USMCA Welcomes Wells Fargo’s Paul Puma to the board of directors
Temecula, California (January 24, 2023) – Today, the United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) is proud to announce our continued relationship with Wells Fargo Distribution Finance (DF), a part of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC).
Wells Fargo DF has been aligned with the USMCA since USMCA’s inception in 2016, continuously funding the Association to pursue the vision of connecting riders with certified motorcycle coaches to create safer riders that stay in the sport for a lifetime.
The USMCA is also excited to welcome their newest board member to the coaching association. Starting in January, Paul Puma, lead DF sales representative with Wells Fargo, will take over Jeremy Jansen’s role on the board of directors for the USMCA.
“We are thankful for our long-lasting relationship with Wells Fargo. We have thoroughly enjoyed Jeremy Jansen’s involvement with the USMCA and his ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming Paul and his ideas to continue growth within the coaching association,” said Executive Director, Lindsey Scheltema.
“Joining the board of directors at the USMCA is an honor. As a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, I am excited to support the continued growth of this wonderful sport, and I look forward to watching the relationship between USMCA and Wells Fargo continue to develop and strengthen,” said Puma.
About the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA)
USMCA is an association where riders and parents can connect to motorcycle coaches they can trust through the network, www.MotorcycleCoaching.org.
All USMCA Certified Coaches are required to adhere to a code of conduct, pass a background check and hold certifications in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness & cardiac arrest training.
For more information on the USMCA or become a USMCA Certified Coach, visit www.USMCA.org.
TYLER SCOTT AND RICHIE ESCALANTE RE-SIGN WITH VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI FOR 2023
BREA, CA – January 24, 2023 – Team Hammer, Inc. is excited to confirm that Supersport sensation Tyler Scott and former MotoAmerica Supersport champion Richie Escalante will return to the team for the 2023 season.
Scott will return to compete for the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport crown aboard a Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750. Scott will also race with the team in Supersport or Superbike in 2024 with additional options for Superbike in 2025 and 2026.
Escalante will once again race the MotoAmerica Superbike class for Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki on board a Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
Tyler Scott (70) is looking to take charge in 2023, back aboard his GSX-R750. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Still just 17 years old, Scott was a revelation in his first season of middleweight competition after previously dominating the Junior Cup category. The Pennsylvania native quickly established himself at the front of the pack and was third in the final point standings.
Scott earned nine podium finishes during the 2022 season, including his first Supersport victory, which was secured via a strategic masterclass at Road America.
Tyler Scott is hoping to take the MotoAmerica Supersport title for 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
His 2022 Supersport exploits were just the latest in a lifetime of two-wheeled excellence. His 2021 Junior Cup title came via a mammoth, 44-point margin courtesy of 11 wins. Prior to that, he participated overseas in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the FIM CEV European Talent Cup.
Scott is also a dirt track prodigy of the highest order; he’s a four-time AMA Youth Dirt Track Racer of the Year with 13 AMA Grand Championships to his name.
“I’m super excited to be back with the team,” Scott said. “It’s for at least two years and I am happy about that. The plan is for a championship push in Supersport this year and, if all goes to plan, next year the goal is to give Superbike a shot. I will be working with Jeremy Toye as my Crew Chief in 2023, and I can’t wait for the first race. I had a good year last season, but this year the goal is no DNFs and to get as many podiums and wins as possible.”
“Tyler performed well during his rookie year,” said Chris Ulrich, Team Hammer Vice President of Operations. “He won and was a consistent podium contender. The team and Tyler expect him to improve in 2023 and to fight for more wins and podiums as he improves his skills.”
After a season of learning the power of the Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike, Richie Escalante (54) is ready to make strides towards the podium. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
A native of Tizayuca, Mexico, Escalante became the first Mexican to win an AMA Pro/MotoAmerica National road racing championship in 2020 with a stunning 13-win, 16-podium Supersport campaign. His title defense was another strong campaign as he won three races and earned 14 podiums before joining Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki to race in the Superbike class.
The 2022 season saw the hard-charging Escalante flash in his rookie Superbike campaign as he transitioned to the Suzuki GSX-R1000R before injuries slowed him down.
Richie Escalante is healthy and has new positive energy for the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
“This off-season, I took some time to fully recover from my Brainerd crash and now I am fully fit. I am ready to test and get ready for the long season and really happy about how things are shaping up,” said the 27-year-old.
“I am glad to be coming back with the same team and the same bike. I feel like I know the tracks on a Superbike now and that is especially important for our results. Of course, any rider’s goal is to win the championship and I think my next step in being able to do that is getting on the podium regularly,” continued Escalante. “Last year, our results were up and down but I learned so much about Superbike racing. Compared to Supersport, the competition is higher, so the process is more important. You have to work closely with the crew to get the ideal setting and then the results can improve.”
“We are really excited to have Richie back,” said Ulrich. “Going from the 600 to the Superbike is never easy but Richie gave maximum effort. By mid-season, he was closing the gap to the front and making progress before some crashes set him back. With another season together, we expect him to continue to close that gap and to fight for the podium.”
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 345 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
AHRMA announces 2023 Road Racing Safety and Regional Sponsors
(Knoxville, TN) – Underground Team Racing, Kansas 811, and Missouri 811 are teaming up to be the official Safety Sponsor and Regional Title Sponsor for all American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) regional road racing events during 2023.
“We’re happy that Underground Team Racing, Kansas 811, and now Missouri 811 have signed on to support AHRMA and our goal of going fast while being safe,” said Brian Larrabure, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “It’s great when organizations in different areas but with similar goals can help promote each other and raise awareness of each of their missions.”
Underground Team Racing was established in 2018 to assist in delivering the 811 Call Before You Dig message at the races across the country.
In 2022, Underground Team Racing partnered with Kansas 811 to become AHRMA’s first Title Safety Sponsor. Missouri 811 is joining as a sponsor for the 2023 season.
“Underground Team Racing, Kansas 811, and Missouri 811 are passionate about delivering the 811 and safety messages, and our partnership with AHRMA has allowed us to increase the message nationwide,” said Arch York, Underground Team Racing team owner. “Our race team, Kansas 811, and Missouri 811 thank AHRMA for the opportunity to be this year’s Safety Sponsor. And remember, call before you dig.”
About Underground Team Racing, LLC.
Underground Team Racing (utr811.com) is a team of motorsports enthusiasts actively promoting underground safety and the 811 message to target audiences across the country.
About Kansas 811
Kansas 811 (kansas811.com)is committed to serving its membership and providing excellent notification services for excavators, promoting damage prevention, and protecting the public welfare. Kansas 811 is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kansas One-Call System, Inc., an incorporated not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, operates the statewide notification center for the State of Kansas. The organization is owned by the member underground utilities and is managed by a Board of Directors of underground utility owners/operators elected from the membership.
About Missouri 811
Missouri One Call System (Missouri 811) was established in 1986 in response to the Missouri Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention act 319 (RSMo Chapter 319). MOCS, operating as a non-profit corporation, consists of 19-board members that represent the various utility member types and other stakeholders.
About AHRMA
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
MotoAmerica racer Kayla Yaakov, age 15, is set to appear on an upcoming episode of the “TODAY with Hoda & Jenna” national morning show on NBC-TV.
“They’re doing a story with me, and it’s going to air February 1, I think,” Yaakov said as she and her father, ex-racer David Yaakov, drove from the interview shoot in Florida to their home in Pennsylvania. “We talked to some MotoAmerica people. I’m not exactly sure what went on behind the scenes to get me on it and how it was arranged.
“I was set up with one of the TODAY show people in late December when I was out with Melissa [Paris] and Josh [Hayes, Paris’ husband] at Buttonwillow doing a test. We did a short interview with them. They called us back and set up a date when we could all make it out to Jennings GP and get some footage of me riding and do some interviews, things like that.”
The interview was shot Monday, January 23.
MotoAmerica racer Kayla Yaakov being interviewed by TODAY Show contributor Donna Farizan at Jennings GP, in Florida. Photo by David Yaakov.
Sometimes when mainstream media members interview racers the questions can be predictable. “How fast do you go?” “Aren’t you scared?” But apparently that wasn’t the case with Yaakov.
“I thought the questions were kind of good,” said Yaakov. “It was a lot more personal and about me and my story in racing, my goals, the things I’d like to do, and how last year was challenging for me in a lot of ways. I think it was a good representation of the year.”
Yaakov had a breakout year in 2022, finishing third in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship with four race wins and a podium finish in the Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup SuperFinale in Portugal. And she did most of it with a very injured left knee.
