For 2023 the CMRA and WERA will partner and offer any CMRA-licensed rider the opportunity to accumulate points in like classes by purchasing a dual CMRA/WERA license for $50.00 for the season and will qualify the riders to race in those classes at the WERA Grand National Finals (GNF) via their points scored in those classes. CMRA and WERA have a long history of working together and this is just one step toward making it easier for a CMRA rider to qualify for the GNF and give them the opportunity to travel and race at some tracks not on the CMRA schedule for the 2023 season.
The eligible classes for dual points are:
Formula 1 & 2 Expert and Novice
A, B and C Superbike and Superstock Expert and Novice
Heavyweight Twins Superbike (CMRA Heavyweight Twins) Expert and Novice
Lightweight Twins Superbike (CMRA Lightweight Twins) Expert and Novice
E Superstock (CMRA 500 Superstock) Expert and Novice
F Superstock (CMRA 300 Superstock) Expert and Novice
Heavyweight Senior Superbike (CMRA Formula 40 Heavyweight) Expert and Novice
Middleweight Senior Superbike (CMRA Formula 40 Middleweight) Expert and Novice
Formula Mini (CMRA Formula 4)
Grom Cup (CMRA Grom Challenge)
“I am excited that CMRA and WERA are entering into this partnership to make it easier for our riders to compete in two racing organizations. WERA and CMRA have worked together in the past and it has always been good for our sport,” said WERA CEO Evelyne Clarke.
“WERA and CMRA have a long history of working together to further the sport of motorcycle road racing. This partnership is the next chapter in that long history. We are very much looking forward to working with Evelyne and Sean and all of the WERA competitors again,” said CMRA Director of Competition Walter Walker.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and are co-sanctioned by the AMA. Racing is offered for entry-level to Expert level in the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series with the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series featuring the Michelin Superbike Class and there is a WERA Vintage Racing. The National Endurance Series with our Track Day partners N2 presented by Dunlop is the best seat time and experience out there with both Ultralightweight Endurance and Big Bike Endurance. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the Year. There is something for everyone with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing!
For further information contact WERA Motorcycle Roadracing or check the web site at www.wera.com.
Peter Matthew Calles, fell asleep in the Lord, surrounded with love, on January 23, 2023. [He was 70.] He is survived by his loving family including his brother Stafford M. Calles (Brenda Calles) and his sister Stella (Howard) Norris, of Sacramento, California; his sister Peggy (George) Vaveris, of Hilton Head, South Carolina; and his nephew Matthew Vaveris, of Atlanta, Georgia. He will be greatly missed by members of his family and close family friends.
Throughout his life Peter was a passionate collector and restorer of motorcycles and during his long illness Peter’s dear friends and club members were a major presence and joy in his life. Also, Peter traveled extensively to Greece where he lived during the summers in Galaxidi, his parents’ childhood hometown.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday January 30, 2023, at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington, D.C., 721 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905, for the viewing from 10:00am to 11:00am, where the funeral service will follow at 11:00am. Interment will immediately follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, in Silver Spring, Maryland.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Ducati’s Rinaldi sets the pace on opening day of Portimao test
Rea and Bautista second and third with the top three separated by just 0.068s
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) was the fastest rider on Tuesday in Portimao clocking a 1:39.639s lap at the very end of the day.
Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) finished 0.061s off Rinaldi’s time on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Reigning WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista completed Day 1’s top three finishing 0.068s adrift from his teammate.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) made his first appearance with his newly revealed 2023 livery.
Remy Gardner (87) and Philipp Oettl (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) adapted well to the Portuguese circuit as he was the fastest rookie in ninth, while Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) were 15th and 16th respectively.
Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Danilo Petrucci (9). Photo courtesy Dorna.
WorldSBK Day 1 Report
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) put in a late lap to take spot with a 1’39.639s as he continued to keep working as he did in Jerez. He was joined in the top three by teammate and reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) in third, with Bautista lapping only 0.068s slower than Rinaldi as the new Panigale V4 R continued to impress in its early days. Six-time Champion Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was second on Day 1 after posting a 1’39.700s, ahead of his main rivals from 2022, as he goes in search of an unprecedented seventh World Championship. 2021 Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) was fourth fastest after posting a 1’39.851s, with a big focus on the rear of his Yamaha YZF R1 machine as was the case at Jerez last week.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Independent riders rounded out the top ten as they once again shone in testing, with Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in ninth, Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) in 10th and his teammate, Loris Baz, in 11th; Gerloff the highest-placed BMW rider with Gerloff just over a second off Razgatlioglu’s time and Baz only 0.039s behind his teammate.
Loris Baz (76). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Read the full report from Day 1 in Portimao on worldsbk.com
One key to the continuing success of the official Kawasaki Racing Team in WorldSBK is the stability and ‘family feel’ of the entire set-up, both at races and back at headquarters in Europe and Japan. This year two new staff have joined the KRT team itself, in the shape of Electronics Engineer for Jonathan Rea, Sander Donkers, and an experienced WorldSBK figure in the electronics realm, Christophe Lambert.
The whole Kawasaki Racing family has expanded with the appointment of the two new electronics and data analysis specialists. The word ‘family’ can be sometimes overused in a sporting context but not only is the unmistakable feel inside Kawasaki’s official squad akin to a family unit, the Provec Racing element of the overall KRT effort is actually run by two bothers – Guim and Biel Roda – and their cousin, Alvar Garriga.
It was identified recently that there had to be changes in the way that the team could process and act upon conclusions derived from the vast reams of data that are gathered from test sessions and races. Hence the arrival of Lambert and his vast experience of electronics in WorldSBK, most recently with Yamaha. His official title will be Electronics and Data Engineering Coordinator. As this new job title suggests, Christophe’s arrival signals an overall expansion of the team’s efforts in terms of electronics, with the sole aim of improving on-track performance when it really matters, during race weekends.
Sander Donkers is a direct replacement for Rea’s previous electronics engineer Davide Gentile, a respected colleague and friend who leaves for another challenge with best wishes from all in Kawasaki after his positive contribution to much of the team’s recent successes.
With two new engineering specialists in place, Sander and Christophe, the whole team will pull together to identify issues, improve working collective practices and aim for wins, all while representing the best of Kawasaki’s competitive spirit and desire to succeed. This ambition for even more success is shared by the Kawasaki fans, riders, sponsors, technical partners, KRT itself and everyone involved in the whole global Kawasaki family.
