KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
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© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
MotoAmerica: King Of The Baggers Challenge Race Results From Daytona
MotoAmerica: Baggers Q2 Cancelled, Kyle Wyman Gets Pole Position
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
Editorial Note: MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Qualifying Two was cancelled Friday when one of the racebikes suffered a mechanical failure and dumped fluid on the front straightaway heading into Turn One, requiring a lengthy cleanup. MotoAmerica decided to set the grid based on the results from Qualifying One, putting Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson rider Kyle Wyman on pole position.
23_1_DAY_KTB_R2_gridMotoAmerica: Herrin Takes Pole Position For 81st Daytona 200 (Updated)
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
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More, from a press release issued by Ducati:
It’s Back-to-Back Pole Positions For Josh Herrin at The Daytona 200
Herrin banks an early flyer to take P1 in the 2023 Daytona 200 Time Attack
Sunnyvale, Calif., March 10, 2023 – Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York) put his number one Ducati Panigale V2 in P1 for the 2023 Daytona 200, his second pole position in a row in the great race.
Herrin and the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team missed the day’s first session due to an electrical gremlin. Still, they turned the tide when it mattered. Herrin had to lay it on the line with the second of only two timed laps in the Time Attack session enough to put him on pole position. Herrin was the only rider into the 1:48-second bracket in the session as he headed Yamaha’s PJ Jacobsen and Suzuki’s Tyler Scott.
Teammate and Daytona rookie Xavi Forés continued to learn the Daytona high banking with his 1:51.538 in Qualifying 2 placing him 14th on the grid for the 81st running of the Daytona 200.
2023 Daytona 200 Time Attack Results – Top 5
P1 – Josh Herrin (Ducati) 1:48.741
P2 – PJ Jacobsen (Yamaha) 1:49.005
P3 – Tyler Scott (Suzuki) 1:49.027
P4 – Danny Eslick (Triumph) 1:49.186
P5 – Richie Escalante (Suzuki) 1:49.219
Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #12):
“P14 will be a bit tough but this is a very long race and anything can happen. There will be time to make up and get into the lead pack. But I am very much looking forward to starting the race. We have some work to do to get the bike sorted for me and we will get this done to be ready for tomorrow.”
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #1):
“It was a pretty crazy session,” Herrin said. “I thought everybody was going to split up into their own little qualifying groups, but they went out together. I didn’t think we’d be able to go that fast in the group. The oil dry slowed us down a little in turn one just because the field was a bit worried about the track conditions, but for the most part, I wasn’t sure I was going to get into the ’48’s because I made a little mistake early in the lap. The draft was so powerful with the other bikes and we were able to pull it off. Hats off to the team because we missed the first session with a couple of issues so we had to go into the session with a super-fast pace and we got P1 for the second year in a row.”
The 81st running of the Daytona 200 from the Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for 1:10 pm EST.
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC:
SCOTT EARNS FRONT ROW, ESCALANTE SETS FASTEST SUPERSPORT LAP FOR VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI AT DAYTONA
BREA, CA – March 11, 2023 – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s triple threat victory for the 81st Daytona 200 posted a new lap record on Friday and will start from the first, second, and fourth row when the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport season officially kicks off Saturday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway.
Sophomore Supersport ace Tyler Scott led the way for the squad in Friday’s Time Attack for pole position, posting the session’s third best time at 1:49.005 aboard his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.
Scott was the revelation of the 2022 season as a rookie, posting a maiden race win among multiple podiums and figures to be an even bigger factor in this year’s title fight. He said, “I thought qualifying went well for my first Daytona 200. I started out around tenth in the first session, but we kept getting a little faster and at the end of the Time Attack, we ended up on the front row. That was the goal and where I wanted to be. The Suzuki GSX-R750 feels great, and I think our team is really working well. The plan now is to give it our best shot and win the race.”
Former class champ and Superbike regular Richie Escalante immediately took to the team’s GSX-R750, earning a slot in the middle of Row 2 with the fifth fastest time at 1:49.186. The Mexican star was even more impressive in the preceding qualifying session, clocking the fastest ever lap for a Supersport machine at Daytona International Speedway at 1:48.133.
