Former racer and ASRA/CCS owner and President Kevin Elliott has been transferred from a hospital to a hospice for end of life care after declining further treatment for liver failure.
In a Facebook post, Elliott’s daughter Jennifer Sims wrote that her father had “made the decision to stop all treatment and just receive comfort care.”
A post made by Kevin Elliott’s daughter, Jennifer Sims, seen here with her father.
She added, “We ask that during this time, you please respect the privacy of our family and allow us to be together without any distractions. Please refrain from any calls, texts, or messages. We will update when anything changes and give information for any service when the time comes. Just know that he loved all of you and was at peace with his decision.”
Multistrada V4 Rally: production of the grand tourer Ducati gets underway
Twenty years after the birth of the first Multistrada, the new-born V4 Rally rolls off the production line, further expanding a never so complete touring family
Multistrada V4 Rally is the “Multi” designed to offer greater comfort for rider and passenger, more range and greater off-road aptitude to stop at nothing
The Multistrada V4 Rally will be available in Ducati dealerships from February
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy) – Production of the Multistrada V4 Rally, the Ducati designed for lovers of long journeys, already featured in the third episode of the 2023 Ducati World Premiere, has begun at the Borgo Panigale factory. The new bike completes a touring range that has never been so extensive and which was born exactly 20 years ago with the first Multistrada 1000 that marked the opening of Ducati towards the world of travel.
Twenty years during which Multistrada has been able to evolve and renew itself through the 1100, 1200 and 1260, arriving at its fourth generation powered by the new, revolutionary V4 Granturismo. The Multistrada V4 interprets the concept of the Grand Tourer according to the values of Style, Sophistication, Performance that are intrinsic to Ducati’s DNA.
Multistrada introduced several innovations to the Ducati range, such as the Riding Modes and DVT variable valve timing, but it was also the first bike in the world equipped with technological innovations such as the semi-active Skyhook suspension, or more recently the world first of front and rear radar to support Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection systems as well as extended deactivation.
With the “Rally” Ducati takes the globetrotter spirit of the Multistrada V4 to an even higher level, thanks to better comfort for rider and passenger, greater range and a more pronounced off-road aptitude without neglecting performance (170 hp), reliability and running costs, with maintenance intervals every 60,000 km and Oil Service every 15,000 km/24 months thanks to the 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine. The new deactivation strategy extends to the entire rear bank even when moving at low speeds, when the engine speed and the torque request from the throttle are low, positively impacting fuel consumption which drops by around 10%.
To tackle unpaved roads even better, this Multistrada can count on semi-active suspension with increased travel of 200 mm, lightened spoked rims, reinforced engine guards, an Enduro Riding Mode with brand new Power Mode dedicated to off-road use, wider rider foot-pegs and an even more precise and efficient Skyhook DSS EVO control strategy in this model.
Comfort improves with particular attention to two-seater use: the windshield has been redesigned (increased by 40 mm in height and 20 mm in width), the tail has been lengthened and the luggage attachment set back to offer more space in the leg area to the passenger, who can also count on footrests with larger rubber inserts to reduce the level of transmitted vibrations. Furthermore, thanks to the availability of different height saddles for both rider and passenger and the lowered suspension kit, the Multistrada V4 Rally can be customized to adapt to any torque configuration. With a view to improving thermal comfort, the air vents in the leg area can now be divided in order to keep the heat released by the engine in the cold seasons.
To further support active safety, the Multistrada V4 Rally also integrates Cornering ABS, which allows you to harness the braking power of its system even when cornering, the Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL), which improve night-time visibility by illuminating the inside of the bend, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC). These systems use the inertial platform (IMU) to optimize intervention based on the lean and pitch angle of the vehicle.
The Multistrada V4 Rally also introduces a brand-new extended deactivation strategy of the rear bank, a technical solution making its debut on a production bike on the world stage. In addition to switching off the rear cylinders at idle when the bike is stationary, a function already present on the Multistrada V4, the V4 Granturismo now keeps the rear cylinder bank deactivated in other operating conditions to the benefit of fuel consumption and emissions.
The 6.5-inch colour TFT dashboard offers map navigation functions thanks to the Ducati Connect application, which supports the use of the telephone, now housed in a ventilated compartment, even to answer calls or listen to music, using a helmet equipped with an intercom system.
The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally will arrive in dealerships from February 2023 in the two colours of Ducati Red and Brushed Aluminium & Matt Black, the latter with a visible brushed aluminium tank. Both versions have black spoked rims. There are three different versions: Adventure Radar, equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection functions, Adventure Travel & Radar, which adds aluminium side cases, heated grips and saddles, while the Full Adventure completes the latter equipment with an Akrapovič homologated silencer and front mudguard in carbon fibre.
The Multistrada V4 Rally – like all Ducati Multistradas – is covered by the “4|Ever Ducati” warranty, valid for 4 years with no mileage limit, with roadside assistance included throughout continental Europe.
DANI PEDROSA SET FOR 2023 MOTOGP™ GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA RACE OUTING
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will count on the presence of test rider and MotoGP Legend Dani Pedrosa for the Gran Premio de España at the Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto during April and for round four of 21 in the 2023 season.
The winner of 31 MotoGP Grands Prix will compete with the KTM RC16 for the second time. The first occasion came at the Red Bull Ring for the 2021 Grand Prix of Styria where he scored points and a top ten result with 10th position.
Pedrosa has been part of a comprehensive test team since 2019 and, along with another former Grand Prix winner Mika Kallio, has helped fashion the KTM RC16 to achieve victories and podiums.
Pedrosa has won four Grands Prix at Jerez. He claimed the 30th MotoGP victory of his career (the 53rd in world championship competition through 125, 250 and the premier class) at the venue in southern Spain in 2017. He has walked the Jerez podium nine times. He will share the garage for 2023 with current Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders Brad Binder and Jack Miller.
Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “It’s fantastic news that Dani wants to refresh himself with MotoGP this season and Jerez makes good sense as it’s a popular place for us to test and, also, he knows the place very well. It will be an ideal opportunity for him to get more information for the future development of our race bike and we look forward to having him with us in the pitbox.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “Mika Kallio, Dani Pedrosa and our whole test program is so important and of course they have limited track time. Dani is a strong guy with a strong mentality and we always said when he wanted to do a wildcard then we’d be happy to make that happen. The perfect ‘test’ is always a race situation. If we can work on future development parts then it is super-important and I’m very happy that Dani will race again.”
Unofficial Day Two Test Times (all on Pirelli tires):
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Turkey (Yam), 1:38.269
Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw), 1:38.352
Alvaro Bautista, Spain (Duc), 1:38.449
Michael Rinaldi, Italy (Duc), 1:38.646
Alex Lowes, UK (Kaw), 1:39.175
Dominique Aegerter, Switzerland (Yam), 1:39.193
Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Yam), 1:39.280
Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Duc), 1:39.311
Iker Lecuona, Spain (Hon), 1:39.337
Remy Gardner, Australia (Yam), 1:39.464
Loris Baz, France (BMW), 1:39.517
Scott Redding, UK (BMW), 1:39.710
Xavi Vierge, Spain (Hon), 1:39.860
Philipp Oettl, Germany (Duc), 1:40.023
Garrett Gerloff, USA (BMW), 1:40.101
Michael van der Mark, Netherlands (BMW), 1:40.221
Tom Sykes, UK (Kaw), 1:40.750
Lorenzo Baldassarri, Italy (Yam), 1:40.975
Florian Marino, France (Kaw), 1:41.553
Oliver Konig, Czech Republic (Kaw), 1:41.595
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Jerez Test concludes with Razgatlioglu on top ahead of Rea and Bautista
Riders wrapped up their first test of 2023 in Jerez before moving onto Portimao next week
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK) had a positive test and was unfazed by a crash midway through day 2 to set the fastest time again.
Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was second fastest ahead of defending World Champion Alvaro Bautista.
Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Rookies Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) impressed finishing 6th and 8th respectively.
Iker Lecuona. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Team HRC’s Iker Lecuona spearheaded Honda’s effort as 9th fastest after completing 68 laps on Thursday.
Scott Redding (45). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Scott Redding continued his development work as BMW introduced a new
M 1000 RR model for 2023.
Tom Sykes (66). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Tom Sykes returns to WorldSBK for his first test back on the Kawasaki
ZX-10RR with the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team.
WorldSBK Day 2 Report
Testing at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto came to a conclusion for the teams and riders from the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship that attended. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK) was able to bounce back from his crash in the morning to record the fastest time with a 1’31.269s set in the afternoon; attempting to break the 1’37s barrier. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was second on Day 2, less than a tenth behind Razgatlioglu while 2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) took third place.
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
After a strong showing on Day 1, three WorldSBK rookies finished the test inside the top ten on Day 2. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was sixth fastest after posting a 1’39.193s, with Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) taking eighth place after setting a 1’39.311s. Aegerter’s GRT Yamaha teammate, Remy Gardner, took tenth spot but was only three tenths slower than Aegerter at the end of Day 2; showing how tight the WorldSBK field is in 2023.
Danilo Petrucci (9). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Most teams will now be headed to Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal for another two-day test to be held on Tuesday 31st January and Wednesday 1st February.
Read the full report from Day 2 in Jerez on worldsbk.com
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
The 2023 pre-season kicks off for Team HRC with testing at Jerez
On Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 January, Team HRC and its factory Superbike riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge took to the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain for the first two-day test session of 2023, alongside most of the WorldSBK field.
Sunny albeit very cool conditions (which were even cooler on the second day with a maximum air temperature of just 13°C) offered Lecuona and Vierge the opportunity to continue with the development of the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE, the duo working efficiently and uninterruptedly from around midday until late in the afternoon on both days. This was fortuitous, considering that the team’s last test at Jerez in mid-December was seriously compromised by bad weather. Team HRC essentially picked up where it left off last time out then, carrying out tests and comparisons that were not possible in last month’s wet conditions.
Over the two days, Lecuona and Vierge focused on several new updates HRC had prepared for the test, spanning all areas of the bike’s setup, with the pair clocking up 68 and 88 laps on Wednesday and 68 and 79 on Thursday, respectively.
The squad will be back on track in just a few days’ time, participating in test sessions organised at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal on Monday 31 January and Tuesday 1 February.
