WERA Opening 2025 Season At Talladega Gran Prix Raceway

John Ulrich

-

February 13, 2025

WERA Opening 2025 Season At Talladega Gran Prix Raceway

NEWS FROM WERA FOR 2025

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing will kick off the 2025 season on February 22-23 at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway in Munford, Alabama with a two-day Sportsman Sprint weekend. Pre-entry for this event is currently open to all licensed racers.

We will be missing a very special person in 2025. Scott Hayes is a familiar face to most riders in the Southeast Region who have needed a pick-up. Scott has been WERA’s crash truck driver for many years, a position he took after racing himself and deciding he wanted to remain attached to motorcycle road racing. We will miss him and wish him the best in his next chapter.

For 2025 WERA has decided to keep the National Endurance Series alive without any partners. We will keep bringing you the same quality of racing and ease of participating in our four-race series in 2025. We are currently working on getting a purse put in place and will keep you posted as this develops. Endurance Racing is the benchmark for getting the best experience and track time for riders and the Team aspect is what makes Endurance Racing so different from the other racing out there. Many Champions have come out of the WERA National Endurance Series and while it took a hiatus it came back to find that it can be relevant. Supporting this Series will keep it on the Schedule for years to come. We have also modified the Ultralightweight class to accommodate the new small-bore motorcycles coming out as well as safer refueling so check out the rulebook on the WERA website.

The 2025 Full Schedule can be found on the WERA website at www.wera.com We hope to see you out there participating or watching at our events.

Thank you for your support!

More action from the 2024 season-ending finale at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by Bob Hartman/etechphoto.com.

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle Roadracing. The legacy of Pro riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing with a co-sanction by the AMA and they go coast to coast offering entry level racing with the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series with the WERA National Challenge Series, WERA Motorcycle Roadracing also offer Vintage Racing and limited Endurance Racing. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the Year.

For more information on WERA Motorcycle Roadracing please check out our web site at wera.com!

MotoGP: More From Final Preseason Test At Buriram

Michael Gougis

-

February 13, 2025

0

MotoGP: More From Final Preseason Test At Buriram

Top on Day 1 and top on Day 2, that’s a clean sweep for Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) in the Buriram Test. His 1:28.855 is the only lap in that bracket from the event, although it’s still just shy of now-teammate Francesco Bagnaia’s lap record 1:28.700 in the GP here last year. Bagnaia was fifth at this test.

DUCATI DECISIONS

Davide Tardozzi also confirmed that the only 2025 parts to be on the bike for Round 1 are electronics and suspension updates… meaning they’ve decided to stay with engine, chassis and aero from 2024, for now at least on most counts. Engine means they’re now locked in until the end of 2026.

The GP24 that has proved almost too good to improve was in second with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), who takes second at this test in another serious showing at a different track to his often more specialist venue of Sepang.

APRILIA IMPRESS

Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was third fastest overall and impressing many up and down pitlane as he settles in at the Noale factory. His 1:29.060 is the quickest Aprilia have ever been at Buriram, and it’s the biggest improvement of all the factories who managed the same, namely Aprilia, KTM and Honda. Bezzecchi’s Sprint simulation was also pretty impressive.

Test rider Lorenzo Savadori also added more laps and data, and so did Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) despite being on the road to recovery after his crash in Sepang. He was upbeat about the extra track time and ended the test in a solid P13.

KTM CLOSE?

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) likewise took his factory the fastest they’ve been, a 1:29.133 to end the test just off Bezzecchi in third. The #37 seems to have the early edge on new teammate Brad Binder for the moment, who was P12 but the South African says he also left time on the table during his time attacks.

After a challenging pre-season in some ways, Maverick Viñales seems to be settling in at Red Bull KTM Tech3 and moved into the top ten with a key step. Teammate Enea Bastianini remains looking for a little more. As can often be the case given how they work, KTM seem to be one of the more unknown quantities heading into Round 1. Previously, that’s sometimes been a nasty surprise for their rivals.

HONDA HIT BACK

If Yamaha stole the headlines in Sepang, Honda did so in Buriram. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) took P6 with the fastest lap any Honda has ever done at Buriram. Even more pleasing than the time attack was a Sprint simulation that rivalled the likes of Aprilia and KTM. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) was P14 and Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) was P16, not putting in big time attacks on Thursday.

YAMAHA LOOKING FOR MORE

Sepang showed a big step forward for Yamaha, but just as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) said, Buriram may prove a little tougher and it did. Still, the Frenchman was P8 and unlike Honda, Yamaha didn’t test at the venue beforehand. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was next up for the Iwata factory in P10, whereas his teammate Miguel Oliveira was P19, just trailing Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in P17. We can likely expect more as the time attacks rolls out at the race weekend, however.

THE ROOKIES

Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was the fastest rookie. A 1:29.6 defeats Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP)’s 1:30, but the two have been duelling throughout pre-season. Home hero Somkiat Chantra continued to progress too, shaving more laptime off on his IDEMITSU Honda LCR machine.

