Altus Motorsports is proud to announce two more riders joining the team for the 2025 MotoAmerica season.
Torin Collins returns for another season with Altus, piloting the Suzuki GSX-R750 in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. A seasoned rider with international experience, Collins will be supported by Boyd Brunner, who serves as both Team Manager and Crew Chief.
Seth Dahmer is the newest addition to the team and will compete in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup class aboard a Suzuki GSX-8R. With his father, John Dahmer, serving as his mechanic, Seth is eager to leave his mark on the competitive MotoAmerica paddock.
Collins and Dahmer join Owen Williams who will compete in the MotoAmerica Supersport class on his Suzuki GSX-R750.
“We’re building an incredible lineup for 2025,” said Janette Nassaney, Altus Motorsports Co-Owner. “With a mix of returning talent and new faces, this team is poised for an incredible season. Our riders and crew share a commitment to excellence and embody the family-team atmosphere that Altus is known for. With everyone working together, we’re confident this season will bring consistent podium finishes and incredible moments on and off the track.”
Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, WPS, Firepower, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Buy A Jet From Steve Main, Barnett, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., GP Racing, Maxima Racing Oils, K-Tech, Attack Racing, Team Hammer, RS Taichi, Arai, Core Moto, Pro Bolt, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
Royal Enfield returns for 2025 with the Build. Train. Race. program, including four rounds of road racing and four rounds of flat track racing. The BTR program has helped female racers compete in front of a national audience since its inception in 2020, and in 2025, will include racers from Brazil, Royal Enfield’s largest and fastest-growing market outside of India.
ROAD RACING
April 4th – 6th, Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds (Birmingham), AL
May 30th – June 1st, Road America Raceway, Elkhart Lake, WI
June 27th – 29th, The Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA
August 1st – 3rd, Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA
FLAT TRACK
March 6th – 7th, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence took an impressive win amid wet track conditions inside Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. It was the defending Monster Energy AMA Supercross and SMX World Championship™ champ’s first win of the season, and it was a thriller with four to five racers battling for the lead for much of the race.
Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen came out of the exciting main event battle with a second-place finish and becomes the third points leader after three rounds. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson took over the lead six minutes into the race and held the spot for approximately eight laps. Anderson battled hard and finished the night with a third-place finish. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac, the points leader going into the race, recovered from a near-last start to earn a seventh place finish. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan grabbed the holeshot and, after fending off a first-lap attack, rode to an unchallenged victory.
Jett Lawrence won the 450SX main event. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“You have to be very patient [racing in these conditions],” Jett Lawrence said. “Jason was riding really well, and I was struggling to find anywhere to gain on him or try to make a pass. He had to get a little risky in the whoops… I think we both got sketchy through them. I was being very patient and trying not to rush anything. Lap by lap I just hit my marks. There was the rain, my goggles were fogging up a little bit, but we’re happy to get that [win]. We’re better than we were at the last round at Anaheim, so that’s good. On to the next round in Arizona.”
Ken Roczen took second place in the 450SX Class. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“It’s an absolute dream,” Ken Roczen said, regarding a comment that he moved into the points lead for the first time since the opening round of 2022. “After I was in position last week for a possible third, I came back [to the truck and] was thinking it would be so rad to share a red plate with Eli. And just to have a red plate, it’s been a long time, especially on a Suzuki. I wasn’t able to make [a win] happen tonight. This was an absolutely insane race. We were in a battle the whole way, and it was awesome. With the rain and how hard-packed the dirt was, it was very slippery out there, but I just kept my focus the whole way… After making a [first] pass stick on Jason I hit neutral, and he got me back. I was bummed because it’s a lot of work to get by.”
Jason Anderson took third place in the 450SX Class. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“I think that rain gives you quite a bit of anxiety when sitting on the line,” said Jason Anderson. “I was able to get out front and the pace up there is really fast, and I had pressure the whole time. I was able to get around Justin [Cooper] and be up front, but then I had some of the fastest guys behind me. I’m excited to be up here [on the podium].”
In 250SX Class racing, Haiden Deegan grabbed the holeshot with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer in second. Beaumer made an aggressive pass attempt in the second corner that brought the two racers together for the second time that night. Deegan held the lead and quickly pulled out a cushion to never be challenged again even as heavy rain came down late in the race. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies earned his first professional podium in just his third professional Supercross race; it came courtesy of a last-lap mistake from Triumph Racing’s Jordon Smith who was challenging for the second-place spot when he crashed in the whoops. The 250SX Class podium consisted of three teenagers; it was the first all-teen podium since 2011. Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda, winner of the season opener, put in a steady ride, despite having two broken fingers, to move from 10th place up to 6th place at the checkers.
Haiden Deegan won in the 250SX Class. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“You pissed off the bull last week,” said Haiden Deegan, reacting to a comment that he rode better this weekend than at the two previous races. “Juju (Julien Beaumer) ran his mouth so it’s time to lock in. You don’t want to piss me off because I come out swinging. A big thanks to my team, they put a lot of work in this week. We grinded from morning until the end of the day, multiple times. We got the bike dialed… keep talking and I’ll come out swinging.”
Julien Beaumer was second in the 250SX Class. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“[Haiden and I] got together in that heat race and I went down,” said Julien Beaumer, when Deegan’s words about him were pointed out to him. “Nothing too big, nothing to worry about… [In the main] I got off to a good start and he rode great, hats off to him, he was the better man tonight. Now we’re going to get back to work. I can’t thank everyone enough; Red Bull KTM, they’ve been working their butts off.”
Cole Davies was third in 250SX, and said, “It’s a good feeling, my first podium… I spun off the start because it was so slick, then the track was haggard. I was playing MX Bikes last night. I turned the hero [mode] completely off and it completely replicated the track that I just rode. That was a sick race, so I’m stoked.”
Outside of the racing, the motorcycle industry has rallied together to create an incredible fundraising effort to help those affected by the recent Southern California wildfires. Athletes competing in the Anaheim 2 Supercross will donate their race-worn helmets to be auctioned off to fans. All proceeds from the auction will go to the American Red Cross for its 2025 California Wildfire Relief Fund. The auction runs from January 31st until Friday, February 7th. More information for this opportunity to help those impacted by the disaster and own a special piece of Supercross history can be found at TroyLeeDesigns.Betterworld.org.
The Southern California Supercross brought out some of the top stars from other sports disciplines and professions including Red Bull F1 driver Liam Lawson; 2023 Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr.; Riley Herbst NASCAR incoming rookie; former racer Carey Hart; LA Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack; Pittsburg Steeler’s wide receiver Mike Williams; actors and entertainers Jay Mohr, Nathan Kress, Ashley Jones, Jamie Camil, and Ed Quinn; skating legend Mike McGill; musicians Jason Bonham, Jagger Bonham, and Blake Redferrin who performed live.
450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Ken Roczen, Jett Lawrence, and Jason Anderson. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
For 2025, the iconic KTM 690 ENDURO R is joined by a smaller machine proudly wearing the ENDURO R nameplate, the KTM 390 ENDURO R. Tough, reliable, and true to its ENDURO R moniker, the 2025 KTM 390 ENDURO R thrives in the dirt but is just at home in the urban jungle as it is on mountain trails.
The KTM 390 ENDURO R enters a new segment of the market. With long travel suspension, 21/18-inch spoke wheels, a new minimal TFT dashboard, and even the option of turning MTC and ABS completely off, it provides real-world, dual-sport ability while setting the benchmark in the segment.