By his own admission Christophe came into the exciting world of bike racing quite late, at the age of 25. The bike trackday enthusiast was bored in his regular job designing car air-conditioning systems, when a friend encouraged him to try to get a job inside MotoGP. He started studying at the French ‘l’Ecole de La Performance’ (Motorsports performance school) to immerse himself in the racing world and build up relationships with existing racing professionals. He entered his on-track career as the ‘data guy’ in a French 250cc MotoGP team. Moving to WorldSBK and working in smaller teams at the beginning, he has made his way right up to factory level. He has even worked with now regular KRT rider Alex Lowes when he was at Yamaha, and for the past three years he has worked with 2021 WorldSBK champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Sander has an impressive breadth of experience in many forms of racing and different championships. Entering the HAN University in his native Netherlands in 1999, he secured a BEng Automotive Engineering and then went straight to the specialist Cranfield Institute to earn a Masters Degree in Motorsport Engineering & Management. Although now specialising in electronics, he was hand-and-mind working experience as a suspension designer in the UK, an electronics engineer in AMA Superbike racing, a crew chief, a Moto2 R&D Engineer, a MotoGP electronics engineer, and various electronic engineering roles for MV Agusta, HRC and most recently BMW in WorldSBK.
After many achievements in their respective careers, Christophe and Sander are now part of the most successful WorldSBK effort in the past decade, looking to work alongside many of their new colleagues who have been part of that success in their past, and who are equally hungry for more in the very near future.
The new KRT technical figures are far from hidden, having already joined with their perennially committed and hard working colleagues in a test at Jerez in Spain, and will continue to build their working and personal relationships at the next test, in Portimao, between 31 January and 1 February.
Christophe Lambert. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Christophe Lambert, stated: “I am really happy to join KRT. It has been something that has stimulated me over the past years. They have been at the top for a long time. It’s super-exciting for me to join them. The resources are amazing and the people are very friendly, and very professional. I think it will be a very nice experience for me.”
Sander Donkers. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Sander Donkers, stated: “I will be joining KRT from 2023 on, as an electronics guy for Johnny. I am really excited to join this project. It will be a big challenge for me, with a lot of new things to learn, but I am really excited to get started.”
Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “After analysing areas in KRT workflow that we could enhance we detected the need to introduce a new role to support the technical staff more and to extract the maximum from the electronics system. At the same time, we need to evaluate the quantity of data we generate on race weekend much faster. In the past, we have realised where we could have been better a few days after the race – which is inefficient. This new staff situation allows us to better analyse all the information we create to react fast in real time during the race weekend. We found in Christophe good experience and potential and we are quite sure we gonna make another step to improve our performance with him onboard. Additionally, Davide Gentile the Electronics Engineer for Jonathan has decided to look for new goals and we wish him well and thank him for his contribution to the project. For this important role we searched in many places and finally we decided on Sander as the best candidate to work with Pere and Johnny. Additionally, we have taken the opportunity to reorganise some roles and responsibilities within KRT, adjusting concept ideas to the reality of racing and we will reinforce the Test Team area with Florian Marino helping us to use best our track time. We are all highly motivated for 2023 season and for sure we’ll do our best to keep improving, keep innovating and never give up.”
New Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Partnership Announced for 2023
Yamaha’s WorldSBK Official Team is pleased to announce an all-new partnership with Prometeon Tyre Group, one of the world’s biggest producers of specialised heavy transport tyres, to create “Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK” for the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship season.
The 2023 Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK race machine features Yamaha’s “Racing Blue” base alongside the identity of Pata Snack, who continue with the team as title sponsor for the eighth consecutive year, while Prometeon brings a fresh new white and navy blue element to the livery as it joins Yamaha’s Official WorldSBK Team as co-title partner. Yamaha and the team would like to thank Brixx for its highly valued partnership over the last two successful years, as the company focuses on the next stage of development of its business forecasting software.
Prometeon Tyre Group is the only tyre manufacturer specialised in goods and people transport, which is also active in agricultural equipment and off-the-road tyres field. Officially established in 2017, Prometeon focuses on innovation with the aim of offering the right solutions to its customers by engineering #PrometeonTechnology, ensuring maximised efficiency and reduced costs.
In the quest to fight again for the “Triple Crown”, Yamaha’s R1 WorldSBK development programme has resulted in further updates and refinements which, with the continued support of Pata and 2023’s new partnership with Prometeon, creates a solid base for Toprak Razgatlioglu and Andrea Locatelli to start the new season in Phillip Island, Australia, on 24-26 February.
Paul Denning: Team Principal, Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Team
“The Crescent Yamaha team are proud to continue with Remo Gobbi’s Pata Snack brand as our title sponsor for the eighth consecutive year, and to welcome Prometeon as the project’s new co-title partner – creating “Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK” for the 2023 season. We would like to thank Prometeon for its trust in Yamaha and the WorldSBK platform to help build its brand awareness and to communicate its commitment to its product quality and service to its customers. We look forward to working together to achieve our mutual goals! With continued support from BMP Tappi, Akrapovic, Yamalube and Yamaha Indonesia’s “Semakin di Depan”, an increased commitment from our exclusive global FX provider Corpay and hugely valued partnerships with Hel Performance, Pro-Bolt and all our technical and operational sponsors, we are in a solid position to fully attack the new season.”
Roberto Righi: General Manager, Prometeon Tyre Group
“The agreement with which we become co-title partner of the Yamaha WorldSBK Team reflects the natural evolution of Prometeon’s commitment to the World Championship for production-based motorbikes, which began in 2022 with the official sponsorship of the championship. With WorldSBK we share the values of innovation, technology and the pursuit of maximum performance. We also believe that this partnership, in addition to further boosting the visibility of our corporate brand, will allow us to offer even more exclusive and engaging experiences to our business partners and collaborators.”
Karns Performance Racing Announces Riders for 2023 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Season
Mechanicsburg, PA – January 30, 2023
Karns Performance is proud to announce it will field Chris Clark #27 and Elisa Gendron-Belén #78 in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship.
Returning to the Team is Chris Clark (@chris.clark.racing) who in his fourth year of racing and secured 17 top-five finishes across multiple series, including North America Talent Cup. Chris also competed in select rounds of MotoAmerica Junior Cup in 2022 with four top-10 finishes. Chris also competed in various club races where he finished with nine podiums in 10 races including three wins. Chris was also one of five Americans invited to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event in Modena, Italy.
Chris Clark: “I am excited to be returning with Karns Performance Racing for the 2023 season alongside Elisa. I am really looking Forward to a competitive season against some talented riders. I am ready to work hard and hope to get the results we are looking for.”
Joining the team is Elisa Gendron-Belén (@elisa_gendron.belen) who has proven to be competitive with multiple regional titles in ASRA/CCS racing over the past two seasons clinching 40 podiums in 40 races in 2022. She also participated in the past two seasons as a fully sponsored rider in the International Latin American Women’s Cup in Mexico, with an overall top-10 finish among eligible women from as many as 20 countries. She feels fortunate to have the opportunity to race motorcycles. She is always ready with a quick smile and a word of encouragement to her competitors.