That’s a wrap on the Buriram Test. Huge decisions from Ducati, big statements from their new arrival and some interesting showings from their rivals set the stage for a stunning season opener. See you there!

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Quickest As Buriram Test Concludes

Michael Gougis

-

February 13, 2025

0

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Quickest As Buriram Test Concludes

Marc Marquez was fastest on Day Two of the final pre-season MotoGP test, as Ducati’s factory riders appear to have spent most of their time working with an updated GP24 and have set aside most of the changes incorporated into the GP25.

Marquez’ 1:28.855 was not quite as quick as the outright lap record set by factory Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia last year, a 1:28.700.

Alex Marquez was second-quickest, with Marco Bezzecchi third on the factory Aprilia with a 1:29.060.

Marc Marquez set the fastest race simulation time, averaging 1:30.361 over 23 laps. For comparison, the last dry race at Chang International Circuit was won at an average of 1:31.453.

Session for TH1 MotoGP FP3

Session for TH1 MotoGP FP4

CVMA Winter Series: Prince Wins Premier Stock 1000 Shootout

Michael Gougis

-

February 12, 2025

0

CVMA Winter Series: Prince Wins Premier Stock 1000 Shootout

Round 5 of the 2024/2025 CVMA Winter Series attracted racers from across the United States and Canada for an exciting weekend filled with ultra-competitive racing. The grids were stacked with super-fast racers in all classes, and the Stock 1000 and Middleweight Shootout races featured several MotoAmerica and AMA champions. Even the Super Bowl could not distract racers from racing, with the CVMA weekend attracting near record-breaking attendance.

On Friday the New Racer School graduated five riders who received their racing licenses and will join the amateur racing ranks with the club where they will learn the art of racing and hone their skills while working towards becoming expert racers.

Saturday Qualifying

Bryce Prince was the fastest in Saturday morning qualifying, topping the field of open-class bikes by turning a 1:44.065 lap time. David “Aussie Dave” Anthony was fastest on a middleweight, turning a 1:46.232 lap time. Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:51.535 lap time. Alex George was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:54.686 lap time. Gilbert Conde was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:58.156 lap time. Danny Spina was fastest on an American Thunder bike with a 1:55.059 lap time.

Saturday Races

Racing on Saturday was competitive as always. Riders whot stood out on Saturday included Jasmine Nichols, who won the FemmeWalla Open race and broke a long-standing lap record in the process by turning a 1:49.998 lap time.

Bryce Prince won both the Formula Open and Supersport Open races, sweeping the open classes on his BPR Yamaha YZF-R1.

Marlon Gonzalez won both Amateur Formula Middleweight and Supersport Middleweight races, sweeping the Amateur Middleweight classes.

Gio Alvarez dominated the lightweight twins races, winning the Formula 2 and Formula Twins races on his Aprilia RS 660.

Danny Spina won the CVMA Holligans and the American Thunder races.

And Kavon House won both the Amateur Open Supersport and Formula Open races.

Sunday Shootouts

The Stock 1000 Shootout was the premier race on Sunday, and Michael Gilbert got the holeshot and led the first lap until Deion Campbell passed him on the brakes going into turn seven. At the end of the first lap Campbell led, followed by Gilbert and Bryce Prince, with all three riding BPR-prepared Yamaha YZR-R1 racebikes. On the second lap, Prince went full send into “The Bowl” (turn 13) to pass Gilbert and take second place. After passing Gilbert, Prince set about closing the gap to Campbell in the lead. Prince worked hard to chase down Campbell, setting a new lap record for the class in the process, turning a 1:43.302 lap time on the third lap of the race. Campbell turned consistent fast laps while Prince was gaining; once he caught Campbell, Prince followed him closely looking for a way around, then made making a brave pass on the outside of turn 12 on the final lap of the race. In the end it was Prince for the win, Campbell second, and Gilbert third making an all-BPR YZF-R1 podium.

The Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout started with Nayden Balladares leading through the first few corners until Gio Alvarez got by with an outside pass in “The Bowl” to take the point. At the end of the first lap, Alverez led Balladares and Nathan Aldrich, all riding RS 660 Aprilias. Alvarez set a new lap record for the class on lap three with a 1:49.563 lap and then crashed out in the first turn after completing the record-setting lap. With Alvarez out, Balladares again led, while Aldrich, Gene Frerichs, and Yamaha YZF-R7 mounted Andrew Krall battled for the remaining podium spots. At the stripe on the last lap Balladares finished first with Andrew Krall second and Aldrich third.

At the start of the Formula Ultra Lightweight Shootout, Juliana Fernandez led into the first turn and the first lap followed by Alex George and Treston “Home Alone” Morrison, all on Kawasaki Ninja 400s. Fernandez and George battled closely all race long, trading the lead several times. The battle for third and fourth was between Morrison and Sawyer Lafayette, but ended with George’s bike suffered a mechanical failure on the last lap, putting him out of the race. On the last lap Treston was able to re-pass Lafayette to take second position. In the end, Fernandez took the win with Morrison second and Lafayette third.