Iker Lecuona (7) telling someone they are number one. Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Iker Lecuona 7
“I’m much happier today than I was yesterday, when we were struggling with the braking basically all day. So today we focused in on this area and made a big improvement that allowed me to enjoy riding the bike again. That was the first positive, but we were actually able to take steps with regard to various aspects of the bike’s setup, except one, in that we still have more to do in terms of turning. Having said that, I’m happy with the work we were able to carry out over what have been two very good days of testing, and I’m also pleased with the pace I was able to maintain on used tyres. I also tried a new soft spec today but almost crashed at turn 8. I think I made one of my best ever saves, touching with my elbow and knee but keeping it upright. Although I didn’t profit from the qualifying tyre, I was consistent and fast with the “0” spec, with which I worked almost all day, and we’re happy with that.”
Xavi Vierge (97). Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Xavi Vierge 97
“It’s been very positive to finally be back on track, especially because we only saw rain during our last tests here in December. It’s true that it has been very cold, but from midday on we were able to enjoy solid track time. We had a lot of work to do and have tried many things, basically going through all the items that we didn’t have a chance to check properly during the final rounds and testing sessions of 2022. We’ve made some steps forward and now have a direction for our next test in Portimão. We’re doing all we can to achieve our targets as quickly as possible and having so many Japanese engineers here has been extra motivation for us to do our very best”.
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
Bautista and Rinaldi conclude the first winter tests of the 2023 WorldSBK season. Bulega (WorldSSP) also on track at Jerez de la Frontera with the Panigale V2
The first winter tests for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team concluded this afternoon at Jerez de la Frontera (Spain). Alvaro Bautista and Michael Rinaldi had the chance to test the new Ducati Panigale V4 R for the first time, alternating their rides with the 2022 machines for comparisons that produced important data ahead of the start of the 2023 WorldSBK season.
On “Day 1” the Spanish rider completed 86 laps, finishing with the second-best time (1’38.851), two-tenths behind Razgatlioglu (Yamaha). Third place for Rinaldi, who set a time of 1’39.240, completing 72 laps.
On the second day, both Bautista (1’38.449 – 86 laps completed) and Rinaldi (1’38.646 – 67 laps completed) were able to lower their lap times, finishing third and fourth respectively behind Razgatlioglu (Yamaha – 1’38.269) and Rea (Kawasaki – 1’38.325)
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will be back on track at Portimao (Portugal) next Tuesday for the second session of winter testing
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“Two very interesting days of testing. We tried the new Panigale V4R for the first time and I have to say that the sensations were very positive. We worked a lot on the tire solutions even though obviously the very low temperature of these two days doesn’t allow us to have very clear ideas. In any case, I am very satisfied with our work”.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“We have worked on both the bike and the tires. We go to Portiamo with a good charge knowing that we have faced two very productive days. Our lap times were in line with the front guys even if with the qualifying tire I wasn’t able to improve much. On the race pace, on the other hand, the feeling was really good, that’s why I am happy”.
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will be back on track at Portimao (Portugal) next Monday for the second session of winter testing
WorldSSP
Positive feelings also for Nicolò Bulega, who took advantage of the two days of testing to find a good feeling with his Ducati Panigale V2. The Italian rider completed a total of 122 laps, finishing with a best time of 1’41.685.
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP Team #11)
“I am very satisfied with these two days of testing. After two months away from the circuits it wasn’t easy to find a good feeling and instead the sensations have been positive. Especially today we did some really intense work with the team that we will continue in Portimao”.
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Two Strong Testing Days For KRT
Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes restarted their pre-season preparations for the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship with a successful two day test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, between 25-26 January.
In contrast to some previous tests, conditions were consistently dry at the 4.423km long circuit in the far south west of Spain. With cool track temperatures experienced in the early morning and just before the end of track action (at 18.00) each day, the team elected not to ride for the entire duration of the available track time.
Rea was eventually the second fastest rider overall after setting 98 laps across the two day test. He posted a lap of 1’38.352, near the end of the second day. He was almost one second faster on day two than his already strong pace after day one.
Jonathan had a new electronics engineer, Sander Donkers, in his garage at Jerez with another addition to the team for 2023, Christophe Lambert, also now working alongside the established KRT personnel at Jerez.
Lowes concentrated on getting more comfortable at full pace on his machine and improving consistency over full race distance. He and his crew were satisfied with the results in this area and overall Alex was fifth fastest, despite not trying to go for a fast flying lap at the end of two very useful days of set-up progress.
Lowes’ best lap was a 1.39.175 and he completed over 115 laps all in.
After the completion of the Jerez sessions there will be one more European-based winter test for both KRT riders, at the very different venue of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal, between 31 January and 1 February. After that there will be two final days of official winter testing at Phillip Island in Australia, and the first points scoring round of the season will take place at the same venue on the last weekend of February.
Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “It has been a productive couple of days. We didn’t do so many laps because of the cold track conditions in the morning, so we just started a little bit later. But the laps we did do were very productive. I really got on well with my new electronics guy, Sander. We also have Christophe arriving with a lot of experience. So the first day was more about understanding and communication, how they adapted the set-up to my requests and how I make my comments to them. It is only the first step but they had some really good ideas. We improved quite a lot in one area. From the chassis side, we had some items to test from Showa, things we had to reconfirm from last year. We were able to get our workload done. We also tried out some some development front tyre options from Pirelli. The track itself was in good shape on both days but it was a bit windy at the end of the final day. I am quite encouraged by this test but we still have a lot of work to do before Phillip Island.”
Alex Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes, stated: “We had a good second day of testing here in Jerez. We have got some new parts on the bike and I did a longer race simulation that I was happy with. We were consistent, just missing a little bit of performance on fresh tyres – but I did not really go for a time attack and try to push hard. We did a lot of laps today and I felt good physically. We had more of our test items to try and improve again in Portimao next week. I focused on the harder tyres and did a long run on the hardest front and rear options, to try and take some grip away, because the track is so grippy in the winter. It felt quite good, so I am very optimistic for the next test.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “The test was good. Priority number one for me was to work with our new guys. Sander our electronics guy working with Jonathan, and also Christophe, who also is with us this year. They have to get used to, and understand, our systems, strategies and everything. We have this test in Jerez, then Portimao and then we go to Australia. So we have to understand the base for our electronics side and the engine side. Apart from that, we also made a test with Pirelli, trying out two front tyres. We had some engine items that we collected information about and we will compare them again in Portimao, at a different track design. We also had a small item to check with Showa.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “The test was good for us; very productive. It has been quite a while since the last test at the beginning of December but at this test we had one main priority. That is what we worked on over both days and we found the correct set-up. We are more comfortable with it and in general this was our main limitation for some time. We finished the test with very good results. We were not chasing lap times although many people put in Q tyres in to go as fast as possible. We were not looking at that. We made a long run to check our consistency with our set-up and we confirmed our bike specification. We have another test in Portimao, which is a completely different track, and there we will re-confirm the items we have developed from the beginning of December. Everybody was positive about this test.”
Tom Sykes (66). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was once more out on the Ninja ZX-10RR that he will race in the 2023 season, after competing in the BSB championship in 2022. He finished 17th overall on the final day. Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki) was also out testing in readiness for his second WorldSBK season, finishing 20th fastest overall.
More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha:
AEGERTER AND GARDNER COMPLETE A “MARATHON” TEST IN JEREZ, THEIR FIRST ON DRY
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team finally returned to action with a two-days session of test on 25th-26th January at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, Spain, in preparation of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship.
So, the brand new rookie GRT duo got the chance to ride their Yamaha R1 WorldSBK bikes in the dry, with Dominique Aegerter and Remy Gardner who enjoyed the time spent on the machines, finding their ways throughout the test sessions.
On the first day, both riders could run in good weather conditions from 11:15 to 17:30, without any break, looking firstly on getting confidence with their bikes. Afterwards, the GYTR GRT Yamaha pair went on maximising their time on the track, going on to know the Yamaha R1 machines at the very best.
Indeed, at the end of the first test session, Aegerter and Gardner completed more than 170 laps combined, having good vibes on their first ever run in the dry. The Swiss rider concluded with an impressive 89 laps, more than everyone else, recording a 1’39.934 (69/89), while his Australian teammate finished with just three less (86 laps) pulling on a 1’40.551 (79/86) as personal best.
Day 2 did not tell a different story, as the GYTR GRT Yamaha duo kept rolling laps at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, finding once again dry tarmac. Both riders found themselves well on the bikes, eventually improving their performance. Thereby, Aegerter set a 1’39.193 (70/71), with Gardner who recorded a 1’39.464 (70/76).
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team will now move to Portimao, Portugal, for one more test session on 31st January-1st February.
“I’m happy with the job done during the two days here in Jerez. Finally we could ride in the dry and at the end I was able to ride a little bit more comfortable. We tried a lot of things, including working on my riding style. The final position is good as the lap times, even though we know we still have margin to improve. Let’s move on to Portimao, where we will go more in depth with the testing and hopefully further improve.”
Remy Gardner (87) getting crossed up at Jerez. Photo courtesy GYTR GRT Yamaha.
Remy Gardner (1’39.464, 162 laps)
“I’m quite happy with the progress we made throughout the two days, we’re working well. I’m trying to understand the tyres, the bike, and I’m feeling good with everything. I’m enjoying a lot the time spent here in Jerez and I’m already looking forward to Portimao, where I’m confident we can find some more improvements and be faster.”
More, from a press release issued by Team GoEleven:
WINTER TEST; FIRST CONTACT WITH 2023 SEASON IN JEREZ!
Finally, WorldSBK is back on track! The main protagonists of the 2023 Superbike season hit the track for two days of winter tests at the Jerez track in Andalusia. Sun and good weather allowed many teams to show important technical innovations, despite the low temperatures.
Philipp Oettl and the Go Eleven Team restarted from the bike in 2022 configuration during the first day, so as to regain feeling and confidence after a couple of months of break, only to then switch to a hybrid bike, with various 2023 innovations during day 2. If Philipp found good sensations on the first day, on the second day, when he switched to the 2023 configuration, with a different seat and tank than those previously used, some difficulty arose in finding the right riding position. Several modifications were made to find a temporary solution, working on footrest, handlebars and heights, but the German rider has still not managed to get the feeling he had with the bike from the end of last year. For the Portimao tests, which will be held next week, further developments should arrive, and studying the best solution for the riding position, then we can concentrate on the set-up in view of the start of the season, also evaluating the new parts with which the 2023 Panigale is equipped. The Spark exhaust, in the external and high version, another news of the new season, has provided positive feedback especially at low revs, without losing performance at top speeds. Furthermore, during the two days of Jerez, Oettl never used the SCQ tyre, concentrating his work on the “racing” configuration; it’s essential to first find the right feeling, then think about the time attack!
