R.I.P. AMA Hall Of Famer Ronnie Rall

David Swarts

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February 5, 2023

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ronnie Rall Passes

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame offers its condolences to the family and friends of Ronnie Rall, a top Midwest dirt-track racer in the ’60s and ’70s who passed away on Jan. 20 at the age of 84.

Rall, who was born in Sandusky, Ohio, about 100 miles north of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, began his professional racing career at 21 years old. Three years later he raced to his first of five AMA National wins.

A dedicated farmer, Rall never raced a full schedule of AMA Nationals except for the 1964 season, when he finished a career-best third in the championship.

Despite his limited opportunities, Rall found success, including a win in the 1969 season opener at the Houston Short Track. The race, which was held before a big crowd in the Houston Astrodome, was televised on ABC’s Wide World of Sports.

Finishing his national career in 1973 and his local racing career later in the 1970s, Rall retired from racing and continued farming. In retirement, Rall would occasionally participate in vintage events.

Rall was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

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.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

MotoGP: Folger Joins KTM Test Team

David Swarts

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February 4, 2023

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KTM FACTORY RACING MOTOGP™ TEST TEAM PRIMES THE THROTTLE FOR 2023 AS JONAS FOLGER JOINS THE FOLD

KTM will shortly ignite MotoGP engines for the 2023 season of racing and development as the official test team take to the track for Sepang ‘shakedown’ sessions in Malaysia. The factory will now be able to count on the expertise and input of a three-rider effort behind the scenes as Mika Kallio and Dani Pedrosa will be joined by 29-year-old ex-MotoGP star Jonas Folger for 2023.

The discoveries and progress of the test team filter into the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Grand Prix squad as Brad Binder and Jack Miller subsequently start to mold the 2023 iteration of the KTM RC16 in two official IRTA tests in Malaysia and Portugal during February and March. The test team trio, backed by dedicated engineering staff, will be adding to the workload to get READY TO RACE for the 21-round campaign and to already assess concepts with a view towards 2024.

The crew currently depend on stalwart Mika Kallio, who has led the evolution of the KTM RC16 since the middle of the last decade and who made KTM’s wildcard debut appearance at Valencia for the final round of the 2016 term. Kallio has also made important replacement race outings, most recently for two events in the 2020 campaign and will fulfill an increased role for rider performance coaching.

The Finn has worked alongside MotoGP Legend Dani Pedrosa since 2019. The Spaniard brought his own sensitivity and depth of feeling to the KTM RC16’s story. He came out of retirement to contest the 2021 Grand Prix of Styria at the Red Bull Ring where he claimed a top ten classification. The 37-year-old is confirmed to race once more with a wildcard at the 2023 Gran Premio de España at Jerez in April.

Jonas Folger. Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

Jonas Folger brings further experience and adaptability to the cause. The German completed nine full world championship seasons between 2009 and 2017 and logged a total of 5 victories in 125cc, Moto3™ and Moto2™ categories and 24 visits to a rostrum. The German vaulted to the MotoGP division for 2017 where he impressed as a rookie with a podium finish at the Sachsenring and ended the year 10th in the standings.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “As the MotoGP season comes closer then the schedule for our test team also comes to life. Not many people see the crucial work these guys are making towards our project but their contribution is essential. For that reason, we have chosen to add Jonas to the team alongside Mika and Dani; who have both already built-up so much knowledge of our race bike and the steps we have made. We know Jonas quite well and he’s briefly ridden our bike before. He knows what it takes to put a motorcycle at the front of a Grand Prix and he is still young and has a lot to contribute. Compared to Dani and Mika he has a different body-type and style and that will also help us with our development. The test team is a fantastic group and I cannot stress enough how much of a strong foundation it makes for our MotoGP racing.”

World Endurance: Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar Announces 2023 Riders

David Swarts

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February 4, 2023

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World Endurance: Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar Announces 2023 Riders

Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar is Go for EWC 2023

A Kawasaki bearing the famous #11 will continue to challenge for FIM Endurance World Championship glory in 2023 following confirmation of Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar’s participation in the upcoming EWC season.

Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar is the new name for Webike SRC Kawasaki France, which competed with considerable success in the EWC under Gilles Stafler’s guidance prior to the respected team owner taking the decision to retire at the completion of the 2022 season and put his operation up for sale.