In the final shootout race of the day, the Middleweight Shootout, Yamaha YZF-R6 mounted Josh Hayes got the jump at the start and led the first lap followed by David “Aussie Dave” Anthony riding a Suzuki GSX-R750 and Aldo Rovirosa riding a Yamaha YZF-R6. Hayes developed a small advantage over Anthony on the first lap, but Anthony was able to close the gap over the first few laps. On lap six, Anthony took the lead but Hayes quickly retaliated and was back in front retook a few turns later. On the ninth lap Anthony took the lead again, and again Hayes was able retake the lead a few turns later. Hayes was able to hold off Anthony on the final lap while YZF-R6 mounted Jayden Fernandez was able to pass Rovirosa to take third. The result was Hayes winning with Anthony second and Fernandez third.

Full race results can be found on Speedhive:

https://speedhive.mylaps.com/events/2913132

Come out and join us for the next round of the CVMA 2024-2025 Winter Series on March 21-23, 2025

CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.

CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.

CVMA. Built for racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!

CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, RoadRace City/Bridgestone, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, Galfer USA, Criterion Plumbers
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop.

MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifiers Added In Oregon

Michael Gougis

-

February 12, 2025

0

MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifiers Added In Oregon

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Oregon Lightweight Moto (OLM) will host two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers at the Mac Track in McMinnville, Oregon, this summer.

On June 1 and June 13, Mac Track, located approximately an hour south of Portland, Oregon, will be the site of OLM’s two qualifying races for the Mission Mini Cup National Final on June 1 and June 13, respectively. The National Final will once again be held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10.

Qualifiers at the two OLM events will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 10-14), GP 190 (ages 10-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up).

“We are pleased to announce that Oregon Lightweight Moto is going to host and organize two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “The two OLM races will be the first MotoAmerica events in Oregon, and we’re excited to see which young racers will qualify and earn the opportunity to race against the best of the best at our National Final in August.”

“We’re excited to get the chance to host two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers this summer,” said OLM’s Elliot Dunlap. “The two MotoAmerica Mini Cup races will be a special part of our 2025 schedule, and we’re thrilled to give our young racers a chance to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Final and represent the OLM while doing so. This is going to be a lot of fun and we can’t wait for June.”

For more information on OLM, visit https://oregonlightweight.wixsite.com/moto

For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected]

2025 Oregon Lightweight Moto Schedule

Apr. 13 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

June 1 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

July 13 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

Aug. 10 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

Aug. 30 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

Aug. 31 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

World Superbike: Ducati Unveils 2025 Livery, Riders

Michael Gougis

-

February 12, 2025

0

World Superbike: Ducati Unveils 2025 Livery, Riders

The Ducati Factory team pairing of Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista look to improve on what was despite coming up short in the Riders’ Championship, a very strong season. The two-time champion Alvaro Bautista, despite contending with minimum weight restrictions and some unfortunate finishes, ended the season in third place. Beside him, 2024’s runner up finisher Nicolo Bulega, who impressed many with the talent he displayed in just his first WorldSBK season. They will both race atop the Ducati Panigale V4R with their brand-new liveries featured here.

Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team Principal Stefano Cecconi spoke at the team launch event. He emphasized the progress the team still wants to make with their package after having a limited preseason up to this point due to the poor weather. Cecconi outlined his team’s goals in this upcoming season and stressed the importance of not underestimating their rivals.

“In 2024, we fought until the last race, and we know that the season about to begin will also offer us a challenge that is perhaps even tougher. However, we feel ready to face it at our best and with maximum motivation.” Said Cecconi “The weather we found during the winter tests did not allow us to measure ourselves against all our opponents and did not offer us much time to spend on the track, so it will be even more interesting to do so during the next official test days in Australia, where the work of adapting to the new technical regulations will also continue. I know the value of our riders and the guys in the team well, so all that remains is for me to wish them all the best of luck”.

Alvaro Bautista spoke at the event as well, the #19 excited to kick off his fifth season with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati. He referenced last season as being more difficult than expected, and that while expectations are higher this season, he is mentally and physically ready to continue fighting for the title at 40 years old and feels his team supporting him in that endeavor.

“I am very motivated for this season which will be my fifth with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, the fourth in a row.” Said Bautista “Last year was more difficult than expected, but we still got positive results, finishing third in the world championship standings. It’s clear that expectations are higher this season, and if I’ve decided to continue racing, it’s because I feel I’m still physically and mentally competitive. We will try to find a good feeling right away and have fun. I thank the Aruba Racing team and Ducati for their support and commitment. I will do everything possible to reciprocate this trust by obtaining excellent results”.