COMBINED RESULTS:
P 1 T. Razgatlioglu 1.38.269
P 2 J. Rea + 0.083
P 3 A. Bautista + 0.180
P 4 M. Rinaldi + 0.377
P 5 A. Lowes + 0.906
…
P 14 P. Oettl + 1.754
Philipp Oettl (Rider):
“The first day was positive overall, we started from the 2022 bike, then I did a few laps in “almost” 2023 configuration. The second day was much more difficult, on the new bike the seat position is really different for me, and I am not comfortable at the moment. We spent the day adjusting the ride position, but still we didn’t find a good balance. For Portimao, we will try to do something different, going similar to the 2022 bike. I didn’t expect this kind of problem, but it’s a new bike for us, I am quite confident we can find a good solution from the beginning of Portimao test, so we can start working on more important parts of the bike.”
Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“Yesterday we used the bike in the 2022 configuration, to restart from our reference point, while today we started work on the new bike, the 2023, and there is more work to be done than we expected. The day was used to understand the correct ergonomic, in order to feel comfortable on the bike, so we did many seat tests focusing exclusively on this, and never looking for the lap time. We believe that the potential of the Ducati package is very high, and in Portimao we will focus on giving Philipp the opportunity to make the most of it. This year the level is high, and every detail must be given the utmost importance.”
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Razgatlıoğlu Dominates Proceedings in Jerez
The Yamaha WorldSBK teams depart the first two-day test of 2023 at Jerez in confident mood, after strong performances from both seasoned WorldSBK campaigners Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli and class rookies Dominique Aegerter, Remy Gardner and Lorenzo Baldassarri.
Pata Yamaha WorldSBK’s Razgatlıoğlu once again led the way, stamping his authority on proceedings by topping the timesheet on both days, with his lap time of 1’38.269 on day two tantalisingly close to the circuit lap record. Teammate, Andrea Locatelli, focused on evaluating development parts first tested in wet conditions back in December but made a significant improvement on the second day to finish seventh on the timesheet.
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK duo of Aegerter and Gardner completed a true ‘marathon’ on track, racking up a total of 382 laps between them over the two days. Both riders started on the 2022 specification R1 WorldSBK, as they continued to familiarise themselves with the characteristics of the bike they’ll race for the first time this season but moved on to test the 2023 development parts late on the opening day. Both riders ended the two days comfortably inside the top ten but are confident of further improvement with two more days of testing in Portimao.
For Lorenzo Baldassarri the Jerez test was his first outing on the GMT94 Yamaha WorldSBK R1 he’ll race this season, so familiarization was his only focus during the two days. The Italian had a permanent smile on his face throughout the two days and is keen to repeat the experience next week in Portimao.
All four Yamaha WorldSBK teams will now head directly to Portimao for two more days of testing before heading down under to Australia for the opening round of the season at Phillip Island. In Portugal they will be joined by the Yamaha Motoxracing Team and rider Bradley Ray, who this year will contest the European rounds on the WorldSBK calendar.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – 1’38.269
Pata Yamaha WorldSBK
“A very big crash this morning but I am very lucky, just a little pain in my left leg but now the feeling is coming better. We improved my R1, with good acceleration and good grip – I was trying today for 1’37 for the record, but I did not see! We used a Q tyre today and I see best lap, 1’38.2. In general, good testing for me – in Portimão we need to try some more set-up because we are happy but also we are not stopping. Just we try to keep making everything better – thanks to my team, every day they are working and now we start to see how the level of the bike is and I am very happy.”
Andrea Locatelli – 1’39.280
Pata Yamaha WorldSBK
“These two days of testing were positive, because we returned on track in dry conditions – last time here in Jerez was raining for three days! We were able to take some confidence again with the R1 in the dry and it was positive to understand where we start with some new parts for 2023. Today, we improved a lot compared to yesterday and this is a good point to start again in Portimão. I was also able to push a bit more and to try a little bit to close the gap to the front guys, but to be honest we didn’t use a lot of soft tyres – or the Q tyre – to try and improve the lap time. We mainly try to work around the bike and search for good grip which is more important for the races. In the end, two positive days, no crash or mistakes and I had a good feeling on the bike, so now we can continue working next week.”
Dominique Aegerter – 1’39.193
GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK
“I’m happy with the job done during the two days here in Jerez. Finally we could ride in the dry and at the end I was able to ride a little bit more comfortable. We tried a lot of things, including working on my riding style. The final position is good as the lap times, even though we know we still have margin to improve. Let’s move on to Portimao, where we will go more in depth with the testing and hopefully further improve.”
Remy Gardner – 1’39.464
GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK
“I’m quite happy with the progress we made throughout the two days, we’re working well. I’m trying to understand the tyres, the bike, and I’m feeling good with everything. I’m enjoying a lot the time spent here in Jerez and I’m already looking forward to Portimao, where I’m confident we can find some more improvements and be faster.”
Lorenzo Baldassarri – 1’40.975
GMT94 Yamaha WorldSBK
“This has been a very useful test for me and my team to know our new Yamaha R1. We started from a base setup and little by little we could get some nice improvements. We could finally take some decisions about the basic set up in electronics and geometries so that we can have a base for the next test in Portimao next week. The lap time now is pretty far but it is not so relevant, we need to take our time and improve step by step in all directions. Thanks to the Team and Yamaha who put very strong efforts to put me in the best conditions to start the season in the good way.”
Mission Foods Steps Up To Sponsor Mission Mini Cup By Motul Series For 2023
World’s Leading Brand Of Tortillas And Wraps To Back Expanded Six-Round Mission Mini Cup By Motul Series In MotoAmerica Championship
IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Mission Foods, the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps, will be the title sponsor of the newly expanded, six-round Mission Mini Cup By Motul series in the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship.
In addition to the existing Mini Cup Ohvale 160 and Ohvale 190 classes, the Mission Mini Cup By Motul series, which showcases MotoAmerica’s youngest racers, aged six to 14, will also feature three new, cost-effective classes for the 2023 season – Stock 50, Stock 110 and Stock 125 – that will utilize motorcycles such as Honda’s CRF, Yamaha’s TTR, Kawasaki’s KLX and Suzuki’s DRZ.
The Mission Mini Cup By Motul series will kick off its season with a round at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina, on May 5-6, and will conclude with the MotoAmerica season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, on September 23-24.
In-between will be rounds with MotoAmerica at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama (May 19-20); Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (June 2-3); and Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania (August 18-19), with a second, standalone Mini Cup round at New Jersey Motorsports Park (July 15-16).
“We are excited to partner with MotoAmerica in supporting the Mini Cup program,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to be able to support these young racers and to give them more opportunities to pursue their passion for motorcycle racing.”
“A lot of our attention for 2023 is to create an introduction to road racing and opportunities for first-time participants with the expansion of the Mini Cup Series,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Not only are we extremely pleased with Mission Foods’ continued support of MotoAmerica, but we also appreciate that Mission Foods shares our vision for a grassroots program to create more opportunities for young racers to get a start in MotoAmerica.”
2023 MotoAmerica Mini Cup Presented By Motul Schedule
May 5-6 Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw SC
May 19-20 Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL*
June 2-3 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI*
July 15-16 New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ
August 18-19 Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, PA*
Sept. 22-23 New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ*
*In conjunction with MotoAmerica
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.
American Motorcyclist Association Announces Dates for 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
Tickets go on sale for AMA members today
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, America’s grandest celebration of vintage motorcycles and the people who love them, will take place July 21-23, 2023, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
One of motorcycling’s most diverse events, Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days combines the thrill of amateur racing with North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet. Additional activities include a classic bike show, vendor displays, motorcycle demo rides, music, seminars, stunt shows and a range of experiences for fans of all ages. Proceeds from the event are donated to the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
AMA members can now purchase discounted tickets through the AMA at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com. All camping and RV passes, as well as non-AMA member ticket sales, must be purchased at midohio.com starting Feb. 21.
“Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days continues to grow in exceptional ways, and AMA staff and our partners will continue challenging ourselves to pack even more into this incredible weekend,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “From vintage racing to the swap meet and everything in between, the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days experience is one of the best in the sport. We invite all motorcyclists to come and experience it for themselves, knowing their support provides critical funding for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which celebrates the contributions of the men and women who have shaped motorcycling in America.”
Swap meet vendors will be contacted shortly to renew their spaces for the new year, and race registration will open soon. Sign-up information for additional activities, including the bike show, Ashland Dinner Ride, AMA Life Member Breakfast and more, will open soon.
Permco, an Ohio-based manufacturing leader, joins the event as the new title sponsor.
“Permco is proud to be the title sponsor for the 2023 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said Robby Shell, chief operating officer of Permco. “As a family-owned business for almost 100 years and a leading manufacturer of high-pressure hydraulic gear/vane pumps and motors — including the American Champ, the only pump built entirely in the USA — we are thrilled to be part of this classic event that brings people together from all over to celebrate the past and future of motorcycles and motorcycle racing in the heartland of America.”
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will once again host the event, which began in 1992 and moved to the facility in 1995.
“Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days has turned into a must-attend event if you are a motorcycle enthusiast,” said President of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Craig Rust. “It truly has something for everyone! We also want to welcome Permco as our new title partner, and look forward to working with both them and the AMA on continuing to grow this terrific event.”
Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days welcomes riders and racers of all brands to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the annual event. It features vintage competition in road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and flat track at the nearby Ashland County Fairgrounds. Riders in these disciplines are racing for national championships or national championship series points. In addition, there will be exhibition pit bike races and dirt drags.
The event will include vendors from all areas of motorcycling, selling gear and services for motorcycles old and new. Past vendors have included vintage and modern gear sellers, painters and pinstripers, parts and tools, community garages and much more. There will be a drawing for this year’s raffle bike — a custom 2018 GSX-R1000, painted in AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Kevin Schwantz’s late ’80s Pepsi Racing livery — that will raise additional funds for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Motorcycling experts, including AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, will speak on numerous topics at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, including motorcycle restoration and travel.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Show recognizes exceptional examples of motorcycles from all eras and countries of origin. Bike owners are encouraged to bring out their best original and restored machines for fans to appreciate.
Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will also include North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, with more than 800 spaces of vintage motorcycles, parts, gear and memorabilia.
In addition, demo fleets will be on hand for riders to experience some of the best modern motorcycles available to purchase today.
Much more takes place at Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, so for photos, videos and articles from past events, visit www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.
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.
A comprehensive motorsports facility in Lexington, Ohio, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course sits on 380 acres and features a permanent road-racing circuit with two primary race track configurations: 2.4-mile, 15-turn or 2.258-mile, 13-turn layout. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the natural terrain road course is commonly referred to as the “Most Competitive in the U.S.” and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally-sanctioned race events for amateur, club and professional drivers and riders. It is also home to The Mid-Ohio School, featuring over 20 driving and riding courses, for teenagers to professional racers using Honda vehicles. Opened in 1962, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has been owned and operated by Green Savoree Mid-Ohio, LLC since 2011, just the raceway’s third private ownership group in its history.
For more information, visit midohio.com, like its Facebook page @MidOhioSportsCarCourse or follow updates on Twitter @Mid_Ohio and Instagram @officialmidohio.
Progressive AFT and Thom Duma Fine Jewelers Celebrate a Decade of Diamonds in 2023
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –Progressive American Flat Track is proud to announce that Thom Duma Fine Jewelers (TDFJ) will serve as the Official Jeweler of Progressive AFT for a tenth consecutive season in 2023.
During that decade-long collaboration, TDFJ has become inextricably linked with the series. In the opening days of the partnership, it established the now-cherished tradition of awarding each season’s champions with handcrafted, commemorative rings.
Over the years, TDJF has continued to elevate the tradition, most notably in 2021, when Tom Duma Jr. and his team of world-class jewelers elected to wait until each championship was decided in order to produce a one-of-a-kind, solid-gold masterpiece custom-designed for each champion, featuring their name and image alongside the traditional #1 and an array of diamonds, to properly celebrate their achievement.
That tradition has been further refined for 2023; for the very first time, the previous seasons’ title-winners will be awarded their rings at the following season’s opener, making this season’s epic DAYTONA Short Tack I & II that much more monumental. The award ceremony is certain to remind this year’s Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S and Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship contendersexactly what’s on the line as they begin their quests to receive their own rings at the ‘24 season opener.
“It is an honor and privilege to design and manufacture the championship rings again this year,” said Duma. “I will work directly with both champions at the end of the season to create design elements unique to them. Each ring will be a one-of-a-kind reminder of the battle they had in 2023 to declare them the best in the world.”
“The championship rings are stunning – designed and created with a deep passion and understanding of both fine jewelry and our sport that literally no one else in the world but Tom Duma can boast,” said Gene Crouch, COO of AMA Pro Racing. “I’ve seen first-hand just how much the rings mean to the champions who receive them and we’re looking forward to seeing what Tom dreams up for the competitors to chase this year.”
While ten years of partnership is certainly noteworthy, both Thom Duma Fine Jewelers’ storied history and Duma’s connection to the sport reach much further back in time. TDFJ was originally founded in the late 1800s before being acquired by Tom Duma Sr., nearly seven centuries ago. Tom Duma Jr., enjoyed a professional racing career in Progressive AFT racer from 1976 to 1981. A year before hanging up his helmet, Tom Jr. began to learn the business from the ground up, working alongside his father, before eventually taking over the business himself.
Eager to connect his two worlds, Duma created the “Racer Series,” a line of race-inspired jewelry, including steel shoe pendants, motorcycle tire Pandora-style beads, checkered flag racing jewelry, racing number pendants, and more.
“It is an honor and privilege to design and manufacture the championship rings again this year,” said Duma. “I will work directly with both champions at the end of the season to create design elements unique to them. Each ring will be a one-of-a-kind reminder of the battle they had in 2023 to declare them the best in the world.”
The complete line is available for purchase online at www.TDFJ.com, and you can contact Duma personally via email at [email protected].
The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the hugely anticipated return of the DAYTONA Short Track I & II at Daytona International Speedway on March 9-10.
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
About Thom Duma Fine Jewelers
For over a century, Thom Duma Fine Jewelers (TDFJ) has provided the Mahoning Valley community with second-to-none engagement rings, wedding rings, fine jewelry, and luxury watches. First established in 1896 as Klivan’s Jewelers, today Thom Duma Jr. leads his staff of master jewelers and gemologists in honoring his father’s legacy of perseverance through hardship and exceptional jewelry work. Visit TDFJ in Warren, Ohio for an unforgettable jewelry shopping experience and white-glove jewelry services. Get in contact with TDFJ by visiting their website at TDFJ.com, calling their store at (330) 393-4696, emailing [email protected], or stopping by their showroom in person.
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.
RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING READY TO DROP THE CLUTCH ON 2023 MOTOGP™
The sound of 2023 MotoGP will fire in a matter of days, and just before the Sepang MotoGP Official Test breaks the silence of the off-season, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing unveiled their colors and riders set to contest the longest campaign on record.
Brad Binder and Jack Miller talk about the 2023 MotoGP season ahead as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors shown
KTM Management provide their thoughts ahead of the company’s seventh MotoGP term
KTM, 2nd in the 2022 Teams Championship, have won MotoGP races for three years in a row and aim to continue the streak through the 21-rounds of 2023
For the fourth year in a row Brad Binder will be one of the KTM RC16 riders in the company’s MotoGP tilt for success. The 27-year-old South African scored KTM’s maiden MotoGP victory in the Czech Republic in 2020 and was KTM’s highest-ranked rider in 2022 with 6th position in the standings and podium results at both the opening Grand Prix of the year (Qatar) and the closer (Valencia). Now nine seasons in the Red Bull KTM family, Binder is recognized as one of the most determined and efficient racers on the MotoGP grid.
#33 is joined by Jack Miller. The recently turned 28-year-old will steer the KTM RC16 as he bids to become the only rider in the current MotoGP field to notch GP wins with three different brands. The Australian brings nine seasons of experience and immense character to the team as well as a pedigree that includes four triumphs and 22 podiums in the premier class.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is at the top of the KTM road racing pyramid and a structure that sees participation and presence in each world championship division and more. At the peak of the sport KTM have celebrated seven MotoGP wins while logging 18 podium appearances and three Pole Positions since 2017. KTM RC4 equipment has registered five titles and 80 victories in the Moto3™ category since the inception of the division in 2012 and the technical base of the bike has been responsible for emerging talent progression in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, the Northern Talent Cup and the Austrian Junior Cup.
The 2023 MotoGP campaign begins on March 24-25-26 at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal after two pre-season tests from February 10-11-12 (Malaysia) and March 11-12 (Portugal).
Brad Binder. Photo by Philip Platzer, courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Brad Binder: “It has felt like a long off-season already so I’m more than excited to get back to the track and to get started again. My fourth year in the class, and I feel like our best chance so far to really achieve something will be in 2023. We’re ready to go, so let’s get to Sepang and see what those first days bring us.”
Jack Miller. Photo by Philip Platzer, courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Jack Miller: “Good feelings! Joining up with the KTM family again it is all starting to feel rather ‘real’ now. I’ve been thinking about this moment for quite a long time. Finally getting to see the 2023 colors, myself in the suit and all the preparation for the season ahead. It’s amazing to be back here at KTM and to be catching up with everybody; it’s a special little taste before we get down to action in Malaysia.”
Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Team Manager: “For sure finishing 2nd in the Teams Championship last year is something to take, and to have a starting point for the future. It’s important because it means the team works well together and the atmosphere is great. There will be 21 GPs this year and it will be important to be competitive and in the top five every single time and then we also have the Sprint races. We are a factory team and the only goal we can have, the only target, is the title. It is easy to say and not easy to get! But this is the main goal. Everything has to be efficient, especially now when we have less time to make the right setting in different conditions. It is a basic thing that you need to do; make a team that is closely connected and efficient to face those daily challenges. Our riders – Jack and Brad – are a special combo and the team will be very strong because there are two special personalities.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “We are going into our seventh season but I feel the six previous years were amazing in terms of building the project to this level and already having these wins and podiums in the pocket. It has been a crazy journey and we enjoyed it a lot but now it is not enough to just ‘be there’ anymore and be a good, organized team; we need results. I feel super-confident with the two boys we have onboard. I feel that Brad and Jack are both different but, at the end of the day, both similar. They are pushing very hard and that is exactly what we need. As always, we go into a long – and very different – racing season with so much work and effort from the people and partners behind us: from all the engineers at the factory, the excellent test team and new and trusted sponsors. We have made a big push for 2023 to be better than ever.”
Hubert Trunkenpolz, Member of the Executive Board, KTM AG: “The impact of MotoGP on the business is massive. We do factory racing in general and MotoGP in particular for brand awareness and the return on the investment is a really good one. It makes a lot of difference if you finish on the podium so for sure this has to be the target in 2023. On the business side we had another record year and we closed 2022 with almost 2.5 billion of revenue with over 375,000 motorcycles sold which is an all-time high. Like our motorsport performance, the second half of last year’s finish for the business was just incredible. I think our outlook for MotoGP in 2023 is very positive and what we have for the future is very promising so big credit for this must go to the team, the riders and the big push the whole factory is making right now. Aside from this we want to continue with our goals for sustainability for both the sport and for the business and continue to be a top player in this series.”
Former racer and ASRA/CCS owner and President Kevin Elliott has been transferred from a hospital to a hospice for end of life care after declining further treatment for liver failure.
In a Facebook post, Elliott’s daughter Jennifer Sims wrote that her father had “made the decision to stop all treatment and just receive comfort care.”
A post made by Kevin Elliott’s daughter, Jennifer Sims, seen here with her father.
She added, “We ask that during this time, you please respect the privacy of our family and allow us to be together without any distractions. Please refrain from any calls, texts, or messages. We will update when anything changes and give information for any service when the time comes. Just know that he loved all of you and was at peace with his decision.”
Robbie Petersen (16) on a Yamaha YZR500 leads Top Kipp (16) on a Yamaha OW01 fitted with a FZR1000 engine and Kurt Hall (60) riding a methanol-burning Suzuki GSX-R1100 during a Formula USA race at Road Atlanta in 1991.
Classic video from the Formula USA/WERA Pro Series and Suzuki Cup Finals event at Road Atlanta in 1991.