“I tore my ACL, my MCL, fractured my tibia and fibula, and had some muscle contusions. A lot of damage,” said Yaakov, who wore a brace on her knee, on and off the bike, throughout the second half of the 2022 season.
Kayla Yaakov rode her Yamaha YZF-R6 practice bike during taping for the TODAY Show segment. Photo by David Yaakov.
Yaakov said she has not had surgery yet and probably won’t have surgery to replace her ACL with a piece of her hamstring tendon until after the 2023 season.
“It hasn’t bothered me too much,” said Yaakov. “I still can’t run. That’s why I do cycling because it’s low impact. The bones have healed on their own, and the MCL can heal on its own, but the ACL is completely gone.”
Kayla Yaakov during testing at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in December. Photo by John Ulrich.
Yaakov is moving up to the MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twins Cup for 2023 and will ride a Yamaha YZF-R7 for Paris’ MP13 Racing, but she isn’t feeling too much pressure from the change of class or from riding for a high-profile personality like Paris.
“It’s definitely just another season for me,” said Yaakov. “I really don’t feel like I have a lot of pressure. It’s my first year in the class, and I don’t think there’s a lot of pressure for me to go out and win every race. Obviously, that’s something I would love to do. I’d love to go out and win, but it’s a new class for me and it’s a really stacked field. It’ll be good to further improve on my racecraft and things like that. I’ll be happy to have a good learning season, see how it goes, take it step-by-step and race-by-race.
“Also, with the MP13 Racing team behind me with Melissa and Josh and the great crew that they have and their great partners, it’s a great program and I’m super excited for it. We went out to [test at] Buttonwillow, and I had a great feeling with the bike. It was really positive, and I’m super excited to get the season started at Daytona in less than 45 days.”
The 2023 MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twins Cup season starts with two races March 9-11 at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
As the start of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship season draws ever nearer Kawasaki Racing Team’s rider pairing of Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes are more than eager to get back into testing action at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, between 25-26 January.
A December test at the same circuit, just after the end of a 2022 WorldSBK season in which Rea finished third in the overall standings and Lowes sixth, delivered changeable weather conditions for all. Understandably, the KRT squad members are hoping for a clear run of uninterrupted good weather at Jerez this time around.
This test is an important one to make final checks and decisions about the exact spec of the official Ninja ZX-10RR WorldSBK machines that will take on the first round of the championship at Phillip Island, in Australia, at the end of February.
Rea had a successful Jerez test last December despite only having half a day of almost fully dry conditions to ride in. He is in determined mood to start the new season well as he aims to add to his record tally of six WorldSBK championship wins, all secured in partnership with Kawasaki.
Like Rea, Lowes is looking forward to the forthcoming test, partly to get back up to speed but also to make those crucial final decisions about what new developments and settings to take forward into the 2023 season.
Many of KRT’s competitors will be testing at Jerez, which should give a strong indication of internal progress for the team and the kind of challenge that will face the Barcelona-based squad across all the rounds of the forthcoming season.
Soon after the Jerez test has been completed the team will relocate to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for the second European-based test session, to be run between 31 January and 1 February.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “I am excited to get back on the bike again because in the December test, to be honest, my motivation wasn’t very high, coming straight after the last round of the previous season. At that test there were some definitive parts that we had to make decisons on, so that we could be supplied with them this season. The guys have now had time to think about it all and everybody is re-motivated. We have some new staff in the garage as well for 2023. So I am looking forward to getting stuck in once we get to Jerez. Of course, in January it can be a bit hit-and-miss with the weather, but we are praying for some dry weather to keep working with the Ninja ZX-10RR.”
Alex Lowes, stated: “The plans are to get back up to speed, and get plenty of laps in, with an eye on the first round at Phillip Island. Then we will see what we have at the end of this test. I am sure Marcel from the chassis side and Danilo from the electronics side will have a few things to try – ideas they have had at the end of last season and new stuff to try for this year. So there will be a little bit of checking going on. This one is more than trying to fine tune the bike set-up; the target should be to try the new components and new parts back-to-back with the previous ones. Then, whatever the weather conditions are, you can still get a good idea of how they work. From a riding point of view, I want to improve on last year and build up again for the first round in Australia.”
Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “We will start the new year with this test in Jerez, alongside the majority of our competitors. In the last two years we had to face the reality that other bikes and teams made a better job than us, in combination with their riders. We took note and have worked hard to adjust our weak points as much possible. In the direction of maximising the tools we already have, we have reorganised the team workflow and included new staff to achieve new goals. At the same time, KMC, Showa and many of our suppliers have worked to give us upgraded tools. Alex and Johnny are working so hard as well, so we have all the ingredients to make a good meal. Let’s see if we are able to cook it well and enjoy nice dinner together at the end of year.”
As well as the official KRT WorldSBK team the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing squad, complete with 2023 signing Tom Sykes, will test at Jerez and Portimao.
On January 22, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. hosted an event to celebrate the renewed partnership of Monster Energy and Yamaha Racing. The event coincided with the AMA Supercross round in San Diego and featured appearances by Yamaha Pro riders, including 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo, who had just traveled in from the official Monster Energy Yamaha team introduction in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Quartararo arrived to the event early, stayed late, chatted freely with anyone who approached him, and indulged an exclusive interview request from Roadracingworld.com without hesitation.
Roadracingworld.com: In December, you announced on social media that you broke your left hand while riding motocross, but we never saw any details about the incident. Is it a big secret?
Fabio Quartararo: No, just embarrassing (laughs). I went over a jump and I was too long. So, I landed in the flat and went over the handlebars.
Fabio Quartararo with his freshly broken left hand. Photo courtesy Fabio Quartararo.
RW.com: And exactly which bones did you break?
FQ: I don’t know how you say in English, but it’s like pyramidal [triquetral] and semi-luniare [lunate], the one on top of the radius and [ulna]. It’s more in the hand than wrist.
RW.com: But not the scaphoid?
FQ: No, no, no. Not the scaphoid. I was scared that it was the scaphoid, but it was OK.
RW.com: How is it now?
FQ: It’s good. It’s five weeks, close to six weeks right now, and I will be back on a motocross [bike] on Tuesday [January 24]. I’m really looking forward to riding again.
RW.com: When you tried the new Yamaha YZR-M1 at the Misano test you were very happy. And then when you tried the new bike again at Valencia you were not so happy. Was the feeling that different?
FQ: Yes, I would say the feeling was pretty bad. At Misano and Barcelona (Catalunya), it was pretty good, so I’m really looking forward to the next test in Sepang.
Fabio Quartararo (20) testing the 2023 YZR-M1 at Valencia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
RW.com: Will you know it’s better on the first lap?
FQ: Yes, straightaway. In the first five laps, I will know if the bike is good not, especially on the top speed. For the chassis and everything you need to do more [laps], but on the engine I will know straightaway if it is better or not.
RW.com: This year we will have two races each MotoGP weekend. Will you change how you train to prepare for the races?
FQ: Yeah. It’s going to be different and you need to be able to adapt quite quickly on the new format. We will need to be super smart and the team will need to understand how fast we need to adapt race by race.
RW.com: I imagine with the shorter sprint race you can be full gas and not worry about the tire?
FQ: Exactly. No worries about the tire. The fuel, we will still have a [capacity] regulation, but let’s see. I don’t have much info about it, but it’s going to be great.
2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo and his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 in its new, 2023 livery. Photo by David Swarts.
RW.com: We were writing something recently and we remembered that you are still the second-youngest rider in MotoGP (23 years old) even though you have been there four years. Crazy, yes?
FQ: Yeah, it’s pretty nice. It’s a nice feeling. I think it means that I was pretty young when I started and we are doing pretty well.
RW.com: Do you see yourself racing for a long time?
FQ: It depends on what’s a long time for you, but I wish to be 10 more years in MotoGP. It depends a lot on how it’s going with injuries. Hopefully, I will not get so many injuries, but of course I would like to ride until I’m 32 or 33.
RW.com: If I were to say there is something about you that reminds me of Valentino [Rossi], your personality or the way you show your emotions, would that be something you would agree with?
FQ: Of course, to have my personality is something great because some riders can be super fast but don’t have the personality. And I feel like OK, I have my own personality. It’s different to the other one, but it’s true that many people say the charisma I have is close to Valentino. This is a great thing.
RW.com: Thank you.
FQ: You are welcome.
Quartararo said he planned to stay and train in Southern California for the next two weeks, before traveling directly to the pre-season MotoGP tests at Sepang.