Nicolo Bulega, who won his first-ever WorldSBK race in Australia in Race 1, sounds confident ahead of his sophomore season, and especially confident about his chances in Phillip Island’s season opener. If he can improve aspects of his riding, Toprak Razgatlioglu and BMW will have a stiff challenge in front of them in accomplishing their shared goal of winning both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Title for their respective manufacturers.

“I am thrilled to start my second year with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team.” Said Bulega “I can say that I am very confident about what we did last season. 2024 has been very positive, and an excellent feeling has been created within the team. We start immediately in Australia, where last year I scored my first win on debut, so expectations are undoubtedly high. The first goal is to come home from Phillip Island with even better memories”.

Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’lgna was present at the event as well, and while he stressed the challenges of the season ahead of them, he reminded WorldSBK fans that Ducati won last year’s Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championships. The Manufacturers’ title this year will be likely less of a challenge than the Teams’ or Riders’ Championship as there are more Ducati’s on the grid than any other manufacturer, however in any case, strong performances will be required of their riders in order to stave off numerically smaller teams.

“A new season is beginning in WorldSBK with the same goal as always for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team: to fight for the Riders’ World Title that we did not win last year and try to bring it back to Borgo Panigale.” Said Dall’lgna “This is our mission, and we will give everything to achieve the goal. It is a tough challenge, we are aware of the level of our rivals, but we know what to do, we have already demonstrated it in the past. We know perfectly the potential of our riders, Álvaro Bautista and Nicolò Bulega, who have been World Champions in several categories and who in 2024 fought for the World Championship until the end and were competitive in almost every race with the Panigale V4 R. We can’t wait to see Álvaro and Nicolò take to the track with the new liveries in the next tests in Australia and in the first race at Phillip Island, a truly special track. Let’s not forget the Team and Manufacturer World Titles that we won last year, let’s start from here and continue in this direction. I’m sure it will be a season full of emotions, we will have a lot of fun.”

MotoAmerica: Sean Dylan Kelly Returns To Team Hammer

Michael Gougis

-

February 12, 2025

0

MotoAmerica: Sean Dylan Kelly Returns To Team Hammer

Sean Dylan Kelly. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC, in partnership with Team Hammer, Inc. is pleased to announce the return of Sean Dylan Kelly to the team for the 2025 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing season. Kelly will compete in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship aboard the Suzuki GSX-R1000R, aiming to add another title to his impressive racing résumé.

Sean Dylan Kelly returns to Team Hammer Suzuki after gaining valuable experience in the Moto2 World Championship.

Kelly, known as “SDK”, last raced for Team Hammer in 2021, where he dominated the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, securing 12 wins and 17 podiums in 18 races. His performance that season propelled him to the Moto2 World Championship, where he competed internationally from 2022-2023.

After returning to the United States in 2024, Kelly made an immediate impact in MotoAmerica Superbike, finishing his rookie season fourth overall in the championship standings. His debut year was highlighted by seven podium finishes, including his first career Superbike victory at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

Now, the 22-year-old Florida native looks to build on that success as he reunites with Team Hammer to challenge for the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.

“I’m back with Team Hammer, where I have some of my absolute best racing memories,” said Kelly. “It feels good to be coming back to the team to give it a shot in Superbike. I am excited to see what the Suzuki GSX-R1000R is like now that I have two Moto2 seasons and a year of Superbike under my belt. Clearly the objective is to do the best we can and eventually that means to win races as we put it all together.”

Kelly will team up with Richie Escalante, a familiar rival from his Supersport days. The two previously battled at the top of the class in 2020 and 2021, combining for 33 wins in 36 races while claiming respective championship and runner-up honors. Their renewed partnership promises to bring added strength and depth to Team Hammer’s MotoAmerica Superbike effort.

“We’re getting the band back together,” said Chris Ulrich, Vice President of Operations for Team Hammer. “We had an opportunity to reunite with SDK, and we think we can make a serious run at the championship. We know his work ethic and his skill, and we are looking forward to making something happen. We have good equipment and two competitive Superbike riders in Sean and Richie Escalante. We think it is a good combo.”

“We’re excited to welcome Sean Dylan Kelly back to the Suzuki family,” Said Chris Wheeler, Suzuki’s Motorsports Manager. “He’s a proven champion with an incredible work ethic and a deep understanding of what it takes to win. His return to Team Hammer aboard the Suzuki GSX-R1000R strengthens our Superbike program, and we’re eager to see him battle at the front this season. We believe his experience on the world stage and his success in MotoAmerica will make for an exciting year.”

About Team Hammer

The 2025 season marks Team Hammer’s 45th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 134 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 373 times and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol and won four F-USA Championships.

About Suzuki

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Tops Day One In Thailand

Michael Gougis

-

February 12, 2025

0

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Tops Day One In Thailand

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) can’t be accused of sandbagging in Buriram. If he is, the low Jaws music isn’t loud enough yet. 0.465 clear at the top, it’s the first time he’s been P1 on a test day since Jerez 2020. Next up was another Ducati: Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), who can likely take even more from that at a venue that’s not Sepang, which is one of his best. Third it’s a Ducati triple threat with Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). But there’s plenty happening.