This video was uploaded to YouTube by “oldSCCAguy yah” and is used here with permission of California Superbike School.
We will post more vintage racing videos as they become available.
Scott Russell (22), riding a Muzzy Kawasaki ZX-7 Superbike, fills the on-board camera shot from the back of Chuck Graves' Suzuki GSX-R1100 Superbike during the coverage of a Formula USA race at Road Atlanta in 1990.
Classic video from the 1990 WERA Grand National Finals (GNF), including endurance race highlights, Formula USA races, and Suzuki Cup Finals.
This video was uploaded to YouTube by “AmpedSS” and is used here with permission of California Superbike School.
We will post more vintage videos as they become available.
A 2023-model Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally being ridden in Africa. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Multistrada V4 Rally: production of the grand tourer Ducati gets underway
Twenty years after the birth of the first Multistrada, the new-born V4 Rally rolls off the production line, further expanding a never so complete touring family
Multistrada V4 Rally is the “Multi” designed to offer greater comfort for rider and passenger, more range and greater off-road aptitude to stop at nothing
The Multistrada V4 Rally will be available in Ducati dealerships from February
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy) – Production of the Multistrada V4 Rally, the Ducati designed for lovers of long journeys, already featured in the third episode of the 2023 Ducati World Premiere, has begun at the Borgo Panigale factory. The new bike completes a touring range that has never been so extensive and which was born exactly 20 years ago with the first Multistrada 1000 that marked the opening of Ducati towards the world of travel.
Twenty years during which Multistrada has been able to evolve and renew itself through the 1100, 1200 and 1260, arriving at its fourth generation powered by the new, revolutionary V4 Granturismo. The Multistrada V4 interprets the concept of the Grand Tourer according to the values of Style, Sophistication, Performance that are intrinsic to Ducati’s DNA.
Multistrada introduced several innovations to the Ducati range, such as the Riding Modes and DVT variable valve timing, but it was also the first bike in the world equipped with technological innovations such as the semi-active Skyhook suspension, or more recently the world first of front and rear radar to support Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection systems as well as extended deactivation.
With the “Rally” Ducati takes the globetrotter spirit of the Multistrada V4 to an even higher level, thanks to better comfort for rider and passenger, greater range and a more pronounced off-road aptitude without neglecting performance (170 hp), reliability and running costs, with maintenance intervals every 60,000 km and Oil Service every 15,000 km/24 months thanks to the 1,158 cc V4 Granturismo engine. The new deactivation strategy extends to the entire rear bank even when moving at low speeds, when the engine speed and the torque request from the throttle are low, positively impacting fuel consumption which drops by around 10%.
To tackle unpaved roads even better, this Multistrada can count on semi-active suspension with increased travel of 200 mm, lightened spoked rims, reinforced engine guards, an Enduro Riding Mode with brand new Power Mode dedicated to off-road use, wider rider foot-pegs and an even more precise and efficient Skyhook DSS EVO control strategy in this model.
Comfort improves with particular attention to two-seater use: the windshield has been redesigned (increased by 40 mm in height and 20 mm in width), the tail has been lengthened and the luggage attachment set back to offer more space in the leg area to the passenger, who can also count on footrests with larger rubber inserts to reduce the level of transmitted vibrations. Furthermore, thanks to the availability of different height saddles for both rider and passenger and the lowered suspension kit, the Multistrada V4 Rally can be customized to adapt to any torque configuration. With a view to improving thermal comfort, the air vents in the leg area can now be divided in order to keep the heat released by the engine in the cold seasons.
To further support active safety, the Multistrada V4 Rally also integrates Cornering ABS, which allows you to harness the braking power of its system even when cornering, the Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL), which improve night-time visibility by illuminating the inside of the bend, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC). These systems use the inertial platform (IMU) to optimize intervention based on the lean and pitch angle of the vehicle.
The Multistrada V4 Rally also introduces a brand-new extended deactivation strategy of the rear bank, a technical solution making its debut on a production bike on the world stage. In addition to switching off the rear cylinders at idle when the bike is stationary, a function already present on the Multistrada V4, the V4 Granturismo now keeps the rear cylinder bank deactivated in other operating conditions to the benefit of fuel consumption and emissions.
The 6.5-inch colour TFT dashboard offers map navigation functions thanks to the Ducati Connect application, which supports the use of the telephone, now housed in a ventilated compartment, even to answer calls or listen to music, using a helmet equipped with an intercom system.
The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally will arrive in dealerships from February 2023 in the two colours of Ducati Red and Brushed Aluminium & Matt Black, the latter with a visible brushed aluminium tank. Both versions have black spoked rims. There are three different versions: Adventure Radar, equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection functions, Adventure Travel & Radar, which adds aluminium side cases, heated grips and saddles, while the Full Adventure completes the latter equipment with an Akrapovič homologated silencer and front mudguard in carbon fibre.
The Multistrada V4 Rally – like all Ducati Multistradas – is covered by the “4|Ever Ducati” warranty, valid for 4 years with no mileage limit, with roadside assistance included throughout continental Europe.
Dani Pedrosa (26), as seen testing a new seat and tail section for KTM in September 2022. Photo courtesy Dorna.
DANI PEDROSA SET FOR 2023 MOTOGP™ GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA RACE OUTING
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will count on the presence of test rider and MotoGP Legend Dani Pedrosa for the Gran Premio de España at the Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto during April and for round four of 21 in the 2023 season.
The winner of 31 MotoGP Grands Prix will compete with the KTM RC16 for the second time. The first occasion came at the Red Bull Ring for the 2021 Grand Prix of Styria where he scored points and a top ten result with 10th position.
Pedrosa has been part of a comprehensive test team since 2019 and, along with another former Grand Prix winner Mika Kallio, has helped fashion the KTM RC16 to achieve victories and podiums.
Pedrosa has won four Grands Prix at Jerez. He claimed the 30th MotoGP victory of his career (the 53rd in world championship competition through 125, 250 and the premier class) at the venue in southern Spain in 2017. He has walked the Jerez podium nine times. He will share the garage for 2023 with current Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders Brad Binder and Jack Miller.
Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “It’s fantastic news that Dani wants to refresh himself with MotoGP this season and Jerez makes good sense as it’s a popular place for us to test and, also, he knows the place very well. It will be an ideal opportunity for him to get more information for the future development of our race bike and we look forward to having him with us in the pitbox.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “Mika Kallio, Dani Pedrosa and our whole test program is so important and of course they have limited track time. Dani is a strong guy with a strong mentality and we always said when he wanted to do a wildcard then we’d be happy to make that happen. The perfect ‘test’ is always a race situation. If we can work on future development parts then it is super-important and I’m very happy that Dani will race again.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna WorldSBK Press Office.
FIM Superbike World Championship Test
Jerez Circuit, Spain
January 26, 2023
Unofficial Day Two Test Times (all on Pirelli tires):
Toprak Razgatlioglu, Turkey (Yam), 1:38.269
Jonathan Rea, UK (Kaw), 1:38.352
Alvaro Bautista, Spain (Duc), 1:38.449
Michael Rinaldi, Italy (Duc), 1:38.646
Alex Lowes, UK (Kaw), 1:39.175
Dominique Aegerter, Switzerland (Yam), 1:39.193
Andrea Locatelli, Italy (Yam), 1:39.280
Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Duc), 1:39.311
Iker Lecuona, Spain (Hon), 1:39.337
Remy Gardner, Australia (Yam), 1:39.464
Loris Baz, France (BMW), 1:39.517
Scott Redding, UK (BMW), 1:39.710
Xavi Vierge, Spain (Hon), 1:39.860
Philipp Oettl, Germany (Duc), 1:40.023
Garrett Gerloff, USA (BMW), 1:40.101
Michael van der Mark, Netherlands (BMW), 1:40.221
Tom Sykes, UK (Kaw), 1:40.750
Lorenzo Baldassarri, Italy (Yam), 1:40.975
Florian Marino, France (Kaw), 1:41.553
Oliver Konig, Czech Republic (Kaw), 1:41.595
More, from a press release issued by Dorna WorldSBK Press Office:
Jerez Test concludes with Razgatlioglu on top ahead of Rea and Bautista
Riders wrapped up their first test of 2023 in Jerez before moving onto Portimao next week
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK) had a positive test and was unfazed by a crash midway through day 2 to set the fastest time again.
Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was second fastest ahead of defending World Champion Alvaro Bautista.
Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Rookies Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) impressed finishing 6th and 8th respectively.
Iker Lecuona. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Team HRC’s Iker Lecuona spearheaded Honda’s effort as 9th fastest after completing 68 laps on Thursday.
Scott Redding (45). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Scott Redding continued his development work as BMW introduced a new
M 1000 RR model for 2023.
Tom Sykes (66). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Tom Sykes returns to WorldSBK for his first test back on the Kawasaki
ZX-10RR with the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team.
WorldSBK Day 2 Report
Testing at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto came to a conclusion for the teams and riders from the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship that attended. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK) was able to bounce back from his crash in the morning to record the fastest time with a 1’31.269s set in the afternoon; attempting to break the 1’37s barrier. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was second on Day 2, less than a tenth behind Razgatlioglu while 2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) took third place.
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
After a strong showing on Day 1, three WorldSBK rookies finished the test inside the top ten on Day 2. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was sixth fastest after posting a 1’39.193s, with Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) taking eighth place after setting a 1’39.311s. Aegerter’s GRT Yamaha teammate, Remy Gardner, took tenth spot but was only three tenths slower than Aegerter at the end of Day 2; showing how tight the WorldSBK field is in 2023.
Danilo Petrucci (9). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Most teams will now be headed to Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal for another two-day test to be held on Tuesday 31st January and Wednesday 1st February.
Read the full report from Day 2 in Jerez on worldsbk.com
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
The 2023 pre-season kicks off for Team HRC with testing at Jerez
On Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 January, Team HRC and its factory Superbike riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge took to the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain for the first two-day test session of 2023, alongside most of the WorldSBK field.
Sunny albeit very cool conditions (which were even cooler on the second day with a maximum air temperature of just 13°C) offered Lecuona and Vierge the opportunity to continue with the development of the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE, the duo working efficiently and uninterruptedly from around midday until late in the afternoon on both days. This was fortuitous, considering that the team’s last test at Jerez in mid-December was seriously compromised by bad weather. Team HRC essentially picked up where it left off last time out then, carrying out tests and comparisons that were not possible in last month’s wet conditions.