Escalante said, “Yesterday in Q1, I was down the time sheets a little, but the bike felt really good. For today, the team did an amazing job and gave me a great bike for Q2. I was super happy to do a 1:48, but throughout I was happy with our pace and how the bike felt. My goal was to do well in Sector 1, the corners, and then to see what happened in the draft. In the 15-minute Time Attack, I didn’t have a good draft after we came in for the tire change, but I felt great about how well the Suzuki GSX-R750 performed. The bike is amazing. We have been working on our pit stops as well as race strategy. The goal is to get a good start, perform our pit stops, and see what happens. It has been exciting so far.”
Team newcomer Teagg Hobbs has shown considerable promise in his team debut as well. Hobbs was 11th best in the Time Attack at 1:50.138 and will thus start from the center of Row 4.
After qualifying, the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki crew earned $7,500 and $1,000 worth of VP Racing fuel for winning the Pit Stop challenge contest.
For more racing news, results, and special team content please visit https://suzukicycles.com/racing/road-racing.
ABOUT SUZUKI
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, 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.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 345 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 VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
Daytona 200: Escalante Quickest In Qualifying Heading Into Time Attack
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
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MotoAmerica: Fong Captures Super Hooligan Pole Position At Daytona
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
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MotoAmerica: Rodio Tops Q2, But Davis Takes Twins Cup Pole At Daytona
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
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Daytona 200: Fans Are Back!
So far during Bike Week 2023 racing activities, it appears as if fans have come back to Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 200 and the American Flat Track (AFT) event in large numbers. Here are some photos from the RV camping areas inside the speedway and from the parking lot during the AFT Daytona Short Track I event on Thursday evening.
MotoGP: Final Pre-Season Test Is This Weekend In Portugal
#PortimaoTest: the final countdown is on!
It’s the last chance for the field to get race ready, with just two days of testing left between our 22 riders and the 21 Grands Prix that lie ahead
We’ve had the Shakedown, we’ve seen the Sepang Test proper and we’re nearing the end of pre-season as the paddock heads for Portugal. Just two days of track action remain for the field to get in gear for the biggest season ever, with bikes back on track this weekend!
WHEN + WHERE?
The test takes place on the 11th and 12th of March at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. Normal track action starts at 10:00 local time (GMT) every day and lasts until 18:00. Then, from 18:00 until 18:15, there’s a Practice Start session as there was at Sepang.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE ACTION?
As we’ve enjoyed through pre-season, there will be Live Timing on motogp.com throughout the sessions so you can stay on top of who’s where, as well as plenty of other information about their laptimes and different runs. There’ll also be videos and reports throughout the action to make sure you don’t miss a minute.
Then, from 17:30 local time every day until 19:00, After the Flag will be live to provide a host of updates and reports from on the ground. Pitlane reporter Simon Crafar will be joined by Jack Gorst once again, and the show in Barcelona will be anchored by commentators and presenters Louis Suddaby and Neil Morrison. After the Flag will analyse all the action and bring you exclusive interviews with riders and key personnel throughout! And remember, Portugal is in GMT/UTC – not CET!
Check out the FREE TRIAL of VideoPass + TimingPass
DUCATI, VR46, PRAMAC & GRESINI
The Ducati Lenovo Team may have stolen a few of the headlines in terms of novelties, but the times right at the top were whisked away by Mooney V46 Racing Team on two of the three days. Sophomore Marco Bezzecchi was quickest on Day 1, and by the end of Day 3, Luca Marini was quickest overall. That makes it both tests so far that Marini has reigned – having also been quickest in Valencia. The GP22 retains some serious chops.
That said, Ducati Lenovo Team were very hot Marini’s heels, with reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia second overall. He had new aero on both bikes but had the downwash ducts instead of the “ground-effect” side fairings by the end of the test, whereas new teammate Enea Bastianini had one with the downwash ducts and one with the “ground-effect” lower side fairings. Bastianini also had some ominous words after ending the test fourth overall, saying they were still only at 70-75% of the potential of the new bike.
That new bike, according to Ducati Lenovo Team Manager Davide Tardozzi, will have the details fully defined in Portimão, so we best keep an eye out!