Ryuji Tsuruta recently completed the takeover of Stafler’s SRC team in partnership with the Japanese River Crane (Webike) and Motohouse Co organizations.

With increased backing from Kawasaki Motors Japan, Tsuruta has entered the EWC under the Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar banner but has kept the familiar #11 as well as continuing to count on the services of Randy de Puniet, a member of the SRC rider squad in 2022.

Japan’s Kazuki Watanabe, previously part of the Yoshimura SERT Motul EWC line-up and a rider with recent MotoGP experience, will join de Puniet at Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar along with French rising talent Christophe Ponson.

Meanwhile, SRC Technical Manager Thomas Baudry transfers over to Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar in the same role and will work closely with Sub-Manager Keisuke Nakayama. Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar’s Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR will run on Bridgestone tyres.

Ryuji Tsuruta commented:

“As Team Manager, I will lead the team and participate fully in the FIM Endurance World Championship with the mission of winning the title, said Tsuruta. After Gilles made the decision to retire, we have received his full support and cooperation and that of his staff, while François Ribeiro, Head of Discovery Sports Events, the EWC promoter, Kawasaki France, Kawasaki Europe, Kawasaki Motors Japan and Webike, have supported us with this project.

“It has been 10 years since Trickstar Racing began challenging in the EWC, at Le Mans in 2013, with the aim of becoming the best in the world. We have grown stronger and I hope we continue to grow and become even stronger. We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the EWC, Kawasaki, Webike and the other sponsors and related parties for giving us the opportunity to take on this challenge.”

2022 AMA Racing And Organizer Award Winners Announced

David Swarts

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February 4, 2023

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2022 AMA Racing And Organizer Award Winners Announced

2022 AMA Racing and Organizer Awards Announced

AMA Athletes of the Year, AMA Organizers of the Year honored

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association congratulates the winners of its 2022 AMA Racing and Organizer Awards, given to the standout individuals and organizations from AMA-sanctioned competition and recreational endeavors.

AMA members participated in the selection process of certain racing categories while AMA staff selected recipients of the organizational awards.

“We are excited to recognize the recipients of the 2022 AMA Racing and Organizer Awards,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “The winners earned their recognitions through impressive performances and profound impacts throughout 2022, and we are proud to honor each of them.”

The AMA Athlete of the Year awards went to Kyle Peters (National Championship Series), Trystan Hart (Grand Championship) and Brycen Neal (ATV).

The AMA Veteran/Senior Racer of the Year was Steve McSwain, who was the National Enduro 50+ Champion.

The AMA Youth Racer of the Year award was given to the members of the Junior Motocross World Championship team — Tace Morgan, Maddox Temmerman, Carson Wood, Seth Dennis, Landon Gibson, Casey Cochran and Collin Allen.

Rachael Archer, the Grand National Cross Country Series WXC Bike Class Champion, was named the AMA Female Racer of the Year.

Unlimited Sports MX Inc. (Motocross Organizer of the Year), National Hare and Hound Association (Off-Road Racing Organizer of the Year), Southeastern Short Trackers Ltd. (Track Racing Organizer of the Year) and Mid East Hare Scramble (ATV Organizer of the Year) won organizational awards.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was named the Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year, and Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc. earned the Recreational Off-Road Organizer of the Year award.

The AMA Sportsman of the Year went to David Eller for his work rebuilding Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, the home for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships, after it was devasted by flooding in August of 2021.

Aztalan Cycle Club Inc. (AMA Club of the Year) and Michael Antonovich (AMA Media Award) were also honored.

The full list of winners can be found below.

2022 AMA Racing Award Winners

AMA Athlete of the Year: National Championship Series

Kyle Peters — Arenacross National Championship Series Pro Sport Champion

AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championships

Trystan Hart — Tennessee Knockout – Extreme Enduro Champion

AMA ATV Athlete of the Year

Brycen Neal — Grand National Cross Country Series XC1 Pro – ATV Class Champion

AMA Veteran/Senior Racer of the Year

Steve McSwain — National Enduro, 50+ Champion

AMA Youth Racer of the Year

Junior Motocross World Champions — Tace Morgan, Maddox Temmerman, Carson Wood, Seth Dennis, Landon Gibson, Casey Cochran, Collin Allen

AMA Female Racer of the Year

Rachael Archer — Grand National Cross Country Series WXC Bike Class Champion

2022 AMA Organizer Award Winners

Motocross Organizer of the Year

Unlimited Sports MX Inc.