2025 KTM 390 Enduro R. KTM photo.
Boasting a slim profile thanks to a new two-piece steel trellis frame design, compact 2.37 gallon (9 liter) metal fuel tank, and small, off-road-focused fairings, the KTM 390 ENDURO R delivers confidence with rider-optimized ergonomics and incredibly flickable weight.
To excel no matter the conditions, the KTM 390 ENDURO R features a 43 mm open cartridge fork with easy compression and rebound adjustability in 30-click steps. On the rear, an off-center WP APEX shock absorber boasts 20 clicks of rebound adjustability and 230 mm of travel. Preload is adjustable with the quick use of a tool to find the right setup for riding with luggage or a passenger, or to just dial in for different terrain.
Featuring selectable ride modes, with OFFROAD MODE being the main feature, the KTM 390 ENDURO R leads the way in the segment with advanced technology to deliver nothing short of an exhilarating riding experience, whether sliding through forest roads, lifting the front wheel over downed logs, or navigating city streets.
The new 2025 KTM 390 ENDURO R will be hitting showroom floors in early 2025. For more information, visit https://www.ktm.com/en-us.html
And it was all: fluo! Bright yellow continues to take centre stage for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in 2025, with their new livery revealed on Saturday at the Nusah Inda Theater in Jakarta, Indonesia. There, Fabio Di Giannantonio and new teammate Franco Morbidelli took the covers off their new livery in front of more than 600 guests.
Fluo Stream – Act 2 sees the team’s machinery add some symbolic details this year. The fluo yellow and white combo, all designed by Aldo Drudi and Drudi Performance, has a sun and moon on each side – Team Owner Valentino Rossi’s symbols. In the middle, together with the 49 and 21 of the riders, is the iconic 46 of the ‘Doctor’.
Under the gaze of Rossi, the team, led by Team Director Alessio Salucci and Team Manager Pablo Nieto, is ready to gain an even more relevant role in the championship in its first year as a Ducati Factory Supported Team. The squad will have a Desmosedici GP25, the latest model of Borgo Panigale-based team, fielded by Diggia. That’s the only other GP25 on the grid outside of the factory team. On the other side of the VR46 garage, Morbidelli rides out on the title-winning GP24.
The 2025 season will be Diggia’s second with the team and he returns after working hard to recover from the left shoulder injury and surgery he had at the end of 2024. Morbidelli, meanwhile, is ready to “close the circle” with his debut with the Valentino Rossi squad.
Fabio Di Giannantonio – 49
“It’s good to be in Indonesia and to launch the team here. In this part of the world, people are so passionate about our sport. It’s amazing seeing so many people who cheer and it’s great to have many supporters from Indonesia. Our new livery is amazing, we made a huge step with these little details this year. About the shoulder, I’m recovering quite well from the operation, that was hard. I think I’m at my 85%, but during the winter we worked a lot, and I think I should arrive at the first race of the season at 100%. I have a new teammate, Franky! I can’t wait to work with him, I think I can learn a lot from him, he’s a rider who won many races, he was world champion and runner up in MotoGP.”
Franco Morbidelli – 21
“It’s great to start from here, launching the team and having the first trainings in Indonesia. This part of the world is becoming more and more important for motorsports, especially motorbikes. There’s a lot of passion, it’s amazing to keep in touch with the people from here and get to talk to them. It was great also seeing my 21 on the new bike, the colors are wonderful, and I love the shadow of the 46 behind the number. The livery is really beautiful! It’s a new team for me, but I already know everyone. Riding for Valentino Rossi’s team is amazing; he made motorcycling racing better. There is a fantastic atmosphere, and I think this is one of the strongest points of the team. For sure there are much more, and I will discover them during the season. In 2025 we aim to improve last year results, we have a very good package thanks to Ducati. I get along well with Fabio, we’ve known each other for a long time, he’s riding very fast, and it will be important to work together to get great results for the team.”
Alessio Salucci – Team Director
“It’s the first time we launch the team in Jakarta. In Indonesia there is a lot of support for MotoGP and for our team. We wanted to come here also to thank Pertamina for the great support during 2024 season. The hospitality they gave us was so special from the first minute. Last year we suffered a bit, but I have great expectation for this year, because we have a renewed package, with Fabio Di Giannantonio who proved to be very fast and Franco Morbidelli who has been a MotoGP runner up and a Moto2 World Champion. The goal of this year is to fight for the top six and we can’t wait to start. It’s our first year as Ducati Factory Supported Team, we will have more pressure, but we must be good at manage it. We are very happy for that. The new livery is similar to last year one, but with some special details. There is Valentino, with his iconic symbols.”
Pablo Nieto – Team Manager
“The launch in Jakarta is incredible! We’ve been welcomed in an amazing way, they make us feel at home every time we come here. This year, the relationship with Ducati is a step forward, for us being a Factory Supported Team is very important, it means we have more pressure, and we can do better because we have the best bike on the grid. The goal is to keep improving and we know we can reach the podium every weekend with both riders. Diggia has the opportunity to be in the top three in almost every race, and with Franky we will have many opportunities because he already knows the bike. Although, as a team, we will have to keep our feet on the ground.”
Racer, coach, CVMA new racer school instructor, and Ducati collector Stuart ‘Stuman” Smith recently bought a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition. Ducati sold them with tailsections signed by AMA Pro Superbike racers Ben Bostrom on one side and Neil Hodgson on the other side. After buying the bike in Las Vegas, Stuman drove directly to Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, put it on the track, and recorded this video.
Stuman wrote to Roadracing World, “It is a ride and review of a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition. It is a pretty rare bike, 1 of 150 made and signed by the racers who were on the Parts Unlimited AMA Superbike team that year.”
Interview: World Superbike Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla:
“It’s Always Going To Be Cat-And-Dog …”
By Michael Gougis
Gregorio Lavilla’s job is a bit like juggling chainsaws. Overseeing the rules and class structure for the Superbike World Championship requires him to chase market changes, balance performance between wide varieties of machines, and create and eliminate classes. He has to find new ways to reduce performance in the face of an army of engineers whose sole purpose in life is to find a way to make racebikes go faster. He has to keep an ever-shifting cast of manufacturers happy enough that they keep racing. And he has to do so without appearing tone-deaf to a world outside of motorcycle racing that demands increasingly cleaner and more efficient machinery.
Superbike World Championship Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla. Photo by Michael Gougis.
At the end of 2024, Lavilla, a former racer in MotoGP, 500cc GP and 250cc Grand Prix as well as in World Superbike, and a British Superbike Champion, sat down with Roadracing World to discuss what the future held for the World Superbike World Championship. He talked about upcoming changes to the entry-level race class; new tools to balance machine performance in Superbike; and even the possibility that Supersport could become the premier category in the series, second only to MotoGP in terms of worldwide status and prestige.
The existing Supersport300 class is going away at the end of 2025, to be replaced with bikes with double their power output, Lavilla says. The goal is to react to changes in the market and to make it easier for riders to make the jump from the entry-level class to Supersport, the next-faster category. Right now, the Supersport300 machines make about 45 horsepower and Supersport bikes about 140. The goal for the new class will be a power output of about 80 to 90 horsepower, according to Lavilla.
“Right now, in terms of power, we have quite a big gap from the Supersport300 to the following class, which is Supersport. We felt like the Supersport300 class worked for the purpose for which it was created, but now the market has evolved, and there are new products available for which we can see a good fit for having an affordable entry class but are for more performance machines,” Lavilla says.
