For the first time ever, both KRT racing enterprises have unveiled their new season colours and riders together in a joint video production.
Filmed in January at a secret location in Barcelona, the KRT MXGP team – with riders, Romain Febvre and Mitch Evans – joined forces with Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes, plus other team personnel from the KRT WorldSBK squad, for the first combined photo and video shoot to feature new team clothing and season starting graphics for their Ninja ZX-10RR and KX450-SR machines.
A busy Winter test period for both teams is now over. KRT WorldSBK depart soon for race one in Australia while KRT MXGP fly in the opposite direction to Argentina.
Keen to show off their new liveries, there is an infectious optimism across both outfits as they unite with a desire to attack their respective Championships seeking glory for a truly global fan base.
Guim Roda, KRT WorldSBK Team Manager, stated: “Racing is fun, enjoyable – a show – and we were happy to work together with the MXGP project to show this passion. The same passion we will attack 2023 with, the same motivation to enter each race to fight until the last lap for the victory. We worked hard to polish some details, improve our bike and the organisation of the team to try to win the title again. More important than that, we want to make the fans enjoy watching the races, and hopefully make sure a green bike stays on top. Johnny and Alex are ready to go with fully recharged batteries, so let’s see at the Australian round how strongly we have arrived in this new season.”
Antti Pyrhönen, KRT MXGP Team Manager, stated: “We are looking forward to the 2023 season. Our goals are set high. The riders and team are working very hard and we are united to reach these targets. We have the most competitive bike in our KX450-SR, very professional staff and great partners – so let the season begin.”
Alex Lowes. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes KRT WorldSBK stated: “I love how the bike looks. I really like the 2023 design. Last year I had some quite good speed, strong qualifying performances and I could hang with the top three. As the race went on, when the grip dropped, I was struggling a little bit more. That is an area we have focused on. I am really looking forward to the year. I have had a good winter of training and I really can’t wait to get started. It may be a few years now that I have been in the Superbike World Championship but I am still excited like it is the first time; like I felt back in 2014. Now I am looking forward to getting to Australia and getting down to business.”
Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea KRT WorldSBK, stated: “I am really excited about this new season. We had a really solid off season. I am also excited to go to Phillip Island and start the year in what seems to us like a more normal way. I feel that I have prepared really well away from the track, and during the winter tests we have improved, which is very motivating. It’s nice to have some new people around and that itself brings a different feel. I am eager to get going. We have made progress with the bike and are working hard to try to improve our feeling and results from last season. Hopefully we can challenge for race wins and fight for a world title.”
Romain Febvre KRT MXGP stated: “My biggest hope is not to be injured; this is the main thing for me. I need to demonstrate enough intelligence to push when I need to push and maybe to settle back when I need to. This is my biggest thing to deal with. I feel that I have the speed and at the moment, fitness-wise, I am pretty good also. It is exciting to be racing again. I know the final results will be there, so let’s see how it goes in Argentina first, and then step-by-step I will see where we are and what I have to work on.”
Mitch Evans KRT MXGP stated: “My hopes and ambitions for the 2023 season are to stay healthy and make it to all the rounds. I want to start to be a top contender and fight for wins week-in/week-out and finish the year top three in the championship. I want to start building towards being a title contender in the future.”
APRILIA ANNOUNCES 2023 NORTH AMERICA “APRILIA RACERS DAYS” TRACK PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Program brings premium on-track experience to riders of all skill levels on some of North America’s premiere racing circuits
Participants will have demo opportunities with Aprilia’s full line-up of 2023 RSV4, Tuono V4, RS 660 and Tuono 660 models
Technical partnerships with Pirelli, Dainese and AGV help make the program possible, while adding immersive experiences for participants
An immersive Aprilia Racing School experience will also be available at select rounds
NEW YORK, NY – February 8, 2023 – Aprilia USA has announced the 2023 dates for the Aprilia Racers Days track-day program. The immersive program allows customers to experience not only the latest Aprilia motorcycle models on track, but also the latest protection equipment from Dainese and AGV, along with performance tires from Pirelli.
Hosted at eight of the most storied North American circuits in motorsport, Aprilia Racers Days continues to grow a community of motorcycle enthusiasts and track riders. Each event will include the full street range from Aprilia, including the RSV4, Tuono V4, RS 660 and Tuono 660 models. Riders may also bring their own motorcycles to the events for additional track time with riding groups based on skill level. The program includes coaching for all group levels, as well as professional photography and tailored experiences from technical partners Pirelli, Dainese and AGV.
Aprilia Racers Days events will be supported directly by Aprilia-trained technicians and product specialists, as well as representatives from Pirelli, Dainese and AGV to offer the best on-track experience with expert advice, performance and protection. Students riding all marques are welcome to participate and will receive guidance and tips to help develop safer, more capable and faster riders on track.
The Aprilia Racing School will also be available to interested riders at select events. The racing school is highly dedicated to individual riders with instruction on the more technical aspects of riding on track, including mental focus, track visualization and advanced techniques related to trail braking, corner entry and exit, and more.
Each circuit will be supported by Aprilia Racers Days partner Pirelli, where each Aprilia motorcycle will be shod with their newest sport offering, the street-to-track performance-focused Diablo Rosso™ IV Corsa.
Dainese will have master tailors from its Custom Works program available for fittings and consultations, and professionals from Dainese D-Stores will offer a demo fleet of D-Air suits for both men and women. There will also be AGV helmets for participants to try on and experience why many top riders in world-class racing turn to AGV as their helmet of choice.
Andy DiBrino To Race Select Supersport Rounds For Competition Werkes MV Agusta
Andy DiBrino is bringing MV Agusta back to the MotoAmerica grid for select rounds in the Supersport class with a new collaboration between Competition Werkes and DiBrino Racing. Competition Werkes MV Agusta is an Oregon-based team with technical support being provided by EDR Performance, which is also Oregon-based.
The latest MV Agusta F3 RR is an 800cc three-cylinder machine that boasts 147hp. The F3 RR won a World Supersport race last year and is expected to be a competitive machine with the Supersport Next-Generation rules MotoAmerica has for the Supersport class. The plan is for DiBrino to race these select Supersport rounds on the MV Agusta F3 RR:
June 2-4 Road America, WI
June 23-25 Ridge Motorsports Park, WA
July 7-9 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, CA
September 8-10 Circuit of The Americas, TX
September 22-24 New Jersey Motorsports Park, NJ
Here is what DiBrino had to say about racing the MV Agusta F3 RR for Competition Werkes MV Agusta:
“I’m so excited about this opportunity to race the MV Agusta and very thankful for the support of everyone involved. When news dropped towards the end of 2022 that KTM had acquired majority stake in MV Agusta, it was MotoAmerica’s Greg White who immediately pitched the idea to me about racing the F3 RR in Supersport. I was looking for a change for 2023 and it was the perfect storm for this to all happen on such short notice. If all goes well, I think we could be testing the bike at the end of April. I’ve ridden an F3 EDR built in the past and loved it, so I am dying to get on the new bike and get after it! I think it’s going to be a fun change for me moving into the Supersport class this year representing Competition Werkes and MV Agusta!”
To follow these racing efforts, follow Andy DiBrino on social media: @andy_dibrino on Instagram, Andy DiBrino Racing on Facebook, and Andy DiBrino on YouTube.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact info is available at dibrinoracing.com.
About Andy DiBrino
Andy DiBrino is a 28-year-old professional motorcycle racer from Tualatin, Oregon, who hold track records all over the West Coast and has been a three-time OMRRA #1 plate holder. In the MotoAmerica series, he has multiple podiums to his name in Stock 1000, Superstock 600, RSD Super Hooligan, including a win in RSD Super Hooligan at Daytona. DiBrino is well-known for being one of the most versatile racers in the country, competing in road racing, motocross, flat track, supermoto and even Red Bull Straight Rhythm.
About Competition Werkes
Competition Werkes is based out of Sutherlin, Oregon. They are known for high-quality aftermarket motorcycle accessories and slip-on exhausts. Each exhaust is hand-welded at their shop in Oregon. For more information about Competition Werkes, visit competitionwerkes.com.