Elisa Gendron-Belén: “I am proud to be joining Karns Performance Racing for the 2023 Junior Cup season. I can’t wait to get out on the track. I am definitely excited and motivated. I am very much looking forward to a great season with a great team.”
Jason Karns — Team Owner: “To say our team is proud to be working with these two talented young riders is an understatement. These riders set an incredible example of what it means to be hard-working and humble both on and off the track. Both have a bright future in the world of road racing, We are truly looking forward to being part of their journey and to a great season.”
Team sponsors: Karns Performance, Mecks Autobody, Woodcraft CFM, Vortex Racing, Motorex Oils, NG Brakes, TST Racing, Vesrah, Moto-D with Bison Gear and Bilmola Helmets.
Toronto, ON – Canada’s first National Superbike Champion, George Morin, died on Friday, January 26, in Mississauga, ON. He was 74 years old. The former postal worker was the first Superbike racer in Canada to earn the overall number one plate, the Kawasaki-backed veteran scoring a win at the Edmonton opener and a podium at Shannonville Motorsport Park in the two-race 1980 National tour.
Morin died of complication from Haemochromatosis, a blood issue related to an excess of iron. He had received medical care for this issue for the past two years. He is survived by his second wife, Petra, daughter Savannah and son Alex.
Morin grew up in rural Quebec where his father was a local politician, before settling in the growing Toronto lakeside suburb of Mississauga. He started racing on a Triumph in the early 1970s, and soon became a winner in various production classes. Morin was also a regular front runner at the 24 Hours of Nelson Ledges, Ohio, a major race destination for Canadian top guns in the 1970s.
When the Superbike category started to take off, Morin modified his production class Kawasaki Z-1R for the first-ever Canadian SBK race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (then known as Mosport Park) in late 1978. Although a favourite, a frustrated Morin retired early, and then went to the U.S. to purchase a built and developed Kawasaki for the 1979 season.
Along with Lang Hindle, Rueben McMurter and Bob Price, Morin was a front runner in 1979 as Superbike developed regionally. When the CMA announced that a Superbike class competitor was eligible for the overall National Championship in 1980, Morin committed to the series. At the time, a two-stroke Yamaha racer would have the best chance to win the coveted number one plate, since they would have two classes to enter against the single opportunity for the big Superbikes.
Instead, Morin won the Edmonton opener and then fought his way to second in the deciding round at Shannonville, narrowly beating rising rookie Pro Rueben McMurter for the title. Morin then opted to leave Kawasaki during an off-season rider shuffle, taking his CAM2 oil support to Suzuki.
Morin ran up front for Suzuki, winning in Nova Scotia and battling new Kawasaki number one Hindle in a July Mosport 1981 showdown. He eventually campaigned a fearsome Katana before retiring and switching to team management. His first program centered on former Flat Track start Michel Mercier, and fortunately coincided with the development of Suzuki’s ground-breaking GSX-R750.
Famed Canadian tuner Mike Crompton was a Morin favourite, and the trio of Mercier-Crompton-Morin dominated in the early GSX-R era. They had success in the U.S., and that got an invitation to the Match Races in the U.K., where Mercier earned a strong following. Morin developed key relationships with organizers and sponsors, including World Superbike founder Steve McLaughlin.
When Mercier retired, Morin worked with the Weld Rite Kawasaki program of Steve Crevier, and eventually Frank Trombino’s team at Rob Egan’s Brooklin Cycle Racing. He did some vintage racing, went on bike trips in Europe with old racing buddies including Shop owner and endurance partner Peter Hurst, and even helped winter relocation of boats and small aircraft!
Morin was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2015, joining fellow early era Superbike heroes including Hindle, McMurter, Mercier and Crompton. A memorial ceremony is planned for the spring, close to Morin’s birthday.
Yamaha WorldSBK Teams Break Cover in Portimao Ahead of 2023 Season
The covers have come off Yamaha’s six R1 WorldSBK machines that will contest the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship at the last European preseason test before the season gets underway in Philip Island, Australia from 24-26 February.
The Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK and GMT94 Yamaha WorldSBK teams will be joined at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve test in Portimão, Portugal by Motoxracing Yamaha, who will contest the European rounds of the 2023 WorldSBK calendar with reigning British Superbike Champion Bradley Ray.
Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK’s Andrea Locatelli (left) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (right). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Leading the title chase for Yamaha once again in 2023, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu returns with the #54 plate after finishing runner-up during one of the most exciting seasons on record. Last year, the 26-year-old secured 14 victories and a further 15 podiums, and following a positive winter test in Jerez remains confident that he can take the fight to his rivals and thrill fans around the world with his spectacular riding style once again this season.
Razgatlıoğlu will be back looking for revenge as he teams up once more at Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK with 2020 FIM Supersport World Champion, Andrea Locatelli. After finishing fourth and fifth overall during his last two campaigns, the 26-year-old Italian wants to add to his total of six WorldSBK podiums and secure his first victory in 2023.
While consistency is the watchword at Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK, it is all change next door at GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK. There are two new riders for the team: the first in the shape of 2021 Moto2 World Champion, Australian Remy Gardener, who is looking to establish himself as a front-runner in WorldSBK immediately off the back of an impressive rookie MotoGP season.
He will be joined on the grid by reigning MotoE and two-time FIM Supersport World Champion Dominique Aegerter. In his move up to WorldSBK, the Swiss rider hopes to bring the form that saw him claim a record-breaking 17 wins on the Yamaha R6 during his successful title defence last season.
GMT94 Yamaha’s Lorenzo Baldassarri. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Aegerter’s main rival from a scintillating 2022 WorldSSP season, Lorenzo Baldassari, has also made the step up to WorldSBK with the GMT94 Yamaha WorldSBK team. Baldassari, who won four races and secured 12 more podiums on his way to second place in his rookie WorldSSP season, is looking to make a successful transition to the WorldSBK class along with his GMT94 team, who will also continue to compete with Yamaha machinery in the WorldSSP category.
2022 British Superbike Champion Bradley Ray will also get the opportunity to showcase his talents by participating in the European rounds of WorldSBK with the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team. The 25-year-old Briton dominated BSB last season on a similar R1 to that run in WorldSBK, securing nine victories and 14 podiums on his way to the title. Ray’s aim is to adapt quickly to the WorldSBK specification R1 before his race debut at Assen in April.
All six riders will campaign Yamaha’s proven, race-winning R1 WorldSBK machine, which has undergone considerable development over the very short winter break. Engineers at Yamaha Motor Research and Development Europe have focused their efforts on improving specific areas without compromising the strengths of the R1, with improved corner exit acceleration a major goal. This direction was confirmed during a two-day test in Jerez last week, with both the two Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK riders and the two GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK newcomers finishing promisingly within the top 10. Both days were topped by Razgatlıoğlu, who was tantalisingly close to breaking the WorldSBK lap record on day two.