At Ducati, the engine choice for 2025 – even more vital since that’s frozen for 2026 too – rolls on. It’s chiefly in the hands of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marc Marquez, or the feedback they give, but there is that small detail that last year’s Ducati was arguably so far ahead anyway… they may still prove so even if they don’t field everything they’ve been trying or much else. Bagnaia was eighth on Day 1 with a low 1:30, some space off his own lap record here.

Rookie Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP), the final rider on a Ducati at the test, did a 1:30.373 to take P14 and reopen the duel of the debutants as Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was just 0.080 behind.

Speaking of Aprilia, it was a promising day for the Noale factory. After the high drama of the start to the Sepang Test and the ongoing absence of reigning Champion Jorge Martin, a lot has come down to Marco Bezzecchi and the Italian put his Aprilia Racing machine in fourth overall, a big step up on the timesheets at least. He sounds pretty positive about it too, and is sharing the box with test rider Lorenzo Savadori. Ogura’s teammate Raul Fernandez was also back out for Trackhouse MotoGP Team after being declared fit, and he managed to do a fair few laps and got into the 1:30s despite being on the road to recovery.

At KTM, Pedro Acosta led the way – fifth overall and into the 1:29s. His Tissot Sprint simulation looked positive too, with an average laptime around four tenths quicker than Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Brad Binder at the GP in 2024. At the test, Binder was ninth overall, denied entry to the 1:29 club by hundredths. At Red Bull KTM Tech3, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales continued to look to better adapt, in P16 and P18 respectively by the end of play. Between the two, Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), another finding his way on new machinery.

His teammate Jack Miller was further up the timesheets in P10 and was actually the top Yamaha on Day 1. Alex Rins and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) were P12 and P13 respectively, but how much more will we see on Day 2?

Meanwhile, Honda had a really positive showing on the timesheets. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) took P6 and Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) P7 – the final riders into the 1:29 bracket. Faster than Honda have ever been here before on a day where that wasn’t true for others, the positive signs continued. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) was P11 and rookie Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda LCR) continued chipping away at his improvements a little further down the order as he preps for his MotoGP debut on home turf. They’ve tested at Buriram – that was new test rider Aleix Espargaro’s first port of call in 2025 – and that’s exactly what their free testing allowance is for in their concessions.

That 0.465 looks like a glove thrown down on Day 1. But it’s also a hand shown – so do the rest have a reply? We’ll find out tomorrow when the final day of testing concludes.

Session for TH1 MotoGP FP2

World Endurance: Renaudin Joins Tati Team AVA6 Racing

Michael Gougis

-

February 11, 2025

0

World Endurance: Renaudin Joins Tati Team AVA6 Racing

Martin Renaudin will become the latest Superstock star to graduate to the Formula EWC category following his recruitment by Tati Team AVA6 Racing for the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship.

Renaudin was a key member of the Chromeburner-RAC 41-Honda squad that came within five points of winning last season’s FIM Endurance World Cup. The 26-year-old’s potential, allied with his 2024 showings and previous EWC achievements – including completing the 24 Heures Motos Superstock podium in 2023 as part of the 3ART Best of Bike line-up – made him Tati Team AVA6 Racing’s choice to replace Corentin Perolari, who has switched to the factory-supported F.C.C. TSR Honda France for 2025.

Frenchman Renaudin joins forces with existing Tati riders, established racer and compatriot Hugo Clère, 30, a former FIM Endurance World Cup winner, and Swiss Randy Krummenacher, 34, the 2019 FIM Supersport World Championship winner.

“I have five good reasons to be happy to join Tati Team AVA6 Racing,” Renaudin said. “First, they have a very good experience in endurance. They started more than 10 years ago in Superstock, and it’s been several seasons that they are in the top Formula EWC category.

“Second, the Honda CBR 1000 RR-R is a reliable and efficient motorcycle that I know very well. I rode one in Superstock in 2024 and in the French Superbike Championship. I can’t wait to try it in Formula EWC configuration.

“Third, the Tati Team is undoubtedly one of the best private teams on the board. They won the Superstock title in 2018, and since their move to Formula EWC, they are regularly in the top five with two podiums at Spa.

“Fourth, Tati Team AVA6 Racing is the real racing family of the paddock. The father Patrick is the team manager, and the three children, Baptiste is the technical director, Julien the rider coach and Alexandra is in charge of the social networks. The team is therefore really united and their clan spirit is shared by all their staff. This solidarity is a real force in endurance.

“Fifth and finally, Hugo Clère and Randy Krummenacher are experienced, fast and, above all, reliable riders. We should therefore continue to aspire to be at the level of the factory teams. The concept of David versus Goliath is always a beautiful challenge. I thank Patrick and Baptiste for giving me this opportunity.”