About EDR Performance
EDR Performance is a motorcycle repair and performance shop in Beaverton, Oregon, that is known worldwide for their attention to detail in service. For over 24 years EDR Performance has brought to the market top name brands, proven service and the highest quality items for riders and racers of all kinds. For more information about EDR Performance, visit edrperformance.com.
American Motorcyclist Association Adds Talent to its Racing Department Hires Jeff Canfield and Michael Jolly full time
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has added two experienced racing managers to its full-time ranks — Jeff Canfield and Michael Jolly. The pair have been involved with the AMA and AMA-sanctioned pro and amateur racing for years as contractors but are now full-time employees.
Canfield will hold the position of Racing Manager and will be responsible for a wide range of duties on the AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross fronts.
Jolly will fill the Off-Road Racing Manager position and be involved in all aspects of the AMA’s substantial amateur racing activities, including transnational events such as the International Six Days Enduro.
“The AMA is excited to announce the full-time hiring of Jeff and Mike,” said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “They not only possess significant experience in the world of motorcycle racing, but they also know the AMA and how it operates and will hit the ground running in their respective roles. I have worked with both of them over the years, and we’re looking forward to great things in 2023 and beyond.”
AMA’s new Racing Manager Jeff Canfield. Photo courtesy AMA.
Canfield has been a motorcyclist from an early age.
“On my ninth birthday I got my first motorcycle, a Yamaha 60,” says Canfield, “and from that day on I was hooked. I started racing flat track, TT and hare scrambles locally in upstate New York and competed in the amateur national championship for dirt track in ’82, ’83 and ’86.
“I flagged a bunch of AMA Motocross Nationals in the late 1980s,” Canfield added, “and some AMA Supercross events, too, when they came to area venues. In 2000 I sold my house and traveled with both series, doing various jobs, and after several years ended up as Race Director of the Pro Motocross Championship, which I’ve done for the last 14 years in addition to working Race Control during AMA Supercross events. I have been truly blessed to work with and see many of the world’s best motocross and AMA Supercross riders, and I am very excited about this new opportunity with the AMA.”
Jolly got the motorcycling bug early in life, as well.
“My Dad was a founding member of the Appalachian Dirt Riders club,” says Jolly, “so I was involved pretty early; I actually started laying out and tacking arrows for National enduros at 10 years old! I have competed in all forms of off-road racing over the past 25 years, and have worked part-time for the AMA since 2015, primarily coordinating ISDE efforts. I’m excited for this new opportunity to help the AMA in all aspects of off-road racing.”
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Several MotoAmerica racers were testing on their Yamahas today at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, in Buttonwillow, California.
Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha’s two-time and defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne was quickest overall with a time of 1:42.077 while riding his YZF-R1 Superbike on the 3.0-mile road course.
Westby Racing Yamaha’s Mathew Scholtz was second-best with a lap of 1:44.428 on his YZF-R1 Superbike.
Gagne’s teammate Cameron Petersen spent all of Tuesday testing the Attack Performance Yamaha YZF-R6 he plans to ride in the Daytona 200 MotoAmerica Supersport race on March 11. Petersen clocked a best time of 1:46.389.
The trio of men were joined by 15-year-old Kayla Yaakov, who recorded a 1:50.922 on her MP13 Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 MotoAmerica Twins Cup bike.
Lap times were provided by the California Roadrace Association (CRA).
Royal Enfield North America Named Official OEM Partner of Progressive AFT Again in 2023
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 7, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track and Royal Enfield North America (RENA) today confirmed their multifaceted partnership has been renewed ahead of the upcoming 2023 Progressive AFT season.
The innovative collaboration between America’s Original Extreme Sport and the world’s oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production is entering its fourth year of partnership. And as an Official OEM Partner, Royal Enfield will continue to engage and entertain Progressive American Flat Track fans with its line of modern classic motorcycles in multiple ways.
Royal Enfield has enjoyed an impressive degree of success on the racetrack as its racing effort continues to evolve. Since the Royal Enfield Twins FT made its debut in 2020, the team has celebrated multiple podiums in the Mission Production Twins class, including a historic win at the Lima Half Mile in 2021 – a first-ever feat for the historic brand. Royal Enfield is looking forward to continuing its venture into the competitive ranks of Progressive American Flat Track, as well as continuing the evolution of the Twins FT motorcycle with the versatile and accomplished Johnny Lewis once again leading the charge.
Throughout its partnership with the series, Royal Enfield has endeavored not just to expand its reach, but to actively grow the sport at a grassroots level and introduce it to new audiences. Chief among those efforts is the hugely popular Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program, which highlights, celebrates, and encourages the involvement of women in flat track racing. BTR has injected new talent into Progressive American Flat Track events across the nation, welcoming both experienced and beginner racers to compete aboard customized INT650 motorcycles. Royal Enfield aims to continue this innovative program in 2023 at select Progressive AFT rounds.
“Royal Enfield has already accomplished so much through our participation in Progressive American Flat Track, it was an easy decision to continue that relationship,” said Adrian Sellers, Royal Enfield Head – Custom Program & Motorsport. “Royal Enfield is a 120-year-old brand but still very young when it comes to competition. The development and success of the Twins FT motorcycle have brought a lot of excitement to the company, which is on course for a landmark year with all-new models, and the continuation of our groundbreaking programs that open doors to new riders and racers. We look forward to sharing another milestone year with Progressive AFT and its fans.”
Progressive AFT fans will also get to check out Royal Enfield’s street models first hand in the Progressive AFT Marketplace, with the historic marque’s stunning new models – the Scram 411 and all-new Super Meteor 650 mid-sized cruiser – taking center stage.
“Royal Enfield has established itself as one of the fastest growing brands in motorcycling and one of the most innovative partners of Progressive American Flat Track,” said Gene Crouch, COO of AMA Pro Racing. “Not content to rest on its storied past, Royal Enfield continues to make history through one-of-a-kind marketing activations and creative advertising campaigns. We look forward to partnering with them in 2023 and showcasing the Build. Train. Race program at select Progressive AFT events again this season.”
The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the hugely anticipated return of the DAYTONA Short Track I & II at the Flat Track at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10.
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 150 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S. and Canada. RENA currently offers the all-new Classic 350, Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
Three days of testing at the Sepang International circuit mark a fresh start for the RNF MotoGP Team this week.
A long MotoGP winter break comes to an end this weekend with the first official test in 2023 at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Thereby, the RNF MotoGP Team will hit the tarmac re-branded with new machinery and new riders. After a first successful roll-out for one day in Valencia in November 2022, Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez are eager to kick off the new season on three days of testing from Friday to Sunday.
The main objective, for both, Oliveira and Fernandez, is to get to know their Aprilia RS-GP machines better during this official test. The Portuguese five-times MotoGP winner and the young Spaniard, who is about to embark on his second season in the premier class, aim to use the track time at their best in order to be prepared for the upcoming 21 rounds of the year which include a sprint race and a main race per event.
The Sepang International Circuit is open for action from 10:00 to 18:00 from Friday to Sunday plus 15 minutes of start practice each evening. After this first tryst this year in Malaysia, Oliveira and Fernandez will have another two days of testing at Portimao, Portugal in March followed by RNF MotoGP Team’s launch on March 16th to present the official colors for this 2023 season.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“It would be super nice, if I could be close to Aleix (Espargaro) and Maverick (Viñales) in this test. It’s definitely a goal to be near the factory guys. We are expecting some little things to test, not a lot though. Our main job is to build a strong base and understand what can work for me and what might not work. It’s a test, where we will filter a couple of things. The base is just me getting used to the bike.”
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
RAUL FERNANDEZ
“It will be very interesting to have three days of test, because so far, we had only one. To be honest, the conditions in Valencia haven’t been perfect and at the end of a long season, also my physical condition was not perfect there. So, I’m very happy to be back on the bike this week. I think I will enjoy riding like a kid.”
Razlan Razali, Founder and Team Principal RNF MotoGP Team
“We simply can’t wait for the first official test for 2023 this week in Sepang, our home circuit. It’s been a long break. As a team we are re-branding and re-structuring for the 2023 season, so we didn’t stop working after the Valencia test and have been busy behind the scenes planning for the new season. Also, the team had a good schooling class at the Aprilia Racing Factory in Noale and to close the year with a nice and welcoming Christmas Party hosted by Aprilia.”