All the teams will now complete two days of testing at Portimão, before the Pata Yamaha Prometeon, GYTR GRT Yamaha and GMT94 Yamaha teams head “Down Under” for the final preseason test and the first round of the FIM Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island in Australia. Ray and the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team will remain in Europe before ahead of their Assen debut.
Andrea Dosoli
Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager
“For the first time, we will have six riders contracted directly by Yamaha representing our brand in the FIM Superbike World Championship, four of them World Champions and one national champion. It’s a strong rider lineup, the strongest we’ve fielded since returning to the championship in 2016, and our expectations are high going into the new season. In Toprak and Andrea, we have two experienced championship campaigners, while Remy brings with him a wealth of experience from MotoGP. Dominique, Lorenzo, and Bradley are all proof that our unique step-up program, where Yamaha riders who excel at both an international and national level, are given the opportunity to step up to WorldSBK. The investment in our riders has also been matched by the investment in development, with the R1 improving in key areas, which was illustrated by the performance of all our riders at the recent Jerez test. We are in a good position to fight once again for the World Championship title, but we know that we need to eliminate the mistakes that robbed us of important points last year and put together a perfect season. Thanks to our riders, and I wish them the best of luck for the coming campaign.”
On Thursday, January 26th, 2023, V.R. (Jim) DiSalvo, loving husband and father of five, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at age 85. Jim was born June 19, 1937, in Batavia, NY to the late Salvatore and Mary Kathleen (Miller) DiSalvo. Jim was an avid motorcyclist, businessman, and lover of all things Christmas.
After a tour of duty in the Navy during the mid-’50s, Jim returned home to Western New York, where he excelled professionally in various industries, including the chemicals industry, horse racing, motorcycle racing, and the printing industry. During that time, he also promoted the first-ever WERA Grand National Finals in West Palm Beach, FL, in 1977.
In 1980, Jim made his mark on the printing industry when he founded Applied Business Systems, Inc. with his wife, Connie DiSalvo. ABS would become a leader in Variable Data Digital Printing, as it remains to this day.
In the motorcycle racing world, Jim will be remembered as an accomplished flat tracker and road racer in his own right, as well as an owner of Team America Gran Prix Racing, a team that won races across the United States and internationally in Europe, and as the manager of his son Jason DiSalvo’s professional career in racing.
Jim’s love of Christmas was manifested every year at his home on Fargo Road in Stafford, NY. His display included over 150 animated and static lighted figurines and over 1 million lights that would draw thousands of visitors to the property every Christmas season.
Jim is survived by and missed by his wife of 42 years, Connie (Tuttobene) DiSalvo; children Pam DiSalvo of Batavia, Tim DiSalvo of Azusa, CA, Steven (Karen) Samis of LeRoy, Lisa (Dan) Ormsbee of Stafford, and Jason (Bethany) DiSalvo of Stafford. He is forever cherished and remembered by his six grandchildren Ashlee DiSalvo, Katelyn Samis, Stephany Samis, Zach Samis, Romeo DiSalvo, and Romilly DiSalvo; his brothers, the late Ronald (Rose) DiSalvo of Batavia and Samuel (late Vida) DiSalvo of Batavia; and sisters, Florence (Joe) Condidorio of LeRoy and Kitty (late Louie) Severino of Highland Heights, Ohio.
Calling hours are Tuesday (January 31) from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Jim’s Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday (February 1) at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street in Batavia. He will be laid to rest with military honors at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, or the United Memorial Medical Center for their new ICU unit.
4SR USA Again Offering Contingency For 2023 MotoAmerica Championship
Motorcycle Clothing Company To Post Almost $131,000 In Contingency Payouts For Four MotoAmerica Classes And The Daytona 200
IRVINE, CA (January 30, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce motorcycle clothing company 4SR USA Inc. as not only an official partner of the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship, but also as a contingency sponsor with 4SR set to post almost $131,000 for the coming season.
Founded in 2007 in the Czech Republic, 4SR is well-established in European markets, including supporting riders in British Superbike, World Superbike and MotoGP. In 2018, 4SR USA began exclusively importing to the United States and has worked to establish itself as a worldwide clothing brand of all things motorcycle. From full racing suits to biker jeans, gloves, leather pants, back protectors, and accessories, 4SR has just about everything for the casual motorcyclist, track-day rider and serious racer.
4SR is offering $53,000 in contingency in the premier MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike class with $2,650 earmarked for each event with first place paying $1,000 per race with payments going down to fifth place in four classes – Superbike, Stock 1000, Supersport and Twins Cup. 4SR is also offering contingency for the Daytona 200 with the payout the same as Superbike ($1,000, $750, $500, $250, and $150 for the top five finishers). The other classes will pay $750 (Supersport) and $500 (Stock 1000 and Twins Cup) to the winner if he/she is wearing 4SR leathers. The contingency program pays back to fifth place in each class and totals $130,750 for the season.
“It’s awesome that 4SR is back with us for a third season as an official sponsorship partner of our championship,” MotoAmerica Director of Sponsorship Lance Bryson said. “It’s also great to see them continuing their contingency program for 2023 with an opportunity for our racers who wear 4SR leathers to earn additional money.”
4SR offers a full line of racing leathers, from racing suits to replica suits, to custom leathers, 39 different jackets for both men and women, 13 different styles of riding pants, and much more. 4SR’s leathers are also compatible with most airbag systems.
“Our 4SR team is excited to continue our involvement with MotoAmerica in 2023,” said Jerry Nickell Sr., President of 4SR USA. “Our mission is to provide support to the many great teams and riders with premium protection products and financial support as they pursue their quest for a championship. We are honored to be a supporting sponsor of America’s premier road racing series.”
For more information on 4SR USA, visit www.4srusa.com. Riders interested in participating in the 4SR contingency program should contact [email protected].
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
For 2023 the CMRA and WERA will partner and offer any CMRA-licensed rider the opportunity to accumulate points in like classes by purchasing a dual CMRA/WERA license for $50.00 for the season and will qualify the riders to race in those classes at the WERA Grand National Finals (GNF) via their points scored in those classes. CMRA and WERA have a long history of working together and this is just one step toward making it easier for a CMRA rider to qualify for the GNF and give them the opportunity to travel and race at some tracks not on the CMRA schedule for the 2023 season.
