WorldSBK: NBC Sports To Broadcast Six Rounds In U.S.

David Swarts

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February 17, 2023

WorldSBK: NBC Sports To Broadcast Six Rounds In U.S.

Where can you watch WorldSBK on TV in 2023?

29 broadcasters continue to bring WorldSBK to viewers around the globe reaching new international audiences

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship TV coverage will reach new audiences and new territories for the 2023 season as Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) closed new deals with new broadcasters whilst historic partnerships have also been extended. After last year’s thrilling title fight and incredible races, 2023 is set to be even better as manufacturers, teams and riders go in search of glory.

EUROPE

Eurosport remain one of the main broadcasters of the Championship and they will bring WorldSBK to fans from 53 countries around Europe through their channels, Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2, as well as the Eurosport Player. Eurosport UK will provide on-site coverage throughout 2023 and broadcast every round live, including the UK Round in July, whilst the ITV network will broadcast a 46-minute highlights package after each Round free-to-air. French fans will be able to follow WorldSBK in 2023 on Eurosport as well, including the French round at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours.

Italian fans will be able to watch Italian manufacturer Ducati chase their second consecutive title on Sky Sport as the channel will broadcast live WorldSBK, WorldSSP and WorldSSP300, with Ducati aiming for the WorldSSP title as well. The Emilia-Romagna Round at Misano marks an important date in the WorldSBK calendar as the Ducatisti create a stunning atmosphere in Italy. Free-to-air channel TV8 will also broadcast all WorldSBK races.

In Spain, WorldSBK action will be broadcast on DAZN and on the national Spanish television network, RTVE, as DWO renewed its partnership with the network. Spanish fans can cheer on 2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista in his quest to retain his title with two rounds coming from within their country: the Catalunya Round in May and the Aragon Round in September. Portuguese fans can enjoy all the WorldSBK action on Sport TV as they ready for their national round at Portimao in October, whilst GIB Telecom remains WorldSBK’s broadcast partner in Gibraltar.

Servus TV will continue to broadcast all sessions with WorldSBK also available in their online platform for German, Austrian and Swiss fans. Servus will also bring WorldSBK action closer to their viewers as they will cover some of the key rounds of 2023 from onsite. German fans can follow Philipp Oettl’s (GoEleven Team) second season in WorldSBK whilst Swiss fans can watch double WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter (GYRT GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) debut in WorldSBK, whilst the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team will likewise don a new look. In Hungary, all three classes will be broadcast on Arena4.

Ziggo Sport will continue to offer the 46-minute highlights show for Dutch fans to follow Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with the Dutch Round being the first European round of 2023 in April. Belgian fans can enjoy each chapter of the Championship race on RTBF whilst RTL will continue showing WorldSBK in Luxembourg.

Nova Sports will continue to bring Czech and Slovakian fans closer to WorldSBK action as they will be able to follow all sessions live, as Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing MOVISIO) continues in WorldSBK for a second campaign. Czech fans will also have their own round as the Championship returns to the Autodrom Most in July for the Czech Round. Pop TV will broadcast WorldSBK in Slovenia with all the action also available on the VOYO player. Turkish fans will be able to follow Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) fight for his second WorldSBK title on both TRT Sport and Saran.

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

In North America, the US fans can follow Garrett Gerloff’s (Bonovo Action BMW) new challenge with BMW as WorldSBK will remain on the NBC Sports Network with six rounds to be broadcast in 2023, whilst REV TV will continue to broadcast the Superbike class in Canada.

In Latin America, there is a new broadcaster bringing WorldSBK to Mexico with Fox Sports Mexico airing all classes, including WorldSSP300 with Mexican rider Juan Pablo Uriostegui (Team#109 Kawasaki) set to make his debut in the category.

Brazilian broadcaster Bandsports TV will continue to show WorldSBK alongside F1, MotoGP™, NASCAR and MXGP among others. Fans will be able to follow Eric Granado’s (MIE Racing Honda Team) first full season in WorldSBK, and Humberto Maier and Enzo Valentim (both Yamaha MS Racing – Team Brasil) in WorldSSP300.

ESPN will continue to show WorldSBK to all other LATAM territories, including Argentina where the 2023 season finale is set to take place in October in the spectacular setting of San Juan.

ASIA

J-Sports will continue to bring WorldSBK to Japanese fans as they will be able to follow all sessions live, allowing them to witness Maiki Abe (VFT Racing Yamaha) and Yuta Okaya’s (Prodina Kawasaki Racing WorldSSP) first steps in World Supersport. In Indonesia, Trans7 will broadcast all classes as Indonesia will have a round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in March; the second round of 2023.

WorldSBK will continue to be available on SpoTV for all the Pan-Asian territories including the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam. Eurosport will also broadcast in various Central Asian countries, with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan all enjoying coverage.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA AND OCEANIA

Eurosport will also broadcast the Championship exclusively live in Lebanon and Israel, whilst Supersport will continue their Pan-Africa coverage until the end of 2024.

As the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit will be the host of the season opening round, Australian fans will be able to follow the action all season long on Fox Australia whilst SBS will broadcast a 46-minute highlights package after each round. In New Zealand, Sky Sport will continue to broadcast all three classes until 2024.

WorldSBK VideoPass

Fans from all across the globe will be able to watch every single moment of action in 2023 using the WorldSBK VideoPass, giving viewers live and uninterrupted coverage of every session and every class as well as a huge archive of historical action. Fans can also enjoy races OnDemand and wherever they are, making sure that they don’t miss a single second of action.

MotoAmerica: Bicknese Returning For Junior Cup Championship Fight

David Swarts

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February 17, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Bicknese Returning For Junior Cup Championship Fight

Hayden fully focused on 2023 MotoAmerica Junior Cup campaign with Bicknese Racing

Hayden Bicknese is excited to announce his participation in the 2023 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship.

Hayden, who improved and finished eighth out of 36 entrants overall in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship series in 2022, is looking to build on his successes from 12 months ago – a year that saw him race to a maiden national podium at the iconic Laguna Seca raceway.