An overhead view of the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23s. The bike in the middle has Bagnaia’s stickers on the windscreen. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The front and rear views of the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23s. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The view from the seat of Enea Bastianini’s Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The cockpit of Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The buttons on the left handlebar of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 including lock/unlock buttons that are probably related to the holeshot device. Photo courtesy Ducati.
What looks like a fuel tank on a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 is actually a cover for most of the electronics, which receive all important cooling air from the ducts. The fuel tank starts at the filler cap and extends down and back under the rider’s seat. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The ram air intake on a Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The upper aerodynamic winglets on Enea Bastianini’s Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The mid-fairing aerodynamic winglets and lower aerodynamic ducts on a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The tail of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 fitted with vertical aerodynamic winglets and an electronic valve motor visible on top of the Akrapovic tailpipe. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Another view of the tail of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23. The square-shaped depression is where a GPS receiver usually goes, but the big deal here — as mechanics all over the world are cringing at — is the mismatched fasteners. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The front end of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 with its carbon-fiber Öhlins forks and their carbon-fiber streamlining. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Another view of the front end of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 with wiring leading to all sorts of sensors related to wheel speed, braking pressure, brake temperature, suspension travel, etc. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team unveils the liveries for the 2023 WorldSBK season in a spectacular joint presentation with the Ducati Lenovo Team MotoGP
The beautiful snow-covered Alps of Madonna di Campiglio (TN, Italy) provided the backdrop for the spectacular presentation of the two teams that won everything in last year’s two world motorbike championships.
On one side the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team that dominated in WorldSBK with Alvaro Bautista, on the other the Ducati Lenovo Team that triumphed in MotoGP with Francesco Bagnaia.
The 2023 season will bring exciting challenges also to the champions’ teammates, Michael Rinaldi with his Ducati Panigale V4R and Enea Bastianini with his Ducati Desmosedici GP.
During the unveiling of the four bikes held at Pala Campiglio, the packed audience of authorities, sponsors, and guests witnessed also the surprise of the number 1 on both bikes.
In fact, both the champions will ride in the next MotoGP and WorldSBK campaign with the number one on their Ducati.
Celebration time for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, however, is already over. Riders and staff will leave Madonna di Campiglio tomorrow morning to travel to Jerez della Frontera where the first tests of the 2023 season will get underway on Wednesday, followed by the Portimao sessions scheduled for 31 January and 1 February. The first race weekend (preceded by two more days of testing) is set for 24-26 February at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia.
Stefano Cecconi (Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“We have worked hard over the last few years to achieve the result of last season. Winning the title, however, does not represent a point of arrival for us, but rather an extra stimulus to keep on developing and increasing our professionalism and commitment. Therefore, we will start again from the certainties of Alvaro, the desire of Michael, the performance of the Ducati Panigale V4 R and the inestimable human value of the entire team. It will be an unprecedented season for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati: we will probably be considered the team to beat. This means responsibility, concentration, determination but also pride, a sense of belonging and a desire to defend the position we have conquered without ever losing faith in our means, even when the results were not what we hoped for. We have represented Ducati in the Superbike World Championship since 2015 and we want to continue to do so in the best possible way in the 2023 season. That’s why I wish the riders and all the team members the best of luck.”
Claudio Domenicali (Amministratore Delegato Ducati Motor Holding)
“Today we live another remarkable moment for Ducati. For the first time in the Company’s history, we are launching together both MotoGP and WorldSBK official teams, the Ducati Lenovo Team and Aruba.it – Racing Ducati team. Resuming all together is a beautiful way to celebrate the value and skills of the best Ducati Corse squad ever, whose everyday work has taken us to the top of the world. After the incredible successes of the past racing season, the challenge of reconfirming ourselves fascinates us. I am happy that it starts from a location like Madonna di Campiglio, a perfect expression of the “Made in Italy” of which we are proud ambassadors. Ducati is a brand distinguished by style, performance and technology, where passion for racing is a central element. Working while having fun is part of our philosophy. It adds value to what we do and allows us to commit even more by managing fatigue better. The beauty and opportunities of the mountains that welcome us are the perfect opportunities to combine the commitments of the presentation event with moments of pure delight to give us the right energy for the start of the season.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Direttore Generale di Ducati Corse)
“2022 has been an incredible year for us. Alvaro and the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team have won everything that could be achieved in the World Superbike Championship bringing back to Bologna the Manufacturers’, Riders’ and Teams’ World Titles that had been missing for so many years. These successes represent a source of motivation for us this year. The goal is not just trying to repeat ourselves but also trying to surpass ourselves. Obviously, it won’t be easy. The level of the production based World Championship increases season by season, as the incredible duels and heated battles from last year demonstrated and 2023 will not be any less! We are ready for another exciting challenge, knowing that we will be able to count once again on the winning combination of reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista and our Panigale V4 R machine, but also on Michael Ruben Rinaldi in his third season with the factory squad. We can’t wait to start the new season to defend the three World Titles”
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“We have a new challenge ahead of us. After a fantastic season in which we won with Ducati in both Superbike and MotoGP, 2023 will inevitably be a difficult year. Racing with the number 1, in fact, means that our objective can only be one: to win. We’ll have a lot of pressure but at the same time we’ll have to keep calm, try to work with high concentration but also with serenity. We’ll have a new bike and even if it won’t be extremely different from the 2022 one, the work that we’ll be able to do before the first race is crucial: we have to fix all the details that will allow us to get the best performance. I’d also like to address a thought to all the Ducatistas: I’m very proud of all our fans who followed us last season, and I hope that with the result we’ve achieved, in 2023 there will be even more of them supporting us at circuits all over the world. I am a Ducatista and I feel lucky to be able to defend the colours of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team”.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“I start this new adventure with great enthusiasm. Together with my team we have always made progress in the last two years, managing to improve our results. As a team we won the three titles last season and this means that the package is very strong. During the winter, we have analyzed the points we have to focus on, in order to improve and to be competitive for the title race. I have worked a lot over the last few weeks and I will continue to do so with great dedication as I want to always be able to express my maximum potential. There will be a lot of new things, also on the bike, so I can’t wait to get started. I want to thank Aruba and Ducati for the opportunity to ride this beautiful Panigale V4 R and be part of such an ambitious team”.
Campioni in Pista: the Ducati Lenovo Team unveils 2023 livery at Madonna di Campiglio
Ducati unveils official MotoGP and WorldSBK teams’ liveries in Madonna di Campiglio during the “Campioni in Pista” event
The Ducati Lenovo Team is ready to defend the Riders’, Constructors’ and Teams’ World Titles secured in MotoGP in 2022 with reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia
Enea Bastianini, Bagnaia’s new teammate, makes his debut wearing the Ducati Lenovo Team colours
Bagnaia’s Desmosedici GP sports the World Champion’s number 1
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding: “Working while having fun is part of our philosophy. It adds value to what we do and allows us to commit even more by managing fatigue better”
Madonna di Campiglio (TN, Italy), 23rd January 2023 – At the Palacampiglio of Madonna di Campiglio, in the enchanting setting of the snow-capped Dolomites, the livery of the Desmosedici GP bikes with which the Ducati Lenovo Team will take part in the 2023 MotoGP World Championship has been unveiled. The official Ducati team, which this year celebrates 20 years since its debut in the premier class in 2003, is ready to defend the Constructors’, Teams’ and Riders’ World Titles clinched last year together with reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia in his third season with the Borgo Panigale based squad. Enea Bastianini, who finished third in the 2022 World Championship with the Desmosedici GP of the Gresini Racing team, will be alongside him wearing the official Ducati colours for the first time. Everything is set for another exciting season, with the first race out of 21 scheduled to take place in Portimão, Portugal, on 26th March. In addition to the traditional Sunday race, starting this year, a sprint race on Saturday at each Grands Prix will add more excitement to the 2023 MotoGP World Championship.
The presentation, held this morning in front of an affluent audience composed of Ducati’s partners and sponsors, local authorities, members of the national and international press, as well as other important guests, took place during the “Campioni in Pista” event, organized by Ducati in collaboration with the Azienda per il Turismo Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino Marketing and with the participation of partners Lenovo, Aruba.it, Monster Energy, Shell and Audi. As always, the unveiling of the Desmosedici GP 2023 has been the most exciting moment, with Bagnaia and Bastianini unveiling the new livery, which again this year maintains the classic Ducati red colour scheme, enhanced by some carbon details and in a lighter shade of red. Another novelty is that Bagnaia chose the World Champion’s number 1 to ride the entire 2023 season in MotoGP.