Off-Road Racing Organizer of the Year

National Hare and Hound Association

Track Racing Organizer of the Year

Southeastern Short Trackers Ltd.

ATV Organizer of the Year

Mid East Hare Scramble

Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

Recreational Off-Road Organizer of the Year

Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc.

AMA Club of the Year

Aztalan Cycle Club Inc.

AMA Media Award

Michael Antonovich

AMA Sportsman of the Year

David Eller

About the American Motorcyclist Association

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.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

February 2023

Magazine Issue

Trudy Ulrich

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February 3, 2023

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On the Front Cover: After a season struggling with injuries, Marc Márquez looked to be
back to normal on a prototype Honda RC213V during post-season
MotoGP testing at Valencia. Photo by Gigi Soldano/DPPI Media.

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

—

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW. Or call (909) 654-4779 to subscribe, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Log in HERE to read the February 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription.

FEBRUARY 2023 ISSUE

FEATURES

Inside Info: BMW U.S. Sales Up By 10%, Ducati U.S. Sales Down, Damon
Claims It Has $100 Million In Pre-orders, $250,000 Loudon Classic Purse
Immediately Draws 65+ Entries, And More…

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1962 Norton Manx 40M

Quick Look: 2023 Kawasaki 650 Ninja, Entry (or Re-Entry) Middleweight

MotoGP Analysis: Long Time Coming, Or, Ducati’s MotoGP Rebirth

Team Obsolete Celebrates Giacomo Agostini In New York

Shops: Damon Motors, Home Of Electric Motorcycle Visionaries

RACING

MotoGP Analysis: Marc Márquez’s Never-Ending Struggle

Interview: Aprilia’s MotoGP Championship Hope Aleix Espargaró

Numbers & Trivia: Aleix Espargaró’s Career

Army Of Darkness: The Racing River Rolls On In 2022, Part Two

COLUMNS

Letters To The Editor: Setting Up A Trailer For Track Days, and Crash Page
Corrections

Editor’s Scrapbook: Riders Seen At AMA Pro National At Mid-Ohio, 1986

10 Years Ago, February 2013: On The Cover, Jonathan Rea Leads in WSBK On A Honda; Mat Oxley Tells How Mick Doohan Almost Lost A Leg, Then Won More; Marc
Márquez Was Under The Record After Three Days On A MotoGP Honda

The Kids’ Page: Brayden Fager

The Crash Page: Moto2 Teammates Crash At Valencia

New Products: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP Tires/Arai Contour-X Helmet

Racing, School, & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride

Classified Ads/Advertiser Index

High Performance Parts & Services Directory

Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of An Ex-Racer

AHRMA: Kowitz Volunteers To Lead Academy Of Roadracing

David Swarts

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February 3, 2023

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AHRMA: Kowitz Volunteers To Lead Academy Of Roadracing

AHRMA announces new headmaster for road racing academy

(February 3, Knoxville, TN) Arthur Kowitz has been appointed headmaster for the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Academy of Roadracing (AAR).

“With our current financial position in mind we are pleased that (our treasurer) Arthur offered to take the helm of the AAR for the 2023 season at no cost and share his decades of track knowledge with new racers,” said Brian Larrabure, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees.

The AAR was developed by experienced racers to share valuable techniques of road racing historic and modern motorcycles and sidecars on the challenging circuits of America. Students receive one-on-one coaching as well as participate in a mock race including race start and finish.

Kowitz is a former expert-level AMA Superbike, FIM F1 and TTXGP racer. From 1981 to 2018 he competed in five Daytona 200 races.

Kowitz takes over from former AAR headmaster Mark Morrow who advanced road racing instruction to a new level for racers joining the AHRMA family.

“Mark made great contributions to AHRMA by helping many new racers safely learn their way around a track and we really appreciate all he does for AHRMA,” Larrabure said.

Students participating in the AAR will often be riding a variety of motorcycles from small-displacement bikes from the 1960s to Superbikes from the 70s and 80s and even high-powered modern singles, twins, and triples.

“Arthur’s direct racing experience on both vintage and modern race bikes makes him a great fit for the new AAR headmaster,” Larrabure said.

