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MotoAmerica: Toni Elias And Teagg Hobbs Join Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
MotoGP: Yamaha Racing Boss Admits Errors Were Made At Valencia Test
During the post-race MotoGP test at Valencia in November 2022, World Championship runner-up Fabio Quartararo couldn’t hide the disappointment he felt after sampling the latest engine for his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1.
“What we expected from the new engine is not what we felt today,” Quartararo was quote as saying in a press release issued by the team.
And Quartararo had a right to be disappointed.
While struggling with a significant lack of top speed compared to his rivals during MotoGP races in 2022, Quartararo tested new engines for 2023 at Catalunya and Misano with good results. The engines couldn’t be put into use during 2022 because technical rules mandate that all engines to be used must be sealed at the start of the season, but things were looking promising for 2023.
During the test at Catalunya in June, the Frenchman gained 4 mph in top speed compared to his best top speed during the race and was fastest in terms of lap times, indicating the new engine was substantially more powerful while still being useable in the other parts of the track.
At the Misano test in September, Quartararo was again quickest in terms of lap times and essentially equal to the fastest bikes in terms of top speed.
Fast forward to the test at Valencia in November, where Quartararo’s best trap speed with Yamaha’s latest engine was 203.44 mph (327.4 kph), slower than he went during the race, 205.36 mph (330.5 kph), leading to his disappointment.
So, what happened?
The Monster Energy/Yamaha Racing media event on January 20 in San Diego was attended by Quartararo and Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis. When it was his turn to speak, Jarvis directed attention to another special guest he introduced as the person “in charge of all racing activities at Yamaha” and “in charge of all motorcycle engineering:” Toyoshi Nishida.
Officially, Nishida is an Executive Officer and the Executive Manager for the PF (Platform) Body Development Unit at Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. in Japan. He also represents Yamaha on the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association (MSMA) committee, which works with IRTA, FIM, and Dorna to create MotoGP technical regulations.
When asked about what happened at the Valencia test, Nishida exclusively told Roadracingworld.com in English, “There was some error. Not technical issue, but our development engineering side preparation issues. We have to say we are very sorry to Fabio. We could not prepare the best condition bike for the Valencia test compared to the Misano test. The bike condition was not improved for the Valencia test. That was our side.
“We couldn’t adjust to the best conditions in Valencia. For example, the gear ratios or the atmosphere or temperature or humidity or something. We couldn’t adjust for the best conditions in Valencia. That’s what I mean, preparation errors.
“Unfortunately, the result was we never expected those results. We already caught the root cause of that trouble and are working hard on making the improvement for the next Sepang test.”
Nishida expressed confidence that the problem(s) have been rectified and that Yamaha is still on the right path with its engine development. That chould be confirmed when test rider Cal Crutchlow takes the 2023 YZR-M1 out on track during the “shakedown” test days February 5-7 at Sepang.
“The [engine] development is going well. However, at this moment, not complete,” said Nishida. “We are going to test at the Malaysia test in February, and after that we take the feedback from the factory riders and we will do the final improvements. We will adapt the final improvements for the final test in Portugal, before MotoGP starts racing [and the engines must be sealed for 2023]. But for now, progress is good.”
The official MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang is February 10-12, and the official pre-season test at Algarve International Circuit in Portugal is March 11-12.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs & Final Schedule Revised
Due to the recently released Pac-12 Conference college football schedule, the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final dates are shifting. The newly released schedule now impacts the USC Trojans’ home games scheduled at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff 1 will still take place on Saturday, September 9 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. and Playoff 2 will now take place on Saturday, September 16 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill, followed by the SuperMotocross World Championship Final on Saturday, September 23 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final Revised Schedule:
- SuperMotocross Playoff 1 – zMAX Dragway – September 9, 2023
- SuperMotocross Playoff 2 – Chicagoland Speedway – September 16, 2023
- SuperMotocross World Championship Final – LA Memorial Coliseum – September 23, 2023
All 17 rounds of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale, Tuesday, January 31, followed by public on-sale Tuesday, February 7. To purchase tickets and stay up to date on the latest news and highlights, visit SuperMotocross.com, SupercrossLIVE.com or ProMotocross.com.
Wells Fargo’s Paul Puma Joins USMCA Board Of Directors
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.
MotoAmerica: Scott & Escalante Re-Sign With Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
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.
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.
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.”
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.
“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.”
For more racing news, results, and special team content please visit https://suzukicycles.com/racing/.
ABOUT SUZUKI
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 Road Racing Safety Sponsors
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: Kayla Yaakov To Appear On NBC’s TODAY Show
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.
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.
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.”
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.
WorldSBK: Kawasaki Testing This Week At Jerez
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.
MotoGP: Exclusive Interview With Fabio Quartararo
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.
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.
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.
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.