Bagnaia’s Desmosedici GP has not been the only Ducati to sport the number 1 on stage. The event was further enriched by the presence of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, the official Superbike team of the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer, which secured the Riders’, Teams’ and Manufacturers World Titles in the 2022 World Superbike Championship. Also, on the Panigale V4 R of Spanish champion Alvaro Bautista, in his second consecutive year with Ducati, the number 1 stands out. Michael Ruben Rinaldi will continue to ride alongside him for the third consecutive season as an official Ducati rider in WorldSBK.
Claudio Domenicali (CEO of Ducati Motor Holding)
“Today we live another remarkable moment for Ducati. For the first time in the Company’s history, we are launching together both MotoGP and WorldSBK official teams, the Ducati Lenovo Team and Aruba.it – Racing Ducati team. Resuming all together is a beautiful way to celebrate the value and skills of the best Ducati Corse squad ever, whose everyday work has taken us to the top of the world. After the incredible successes of the past racing season, the challenge of reconfirming ourselves fascinates us. I am happy that it starts from a location like Madonna di Campiglio, a perfect expression of the “Made in Italy” of which we are proud ambassadors. Ducati is a brand distinguished by style, performance and technology, where passion for racing is a central element. Working while having fun is part of our philosophy. It adds value to what we do and allows us to commit even more by managing fatigue better. The beauty and opportunities of the mountains that welcome us are the perfect opportunities to combine the commitments of the presentation event with moments of pure delight to give us the right energy for the start of the season.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)
“The start of a new season is always exciting, and this year, even more following a 2022 destined to remain in history. Replicating last year’s results will be challenging, but our goal is always to surpass ourselves and constantly improve. In MotoGP, in addition to World Champion Pecco Bagnaia, we will also be able to count on Enea Bastianini, third in the World Championship last year with Ducati team Gresini Racing. We are convinced that both our riders will be, again this year, among the protagonists of the Championship. For sure, the competition will be even higher. There are many strong riders on the grid, and the other manufacturers will certainly have worked hard during the winter. However, we have not been outdone, so we look forward to starting this new season and defending the three titles we won last year.”
Luca Rossi (President of Intelligent Devices Group at Lenovo)
“After an extremely successful year, we’re thrilled to kick off this new season together. We are proud of all that we’ve achieved over the past five years, since the beginning of our technology partnership with Ducati, and we are excited to continue working together to lead innovation and constantly improve on-track performance. Technology plays a crucial role in the challenging world of motorsports. From real-time data analysis, artificial intelligence, and simulations to smart collaboration and augmented reality, Lenovo is working closely with Ducati to unleash the value of digital transformation and achieve even better results. Building on our common values of speed, dedication, team spirit and a focus on results, we’ll continue moving forward toward a faster, safer, and more exciting sport.”
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“My winter break was shorter than usual because of all the commitments after winning the World Championship, but now I am charged up and eager to start the season. I have missed the Desmosedici GP and my team, and I can’t wait to get back on track. I could not decide whether to continue using the number 63 or switch to the number 1, and in the end, I decided on the latter. Seeing it on the bike is beautiful, and now my goal will be to do everything to keep it. It won’t be easy because I expect even tougher competition than last year, with many rivals ready to fight for the title: however, I am aware that I have the best bike and team to aim high again in 2023. Thanks again to all of Ducati and my team! I am ready to resume our adventure together.”
Enea Bastianini. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Enea Bastianini (#23, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“Wearing the colours of the official team is a great emotion, and now it is up to me to prove that I deserve this opportunity. I am excited about the new season! Fortunately, I won’t have to wait long to be able to ride my red Desmosedici GP bike on track. In a couple of weeks, we will be in Sepang for the first test of the year, and it will be a crucial moment to get to know the guys in the team better and, above all, to start working on the bike. It’s going to be a very competitive year, and there will definitely be easy and more difficult moments to face, but I’m ready for anything! Thanks again to Claudio, Gigi, Paolo, Davide and the whole Ducati! I will give 100% as always.”
The Ducati Lenovo Team riders, together with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team duo, will be in Piazza Sissi, in the centre of Madonna di Campiglio, at 5:00pm to greet all their fans accompanied by the entertainment offered by Monster Energy, a new partner of Ducati Corse.
Tomorrow, Bagnaia and Bastianini will also experience the thrills on four wheels by participating in the Audi Driving Experience on the frozen lake in Madonna di Campiglio and enjoying a day of skiing on the spectacular slopes of the Pearl of the Dolomites.
Tomac Makes It Two-for-Two in Title Chase with San Diego Supercross Win
Lawrence Also Repeats with 250SX Class Win
San Diego, Calif., – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac grabbed his second victory of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season in front of a sold-out crowd inside Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb also replicated his Round 1 finish and earned second place at Round 3, although the race was only the second time the riders have faced off in 2023. Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia held off pressure right until the checkers to take the final podium spot at the first Supercross event held inside the new stadium.
In Western Regional 250SX Class racing, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence also repeated his opening round win with a nearly flawless ride. Tomac and Lawrence extended their points lead in the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship of 2023.
Eli Tomac (1) earned his 46th 450SX Class victory at the first Supercross race held in the all-new Snapdragon Stadium. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Just as at the previous round, Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols got through the first corner ahead of 21 other racers to nab the 450SX Class Main Event Holeshot. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo was quickly into the lead for the opening laps of the 20-minute plus one lap race. The racers who share the past four championships, Webb and Tomac, battled each other as they closed on the leader. Webb took over the front spot two and a half minutes into the race; Tomac also got around Cianciarulo and four minutes after the gate had dropped Tomac made the pass on Webb for the lead. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson pushed forward into third place as a battle brewed between Barcia and Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen for fourth.
Just past the race’s halfway point Anderson crashed in a turn, turning the battle between Barcia and Roczen into a podium position fight. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton was right behind and the three riders circled the track within a breath of each other. In the final laps Webb pulled close to Tomac’s rear fender, knocking the Yamaha rider’s lead down to just 1.4 seconds. Tomac held strong for the win, his second of the two races run so far this season.
Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence won the first two 250SX Class races of 2023 convincingly. There is already buzz about a possible perfect season which would put the Honda rider in a tie as the winningest all-time 125/250 SX rider. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
When the gate dropped for the Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event, Jett Lawrence darted to the lead ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes, Smartop MotoConcepts Racing Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire. Contact in the tight opening lap pushed Hampshire back but he quickly worked his way back to sixth and started picking off the riders ahead of him. Teammates Lopes and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti scrapped over second while McAdoo and Hampshire slowly pushed forward. Five minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race McAdoo put his Kawasaki into second and matched lap times with Lawrence, just two seconds ahead. Two minutes later Hampshire reached third. From there Lawrence pulled out some breathing room. As the race clock neared :30 remaining Hampshire cut under McAdoo to match his Round 1 performance and earn second place points.
The series travels back up the California coast to Angel Stadium of Anaheim for a race that pays points to both the Monster Energy Supercross season and the SuperMotocross World Championship series. Monster Energy AMA Supercross Round 2 was postponed due to area flooding and has found its new place on the schedule; the racers will battle at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, California on February 18th. The Oakland Supercross will go into the record books as Round 2 of the 2023 season but will sit just after Round 6 on the calendar.
2023 is already proving to be a thrilling season on the track as well as off with the formation of the SuperMotocross World Championship. The new World Championship League brings champions and contenders of both the technical Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, and the wide-open AMA Pro Motocross season together for two exciting Playoff races and one Final race in October to crown a single champion in each class. The 450 Class winner will pocket a one million dollar win bonus and the 250 Class champ will take home $500,000.
From January through October all 31 SuperMotocross World Championship rounds are available live on PeacockTV. Select rounds will be broadcast domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. SuperMotocross.tv provides international coverage of the events.
Nothing matches the thrill of seeing the action live. Tickets are on sale now for all remaining Monster Energy AMA Supercross events. For tickets, race results, feature stories, and airtimes on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, and Cooper Webb. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
450SX Class Results
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
3. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
5. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
6. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
7. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
A scene from a USMCA coaching and ride day at Fox Raceway in 2022. Photo courtesy USMCA.
USMCA Welcomes Wells Fargo’s Paul Puma to the board of directors
Temecula, California (January 24, 2023) – Today, the United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) is proud to announce our continued relationship with Wells Fargo Distribution Finance (DF), a part of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC).
Wells Fargo DF has been aligned with the USMCA since USMCA’s inception in 2016, continuously funding the Association to pursue the vision of connecting riders with certified motorcycle coaches to create safer riders that stay in the sport for a lifetime.
The USMCA is also excited to welcome their newest board member to the coaching association. Starting in January, Paul Puma, lead DF sales representative with Wells Fargo, will take over Jeremy Jansen’s role on the board of directors for the USMCA.