The 16-year-old from Defiance, Missouri will once again line up on the ultra-competitive grid for his own family-made team Bicknese Racing – a team run professionally by his father Randy, who also doubles up as Crew Chief. Bicknese Racing has a strong and proven team of very valued partners and sponsors contributing to their racing efforts. The support received covers a range of things from setup, product specification and data analysis to name but three.

During the off-season Hayden has benefited from a unique opportunity to train with other exemplary elite student athletes to sharpen his mental toughness, his physical fitness, and most importantly his racing confidence. These off-season improvements are something both Hayden and the Bicknese Racing team are confident will have an impact when the #69 takes to the track.

Hayden Bicknese: “I am ready to take the next step in my racing career in 2023. I learned a lot in 2022 about running our own professional racing team as a family and was able to show my speed by running at the front in the majority of races. I took a podium at Laguna Seca and I now feel ready and confident to lead the pack and set the pace. I do my part off track to make sure my mind, body and equipment are always ready to compete professionally. Thank you to everyone who is behind me. I am excited to start the 2023 season.”

WorldSBK: Field Testing At Phillip Island Ahead Of Season-Opener

David Swarts

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February 17, 2023

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WorldSBK: Field Testing At Phillip Island Ahead Of Season-Opener

WorldSBK starts the 2023 season at the iconic Phillip Island Circuit

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will hit the track after a two-day Official Test prior to the round

Phillip Island is one of the most iconic and exciting venues in world motorsport. WorldSBK first raced at Phillip Island in 1990 and more than 60 races have taken place there. The 2022 visit was an unforgettable affair with incredible racing and tyre gambles in mixed conditions.

Australia has produced so many stars of two-wheel racing, such as Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan, Troy Bayliss, Troy Corser and Casey Stoner. With Remy Gardner making his WorldSBK debut at this year Australian Round, the country’s rich motorcycle racing heritage continues.

DID YOU KNOW?

The superb Lukey Heights section of the Phillip Island track is named after Melbourne businessman, racing driver and former circuit owner Len Lukey who helped revamp the venue in the 1960s.

PHILLIP ISLAND’S HOT SPOTS WITH REMY GARDNER

T1/ DOOHAN CORNER: “You want to open the gas and spin a little bit so that you can get it pointed to the right before having to turn left into T2.”

T4/MILLER CORNER: “It is one of my favourite places to overtake. If you can get your position right, and are confident on the brakes, you can do OK there.”

T10/MG Hairpin: “You cannot attack too hard on the brakes there. It feels really slow when you get to the apex, but you get going fast again real soon!”

WorldSBK | KEY STAT

378

In his next start, Jonathan Rea will set the new record for WorldSBK races run, 378, leaving Troy Corser at 377.

What to look out for in Phillip Island

Phillip Island returns to its season opening spot for the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, which is shaping up as another chapter of the Golden Era.

13 different countries will be represented on the WorldSBK grid in 2023, with familiar faces stepping up from the WorldSSP class and high-profile rookies joining the fray.

The return of a champion and other big moves on the grid will only add to the intrigue and interest of a new season which promises to be more competitive and exciting than ever.

After private tests in Jerez and Portimao, riders are now set for their final pre-season outing with a two-day test in Phillip Island on Monday and Tuesday before the 2023 season kicks off in anger next Friday when Free Practice gets underway for the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round.

MotoAmerica: Paasch Re-Signs With Altus Motorsports

David Swarts

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February 17, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Paasch Re-Signs With Altus Motorsports

MotoAmerica: Paasch Back in MotoAmerica for 2023 Onboard the Altus Motorsports GSX-R1000.

(Altus, OK) – Brandon Paasch finished the 2022 MotoAmerica season with a fourth in the Stock 1000 Championship and second in the Superbike Cup. Not bad for his first year on a liter bike. The team is excited to have him back on the Altus Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000 for 2023.

“It was great to have Paasch under the Altus banner last year. He improved almost every round. By the end of the season, he had really started to gel with the bike and it showed in the results,” said George Nassaney, team owner. “We have an exciting team this year and with competitors in almost every class, the crew is going to be busy.”

Jaret Nassaney returns for 2023 to run the MotoAmerica Supersport on his Suzuki GSX-R750. Altus is adding a Twins Cup bike with a Yamaha R7 piloted by 17-year-old Joseph Limandri Jr. 2022 North American Talent Cup Champion, Alessandro Di Mario will join the team to race the Junior Cup class on the Altus Motorsports Kawasaki Ninja 400.

The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Company, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.

Video: Army Of Darkness Buys, Modifies, And Rides A TM EN 300FI

David Swarts

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February 17, 2023

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Video: Army Of Darkness Buys, Modifies, And Rides A TM EN 300FI

Roadracing World’s Sam Fleming fell in love with TM when he and Melissa Berkoff visited the TM factory in Italy in April 2022. Upon arriving home he found a coveted 2022 300 FI 2T for sale and snapped it up. After a couple little teething problems, he’s got it set up and is out in the woods.

Roadracing World’s Sam Fleming and Melissa Berkoff visited the TM Racing factory in Pesaro Italy in April 2022 and you can find a series of videos about that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0AEu…

TM Racing makes arguably the most exquisite racing motorcycles for MX, Enduro and Supermoto in the world. They also made a championship winning Moto3 road race bike!

Remember to subscribe to this channel!

Subscribe to the print magazine at http://roadracingworld.com

See an archive of other Army Of Darkness articles at http://armyofdarkness.com

AIMExpo 2023: Is Moto Trainer The Best Motorcycle Simulator Yet? (Video)

David Swarts

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February 16, 2023

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AIMExpo 2023: Is Moto Trainer The Best Motorcycle Simulator Yet? (Video)

By Michael Gougis

One of the busiest exhibits at the AIMExpo 2023 show displayed the Italian-made Moto Trainer, the official MotoGP simulator. As it was configured at the show, the trainer had an Aprilia RSV4 mounted up and was set up to deliver braking, throttle, and lean input resistance. Visitors got to experience a virtual lap of Mugello while leaning, braking and accelerating on a full-size, full-weight motorcycle.