At Prima Pramac Racing, Jorge Martin was especially vocal about the step forward with the 2023 engine, and he was fifth at the end of play – very close to Bastianini. Teammate Johann Zarco spent time on the ground effect lower side fairings at the close of action in Sepang, and he didn’t seem to put in a real fast lap, ending the test in P16. We can likely expect more from Zarco soon enough.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, was another fast GP22 as he ended the test 0.019s ahead of Bezzecchi. That’s good news for Diggia as he looks to take a big step forward in 2022, and there was more good news for his new teammate too. Alex Marquez, new to the Ducati, was 0.022s off Bezzecchi in a tightly packed top ten.
APRILIA & RNF
The Sepang Test was a positive one for Aprilia Racing’s Maverick Viñales and Aleix Espargaro. Viñales was just over a tenth off Marini’s blistering pace and finished P3 across the three days, while Espargaro walked away with a P6 – but importantly, the vibes were good from the Noale camp. The main story coming into the Portimao Test is the new 2023 engine specification that Team Manager Paolo Bonora confirmed was on the agenda back in Malaysia. Look out for comments on that this weekend.
In Aprilia’s new Independent Team ranks, Raul Fernandez (RNF MotoGP™ Team) said it was the first time he’d enjoyed riding a bike since his 2021 Moto2™ title tilt. The Spaniard cut a cheerful figure in Sepang and finished in a solid P11, less than 0.5s away from Espargaro. RNF teammate and former Portuguese GP race winner, Miguel Oliveira, said he didn’t manage to extract the most potential out of his RS-GP when trying a time attack in Malaysia, hence his P15 in Sepang. Can that issue be rectified in Portimao for the home hero? Time will tell for one of 2023’s dark horses… and Oliveira was already quick in Valencia!
HONDA & LCR
This test is crucial for Honda. As many as four bikes were sat in Marc Marquez’s side of the Repsol Honda Team garage in Sepang – one 2022 bike, two 2023 bikes and a new experimental 2023 bike – as HRC searched for a direction. Team Manager Alberto Puig admitted they “clearly” aren’t where they want to be, but a hugely positive note was Marquez’s fitness. The number 93 says he expects to open the season as fully fit as can be, and raring to race. Meanwhile, new Repsol Honda recruit Joan Mir was pleased with his progress over the three days, but we’ll get the full picture of where HRC lie on Sunday evening.
Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol), similar to Mir, was happy with how his adaptation continued to improve in Malaysia. The duo sang from the same hymn sheet when expressing how much they’ve had to change their riding styles after their switch from Suzuki, while the experienced Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) rallied on with testing duties as he also comes back from some injury struggles.
KTM & GASGAS TECH3
One thing of note at Sepang was a different engine noise overheard from both Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machines of Brad Binder and Jack Miller, as well as the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 RC16 of Pol Espargaro. Will Portimao reveal more?
Espargaro ended the test as top RC16 just a smidge ahead of Binder, with Miller a little further back. Binder was on the aero update we first saw at the Shakedown, with Miller on the Valencia aero update. The South African was on lead as Miller focused on settling in and playing with geometry. It seems there’s plenty still to be decided for the Austrian factory.
Rookie Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), meanwhile, seemed to be out on a new chassis and taking on more testing duty… what will we see from him in Portugal?
YAMAHA
On one hand, the Sepang Test seemed a roaring success for Yamaha. On the other, serious worries arose. The good news for Fabio Quartararo and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Franco Morbidelli is the 2023 engine possesses those extra few horses they’ve been craving for some time. The top speed charts made for great reading for the Iwata factory.
The bad news? Seemingly, their soft tyre performance. Quartararo branded their pace on new tyres a “disaster” when going for a time attack in Malaysia, so that’s something that needs to be fixed in Portimao. Yamaha, Quartararo and Morbidelli will be hoping Sepang’s P17 and P20 aren’t where they’re sitting come Sunday evening after another two crucial days.
More MotoGP™ than ever: this is 2023!
21 Grands Prix, 18 countries & the MotoGP™ Sprint: a calendar and schedule reminder ICYMI
We’re on the verge of an action-packed, blockbuster season. More race weekends than ever, two new destinations, and the debut of the MotoGP™ Sprint across the calendar mean we’re in for quite a ride in 2023!