“We are thankful for our long-lasting relationship with Wells Fargo. We have thoroughly enjoyed Jeremy Jansen’s involvement with the USMCA and his ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming Paul and his ideas to continue growth within the coaching association,” said Executive Director, Lindsey Scheltema.
“Joining the board of directors at the USMCA is an honor. As a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, I am excited to support the continued growth of this wonderful sport, and I look forward to watching the relationship between USMCA and Wells Fargo continue to develop and strengthen,” said Puma.
About the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA)
USMCA is an association where riders and parents can connect to motorcycle coaches they can trust through the network, www.MotorcycleCoaching.org.
All USMCA Certified Coaches are required to adhere to a code of conduct, pass a background check and hold certifications in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness & cardiac arrest training.
For more information on the USMCA or become a USMCA Certified Coach, visit www.USMCA.org.
Richie Escalante (54) has re-signed to ride a Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike again in 2023-2024. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
TYLER SCOTT AND RICHIE ESCALANTE RE-SIGN WITH VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI FOR 2023
BREA, CA – January 24, 2023 – Team Hammer, Inc. is excited to confirm that Supersport sensation Tyler Scott and former MotoAmerica Supersport champion Richie Escalante will return to the team for the 2023 season.
Scott will return to compete for the 2023 MotoAmerica Supersport crown aboard a Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750. Scott will also race with the team in Supersport or Superbike in 2024 with additional options for Superbike in 2025 and 2026.
Escalante will once again race the MotoAmerica Superbike class for Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki on board a Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
Tyler Scott (70) is looking to take charge in 2023, back aboard his GSX-R750. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Still just 17 years old, Scott was a revelation in his first season of middleweight competition after previously dominating the Junior Cup category. The Pennsylvania native quickly established himself at the front of the pack and was third in the final point standings.
Scott earned nine podium finishes during the 2022 season, including his first Supersport victory, which was secured via a strategic masterclass at Road America.
Tyler Scott is hoping to take the MotoAmerica Supersport title for 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
His 2022 Supersport exploits were just the latest in a lifetime of two-wheeled excellence. His 2021 Junior Cup title came via a mammoth, 44-point margin courtesy of 11 wins. Prior to that, he participated overseas in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the FIM CEV European Talent Cup.
Scott is also a dirt track prodigy of the highest order; he’s a four-time AMA Youth Dirt Track Racer of the Year with 13 AMA Grand Championships to his name.
“I’m super excited to be back with the team,” Scott said. “It’s for at least two years and I am happy about that. The plan is for a championship push in Supersport this year and, if all goes to plan, next year the goal is to give Superbike a shot. I will be working with Jeremy Toye as my Crew Chief in 2023, and I can’t wait for the first race. I had a good year last season, but this year the goal is no DNFs and to get as many podiums and wins as possible.”
“Tyler performed well during his rookie year,” said Chris Ulrich, Team Hammer Vice President of Operations. “He won and was a consistent podium contender. The team and Tyler expect him to improve in 2023 and to fight for more wins and podiums as he improves his skills.”
After a season of learning the power of the Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike, Richie Escalante (54) is ready to make strides towards the podium. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
A native of Tizayuca, Mexico, Escalante became the first Mexican to win an AMA Pro/MotoAmerica National road racing championship in 2020 with a stunning 13-win, 16-podium Supersport campaign. His title defense was another strong campaign as he won three races and earned 14 podiums before joining Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki to race in the Superbike class.
The 2022 season saw the hard-charging Escalante flash in his rookie Superbike campaign as he transitioned to the Suzuki GSX-R1000R before injuries slowed him down.
Richie Escalante is healthy and has new positive energy for the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
“This off-season, I took some time to fully recover from my Brainerd crash and now I am fully fit. I am ready to test and get ready for the long season and really happy about how things are shaping up,” said the 27-year-old.
“I am glad to be coming back with the same team and the same bike. I feel like I know the tracks on a Superbike now and that is especially important for our results. Of course, any rider’s goal is to win the championship and I think my next step in being able to do that is getting on the podium regularly,” continued Escalante. “Last year, our results were up and down but I learned so much about Superbike racing. Compared to Supersport, the competition is higher, so the process is more important. You have to work closely with the crew to get the ideal setting and then the results can improve.”
“We are really excited to have Richie back,” said Ulrich. “Going from the 600 to the Superbike is never easy but Richie gave maximum effort. By mid-season, he was closing the gap to the front and making progress before some crashes set him back. With another season together, we expect him to continue to close that gap and to fight for the podium.”
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Race bikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 129 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 345 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
Underground Team Racing riders Tommy Ryan (811) and Arch E. York (913). Photo by etechphoto.com, courtesy AHRMA.
AHRMA announces 2023 Road Racing Safety and Regional Sponsors
(Knoxville, TN) – Underground Team Racing, Kansas 811, and Missouri 811 are teaming up to be the official Safety Sponsor and Regional Title Sponsor for all American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) regional road racing events during 2023.
“We’re happy that Underground Team Racing, Kansas 811, and now Missouri 811 have signed on to support AHRMA and our goal of going fast while being safe,” said Brian Larrabure, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “It’s great when organizations in different areas but with similar goals can help promote each other and raise awareness of each of their missions.”
Underground Team Racing was established in 2018 to assist in delivering the 811 Call Before You Dig message at the races across the country.
In 2022, Underground Team Racing partnered with Kansas 811 to become AHRMA’s first Title Safety Sponsor. Missouri 811 is joining as a sponsor for the 2023 season.
“Underground Team Racing, Kansas 811, and Missouri 811 are passionate about delivering the 811 and safety messages, and our partnership with AHRMA has allowed us to increase the message nationwide,” said Arch York, Underground Team Racing team owner. “Our race team, Kansas 811, and Missouri 811 thank AHRMA for the opportunity to be this year’s Safety Sponsor. And remember, call before you dig.”
About Underground Team Racing, LLC.
Underground Team Racing (utr811.com) is a team of motorsports enthusiasts actively promoting underground safety and the 811 message to target audiences across the country.
About Kansas 811
Kansas 811 (kansas811.com)is committed to serving its membership and providing excellent notification services for excavators, promoting damage prevention, and protecting the public welfare. Kansas 811 is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kansas One-Call System, Inc., an incorporated not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, operates the statewide notification center for the State of Kansas. The organization is owned by the member underground utilities and is managed by a Board of Directors of underground utility owners/operators elected from the membership.
About Missouri 811
Missouri One Call System (Missouri 811) was established in 1986 in response to the Missouri Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention act 319 (RSMo Chapter 319). MOCS, operating as a non-profit corporation, consists of 19-board members that represent the various utility member types and other stakeholders.
About AHRMA
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
Kayla Yaakov (31) as seen during the Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup SuperFinale at Algarve International Circuit, in Portugal. Photo by Michael Gougis.
MotoAmerica racer Kayla Yaakov, age 15, is set to appear on an upcoming episode of the “TODAY with Hoda & Jenna” national morning show on NBC-TV.
“They’re doing a story with me, and it’s going to air February 1, I think,” Yaakov said as she and her father, ex-racer David Yaakov, drove from the interview shoot in Florida to their home in Pennsylvania. “We talked to some MotoAmerica people. I’m not exactly sure what went on behind the scenes to get me on it and how it was arranged.
“I was set up with one of the TODAY show people in late December when I was out with Melissa [Paris] and Josh [Hayes, Paris’ husband] at Buttonwillow doing a test. We did a short interview with them. They called us back and set up a date when we could all make it out to Jennings GP and get some footage of me riding and do some interviews, things like that.”
The interview was shot Monday, January 23.
MotoAmerica racer Kayla Yaakov being interviewed by TODAY Show contributor Donna Farizan at Jennings GP, in Florida. Photo by David Yaakov.
Sometimes when mainstream media members interview racers the questions can be predictable. “How fast do you go?” “Aren’t you scared?” But apparently that wasn’t the case with Yaakov.
“I thought the questions were kind of good,” said Yaakov. “It was a lot more personal and about me and my story in racing, my goals, the things I’d like to do, and how last year was challenging for me in a lot of ways. I think it was a good representation of the year.”
Yaakov had a breakout year in 2022, finishing third in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship with four race wins and a podium finish in the Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup SuperFinale in Portugal. And she did most of it with a very injured left knee.
“I tore my ACL, my MCL, fractured my tibia and fibula, and had some muscle contusions. A lot of damage,” said Yaakov, who wore a brace on her knee, on and off the bike, throughout the second half of the 2022 season.