Over the two days, Lecuona and Vierge focused on several new updates HRC had prepared for the test, spanning all areas of the bike’s setup, with the pair clocking up 68 and 88 laps on Wednesday and 68 and 79 on Thursday, respectively.
The squad will be back on track in just a few days’ time, participating in test sessions organised at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal on Monday 31 January and Tuesday 1 February.
Iker Lecuona (7) telling someone they are number one. Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Iker Lecuona 7
“I’m much happier today than I was yesterday, when we were struggling with the braking basically all day. So today we focused in on this area and made a big improvement that allowed me to enjoy riding the bike again. That was the first positive, but we were actually able to take steps with regard to various aspects of the bike’s setup, except one, in that we still have more to do in terms of turning. Having said that, I’m happy with the work we were able to carry out over what have been two very good days of testing, and I’m also pleased with the pace I was able to maintain on used tyres. I also tried a new soft spec today but almost crashed at turn 8. I think I made one of my best ever saves, touching with my elbow and knee but keeping it upright. Although I didn’t profit from the qualifying tyre, I was consistent and fast with the “0” spec, with which I worked almost all day, and we’re happy with that.”
Xavi Vierge (97). Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Xavi Vierge 97
“It’s been very positive to finally be back on track, especially because we only saw rain during our last tests here in December. It’s true that it has been very cold, but from midday on we were able to enjoy solid track time. We had a lot of work to do and have tried many things, basically going through all the items that we didn’t have a chance to check properly during the final rounds and testing sessions of 2022. We’ve made some steps forward and now have a direction for our next test in Portimão. We’re doing all we can to achieve our targets as quickly as possible and having so many Japanese engineers here has been extra motivation for us to do our very best”.
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
Bautista and Rinaldi conclude the first winter tests of the 2023 WorldSBK season. Bulega (WorldSSP) also on track at Jerez de la Frontera with the Panigale V2
The first winter tests for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team concluded this afternoon at Jerez de la Frontera (Spain). Alvaro Bautista and Michael Rinaldi had the chance to test the new Ducati Panigale V4 R for the first time, alternating their rides with the 2022 machines for comparisons that produced important data ahead of the start of the 2023 WorldSBK season.
On “Day 1” the Spanish rider completed 86 laps, finishing with the second-best time (1’38.851), two-tenths behind Razgatlioglu (Yamaha). Third place for Rinaldi, who set a time of 1’39.240, completing 72 laps.
On the second day, both Bautista (1’38.449 – 86 laps completed) and Rinaldi (1’38.646 – 67 laps completed) were able to lower their lap times, finishing third and fourth respectively behind Razgatlioglu (Yamaha – 1’38.269) and Rea (Kawasaki – 1’38.325)
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will be back on track at Portimao (Portugal) next Tuesday for the second session of winter testing
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“Two very interesting days of testing. We tried the new Panigale V4R for the first time and I have to say that the sensations were very positive. We worked a lot on the tire solutions even though obviously the very low temperature of these two days doesn’t allow us to have very clear ideas. In any case, I am very satisfied with our work”.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“We have worked on both the bike and the tires. We go to Portiamo with a good charge knowing that we have faced two very productive days. Our lap times were in line with the front guys even if with the qualifying tire I wasn’t able to improve much. On the race pace, on the other hand, the feeling was really good, that’s why I am happy”.
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will be back on track at Portimao (Portugal) next Monday for the second session of winter testing
WorldSSP
Positive feelings also for Nicolò Bulega, who took advantage of the two days of testing to find a good feeling with his Ducati Panigale V2. The Italian rider completed a total of 122 laps, finishing with a best time of 1’41.685.
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP Team #11)
“I am very satisfied with these two days of testing. After two months away from the circuits it wasn’t easy to find a good feeling and instead the sensations have been positive. Especially today we did some really intense work with the team that we will continue in Portimao”.
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Two Strong Testing Days For KRT
Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes restarted their pre-season preparations for the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship with a successful two day test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, between 25-26 January.
In contrast to some previous tests, conditions were consistently dry at the 4.423km long circuit in the far south west of Spain. With cool track temperatures experienced in the early morning and just before the end of track action (at 18.00) each day, the team elected not to ride for the entire duration of the available track time.
Rea was eventually the second fastest rider overall after setting 98 laps across the two day test. He posted a lap of 1’38.352, near the end of the second day. He was almost one second faster on day two than his already strong pace after day one.
Jonathan had a new electronics engineer, Sander Donkers, in his garage at Jerez with another addition to the team for 2023, Christophe Lambert, also now working alongside the established KRT personnel at Jerez.
Lowes concentrated on getting more comfortable at full pace on his machine and improving consistency over full race distance. He and his crew were satisfied with the results in this area and overall Alex was fifth fastest, despite not trying to go for a fast flying lap at the end of two very useful days of set-up progress.
Lowes’ best lap was a 1.39.175 and he completed over 115 laps all in.
After the completion of the Jerez sessions there will be one more European-based winter test for both KRT riders, at the very different venue of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal, between 31 January and 1 February. After that there will be two final days of official winter testing at Phillip Island in Australia, and the first points scoring round of the season will take place at the same venue on the last weekend of February.
Jonathan Rea. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “It has been a productive couple of days. We didn’t do so many laps because of the cold track conditions in the morning, so we just started a little bit later. But the laps we did do were very productive. I really got on well with my new electronics guy, Sander. We also have Christophe arriving with a lot of experience. So the first day was more about understanding and communication, how they adapted the set-up to my requests and how I make my comments to them. It is only the first step but they had some really good ideas. We improved quite a lot in one area. From the chassis side, we had some items to test from Showa, things we had to reconfirm from last year. We were able to get our workload done. We also tried out some some development front tyre options from Pirelli. The track itself was in good shape on both days but it was a bit windy at the end of the final day. I am quite encouraged by this test but we still have a lot of work to do before Phillip Island.”
Alex Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes, stated: “We had a good second day of testing here in Jerez. We have got some new parts on the bike and I did a longer race simulation that I was happy with. We were consistent, just missing a little bit of performance on fresh tyres – but I did not really go for a time attack and try to push hard. We did a lot of laps today and I felt good physically. We had more of our test items to try and improve again in Portimao next week. I focused on the harder tyres and did a long run on the hardest front and rear options, to try and take some grip away, because the track is so grippy in the winter. It felt quite good, so I am very optimistic for the next test.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “The test was good. Priority number one for me was to work with our new guys. Sander our electronics guy working with Jonathan, and also Christophe, who also is with us this year. They have to get used to, and understand, our systems, strategies and everything. We have this test in Jerez, then Portimao and then we go to Australia. So we have to understand the base for our electronics side and the engine side. Apart from that, we also made a test with Pirelli, trying out two front tyres. We had some engine items that we collected information about and we will compare them again in Portimao, at a different track design. We also had a small item to check with Showa.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “The test was good for us; very productive. It has been quite a while since the last test at the beginning of December but at this test we had one main priority. That is what we worked on over both days and we found the correct set-up. We are more comfortable with it and in general this was our main limitation for some time. We finished the test with very good results. We were not chasing lap times although many people put in Q tyres in to go as fast as possible. We were not looking at that. We made a long run to check our consistency with our set-up and we confirmed our bike specification. We have another test in Portimao, which is a completely different track, and there we will re-confirm the items we have developed from the beginning of December. Everybody was positive about this test.”
Tom Sykes (66). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was once more out on the Ninja ZX-10RR that he will race in the 2023 season, after competing in the BSB championship in 2022. He finished 17th overall on the final day. Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki) was also out testing in readiness for his second WorldSBK season, finishing 20th fastest overall.
More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha:
AEGERTER AND GARDNER COMPLETE A “MARATHON” TEST IN JEREZ, THEIR FIRST ON DRY
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team finally returned to action with a two-days session of test on 25th-26th January at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, Spain, in preparation of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship.
So, the brand new rookie GRT duo got the chance to ride their Yamaha R1 WorldSBK bikes in the dry, with Dominique Aegerter and Remy Gardner who enjoyed the time spent on the machines, finding their ways throughout the test sessions.
On the first day, both riders could run in good weather conditions from 11:15 to 17:30, without any break, looking firstly on getting confidence with their bikes. Afterwards, the GYTR GRT Yamaha pair went on maximising their time on the track, going on to know the Yamaha R1 machines at the very best.
Indeed, at the end of the first test session, Aegerter and Gardner completed more than 170 laps combined, having good vibes on their first ever run in the dry. The Swiss rider concluded with an impressive 89 laps, more than everyone else, recording a 1’39.934 (69/89), while his Australian teammate finished with just three less (86 laps) pulling on a 1’40.551 (79/86) as personal best.
Day 2 did not tell a different story, as the GYTR GRT Yamaha duo kept rolling laps at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, finding once again dry tarmac. Both riders found themselves well on the bikes, eventually improving their performance. Thereby, Aegerter set a 1’39.193 (70/71), with Gardner who recorded a 1’39.464 (70/76).
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team will now move to Portimao, Portugal, for one more test session on 31st January-1st February.
“I’m happy with the job done during the two days here in Jerez. Finally we could ride in the dry and at the end I was able to ride a little bit more comfortable. We tried a lot of things, including working on my riding style. The final position is good as the lap times, even though we know we still have margin to improve. Let’s move on to Portimao, where we will go more in depth with the testing and hopefully further improve.”
Remy Gardner (87) getting crossed up at Jerez. Photo courtesy GYTR GRT Yamaha.
Remy Gardner (1’39.464, 162 laps)
“I’m quite happy with the progress we made throughout the two days, we’re working well. I’m trying to understand the tyres, the bike, and I’m feeling good with everything. I’m enjoying a lot the time spent here in Jerez and I’m already looking forward to Portimao, where I’m confident we can find some more improvements and be faster.”
More, from a press release issued by Team GoEleven:
WINTER TEST; FIRST CONTACT WITH 2023 SEASON IN JEREZ!
Finally, WorldSBK is back on track! The main protagonists of the 2023 Superbike season hit the track for two days of winter tests at the Jerez track in Andalusia. Sun and good weather allowed many teams to show important technical innovations, despite the low temperatures.