Indian Selling Limited-Edition Challenger RR Track Bikes For $92,229
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CELEBRATES 2022 KING OF THE BAGGERS CHAMPIONSHIP WITH ULTRA-LIMITED INDIAN CHALLENGER RR
An Homage to Tyler O’Hara’s #29, Only 29 Indian Challenger Race Bikes Offer Rare Opportunity for Riders & Collectors to Own the Undisputed King of the Baggers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – March 9, 2023 – In celebration of Indian Motorcycle Racing and S&S® Cycle’s 2022 King of the Baggers championship season, America’s First Motorcycle Company today announced the retail availability of 29 highly exclusive Indian Challenger RR motorcycles. Built to 2022 race spec by the same S&S® hands that wrenched Tyler O’Hara’s #29 championship-winning bike, each purpose-built Indian Challenger RR is available for die-hard track riders and collectors for a premium price of $92,229.
The Indian Challenger RR marks the first-time fans can purchase a purpose-built race bagger. Hand crafted and race-tuned with the same setup that won O’Hara’s second King of the Baggers championship, Indian Motorcycle and S&S® are offering fans and collectors the unique opportunity to own a piece of history.
“Originally, the thought of road racing baggers was perplexing to many, and even downright offensive to some road racing purists. But in just three short years, King of the Baggers has emerged as the hottest thing in motorcycle racing as these bikes have rapidly evolved in their sophistication, and we thought it would be awesome to give people the opportunity to own the bike that holds the crown,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “We’re excited to embrace the fandom of bagger racing and celebrate our second title with this highly exclusive, special run of Indian Challenger RR motorcycles. This bike is the real deal, much like when we released the venerable FTR750, the Challenger RR is a true race bike and is not street legal. Put in the right hands, it will reach the podium in MotoAmerica’s Mission® King of the Baggers race series.”
Specs for the Indian Challenger Race Replica include the following:
S&S® 2-1 race exhaust
17″ race rims
Dunlop® race tires
S&S® billet adjustable triple clamps
Ohlins® FGR250 forks
TTX Ohlins® rear shock
S&S® chain drive conversion
Carbon Fiber saddle bags
Fiberglass rear fender
Saddlemen raised race seat
S&S® adjustable fairing mount
Aero headlight insert
Aero windshield
S&S® belly pan
S&S® rear set foot controls
S&S® camshafts
112 CID big bore cylinder/piston kit
S&S® air intake system with 78mm throttlebody
CNC ported cylinder heads
S&S® Billet adjustable rockerarms
Hayes® rear caliper, EBC rear rotor, SBS pads
Brembo® M4 front calipers, 330mm rotors, SBS pads
S&S® automatic chain tensioner
Maxx full adjustable ECM
AIM DL2 data logger/dash
Quickshifter kit
S&S® billet clutch cover
S&S® adjustable handlebars
S&S® race modified swingarm
Racing, and winning, has long been a core element within the Indian Motorcycle brand DNA. Founded by racers, driven to innovate by a desire to go faster and win races, Indian Motorcycle has been racing, and winning, for 122 years. From Oscar Hedstrom’s endurance racing dominance at the turn of the century, to O.C. Godfrey winning at the famed Isle of Man in 1911, to Burt Munro’s land-speed records, to the original Wrecking Crew’s dominance in the ‘50s and the modern Wrecking Crew’s six consecutive American Flat Track Championships from 2017-2022, to the 2022 Super Hooligan® Championship on the FTR, and the brand’s two King of the Baggers Championships in 2020 and 2022 – the list of history-making racing milestones for Indian Motorcycle is unparalleled.
Riders can learn more by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
S&S® is a registered trademark of S&S Cycle, Inc.; Dunlop® is a registered trademark of DNA (Housemarks) Limited;
Öhlins® is a registered trademark of Öhlins Racing AB CORPORATION SWEDEN; Brembo® is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy; Hayes® is a registered trademark of Hayes Bicycle Group, Inc.; Super Hooligan® is a registered trademark of Roland Sands Design, Inc.; Mission® is a registered trademark of Gruma Corporation; Progressive® is a registered trademark of Progressive Casualty Insurance Company; MOTOAMERICA® is a registered trademark of Krave Group.
Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
© 2023 Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
ABOUT S&S® CYCLE
S&S® Cycle was born from a passion for racing and has spent over six decades building performance for the powersports market. Their unwavering focus on quality, reliability and top shelf power has made S&S® Cycle the absolute leader in high performance on the street and track.