Kayla Yaakov rode her Yamaha YZF-R6 practice bike during taping for the TODAY Show segment. Photo by David Yaakov.
Yaakov said she has not had surgery yet and probably won’t have surgery to replace her ACL with a piece of her hamstring tendon until after the 2023 season.
“It hasn’t bothered me too much,” said Yaakov. “I still can’t run. That’s why I do cycling because it’s low impact. The bones have healed on their own, and the MCL can heal on its own, but the ACL is completely gone.”
Kayla Yaakov during testing at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in December. Photo by John Ulrich.
Yaakov is moving up to the MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twins Cup for 2023 and will ride a Yamaha YZF-R7 for Paris’ MP13 Racing, but she isn’t feeling too much pressure from the change of class or from riding for a high-profile personality like Paris.
“It’s definitely just another season for me,” said Yaakov. “I really don’t feel like I have a lot of pressure. It’s my first year in the class, and I don’t think there’s a lot of pressure for me to go out and win every race. Obviously, that’s something I would love to do. I’d love to go out and win, but it’s a new class for me and it’s a really stacked field. It’ll be good to further improve on my racecraft and things like that. I’ll be happy to have a good learning season, see how it goes, take it step-by-step and race-by-race.
“Also, with the MP13 Racing team behind me with Melissa and Josh and the great crew that they have and their great partners, it’s a great program and I’m super excited for it. We went out to [test at] Buttonwillow, and I had a great feeling with the bike. It was really positive, and I’m super excited to get the season started at Daytona in less than 45 days.”
The 2023 MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twins Cup season starts with two races March 9-11 at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Jonathan Rea (left) and Alex Lowes (right) with their Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Superbikes in their winter test liveries. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
First 2023 KRT Test Coming Soon
As the start of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship season draws ever nearer Kawasaki Racing Team’s rider pairing of Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes are more than eager to get back into testing action at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, between 25-26 January.
A December test at the same circuit, just after the end of a 2022 WorldSBK season in which Rea finished third in the overall standings and Lowes sixth, delivered changeable weather conditions for all. Understandably, the KRT squad members are hoping for a clear run of uninterrupted good weather at Jerez this time around.
This test is an important one to make final checks and decisions about the exact spec of the official Ninja ZX-10RR WorldSBK machines that will take on the first round of the championship at Phillip Island, in Australia, at the end of February.
Rea had a successful Jerez test last December despite only having half a day of almost fully dry conditions to ride in. He is in determined mood to start the new season well as he aims to add to his record tally of six WorldSBK championship wins, all secured in partnership with Kawasaki.
Like Rea, Lowes is looking forward to the forthcoming test, partly to get back up to speed but also to make those crucial final decisions about what new developments and settings to take forward into the 2023 season.
Many of KRT’s competitors will be testing at Jerez, which should give a strong indication of internal progress for the team and the kind of challenge that will face the Barcelona-based squad across all the rounds of the forthcoming season.
Soon after the Jerez test has been completed the team will relocate to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for the second European-based test session, to be run between 31 January and 1 February.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “I am excited to get back on the bike again because in the December test, to be honest, my motivation wasn’t very high, coming straight after the last round of the previous season. At that test there were some definitive parts that we had to make decisons on, so that we could be supplied with them this season. The guys have now had time to think about it all and everybody is re-motivated. We have some new staff in the garage as well for 2023. So I am looking forward to getting stuck in once we get to Jerez. Of course, in January it can be a bit hit-and-miss with the weather, but we are praying for some dry weather to keep working with the Ninja ZX-10RR.”
Alex Lowes, stated: “The plans are to get back up to speed, and get plenty of laps in, with an eye on the first round at Phillip Island. Then we will see what we have at the end of this test. I am sure Marcel from the chassis side and Danilo from the electronics side will have a few things to try – ideas they have had at the end of last season and new stuff to try for this year. So there will be a little bit of checking going on. This one is more than trying to fine tune the bike set-up; the target should be to try the new components and new parts back-to-back with the previous ones. Then, whatever the weather conditions are, you can still get a good idea of how they work. From a riding point of view, I want to improve on last year and build up again for the first round in Australia.”
Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager, stated: “We will start the new year with this test in Jerez, alongside the majority of our competitors. In the last two years we had to face the reality that other bikes and teams made a better job than us, in combination with their riders. We took note and have worked hard to adjust our weak points as much possible. In the direction of maximising the tools we already have, we have reorganised the team workflow and included new staff to achieve new goals. At the same time, KMC, Showa and many of our suppliers have worked to give us upgraded tools. Alex and Johnny are working so hard as well, so we have all the ingredients to make a good meal. Let’s see if we are able to cook it well and enjoy nice dinner together at the end of year.”
As well as the official KRT WorldSBK team the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing squad, complete with 2023 signing Tom Sykes, will test at Jerez and Portimao.
Fabio Quartararo (20) at speed during the race weekend at Valencia. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
On January 22, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. hosted an event to celebrate the renewed partnership of Monster Energy and Yamaha Racing. The event coincided with the AMA Supercross round in San Diego and featured appearances by Yamaha Pro riders, including 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo, who had just traveled in from the official Monster Energy Yamaha team introduction in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Quartararo arrived to the event early, stayed late, chatted freely with anyone who approached him, and indulged an exclusive interview request from Roadracingworld.com without hesitation.
Roadracingworld.com: In December, you announced on social media that you broke your left hand while riding motocross, but we never saw any details about the incident. Is it a big secret?
Fabio Quartararo: No, just embarrassing (laughs). I went over a jump and I was too long. So, I landed in the flat and went over the handlebars.
Fabio Quartararo with his freshly broken left hand. Photo courtesy Fabio Quartararo.
RW.com: And exactly which bones did you break?
FQ: I don’t know how you say in English, but it’s like pyramidal [triquetral] and semi-luniare [lunate], the one on top of the radius and [ulna]. It’s more in the hand than wrist.
RW.com: But not the scaphoid?
FQ: No, no, no. Not the scaphoid. I was scared that it was the scaphoid, but it was OK.
RW.com: How is it now?
FQ: It’s good. It’s five weeks, close to six weeks right now, and I will be back on a motocross [bike] on Tuesday [January 24]. I’m really looking forward to riding again.
RW.com: When you tried the new Yamaha YZR-M1 at the Misano test you were very happy. And then when you tried the new bike again at Valencia you were not so happy. Was the feeling that different?
FQ: Yes, I would say the feeling was pretty bad. At Misano and Barcelona (Catalunya), it was pretty good, so I’m really looking forward to the next test in Sepang.
Fabio Quartararo (20) testing the 2023 YZR-M1 at Valencia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
RW.com: Will you know it’s better on the first lap?
FQ: Yes, straightaway. In the first five laps, I will know if the bike is good not, especially on the top speed. For the chassis and everything you need to do more [laps], but on the engine I will know straightaway if it is better or not.
RW.com: This year we will have two races each MotoGP weekend. Will you change how you train to prepare for the races?
FQ: Yeah. It’s going to be different and you need to be able to adapt quite quickly on the new format. We will need to be super smart and the team will need to understand how fast we need to adapt race by race.
RW.com: I imagine with the shorter sprint race you can be full gas and not worry about the tire?
FQ: Exactly. No worries about the tire. The fuel, we will still have a [capacity] regulation, but let’s see. I don’t have much info about it, but it’s going to be great.
2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo and his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 in its new, 2023 livery. Photo by David Swarts.
RW.com: We were writing something recently and we remembered that you are still the second-youngest rider in MotoGP (23 years old) even though you have been there four years. Crazy, yes?
FQ: Yeah, it’s pretty nice. It’s a nice feeling. I think it means that I was pretty young when I started and we are doing pretty well.
RW.com: Do you see yourself racing for a long time?
FQ: It depends on what’s a long time for you, but I wish to be 10 more years in MotoGP. It depends a lot on how it’s going with injuries. Hopefully, I will not get so many injuries, but of course I would like to ride until I’m 32 or 33.
RW.com: If I were to say there is something about you that reminds me of Valentino [Rossi], your personality or the way you show your emotions, would that be something you would agree with?
FQ: Of course, to have my personality is something great because some riders can be super fast but don’t have the personality. And I feel like OK, I have my own personality. It’s different to the other one, but it’s true that many people say the charisma I have is close to Valentino. This is a great thing.
RW.com: Thank you.
FQ: You are welcome.
Quartararo said he planned to stay and train in Southern California for the next two weeks, before traveling directly to the pre-season MotoGP tests at Sepang.