The eligible classes for dual points are:
Formula 1 & 2 Expert and Novice
A, B and C Superbike and Superstock Expert and Novice
Heavyweight Twins Superbike (CMRA Heavyweight Twins) Expert and Novice
Lightweight Twins Superbike (CMRA Lightweight Twins) Expert and Novice
E Superstock (CMRA 500 Superstock) Expert and Novice
F Superstock (CMRA 300 Superstock) Expert and Novice
Heavyweight Senior Superbike (CMRA Formula 40 Heavyweight) Expert and Novice
Middleweight Senior Superbike (CMRA Formula 40 Middleweight) Expert and Novice
Formula Mini (CMRA Formula 4)
Grom Cup (CMRA Grom Challenge)
“I am excited that CMRA and WERA are entering into this partnership to make it easier for our riders to compete in two racing organizations. WERA and CMRA have worked together in the past and it has always been good for our sport,” said WERA CEO Evelyne Clarke.
“WERA and CMRA have a long history of working together to further the sport of motorcycle road racing. This partnership is the next chapter in that long history. We are very much looking forward to working with Evelyne and Sean and all of the WERA competitors again,” said CMRA Director of Competition Walter Walker.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the foremost place to develop talent in the sport of motorcycle road racing. The legacy of Pro riders on a National and World level is legendary. All events are run by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and are co-sanctioned by the AMA. Racing is offered for entry-level to Expert level in the WERA Sportsman Series as well as a Pro-Am Series with the Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series featuring the Michelin Superbike Class and there is a WERA Vintage Racing. The National Endurance Series with our Track Day partners N2 presented by Dunlop is the best seat time and experience out there with both Ultralightweight Endurance and Big Bike Endurance. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted the 2017 AMA Track Organizer of the Year. There is something for everyone with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing!
For further information contact WERA Motorcycle Roadracing or check the web site at www.wera.com.
Peter Matthew Calles, fell asleep in the Lord, surrounded with love, on January 23, 2023. [He was 70.] He is survived by his loving family including his brother Stafford M. Calles (Brenda Calles) and his sister Stella (Howard) Norris, of Sacramento, California; his sister Peggy (George) Vaveris, of Hilton Head, South Carolina; and his nephew Matthew Vaveris, of Atlanta, Georgia. He will be greatly missed by members of his family and close family friends.
Throughout his life Peter was a passionate collector and restorer of motorcycles and during his long illness Peter’s dear friends and club members were a major presence and joy in his life. Also, Peter traveled extensively to Greece where he lived during the summers in Galaxidi, his parents’ childhood hometown.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday January 30, 2023, at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington, D.C., 721 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905, for the viewing from 10:00am to 11:00am, where the funeral service will follow at 11:00am. Interment will immediately follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, in Silver Spring, Maryland.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Ducati’s Rinaldi sets the pace on opening day of Portimao test
Rea and Bautista second and third with the top three separated by just 0.068s
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) was the fastest rider on Tuesday in Portimao clocking a 1:39.639s lap at the very end of the day.
Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) finished 0.061s off Rinaldi’s time on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Reigning WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista completed Day 1’s top three finishing 0.068s adrift from his teammate.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) made his first appearance with his newly revealed 2023 livery.
Remy Gardner (87) and Philipp Oettl (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) adapted well to the Portuguese circuit as he was the fastest rookie in ninth, while Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) were 15th and 16th respectively.
Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Danilo Petrucci (9). Photo courtesy Dorna.
WorldSBK Day 1 Report
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) put in a late lap to take spot with a 1’39.639s as he continued to keep working as he did in Jerez. He was joined in the top three by teammate and reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) in third, with Bautista lapping only 0.068s slower than Rinaldi as the new Panigale V4 R continued to impress in its early days. Six-time Champion Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was second on Day 1 after posting a 1’39.700s, ahead of his main rivals from 2022, as he goes in search of an unprecedented seventh World Championship. 2021 Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) was fourth fastest after posting a 1’39.851s, with a big focus on the rear of his Yamaha YZF R1 machine as was the case at Jerez last week.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Independent riders rounded out the top ten as they once again shone in testing, with Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in ninth, Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) in 10th and his teammate, Loris Baz, in 11th; Gerloff the highest-placed BMW rider with Gerloff just over a second off Razgatlioglu’s time and Baz only 0.039s behind his teammate.
Loris Baz (76). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Read the full report from Day 1 in Portimao on worldsbk.com
Jonathan Rea, as seen during testing at Jerez. Kawasaki has added two new electronics specialists to its team for 2023. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
New Personalities Join The Kawasaki Family
One key to the continuing success of the official Kawasaki Racing Team in WorldSBK is the stability and ‘family feel’ of the entire set-up, both at races and back at headquarters in Europe and Japan. This year two new staff have joined the KRT team itself, in the shape of Electronics Engineer for Jonathan Rea, Sander Donkers, and an experienced WorldSBK figure in the electronics realm, Christophe Lambert.
The whole Kawasaki Racing family has expanded with the appointment of the two new electronics and data analysis specialists. The word ‘family’ can be sometimes overused in a sporting context but not only is the unmistakable feel inside Kawasaki’s official squad akin to a family unit, the Provec Racing element of the overall KRT effort is actually run by two bothers – Guim and Biel Roda – and their cousin, Alvar Garriga.
It was identified recently that there had to be changes in the way that the team could process and act upon conclusions derived from the vast reams of data that are gathered from test sessions and races. Hence the arrival of Lambert and his vast experience of electronics in WorldSBK, most recently with Yamaha. His official title will be Electronics and Data Engineering Coordinator. As this new job title suggests, Christophe’s arrival signals an overall expansion of the team’s efforts in terms of electronics, with the sole aim of improving on-track performance when it really matters, during race weekends.
Sander Donkers is a direct replacement for Rea’s previous electronics engineer Davide Gentile, a respected colleague and friend who leaves for another challenge with best wishes from all in Kawasaki after his positive contribution to much of the team’s recent successes.
With two new engineering specialists in place, Sander and Christophe, the whole team will pull together to identify issues, improve working collective practices and aim for wins, all while representing the best of Kawasaki’s competitive spirit and desire to succeed. This ambition for even more success is shared by the Kawasaki fans, riders, sponsors, technical partners, KRT itself and everyone involved in the whole global Kawasaki family.
By his own admission Christophe came into the exciting world of bike racing quite late, at the age of 25. The bike trackday enthusiast was bored in his regular job designing car air-conditioning systems, when a friend encouraged him to try to get a job inside MotoGP. He started studying at the French ‘l’Ecole de La Performance’ (Motorsports performance school) to immerse himself in the racing world and build up relationships with existing racing professionals. He entered his on-track career as the ‘data guy’ in a French 250cc MotoGP team. Moving to WorldSBK and working in smaller teams at the beginning, he has made his way right up to factory level. He has even worked with now regular KRT rider Alex Lowes when he was at Yamaha, and for the past three years he has worked with 2021 WorldSBK champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Sander has an impressive breadth of experience in many forms of racing and different championships. Entering the HAN University in his native Netherlands in 1999, he secured a BEng Automotive Engineering and then went straight to the specialist Cranfield Institute to earn a Masters Degree in Motorsport Engineering & Management. Although now specialising in electronics, he was hand-and-mind working experience as a suspension designer in the UK, an electronics engineer in AMA Superbike racing, a crew chief, a Moto2 R&D Engineer, a MotoGP electronics engineer, and various electronic engineering roles for MV Agusta, HRC and most recently BMW in WorldSBK.