By completing the AAR, new racers gain information and experience that helps them in racing conditions and are qualified to participate in AHRMA road racing events. The AAR curriculum also satisfies licensing requirements for other racing organizations across the country.

The 2023 AAR will be offered at these Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series events:

2/17/2023 Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomingdale, GA

3/17/2023 Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

5/26/2023 Heartland Motorsports Park, Topeka, KS

6/2/2023 Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings, NE

6/23/2023 New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ

7/14/2023 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (AHRMA Classic MotoFest™), Monterey, CA*

7/28/2023 Gingerman Motorsports Park, South Haven, MI

8/4/2023 Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit, IL

9/8/2023, Talladega GP Raceway, Munford, AL

*To be confirmed

About AHRMA

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

MotoGP: Shakedown Test Starts Feb. 5 At Sepang

David Swarts

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February 3, 2023

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MotoGP: Shakedown Test Starts Feb. 5 At Sepang

3, 2, 1… Shakedown! MotoGP™ factories head for Sepang

The first track action of the season sees factory test riders and our 2023 rookie head out for three days of Shakedown Testing

Friday, 03 February 2023

The time has come… or almost! Ahead of the official Sepang Test from the 10th to the 12th of February, the MotoGP™ factories – and our 2023 rookie – will be out on track for the Shakedown from the 5th to the 7th. The Shakedown also takes place at the majestic and usefully varied Sepang International Circuit, and it will be our first taste of the blockbuster, record-breaking season we have in store for 2023.

So, the rookie. Premier class debutants are allowed to take part in the Shakedown and this season, that means GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 newcomer Augusto Fernandez. The reigning Moto2™ Champion is the sole rookie and will enjoy the three days of track time to get acquainted following his debut in the Valencia test in November, and he’ll be joined by the factory test riders.

That means it’s Michele Pirro out for Ducati as the Ducati Lenovo Team look to begin their defence of not one, not two, but three titles, aka that coveted triple crown. Yamaha, meanwhile, are expected to field three test riders – Cal Crutchlow, Katsuyuki Nakasuga and Kohta Nozane – as they look to take back to the top.

For Aprilia, we can expect Lorenzo Savadori on duty as the Noale factory head into new territory in their post-concession world, and at Honda Stefan Bradl will take the reins. The Japanese factory will be looking for a step forward and to lay some big groundwork for progress ahead of handing the RC213V back to Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), new stablemate Joan Mir and LCR’s Takaaki Nakagami and the incoming Alex Rins.

KTM have two riders set to take to the track: MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa, who also recently confirmed the Spanish GP wildcard first revealed by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Francesco Guidotti, and long-time test rider Mika Kallio. The Austrian factory also have Jonas Folger on the books for 2023, so will the German take to the track at the Shakedown? We’re about to find out!

The action runs from 10:00 to 18:00 for the Shakedown, and there’s no live timing but motogp.com will have an end-of-day round up report after each day. There’ll also be a selection of photos and social updates across the event as we get in gear for the Sepang Test proper, so stay tuned for a report and photo selection on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday!

American Flat Track: Tickets On Sale Now For Opener At Daytona

David Swarts

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February 3, 2023

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American Flat Track: Tickets On Sale Now For Opener At Daytona

Tickets Now on Sale for Progressive American Flat Track’s Return to Daytona International Speedway for ‘23 Bike Week Season Opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Progressive American Flat Track revives Daytona Bike Week tradition with the 2023 season opener returning to the Flat Track at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10, 2023. The DAYTONA Short Track will feature two back-to-back nights of bar-banging racing under the lights at one of the most iconic racing arenas in the history of the sport.

Coming off the heels of last season’s spectacular five-way title fight, the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season ranks among the most highly anticipated in recent memory. Reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champion Jared Mees will look to continue his historic run. But to do so, he’ll once again have to go through the most talented collection of motorcycle dirt track racers in the world – including the likes of Briar Bauman, Dallas Daniels, JD Beach, and Brandon Robinson.

This season’s DAYTONA Short Track I & II resumes a hallowed tradition that saw the high-profile event serve as the opening round of the Championship from 1989 through 2016, with doubleheaders becoming the norm in 2006.