Patrick Enjolras, Team Manager of Tati Team AVA6 Racing said: “We are very happy to welcome Martin to our team. Martin already has a great experience in endurance, he’s reliable and consistent. He knows the Honda CBR 1000 RR-R, but as this is his first season in the Formula EWC category he will have to familiarise himself with the settings and specific parts, such as the reverse swinging arm, the big brakes, the Bitubo suspension, the Pirelli tyres. But we are confident on his adaptability. Martin also rides in French Superbike on a Honda, just like Hugo Clère. There will therefore be synergies between the championships and the riders.”

MotoAmerica: R&G Official Partner Of MotoAmerica

Michael Gougis

-

February 11, 2025

0

MotoAmerica: R&G Official Partner Of MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that R&G, a world leader in crash protection for motorcycles, is now the Official Protection Partner for the 2025 MotoAmerica Championship.

Based in Hampshire, England, R&G offers a wide range of motorcycle crash protection and styling accessories, including various types of crash sliders for the most vulnerable parts of the bike, engine case covers, Eazi-Grip tank grips, paddock stands, exhaust hangers, and ‘tail tidies.’ R&G essentially has everything to protect motorcycles in the event of a crash.

In total, R&G has developed designs for over 500 different motorcycles, going back over 30 years.

R&G also supports various teams in MotoAmerica, including Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, Rahal Ducati Moto and Visit Indiana Nolan Lamkin Racing.

“With MotoAmerica fan engagement and event attendance growing significantly in recent years, this evolving partnership is an increasingly important part of growing R&G’s global presence,” said Simon Hughes, R&G’s Managing Director.

“MotoAmerica’s relationship with R&G has continued to grow over the past decade, and we’re thrilled with our newest sponsorship agreement, naming R&G our Official Protection Partner,” said MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship Lance Bryson. “We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to kick off the 2025 racing season.”

WERA Opening 2025 Season At Talladega Gran Prix Raceway

February 13, 2025

WERA racers in action during the 2024 season-ending Grand National Finals event at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by Bob Hartman/etechphoto.com

NEWS FROM WERA FOR 2025

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing will kick off the 2025 season on February 22-23 at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway in Munford, Alabama with a two-day Sportsman Sprint weekend. Pre-entry for this event is currently open to all licensed racers.

We will be missing a very special person in 2025. Scott Hayes is a familiar face to most riders in the Southeast Region who have needed a pick-up. Scott has been WERA’s crash truck driver for many years, a position he took after racing himself and deciding he wanted to remain attached to motorcycle road racing. We will miss him and wish him the best in his next chapter.

For 2025 WERA has decided to keep the National Endurance Series alive without any partners. We will keep bringing you the same quality of racing and ease of participating in our four-race series in 2025. We are currently working on getting a purse put in place and will keep you posted as this develops. Endurance Racing is the benchmark for getting the best experience and track time for riders and the Team aspect is what makes Endurance Racing so different from the other racing out there. Many Champions have come out of the WERA National Endurance Series and while it took a hiatus it came back to find that it can be relevant. Supporting this Series will keep it on the Schedule for years to come. We have also modified the Ultralightweight class to accommodate the new small-bore motorcycles coming out as well as safer refueling so check out the rulebook on the WERA website.

The 2025 Full Schedule can be found on the WERA website at www.wera.com We hope to see you out there participating or watching at our events.

Thank you for your support!

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle Roadracing. The legacy of Pro riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing with a co-sanction by the AMA and they go coast to coast offering entry level racing with the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series with the WERA National Challenge Series, WERA Motorcycle Roadracing also offer Vintage Racing and limited Endurance Racing. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the Year.

For more information on WERA Motorcycle Roadracing please check out our web site at wera.com!

MotoGP: More From Final Preseason Test At Buriram

February 13, 2025

Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy MotoGP.com.

Top on Day 1 and top on Day 2, that’s a clean sweep for Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) in the Buriram Test. His 1:28.855 is the only lap in that bracket from the event, although it’s still just shy of now-teammate Francesco Bagnaia’s lap record 1:28.700 in the GP here last year. Bagnaia was fifth at this test.

DUCATI DECISIONS

Davide Tardozzi also confirmed that the only 2025 parts to be on the bike for Round 1 are electronics and suspension updates… meaning they’ve decided to stay with engine, chassis and aero from 2024, for now at least on most counts. Engine means they’re now locked in until the end of 2026.

The GP24 that has proved almost too good to improve was in second with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), who takes second at this test in another serious showing at a different track to his often more specialist venue of Sepang.

APRILIA IMPRESS

Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was third fastest overall and impressing many up and down pitlane as he settles in at the Noale factory. His 1:29.060 is the quickest Aprilia have ever been at Buriram, and it’s the biggest improvement of all the factories who managed the same, namely Aprilia, KTM and Honda. Bezzecchi’s Sprint simulation was also pretty impressive.