The main component of the simulator is a rail which any full-size motorcycle can be mounted to. The rail allows the motorcycle to be leaned 60 degrees from vertical. A turnbuckle linkage at the front adjusts the damping to the rider’s weight. Sensors are mounted on the throttle, so when the rider twists the grip the machine starts to stand up. Other sensors are mounted to the front forks, so when the rider hits the front brakes, the machine dips forward. Other sensor options include the shifter and the rear brake.

It’s hard not to dismiss the device as a mere video game. A company spokesperson said that 70% of the units sold in the U.S. are bought by private parties, meaning that they likely are used as gaming platforms. The company also says that it can be used as a trainer to simulate the act of riding a sportbike (or off-road machine), and to learn new tracks. The need for a realistic simulator for professional road racers is evident from the widespread use of simulators in four-wheel racing. Top-level teams have dedicated simulator drivers who do nothing but put in laps on incredibly sophisticated devices, performing virtual testing of components and honing their skills. With testing limited in most professional road racing series, an accurate simulator could be a decisive performance edge for a top rider or team, allowing them to turn virtual laps to add to real-world testing inputs.

Roadracing World being Roadracing World, we put Robertino “Tino” Pietri, former Moto2 and AMA Pro road racer, onto the exhibit for a few virtual laps around Mugello. The physical exertion required to operate the trainer was evident–Pietri had arm pump after riding the simulator.

It is not perfect. The device does not yet allow for counter-steering, so the riding inputs are almost completely done with the legs. Without the G-forces involved in riding, braking and acceleration inputs do not replicate the forces felt on a motorcycle in motion. And the arms get a workout not from steering the machine, but from holding the body in position when the motorcycle is leaned over, as the centripetal forces that push the rider into the machine and relieve the arms of carrying the rider’s weight while cornering are absent.

“When you go to a track day, what I see is the principles of riding a motorcycle, body position, how to use the brakes, how to use the rear brake, how to move yourself, that’s hard to learn to do while you are in movement,” Pietri said. “A big number of riders are not doing that correctly. I think this machine can give you a lot of those principles–how to position yourself on the bike, how to grab the handlebars. You can practice that in a static situation without the risk of a crash, and I can tell you exactly what you should be doing.”

Prices start at $5,900 and range up to $18,990 for the official MotoGP Flagship model.

R.I.P. Dealership Co-Owner And Former Racer Nick Hayman

David Swarts

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February 16, 2023

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R.I.P. Dealership Co-Owner And Former Racer Nick Hayman

Dealership co-owner and former racer Nick Hayman died February 15. He was 64.

Hayman, who was originally from London, England, raced a Ducati in AFM and selected AMA Pro events from 2007 to 2012, scoring points in AMA Pro Supersport races.

In 2012, Hayman suffered two major crashes and head injuries, leading to him giving up racing.

He then focused on running the multi-line dealership he co-owned, Munroe Motors, in San Francisco, California.

His passing was announced on the Facebook page of Munroe Motors.

We will update this post as more information becomes available.

Nick Hayman in most recent times. Photo courtesy Munroe Motors.

AIMExpo 2023 Las Vegas: Bigger Beginner Bikes, Upping The Voltage

David Swarts

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February 16, 2023

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AIMExpo 2023 Las Vegas: Bigger Beginner Bikes, Upping The Voltage

By Michael Gougis

Electric powered- and electric-assisted machines were in full force at the AIMExpo 2023 in Las Vegas, and motorcycle industry stalwarts showed off new and improve models that make middleweight motorcycles more accessible to newer and beginning riders.

Suzuki debuted its new GSX-8S alongside its new V-STROM 800 DE Adventure machine, with the new 776cc Parallel-Twin models incorporating several features to make the bikes suitable for riders with minimal experience. Each comes with traction control, anti-lock brakes, assisted/slipper clutch mechanisms, and clutchless upshifting and downshifting.

“We wanted to come out and showcase some of our newest, latest products, and connect with the dealer network. We wanted to show people that Suzuki was still going to be a strong presence in the motorcycle industry in America,” said Chase Rastegar, Assistant Manager of National Sales and Dealer Development for Suzuki Motor USA.

Chase Rastegar, Assistant Manager of National Sales and Dealer Development for Suzuki Motor USA, with the company's new GSX-8S. The 776cc Twin has clutchless up- and down-shifting, traction control, ABS and a range of power modes. Photo by Michael Gougis. — Chase Rastegar, Assistant Manager of National Sales and Dealer Development for Suzuki Motor USA, with the company’s new GSX-8S. The 776cc Twin has clutchless up- and down-shifting, traction control, ABS and a range of power modes. Photo by Michael Gougis.

As the electronic rider aid technology introduced and refined in the heat of road racing competition matures, it becomes cheaper and easier for manufacturers to incorporate it into less expensive production models. Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 now comes with traction control. Triumph had on display at AIMEXPO its Speed Twin 900, which makes Middleweight Twin power in a package that comes with an assisted clutch, ABS, and traction control. Which means that larger models, more than ever before, are suitable for riders with minimal experience. In theory, this means that a new rider can, instead of purchasing a “starter” bike that they will outgrow, purchase a larger machine, hone their skills with a safety net of rider aids underneath them, and have a vehicle that will entertain them for years.

A 900cc engine used to be Superbike territory. Triumph's Speed Twin 900 has a power output that won't scare a beginner, anti-lock brakes, traction control and an assisted clutch. Photo by Michael Gougis. — A 900cc engine used to be Superbike territory. Triumph’s Speed Twin 900 has a power output that won’t scare a beginner, anti-lock brakes, traction control and an assisted clutch. Photo by Michael Gougis.

The other trend visible among the exhibits was, of course, the increasing prevalence of electric-powered and electric-assisted vehicles. Notable by their absence were the manufacturers of larger, more expensive, and higher-powered electric motorcycles like Zero and Energica.