MotoAmerica: Super Hooligan Race One Results From Daytona
MotoAmerica: King Of The Baggers Challenge Race Results From Daytona
MotoAmerica: Baggers Q2 Cancelled, Kyle Wyman Gets Pole Position
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
Editorial Note: MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Qualifying Two was cancelled Friday when one of the racebikes suffered a mechanical failure and dumped fluid on the front straightaway heading into Turn One, requiring a lengthy cleanup. MotoAmerica decided to set the grid based on the results from Qualifying One, putting Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson rider Kyle Wyman on pole position.
23_1_DAY_KTB_R2_gridMotoAmerica: Herrin Takes Pole Position For 81st Daytona 200 (Updated)
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
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More, from a press release issued by Ducati:
It’s Back-to-Back Pole Positions For Josh Herrin at The Daytona 200
Herrin banks an early flyer to take P1 in the 2023 Daytona 200 Time Attack
Sunnyvale, Calif., March 10, 2023 – Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York) put his number one Ducati Panigale V2 in P1 for the 2023 Daytona 200, his second pole position in a row in the great race.
Herrin and the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team missed the day’s first session due to an electrical gremlin. Still, they turned the tide when it mattered. Herrin had to lay it on the line with the second of only two timed laps in the Time Attack session enough to put him on pole position. Herrin was the only rider into the 1:48-second bracket in the session as he headed Yamaha’s PJ Jacobsen and Suzuki’s Tyler Scott.
Teammate and Daytona rookie Xavi Forés continued to learn the Daytona high banking with his 1:51.538 in Qualifying 2 placing him 14th on the grid for the 81st running of the Daytona 200.
2023 Daytona 200 Time Attack Results – Top 5
P1 – Josh Herrin (Ducati) 1:48.741
P2 – PJ Jacobsen (Yamaha) 1:49.005
P3 – Tyler Scott (Suzuki) 1:49.027
P4 – Danny Eslick (Triumph) 1:49.186
P5 – Richie Escalante (Suzuki) 1:49.219
Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #12):
“P14 will be a bit tough but this is a very long race and anything can happen. There will be time to make up and get into the lead pack. But I am very much looking forward to starting the race. We have some work to do to get the bike sorted for me and we will get this done to be ready for tomorrow.”
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #1):
“It was a pretty crazy session,” Herrin said. “I thought everybody was going to split up into their own little qualifying groups, but they went out together. I didn’t think we’d be able to go that fast in the group. The oil dry slowed us down a little in turn one just because the field was a bit worried about the track conditions, but for the most part, I wasn’t sure I was going to get into the ’48’s because I made a little mistake early in the lap. The draft was so powerful with the other bikes and we were able to pull it off. Hats off to the team because we missed the first session with a couple of issues so we had to go into the session with a super-fast pace and we got P1 for the second year in a row.”
The 81st running of the Daytona 200 from the Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for 1:10 pm EST.
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC:
SCOTT EARNS FRONT ROW, ESCALANTE SETS FASTEST SUPERSPORT LAP FOR VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI AT DAYTONA
BREA, CA – March 11, 2023 – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s triple threat victory for the 81st Daytona 200 posted a new lap record on Friday and will start from the first, second, and fourth row when the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport season officially kicks off Saturday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway.
Sophomore Supersport ace Tyler Scott led the way for the squad in Friday’s Time Attack for pole position, posting the session’s third best time at 1:49.005 aboard his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.
Scott was the revelation of the 2022 season as a rookie, posting a maiden race win among multiple podiums and figures to be an even bigger factor in this year’s title fight. He said, “I thought qualifying went well for my first Daytona 200. I started out around tenth in the first session, but we kept getting a little faster and at the end of the Time Attack, we ended up on the front row. That was the goal and where I wanted to be. The Suzuki GSX-R750 feels great, and I think our team is really working well. The plan now is to give it our best shot and win the race.”
Former class champ and Superbike regular Richie Escalante immediately took to the team’s GSX-R750, earning a slot in the middle of Row 2 with the fifth fastest time at 1:49.186. The Mexican star was even more impressive in the preceding qualifying session, clocking the fastest ever lap for a Supersport machine at Daytona International Speedway at 1:48.133.