MotoGP: Ducati Desmosedici GP23 Photo Gallery
MotoAmerica: Toni Elias And Teagg Hobbs Join Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
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MotoGP: Yamaha Racing Boss Admits Errors Were Made At Valencia Test
During the post-race MotoGP test at Valencia in November 2022, World Championship runner-up Fabio Quartararo couldn’t hide the disappointment he felt after sampling the latest engine for his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1.
“What we expected from the new engine is not what we felt today,” Quartararo was quote as saying in a press release issued by the team.
And Quartararo had a right to be disappointed.
While struggling with a significant lack of top speed compared to his rivals during MotoGP races in 2022, Quartararo tested new engines for 2023 at Catalunya and Misano with good results. The engines couldn’t be put into use during 2022 because technical rules mandate that all engines to be used must be sealed at the start of the season, but things were looking promising for 2023.
During the test at Catalunya in June, the Frenchman gained 4 mph in top speed compared to his best top speed during the race and was fastest in terms of lap times, indicating the new engine was substantially more powerful while still being useable in the other parts of the track.
At the Misano test in September, Quartararo was again quickest in terms of lap times and essentially equal to the fastest bikes in terms of top speed.
Fast forward to the test at Valencia in November, where Quartararo’s best trap speed with Yamaha’s latest engine was 203.44 mph (327.4 kph), slower than he went during the race, 205.36 mph (330.5 kph), leading to his disappointment.
So, what happened?
The Monster Energy/Yamaha Racing media event on January 20 in San Diego was attended by Quartararo and Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis. When it was his turn to speak, Jarvis directed attention to another special guest he introduced as the person “in charge of all racing activities at Yamaha” and “in charge of all motorcycle engineering:” Toyoshi Nishida.
Officially, Nishida is an Executive Officer and the Executive Manager for the PF (Platform) Body Development Unit at Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. in Japan. He also represents Yamaha on the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association (MSMA) committee, which works with IRTA, FIM, and Dorna to create MotoGP technical regulations.
When asked about what happened at the Valencia test, Nishida exclusively told Roadracingworld.com in English, “There was some error. Not technical issue, but our development engineering side preparation issues. We have to say we are very sorry to Fabio. We could not prepare the best condition bike for the Valencia test compared to the Misano test. The bike condition was not improved for the Valencia test. That was our side.
“We couldn’t adjust to the best conditions in Valencia. For example, the gear ratios or the atmosphere or temperature or humidity or something. We couldn’t adjust for the best conditions in Valencia. That’s what I mean, preparation errors.
“Unfortunately, the result was we never expected those results. We already caught the root cause of that trouble and are working hard on making the improvement for the next Sepang test.”
Nishida expressed confidence that the problem(s) have been rectified and that Yamaha is still on the right path with its engine development. That chould be confirmed when test rider Cal Crutchlow takes the 2023 YZR-M1 out on track during the “shakedown” test days February 5-7 at Sepang.
“The [engine] development is going well. However, at this moment, not complete,” said Nishida. “We are going to test at the Malaysia test in February, and after that we take the feedback from the factory riders and we will do the final improvements. We will adapt the final improvements for the final test in Portugal, before MotoGP starts racing [and the engines must be sealed for 2023]. But for now, progress is good.”
The official MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang is February 10-12, and the official pre-season test at Algarve International Circuit in Portugal is March 11-12.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs & Final Schedule Revised
Due to the recently released Pac-12 Conference college football schedule, the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final dates are shifting. The newly released schedule now impacts the USC Trojans’ home games scheduled at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff 1 will still take place on Saturday, September 9 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. and Playoff 2 will now take place on Saturday, September 16 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill, followed by the SuperMotocross World Championship Final on Saturday, September 23 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final Revised Schedule:
- SuperMotocross Playoff 1 – zMAX Dragway – September 9, 2023
- SuperMotocross Playoff 2 – Chicagoland Speedway – September 16, 2023
- SuperMotocross World Championship Final – LA Memorial Coliseum – September 23, 2023
All 17 rounds of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale, Tuesday, January 31, followed by public on-sale Tuesday, February 7. To purchase tickets and stay up to date on the latest news and highlights, visit SuperMotocross.com, SupercrossLIVE.com or ProMotocross.com.
Wells Fargo’s Paul Puma Joins USMCA Board Of Directors
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.
MotoAmerica: Scott & Escalante Re-Sign With Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
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.
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.
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.”
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.
“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.”
For more racing news, results, and special team content please visit https://suzukicycles.com/racing/.
ABOUT SUZUKI
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 Road Racing Safety Sponsors
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: Kayla Yaakov To Appear On NBC’s TODAY Show
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.
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.
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.”
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.
WorldSBK: Kawasaki Testing This Week At Jerez
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.
MotoGP: Exclusive Interview With Fabio Quartararo
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.
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.
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.
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.
MotoGP: Ducati Desmosedici GP23 Photo Gallery