Instead, the floors were packed with smaller machines that looked very much like minimalist off-road motorcycles; electric-assisted bicycles; and an assortment of other electric vehicles that promised fun, style, or some combination thereof. These motorcycles were not designed to be direct competitors to internal-combustion machines. Instead, they were designed to be fun, practical transportation for urban use and light commuting and off-roading. Top speeds were typically 70 mph and below, with range well under 100 miles, and designed primarily to be charged at home. But the price points were in line with entry-level gas-powered motorcycles, and in some cases well below.

Typical of the best-performing electric bikes at the show, the Land District retails for $8,200, has a top speed of 70 mph and will go 120 miles on a charge. Photo by Michael Gougis.

The electric-assisted pedal bicycle market has exploded in recent years, and there were several models on display. And JackRabbit exhibited what may become an entirely new category of electric vehicle–the micro eBike. For $999.99, a rider gets an electric motorcycle that weighs 24 pounds, has a range of about 10 miles, goes 20 mph and folds and disassembles into a package that is only seven inches wide. Honestly, the company may as well have had a big neon sign saying “Pit Bike” mounted above its booth!

JackRabbit CEO Jason Kenagy holds up the JackRabbit. It weighs 24 pounds, gets 10 miles on a charge and can carry a spare battery under the seat. Photo by Michael Gougis.

The Anza by Monday Motorbikes is an example of an electric-assisted pedal bicycle. Range of 30 to 40 miles, top speed between 25 and 28 mph depending on configuration, and a beginning retail price of $1,699. Photo by Michael Gougis.

The Mangosteen M1P, with 12-inch wheels, a top speed of 37 mph, a 40-mile range and a bling factor straight from the most radical chopper shops. Photo by Michael Gougis.

AIMExpo: Angelle Sampey Not Done Racing Pro Stock Dragbikes

David Swarts

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February 16, 2023

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AIMExpo: Angelle Sampey Not Done Racing Pro Stock Dragbikes

by Michael Gougis

Three-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock National Champion Angelle Sampey says that while she lost her ride after winning only one race in 2022, her new goal is to own her own racing team and bring her career win total to an even 50.

“I’m not done yet. I don’t feel like I’m done. I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove,” Sampey, 52, told the audience at the keynote address for the AIMExpo in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I am going to prove everyone who says to me, ‘Isn’t it time to give this up?’ completely and utterly wrong. I scratched and clawed my way in there. And I made it happen by absolutely never taking no for an answer. It’s only fair that I chase my dreams, too.”

Sampey is the winningest female racer in history, with 46 NHRA race wins to her credit. She was still blindingly quick in 2022, setting a new track record in qualifying at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California, ripping off a 6.703 second, 201.61 mph blast during the NHRA Auto Club Finals. It was the sixth time in 2022 that she was top qualifier, and the 59th time in her career that she finished qualifying on top of the charts.

But the single win over the course of the season did not meet the expectations of the Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki team, and it did not meet her own high standards for herself, she told the audience. In retrospect, she put a lot of pressure on herself, and it led to jumped starts and slow starts, which plagued her throughout the season.

“I tried too hard. I got a lot of red lights. A lot of late lights. It was rough,” she said.

Losing a professional ride for a racer is a uniquely painful moment. Sampey was honest, brutally so, about how much it hurt. She shared the stage with a show version of the Hayabusa she raced in 2022, and when she walked on stage, she sat as far from it as she could – and that was deliberate, she told the crowd.

In a question-and-answer session with Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motors of America, Inc. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sampey outlined her career on two wheels, which has been marked by a determination to overcome obstacles from the very beginning.

Sampey started racing at six years old, and the first obstacle was overcoming the family’s presumption that her brother would be the motorcycle racer in the family. But his desire to race waned, and hers grew. She would eventually own her own Suzuki GS1100 dragbike, which she sold to finance her attendance at the Frank Hawley drag racing school. This presented another obstacle, she says. Not only was she a female in a male-dominated sport, her size worried the school, which insisted that she visit them in person so they could decide whether they would accept her as a student.

Her description of trying to hustle a 400-horsepower dragbike down the track was analogous to the debates over minimum combined rider-machine weights in road racing. (WorldSBK recently decided to not impose such weight restrictions in the Superbike class.) Let alone the 3.5 Gs of force at the start, the near impossibility of steering a machine with a fat, flat slick on the rear, she was barely 100 pounds without gear. And that meant her dragbike frequently carried up to 80 pounds of lead to bring the rider-bike weight up to the class minimum of 625 pounds, she said.

“Here I was, the smallest, weakest rider in the field, on the heaviest machine out there,” she said. “I had to be faster with my corrections, make bigger corrections than the other riders.”

Angelle Sampey met with fans after her presentation, including this young one. Photo by Michael Gougis.

In 2010, Sampey retired and had a daughter, and thought her racing days were behind her. “I was in love with my life,” she said. Then a call came with an offer to return to racing, and she thought, “It was the most perfect opportunity to show my daughter what she was capable of,” she says.

Sampey did two part-time seasons before returning full-time in 2016. Despite being sick and weak, she won the Summernational Pro Stock race, her first win in nine years. She was in tears in the post-race interview (“I’m so sorry for the people who don’t like to see me cry, look away,” she said on camera, “I know it’s 42 wins, but it feels like the first win ever…”) and still is still emotional when she talks about that moment in her career and talking to her daughter afterward.

“I was telling her, mommy won the real trophy and she’s bringing it home for you. And she still has that trophy, under a sign that says dreams come true if you work for them,” Sampey says. Having a mom who is a National Champion drag racer wasn’t that big a deal for her daughter, Ava, Sampey says, until it was career day at school. After she appeared and talked about being a racer, she says, “Then, I was the cool mom!”

Sampey had a simple message to the dealers in attendance for the presentation: Don’t overlook the women who walk into the dealership. In an interview after her presentation, Sampey talked about riding a Harley-Davidson for two seasons, winning races, but when she would visit the local Harley dealership while traveling to events, the salespeople not only didn’t recognize her, they didn’t even greet her or introduce themselves to her.