Escalante said, “Yesterday in Q1, I was down the time sheets a little, but the bike felt really good. For today, the team did an amazing job and gave me a great bike for Q2. I was super happy to do a 1:48, but throughout I was happy with our pace and how the bike felt. My goal was to do well in Sector 1, the corners, and then to see what happened in the draft. In the 15-minute Time Attack, I didn’t have a good draft after we came in for the tire change, but I felt great about how well the Suzuki GSX-R750 performed. The bike is amazing. We have been working on our pit stops as well as race strategy. The goal is to get a good start, perform our pit stops, and see what happens. It has been exciting so far.”
Team newcomer Teagg Hobbs has shown considerable promise in his team debut as well. Hobbs was 11th best in the Time Attack at 1:50.138 and will thus start from the center of Row 4.
After qualifying, the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki crew earned $7,500 and $1,000 worth of VP Racing fuel for winning the Pit Stop challenge contest.
For more racing news, results, and special team content please visit https://suzukicycles.com/racing/road-racing.
ABOUT SUZUKI
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, 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.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 345 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 VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
Daytona 200: Escalante Quickest In Qualifying Heading Into Time Attack
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
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MotoAmerica: Fong Captures Super Hooligan Pole Position At Daytona
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
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MotoAmerica: Rodio Tops Q2, But Davis Takes Twins Cup Pole At Daytona
KurveyGirl.com brings you the results of this weekend’s events.
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Daytona 200: Fans Are Back!
So far during Bike Week 2023 racing activities, it appears as if fans have come back to Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 200 and the American Flat Track (AFT) event in large numbers. Here are some photos from the RV camping areas inside the speedway and from the parking lot during the AFT Daytona Short Track I event on Thursday evening.
MotoGP: Final Pre-Season Test Is This Weekend In Portugal
#PortimaoTest: the final countdown is on!
It’s the last chance for the field to get race ready, with just two days of testing left between our 22 riders and the 21 Grands Prix that lie ahead
We’ve had the Shakedown, we’ve seen the Sepang Test proper and we’re nearing the end of pre-season as the paddock heads for Portugal. Just two days of track action remain for the field to get in gear for the biggest season ever, with bikes back on track this weekend!
WHEN + WHERE?
The test takes place on the 11th and 12th of March at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. Normal track action starts at 10:00 local time (GMT) every day and lasts until 18:00. Then, from 18:00 until 18:15, there’s a Practice Start session as there was at Sepang.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE ACTION?
As we’ve enjoyed through pre-season, there will be Live Timing on motogp.com throughout the sessions so you can stay on top of who’s where, as well as plenty of other information about their laptimes and different runs. There’ll also be videos and reports throughout the action to make sure you don’t miss a minute.
Then, from 17:30 local time every day until 19:00, After the Flag will be live to provide a host of updates and reports from on the ground. Pitlane reporter Simon Crafar will be joined by Jack Gorst once again, and the show in Barcelona will be anchored by commentators and presenters Louis Suddaby and Neil Morrison. After the Flag will analyse all the action and bring you exclusive interviews with riders and key personnel throughout! And remember, Portugal is in GMT/UTC – not CET!
Check out the FREE TRIAL of VideoPass + TimingPass
DUCATI, VR46, PRAMAC & GRESINI
The Ducati Lenovo Team may have stolen a few of the headlines in terms of novelties, but the times right at the top were whisked away by Mooney V46 Racing Team on two of the three days. Sophomore Marco Bezzecchi was quickest on Day 1, and by the end of Day 3, Luca Marini was quickest overall. That makes it both tests so far that Marini has reigned – having also been quickest in Valencia. The GP22 retains some serious chops.
That said, Ducati Lenovo Team were very hot Marini’s heels, with reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia second overall. He had new aero on both bikes but had the downwash ducts instead of the “ground-effect” side fairings by the end of the test, whereas new teammate Enea Bastianini had one with the downwash ducts and one with the “ground-effect” lower side fairings. Bastianini also had some ominous words after ending the test fourth overall, saying they were still only at 70-75% of the potential of the new bike.
That new bike, according to Ducati Lenovo Team Manager Davide Tardozzi, will have the details fully defined in Portimão, so we best keep an eye out!