“(We want) to give a little bit more punch to the teams and riders, to be able to enjoy World Championship tracks with a little more power and make it easier to make the transition to Supersport, so it would not be such a big jump in terms of power. Some riders can adapt very quickly, obviously. But others take more time. And unfortunately, this is a sport where there is not much time that the teams and sponsors give you. So if you are able to be a bit more prepared–the skills will be more in line with the class that follows, and that should help with the transition.
“It will not be such a big jump in the lap times. It will be more powerful, but it will be more heavy, and honestly, the Supersport300s are fast, very fast!”
The Supersport300 class will be replaced by a new category with twice the horsepower and a much wider variety of machinery. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Having managed to do a decent job of balancing performance among a wide variety of machines in the current Next Generation Supersport category, the series is hoping to do the same for the new entry-level class. While the V-Twin Ducati Panigale V2 clearly was the machine to be on in World Supersport for 2024, the Inline-4 Yamaha YZF-R6 still took six race wins and MV Agusta’s three-cylinder F3 800 RR was on the podium.
Right now, Lavilla says, eight manufacturers from around the world have expressed interest in the new class, with machines including Twins, Triples, and Fours. And the interest of Chinese manufacturers in racing is not to be overlooked. QJMotors raced its SRK 800 RR, a 778cc Inline-4, in Supersport in 2024, and World Superbike wants to be sure that Chinese manufacturers have a place on the grid.
“So now we have to analyze all the different models of the manufacturers who have said they are interested. We think it will be good for the sport to have more manufacturers,” Lavilla says. “We need to start to deploy the technical regulations and the balance and collect the machines and do dyno tests. They have a lot of work to do. It’s not an easy task.”
Lavilla says the series has a new tool for balancing and reducing performance in the 2025 Superbike class–fuel flow restrictions. With the mechanical and technical aspects of the system tested and proven in 2024, fuel flow restrictions can be used to keep the speeds down and push the development of leaner, less-polluting engines.
“We want to go in line with society, so we want to be more efficient in emissions, everything. But we have different concepts in manufacturers. In an ideal scenario, you put a rule and that’s it. The rule is the same for everyone. That will end up that all of the machines will have the same number of cylinders, the same capacity, the same characteristics for all machines that are track-oriented,” Lavilla says.
“But manufacturers now–there is a big diversity in the types of machines in the market. Every manufacturer has a model that is completely different. And you have to be fair! You need to be able to react, but to react in a way that you don’t interfere. It’s not to level things to where everyone can achieve that level. It’s a World Championship. It’s hard to be a World Champion. It must be a World Championship effort for a team, for a manufacturer. So how do you make that work? It’s very difficult.
“In the past, we have used rpm to balance. Now the manufacturers say we can try the fuel flow to balance. If someone overshoots, we need to re-balance. (With fuel flow regulation) you do it in a way that helps emissions, society. Technically it’s very challenging for a manufacturer. But if they do, they can say, ‘We are still winning, and we are doing so in a way with less emissions.’”
According to Lavilla, engine rpm and weight differences between bikes and individual riders will remain, but the current thinking is that fuel flow restrictions will be a better way to balance machine performance. There are no proposals to modify the weight balancing rules, even though, as Lavilla says, “You try things. Sometimes things work, sometimes they work less.
“Different engine configurations may affect (fuel needs) more for some than others. If they decide they prefer not to touch the fuel flow, because someone may say, ‘I cannot reduce my fuel flow any more because it becomes a safety issue, my engine needs lubrication and refrigeration from the fuel flow and this and that,’ then let’s find another way of balance. We may not lower the fuel, so then let’s look at rpm. But the preferred option currently is working on the fuel (flow).
“Right now, you have fast bikes with quite the high fuel consumption and fast bikes with very low fuel consumption. So it will be quite interesting! And even if we go that route, the engineers will try to make the bike just as fast using less fuel. That’s technology. That’s fine. Good. It’s always going to be cat-and-dog. That’s the game. That’s their job!”
(Editors note: The final version of the 2025 Superbike regulations, published four days ago, does away with rev limits.)
In the past, Lavilla has said that MotoGP is where manufacturers market their brands and Superbike is where they market the machines that they sell. Right now, literbike sales have fallen worldwide, while there is renewed interest in the performance category directly below. Yamaha’s new YZF-R9, which will be racing in Supersport this season, is an indicator of a mainstream, high-volume manufacturer introducing a high-profile model into that category. And Superbike displacements have changed throughout the years.
Valentine Debise (53) on a Yamaha YZF-R6 leads Adrian Huertas (99) on a Ducati Panigale V2 and Federico Caricasulo (64) on an MV Agusta F3 800 RR in Supersport at Jerez. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Currently, there is enough interest in literbike-class machines to keep the Superbike class at that level. Kawasaki has just introduced a new Bimota-branded machine for the class. Ducati, BMW, and Kawasaki will be racing new and updated 1000cc racebikes in 2025.
But market and safety considerations mean that the series must be open to do what is necessary to maintain manufacturer interest and to keep speeds safe. The tracks are not changing, so the machines must stay within performance parameters that maximize safety.
Lavilla paused after he was asked if Supersport could replace Superbike. Then he took a very deep breath before responding. “Honestly speaking, I have an idea, but it needs to be up to manufacturers, the national championships. But what I can tell you is that the Supersport platform … could be something different, something bigger. The tools are there to progress. It’s just a matter of what the manufacturers want to follow because we have to promote what manufacturers sell.
“Manufacturers sell what is best for their marketing strategies. But then we need to place that into the environment of a nice show for them to promote their machines. If these tendencies change in terms of marketing issues or safety issues, we have to be open-minded and clear about what will be next. I feel we are ready for whatever will come.”
The Superbike World Championship series has dropped its controversial performance balancing rev limits for the 2025 season and will instead rely on fuel flow restrictions, minimum combined rider/machine weights, concessions, and super-concessions to try to level performance.
The 2025 rulebook, just published by the FIM, replaces the 2024 rulebook’s table of rev limits for each motorcycle homologated for competition with the following language:
2.4.2.3 Rev limit
The Maximum rev limit is not limited
Different maximum rev limits for different machines were introduced for the 2018 season as a way of balancing the performance across different engine configurations. Kawasaki, which had dominated the series for several years, was extremely unhappy with the new rules but went along with them. On its website, WorldSBK stated that for 2018, “Aprilia, BMW, MV Agusta and Yamaha will start the season with 14700 rpm, Honda with 14300, Kawasaki with 14100 and Ducati with 12400 (due to their two-cylinder engine).”
The subsequent years have seen significant debate over the rule, as some brands were more restricted than others and were clearly slower in a straight line. Among the models competing in the series in 2024, the Kawasaki ZX-10RR was restricted to 15,100 rpm, while the Ducati Panigale V4 R was allowed to rev to 16,100.
Roadracing World has reached out to World Superbike officials for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.
Financially troubled KTM’s debts rose to nearly 2.2 billion euros, while 23 investors have offered enough money to finance the company’s proposed plan for restructuring, the latest reports from the bankruptcy proceedings indicated.
Claims against KTM AG now total 2,185,344,613.84 Euros, or approximately $2.298 billion, according to a report released today by AKV EUROPA/Alpine Creditors Association, the agency monitoring the court proceedings.
That figure is expected to rise, the agency’s report said.