“That’s been very tough for my whole career, to get people to believe in me,” she says. “That woman who comes through the door? She’s going to be scared to death to walk into that dealership and ask about a motorcycle because of that stigma. That someone isn’t going to take her seriously. That if she shows an interest in a GSX-R1000, someone’s going to say that she shouldn’t be on it. It’s changing, but it needs to change more. Don’t look past them. Speak to me, not my husband.”

Seen At The NEMRR Awards Banquet (Updated)

David Swarts

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February 16, 2023

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Seen At The NEMRR Awards Banquet (Updated)

NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) held its 2022 awards banquet February 11 in Concord, New Hampshire. Here are some photos from that event.

In each photo the class Champion is in the center, the Championship runner-up is on the right, and the third-place finisher is on the left, except where noted.

2022 NEMRR Overall Champion Rick Doucette. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

300 Supersport – Lukas Doucette, Rick Doucette, and Jason Downs. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

300 Superbike Champion Lukas Doucette (right) and runner-up Rick Doucette (left). Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

500 Superbike sponsored by Dunlop Talent Cup – Lukas Doucette, Renee Franco and Adam Muscaro. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

500 Supersport sponsored by Sportbike Track Gear – Shane Lewis, Renee Franco and Adam Muscaro. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Formula 40 Lightweight sponsored by Innovative Motorsports – Brett Guyer, Rick Doucette and John Grush. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Formula 40 Middleweight sponsored by Bay Radiology of Cape Cod – Tim Hogan, Scott Greenwood and Paul Duval. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Rookie of the Year sponsored by Vanson Leathers – Trase Boudreau. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Formula 40 Lights Amateur Champion – Billy Saine. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Formula 40 Middleweight Amateur Champion – Geoffrey Bonnard. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

GTL and Formula 50 Lights Amateur Champion – Stephen Biehl. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

The NEMRR Corner Marshall of the Year award went to Scott Kaplan. The award was accepted on his behalf by Scott Sewade. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Formula 40 Unlimited sponsored by MTAG Pirelli – David Dayon and Peter Kates. Champion Eric Wood was unable to attend the event. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Formula 50 Lightweight – John Grush, Brett Guyer and Rick Doucette. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

GTL sponsored by Robert Pease #74 – Rick Doucette, Brett Guyer and Eli Block. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

GTO sponsored by Bauce Racing – Nicholas Leighton, Scott Greenwood (and his son Greyson) and Bill Coolahan. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

NEMRR Executive Director John Grush (left) presents the Outstanding Service of the Year to Amanda Roberts (center) and Billy Saine (right). Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

GTU sponsored by Dunlop Race Tires – Vicente Frontinan, Scott Greenwood (and his son Greyson) and Paul Duval. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Heavyweight Superbike sponsored by Souhegan Valley Motorsports – Ian Beam, Scott Greenwood (and his son Greyson) and Rick Doucette. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Penguin Roadracing School’s Steve Aspland (left) presents the John Bettencourt Award sponsored by Penguin Roadracing School to David Dayon (right). Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Heavyweight Supersport sponsored by Antham Racing – Anthony DiCecca, Scott Greenwood and Ian Beam. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Lightweight Grand Prix sponsored by Seacoast Sport Cycle – John Grush, Brett Guyer and Rick Doucette. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Lightweight Sportsman – Adam Clark, Sergio Di Molfetta and Michael Zoner. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Lightweight Superbike sponsored by Freedom Cycle – Nicholas Leighton, Brett Guyer and Adam Guyer. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Lightweight Supersport – Brian Faucher, Nicholas Leighton and Bill Coolahan. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Middleweight Grand Prix sponsored by Moto Race – Eli Block, Scott Greenwood and Paul Duval. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Middleweight Superbike sponsored by REB Graphics – Rick Doucette, Scott Greenwood and Ian Beam. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Middleweight Supersport sponsored by K-Tech Suspension – Bryan Wardius, Scott Greenwood and Ian Beam. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Motard Champion Eli Block (center), third-place Sergio Di Molfetta (left), and racing supporter Stough Snead (right). Runner-up Gunnar Ouellette did not attend the event. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Moto 3 – Shane Lewis, Adam Muscaro and Renee Franco. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Super Singles sponsored by PTC Racing Champion Sergio Di Molfetta (center) and third-place Adam Clark (left). Runner-up Gunnar Ouellette did not attend the event. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Thunderbike – Adam Guyer, Brett Guyer and Tim Hogan. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Ultralight Superbike third-place finisher Sergio Di Molfetta (left) and Championship runner-up Brian Faucher. Class Champion Gunnar Ouellette did not attend the event. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Unlimited Grand Prix sponsored by Superbike Services 44 third-place finisher Jim Rich (left) and Championship runner-up David Dayon (right). Class Champion Eric Wood was unable to attend the event. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Unlimited Superbike sponsored by Scott Mullin Legacy Race – third-place finisher Jim Rich (left) and Championship runner-up David Dayon (right). Class Champion Eric Wood was unable to attend the event. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Unlimited Supersport sponsored by Orient Express – third-place finish Peter Kates (left) and Championship runner-up David Dayon (right). Class Champion Eric Wood was unable to attend the event. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Supertwins Combined sponsored by Seacoast Sport Cycle – Jim Rich, Tim Hogan and Brett Guyer. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Ultralight Grand Prix Combined sponsored by Bay Radiology of Cape Cod – Ryan Imbeault, Michael Zoner and Tim O’Connor. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

GT 500 Combined sponsored by First Trax Sports Shop – Shane Lewis, Renee Franco and Adam Muscaro. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Formula 60 Lightweight Combined – John Donald, John Grush and Tim O’Connor. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Scott Mullin’s widow Sarah Mullin (left) presents the Scott Mullin Legacy Award to Tim Hogan (right). Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Amateur Champions (from left) – Sam Martin, Michael Guarino, Geoffrey Bonnard, Asher Rubright, Eric Cormier, and Billy Saine. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

Amateur Champions (from left) – Billy Saine, Geoffrey Bonnard, Asher Rubright, Dan Pletea, and Andrei Ciobanu. Photo by Scott Hussey Photography, courtesy NEMRR.