At Prima Pramac Racing, Jorge Martin was especially vocal about the step forward with the 2023 engine, and he was fifth at the end of play – very close to Bastianini. Teammate Johann Zarco spent time on the ground effect lower side fairings at the close of action in Sepang, and he didn’t seem to put in a real fast lap, ending the test in P16. We can likely expect more from Zarco soon enough.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, was another fast GP22 as he ended the test 0.019s ahead of Bezzecchi. That’s good news for Diggia as he looks to take a big step forward in 2022, and there was more good news for his new teammate too. Alex Marquez, new to the Ducati, was 0.022s off Bezzecchi in a tightly packed top ten.
APRILIA & RNF
The Sepang Test was a positive one for Aprilia Racing’s Maverick Viñales and Aleix Espargaro. Viñales was just over a tenth off Marini’s blistering pace and finished P3 across the three days, while Espargaro walked away with a P6 – but importantly, the vibes were good from the Noale camp. The main story coming into the Portimao Test is the new 2023 engine specification that Team Manager Paolo Bonora confirmed was on the agenda back in Malaysia. Look out for comments on that this weekend.
In Aprilia’s new Independent Team ranks, Raul Fernandez (RNF MotoGP™ Team) said it was the first time he’d enjoyed riding a bike since his 2021 Moto2™ title tilt. The Spaniard cut a cheerful figure in Sepang and finished in a solid P11, less than 0.5s away from Espargaro. RNF teammate and former Portuguese GP race winner, Miguel Oliveira, said he didn’t manage to extract the most potential out of his RS-GP when trying a time attack in Malaysia, hence his P15 in Sepang. Can that issue be rectified in Portimao for the home hero? Time will tell for one of 2023’s dark horses… and Oliveira was already quick in Valencia!
HONDA & LCR
This test is crucial for Honda. As many as four bikes were sat in Marc Marquez’s side of the Repsol Honda Team garage in Sepang – one 2022 bike, two 2023 bikes and a new experimental 2023 bike – as HRC searched for a direction. Team Manager Alberto Puig admitted they “clearly” aren’t where they want to be, but a hugely positive note was Marquez’s fitness. The number 93 says he expects to open the season as fully fit as can be, and raring to race. Meanwhile, new Repsol Honda recruit Joan Mir was pleased with his progress over the three days, but we’ll get the full picture of where HRC lie on Sunday evening.
Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol), similar to Mir, was happy with how his adaptation continued to improve in Malaysia. The duo sang from the same hymn sheet when expressing how much they’ve had to change their riding styles after their switch from Suzuki, while the experienced Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) rallied on with testing duties as he also comes back from some injury struggles.
KTM & GASGAS TECH3
One thing of note at Sepang was a different engine noise overheard from both Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machines of Brad Binder and Jack Miller, as well as the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 RC16 of Pol Espargaro. Will Portimao reveal more?
Espargaro ended the test as top RC16 just a smidge ahead of Binder, with Miller a little further back. Binder was on the aero update we first saw at the Shakedown, with Miller on the Valencia aero update. The South African was on lead as Miller focused on settling in and playing with geometry. It seems there’s plenty still to be decided for the Austrian factory.
Rookie Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), meanwhile, seemed to be out on a new chassis and taking on more testing duty… what will we see from him in Portugal?
YAMAHA
On one hand, the Sepang Test seemed a roaring success for Yamaha. On the other, serious worries arose. The good news for Fabio Quartararo and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammate Franco Morbidelli is the 2023 engine possesses those extra few horses they’ve been craving for some time. The top speed charts made for great reading for the Iwata factory.
The bad news? Seemingly, their soft tyre performance. Quartararo branded their pace on new tyres a “disaster” when going for a time attack in Malaysia, so that’s something that needs to be fixed in Portimao. Yamaha, Quartararo and Morbidelli will be hoping Sepang’s P17 and P20 aren’t where they’re sitting come Sunday evening after another two crucial days.
More MotoGP™ than ever: this is 2023!
21 Grands Prix, 18 countries & the MotoGP™ Sprint: a calendar and schedule reminder ICYMI
We’re on the verge of an action-packed, blockbuster season. More race weekends than ever, two new destinations, and the debut of the MotoGP™ Sprint across the calendar mean we’re in for quite a ride in 2023!