The company is expected to continue to operate, the agency said, as only an ongoing operation will attract the investment needed. There are sufficient funds to continue operations into the eighth week of 2025, the report stated. Potential investors include both financial and strategic investors, the report said. (Strategic investors bring industry-specific expertise, resources and connections to a company as well as money.) However, the report does not name any of the potential investors.
The money on the table from those investors would allow KTM to proceed with a restructing plan that involves paying off its outstanding debts at 30 percent of their face value, the Pierer Mobility Group said in a statement released yesterday. The 30 percent figure is the legal minimum repayment offer.
However, the overall debt figure is expected to rise, the AKV report said, and an analysis is ongoing into the financial relationships between the various entities under the broad KTM banner. A meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25 to determine whether sufficient investment has been reached, the report states.
Unlike the previous report by AKV, there is no mention of withdrawing from Grand Prix motorcycle road racing. Longtime KTM CEO Stefan Pierer has stepped down from his post, and production is at a standstill as the company works to reduce its inventory of unsold motorcycles. But KTM’s racing department says it is building racebikes for the 2025 MotoGP season and will participate in the 2025 series.
The full statement from AKV follows:
As is known, on November 29, 2024, restructuring proceedings with self-administration were opened for the assets of KTM AG and its two subsidiaries KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH and KTM Components GmbH.
Today the general examination hearings took place at the Regional Court of Ried im Innkreis.
Following the conclusion of the hearing in the KTM AG proceedings, the Alpine Creditors Association (AKV) announces:
Generally:
The current status of the claims filed will be announced at the examination hearing. In addition, the insolvency administrator and the insolvent debtor must make a statement about all claims filed to date, which must either be acknowledged or disputed.
The individual procedures are as follows
KTM AG
claims filings
To date, 3,534 claims have been filed , namely 2,347 claims from employees and 1,187 claims from other insolvency creditors.
The registered claim volume is:
Claims filed by other insolvency creditors EUR 2,172,626,058.36
Claims filed by employees: EUR 12,718,555.48
Total: EUR 2,185,344,613.84
To date, claims amounting to EUR 1,665,985,681.24 have been recognised.
Numerous subsequent claims are to be expected. The claims do not yet include termination claims from employees who have been terminated or left the company, and claims are still being submitted to the court on an ongoing basis, which will be dealt with separately in another special hearing. It is therefore to be expected that the claims filed in the proceedings will increase.
For the time being, the “intercompany” claims are disputed under the aspects of equity replacement and possible challenges. These issues are being examined in detail with the assistance of experts, after there has been a considerable increase in intra-group receivables and offsetting since January 1, 2023 to finance the ongoing (loss-making) business and the high liquidity requirement. The restructuring administrator is therefore currently busy analyzing the intra-group financing.
In particular, claims for damages filed (conditionally) by creditors in the event of non-entry into current contracts are also provisionally disputed. Since the production plans are currently being revised, there are often no statements from the restructuring administrator or the debtor company regarding contract entry or contract withdrawal. In the event of contract withdrawal, the claims for damages filed would become effective.
The claims filed by creditors who have asserted rights of separation on the grounds of retention of title have also been provisionally disputed. The volume of claims in question is approximately EUR 200 million. In this regard, the restructuring administrator is examining whether these rights of separation or retention of title have been legally agreed.
employee
The number of employees has decreased since the insolvency proceedings began. Of the original 2,477 employees, 1,991 are currently still actively employed , following several waves of layoffs and resignations.
In addition, 100 temporary workers have been laid off since the insolvency proceedings began.
Furthermore, three management contracts were terminated with the consent of the restructuring administrator.
Continuation / Liquidity
As is well known, production is currently at a standstill. The “continuation”, especially the continued payment of wages to the largely laid-off workforce on short-time work, is therefore financed through existing assets. In order to secure liquidity, it was therefore necessary to reverse the real estate transaction of PIERER IMMOREAL GmbH. Further inflows will come via the sales subsidiaries. At the level of the sales subsidiaries in particular, efforts are being made to reach a final agreement with the institutions providing financing there in order to secure liquidity in the longer term.
According to a validated continuation financial plan, the insolvency estate should have sufficient liquid funds until week 08/2025. It is hoped that an agreement can be reached with potential investors by then, because according to the current status of the proceedings, financing the restructuring plan quotas only seems plausible through an investor.
investors
Despite the production stoppage, the company will continue to operate, as only a “living” KTM Group will allow investors to enter the business.
At the same time, KTM’s parent company PIERER Mobility AG commissioned Citygroup Global Markets Europe AG (“Citibank”) to find an investor solution. This process is underway and a total of 23 potential investors are participating. These are said to be both strategic investors and financial investors.
Further checks
Numerous reviews that have been initiated have not yet been completed due to the scale of the procedures.
This concerns the appropriateness assessment of a restructuring plan, the examination of the causes of insolvency and the decline in assets as well as possible liabilities or challenges. In addition, an estimate of the movable assets was commissioned.
The restructuring plan continues to provide for the statutory minimum offer of 30%, payable within 2 years.
The redevelopment plan meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and it remains to be seen whether a concrete offer can be negotiated by then.
KTM Components GmbH
So far, 739 claims have been filed in this procedure , 478 of which are from employees.
Insolvency claims amounting to EUR 80,971,072.08 were filed , of which claims amounting to EUR 48,886,627.97 were initially recognised.
The disputed claims amounting to approximately EUR 32 million are in the same situation as those of KTM AG. The disputes therefore concern the “intercompany” claims amounting to EUR 21.9 million, possible claims for damages as a result of non-entry into contracts and estimates by the tax office and the ÖGK.
In this procedure, too, numerous subsequent claims are to be expected; in particular, the claims for termination of employment by employees are still missing.
When the insolvency proceedings began, the company employed 478 people . During the ongoing proceedings, 97 employees were dismissed or resigned.
The majority of employees have been laid off as there is currently no production. The financial plan is being adhered to and liquidity and ” continuation ” are being coordinated with KTM AG, which is the main customer providing the liquidity.
In this procedure, too, the restructuring plan meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2025. The implementation of a restructuring plan will depend on an investor entering the KTM Group.
The above figures refer to documents made available to us yesterday and may change slightly in today’s session, as this does not take place until 1:00 p.m.
KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH
So far, 1,162 claims have been filed in this procedure , 772 of which are from employees.
Insolvency claims amounting to EUR 111,935,523.75 were filed , of which claims amounting to EUR 41,409,918.79 were initially recognised.
The disputed claims amounting to approximately EUR 70.5 million are in the same situation as those of KTM AG and KTM Components GmbH (“intercompany” claims, claims for damages, etc.).
Subsequent claims are also to be expected in this procedure.
The company currently employs 550 people . At the beginning of January 2025, there were a total of 146 layoffs.
In this procedure too, the continuation depends on the provision of liquidity via KTM AG.
The restructuring plan meeting is also scheduled for February 25, 2025 and the fulfillment of a restructuring plan is dependent on an investor entering the KTM Group.
The Aspar Circuit has been chosen by the best riders in the world to train and prepare for the new season
Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.
In the last two weeks, the Aspar Circuit has welcomed four of the five active Moto GP champions, Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín, Fabio Quartararo and Joan Mir. The facilities located in Guadassuar (Valencia) have hosted two intense weeks of training in which the best riders in the world have been riding together to prepare for a season that starts soon.
These great champions have been riding alongside other riders such as Álex Márquez, Fermín Aldeguer, David Alonso, Dani Holgado, Izan Guevara, Filip Salac, Diogo Moreira, Máximo Quiles and Ángel Piqueras, among others.