“I look forward to see all the team members again and of course the riders, Miguel and Raul. I’ve organized some cycling sessions with them to get them acclimatized to the hot and humid conditions quickly. More important, it is to understand from the Aprilia factory and our crew chiefs on the test objectives for both riders.”
“For the test, we don’t have special expectations. We will understand more once the team gets together with technical discussions with Aprilia to really understand what would be the test targets for both our riders. We can’t wait!”
Wilco Zeelenberg, RNF MotoGP Team Manager
“We are really looking forward to work with the new material and moreover we are excited about the way that the riders are able to connect with their bikes. That’s what it will be all about in the coming tests. For Miguel and Raul the key is to try to adapt as fast as possible to those new bikes for them. After one day in Valencia, it looked quite good. Although it wasn’t easy, as obviously each bike has his own advantages and disadvantages.”
“For them it is about to find out track by track, how to ride and how to deal with everything. This has our big priority for the test. Setup-wise, we have a lot of material and we officially start the season with our new partner, CryptoDATA and Aprilia. I look forward to the sun in Malaysia and to a fresh start. Hopefully we are able to keep our focus on racing bikes, everything is new with new vibes and new ideas, but my priority is to keep focused on racing and results.”
Test ride any Indian FTR for a chance to win a custom ‘FTR Loeb’ designed by Sébastien Loeb and Tank Machine
‘FTR Loeb’ celebrates Loeb’s nine World Rally Championships & his passion for motorcycles
Winner to be presented with their ‘FTR Loeb’ during a VIP trip to Wheels & Waves
Matching pair of the design to be built – one for Loeb & one for the winner
Indian Motorcycle has announced a test ride campaign that will see one lucky winner presented with one of just two special Indian FTR custom machines designed by Sebastien Loeb and built by renowned French builder, Tank Machine. Making this prize even more exclusive, the second of the two unique FTR ‘Loeb’ machines to be built will be presented to Loeb himself, making this a truly special and unique prize.
Between February 8th and May 15th, riders in participating countries can qualify for this once in a lifetime chance by registering online, selecting an Indian Motorcycle dealer, and visiting that dealer to take a test ride on any model from the Indian FTR lineup.
Sébastien Loeb in his car at the 2021 Dakar Rally. Photo by DPPI-Fray Media, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
From World Rally to World Touring Cars, Pikes Peak to the Dakar Rally, Rallycross to Xtreme E and more, Sébastien Loeb’s exceptional career has seen him display his legendary skills across a multitude of disciplines while setting records along the way. What is less known is that Sébastien Loeb discovered his passion for motorsports in regional moped events before trying his hand at motorcycle racing on circuits and in enduro.
Although more often seen behind the wheel, Loeb loves to ride motorcycles on the road or track whenever he can, and since collaborating with Indian Motorcycle in February 2022 as an ambassador for the brand, has been an enthusiastic rider of his Indian FTR R Carbon.
Sébastien Loeb with his Indian FTR R Carbon. Photo by DPPI – Fray Media, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
“Motorcycling has always been a passion of mine and my career could have been so different if the right opportunity in motorcycle racing had presented itself before my move to four wheels. Riding is a unique experience, a whole different world of sensations compared to driving a car, and the FTR was just the perfect choice for me,” said Sébastien Loeb.
“I’ve become a big fan of the FTR’s unique style and performance, so to be asked to create a one-off build with Tank Machine was a real honour. I can’t wait to see the finished bike and I am sure the winner will love their FTR as much as I will.”
Celebrating his nine World Rally championships and his passion for motorcycles, Loeb and Tank Machine have envisioned the ‘FTR Loeb’ as a unique interpretation of the American V-twin which Tank Machine will now bring to life in metal and paint over the coming months.
Tank Machine and Indian Motorcycles have regularly collaborated on many projects since the creation of the Super Scout in 2016, which was also presented to a competition winner.
The lucky winner will be randomly selected at the end of May ready to be whisked away on a VIP trip to Wheels & Waves in June meet the Tank Machine team and be presented with their ‘FTR Loeb’.
Ducati hit back on Day 3 as the Shakedown concludes
Pirro tops a busy final day in Sepang as factories profit from a dry day at the office
Tuesday, 07 February 2023
The Sepang Shakedown Test has drawn to a close and much to the delight of the factories and riders, the final day of action was met with dry weather. That meant plenty of work was completed ahead of the Official Sepang Test, and it was Ducati’s Michele Pirro who set the quickest time as the Borgo Panigale factory hit back on Tuesday.
DUCATI
Pirro – who set a 1:59.803 – was back doing most of his work with the updated aero package they’re trying for 2023. One key thing to note is that Ducati have updated their “ground-effect” side fairings from the Valencia Test, which are now much larger and have a little bit more detail. The actual side pod and the main set of wings are the same as what we saw at Valencia.
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro (51). Photo courtesy Dorna.
YAMAHA
Having tested alone on Sunday and Monday, Cal Crutchlow had company on Tuesday as fellow Iwata factory test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga joined the fold. Both the British and Japanese riders were putting Yamaha’s new front fairing through its paces – the one we saw at the Valencia Test – as well as the latest mudguard.
Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow rode on all three days of the test. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In addition, 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was trackside keeping a keen eye on what both Crutchlow and Nakasuga were testing. The Frenchman will also have seen the speed trap numbers Yamaha were posting, which at one point displayed Crutchlow clocking 335 km/h – five more than Quartararo managed in last year’s Grand Prix, and eight more than Yamaha managed in the 2022 Sepang Test. Positive signs they’ve made a significant step with the 2023 engine?
Yamaha test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga (T2) joined Crutchlow on Day Three. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fabio Quartararo was likely happy to see the trap speeds recorded by Cal Crutchlow during the Shakedown Test. Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM
In the KTM camp, Dani Pedrosa spent plenty of time on KTM’s new aero package. As you can see below, the front fairing shape has changed slightly. The ‘shark tooth’ serrations on the edges are no longer there, while the top set of the wings have been slightly updated, but remain largely the same. The side pod wings have received the same treatment. However, the biggest change we can see is the ground-effect side fairings have grown in size.
Dani Pedrosa (26) tested new aero packages on the KTM RC16. Photo courtesy Dorna.
GASGAS
Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) completed a positive three days of Shakedown testing with a fourth place finish on the final day, his best time sitting at a 2:00.482. The reigning Moto2™ World Champion will be back on track for three days of official testing, where he’ll be joined by his 2023 rivals.
MotoGP rookie Augusto Fernandez (37) was fourth-fastest on his GASGAS. Photo courtesy Dorna.
APRILIA
Test rider Lorenzo Savadori was back out on Aprilia’s new front fairing aero package on the final day, with the Italian lapping with more than one RS-GP. Savadori, as Aprilia Racing Team Manager Paolo Bonora explained yesterday, was also busy preparing the bikes for Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales ahead of the Official Test starting on Friday.
Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori (32) continued evaluating new aero updates on the RS-GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aprilia Technical Director Romano Albesiano (left) with Aleix Espargaro (right) in the garage at Sepang. Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA
Stefan Bradl had a busy Tuesday doing back-to-back comparisons between different HRC aero packages, the latest one being something we saw at the private Jerez Test. The trusted German also spent some time comparing bikes with and without the ‘stegosaurus’ wings on the tail unit.
Stefan Bradl (6) worked on aerodynamic packages on the Honda RC213V. Photo courtesy Dorna.
And that’s it from the Shakedown! It’s time for the race riders to head out next, with the Official Sepang Test set to be a busy one. That starts on Friday the 10th of February at 10am local time, and there’s plenty of coverage and content coming your way across social media and on motogp.com – including end of day After the Flag live shows from on the ground in Sepang. See you on Friday!