After many achievements in their respective careers, Christophe and Sander are now part of the most successful WorldSBK effort in the past decade, looking to work alongside many of their new colleagues who have been part of that success in their past, and who are equally hungry for more in the very near future.
The new KRT technical figures are far from hidden, having already joined with their perennially committed and hard working colleagues in a test at Jerez in Spain, and will continue to build their working and personal relationships at the next test, in Portimao, between 31 January and 1 February.
Christophe Lambert. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Christophe Lambert, stated: “I am really happy to join KRT. It has been something that has stimulated me over the past years. They have been at the top for a long time. It’s super-exciting for me to join them. The resources are amazing and the people are very friendly, and very professional. I think it will be a very nice experience for me.”
Sander Donkers. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Sander Donkers, stated: “I will be joining KRT from 2023 on, as an electronics guy for Johnny. I am really excited to join this project. It will be a big challenge for me, with a lot of new things to learn, but I am really excited to get started.”
Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “After analysing areas in KRT workflow that we could enhance we detected the need to introduce a new role to support the technical staff more and to extract the maximum from the electronics system. At the same time, we need to evaluate the quantity of data we generate on race weekend much faster. In the past, we have realised where we could have been better a few days after the race – which is inefficient. This new staff situation allows us to better analyse all the information we create to react fast in real time during the race weekend. We found in Christophe good experience and potential and we are quite sure we gonna make another step to improve our performance with him onboard. Additionally, Davide Gentile the Electronics Engineer for Jonathan has decided to look for new goals and we wish him well and thank him for his contribution to the project. For this important role we searched in many places and finally we decided on Sander as the best candidate to work with Pere and Johnny. Additionally, we have taken the opportunity to reorganise some roles and responsibilities within KRT, adjusting concept ideas to the reality of racing and we will reinforce the Test Team area with Florian Marino helping us to use best our track time. We are all highly motivated for 2023 season and for sure we’ll do our best to keep improving, keep innovating and never give up.”
Prometeon Tyre Group is the new co-title sponsor of the factory Yamaha WorldSBK team. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
New Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Partnership Announced for 2023
Yamaha’s WorldSBK Official Team is pleased to announce an all-new partnership with Prometeon Tyre Group, one of the world’s biggest producers of specialised heavy transport tyres, to create “Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK” for the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship season.
The 2023 Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK race machine features Yamaha’s “Racing Blue” base alongside the identity of Pata Snack, who continue with the team as title sponsor for the eighth consecutive year, while Prometeon brings a fresh new white and navy blue element to the livery as it joins Yamaha’s Official WorldSBK Team as co-title partner. Yamaha and the team would like to thank Brixx for its highly valued partnership over the last two successful years, as the company focuses on the next stage of development of its business forecasting software.
Prometeon Tyre Group is the only tyre manufacturer specialised in goods and people transport, which is also active in agricultural equipment and off-the-road tyres field. Officially established in 2017, Prometeon focuses on innovation with the aim of offering the right solutions to its customers by engineering #PrometeonTechnology, ensuring maximised efficiency and reduced costs.
In the quest to fight again for the “Triple Crown”, Yamaha’s R1 WorldSBK development programme has resulted in further updates and refinements which, with the continued support of Pata and 2023’s new partnership with Prometeon, creates a solid base for Toprak Razgatlioglu and Andrea Locatelli to start the new season in Phillip Island, Australia, on 24-26 February.
Paul Denning: Team Principal, Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Team
“The Crescent Yamaha team are proud to continue with Remo Gobbi’s Pata Snack brand as our title sponsor for the eighth consecutive year, and to welcome Prometeon as the project’s new co-title partner – creating “Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK” for the 2023 season. We would like to thank Prometeon for its trust in Yamaha and the WorldSBK platform to help build its brand awareness and to communicate its commitment to its product quality and service to its customers. We look forward to working together to achieve our mutual goals! With continued support from BMP Tappi, Akrapovic, Yamalube and Yamaha Indonesia’s “Semakin di Depan”, an increased commitment from our exclusive global FX provider Corpay and hugely valued partnerships with Hel Performance, Pro-Bolt and all our technical and operational sponsors, we are in a solid position to fully attack the new season.”
Roberto Righi: General Manager, Prometeon Tyre Group
“The agreement with which we become co-title partner of the Yamaha WorldSBK Team reflects the natural evolution of Prometeon’s commitment to the World Championship for production-based motorbikes, which began in 2022 with the official sponsorship of the championship. With WorldSBK we share the values of innovation, technology and the pursuit of maximum performance. We also believe that this partnership, in addition to further boosting the visibility of our corporate brand, will allow us to offer even more exclusive and engaging experiences to our business partners and collaborators.”
(From left) Karns Performance Team Owner Jason Karns, Chris Clark's father Fred Clark, rider Chris Clark, crew member Tori Karns, crew
member Jose Archeval, Elisa Gendron-Belén's father Bruce Gendron, rider Elisa Gendron-Belén, and crew member Rich Musselman. Photo by Fast Glass Media, courtesy Karns Performance.
Karns Performance Racing Announces Riders for 2023 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Season
Mechanicsburg, PA – January 30, 2023
Karns Performance is proud to announce it will field Chris Clark #27 and Elisa Gendron-Belén #78 in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship.
Returning to the Team is Chris Clark (@chris.clark.racing) who in his fourth year of racing and secured 17 top-five finishes across multiple series, including North America Talent Cup. Chris also competed in select rounds of MotoAmerica Junior Cup in 2022 with four top-10 finishes. Chris also competed in various club races where he finished with nine podiums in 10 races including three wins. Chris was also one of five Americans invited to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event in Modena, Italy.
Chris Clark: “I am excited to be returning with Karns Performance Racing for the 2023 season alongside Elisa. I am really looking Forward to a competitive season against some talented riders. I am ready to work hard and hope to get the results we are looking for.”
Joining the team is Elisa Gendron-Belén (@elisa_gendron.belen) who has proven to be competitive with multiple regional titles in ASRA/CCS racing over the past two seasons clinching 40 podiums in 40 races in 2022. She also participated in the past two seasons as a fully sponsored rider in the International Latin American Women’s Cup in Mexico, with an overall top-10 finish among eligible women from as many as 20 countries. She feels fortunate to have the opportunity to race motorcycles. She is always ready with a quick smile and a word of encouragement to her competitors.