Alex Marquez (73) leads Marc Marquez (93) at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.
A unique facilities in the world
When the Aspar Circuit project began in May 2024, one of the objectives was to become a space where elite riders could train at the highest level. In the last two weeks, more than 20 riders have chosen these facilities to practice before the World Championship starts on 2 March in Thailand.
Julio García, Aspar Circuit Director: “It is a privilege to see the best riders in the world training at our facilities. The fact that they choose the Aspar Circuit to prepare for the season shows that the Aspar Circuit is a reference place in the motorcycling.”
Jorge Martin (89) leads Marc Marquez (93) at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.
What is Aspar Circuit? The history and facility from the company’s website:
A company born with the aim of closing a circle that began more than 40 years ago, when Jorge Martínez “Aspar” got on a motorcycle for the first time. The Aspar Circuit is the first global motorcycling academy in the world and seeks to push young talents to the top of the World Championship.
The Aspar Circuit is a unique space for the diversity of activities that can be carried out there. It is the perfect place to get started in motorsport or for professional drivers to train. Whether in karting, motor racing or motorcycling, the Aspar Circuit has everything you need to enjoy the two or four wheels in the Valencian Community, as well as all kinds of sporting, commercial or corporate events.
MotoGP Legend Jorge Martínez “Aspar” leads a motorcycle racing team that currently accumulates fifteen world titles, ten world championship runner-ups, more than 150 victories and more than 400 podiums, all of them being present in the Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE World Championship, as well as in the FIM JuniorGP with its pool of young talents in the JuniorGP and European Talent Cup classes. If you go to the Aspar Circuit, you are likely to meet the members of the Aspar Team, as the team’s headquarters are located at the circuit’s facilities. In addition, it will be an ideal scenario for the team’s pilots to train in different modalities.
Aspar KSB Sport, founded by Kike Bañuls, is a Valencian school of pilots that has been offering its training services since 2006. With its proven experience with young children, Aspar KSB Sport provides the opportunity for all young people to learn, effectively and safely, how to ride a motorcycle and enter the world of competition. In addition, Aspar KSB Sport offers courses to improve motorcycling skills.
The Aspar KSB Technical Academy is a school for racing mechanics. It offers a two-year cycle of specific training, with a dynamic method based on 80% practice and 20% theory. The contents are focused on the operation of a pit box during a Grand Prix, so the practices are in real competition situations, sometimes with World Championship drivers.
The Aspar Circuit is also home to the Aspar Museum, a space that contains a large part of the history of the Aspar Team and its founder, Jorge Martínez “Aspar”. With more than 40 years as a rider and team manager, in the Museum you can appreciate great jewels of the competition, from the Derbi with which “Aspar” was world champion, to the current Moto3 bikes, through the historic 125cc and 250cc bikes that gave so much joy to the team.
Main track
With a length of 2.2 kilometers, this track offers motorcycle and car drivers a perfect space to challenge their skills.
It also includes a 1,348-meter variant designed for karting and homologated by the FIA. homologated by the FIA.
It is suitable for cars, motorcycles and racing karts.
Karting track
On its 850 meters of track, amateurs will be able to compete in races and heats with rental karts to see who is the fastest, while professional drivers will be able to perfect their technique on a more compact track.
Suitable for rental karts, pit bikes and mini motorcycles.
Dirt track
Motor racing is not only about speed. The dirt track awaits all the enthusiasts of modalities such as car cross or supermotard, among others.
Open track – School circuit
For more than 15 years, Aspar KSB Sport has been training young drivers in a safe and fun environment. Our track has everything necessary for riders to develop their skills. With expert instructors and personalized attention, at Aspar KSB Sport you will find the perfect way to start your adventure in the world of motorcycling. Join the school and start riding towards your dreams!
ASPAR MUSEUM
Aspar Museum is also placed in the Aspar Circuit, a space that collects part of the history of the Aspar Team and its founder, Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’. With more than 40 years as a rider and team manager, the Museum displays great jewels of the competition, from the Derbi with which ‘Aspar’ was world champion, to the current Moto3 bikes, as well as the historical 125cc and 250cc bikes that gave so much joy to the team.
RESTAURANT AND TERRACE
In our restaurant you can have lunch and dinner overlooking the circuit, celebrate caterings, birthdays, events or business lunches.
Torin Collins (171) on his Suzuki GSX-R750. Photo courtesy : Altus Motorsport.
Altus Motorsports is proud to announce two more riders joining the team for the 2025 MotoAmerica season.
Torin Collins returns for another season with Altus, piloting the Suzuki GSX-R750 in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. A seasoned rider with international experience, Collins will be supported by Boyd Brunner, who serves as both Team Manager and Crew Chief.
Seth Dahmer is the newest addition to the team and will compete in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup class aboard a Suzuki GSX-8R. With his father, John Dahmer, serving as his mechanic, Seth is eager to leave his mark on the competitive MotoAmerica paddock.
Collins and Dahmer join Owen Williams who will compete in the MotoAmerica Supersport class on his Suzuki GSX-R750.
“We’re building an incredible lineup for 2025,” said Janette Nassaney, Altus Motorsports Co-Owner. “With a mix of returning talent and new faces, this team is poised for an incredible season. Our riders and crew share a commitment to excellence and embody the family-team atmosphere that Altus is known for. With everyone working together, we’re confident this season will bring consistent podium finishes and incredible moments on and off the track.”
Altus Motorsports team is supported by our great family of sponsors: Altus Motorsports, WPS, Firepower, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Buy A Jet From Steve Main, Barnett, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, Inc., GP Racing, Maxima Racing Oils, K-Tech, Attack Racing, Team Hammer, RS Taichi, Arai, Core Moto, Pro Bolt, Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, Law Tigers Oklahoma, and Altus Factory Racing.
2023-2024 Champion Mikayla Moore (1). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Royal Enfield returns for 2025 with the Build. Train. Race. program, including four rounds of road racing and four rounds of flat track racing. The BTR program has helped female racers compete in front of a national audience since its inception in 2020, and in 2025, will include racers from Brazil, Royal Enfield’s largest and fastest-growing market outside of India.
ROAD RACING
April 4th – 6th, Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds (Birmingham), AL
May 30th – June 1st, Road America Raceway, Elkhart Lake, WI
June 27th – 29th, The Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA
August 1st – 3rd, Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA
FLAT TRACK
March 6th – 7th, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
Angel Stadium hosted the Anaheim 2 Supercross, Round 3 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. A bout of heavy rain was welcomed for the Southern California region but added to the challenge for the racers. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Jett Lawrence Earns Win at Anaheim 2 Supercross
Haiden Deegan Tops 250SX Class at Round Three
Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence took an impressive win amid wet track conditions inside Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. It was the defending Monster Energy AMA Supercross and SMX World Championship™ champ’s first win of the season, and it was a thriller with four to five racers battling for the lead for much of the race.
Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen came out of the exciting main event battle with a second-place finish and becomes the third points leader after three rounds. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson took over the lead six minutes into the race and held the spot for approximately eight laps. Anderson battled hard and finished the night with a third-place finish. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac, the points leader going into the race, recovered from a near-last start to earn a seventh place finish. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan grabbed the holeshot and, after fending off a first-lap attack, rode to an unchallenged victory.