More, from a press release issued by GASGAS Factory Racing:
MotoGP™ Rookie Augusto Fernandez Gets First Taste of 2023 Campaign at the Sepang Shakedown Test
Track action is back for good and we love it! Newly crowned Moto2™ World Champion Augusto Fernandez started his 2023 campaign as he completed his three-day programme at the Sepang Shakedown from February 5 to 7, alongside test riders. His MotoGP™ adventure has started for good under his new colours with the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 team, with the goal to adapt as much as possible to the GASGAS RC16 before being joined by the rest of the class at the Official Sepang Test, on February 10-11-12.
Day 1
Reunited for the first time with his new machine since the Valencia Test back in November, Mallorcan Augusto Fernandez started his 2023 season on Sunday, February 5. All suited in red, he went on track at around 11 am local time (GMT+8). One simple and crucial goal for the rookie: feel the bike, find his own marks and adapt as much as possible. Whilst the day was rain-affected at the end of the afternoon, the number 37 finished second on the timesheets with a time in 2’01.331, just 0,185 seconds from Cal Crutchlow’s fastest lap.
Day 2
Monday was heavily affected by the rain, reducing considerably the needed track time for the rookie. However, the light rain from the morning meant that Fernandez was already able to get time in wet conditions, an experience that will be useful to him sooner rather than later, with the season set to start in Portimao, Portugal at the end of March. He was able to get 19 laps done before lunch break. With the track wet but taking time to dry, the riders had to wait until 17:30 before being able to hit the track again. The GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider finished the day in third, with a personal best in 2’02.770.
Day 3
Back under the sun, everything was set for a hot and dry final day of the Sepang Shakedown. Halfway through the day, Fernandez had already registered 29 laps, before he continued trying different settings to find his comfort on the GASGAS RC16 in the afternoon. At the end of the day, he did his first practice starts here in Sepang, and closed the final day forth in the timesheets with a time in 2’00.482, 0.679 seconds from the best of Michele Piro.
Now, two days of rest await Augusto Fernandez to recover from the Sepang Shakedown Test. On Friday, it will be time to share the track alongside the rest of the MotoGP™ class, including his new teammate, Pol Espargaro, for three days of Official Test. We can not wait!
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing.
Augusto Fernandez
Day: 1
Position: 2nd
Time: 2’01.331
Laps: 34
Day: 2
Position: 3rd
Time: 2’02.770
Laps: 26
Day: 3
Position: 4th
Time: 2’00.482
Laps: 47
“The first test in Valencia was just about riding a MotoGP bike, without thinking about changing settings too much, so logically the goal of the Shakedown was to get the job started properly and build my base. I am happy to have had three days to get used to the MotoGP bike, and I already feel like I am starting to understand why everything is happening, and how to ride this machine. We got a lot of information over the last three days, both in dry and wet conditions, and it is going to be very important to understand what I need to do to go faster in the next few days. The team did a very good job so I would like to say thank you to them. I am looking forward to Friday at the Sepang Test.”
Nicolas Goyon
Team Manager
“Augusto Fernandez reunited with his bike here in Sepang after the first test in Valencia back in November. These three days of Shakedown Test were really constructive, although the weather was not helpful. The positive is that he was able to ride already in a lot of different conditions, which is crucial for a rookie: he rode in wet tyres on full wet track, in wet tyres on a drying track, in slick tyres on a mixed track, and of course in slicks on a dry track. The third day was the most intense day as it was fully dry, and he did some very interesting lap times. He did not crash at all, which means that we have a good margin to improve. He has a very good attitude, his comments are positive and constructive, so everyone in the box and at the Pierer Mobility Group is happy with him. We look forward to continuing the work with Augusto on Friday for the Sepang Test.”
Toronto, ON – “We are pleased to confirm your application for FIM MiniGP Canada Series. We wish you a great racing season.” Quote from Svetlana Nazarova, FIM Circuits Racing Commissions Coordinator.
It was the news Toni Sharpless, organizer and owner of Super Sonic Road Race School, Mini Superbike Championship and Canada Cup Nationals was waiting to hear.
“After three years of building, all of us at the Super Sonic School are super excited FIM road racing is coming to Canada!” Sharpless said. “The FIM MiniGP Canada series is the crucible for young Canadian athletes to develop their skills and dream of MotoGP.”
The FIM MiniGP Canada Series with Pirelli and Motul support will kick off with a six-round, 12-race season stretching across the country from Ontario to British Columbia. Each event round will contain a pair of feature races with a doubleheader points structure.
The series will start at the familiar Lombardy Raceway near Perth, Ontario on May 13-14, the site where six races took place in the Canadian MiniSBK Canada Cup battle a year ago.
The championship then takes a dramatic swing for rounds two and three, with back-to-back weekends at Greg Moore Raceway in Chilliwack, British Columbia and Strathmore Motorsports Park near Calgary, Alberta, beginning from June 24-25 and going to July 1-2, respectfully.
The series then returns back to Ontario for another back-to-back set of weekend action at Lombardy Raceway. The sixth and final round will then head to historic Shannonville Motorsport Park near Belleville, Ontario, running in conjunction with the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) national final.
The feature champion of the newly minted FIM MiniGP Canada series will then be offered a spot in the world final at Valencia, Spain, just prior to the MotoGP finale in November 2023.
FIM MiniGP Canada Series 2023 Schedule
RD1 May 13-14 Lombardy Raceway Karting, ON
RD2 June 24-25 Greg Moore Raceway, BC
RD3 July 1-2 Strathmore Raceway, AB
RD4 July 29-30 Lombardy Raceway Karting, ON
RD5 Aug 5-6 Lombardy Raceway Karting, ON
RD6 Sept 15-16 Shannonville Motorsport Park, ON
The worldwide competition organization, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) sets the rules and regulations represented in Canada by its affiliate the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA).
“The CMA is proud to support the FIM MiniGP Canada Series. This series will present a fantastic opportunity for younger riders that hasn’t been available in Canada previously,” CEO Holly Ralph explained. “Toni Sharpless has dedicated countless hours to develop this series to FIM standards. The CMA applauds her efforts to put our young riders on the world stage and will continue to support the series going forward.”
The official tire and sponsor of the Canadian series will be Pirelli Tires, as per the global MiniGP structure.
“Pirelli is very glad to be working with Toni in hosting the Canadian FIM MiniGP series for 2023. We are in full support of the efforts from a global scale down to our local vendors,” said Oscar Solis, the Pirelli Moto Senior Race Manager. “We are very excited to assist in providing a pathway for these young racers to grow and enjoy the sport as we all do – one in which Toni is no stranger in supplying.”
The series will also be debuting with the continued help of Motul, a significant supporter of the previous MiniSBK series.
“The partnership with Super Sonic Road Race School, Canadian Mini Superbike Championship, and now the FIM MiniGP Canada series continues to be extremely successful in contributing to the growth in consumer awareness of the Motul brand among riding enthusiasts,” said Nolan Browning, Marketing Director for Motul USA. “The school and series continue to serve as a cornerstone in our strategy to support the next generation of riders. We are excited to continue the momentum of our partnership as we look to the future.”
Ohvale brand manufacturer is the specified motorcycle of the championship world-wide. “We are excited to be part of this amazing project. The arrival of FIM MiniGP World Series in Canada is an amazing opportunity for young riders to get into racing,” said Ohvale Canada’s Michele De Rossi. “Thanks to FIM, Dorna, Road to MotoGP, and Ohvale for considering Canada for 2023.”
The bike and series are designed for riders aged 10 to 14 competing with the Ohvale GP-O 160cc mini-GP machines on paved circuits, typically such as go-kart tracks.
Any parents interested in enrolling their son or daughter in the series (or those just eager for more information) can start at supersonicschool.com.
(From left) Alex Lowes, Jonathan Rea, Romain Febvre, and Mitch Evans. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Joint KRT Unveil For 2023 Factory Teams
For the first time ever, both KRT racing enterprises have unveiled their new season colours and riders together in a joint video production.
Filmed in January at a secret location in Barcelona, the KRT MXGP team – with riders, Romain Febvre and Mitch Evans – joined forces with Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes, plus other team personnel from the KRT WorldSBK squad, for the first combined photo and video shoot to feature new team clothing and season starting graphics for their Ninja ZX-10RR and KX450-SR machines.