WorldSBK: NBC Sports To Broadcast Six Rounds In U.S.

February 17, 2023

Alvaro Bautista (19) leads early in a WorldSBK race Sunday at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Dorna. — Alvaro Bautista (19) leads early in a WorldSBK race at Catalunya in 2022. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Where can you watch WorldSBK on TV in 2023?

29 broadcasters continue to bring WorldSBK to viewers around the globe reaching new international audiences

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship TV coverage will reach new audiences and new territories for the 2023 season as Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) closed new deals with new broadcasters whilst historic partnerships have also been extended. After last year’s thrilling title fight and incredible races, 2023 is set to be even better as manufacturers, teams and riders go in search of glory.

EUROPE

Eurosport remain one of the main broadcasters of the Championship and they will bring WorldSBK to fans from 53 countries around Europe through their channels, Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2, as well as the Eurosport Player. Eurosport UK will provide on-site coverage throughout 2023 and broadcast every round live, including the UK Round in July, whilst the ITV network will broadcast a 46-minute highlights package after each Round free-to-air. French fans will be able to follow WorldSBK in 2023 on Eurosport as well, including the French round at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours.

Italian fans will be able to watch Italian manufacturer Ducati chase their second consecutive title on Sky Sport as the channel will broadcast live WorldSBK, WorldSSP and WorldSSP300, with Ducati aiming for the WorldSSP title as well. The Emilia-Romagna Round at Misano marks an important date in the WorldSBK calendar as the Ducatisti create a stunning atmosphere in Italy. Free-to-air channel TV8 will also broadcast all WorldSBK races.

In Spain, WorldSBK action will be broadcast on DAZN and on the national Spanish television network, RTVE, as DWO renewed its partnership with the network. Spanish fans can cheer on 2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista in his quest to retain his title with two rounds coming from within their country: the Catalunya Round in May and the Aragon Round in September. Portuguese fans can enjoy all the WorldSBK action on Sport TV as they ready for their national round at Portimao in October, whilst GIB Telecom remains WorldSBK’s broadcast partner in Gibraltar.

Servus TV will continue to broadcast all sessions with WorldSBK also available in their online platform for German, Austrian and Swiss fans. Servus will also bring WorldSBK action closer to their viewers as they will cover some of the key rounds of 2023 from onsite. German fans can follow Philipp Oettl’s (GoEleven Team) second season in WorldSBK whilst Swiss fans can watch double WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter (GYRT GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) debut in WorldSBK, whilst the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team will likewise don a new look. In Hungary, all three classes will be broadcast on Arena4.

Ziggo Sport will continue to offer the 46-minute highlights show for Dutch fans to follow Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with the Dutch Round being the first European round of 2023 in April. Belgian fans can enjoy each chapter of the Championship race on RTBF whilst RTL will continue showing WorldSBK in Luxembourg.

Nova Sports will continue to bring Czech and Slovakian fans closer to WorldSBK action as they will be able to follow all sessions live, as Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing MOVISIO) continues in WorldSBK for a second campaign. Czech fans will also have their own round as the Championship returns to the Autodrom Most in July for the Czech Round. Pop TV will broadcast WorldSBK in Slovenia with all the action also available on the VOYO player. Turkish fans will be able to follow Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) fight for his second WorldSBK title on both TRT Sport and Saran.

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

In North America, the US fans can follow Garrett Gerloff’s (Bonovo Action BMW) new challenge with BMW as WorldSBK will remain on the NBC Sports Network with six rounds to be broadcast in 2023, whilst REV TV will continue to broadcast the Superbike class in Canada.

In Latin America, there is a new broadcaster bringing WorldSBK to Mexico with Fox Sports Mexico airing all classes, including WorldSSP300 with Mexican rider Juan Pablo Uriostegui (Team#109 Kawasaki) set to make his debut in the category.

Brazilian broadcaster Bandsports TV will continue to show WorldSBK alongside F1, MotoGP™, NASCAR and MXGP among others. Fans will be able to follow Eric Granado’s (MIE Racing Honda Team) first full season in WorldSBK, and Humberto Maier and Enzo Valentim (both Yamaha MS Racing – Team Brasil) in WorldSSP300.

ESPN will continue to show WorldSBK to all other LATAM territories, including Argentina where the 2023 season finale is set to take place in October in the spectacular setting of San Juan.

ASIA

J-Sports will continue to bring WorldSBK to Japanese fans as they will be able to follow all sessions live, allowing them to witness Maiki Abe (VFT Racing Yamaha) and Yuta Okaya’s (Prodina Kawasaki Racing WorldSSP) first steps in World Supersport. In Indonesia, Trans7 will broadcast all classes as Indonesia will have a round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in March; the second round of 2023.

WorldSBK will continue to be available on SpoTV for all the Pan-Asian territories including the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam. Eurosport will also broadcast in various Central Asian countries, with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan all enjoying coverage.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA AND OCEANIA

Eurosport will also broadcast the Championship exclusively live in Lebanon and Israel, whilst Supersport will continue their Pan-Africa coverage until the end of 2024.

As the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit will be the host of the season opening round, Australian fans will be able to follow the action all season long on Fox Australia whilst SBS will broadcast a 46-minute highlights package after each round. In New Zealand, Sky Sport will continue to broadcast all three classes until 2024.

WorldSBK VideoPass

Fans from all across the globe will be able to watch every single moment of action in 2023 using the WorldSBK VideoPass, giving viewers live and uninterrupted coverage of every session and every class as well as a huge archive of historical action. Fans can also enjoy races OnDemand and wherever they are, making sure that they don’t miss a single second of action.

MotoAmerica: Bicknese Returning For Junior Cup Championship Fight

February 17, 2023

Hayden Bicknese (69). Photo courtesy Hayden Bicknese Racing.

Hayden fully focused on 2023 MotoAmerica Junior Cup campaign with Bicknese Racing

Hayden Bicknese is excited to announce his participation in the 2023 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship.