Over the decades, the DAYTONA opener frequently saw the sport’s leading stars shine the brightest, with Hall of Famers Scott Parker, Chris Carr, Will Davis, and Kenny Coolbeth all earning wins in Daytona. However, the event is just as renowned for the unpredictable racing it has regularly produced. Several riders have scored upsets to secure their first-career premier-class victories there, including the aforementioned Bauman and Robinson. One rider yet to triumph at the venue, however, is Mees, who hopes to scratch off one of the few remaining unfilled achievements still left on his scorecard.

The atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric. A half-million motorcyclists are once again expected to descend on Daytona Beach for this year’s 82nd annual Daytona Bike Week, and the DAYTONA Short Track I & II is primed to be one of the world’s largest motorcycle event’s premier attractions.

A range of ticket options are available now, now starting at $25 each night, including Upper Rim Road – Standing Room Only, Reserved Grandstand, and Accessible Seating.

And for an additional $40 ($20 for kids under 12) per night, Paddock Access Upgrades provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack to reserve your seats today.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch:

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 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.

Video: Stuman Rides: “Supermoto For Superbikers”

David Swarts

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February 3, 2023

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Video: Stuman Rides: “Supermoto For Superbikers”

In this edition of Stuman Rides, Stuart Smith heads to Adams Motorsport Park in Riverside, California, to ride Supermoto and he talks about how it can help you ride sportbikes better.

MotoAmerica: Davis Doing Daytona 200, Selected Supersport Rounds

David Swarts

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February 2, 2023

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MotoAmerica: Davis Doing Daytona 200, Selected Supersport Rounds

In 2023, MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion Blake Davis will be making his Supersport debut at one of the biggest American motorcycle races of the year, the Daytona 200.

Davis will not only be defending his Twins Cup Championship title aboard his Yamaha R7, but he will also be racing four MotoAmerica Supersport rounds on a Yamaha R6, including the 200 at Daytona. The other three rounds include Road America, Brainerd International Raceway, and Circuit of The Americas. The Twins Cup class will not be competing at those rounds.

Davis’ priority for this season is defending the Championship title for his N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Team and for Yamaha Motor USA. However, as a young racer, he must always be looking ahead in his career, and it is for that reason that he will be making an appearance in the Supersport class this year.

Blake’s Supersport effort is only possible because of support from Biothermal, Robem Engineering, and Kevin Boda. His amazing N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto team will still be supporting his Twins Cup endeavors on his Yamaha R7.

R.I.P. AMA Hall Of Famer Ronnie Rall

February 5, 2023

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ronnie Rall Passes

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame offers its condolences to the family and friends of Ronnie Rall, a top Midwest dirt-track racer in the ’60s and ’70s who passed away on Jan. 20 at the age of 84.

Rall, who was born in Sandusky, Ohio, about 100 miles north of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, began his professional racing career at 21 years old. Three years later he raced to his first of five AMA National wins.

A dedicated farmer, Rall never raced a full schedule of AMA Nationals except for the 1964 season, when he finished a career-best third in the championship.

Despite his limited opportunities, Rall found success, including a win in the 1969 season opener at the Houston Short Track. The race, which was held before a big crowd in the Houston Astrodome, was televised on ABC’s Wide World of Sports.

Finishing his national career in 1973 and his local racing career later in the 1970s, Rall retired from racing and continued farming. In retirement, Rall would occasionally participate in vintage events.

Rall was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

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.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

MotoGP: Folger Joins KTM Test Team

February 4, 2023

A 2023 Red Bull KTM RC16 factory MotoGP racebike. Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

KTM FACTORY RACING MOTOGP™ TEST TEAM PRIMES THE THROTTLE FOR 2023 AS JONAS FOLGER JOINS THE FOLD

KTM will shortly ignite MotoGP engines for the 2023 season of racing and development as the official test team take to the track for Sepang ‘shakedown’ sessions in Malaysia. The factory will now be able to count on the expertise and input of a three-rider effort behind the scenes as Mika Kallio and Dani Pedrosa will be joined by 29-year-old ex-MotoGP star Jonas Folger for 2023.

The discoveries and progress of the test team filter into the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Grand Prix squad as Brad Binder and Jack Miller subsequently start to mold the 2023 iteration of the KTM RC16 in two official IRTA tests in Malaysia and Portugal during February and March. The test team trio, backed by dedicated engineering staff, will be adding to the workload to get READY TO RACE for the 21-round campaign and to already assess concepts with a view towards 2024.