The right profile view of Francesco Bagnaia's Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
An overhead view of the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23s. The bike in the middle has Bagnaia’s stickers on the windscreen. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The front and rear views of the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23s. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The view from the seat of Enea Bastianini’s Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The cockpit of Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The buttons on the left handlebar of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 including lock/unlock buttons that are probably related to the holeshot device. Photo courtesy Ducati.
What looks like a fuel tank on a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 is actually a cover for most of the electronics, which receive all important cooling air from the ducts. The fuel tank starts at the filler cap and extends down and back under the rider’s seat. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The ram air intake on a Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The upper aerodynamic winglets on Enea Bastianini’s Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The mid-fairing aerodynamic winglets and lower aerodynamic ducts on a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The tail of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 fitted with vertical aerodynamic winglets and an electronic valve motor visible on top of the Akrapovic tailpipe. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Another view of the tail of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23. The square-shaped depression is where a GPS receiver usually goes, but the big deal here — as mechanics all over the world are cringing at — is the mismatched fasteners. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The front end of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 with its carbon-fiber Öhlins forks and their carbon-fiber streamlining. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Another view of the front end of a factory Ducati Desmosedici GP23 with wiring leading to all sorts of sensors related to wheel speed, braking pressure, brake temperature, suspension travel, etc. Photo courtesy Ducati.
2022 Superbike World Champion Alvaro Bautista (left) and teammate Michael Rinaldi (right) with their Ducati Panigale V4 R Superbikes. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team unveils the liveries for the 2023 WorldSBK season in a spectacular joint presentation with the Ducati Lenovo Team MotoGP
The beautiful snow-covered Alps of Madonna di Campiglio (TN, Italy) provided the backdrop for the spectacular presentation of the two teams that won everything in last year’s two world motorbike championships.
On one side the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team that dominated in WorldSBK with Alvaro Bautista, on the other the Ducati Lenovo Team that triumphed in MotoGP with Francesco Bagnaia.
The 2023 season will bring exciting challenges also to the champions’ teammates, Michael Rinaldi with his Ducati Panigale V4R and Enea Bastianini with his Ducati Desmosedici GP.
During the unveiling of the four bikes held at Pala Campiglio, the packed audience of authorities, sponsors, and guests witnessed also the surprise of the number 1 on both bikes.
In fact, both the champions will ride in the next MotoGP and WorldSBK campaign with the number one on their Ducati.
Celebration time for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, however, is already over. Riders and staff will leave Madonna di Campiglio tomorrow morning to travel to Jerez della Frontera where the first tests of the 2023 season will get underway on Wednesday, followed by the Portimao sessions scheduled for 31 January and 1 February. The first race weekend (preceded by two more days of testing) is set for 24-26 February at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia.
Stefano Cecconi (Team Principal Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“We have worked hard over the last few years to achieve the result of last season. Winning the title, however, does not represent a point of arrival for us, but rather an extra stimulus to keep on developing and increasing our professionalism and commitment. Therefore, we will start again from the certainties of Alvaro, the desire of Michael, the performance of the Ducati Panigale V4 R and the inestimable human value of the entire team. It will be an unprecedented season for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati: we will probably be considered the team to beat. This means responsibility, concentration, determination but also pride, a sense of belonging and a desire to defend the position we have conquered without ever losing faith in our means, even when the results were not what we hoped for. We have represented Ducati in the Superbike World Championship since 2015 and we want to continue to do so in the best possible way in the 2023 season. That’s why I wish the riders and all the team members the best of luck.”
Claudio Domenicali (Amministratore Delegato Ducati Motor Holding)
“Today we live another remarkable moment for Ducati. For the first time in the Company’s history, we are launching together both MotoGP and WorldSBK official teams, the Ducati Lenovo Team and Aruba.it – Racing Ducati team. Resuming all together is a beautiful way to celebrate the value and skills of the best Ducati Corse squad ever, whose everyday work has taken us to the top of the world. After the incredible successes of the past racing season, the challenge of reconfirming ourselves fascinates us. I am happy that it starts from a location like Madonna di Campiglio, a perfect expression of the “Made in Italy” of which we are proud ambassadors. Ducati is a brand distinguished by style, performance and technology, where passion for racing is a central element. Working while having fun is part of our philosophy. It adds value to what we do and allows us to commit even more by managing fatigue better. The beauty and opportunities of the mountains that welcome us are the perfect opportunities to combine the commitments of the presentation event with moments of pure delight to give us the right energy for the start of the season.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Direttore Generale di Ducati Corse)
“2022 has been an incredible year for us. Alvaro and the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team have won everything that could be achieved in the World Superbike Championship bringing back to Bologna the Manufacturers’, Riders’ and Teams’ World Titles that had been missing for so many years. These successes represent a source of motivation for us this year. The goal is not just trying to repeat ourselves but also trying to surpass ourselves. Obviously, it won’t be easy. The level of the production based World Championship increases season by season, as the incredible duels and heated battles from last year demonstrated and 2023 will not be any less! We are ready for another exciting challenge, knowing that we will be able to count once again on the winning combination of reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista and our Panigale V4 R machine, but also on Michael Ruben Rinaldi in his third season with the factory squad. We can’t wait to start the new season to defend the three World Titles”
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“We have a new challenge ahead of us. After a fantastic season in which we won with Ducati in both Superbike and MotoGP, 2023 will inevitably be a difficult year. Racing with the number 1, in fact, means that our objective can only be one: to win. We’ll have a lot of pressure but at the same time we’ll have to keep calm, try to work with high concentration but also with serenity. We’ll have a new bike and even if it won’t be extremely different from the 2022 one, the work that we’ll be able to do before the first race is crucial: we have to fix all the details that will allow us to get the best performance. I’d also like to address a thought to all the Ducatistas: I’m very proud of all our fans who followed us last season, and I hope that with the result we’ve achieved, in 2023 there will be even more of them supporting us at circuits all over the world. I am a Ducatista and I feel lucky to be able to defend the colours of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team”.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“I start this new adventure with great enthusiasm. Together with my team we have always made progress in the last two years, managing to improve our results. As a team we won the three titles last season and this means that the package is very strong. During the winter, we have analyzed the points we have to focus on, in order to improve and to be competitive for the title race. I have worked a lot over the last few weeks and I will continue to do so with great dedication as I want to always be able to express my maximum potential. There will be a lot of new things, also on the bike, so I can’t wait to get started. I want to thank Aruba and Ducati for the opportunity to ride this beautiful Panigale V4 R and be part of such an ambitious team”.
2022 MotoGP World Champion Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia (left) and his new teammate Enea Bastianini (right). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Campioni in Pista: the Ducati Lenovo Team unveils 2023 livery at Madonna di Campiglio
Ducati unveils official MotoGP and WorldSBK teams’ liveries in Madonna di Campiglio during the “Campioni in Pista” event
The Ducati Lenovo Team is ready to defend the Riders’, Constructors’ and Teams’ World Titles secured in MotoGP in 2022 with reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia
Enea Bastianini, Bagnaia’s new teammate, makes his debut wearing the Ducati Lenovo Team colours
Bagnaia’s Desmosedici GP sports the World Champion’s number 1
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding: “Working while having fun is part of our philosophy. It adds value to what we do and allows us to commit even more by managing fatigue better”
Madonna di Campiglio (TN, Italy), 23rd January 2023 – At the Palacampiglio of Madonna di Campiglio, in the enchanting setting of the snow-capped Dolomites, the livery of the Desmosedici GP bikes with which the Ducati Lenovo Team will take part in the 2023 MotoGP World Championship has been unveiled. The official Ducati team, which this year celebrates 20 years since its debut in the premier class in 2003, is ready to defend the Constructors’, Teams’ and Riders’ World Titles clinched last year together with reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia in his third season with the Borgo Panigale based squad. Enea Bastianini, who finished third in the 2022 World Championship with the Desmosedici GP of the Gresini Racing team, will be alongside him wearing the official Ducati colours for the first time. Everything is set for another exciting season, with the first race out of 21 scheduled to take place in Portimão, Portugal, on 26th March. In addition to the traditional Sunday race, starting this year, a sprint race on Saturday at each Grands Prix will add more excitement to the 2023 MotoGP World Championship.
The presentation, held this morning in front of an affluent audience composed of Ducati’s partners and sponsors, local authorities, members of the national and international press, as well as other important guests, took place during the “Campioni in Pista” event, organized by Ducati in collaboration with the Azienda per il Turismo Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino Marketing and with the participation of partners Lenovo, Aruba.it, Monster Energy, Shell and Audi. As always, the unveiling of the Desmosedici GP 2023 has been the most exciting moment, with Bagnaia and Bastianini unveiling the new livery, which again this year maintains the classic Ducati red colour scheme, enhanced by some carbon details and in a lighter shade of red. Another novelty is that Bagnaia chose the World Champion’s number 1 to ride the entire 2023 season in MotoGP.