Hayden, who improved and finished eighth out of 36 entrants overall in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship series in 2022, is looking to build on his successes from 12 months ago – a year that saw him race to a maiden national podium at the iconic Laguna Seca raceway.

The 16-year-old from Defiance, Missouri will once again line up on the ultra-competitive grid for his own family-made team Bicknese Racing – a team run professionally by his father Randy, who also doubles up as Crew Chief. Bicknese Racing has a strong and proven team of very valued partners and sponsors contributing to their racing efforts. The support received covers a range of things from setup, product specification and data analysis to name but three.

During the off-season Hayden has benefited from a unique opportunity to train with other exemplary elite student athletes to sharpen his mental toughness, his physical fitness, and most importantly his racing confidence. These off-season improvements are something both Hayden and the Bicknese Racing team are confident will have an impact when the #69 takes to the track.

Hayden Bicknese: “I am ready to take the next step in my racing career in 2023. I learned a lot in 2022 about running our own professional racing team as a family and was able to show my speed by running at the front in the majority of races. I took a podium at Laguna Seca and I now feel ready and confident to lead the pack and set the pace. I do my part off track to make sure my mind, body and equipment are always ready to compete professionally. Thank you to everyone who is behind me. I am excited to start the 2023 season.”

WorldSBK: Field Testing At Phillip Island Ahead Of Season-Opener

February 17, 2023

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit located on Australia's southern coast. Photo courtesy Dorna.

WorldSBK starts the 2023 season at the iconic Phillip Island Circuit

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will hit the track after a two-day Official Test prior to the round

Phillip Island is one of the most iconic and exciting venues in world motorsport. WorldSBK first raced at Phillip Island in 1990 and more than 60 races have taken place there. The 2022 visit was an unforgettable affair with incredible racing and tyre gambles in mixed conditions.

Australia has produced so many stars of two-wheel racing, such as Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan, Troy Bayliss, Troy Corser and Casey Stoner. With Remy Gardner making his WorldSBK debut at this year Australian Round, the country’s rich motorcycle racing heritage continues.

DID YOU KNOW?

The superb Lukey Heights section of the Phillip Island track is named after Melbourne businessman, racing driver and former circuit owner Len Lukey who helped revamp the venue in the 1960s.

PHILLIP ISLAND’S HOT SPOTS WITH REMY GARDNER

T1/ DOOHAN CORNER: “You want to open the gas and spin a little bit so that you can get it pointed to the right before having to turn left into T2.”

T4/MILLER CORNER: “It is one of my favourite places to overtake. If you can get your position right, and are confident on the brakes, you can do OK there.”

T10/MG Hairpin: “You cannot attack too hard on the brakes there. It feels really slow when you get to the apex, but you get going fast again real soon!”

WorldSBK | KEY STAT

378

In his next start, Jonathan Rea will set the new record for WorldSBK races run, 378, leaving Troy Corser at 377.

What to look out for in Phillip Island

Phillip Island returns to its season opening spot for the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, which is shaping up as another chapter of the Golden Era.

13 different countries will be represented on the WorldSBK grid in 2023, with familiar faces stepping up from the WorldSSP class and high-profile rookies joining the fray.

The return of a champion and other big moves on the grid will only add to the intrigue and interest of a new season which promises to be more competitive and exciting than ever.

After private tests in Jerez and Portimao, riders are now set for their final pre-season outing with a two-day test in Phillip Island on Monday and Tuesday before the 2023 season kicks off in anger next Friday when Free Practice gets underway for the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round.

MotoAmerica: Paasch Re-Signs With Altus Motorsports

February 17, 2023

Brandon Paasch (96). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Altus Motorsports.

MotoAmerica: Paasch Back in MotoAmerica for 2023 Onboard the Altus Motorsports GSX-R1000.

(Altus, OK) – Brandon Paasch finished the 2022 MotoAmerica season with a fourth in the Stock 1000 Championship and second in the Superbike Cup. Not bad for his first year on a liter bike. The team is excited to have him back on the Altus Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000 for 2023.

“It was great to have Paasch under the Altus banner last year. He improved almost every round. By the end of the season, he had really started to gel with the bike and it showed in the results,” said George Nassaney, team owner. “We have an exciting team this year and with competitors in almost every class, the crew is going to be busy.”

Jaret Nassaney returns for 2023 to run the MotoAmerica Supersport on his Suzuki GSX-R750. Altus is adding a Twins Cup bike with a Yamaha R7 piloted by 17-year-old Joseph Limandri Jr. 2022 North American Talent Cup Champion, Alessandro Di Mario will join the team to race the Junior Cup class on the Altus Motorsports Kawasaki Ninja 400.

The Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Company, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.

Video: Army Of Darkness Buys, Modifies, And Rides A TM EN 300FI

February 17, 2023

Sam Fleming in action on his new 2022 TM EN 300FI. Photo courtesy Army of Darkness.

Roadracing World’s Sam Fleming fell in love with TM when he and Melissa Berkoff visited the TM factory in Italy in April 2022. Upon arriving home he found a coveted 2022 300 FI 2T for sale and snapped it up. After a couple little teething problems, he’s got it set up and is out in the woods.

Roadracing World’s Sam Fleming and Melissa Berkoff visited the TM Racing factory in Pesaro Italy in April 2022 and you can find a series of videos about that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0AEu…

TM Racing makes arguably the most exquisite racing motorcycles for MX, Enduro and Supermoto in the world. They also made a championship winning Moto3 road race bike!

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Subscribe to the print magazine at http://roadracingworld.com

See an archive of other Army Of Darkness articles at http://armyofdarkness.com

AIMExpo 2023: Is Moto Trainer The Best Motorcycle Simulator Yet? (Video)

February 16, 2023

By Michael Gougis

One of the busiest exhibits at the AIMExpo 2023 show displayed the Italian-made Moto Trainer, the official MotoGP simulator. As it was configured at the show, the trainer had an Aprilia RSV4 mounted up and was set up to deliver braking, throttle, and lean input resistance. Visitors got to experience a virtual lap of Mugello while leaning, braking and accelerating on a full-size, full-weight motorcycle.