Jett Lawrence won the 450SX main event. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“You have to be very patient [racing in these conditions],” Jett Lawrence said. “Jason was riding really well, and I was struggling to find anywhere to gain on him or try to make a pass. He had to get a little risky in the whoops… I think we both got sketchy through them. I was being very patient and trying not to rush anything. Lap by lap I just hit my marks. There was the rain, my goggles were fogging up a little bit, but we’re happy to get that [win]. We’re better than we were at the last round at Anaheim, so that’s good. On to the next round in Arizona.”
Ken Roczen took second place in the 450SX Class. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“It’s an absolute dream,” Ken Roczen said, regarding a comment that he moved into the points lead for the first time since the opening round of 2022. “After I was in position last week for a possible third, I came back [to the truck and] was thinking it would be so rad to share a red plate with Eli. And just to have a red plate, it’s been a long time, especially on a Suzuki. I wasn’t able to make [a win] happen tonight. This was an absolutely insane race. We were in a battle the whole way, and it was awesome. With the rain and how hard-packed the dirt was, it was very slippery out there, but I just kept my focus the whole way… After making a [first] pass stick on Jason I hit neutral, and he got me back. I was bummed because it’s a lot of work to get by.”
Jason Anderson took third place in the 450SX Class. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“I think that rain gives you quite a bit of anxiety when sitting on the line,” said Jason Anderson. “I was able to get out front and the pace up there is really fast, and I had pressure the whole time. I was able to get around Justin [Cooper] and be up front, but then I had some of the fastest guys behind me. I’m excited to be up here [on the podium].”
In 250SX Class racing, Haiden Deegan grabbed the holeshot with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer in second. Beaumer made an aggressive pass attempt in the second corner that brought the two racers together for the second time that night. Deegan held the lead and quickly pulled out a cushion to never be challenged again even as heavy rain came down late in the race. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies earned his first professional podium in just his third professional Supercross race; it came courtesy of a last-lap mistake from Triumph Racing’s Jordon Smith who was challenging for the second-place spot when he crashed in the whoops. The 250SX Class podium consisted of three teenagers; it was the first all-teen podium since 2011. Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda, winner of the season opener, put in a steady ride, despite having two broken fingers, to move from 10th place up to 6th place at the checkers.
Haiden Deegan won in the 250SX Class. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“You pissed off the bull last week,” said Haiden Deegan, reacting to a comment that he rode better this weekend than at the two previous races. “Juju (Julien Beaumer) ran his mouth so it’s time to lock in. You don’t want to piss me off because I come out swinging. A big thanks to my team, they put a lot of work in this week. We grinded from morning until the end of the day, multiple times. We got the bike dialed… keep talking and I’ll come out swinging.”
Julien Beaumer was second in the 250SX Class. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“[Haiden and I] got together in that heat race and I went down,” said Julien Beaumer, when Deegan’s words about him were pointed out to him. “Nothing too big, nothing to worry about… [In the main] I got off to a good start and he rode great, hats off to him, he was the better man tonight. Now we’re going to get back to work. I can’t thank everyone enough; Red Bull KTM, they’ve been working their butts off.”
Cole Davies was third in 250SX, and said, “It’s a good feeling, my first podium… I spun off the start because it was so slick, then the track was haggard. I was playing MX Bikes last night. I turned the hero [mode] completely off and it completely replicated the track that I just rode. That was a sick race, so I’m stoked.”
Outside of the racing, the motorcycle industry has rallied together to create an incredible fundraising effort to help those affected by the recent Southern California wildfires. Athletes competing in the Anaheim 2 Supercross will donate their race-worn helmets to be auctioned off to fans. All proceeds from the auction will go to the American Red Cross for its 2025 California Wildfire Relief Fund. The auction runs from January 31st until Friday, February 7th. More information for this opportunity to help those impacted by the disaster and own a special piece of Supercross history can be found at TroyLeeDesigns.Betterworld.org.
The Southern California Supercross brought out some of the top stars from other sports disciplines and professions including Red Bull F1 driver Liam Lawson; 2023 Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr.; Riley Herbst NASCAR incoming rookie; former racer Carey Hart; LA Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack; Pittsburg Steeler’s wide receiver Mike Williams; actors and entertainers Jay Mohr, Nathan Kress, Ashley Jones, Jamie Camil, and Ed Quinn; skating legend Mike McGill; musicians Jason Bonham, Jagger Bonham, and Blake Redferrin who performed live.
450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Ken Roczen, Jett Lawrence, and Jason Anderson. Photo: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
2025 KTM 390 Enduro R in off-road action. KTM photo.
For 2025, the iconic KTM 690 ENDURO R is joined by a smaller machine proudly wearing the ENDURO R nameplate, the KTM 390 ENDURO R. Tough, reliable, and true to its ENDURO R moniker, the 2025 KTM 390 ENDURO R thrives in the dirt but is just at home in the urban jungle as it is on mountain trails.
The KTM 390 ENDURO R enters a new segment of the market. With long travel suspension, 21/18-inch spoke wheels, a new minimal TFT dashboard, and even the option of turning MTC and ABS completely off, it provides real-world, dual-sport ability while setting the benchmark in the segment.
2025 KTM 390 Enduro R. KTM photo.
Boasting a slim profile thanks to a new two-piece steel trellis frame design, compact 2.37 gallon (9 liter) metal fuel tank, and small, off-road-focused fairings, the KTM 390 ENDURO R delivers confidence with rider-optimized ergonomics and incredibly flickable weight.
To excel no matter the conditions, the KTM 390 ENDURO R features a 43 mm open cartridge fork with easy compression and rebound adjustability in 30-click steps. On the rear, an off-center WP APEX shock absorber boasts 20 clicks of rebound adjustability and 230 mm of travel. Preload is adjustable with the quick use of a tool to find the right setup for riding with luggage or a passenger, or to just dial in for different terrain.
Featuring selectable ride modes, with OFFROAD MODE being the main feature, the KTM 390 ENDURO R leads the way in the segment with advanced technology to deliver nothing short of an exhilarating riding experience, whether sliding through forest roads, lifting the front wheel over downed logs, or navigating city streets.
The new 2025 KTM 390 ENDURO R will be hitting showroom floors in early 2025. For more information, visit https://www.ktm.com/en-us.html
Franco Morbidelli (21) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (40) in their 2025 livery. Photo courtesy MotoGP.com.
And it was all: fluo! Bright yellow continues to take centre stage for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in 2025, with their new livery revealed on Saturday at the Nusah Inda Theater in Jakarta, Indonesia. There, Fabio Di Giannantonio and new teammate Franco Morbidelli took the covers off their new livery in front of more than 600 guests.
Fluo Stream – Act 2 sees the team’s machinery add some symbolic details this year. The fluo yellow and white combo, all designed by Aldo Drudi and Drudi Performance, has a sun and moon on each side – Team Owner Valentino Rossi’s symbols. In the middle, together with the 49 and 21 of the riders, is the iconic 46 of the ‘Doctor’.
Under the gaze of Rossi, the team, led by Team Director Alessio Salucci and Team Manager Pablo Nieto, is ready to gain an even more relevant role in the championship in its first year as a Ducati Factory Supported Team. The squad will have a Desmosedici GP25, the latest model of Borgo Panigale-based team, fielded by Diggia. That’s the only other GP25 on the grid outside of the factory team. On the other side of the VR46 garage, Morbidelli rides out on the title-winning GP24.
The 2025 season will be Diggia’s second with the team and he returns after working hard to recover from the left shoulder injury and surgery he had at the end of 2024. Morbidelli, meanwhile, is ready to “close the circle” with his debut with the Valentino Rossi squad.
