try out Dunlop’s new Q5, participants in the track day will also get a $100 coupon from Dunlop good toward a future tire purchase at any participating Dunlop dealer.
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
April 23, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