Philipp Oettl and the Go Eleven Team restarted from the bike in 2022 configuration during the first day, so as to regain feeling and confidence after a couple of months of break, only to then switch to a hybrid bike, with various 2023 innovations during day 2. If Philipp found good sensations on the first day, on the second day, when he switched to the 2023 configuration, with a different seat and tank than those previously used, some difficulty arose in finding the right riding position. Several modifications were made to find a temporary solution, working on footrest, handlebars and heights, but the German rider has still not managed to get the feeling he had with the bike from the end of last year. For the Portimao tests, which will be held next week, further developments should arrive, and studying the best solution for the riding position, then we can concentrate on the set-up in view of the start of the season, also evaluating the new parts with which the 2023 Panigale is equipped. The Spark exhaust, in the external and high version, another news of the new season, has provided positive feedback especially at low revs, without losing performance at top speeds. Furthermore, during the two days of Jerez, Oettl never used the SCQ tyre, concentrating his work on the “racing” configuration; it’s essential to first find the right feeling, then think about the time attack!
COMBINED RESULTS:
P 1 T. Razgatlioglu 1.38.269
P 2 J. Rea + 0.083
P 3 A. Bautista + 0.180
P 4 M. Rinaldi + 0.377
P 5 A. Lowes + 0.906
…
P 14 P. Oettl + 1.754
Philipp Oettl (Rider):
“The first day was positive overall, we started from the 2022 bike, then I did a few laps in “almost” 2023 configuration. The second day was much more difficult, on the new bike the seat position is really different for me, and I am not comfortable at the moment. We spent the day adjusting the ride position, but still we didn’t find a good balance. For Portimao, we will try to do something different, going similar to the 2022 bike. I didn’t expect this kind of problem, but it’s a new bike for us, I am quite confident we can find a good solution from the beginning of Portimao test, so we can start working on more important parts of the bike.”
Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“Yesterday we used the bike in the 2022 configuration, to restart from our reference point, while today we started work on the new bike, the 2023, and there is more work to be done than we expected. The day was used to understand the correct ergonomic, in order to feel comfortable on the bike, so we did many seat tests focusing exclusively on this, and never looking for the lap time. We believe that the potential of the Ducati package is very high, and in Portimao we will focus on giving Philipp the opportunity to make the most of it. This year the level is high, and every detail must be given the utmost importance.”
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Razgatlıoğlu Dominates Proceedings in Jerez
The Yamaha WorldSBK teams depart the first two-day test of 2023 at Jerez in confident mood, after strong performances from both seasoned WorldSBK campaigners Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli and class rookies Dominique Aegerter, Remy Gardner and Lorenzo Baldassarri.
Pata Yamaha WorldSBK’s Razgatlıoğlu once again led the way, stamping his authority on proceedings by topping the timesheet on both days, with his lap time of 1’38.269 on day two tantalisingly close to the circuit lap record. Teammate, Andrea Locatelli, focused on evaluating development parts first tested in wet conditions back in December but made a significant improvement on the second day to finish seventh on the timesheet.
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK duo of Aegerter and Gardner completed a true ‘marathon’ on track, racking up a total of 382 laps between them over the two days. Both riders started on the 2022 specification R1 WorldSBK, as they continued to familiarise themselves with the characteristics of the bike they’ll race for the first time this season but moved on to test the 2023 development parts late on the opening day. Both riders ended the two days comfortably inside the top ten but are confident of further improvement with two more days of testing in Portimao.
For Lorenzo Baldassarri the Jerez test was his first outing on the GMT94 Yamaha WorldSBK R1 he’ll race this season, so familiarization was his only focus during the two days. The Italian had a permanent smile on his face throughout the two days and is keen to repeat the experience next week in Portimao.
All four Yamaha WorldSBK teams will now head directly to Portimao for two more days of testing before heading down under to Australia for the opening round of the season at Phillip Island. In Portugal they will be joined by the Yamaha Motoxracing Team and rider Bradley Ray, who this year will contest the European rounds on the WorldSBK calendar.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – 1’38.269
Pata Yamaha WorldSBK
“A very big crash this morning but I am very lucky, just a little pain in my left leg but now the feeling is coming better. We improved my R1, with good acceleration and good grip – I was trying today for 1’37 for the record, but I did not see! We used a Q tyre today and I see best lap, 1’38.2. In general, good testing for me – in Portimão we need to try some more set-up because we are happy but also we are not stopping. Just we try to keep making everything better – thanks to my team, every day they are working and now we start to see how the level of the bike is and I am very happy.”
Andrea Locatelli – 1’39.280
Pata Yamaha WorldSBK
“These two days of testing were positive, because we returned on track in dry conditions – last time here in Jerez was raining for three days! We were able to take some confidence again with the R1 in the dry and it was positive to understand where we start with some new parts for 2023. Today, we improved a lot compared to yesterday and this is a good point to start again in Portimão. I was also able to push a bit more and to try a little bit to close the gap to the front guys, but to be honest we didn’t use a lot of soft tyres – or the Q tyre – to try and improve the lap time. We mainly try to work around the bike and search for good grip which is more important for the races. In the end, two positive days, no crash or mistakes and I had a good feeling on the bike, so now we can continue working next week.”
Dominique Aegerter – 1’39.193
GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK
“I’m happy with the job done during the two days here in Jerez. Finally we could ride in the dry and at the end I was able to ride a little bit more comfortable. We tried a lot of things, including working on my riding style. The final position is good as the lap times, even though we know we still have margin to improve. Let’s move on to Portimao, where we will go more in depth with the testing and hopefully further improve.”
Remy Gardner – 1’39.464
GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK
“I’m quite happy with the progress we made throughout the two days, we’re working well. I’m trying to understand the tyres, the bike, and I’m feeling good with everything. I’m enjoying a lot the time spent here in Jerez and I’m already looking forward to Portimao, where I’m confident we can find some more improvements and be faster.”
Lorenzo Baldassarri – 1’40.975
GMT94 Yamaha WorldSBK
“This has been a very useful test for me and my team to know our new Yamaha R1. We started from a base setup and little by little we could get some nice improvements. We could finally take some decisions about the basic set up in electronics and geometries so that we can have a base for the next test in Portimao next week. The lap time now is pretty far but it is not so relevant, we need to take our time and improve step by step in all directions. Thanks to the Team and Yamaha who put very strong efforts to put me in the best conditions to start the season in the good way.”
Ryder Davis (55) leads Anthony Lupo, Jr. (12) and the rest of the Mini Cup 160 field during a race at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in 2022. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Mission Foods Steps Up To Sponsor Mission Mini Cup By Motul Series For 2023
World’s Leading Brand Of Tortillas And Wraps To Back Expanded Six-Round Mission Mini Cup By Motul Series In MotoAmerica Championship
IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Mission Foods, the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps, will be the title sponsor of the newly expanded, six-round Mission Mini Cup By Motul series in the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship.
In addition to the existing Mini Cup Ohvale 160 and Ohvale 190 classes, the Mission Mini Cup By Motul series, which showcases MotoAmerica’s youngest racers, aged six to 14, will also feature three new, cost-effective classes for the 2023 season – Stock 50, Stock 110 and Stock 125 – that will utilize motorcycles such as Honda’s CRF, Yamaha’s TTR, Kawasaki’s KLX and Suzuki’s DRZ.
The Mission Mini Cup By Motul series will kick off its season with a round at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina, on May 5-6, and will conclude with the MotoAmerica season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, on September 23-24.
In-between will be rounds with MotoAmerica at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama (May 19-20); Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (June 2-3); and Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania (August 18-19), with a second, standalone Mini Cup round at New Jersey Motorsports Park (July 15-16).
“We are excited to partner with MotoAmerica in supporting the Mini Cup program,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to be able to support these young racers and to give them more opportunities to pursue their passion for motorcycle racing.”
“A lot of our attention for 2023 is to create an introduction to road racing and opportunities for first-time participants with the expansion of the Mini Cup Series,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Not only are we extremely pleased with Mission Foods’ continued support of MotoAmerica, but we also appreciate that Mission Foods shares our vision for a grassroots program to create more opportunities for young racers to get a start in MotoAmerica.”
2023 MotoAmerica Mini Cup Presented By Motul Schedule
May 5-6 Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw SC
May 19-20 Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL*
June 2-3 Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI*
July 15-16 New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ
August 18-19 Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, PA*
Sept. 22-23 New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ*
*In conjunction with MotoAmerica
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.
A scene from the Motorcycle Show at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2022 at Mid-Ohio. Photo courtesy AMA.
American Motorcyclist Association Announces Dates for 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
Tickets go on sale for AMA members today
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, America’s grandest celebration of vintage motorcycles and the people who love them, will take place July 21-23, 2023, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
One of motorcycling’s most diverse events, Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days combines the thrill of amateur racing with North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet. Additional activities include a classic bike show, vendor displays, motorcycle demo rides, music, seminars, stunt shows and a range of experiences for fans of all ages. Proceeds from the event are donated to the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
AMA members can now purchase discounted tickets through the AMA at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com. All camping and RV passes, as well as non-AMA member ticket sales, must be purchased at midohio.com starting Feb. 21.
“Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days continues to grow in exceptional ways, and AMA staff and our partners will continue challenging ourselves to pack even more into this incredible weekend,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “From vintage racing to the swap meet and everything in between, the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days experience is one of the best in the sport. We invite all motorcyclists to come and experience it for themselves, knowing their support provides critical funding for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which celebrates the contributions of the men and women who have shaped motorcycling in America.”
Swap meet vendors will be contacted shortly to renew their spaces for the new year, and race registration will open soon. Sign-up information for additional activities, including the bike show, Ashland Dinner Ride, AMA Life Member Breakfast and more, will open soon.
Permco, an Ohio-based manufacturing leader, joins the event as the new title sponsor.
“Permco is proud to be the title sponsor for the 2023 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said Robby Shell, chief operating officer of Permco. “As a family-owned business for almost 100 years and a leading manufacturer of high-pressure hydraulic gear/vane pumps and motors — including the American Champ, the only pump built entirely in the USA — we are thrilled to be part of this classic event that brings people together from all over to celebrate the past and future of motorcycles and motorcycle racing in the heartland of America.”
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will once again host the event, which began in 1992 and moved to the facility in 1995.
“Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days has turned into a must-attend event if you are a motorcycle enthusiast,” said President of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Craig Rust. “It truly has something for everyone! We also want to welcome Permco as our new title partner, and look forward to working with both them and the AMA on continuing to grow this terrific event.”
Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days welcomes riders and racers of all brands to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the annual event. It features vintage competition in road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and flat track at the nearby Ashland County Fairgrounds. Riders in these disciplines are racing for national championships or national championship series points. In addition, there will be exhibition pit bike races and dirt drags.
The event will include vendors from all areas of motorcycling, selling gear and services for motorcycles old and new. Past vendors have included vintage and modern gear sellers, painters and pinstripers, parts and tools, community garages and much more. There will be a drawing for this year’s raffle bike — a custom 2018 GSX-R1000, painted in AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Kevin Schwantz’s late ’80s Pepsi Racing livery — that will raise additional funds for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Motorcycling experts, including AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, will speak on numerous topics at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, including motorcycle restoration and travel.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Show recognizes exceptional examples of motorcycles from all eras and countries of origin. Bike owners are encouraged to bring out their best original and restored machines for fans to appreciate.
Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will also include North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, with more than 800 spaces of vintage motorcycles, parts, gear and memorabilia.
In addition, demo fleets will be on hand for riders to experience some of the best modern motorcycles available to purchase today.
Much more takes place at Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, so for photos, videos and articles from past events, visit www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.
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.
A comprehensive motorsports facility in Lexington, Ohio, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course sits on 380 acres and features a permanent road-racing circuit with two primary race track configurations: 2.4-mile, 15-turn or 2.258-mile, 13-turn layout. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the natural terrain road course is commonly referred to as the “Most Competitive in the U.S.” and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally-sanctioned race events for amateur, club and professional drivers and riders. It is also home to The Mid-Ohio School, featuring over 20 driving and riding courses, for teenagers to professional racers using Honda vehicles. Opened in 1962, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has been owned and operated by Green Savoree Mid-Ohio, LLC since 2011, just the raceway’s third private ownership group in its history.
For more information, visit midohio.com, like its Facebook page @MidOhioSportsCarCourse or follow updates on Twitter @Mid_Ohio and Instagram @officialmidohio.
Progressive AFT and Thom Duma Fine Jewelers Celebrate a Decade of Diamonds in 2023
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –Progressive American Flat Track is proud to announce that Thom Duma Fine Jewelers (TDFJ) will serve as the Official Jeweler of Progressive AFT for a tenth consecutive season in 2023.
During that decade-long collaboration, TDFJ has become inextricably linked with the series. In the opening days of the partnership, it established the now-cherished tradition of awarding each season’s champions with handcrafted, commemorative rings.
Over the years, TDJF has continued to elevate the tradition, most notably in 2021, when Tom Duma Jr. and his team of world-class jewelers elected to wait until each championship was decided in order to produce a one-of-a-kind, solid-gold masterpiece custom-designed for each champion, featuring their name and image alongside the traditional #1 and an array of diamonds, to properly celebrate their achievement.
That tradition has been further refined for 2023; for the very first time, the previous seasons’ title-winners will be awarded their rings at the following season’s opener, making this season’s epic DAYTONA Short Tack I & II that much more monumental. The award ceremony is certain to remind this year’s Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S and Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship contendersexactly what’s on the line as they begin their quests to receive their own rings at the ‘24 season opener.
“It is an honor and privilege to design and manufacture the championship rings again this year,” said Duma. “I will work directly with both champions at the end of the season to create design elements unique to them. Each ring will be a one-of-a-kind reminder of the battle they had in 2023 to declare them the best in the world.”
“The championship rings are stunning – designed and created with a deep passion and understanding of both fine jewelry and our sport that literally no one else in the world but Tom Duma can boast,” said Gene Crouch, COO of AMA Pro Racing. “I’ve seen first-hand just how much the rings mean to the champions who receive them and we’re looking forward to seeing what Tom dreams up for the competitors to chase this year.”
While ten years of partnership is certainly noteworthy, both Thom Duma Fine Jewelers’ storied history and Duma’s connection to the sport reach much further back in time. TDFJ was originally founded in the late 1800s before being acquired by Tom Duma Sr., nearly seven centuries ago. Tom Duma Jr., enjoyed a professional racing career in Progressive AFT racer from 1976 to 1981. A year before hanging up his helmet, Tom Jr. began to learn the business from the ground up, working alongside his father, before eventually taking over the business himself.
Eager to connect his two worlds, Duma created the “Racer Series,” a line of race-inspired jewelry, including steel shoe pendants, motorcycle tire Pandora-style beads, checkered flag racing jewelry, racing number pendants, and more.
“It is an honor and privilege to design and manufacture the championship rings again this year,” said Duma. “I will work directly with both champions at the end of the season to create design elements unique to them. Each ring will be a one-of-a-kind reminder of the battle they had in 2023 to declare them the best in the world.”
The complete line is available for purchase online at www.TDFJ.com, and you can contact Duma personally via email at [email protected].
The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the hugely anticipated return of the DAYTONA Short Track I & II at Daytona International Speedway on March 9-10.
FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
About Thom Duma Fine Jewelers
For over a century, Thom Duma Fine Jewelers (TDFJ) has provided the Mahoning Valley community with second-to-none engagement rings, wedding rings, fine jewelry, and luxury watches. First established in 1896 as Klivan’s Jewelers, today Thom Duma Jr. leads his staff of master jewelers and gemologists in honoring his father’s legacy of perseverance through hardship and exceptional jewelry work. Visit TDFJ in Warren, Ohio for an unforgettable jewelry shopping experience and white-glove jewelry services. Get in contact with TDFJ by visiting their website at TDFJ.com, calling their store at (330) 393-4696, emailing [email protected], or stopping by their showroom in person.
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.
Red Bull KTM's 2023 MotoGP riders Brad Binder (left) and Jack Miller (right). Photo by Philip Platzer, courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Editorial Note: Scroll down to see the video.
RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING READY TO DROP THE CLUTCH ON 2023 MOTOGP™
The sound of 2023 MotoGP will fire in a matter of days, and just before the Sepang MotoGP Official Test breaks the silence of the off-season, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing unveiled their colors and riders set to contest the longest campaign on record.
Brad Binder and Jack Miller talk about the 2023 MotoGP season ahead as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors shown
KTM Management provide their thoughts ahead of the company’s seventh MotoGP term
KTM, 2nd in the 2022 Teams Championship, have won MotoGP races for three years in a row and aim to continue the streak through the 21-rounds of 2023
For the fourth year in a row Brad Binder will be one of the KTM RC16 riders in the company’s MotoGP tilt for success. The 27-year-old South African scored KTM’s maiden MotoGP victory in the Czech Republic in 2020 and was KTM’s highest-ranked rider in 2022 with 6th position in the standings and podium results at both the opening Grand Prix of the year (Qatar) and the closer (Valencia). Now nine seasons in the Red Bull KTM family, Binder is recognized as one of the most determined and efficient racers on the MotoGP grid.
#33 is joined by Jack Miller. The recently turned 28-year-old will steer the KTM RC16 as he bids to become the only rider in the current MotoGP field to notch GP wins with three different brands. The Australian brings nine seasons of experience and immense character to the team as well as a pedigree that includes four triumphs and 22 podiums in the premier class.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is at the top of the KTM road racing pyramid and a structure that sees participation and presence in each world championship division and more. At the peak of the sport KTM have celebrated seven MotoGP wins while logging 18 podium appearances and three Pole Positions since 2017. KTM RC4 equipment has registered five titles and 80 victories in the Moto3™ category since the inception of the division in 2012 and the technical base of the bike has been responsible for emerging talent progression in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, the Northern Talent Cup and the Austrian Junior Cup.
The 2023 MotoGP campaign begins on March 24-25-26 at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal after two pre-season tests from February 10-11-12 (Malaysia) and March 11-12 (Portugal).
Brad Binder. Photo by Philip Platzer, courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Brad Binder: “It has felt like a long off-season already so I’m more than excited to get back to the track and to get started again. My fourth year in the class, and I feel like our best chance so far to really achieve something will be in 2023. We’re ready to go, so let’s get to Sepang and see what those first days bring us.”
Jack Miller. Photo by Philip Platzer, courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Jack Miller: “Good feelings! Joining up with the KTM family again it is all starting to feel rather ‘real’ now. I’ve been thinking about this moment for quite a long time. Finally getting to see the 2023 colors, myself in the suit and all the preparation for the season ahead. It’s amazing to be back here at KTM and to be catching up with everybody; it’s a special little taste before we get down to action in Malaysia.”
Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Team Manager: “For sure finishing 2nd in the Teams Championship last year is something to take, and to have a starting point for the future. It’s important because it means the team works well together and the atmosphere is great. There will be 21 GPs this year and it will be important to be competitive and in the top five every single time and then we also have the Sprint races. We are a factory team and the only goal we can have, the only target, is the title. It is easy to say and not easy to get! But this is the main goal. Everything has to be efficient, especially now when we have less time to make the right setting in different conditions. It is a basic thing that you need to do; make a team that is closely connected and efficient to face those daily challenges. Our riders – Jack and Brad – are a special combo and the team will be very strong because there are two special personalities.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “We are going into our seventh season but I feel the six previous years were amazing in terms of building the project to this level and already having these wins and podiums in the pocket. It has been a crazy journey and we enjoyed it a lot but now it is not enough to just ‘be there’ anymore and be a good, organized team; we need results. I feel super-confident with the two boys we have onboard. I feel that Brad and Jack are both different but, at the end of the day, both similar. They are pushing very hard and that is exactly what we need. As always, we go into a long – and very different – racing season with so much work and effort from the people and partners behind us: from all the engineers at the factory, the excellent test team and new and trusted sponsors. We have made a big push for 2023 to be better than ever.”
Hubert Trunkenpolz, Member of the Executive Board, KTM AG: “The impact of MotoGP on the business is massive. We do factory racing in general and MotoGP in particular for brand awareness and the return on the investment is a really good one. It makes a lot of difference if you finish on the podium so for sure this has to be the target in 2023. On the business side we had another record year and we closed 2022 with almost 2.5 billion of revenue with over 375,000 motorcycles sold which is an all-time high. Like our motorsport performance, the second half of last year’s finish for the business was just incredible. I think our outlook for MotoGP in 2023 is very positive and what we have for the future is very promising so big credit for this must go to the team, the riders and the big push the whole factory is making right now. Aside from this we want to continue with our goals for sustainability for both the sport and for the business and continue to be a top player in this series.”
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November 13, 2026
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