Fabio Di Giannantonio – 49
“It’s good to be in Indonesia and to launch the team here. In this part of the world, people are so passionate about our sport. It’s amazing seeing so many people who cheer and it’s great to have many supporters from Indonesia. Our new livery is amazing, we made a huge step with these little details this year. About the shoulder, I’m recovering quite well from the operation, that was hard. I think I’m at my 85%, but during the winter we worked a lot, and I think I should arrive at the first race of the season at 100%. I have a new teammate, Franky! I can’t wait to work with him, I think I can learn a lot from him, he’s a rider who won many races, he was world champion and runner up in MotoGP.”
Franco Morbidelli – 21
“It’s great to start from here, launching the team and having the first trainings in Indonesia. This part of the world is becoming more and more important for motorsports, especially motorbikes. There’s a lot of passion, it’s amazing to keep in touch with the people from here and get to talk to them. It was great also seeing my 21 on the new bike, the colors are wonderful, and I love the shadow of the 46 behind the number. The livery is really beautiful! It’s a new team for me, but I already know everyone. Riding for Valentino Rossi’s team is amazing; he made motorcycling racing better. There is a fantastic atmosphere, and I think this is one of the strongest points of the team. For sure there are much more, and I will discover them during the season. In 2025 we aim to improve last year results, we have a very good package thanks to Ducati. I get along well with Fabio, we’ve known each other for a long time, he’s riding very fast, and it will be important to work together to get great results for the team.”
Alessio Salucci – Team Director
“It’s the first time we launch the team in Jakarta. In Indonesia there is a lot of support for MotoGP and for our team. We wanted to come here also to thank Pertamina for the great support during 2024 season. The hospitality they gave us was so special from the first minute. Last year we suffered a bit, but I have great expectation for this year, because we have a renewed package, with Fabio Di Giannantonio who proved to be very fast and Franco Morbidelli who has been a MotoGP runner up and a Moto2 World Champion. The goal of this year is to fight for the top six and we can’t wait to start. It’s our first year as Ducati Factory Supported Team, we will have more pressure, but we must be good at manage it. We are very happy for that. The new livery is similar to last year one, but with some special details. There is Valentino, with his iconic symbols.”
Pablo Nieto – Team Manager
“The launch in Jakarta is incredible! We’ve been welcomed in an amazing way, they make us feel at home every time we come here. This year, the relationship with Ducati is a step forward, for us being a Factory Supported Team is very important, it means we have more pressure, and we can do better because we have the best bike on the grid. The goal is to keep improving and we know we can reach the podium every weekend with both riders. Diggia has the opportunity to be in the top three in almost every race, and with Franky we will have many opportunities because he already knows the bike. Although, as a team, we will have to keep our feet on the ground.”
Racer, coach, CVMA new racer school instructor, and Ducati collector Stuart 'Stuman" Smith made a first-ride video of his latest acquisition, a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition.
Racer, coach, CVMA new racer school instructor, and Ducati collector Stuart ‘Stuman” Smith recently bought a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition. Ducati sold them with tailsections signed by AMA Pro Superbike racers Ben Bostrom on one side and Neil Hodgson on the other side. After buying the bike in Las Vegas, Stuman drove directly to Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, put it on the track, and recorded this video.
Stuman wrote to Roadracing World, “It is a ride and review of a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition. It is a pretty rare bike, 1 of 150 made and signed by the racers who were on the Parts Unlimited AMA Superbike team that year.”
Superbike rules try to balance performance between a wide range of machine specifications. At Jerez, Andrea Locatelli (55) on a cross-plane Yamaha YZF-R1 leads Alex Lowes (22) on an Inline-4 Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Iker Lecuona (7) on a Honda CBR1000RR-R, Michael Ruben Rinaldi (21) on a Ducati Panigale V4 R, and Michael van der Mark (60) on a BMW M1000 RR. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Interview: World Superbike Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla:
“It’s Always Going To Be Cat-And-Dog …”
By Michael Gougis
Gregorio Lavilla’s job is a bit like juggling chainsaws. Overseeing the rules and class structure for the Superbike World Championship requires him to chase market changes, balance performance between wide varieties of machines, and create and eliminate classes. He has to find new ways to reduce performance in the face of an army of engineers whose sole purpose in life is to find a way to make racebikes go faster. He has to keep an ever-shifting cast of manufacturers happy enough that they keep racing. And he has to do so without appearing tone-deaf to a world outside of motorcycle racing that demands increasingly cleaner and more efficient machinery.
Superbike World Championship Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla. Photo by Michael Gougis.
At the end of 2024, Lavilla, a former racer in MotoGP, 500cc GP and 250cc Grand Prix as well as in World Superbike, and a British Superbike Champion, sat down with Roadracing World to discuss what the future held for the World Superbike World Championship. He talked about upcoming changes to the entry-level race class; new tools to balance machine performance in Superbike; and even the possibility that Supersport could become the premier category in the series, second only to MotoGP in terms of worldwide status and prestige.
The existing Supersport300 class is going away at the end of 2025, to be replaced with bikes with double their power output, Lavilla says. The goal is to react to changes in the market and to make it easier for riders to make the jump from the entry-level class to Supersport, the next-faster category. Right now, the Supersport300 machines make about 45 horsepower and Supersport bikes about 140. The goal for the new class will be a power output of about 80 to 90 horsepower, according to Lavilla.
“Right now, in terms of power, we have quite a big gap from the Supersport300 to the following class, which is Supersport. We felt like the Supersport300 class worked for the purpose for which it was created, but now the market has evolved, and there are new products available for which we can see a good fit for having an affordable entry class but are for more performance machines,” Lavilla says.
“(We want) to give a little bit more punch to the teams and riders, to be able to enjoy World Championship tracks with a little more power and make it easier to make the transition to Supersport, so it would not be such a big jump in terms of power. Some riders can adapt very quickly, obviously. But others take more time. And unfortunately, this is a sport where there is not much time that the teams and sponsors give you. So if you are able to be a bit more prepared–the skills will be more in line with the class that follows, and that should help with the transition.
“It will not be such a big jump in the lap times. It will be more powerful, but it will be more heavy, and honestly, the Supersport300s are fast, very fast!”
The Supersport300 class will be replaced by a new category with twice the horsepower and a much wider variety of machinery. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Having managed to do a decent job of balancing performance among a wide variety of machines in the current Next Generation Supersport category, the series is hoping to do the same for the new entry-level class. While the V-Twin Ducati Panigale V2 clearly was the machine to be on in World Supersport for 2024, the Inline-4 Yamaha YZF-R6 still took six race wins and MV Agusta’s three-cylinder F3 800 RR was on the podium.
Right now, Lavilla says, eight manufacturers from around the world have expressed interest in the new class, with machines including Twins, Triples, and Fours. And the interest of Chinese manufacturers in racing is not to be overlooked. QJMotors raced its SRK 800 RR, a 778cc Inline-4, in Supersport in 2024, and World Superbike wants to be sure that Chinese manufacturers have a place on the grid.
“So now we have to analyze all the different models of the manufacturers who have said they are interested. We think it will be good for the sport to have more manufacturers,” Lavilla says. “We need to start to deploy the technical regulations and the balance and collect the machines and do dyno tests. They have a lot of work to do. It’s not an easy task.”
Lavilla says the series has a new tool for balancing and reducing performance in the 2025 Superbike class–fuel flow restrictions. With the mechanical and technical aspects of the system tested and proven in 2024, fuel flow restrictions can be used to keep the speeds down and push the development of leaner, less-polluting engines.