The crew currently depend on stalwart Mika Kallio, who has led the evolution of the KTM RC16 since the middle of the last decade and who made KTM’s wildcard debut appearance at Valencia for the final round of the 2016 term. Kallio has also made important replacement race outings, most recently for two events in the 2020 campaign and will fulfill an increased role for rider performance coaching.

The Finn has worked alongside MotoGP Legend Dani Pedrosa since 2019. The Spaniard brought his own sensitivity and depth of feeling to the KTM RC16’s story. He came out of retirement to contest the 2021 Grand Prix of Styria at the Red Bull Ring where he claimed a top ten classification. The 37-year-old is confirmed to race once more with a wildcard at the 2023 Gran Premio de España at Jerez in April.

Jonas Folger brings further experience and adaptability to the cause. The German completed nine full world championship seasons between 2009 and 2017 and logged a total of 5 victories in 125cc, Moto3™ and Moto2™ categories and 24 visits to a rostrum. The German vaulted to the MotoGP division for 2017 where he impressed as a rookie with a podium finish at the Sachsenring and ended the year 10th in the standings.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “As the MotoGP season comes closer then the schedule for our test team also comes to life. Not many people see the crucial work these guys are making towards our project but their contribution is essential. For that reason, we have chosen to add Jonas to the team alongside Mika and Dani; who have both already built-up so much knowledge of our race bike and the steps we have made. We know Jonas quite well and he’s briefly ridden our bike before. He knows what it takes to put a motorcycle at the front of a Grand Prix and he is still young and has a lot to contribute. Compared to Dani and Mika he has a different body-type and style and that will also help us with our development. The test team is a fantastic group and I cannot stress enough how much of a strong foundation it makes for our MotoGP racing.”

World Endurance: Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar Announces 2023 Riders

February 4, 2023

Erwan Nigon (11) at speed on the Team Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar ZX-10RR during the 2021 FIM Endurance World Championship. Photo courtesy eam Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar. — Webike SRC Kawasaki France (1) becomes Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar for 2023 with increased backing from Kawasaki and a talented three-rider team. Photo courtesy Kawasaki. Photo courtesy Webike SRC Kawasaki France.

Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar is Go for EWC 2023

A Kawasaki bearing the famous #11 will continue to challenge for FIM Endurance World Championship glory in 2023 following confirmation of Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar’s participation in the upcoming EWC season.

Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar is the new name for Webike SRC Kawasaki France, which competed with considerable success in the EWC under Gilles Stafler’s guidance prior to the respected team owner taking the decision to retire at the completion of the 2022 season and put his operation up for sale.

Ryuji Tsuruta recently completed the takeover of Stafler’s SRC team in partnership with the Japanese River Crane (Webike) and Motohouse Co organizations.

With increased backing from Kawasaki Motors Japan, Tsuruta has entered the EWC under the Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar banner but has kept the familiar #11 as well as continuing to count on the services of Randy de Puniet, a member of the SRC rider squad in 2022.

Japan’s Kazuki Watanabe, previously part of the Yoshimura SERT Motul EWC line-up and a rider with recent MotoGP experience, will join de Puniet at Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar along with French rising talent Christophe Ponson.

Meanwhile, SRC Technical Manager Thomas Baudry transfers over to Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar in the same role and will work closely with Sub-Manager Keisuke Nakayama. Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar’s Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR will run on Bridgestone tyres.

Ryuji Tsuruta commented:

“As Team Manager, I will lead the team and participate fully in the FIM Endurance World Championship with the mission of winning the title, said Tsuruta. After Gilles made the decision to retire, we have received his full support and cooperation and that of his staff, while François Ribeiro, Head of Discovery Sports Events, the EWC promoter, Kawasaki France, Kawasaki Europe, Kawasaki Motors Japan and Webike, have supported us with this project.

“It has been 10 years since Trickstar Racing began challenging in the EWC, at Le Mans in 2013, with the aim of becoming the best in the world. We have grown stronger and I hope we continue to grow and become even stronger. We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the EWC, Kawasaki, Webike and the other sponsors and related parties for giving us the opportunity to take on this challenge.”

2022 AMA Racing And Organizer Award Winners Announced

February 4, 2023

AMA Media Award winner Michael Antonovich (left) receiving his honor from AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier (right). Photo courtesy AMA.