The main component of the simulator is a rail which any full-size motorcycle can be mounted to. The rail allows the motorcycle to be leaned 60 degrees from vertical. A turnbuckle linkage at the front adjusts the damping to the rider’s weight. Sensors are mounted on the throttle, so when the rider twists the grip the machine starts to stand up. Other sensors are mounted to the front forks, so when the rider hits the front brakes, the machine dips forward. Other sensor options include the shifter and the rear brake.

It’s hard not to dismiss the device as a mere video game. A company spokesperson said that 70% of the units sold in the U.S. are bought by private parties, meaning that they likely are used as gaming platforms. The company also says that it can be used as a trainer to simulate the act of riding a sportbike (or off-road machine), and to learn new tracks. The need for a realistic simulator for professional road racers is evident from the widespread use of simulators in four-wheel racing. Top-level teams have dedicated simulator drivers who do nothing but put in laps on incredibly sophisticated devices, performing virtual testing of components and honing their skills. With testing limited in most professional road racing series, an accurate simulator could be a decisive performance edge for a top rider or team, allowing them to turn virtual laps to add to real-world testing inputs.

Roadracing World being Roadracing World, we put Robertino “Tino” Pietri, former Moto2 and AMA Pro road racer, onto the exhibit for a few virtual laps around Mugello. The physical exertion required to operate the trainer was evident–Pietri had arm pump after riding the simulator.

It is not perfect. The device does not yet allow for counter-steering, so the riding inputs are almost completely done with the legs. Without the G-forces involved in riding, braking and acceleration inputs do not replicate the forces felt on a motorcycle in motion. And the arms get a workout not from steering the machine, but from holding the body in position when the motorcycle is leaned over, as the centripetal forces that push the rider into the machine and relieve the arms of carrying the rider’s weight while cornering are absent.

“When you go to a track day, what I see is the principles of riding a motorcycle, body position, how to use the brakes, how to use the rear brake, how to move yourself, that’s hard to learn to do while you are in movement,” Pietri said. “A big number of riders are not doing that correctly. I think this machine can give you a lot of those principles–how to position yourself on the bike, how to grab the handlebars. You can practice that in a static situation without the risk of a crash, and I can tell you exactly what you should be doing.”

Prices start at $5,900 and range up to $18,990 for the official MotoGP Flagship model.

R.I.P. Dealership Co-Owner And Former Racer Nick Hayman

February 16, 2023

Nick Hayman, circa 2011. Photo courtesy Nick Hayman Collection.

Dealership co-owner and former racer Nick Hayman died February 15. He was 64.

Hayman, who was originally from London, England, raced a Ducati in AFM and selected AMA Pro events from 2007 to 2012, scoring points in AMA Pro Supersport races.

In 2012, Hayman suffered two major crashes and head injuries, leading to him giving up racing.

He then focused on running the multi-line dealership he co-owned, Munroe Motors, in San Francisco, California.

His passing was announced on the Facebook page of Munroe Motors.

We will update this post as more information becomes available.

AIMExpo 2023 Las Vegas: Bigger Beginner Bikes, Upping The Voltage

February 16, 2023

Honey, They Shrunk The Magna: Keeway displayed a 498cc, four-valve-per-cylinder V-Four cruiser with inverted forks and a claimed 54 bhp at 10,000 rpm. Photo by Michael Gougis.

By Michael Gougis

Electric powered- and electric-assisted machines were in full force at the AIMExpo 2023 in Las Vegas, and motorcycle industry stalwarts showed off new and improve models that make middleweight motorcycles more accessible to newer and beginning riders.

Suzuki debuted its new GSX-8S alongside its new V-STROM 800 DE Adventure machine, with the new 776cc Parallel-Twin models incorporating several features to make the bikes suitable for riders with minimal experience. Each comes with traction control, anti-lock brakes, assisted/slipper clutch mechanisms, and clutchless upshifting and downshifting.

“We wanted to come out and showcase some of our newest, latest products, and connect with the dealer network. We wanted to show people that Suzuki was still going to be a strong presence in the motorcycle industry in America,” said Chase Rastegar, Assistant Manager of National Sales and Dealer Development for Suzuki Motor USA.

As the electronic rider aid technology introduced and refined in the heat of road racing competition matures, it becomes cheaper and easier for manufacturers to incorporate it into less expensive production models. Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 now comes with traction control. Triumph had on display at AIMEXPO its Speed Twin 900, which makes Middleweight Twin power in a package that comes with an assisted clutch, ABS, and traction control. Which means that larger models, more than ever before, are suitable for riders with minimal experience. In theory, this means that a new rider can, instead of purchasing a “starter” bike that they will outgrow, purchase a larger machine, hone their skills with a safety net of rider aids underneath them, and have a vehicle that will entertain them for years.

The other trend visible among the exhibits was, of course, the increasing prevalence of electric-powered and electric-assisted vehicles. Notable by their absence were the manufacturers of larger, more expensive, and higher-powered electric motorcycles like Zero and Energica.

Instead, the floors were packed with smaller machines that looked very much like minimalist off-road motorcycles; electric-assisted bicycles; and an assortment of other electric vehicles that promised fun, style, or some combination thereof. These motorcycles were not designed to be direct competitors to internal-combustion machines. Instead, they were designed to be fun, practical transportation for urban use and light commuting and off-roading. Top speeds were typically 70 mph and below, with range well under 100 miles, and designed primarily to be charged at home. But the price points were in line with entry-level gas-powered motorcycles, and in some cases well below.

The electric-assisted pedal bicycle market has exploded in recent years, and there were several models on display. And JackRabbit exhibited what may become an entirely new category of electric vehicle–the micro eBike. For $999.99, a rider gets an electric motorcycle that weighs 24 pounds, has a range of about 10 miles, goes 20 mph and folds and disassembles into a package that is only seven inches wide. Honestly, the company may as well have had a big neon sign saying “Pit Bike” mounted above its booth!

AIMExpo: Angelle Sampey Not Done Racing Pro Stock Dragbikes

February 16, 2023