Elisa Gendron-Belén: “I am proud to be joining Karns Performance Racing for the 2023 Junior Cup season. I can’t wait to get out on the track. I am definitely excited and motivated. I am very much looking forward to a great season with a great team.”
Jason Karns — Team Owner: “To say our team is proud to be working with these two talented young riders is an understatement. These riders set an incredible example of what it means to be hard-working and humble both on and off the track. Both have a bright future in the world of road racing, We are truly looking forward to being part of their journey and to a great season.”
Team sponsors: Karns Performance, Mecks Autobody, Woodcraft CFM, Vortex Racing, Motorex Oils, NG Brakes, TST Racing, Vesrah, Moto-D with Bison Gear and Bilmola Helmets.
George Morin (581) in action at Shannonville Motorsport Park in 1980. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK.
RIP: George Morin
Toronto, ON – Canada’s first National Superbike Champion, George Morin, died on Friday, January 26, in Mississauga, ON. He was 74 years old. The former postal worker was the first Superbike racer in Canada to earn the overall number one plate, the Kawasaki-backed veteran scoring a win at the Edmonton opener and a podium at Shannonville Motorsport Park in the two-race 1980 National tour.
Morin died of complication from Haemochromatosis, a blood issue related to an excess of iron. He had received medical care for this issue for the past two years. He is survived by his second wife, Petra, daughter Savannah and son Alex.
Morin grew up in rural Quebec where his father was a local politician, before settling in the growing Toronto lakeside suburb of Mississauga. He started racing on a Triumph in the early 1970s, and soon became a winner in various production classes. Morin was also a regular front runner at the 24 Hours of Nelson Ledges, Ohio, a major race destination for Canadian top guns in the 1970s.
When the Superbike category started to take off, Morin modified his production class Kawasaki Z-1R for the first-ever Canadian SBK race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (then known as Mosport Park) in late 1978. Although a favourite, a frustrated Morin retired early, and then went to the U.S. to purchase a built and developed Kawasaki for the 1979 season.
Along with Lang Hindle, Rueben McMurter and Bob Price, Morin was a front runner in 1979 as Superbike developed regionally. When the CMA announced that a Superbike class competitor was eligible for the overall National Championship in 1980, Morin committed to the series. At the time, a two-stroke Yamaha racer would have the best chance to win the coveted number one plate, since they would have two classes to enter against the single opportunity for the big Superbikes.
Instead, Morin won the Edmonton opener and then fought his way to second in the deciding round at Shannonville, narrowly beating rising rookie Pro Rueben McMurter for the title. Morin then opted to leave Kawasaki during an off-season rider shuffle, taking his CAM2 oil support to Suzuki.
Morin ran up front for Suzuki, winning in Nova Scotia and battling new Kawasaki number one Hindle in a July Mosport 1981 showdown. He eventually campaigned a fearsome Katana before retiring and switching to team management. His first program centered on former Flat Track start Michel Mercier, and fortunately coincided with the development of Suzuki’s ground-breaking GSX-R750.
Famed Canadian tuner Mike Crompton was a Morin favourite, and the trio of Mercier-Crompton-Morin dominated in the early GSX-R era. They had success in the U.S., and that got an invitation to the Match Races in the U.K., where Mercier earned a strong following. Morin developed key relationships with organizers and sponsors, including World Superbike founder Steve McLaughlin.
When Mercier retired, Morin worked with the Weld Rite Kawasaki program of Steve Crevier, and eventually Frank Trombino’s team at Rob Egan’s Brooklin Cycle Racing. He did some vintage racing, went on bike trips in Europe with old racing buddies including Shop owner and endurance partner Peter Hurst, and even helped winter relocation of boats and small aircraft!
Morin was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2015, joining fellow early era Superbike heroes including Hindle, McMurter, Mercier and Crompton. A memorial ceremony is planned for the spring, close to Morin’s birthday.
Yamaha World Superbike racers (from left) Lorenzo Baldassarri, Andrea Locatelli, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Dominique Aegerter, Remy Gardner, and Bradley Ray. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Editorial Note: Scroll down for video.
Yamaha WorldSBK Teams Break Cover in Portimao Ahead of 2023 Season
The covers have come off Yamaha’s six R1 WorldSBK machines that will contest the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship at the last European preseason test before the season gets underway in Philip Island, Australia from 24-26 February.
The Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK and GMT94 Yamaha WorldSBK teams will be joined at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve test in Portimão, Portugal by Motoxracing Yamaha, who will contest the European rounds of the 2023 WorldSBK calendar with reigning British Superbike Champion Bradley Ray.
Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK’s Andrea Locatelli (left) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (right). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Leading the title chase for Yamaha once again in 2023, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu returns with the #54 plate after finishing runner-up during one of the most exciting seasons on record. Last year, the 26-year-old secured 14 victories and a further 15 podiums, and following a positive winter test in Jerez remains confident that he can take the fight to his rivals and thrill fans around the world with his spectacular riding style once again this season.
Razgatlıoğlu will be back looking for revenge as he teams up once more at Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK with 2020 FIM Supersport World Champion, Andrea Locatelli. After finishing fourth and fifth overall during his last two campaigns, the 26-year-old Italian wants to add to his total of six WorldSBK podiums and secure his first victory in 2023.
While consistency is the watchword at Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK, it is all change next door at GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK. There are two new riders for the team: the first in the shape of 2021 Moto2 World Champion, Australian Remy Gardener, who is looking to establish himself as a front-runner in WorldSBK immediately off the back of an impressive rookie MotoGP season.
He will be joined on the grid by reigning MotoE and two-time FIM Supersport World Champion Dominique Aegerter. In his move up to WorldSBK, the Swiss rider hopes to bring the form that saw him claim a record-breaking 17 wins on the Yamaha R6 during his successful title defence last season.
GMT94 Yamaha’s Lorenzo Baldassarri. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Aegerter’s main rival from a scintillating 2022 WorldSSP season, Lorenzo Baldassari, has also made the step up to WorldSBK with the GMT94 Yamaha WorldSBK team. Baldassari, who won four races and secured 12 more podiums on his way to second place in his rookie WorldSSP season, is looking to make a successful transition to the WorldSBK class along with his GMT94 team, who will also continue to compete with Yamaha machinery in the WorldSSP category.
2022 British Superbike Champion Bradley Ray will also get the opportunity to showcase his talents by participating in the European rounds of WorldSBK with the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team. The 25-year-old Briton dominated BSB last season on a similar R1 to that run in WorldSBK, securing nine victories and 14 podiums on his way to the title. Ray’s aim is to adapt quickly to the WorldSBK specification R1 before his race debut at Assen in April.