A busy Winter test period for both teams is now over. KRT WorldSBK depart soon for race one in Australia while KRT MXGP fly in the opposite direction to Argentina.
Keen to show off their new liveries, there is an infectious optimism across both outfits as they unite with a desire to attack their respective Championships seeking glory for a truly global fan base.
Guim Roda, KRT WorldSBK Team Manager, stated: “Racing is fun, enjoyable – a show – and we were happy to work together with the MXGP project to show this passion. The same passion we will attack 2023 with, the same motivation to enter each race to fight until the last lap for the victory. We worked hard to polish some details, improve our bike and the organisation of the team to try to win the title again. More important than that, we want to make the fans enjoy watching the races, and hopefully make sure a green bike stays on top. Johnny and Alex are ready to go with fully recharged batteries, so let’s see at the Australian round how strongly we have arrived in this new season.”
Antti Pyrhönen, KRT MXGP Team Manager, stated: “We are looking forward to the 2023 season. Our goals are set high. The riders and team are working very hard and we are united to reach these targets. We have the most competitive bike in our KX450-SR, very professional staff and great partners – so let the season begin.”
Alex Lowes. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes KRT WorldSBK stated: “I love how the bike looks. I really like the 2023 design. Last year I had some quite good speed, strong qualifying performances and I could hang with the top three. As the race went on, when the grip dropped, I was struggling a little bit more. That is an area we have focused on. I am really looking forward to the year. I have had a good winter of training and I really can’t wait to get started. It may be a few years now that I have been in the Superbike World Championship but I am still excited like it is the first time; like I felt back in 2014. Now I am looking forward to getting to Australia and getting down to business.”
Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea KRT WorldSBK, stated: “I am really excited about this new season. We had a really solid off season. I am also excited to go to Phillip Island and start the year in what seems to us like a more normal way. I feel that I have prepared really well away from the track, and during the winter tests we have improved, which is very motivating. It’s nice to have some new people around and that itself brings a different feel. I am eager to get going. We have made progress with the bike and are working hard to try to improve our feeling and results from last season. Hopefully we can challenge for race wins and fight for a world title.”
Romain Febvre KRT MXGP stated: “My biggest hope is not to be injured; this is the main thing for me. I need to demonstrate enough intelligence to push when I need to push and maybe to settle back when I need to. This is my biggest thing to deal with. I feel that I have the speed and at the moment, fitness-wise, I am pretty good also. It is exciting to be racing again. I know the final results will be there, so let’s see how it goes in Argentina first, and then step-by-step I will see where we are and what I have to work on.”
Mitch Evans KRT MXGP stated: “My hopes and ambitions for the 2023 season are to stay healthy and make it to all the rounds. I want to start to be a top contender and fight for wins week-in/week-out and finish the year top three in the championship. I want to start building towards being a title contender in the future.”
A rider at a previous Aprilia Racers Days track event. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
APRILIA ANNOUNCES 2023 NORTH AMERICA “APRILIA RACERS DAYS” TRACK PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Program brings premium on-track experience to riders of all skill levels on some of North America’s premiere racing circuits
Participants will have demo opportunities with Aprilia’s full line-up of 2023 RSV4, Tuono V4, RS 660 and Tuono 660 models
Technical partnerships with Pirelli, Dainese and AGV help make the program possible, while adding immersive experiences for participants
An immersive Aprilia Racing School experience will also be available at select rounds
NEW YORK, NY – February 8, 2023 – Aprilia USA has announced the 2023 dates for the Aprilia Racers Days track-day program. The immersive program allows customers to experience not only the latest Aprilia motorcycle models on track, but also the latest protection equipment from Dainese and AGV, along with performance tires from Pirelli.
Hosted at eight of the most storied North American circuits in motorsport, Aprilia Racers Days continues to grow a community of motorcycle enthusiasts and track riders. Each event will include the full street range from Aprilia, including the RSV4, Tuono V4, RS 660 and Tuono 660 models. Riders may also bring their own motorcycles to the events for additional track time with riding groups based on skill level. The program includes coaching for all group levels, as well as professional photography and tailored experiences from technical partners Pirelli, Dainese and AGV.
Aprilia Racers Days events will be supported directly by Aprilia-trained technicians and product specialists, as well as representatives from Pirelli, Dainese and AGV to offer the best on-track experience with expert advice, performance and protection. Students riding all marques are welcome to participate and will receive guidance and tips to help develop safer, more capable and faster riders on track.
The Aprilia Racing School will also be available to interested riders at select events. The racing school is highly dedicated to individual riders with instruction on the more technical aspects of riding on track, including mental focus, track visualization and advanced techniques related to trail braking, corner entry and exit, and more.
Each circuit will be supported by Aprilia Racers Days partner Pirelli, where each Aprilia motorcycle will be shod with their newest sport offering, the street-to-track performance-focused Diablo Rosso™ IV Corsa.
Dainese will have master tailors from its Custom Works program available for fittings and consultations, and professionals from Dainese D-Stores will offer a demo fleet of D-Air suits for both men and women. There will also be AGV helmets for participants to try on and experience why many top riders in world-class racing turn to AGV as their helmet of choice.
Andy DiBrino and his new MV Agusta F3 RR. Photo courtesy DiBrino Racing.
Andy DiBrino To Race Select Supersport Rounds For Competition Werkes MV Agusta
Andy DiBrino is bringing MV Agusta back to the MotoAmerica grid for select rounds in the Supersport class with a new collaboration between Competition Werkes and DiBrino Racing. Competition Werkes MV Agusta is an Oregon-based team with technical support being provided by EDR Performance, which is also Oregon-based.
The latest MV Agusta F3 RR is an 800cc three-cylinder machine that boasts 147hp. The F3 RR won a World Supersport race last year and is expected to be a competitive machine with the Supersport Next-Generation rules MotoAmerica has for the Supersport class. The plan is for DiBrino to race these select Supersport rounds on the MV Agusta F3 RR:
June 2-4 Road America, WI
June 23-25 Ridge Motorsports Park, WA
July 7-9 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, CA
September 8-10 Circuit of The Americas, TX
September 22-24 New Jersey Motorsports Park, NJ
Here is what DiBrino had to say about racing the MV Agusta F3 RR for Competition Werkes MV Agusta:
“I’m so excited about this opportunity to race the MV Agusta and very thankful for the support of everyone involved. When news dropped towards the end of 2022 that KTM had acquired majority stake in MV Agusta, it was MotoAmerica’s Greg White who immediately pitched the idea to me about racing the F3 RR in Supersport. I was looking for a change for 2023 and it was the perfect storm for this to all happen on such short notice. If all goes well, I think we could be testing the bike at the end of April. I’ve ridden an F3 EDR built in the past and loved it, so I am dying to get on the new bike and get after it! I think it’s going to be a fun change for me moving into the Supersport class this year representing Competition Werkes and MV Agusta!”
To follow these racing efforts, follow Andy DiBrino on social media: @andy_dibrino on Instagram, Andy DiBrino Racing on Facebook, and Andy DiBrino on YouTube.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact info is available at dibrinoracing.com.
About Andy DiBrino
Andy DiBrino is a 28-year-old professional motorcycle racer from Tualatin, Oregon, who hold track records all over the West Coast and has been a three-time OMRRA #1 plate holder. In the MotoAmerica series, he has multiple podiums to his name in Stock 1000, Superstock 600, RSD Super Hooligan, including a win in RSD Super Hooligan at Daytona. DiBrino is well-known for being one of the most versatile racers in the country, competing in road racing, motocross, flat track, supermoto and even Red Bull Straight Rhythm.
About Competition Werkes
Competition Werkes is based out of Sutherlin, Oregon. They are known for high-quality aftermarket motorcycle accessories and slip-on exhausts. Each exhaust is hand-welded at their shop in Oregon. For more information about Competition Werkes, visit competitionwerkes.com.
About EDR Performance
EDR Performance is a motorcycle repair and performance shop in Beaverton, Oregon, that is known worldwide for their attention to detail in service. For over 24 years EDR Performance has brought to the market top name brands, proven service and the highest quality items for riders and racers of all kinds. For more information about EDR Performance, visit edrperformance.com.
AMA's new Off-Road Racing Manager Michael Jolly. Photo courtesy AMA.