Test rider Lorenzo Savadori also added more laps and data, and so did Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) despite being on the road to recovery after his crash in Sepang. He was upbeat about the extra track time and ended the test in a solid P13.

KTM CLOSE?

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) likewise took his factory the fastest they’ve been, a 1:29.133 to end the test just off Bezzecchi in third. The #37 seems to have the early edge on new teammate Brad Binder for the moment, who was P12 but the South African says he also left time on the table during his time attacks.

After a challenging pre-season in some ways, Maverick Viñales seems to be settling in at Red Bull KTM Tech3 and moved into the top ten with a key step. Teammate Enea Bastianini remains looking for a little more. As can often be the case given how they work, KTM seem to be one of the more unknown quantities heading into Round 1. Previously, that’s sometimes been a nasty surprise for their rivals.

HONDA HIT BACK

If Yamaha stole the headlines in Sepang, Honda did so in Buriram. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) took P6 with the fastest lap any Honda has ever done at Buriram. Even more pleasing than the time attack was a Sprint simulation that rivalled the likes of Aprilia and KTM. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) was P14 and Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) was P16, not putting in big time attacks on Thursday.

YAMAHA LOOKING FOR MORE

Sepang showed a big step forward for Yamaha, but just as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) said, Buriram may prove a little tougher and it did. Still, the Frenchman was P8 and unlike Honda, Yamaha didn’t test at the venue beforehand. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was next up for the Iwata factory in P10, whereas his teammate Miguel Oliveira was P19, just trailing Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in P17. We can likely expect more as the time attacks rolls out at the race weekend, however.

THE ROOKIES

Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was the fastest rookie. A 1:29.6 defeats Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP)’s 1:30, but the two have been duelling throughout pre-season. Home hero Somkiat Chantra continued to progress too, shaving more laptime off on his IDEMITSU Honda LCR machine.

That’s a wrap on the Buriram Test. Huge decisions from Ducati, big statements from their new arrival and some interesting showings from their rivals set the stage for a stunning season opener. See you there!

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Quickest As Buriram Test Concludes

February 13, 2025

marc day two buriram — Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy MotoGP.com.

Marc Marquez was fastest on Day Two of the final pre-season MotoGP test, as Ducati’s factory riders appear to have spent most of their time working with an updated GP24 and have set aside most of the changes incorporated into the GP25.

Marquez’ 1:28.855 was not quite as quick as the outright lap record set by factory Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia last year, a 1:28.700.

Alex Marquez was second-quickest, with Marco Bezzecchi third on the factory Aprilia with a 1:29.060.

Marc Marquez set the fastest race simulation time, averaging 1:30.361 over 23 laps. For comparison, the last dry race at Chang International Circuit was won at an average of 1:31.453.

Session for TH1 MotoGP FP3

Session for TH1 MotoGP FP4

CVMA Winter Series: Prince Wins Premier Stock 1000 Shootout

February 12, 2025

CVMA Stock 1000 Shootout A — Michael Gilbert (55) leads Bryce Prince (17) and Justin Gibbs (646) at the start of the CVMA Stock 1000 Shootout. Photo courtesy CaliPhotography.com

Round 5 of the 2024/2025 CVMA Winter Series attracted racers from across the United States and Canada for an exciting weekend filled with ultra-competitive racing. The grids were stacked with super-fast racers in all classes, and the Stock 1000 and Middleweight Shootout races featured several MotoAmerica and AMA champions. Even the Super Bowl could not distract racers from racing, with the CVMA weekend attracting near record-breaking attendance.

On Friday the New Racer School graduated five riders who received their racing licenses and will join the amateur racing ranks with the club where they will learn the art of racing and hone their skills while working towards becoming expert racers.

Saturday Qualifying

Bryce Prince was the fastest in Saturday morning qualifying, topping the field of open-class bikes by turning a 1:44.065 lap time. David “Aussie Dave” Anthony was fastest on a middleweight, turning a 1:46.232 lap time. Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:51.535 lap time. Alex George was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:54.686 lap time. Gilbert Conde was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:58.156 lap time. Danny Spina was fastest on an American Thunder bike with a 1:55.059 lap time.

Saturday Races

Racing on Saturday was competitive as always. Riders whot stood out on Saturday included Jasmine Nichols, who won the FemmeWalla Open race and broke a long-standing lap record in the process by turning a 1:49.998 lap time.

Bryce Prince won both the Formula Open and Supersport Open races, sweeping the open classes on his BPR Yamaha YZF-R1.

Marlon Gonzalez won both Amateur Formula Middleweight and Supersport Middleweight races, sweeping the Amateur Middleweight classes.

Gio Alvarez dominated the lightweight twins races, winning the Formula 2 and Formula Twins races on his Aprilia RS 660.

Danny Spina won the CVMA Holligans and the American Thunder races.

And Kavon House won both the Amateur Open Supersport and Formula Open races.