Bagnaia’s Desmosedici GP has not been the only Ducati to sport the number 1 on stage. The event was further enriched by the presence of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, the official Superbike team of the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer, which secured the Riders’, Teams’ and Manufacturers World Titles in the 2022 World Superbike Championship. Also, on the Panigale V4 R of Spanish champion Alvaro Bautista, in his second consecutive year with Ducati, the number 1 stands out. Michael Ruben Rinaldi will continue to ride alongside him for the third consecutive season as an official Ducati rider in WorldSBK.
Claudio Domenicali (CEO of Ducati Motor Holding)
“Today we live another remarkable moment for Ducati. For the first time in the Company’s history, we are launching together both MotoGP and WorldSBK official teams, the Ducati Lenovo Team and Aruba.it – Racing Ducati team. Resuming all together is a beautiful way to celebrate the value and skills of the best Ducati Corse squad ever, whose everyday work has taken us to the top of the world. After the incredible successes of the past racing season, the challenge of reconfirming ourselves fascinates us. I am happy that it starts from a location like Madonna di Campiglio, a perfect expression of the “Made in Italy” of which we are proud ambassadors. Ducati is a brand distinguished by style, performance and technology, where passion for racing is a central element. Working while having fun is part of our philosophy. It adds value to what we do and allows us to commit even more by managing fatigue better. The beauty and opportunities of the mountains that welcome us are the perfect opportunities to combine the commitments of the presentation event with moments of pure delight to give us the right energy for the start of the season.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager)
“The start of a new season is always exciting, and this year, even more following a 2022 destined to remain in history. Replicating last year’s results will be challenging, but our goal is always to surpass ourselves and constantly improve. In MotoGP, in addition to World Champion Pecco Bagnaia, we will also be able to count on Enea Bastianini, third in the World Championship last year with Ducati team Gresini Racing. We are convinced that both our riders will be, again this year, among the protagonists of the Championship. For sure, the competition will be even higher. There are many strong riders on the grid, and the other manufacturers will certainly have worked hard during the winter. However, we have not been outdone, so we look forward to starting this new season and defending the three titles we won last year.”
Luca Rossi (President of Intelligent Devices Group at Lenovo)
“After an extremely successful year, we’re thrilled to kick off this new season together. We are proud of all that we’ve achieved over the past five years, since the beginning of our technology partnership with Ducati, and we are excited to continue working together to lead innovation and constantly improve on-track performance. Technology plays a crucial role in the challenging world of motorsports. From real-time data analysis, artificial intelligence, and simulations to smart collaboration and augmented reality, Lenovo is working closely with Ducati to unleash the value of digital transformation and achieve even better results. Building on our common values of speed, dedication, team spirit and a focus on results, we’ll continue moving forward toward a faster, safer, and more exciting sport.”
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“My winter break was shorter than usual because of all the commitments after winning the World Championship, but now I am charged up and eager to start the season. I have missed the Desmosedici GP and my team, and I can’t wait to get back on track. I could not decide whether to continue using the number 63 or switch to the number 1, and in the end, I decided on the latter. Seeing it on the bike is beautiful, and now my goal will be to do everything to keep it. It won’t be easy because I expect even tougher competition than last year, with many rivals ready to fight for the title: however, I am aware that I have the best bike and team to aim high again in 2023. Thanks again to all of Ducati and my team! I am ready to resume our adventure together.”
Enea Bastianini. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Enea Bastianini (#23, Ducati Lenovo Team)
“Wearing the colours of the official team is a great emotion, and now it is up to me to prove that I deserve this opportunity. I am excited about the new season! Fortunately, I won’t have to wait long to be able to ride my red Desmosedici GP bike on track. In a couple of weeks, we will be in Sepang for the first test of the year, and it will be a crucial moment to get to know the guys in the team better and, above all, to start working on the bike. It’s going to be a very competitive year, and there will definitely be easy and more difficult moments to face, but I’m ready for anything! Thanks again to Claudio, Gigi, Paolo, Davide and the whole Ducati! I will give 100% as always.”
The Ducati Lenovo Team riders, together with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team duo, will be in Piazza Sissi, in the centre of Madonna di Campiglio, at 5:00pm to greet all their fans accompanied by the entertainment offered by Monster Energy, a new partner of Ducati Corse.
Tomorrow, Bagnaia and Bastianini will also experience the thrills on four wheels by participating in the Audi Driving Experience on the frozen lake in Madonna di Campiglio and enjoying a day of skiing on the spectacular slopes of the Pearl of the Dolomites.
Opening Ceremonies for the Inaugural Supercross at Snapdragon Stadium, Marking 40 Years of Racing in San Diego After Visiting Jack Murphy Stadium/Qualcomm Stadium and Petco Park. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Tomac Makes It Two-for-Two in Title Chase with San Diego Supercross Win
Lawrence Also Repeats with 250SX Class Win
San Diego, Calif., – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac grabbed his second victory of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season in front of a sold-out crowd inside Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb also replicated his Round 1 finish and earned second place at Round 3, although the race was only the second time the riders have faced off in 2023. Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia held off pressure right until the checkers to take the final podium spot at the first Supercross event held inside the new stadium.
In Western Regional 250SX Class racing, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence also repeated his opening round win with a nearly flawless ride. Tomac and Lawrence extended their points lead in the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship of 2023.
Eli Tomac (1) earned his 46th 450SX Class victory at the first Supercross race held in the all-new Snapdragon Stadium. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Just as at the previous round, Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols got through the first corner ahead of 21 other racers to nab the 450SX Class Main Event Holeshot. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo was quickly into the lead for the opening laps of the 20-minute plus one lap race. The racers who share the past four championships, Webb and Tomac, battled each other as they closed on the leader. Webb took over the front spot two and a half minutes into the race; Tomac also got around Cianciarulo and four minutes after the gate had dropped Tomac made the pass on Webb for the lead. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson pushed forward into third place as a battle brewed between Barcia and Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen for fourth.
Just past the race’s halfway point Anderson crashed in a turn, turning the battle between Barcia and Roczen into a podium position fight. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton was right behind and the three riders circled the track within a breath of each other. In the final laps Webb pulled close to Tomac’s rear fender, knocking the Yamaha rider’s lead down to just 1.4 seconds. Tomac held strong for the win, his second of the two races run so far this season.
Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence won the first two 250SX Class races of 2023 convincingly. There is already buzz about a possible perfect season which would put the Honda rider in a tie as the winningest all-time 125/250 SX rider. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
When the gate dropped for the Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event, Jett Lawrence darted to the lead ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes, Smartop MotoConcepts Racing Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire. Contact in the tight opening lap pushed Hampshire back but he quickly worked his way back to sixth and started picking off the riders ahead of him. Teammates Lopes and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti scrapped over second while McAdoo and Hampshire slowly pushed forward. Five minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race McAdoo put his Kawasaki into second and matched lap times with Lawrence, just two seconds ahead. Two minutes later Hampshire reached third. From there Lawrence pulled out some breathing room. As the race clock neared :30 remaining Hampshire cut under McAdoo to match his Round 1 performance and earn second place points.
The series travels back up the California coast to Angel Stadium of Anaheim for a race that pays points to both the Monster Energy Supercross season and the SuperMotocross World Championship series. Monster Energy AMA Supercross Round 2 was postponed due to area flooding and has found its new place on the schedule; the racers will battle at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, California on February 18th. The Oakland Supercross will go into the record books as Round 2 of the 2023 season but will sit just after Round 6 on the calendar.
2023 is already proving to be a thrilling season on the track as well as off with the formation of the SuperMotocross World Championship. The new World Championship League brings champions and contenders of both the technical Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, and the wide-open AMA Pro Motocross season together for two exciting Playoff races and one Final race in October to crown a single champion in each class. The 450 Class winner will pocket a one million dollar win bonus and the 250 Class champ will take home $500,000.
From January through October all 31 SuperMotocross World Championship rounds are available live on PeacockTV. Select rounds will be broadcast domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. SuperMotocross.tv provides international coverage of the events.
Nothing matches the thrill of seeing the action live. Tickets are on sale now for all remaining Monster Energy AMA Supercross events. For tickets, race results, feature stories, and airtimes on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, and Cooper Webb. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
450SX Class Results
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
3. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
5. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
6. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
7. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
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and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