American Motorcyclist Association Adds Talent to its Racing Department Hires Jeff Canfield and Michael Jolly full time
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has added two experienced racing managers to its full-time ranks — Jeff Canfield and Michael Jolly. The pair have been involved with the AMA and AMA-sanctioned pro and amateur racing for years as contractors but are now full-time employees.
Canfield will hold the position of Racing Manager and will be responsible for a wide range of duties on the AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross fronts.
Jolly will fill the Off-Road Racing Manager position and be involved in all aspects of the AMA’s substantial amateur racing activities, including transnational events such as the International Six Days Enduro.
“The AMA is excited to announce the full-time hiring of Jeff and Mike,” said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “They not only possess significant experience in the world of motorcycle racing, but they also know the AMA and how it operates and will hit the ground running in their respective roles. I have worked with both of them over the years, and we’re looking forward to great things in 2023 and beyond.”
AMA’s new Racing Manager Jeff Canfield. Photo courtesy AMA.
Canfield has been a motorcyclist from an early age.
“On my ninth birthday I got my first motorcycle, a Yamaha 60,” says Canfield, “and from that day on I was hooked. I started racing flat track, TT and hare scrambles locally in upstate New York and competed in the amateur national championship for dirt track in ’82, ’83 and ’86.
“I flagged a bunch of AMA Motocross Nationals in the late 1980s,” Canfield added, “and some AMA Supercross events, too, when they came to area venues. In 2000 I sold my house and traveled with both series, doing various jobs, and after several years ended up as Race Director of the Pro Motocross Championship, which I’ve done for the last 14 years in addition to working Race Control during AMA Supercross events. I have been truly blessed to work with and see many of the world’s best motocross and AMA Supercross riders, and I am very excited about this new opportunity with the AMA.”
Jolly got the motorcycling bug early in life, as well.
“My Dad was a founding member of the Appalachian Dirt Riders club,” says Jolly, “so I was involved pretty early; I actually started laying out and tacking arrows for National enduros at 10 years old! I have competed in all forms of off-road racing over the past 25 years, and have worked part-time for the AMA since 2015, primarily coordinating ISDE efforts. I’m excited for this new opportunity to help the AMA in all aspects of off-road racing.”
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Several MotoAmerica racers were testing on their Yamahas today at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, in Buttonwillow, California.
Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha’s two-time and defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne was quickest overall with a time of 1:42.077 while riding his YZF-R1 Superbike on the 3.0-mile road course.
Westby Racing Yamaha’s Mathew Scholtz was second-best with a lap of 1:44.428 on his YZF-R1 Superbike.
Gagne’s teammate Cameron Petersen spent all of Tuesday testing the Attack Performance Yamaha YZF-R6 he plans to ride in the Daytona 200 MotoAmerica Supersport race on March 11. Petersen clocked a best time of 1:46.389.
The trio of men were joined by 15-year-old Kayla Yaakov, who recorded a 1:50.922 on her MP13 Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 MotoAmerica Twins Cup bike.
Lap times were provided by the California Roadrace Association (CRA).
Johnny Lewis (10) on his Royal Enfield at the Volusia Half-Mile 2022 season finale. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
Royal Enfield North America Named Official OEM Partner of Progressive AFT Again in 2023
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 7, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track and Royal Enfield North America (RENA) today confirmed their multifaceted partnership has been renewed ahead of the upcoming 2023 Progressive AFT season.
The innovative collaboration between America’s Original Extreme Sport and the world’s oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production is entering its fourth year of partnership. And as an Official OEM Partner, Royal Enfield will continue to engage and entertain Progressive American Flat Track fans with its line of modern classic motorcycles in multiple ways.
Royal Enfield has enjoyed an impressive degree of success on the racetrack as its racing effort continues to evolve. Since the Royal Enfield Twins FT made its debut in 2020, the team has celebrated multiple podiums in the Mission Production Twins class, including a historic win at the Lima Half Mile in 2021 – a first-ever feat for the historic brand. Royal Enfield is looking forward to continuing its venture into the competitive ranks of Progressive American Flat Track, as well as continuing the evolution of the Twins FT motorcycle with the versatile and accomplished Johnny Lewis once again leading the charge.
Throughout its partnership with the series, Royal Enfield has endeavored not just to expand its reach, but to actively grow the sport at a grassroots level and introduce it to new audiences. Chief among those efforts is the hugely popular Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program, which highlights, celebrates, and encourages the involvement of women in flat track racing. BTR has injected new talent into Progressive American Flat Track events across the nation, welcoming both experienced and beginner racers to compete aboard customized INT650 motorcycles. Royal Enfield aims to continue this innovative program in 2023 at select Progressive AFT rounds.
“Royal Enfield has already accomplished so much through our participation in Progressive American Flat Track, it was an easy decision to continue that relationship,” said Adrian Sellers, Royal Enfield Head – Custom Program & Motorsport. “Royal Enfield is a 120-year-old brand but still very young when it comes to competition. The development and success of the Twins FT motorcycle have brought a lot of excitement to the company, which is on course for a landmark year with all-new models, and the continuation of our groundbreaking programs that open doors to new riders and racers. We look forward to sharing another milestone year with Progressive AFT and its fans.”
Progressive AFT fans will also get to check out Royal Enfield’s street models first hand in the Progressive AFT Marketplace, with the historic marque’s stunning new models – the Scram 411 and all-new Super Meteor 650 mid-sized cruiser – taking center stage.
“Royal Enfield has established itself as one of the fastest growing brands in motorcycling and one of the most innovative partners of Progressive American Flat Track,” said Gene Crouch, COO of AMA Pro Racing. “Not content to rest on its storied past, Royal Enfield continues to make history through one-of-a-kind marketing activations and creative advertising campaigns. We look forward to partnering with them in 2023 and showcasing the Build. Train. Race program at select Progressive AFT events again this season.”
The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the hugely anticipated return of the DAYTONA Short Track I & II at the Flat Track at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10.
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 150 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S. and Canada. RENA currently offers the all-new Classic 350, Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports.
Miguel Oliveira (88), as seen testing his new RNF Aprilia at Valencia in November 2022. Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
New beginnings with Oliveira and Fernandez
Three days of testing at the Sepang International circuit mark a fresh start for the RNF MotoGP Team this week.
A long MotoGP winter break comes to an end this weekend with the first official test in 2023 at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Thereby, the RNF MotoGP Team will hit the tarmac re-branded with new machinery and new riders. After a first successful roll-out for one day in Valencia in November 2022, Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez are eager to kick off the new season on three days of testing from Friday to Sunday.
The main objective, for both, Oliveira and Fernandez, is to get to know their Aprilia RS-GP machines better during this official test. The Portuguese five-times MotoGP winner and the young Spaniard, who is about to embark on his second season in the premier class, aim to use the track time at their best in order to be prepared for the upcoming 21 rounds of the year which include a sprint race and a main race per event.
The Sepang International Circuit is open for action from 10:00 to 18:00 from Friday to Sunday plus 15 minutes of start practice each evening. After this first tryst this year in Malaysia, Oliveira and Fernandez will have another two days of testing at Portimao, Portugal in March followed by RNF MotoGP Team’s launch on March 16th to present the official colors for this 2023 season.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“It would be super nice, if I could be close to Aleix (Espargaro) and Maverick (Viñales) in this test. It’s definitely a goal to be near the factory guys. We are expecting some little things to test, not a lot though. Our main job is to build a strong base and understand what can work for me and what might not work. It’s a test, where we will filter a couple of things. The base is just me getting used to the bike.”
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy RNF MotoGP Team.
RAUL FERNANDEZ
“It will be very interesting to have three days of test, because so far, we had only one. To be honest, the conditions in Valencia haven’t been perfect and at the end of a long season, also my physical condition was not perfect there. So, I’m very happy to be back on the bike this week. I think I will enjoy riding like a kid.”
Razlan Razali, Founder and Team Principal RNF MotoGP Team
“We simply can’t wait for the first official test for 2023 this week in Sepang, our home circuit. It’s been a long break. As a team we are re-branding and re-structuring for the 2023 season, so we didn’t stop working after the Valencia test and have been busy behind the scenes planning for the new season. Also, the team had a good schooling class at the Aprilia Racing Factory in Noale and to close the year with a nice and welcoming Christmas Party hosted by Aprilia.”