Sunday Shootouts

The Stock 1000 Shootout was the premier race on Sunday, and Michael Gilbert got the holeshot and led the first lap until Deion Campbell passed him on the brakes going into turn seven. At the end of the first lap Campbell led, followed by Gilbert and Bryce Prince, with all three riding BPR-prepared Yamaha YZR-R1 racebikes. On the second lap, Prince went full send into “The Bowl” (turn 13) to pass Gilbert and take second place. After passing Gilbert, Prince set about closing the gap to Campbell in the lead. Prince worked hard to chase down Campbell, setting a new lap record for the class in the process, turning a 1:43.302 lap time on the third lap of the race. Campbell turned consistent fast laps while Prince was gaining; once he caught Campbell, Prince followed him closely looking for a way around, then made making a brave pass on the outside of turn 12 on the final lap of the race. In the end it was Prince for the win, Campbell second, and Gilbert third making an all-BPR YZF-R1 podium.

The Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout started with Nayden Balladares leading through the first few corners until Gio Alvarez got by with an outside pass in “The Bowl” to take the point. At the end of the first lap, Alverez led Balladares and Nathan Aldrich, all riding RS 660 Aprilias. Alvarez set a new lap record for the class on lap three with a 1:49.563 lap and then crashed out in the first turn after completing the record-setting lap. With Alvarez out, Balladares again led, while Aldrich, Gene Frerichs, and Yamaha YZF-R7 mounted Andrew Krall battled for the remaining podium spots. At the stripe on the last lap Balladares finished first with Andrew Krall second and Aldrich third.

At the start of the Formula Ultra Lightweight Shootout, Juliana Fernandez led into the first turn and the first lap followed by Alex George and Treston “Home Alone” Morrison, all on Kawasaki Ninja 400s. Fernandez and George battled closely all race long, trading the lead several times. The battle for third and fourth was between Morrison and Sawyer Lafayette, but ended with George’s bike suffered a mechanical failure on the last lap, putting him out of the race. On the last lap Treston was able to re-pass Lafayette to take second position. In the end, Fernandez took the win with Morrison second and Lafayette third.

In the final shootout race of the day, the Middleweight Shootout, Yamaha YZF-R6 mounted Josh Hayes got the jump at the start and led the first lap followed by David “Aussie Dave” Anthony riding a Suzuki GSX-R750 and Aldo Rovirosa riding a Yamaha YZF-R6. Hayes developed a small advantage over Anthony on the first lap, but Anthony was able to close the gap over the first few laps. On lap six, Anthony took the lead but Hayes quickly retaliated and was back in front retook a few turns later. On the ninth lap Anthony took the lead again, and again Hayes was able retake the lead a few turns later. Hayes was able to hold off Anthony on the final lap while YZF-R6 mounted Jayden Fernandez was able to pass Rovirosa to take third. The result was Hayes winning with Anthony second and Fernandez third.

Full race results can be found on Speedhive:

https://speedhive.mylaps.com/events/2913132

Come out and join us for the next round of the CVMA 2024-2025 Winter Series on March 21-23, 2025

CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.

CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.

CVMA. Built for racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!

CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, RoadRace City/Bridgestone, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, Galfer USA, Criterion Plumbers
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop.

MotoAmerica: Mini Cup Qualifiers Added In Oregon

February 12, 2025

OregonMiniA — Two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers will be held at Mac Track in McMinnville, Oregon, in 2025 thanks to an agreement between MotoAmerica and Oregon Lightweight Moto (OLM). Photo courtesy of OLM

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Oregon Lightweight Moto (OLM) will host two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers at the Mac Track in McMinnville, Oregon, this summer.

On June 1 and June 13, Mac Track, located approximately an hour south of Portland, Oregon, will be the site of OLM’s two qualifying races for the Mission Mini Cup National Final on June 1 and June 13, respectively. The National Final will once again be held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10.

Qualifiers at the two OLM events will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 10-14), GP 190 (ages 10-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up).

“We are pleased to announce that Oregon Lightweight Moto is going to host and organize two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “The two OLM races will be the first MotoAmerica events in Oregon, and we’re excited to see which young racers will qualify and earn the opportunity to race against the best of the best at our National Final in August.”

“We’re excited to get the chance to host two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers this summer,” said OLM’s Elliot Dunlap. “The two MotoAmerica Mini Cup races will be a special part of our 2025 schedule, and we’re thrilled to give our young racers a chance to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Final and represent the OLM while doing so. This is going to be a lot of fun and we can’t wait for June.”

For more information on OLM, visit https://oregonlightweight.wixsite.com/moto

For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected]

2025 Oregon Lightweight Moto Schedule

Apr. 13 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

June 1 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

July 13 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

Aug. 10 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

Aug. 30 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

Aug. 31 Mac Track McMinnville, OR

World Superbike: Ducati Unveils 2025 Livery, Riders

February 12, 2025

Ducati SBK-Piloti — Alvaro Bautista, left, and Nicolo Bulega. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.com.