All six riders will campaign Yamaha’s proven, race-winning R1 WorldSBK machine, which has undergone considerable development over the very short winter break. Engineers at Yamaha Motor Research and Development Europe have focused their efforts on improving specific areas without compromising the strengths of the R1, with improved corner exit acceleration a major goal. This direction was confirmed during a two-day test in Jerez last week, with both the two Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK riders and the two GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK newcomers finishing promisingly within the top 10. Both days were topped by Razgatlıoğlu, who was tantalisingly close to breaking the WorldSBK lap record on day two.
All the teams will now complete two days of testing at Portimão, before the Pata Yamaha Prometeon, GYTR GRT Yamaha and GMT94 Yamaha teams head “Down Under” for the final preseason test and the first round of the FIM Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island in Australia. Ray and the Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team will remain in Europe before ahead of their Assen debut.
Andrea Dosoli
Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager
“For the first time, we will have six riders contracted directly by Yamaha representing our brand in the FIM Superbike World Championship, four of them World Champions and one national champion. It’s a strong rider lineup, the strongest we’ve fielded since returning to the championship in 2016, and our expectations are high going into the new season. In Toprak and Andrea, we have two experienced championship campaigners, while Remy brings with him a wealth of experience from MotoGP. Dominique, Lorenzo, and Bradley are all proof that our unique step-up program, where Yamaha riders who excel at both an international and national level, are given the opportunity to step up to WorldSBK. The investment in our riders has also been matched by the investment in development, with the R1 improving in key areas, which was illustrated by the performance of all our riders at the recent Jerez test. We are in a good position to fight once again for the World Championship title, but we know that we need to eliminate the mistakes that robbed us of important points last year and put together a perfect season. Thanks to our riders, and I wish them the best of luck for the coming campaign.”
Jim DiSalvo (left) with son Jason DiSalvo, circa 2012. Photo courtesy Jason DiSalvo.
On Thursday, January 26th, 2023, V.R. (Jim) DiSalvo, loving husband and father of five, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at age 85. Jim was born June 19, 1937, in Batavia, NY to the late Salvatore and Mary Kathleen (Miller) DiSalvo. Jim was an avid motorcyclist, businessman, and lover of all things Christmas.
After a tour of duty in the Navy during the mid-’50s, Jim returned home to Western New York, where he excelled professionally in various industries, including the chemicals industry, horse racing, motorcycle racing, and the printing industry. During that time, he also promoted the first-ever WERA Grand National Finals in West Palm Beach, FL, in 1977.
In 1980, Jim made his mark on the printing industry when he founded Applied Business Systems, Inc. with his wife, Connie DiSalvo. ABS would become a leader in Variable Data Digital Printing, as it remains to this day.
In the motorcycle racing world, Jim will be remembered as an accomplished flat tracker and road racer in his own right, as well as an owner of Team America Gran Prix Racing, a team that won races across the United States and internationally in Europe, and as the manager of his son Jason DiSalvo’s professional career in racing.
Jim’s love of Christmas was manifested every year at his home on Fargo Road in Stafford, NY. His display included over 150 animated and static lighted figurines and over 1 million lights that would draw thousands of visitors to the property every Christmas season.
Jim is survived by and missed by his wife of 42 years, Connie (Tuttobene) DiSalvo; children Pam DiSalvo of Batavia, Tim DiSalvo of Azusa, CA, Steven (Karen) Samis of LeRoy, Lisa (Dan) Ormsbee of Stafford, and Jason (Bethany) DiSalvo of Stafford. He is forever cherished and remembered by his six grandchildren Ashlee DiSalvo, Katelyn Samis, Stephany Samis, Zach Samis, Romeo DiSalvo, and Romilly DiSalvo; his brothers, the late Ronald (Rose) DiSalvo of Batavia and Samuel (late Vida) DiSalvo of Batavia; and sisters, Florence (Joe) Condidorio of LeRoy and Kitty (late Louie) Severino of Highland Heights, Ohio.
Calling hours are Tuesday (January 31) from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Jim’s Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday (February 1) at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner Street in Batavia. He will be laid to rest with military honors at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, or the United Memorial Medical Center for their new ICU unit.
4SR athlete Hayden Gillim (69) in action on his Disrupt Racing Suzuki. 4SR leathers in again offering almost $131,000 in contingency for the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
4SR USA Again Offering Contingency For 2023 MotoAmerica Championship
Motorcycle Clothing Company To Post Almost $131,000 In Contingency Payouts For Four MotoAmerica Classes And The Daytona 200
IRVINE, CA (January 30, 2023) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce motorcycle clothing company 4SR USA Inc. as not only an official partner of the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship, but also as a contingency sponsor with 4SR set to post almost $131,000 for the coming season.
Founded in 2007 in the Czech Republic, 4SR is well-established in European markets, including supporting riders in British Superbike, World Superbike and MotoGP. In 2018, 4SR USA began exclusively importing to the United States and has worked to establish itself as a worldwide clothing brand of all things motorcycle. From full racing suits to biker jeans, gloves, leather pants, back protectors, and accessories, 4SR has just about everything for the casual motorcyclist, track-day rider and serious racer.
4SR is offering $53,000 in contingency in the premier MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike class with $2,650 earmarked for each event with first place paying $1,000 per race with payments going down to fifth place in four classes – Superbike, Stock 1000, Supersport and Twins Cup. 4SR is also offering contingency for the Daytona 200 with the payout the same as Superbike ($1,000, $750, $500, $250, and $150 for the top five finishers). The other classes will pay $750 (Supersport) and $500 (Stock 1000 and Twins Cup) to the winner if he/she is wearing 4SR leathers. The contingency program pays back to fifth place in each class and totals $130,750 for the season.
“It’s awesome that 4SR is back with us for a third season as an official sponsorship partner of our championship,” MotoAmerica Director of Sponsorship Lance Bryson said. “It’s also great to see them continuing their contingency program for 2023 with an opportunity for our racers who wear 4SR leathers to earn additional money.”
4SR offers a full line of racing leathers, from racing suits to replica suits, to custom leathers, 39 different jackets for both men and women, 13 different styles of riding pants, and much more. 4SR’s leathers are also compatible with most airbag systems.
“Our 4SR team is excited to continue our involvement with MotoAmerica in 2023,” said Jerry Nickell Sr., President of 4SR USA. “Our mission is to provide support to the many great teams and riders with premium protection products and financial support as they pursue their quest for a championship. We are honored to be a supporting sponsor of America’s premier road racing series.”
For more information on 4SR USA, visit www.4srusa.com. Riders interested in participating in the 4SR contingency program should contact [email protected].
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
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the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
November 11, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