“I look forward to see all the team members again and of course the riders, Miguel and Raul. I’ve organized some cycling sessions with them to get them acclimatized to the hot and humid conditions quickly. More important, it is to understand from the Aprilia factory and our crew chiefs on the test objectives for both riders.”
“For the test, we don’t have special expectations. We will understand more once the team gets together with technical discussions with Aprilia to really understand what would be the test targets for both our riders. We can’t wait!”
Wilco Zeelenberg, RNF MotoGP Team Manager
“We are really looking forward to work with the new material and moreover we are excited about the way that the riders are able to connect with their bikes. That’s what it will be all about in the coming tests. For Miguel and Raul the key is to try to adapt as fast as possible to those new bikes for them. After one day in Valencia, it looked quite good. Although it wasn’t easy, as obviously each bike has his own advantages and disadvantages.”
“For them it is about to find out track by track, how to ride and how to deal with everything. This has our big priority for the test. Setup-wise, we have a lot of material and we officially start the season with our new partner, CryptoDATA and Aprilia. I look forward to the sun in Malaysia and to a fresh start. Hopefully we are able to keep our focus on racing bikes, everything is new with new vibes and new ideas, but my priority is to keep focused on racing and results.”
A rendering of an Indian "FTR Loeb" designed by Sébastien Loeb and Tank Machine. Image courtesy DPPI - Fray Media and Indian Motorcycle.
Test ride any Indian FTR for a chance to win a custom ‘FTR Loeb’ designed by Sébastien Loeb and Tank Machine
‘FTR Loeb’ celebrates Loeb’s nine World Rally Championships & his passion for motorcycles
Winner to be presented with their ‘FTR Loeb’ during a VIP trip to Wheels & Waves
Matching pair of the design to be built – one for Loeb & one for the winner
Indian Motorcycle has announced a test ride campaign that will see one lucky winner presented with one of just two special Indian FTR custom machines designed by Sebastien Loeb and built by renowned French builder, Tank Machine. Making this prize even more exclusive, the second of the two unique FTR ‘Loeb’ machines to be built will be presented to Loeb himself, making this a truly special and unique prize.
Between February 8th and May 15th, riders in participating countries can qualify for this once in a lifetime chance by registering online, selecting an Indian Motorcycle dealer, and visiting that dealer to take a test ride on any model from the Indian FTR lineup.
Sébastien Loeb in his car at the 2021 Dakar Rally. Photo by DPPI-Fray Media, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
From World Rally to World Touring Cars, Pikes Peak to the Dakar Rally, Rallycross to Xtreme E and more, Sébastien Loeb’s exceptional career has seen him display his legendary skills across a multitude of disciplines while setting records along the way. What is less known is that Sébastien Loeb discovered his passion for motorsports in regional moped events before trying his hand at motorcycle racing on circuits and in enduro.
Although more often seen behind the wheel, Loeb loves to ride motorcycles on the road or track whenever he can, and since collaborating with Indian Motorcycle in February 2022 as an ambassador for the brand, has been an enthusiastic rider of his Indian FTR R Carbon.
Sébastien Loeb with his Indian FTR R Carbon. Photo by DPPI – Fray Media, courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
“Motorcycling has always been a passion of mine and my career could have been so different if the right opportunity in motorcycle racing had presented itself before my move to four wheels. Riding is a unique experience, a whole different world of sensations compared to driving a car, and the FTR was just the perfect choice for me,” said Sébastien Loeb.
“I’ve become a big fan of the FTR’s unique style and performance, so to be asked to create a one-off build with Tank Machine was a real honour. I can’t wait to see the finished bike and I am sure the winner will love their FTR as much as I will.”
Celebrating his nine World Rally championships and his passion for motorcycles, Loeb and Tank Machine have envisioned the ‘FTR Loeb’ as a unique interpretation of the American V-twin which Tank Machine will now bring to life in metal and paint over the coming months.
Tank Machine and Indian Motorcycles have regularly collaborated on many projects since the creation of the Super Scout in 2016, which was also presented to a competition winner.
The lucky winner will be randomly selected at the end of May ready to be whisked away on a VIP trip to Wheels & Waves in June meet the Tank Machine team and be presented with their ‘FTR Loeb’.
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro (51) tucked in on a Desmosedici GP23 at Sepang. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Ducati hit back on Day 3 as the Shakedown concludes
Pirro tops a busy final day in Sepang as factories profit from a dry day at the office
Tuesday, 07 February 2023
The Sepang Shakedown Test has drawn to a close and much to the delight of the factories and riders, the final day of action was met with dry weather. That meant plenty of work was completed ahead of the Official Sepang Test, and it was Ducati’s Michele Pirro who set the quickest time as the Borgo Panigale factory hit back on Tuesday.
DUCATI
Pirro – who set a 1:59.803 – was back doing most of his work with the updated aero package they’re trying for 2023. One key thing to note is that Ducati have updated their “ground-effect” side fairings from the Valencia Test, which are now much larger and have a little bit more detail. The actual side pod and the main set of wings are the same as what we saw at Valencia.
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro (51). Photo courtesy Dorna.
YAMAHA
Having tested alone on Sunday and Monday, Cal Crutchlow had company on Tuesday as fellow Iwata factory test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga joined the fold. Both the British and Japanese riders were putting Yamaha’s new front fairing through its paces – the one we saw at the Valencia Test – as well as the latest mudguard.
Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow rode on all three days of the test. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In addition, 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was trackside keeping a keen eye on what both Crutchlow and Nakasuga were testing. The Frenchman will also have seen the speed trap numbers Yamaha were posting, which at one point displayed Crutchlow clocking 335 km/h – five more than Quartararo managed in last year’s Grand Prix, and eight more than Yamaha managed in the 2022 Sepang Test. Positive signs they’ve made a significant step with the 2023 engine?
Yamaha test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga (T2) joined Crutchlow on Day Three. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fabio Quartararo was likely happy to see the trap speeds recorded by Cal Crutchlow during the Shakedown Test. Photo courtesy Dorna.
KTM
In the KTM camp, Dani Pedrosa spent plenty of time on KTM’s new aero package. As you can see below, the front fairing shape has changed slightly. The ‘shark tooth’ serrations on the edges are no longer there, while the top set of the wings have been slightly updated, but remain largely the same. The side pod wings have received the same treatment. However, the biggest change we can see is the ground-effect side fairings have grown in size.
Dani Pedrosa (26) tested new aero packages on the KTM RC16. Photo courtesy Dorna.
GASGAS
Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) completed a positive three days of Shakedown testing with a fourth place finish on the final day, his best time sitting at a 2:00.482. The reigning Moto2™ World Champion will be back on track for three days of official testing, where he’ll be joined by his 2023 rivals.
MotoGP rookie Augusto Fernandez (37) was fourth-fastest on his GASGAS. Photo courtesy Dorna.
APRILIA
Test rider Lorenzo Savadori was back out on Aprilia’s new front fairing aero package on the final day, with the Italian lapping with more than one RS-GP. Savadori, as Aprilia Racing Team Manager Paolo Bonora explained yesterday, was also busy preparing the bikes for Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales ahead of the Official Test starting on Friday.
Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori (32) continued evaluating new aero updates on the RS-GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aprilia Technical Director Romano Albesiano (left) with Aleix Espargaro (right) in the garage at Sepang. Photo courtesy Dorna.
HONDA
Stefan Bradl had a busy Tuesday doing back-to-back comparisons between different HRC aero packages, the latest one being something we saw at the private Jerez Test. The trusted German also spent some time comparing bikes with and without the ‘stegosaurus’ wings on the tail unit.
Stefan Bradl (6) worked on aerodynamic packages on the Honda RC213V. Photo courtesy Dorna.
And that’s it from the Shakedown! It’s time for the race riders to head out next, with the Official Sepang Test set to be a busy one. That starts on Friday the 10th of February at 10am local time, and there’s plenty of coverage and content coming your way across social media and on motogp.com – including end of day After the Flag live shows from on the ground in Sepang. See you on Friday!