Indian Selling Limited-Edition Challenger RR Track Bikes For $92,229
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CELEBRATES 2022 KING OF THE BAGGERS CHAMPIONSHIP WITH ULTRA-LIMITED INDIAN CHALLENGER RR
An Homage to Tyler O’Hara’s #29, Only 29 Indian Challenger Race Bikes Offer Rare Opportunity for Riders & Collectors to Own the Undisputed King of the Baggers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – March 9, 2023 – In celebration of Indian Motorcycle Racing and S&S® Cycle’s 2022 King of the Baggers championship season, America’s First Motorcycle Company today announced the retail availability of 29 highly exclusive Indian Challenger RR motorcycles. Built to 2022 race spec by the same S&S® hands that wrenched Tyler O’Hara’s #29 championship-winning bike, each purpose-built Indian Challenger RR is available for die-hard track riders and collectors for a premium price of $92,229.
The Indian Challenger RR marks the first-time fans can purchase a purpose-built race bagger. Hand crafted and race-tuned with the same setup that won O’Hara’s second King of the Baggers championship, Indian Motorcycle and S&S® are offering fans and collectors the unique opportunity to own a piece of history.
“Originally, the thought of road racing baggers was perplexing to many, and even downright offensive to some road racing purists. But in just three short years, King of the Baggers has emerged as the hottest thing in motorcycle racing as these bikes have rapidly evolved in their sophistication, and we thought it would be awesome to give people the opportunity to own the bike that holds the crown,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “We’re excited to embrace the fandom of bagger racing and celebrate our second title with this highly exclusive, special run of Indian Challenger RR motorcycles. This bike is the real deal, much like when we released the venerable FTR750, the Challenger RR is a true race bike and is not street legal. Put in the right hands, it will reach the podium in MotoAmerica’s Mission® King of the Baggers race series.”
Specs for the Indian Challenger Race Replica include the following:
S&S® 2-1 race exhaust
17″ race rims
Dunlop® race tires
S&S® billet adjustable triple clamps
Ohlins® FGR250 forks
TTX Ohlins® rear shock
S&S® chain drive conversion
Carbon Fiber saddle bags
Fiberglass rear fender
Saddlemen raised race seat
S&S® adjustable fairing mount
Aero headlight insert
Aero windshield
S&S® belly pan
S&S® rear set foot controls
S&S® camshafts
112 CID big bore cylinder/piston kit
S&S® air intake system with 78mm throttlebody
CNC ported cylinder heads
S&S® Billet adjustable rockerarms
Hayes® rear caliper, EBC rear rotor, SBS pads
Brembo® M4 front calipers, 330mm rotors, SBS pads
S&S® automatic chain tensioner
Maxx full adjustable ECM
AIM DL2 data logger/dash
Quickshifter kit
S&S® billet clutch cover
S&S® adjustable handlebars
S&S® race modified swingarm
Racing, and winning, has long been a core element within the Indian Motorcycle brand DNA. Founded by racers, driven to innovate by a desire to go faster and win races, Indian Motorcycle has been racing, and winning, for 122 years. From Oscar Hedstrom’s endurance racing dominance at the turn of the century, to O.C. Godfrey winning at the famed Isle of Man in 1911, to Burt Munro’s land-speed records, to the original Wrecking Crew’s dominance in the ‘50s and the modern Wrecking Crew’s six consecutive American Flat Track Championships from 2017-2022, to the 2022 Super Hooligan® Championship on the FTR, and the brand’s two King of the Baggers Championships in 2020 and 2022 – the list of history-making racing milestones for Indian Motorcycle is unparalleled.
Riders can learn more by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
S&S® is a registered trademark of S&S Cycle, Inc.; Dunlop® is a registered trademark of DNA (Housemarks) Limited;
Öhlins® is a registered trademark of Öhlins Racing AB CORPORATION SWEDEN; Brembo® is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy; Hayes® is a registered trademark of Hayes Bicycle Group, Inc.; Super Hooligan® is a registered trademark of Roland Sands Design, Inc.; Mission® is a registered trademark of Gruma Corporation; Progressive® is a registered trademark of Progressive Casualty Insurance Company; MOTOAMERICA® is a registered trademark of Krave Group.
Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
© 2023 Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
ABOUT S&S® CYCLE
S&S® Cycle was born from a passion for racing and has spent over six decades building performance for the powersports market. Their unwavering focus on quality, reliability and top shelf power has made S&S® Cycle the absolute leader in high performance on the street and track.