More, from a press release issued by GASGAS Factory Racing:
MotoGP™ Rookie Augusto Fernandez Gets First Taste of 2023 Campaign at the Sepang Shakedown Test
Track action is back for good and we love it! Newly crowned Moto2™ World Champion Augusto Fernandez started his 2023 campaign as he completed his three-day programme at the Sepang Shakedown from February 5 to 7, alongside test riders. His MotoGP™ adventure has started for good under his new colours with the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 team, with the goal to adapt as much as possible to the GASGAS RC16 before being joined by the rest of the class at the Official Sepang Test, on February 10-11-12.
Day 1
Reunited for the first time with his new machine since the Valencia Test back in November, Mallorcan Augusto Fernandez started his 2023 season on Sunday, February 5. All suited in red, he went on track at around 11 am local time (GMT+8). One simple and crucial goal for the rookie: feel the bike, find his own marks and adapt as much as possible. Whilst the day was rain-affected at the end of the afternoon, the number 37 finished second on the timesheets with a time in 2’01.331, just 0,185 seconds from Cal Crutchlow’s fastest lap.
Day 2
Monday was heavily affected by the rain, reducing considerably the needed track time for the rookie. However, the light rain from the morning meant that Fernandez was already able to get time in wet conditions, an experience that will be useful to him sooner rather than later, with the season set to start in Portimao, Portugal at the end of March. He was able to get 19 laps done before lunch break. With the track wet but taking time to dry, the riders had to wait until 17:30 before being able to hit the track again. The GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider finished the day in third, with a personal best in 2’02.770.
Day 3
Back under the sun, everything was set for a hot and dry final day of the Sepang Shakedown. Halfway through the day, Fernandez had already registered 29 laps, before he continued trying different settings to find his comfort on the GASGAS RC16 in the afternoon. At the end of the day, he did his first practice starts here in Sepang, and closed the final day forth in the timesheets with a time in 2’00.482, 0.679 seconds from the best of Michele Piro.
Now, two days of rest await Augusto Fernandez to recover from the Sepang Shakedown Test. On Friday, it will be time to share the track alongside the rest of the MotoGP™ class, including his new teammate, Pol Espargaro, for three days of Official Test. We can not wait!
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy GASGAS Factory Racing.
Augusto Fernandez
Day: 1
Position: 2nd
Time: 2’01.331
Laps: 34
Day: 2
Position: 3rd
Time: 2’02.770
Laps: 26
Day: 3
Position: 4th
Time: 2’00.482
Laps: 47
“The first test in Valencia was just about riding a MotoGP bike, without thinking about changing settings too much, so logically the goal of the Shakedown was to get the job started properly and build my base. I am happy to have had three days to get used to the MotoGP bike, and I already feel like I am starting to understand why everything is happening, and how to ride this machine. We got a lot of information over the last three days, both in dry and wet conditions, and it is going to be very important to understand what I need to do to go faster in the next few days. The team did a very good job so I would like to say thank you to them. I am looking forward to Friday at the Sepang Test.”
Nicolas Goyon
Team Manager
“Augusto Fernandez reunited with his bike here in Sepang after the first test in Valencia back in November. These three days of Shakedown Test were really constructive, although the weather was not helpful. The positive is that he was able to ride already in a lot of different conditions, which is crucial for a rookie: he rode in wet tyres on full wet track, in wet tyres on a drying track, in slick tyres on a mixed track, and of course in slicks on a dry track. The third day was the most intense day as it was fully dry, and he did some very interesting lap times. He did not crash at all, which means that we have a good margin to improve. He has a very good attitude, his comments are positive and constructive, so everyone in the box and at the Pierer Mobility Group is happy with him. We look forward to continuing the work with Augusto on Friday for the Sepang Test.”
2022 MiniGP Motul Ohvale Cup frontrunner Ben Hardwick (5) and eventual Champion Vincent Lalande (4) during a race last season at Lombardy Raceway. Photo: courtesy of CSBK.
FIM approves MiniGP Canada Series for 2023
Toronto, ON – “We are pleased to confirm your application for FIM MiniGP Canada Series. We wish you a great racing season.” Quote from Svetlana Nazarova, FIM Circuits Racing Commissions Coordinator.
It was the news Toni Sharpless, organizer and owner of Super Sonic Road Race School, Mini Superbike Championship and Canada Cup Nationals was waiting to hear.
“After three years of building, all of us at the Super Sonic School are super excited FIM road racing is coming to Canada!” Sharpless said. “The FIM MiniGP Canada series is the crucible for young Canadian athletes to develop their skills and dream of MotoGP.”
The FIM MiniGP Canada Series with Pirelli and Motul support will kick off with a six-round, 12-race season stretching across the country from Ontario to British Columbia. Each event round will contain a pair of feature races with a doubleheader points structure.
The series will start at the familiar Lombardy Raceway near Perth, Ontario on May 13-14, the site where six races took place in the Canadian MiniSBK Canada Cup battle a year ago.
The championship then takes a dramatic swing for rounds two and three, with back-to-back weekends at Greg Moore Raceway in Chilliwack, British Columbia and Strathmore Motorsports Park near Calgary, Alberta, beginning from June 24-25 and going to July 1-2, respectfully.
The series then returns back to Ontario for another back-to-back set of weekend action at Lombardy Raceway. The sixth and final round will then head to historic Shannonville Motorsport Park near Belleville, Ontario, running in conjunction with the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) national final.
The feature champion of the newly minted FIM MiniGP Canada series will then be offered a spot in the world final at Valencia, Spain, just prior to the MotoGP finale in November 2023.
FIM MiniGP Canada Series 2023 Schedule
RD1 May 13-14 Lombardy Raceway Karting, ON
RD2 June 24-25 Greg Moore Raceway, BC
RD3 July 1-2 Strathmore Raceway, AB
RD4 July 29-30 Lombardy Raceway Karting, ON
RD5 Aug 5-6 Lombardy Raceway Karting, ON
RD6 Sept 15-16 Shannonville Motorsport Park, ON
The worldwide competition organization, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) sets the rules and regulations represented in Canada by its affiliate the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA).
“The CMA is proud to support the FIM MiniGP Canada Series. This series will present a fantastic opportunity for younger riders that hasn’t been available in Canada previously,” CEO Holly Ralph explained. “Toni Sharpless has dedicated countless hours to develop this series to FIM standards. The CMA applauds her efforts to put our young riders on the world stage and will continue to support the series going forward.”
The official tire and sponsor of the Canadian series will be Pirelli Tires, as per the global MiniGP structure.
“Pirelli is very glad to be working with Toni in hosting the Canadian FIM MiniGP series for 2023. We are in full support of the efforts from a global scale down to our local vendors,” said Oscar Solis, the Pirelli Moto Senior Race Manager. “We are very excited to assist in providing a pathway for these young racers to grow and enjoy the sport as we all do – one in which Toni is no stranger in supplying.”
The series will also be debuting with the continued help of Motul, a significant supporter of the previous MiniSBK series.
“The partnership with Super Sonic Road Race School, Canadian Mini Superbike Championship, and now the FIM MiniGP Canada series continues to be extremely successful in contributing to the growth in consumer awareness of the Motul brand among riding enthusiasts,” said Nolan Browning, Marketing Director for Motul USA. “The school and series continue to serve as a cornerstone in our strategy to support the next generation of riders. We are excited to continue the momentum of our partnership as we look to the future.”
Ohvale brand manufacturer is the specified motorcycle of the championship world-wide. “We are excited to be part of this amazing project. The arrival of FIM MiniGP World Series in Canada is an amazing opportunity for young riders to get into racing,” said Ohvale Canada’s Michele De Rossi. “Thanks to FIM, Dorna, Road to MotoGP, and Ohvale for considering Canada for 2023.”
The bike and series are designed for riders aged 10 to 14 competing with the Ohvale GP-O 160cc mini-GP machines on paved circuits, typically such as go-kart tracks.
Any parents interested in enrolling their son or daughter in the series (or those just eager for more information) can start at supersonicschool.com.
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