“We want to go in line with society, so we want to be more efficient in emissions, everything. But we have different concepts in manufacturers. In an ideal scenario, you put a rule and that’s it. The rule is the same for everyone. That will end up that all of the machines will have the same number of cylinders, the same capacity, the same characteristics for all machines that are track-oriented,” Lavilla says.
“But manufacturers now–there is a big diversity in the types of machines in the market. Every manufacturer has a model that is completely different. And you have to be fair! You need to be able to react, but to react in a way that you don’t interfere. It’s not to level things to where everyone can achieve that level. It’s a World Championship. It’s hard to be a World Champion. It must be a World Championship effort for a team, for a manufacturer. So how do you make that work? It’s very difficult.
“In the past, we have used rpm to balance. Now the manufacturers say we can try the fuel flow to balance. If someone overshoots, we need to re-balance. (With fuel flow regulation) you do it in a way that helps emissions, society. Technically it’s very challenging for a manufacturer. But if they do, they can say, ‘We are still winning, and we are doing so in a way with less emissions.’”
According to Lavilla, engine rpm and weight differences between bikes and individual riders will remain, but the current thinking is that fuel flow restrictions will be a better way to balance machine performance. There are no proposals to modify the weight balancing rules, even though, as Lavilla says, “You try things. Sometimes things work, sometimes they work less.
“Different engine configurations may affect (fuel needs) more for some than others. If they decide they prefer not to touch the fuel flow, because someone may say, ‘I cannot reduce my fuel flow any more because it becomes a safety issue, my engine needs lubrication and refrigeration from the fuel flow and this and that,’ then let’s find another way of balance. We may not lower the fuel, so then let’s look at rpm. But the preferred option currently is working on the fuel (flow).
“Right now, you have fast bikes with quite the high fuel consumption and fast bikes with very low fuel consumption. So it will be quite interesting! And even if we go that route, the engineers will try to make the bike just as fast using less fuel. That’s technology. That’s fine. Good. It’s always going to be cat-and-dog. That’s the game. That’s their job!”
(Editors note: The final version of the 2025 Superbike regulations, published four days ago, does away with rev limits.)
In the past, Lavilla has said that MotoGP is where manufacturers market their brands and Superbike is where they market the machines that they sell. Right now, literbike sales have fallen worldwide, while there is renewed interest in the performance category directly below. Yamaha’s new YZF-R9, which will be racing in Supersport this season, is an indicator of a mainstream, high-volume manufacturer introducing a high-profile model into that category. And Superbike displacements have changed throughout the years.
Valentine Debise (53) on a Yamaha YZF-R6 leads Adrian Huertas (99) on a Ducati Panigale V2 and Federico Caricasulo (64) on an MV Agusta F3 800 RR in Supersport at Jerez. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Currently, there is enough interest in literbike-class machines to keep the Superbike class at that level. Kawasaki has just introduced a new Bimota-branded machine for the class. Ducati, BMW, and Kawasaki will be racing new and updated 1000cc racebikes in 2025.
But market and safety considerations mean that the series must be open to do what is necessary to maintain manufacturer interest and to keep speeds safe. The tracks are not changing, so the machines must stay within performance parameters that maximize safety.
Lavilla paused after he was asked if Supersport could replace Superbike. Then he took a very deep breath before responding. “Honestly speaking, I have an idea, but it needs to be up to manufacturers, the national championships. But what I can tell you is that the Supersport platform … could be something different, something bigger. The tools are there to progress. It’s just a matter of what the manufacturers want to follow because we have to promote what manufacturers sell.
“Manufacturers sell what is best for their marketing strategies. But then we need to place that into the environment of a nice show for them to promote their machines. If these tendencies change in terms of marketing issues or safety issues, we have to be open-minded and clear about what will be next. I feel we are ready for whatever will come.”
Nicolo Bulega (11) on the factory Ducati Panigale V4 R in World Superbike competition in Jerez. The regulation allowing the Ducati more revs than anything else in the field has been eliminated for 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The Superbike World Championship series has dropped its controversial performance balancing rev limits for the 2025 season and will instead rely on fuel flow restrictions, minimum combined rider/machine weights, concessions, and super-concessions to try to level performance.
The 2025 rulebook, just published by the FIM, replaces the 2024 rulebook’s table of rev limits for each motorcycle homologated for competition with the following language:
2.4.2.3 Rev limit
The Maximum rev limit is not limited
Different maximum rev limits for different machines were introduced for the 2018 season as a way of balancing the performance across different engine configurations. Kawasaki, which had dominated the series for several years, was extremely unhappy with the new rules but went along with them. On its website, WorldSBK stated that for 2018, “Aprilia, BMW, MV Agusta and Yamaha will start the season with 14700 rpm, Honda with 14300, Kawasaki with 14100 and Ducati with 12400 (due to their two-cylinder engine).”
The subsequent years have seen significant debate over the rule, as some brands were more restricted than others and were clearly slower in a straight line. Among the models competing in the series in 2024, the Kawasaki ZX-10RR was restricted to 15,100 rpm, while the Ducati Panigale V4 R was allowed to rev to 16,100.
Roadracing World has reached out to World Superbike officials for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.
A naked KTM RC16 in the garage at Barcelona in the post-season MotoGP test. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Stefan Pierer. Photo courtesy Pierer Mobility AG.
Financially troubled KTM’s debts rose to nearly 2.2 billion euros, while 23 investors have offered enough money to finance the company’s proposed plan for restructuring, the latest reports from the bankruptcy proceedings indicated.
Claims against KTM AG now total 2,185,344,613.84 Euros, or approximately $2.298 billion, according to a report released today by AKV EUROPA/Alpine Creditors Association, the agency monitoring the court proceedings.
That figure is expected to rise, the agency’s report said.
The company is expected to continue to operate, the agency said, as only an ongoing operation will attract the investment needed. There are sufficient funds to continue operations into the eighth week of 2025, the report stated. Potential investors include both financial and strategic investors, the report said. (Strategic investors bring industry-specific expertise, resources and connections to a company as well as money.) However, the report does not name any of the potential investors.
The money on the table from those investors would allow KTM to proceed with a restructing plan that involves paying off its outstanding debts at 30 percent of their face value, the Pierer Mobility Group said in a statement released yesterday. The 30 percent figure is the legal minimum repayment offer.
However, the overall debt figure is expected to rise, the AKV report said, and an analysis is ongoing into the financial relationships between the various entities under the broad KTM banner. A meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25 to determine whether sufficient investment has been reached, the report states.
Unlike the previous report by AKV, there is no mention of withdrawing from Grand Prix motorcycle road racing. Longtime KTM CEO Stefan Pierer has stepped down from his post, and production is at a standstill as the company works to reduce its inventory of unsold motorcycles. But KTM’s racing department says it is building racebikes for the 2025 MotoGP season and will participate in the 2025 series.
The full statement from AKV follows:
As is known, on November 29, 2024, restructuring proceedings with self-administration were opened for the assets of KTM AG and its two subsidiaries KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH and KTM Components GmbH.
Today the general examination hearings took place at the Regional Court of Ried im Innkreis.
Following the conclusion of the hearing in the KTM AG proceedings, the Alpine Creditors Association (AKV) announces:
Generally:
The current status of the claims filed will be announced at the examination hearing. In addition, the insolvency administrator and the insolvent debtor must make a statement about all claims filed to date, which must either be acknowledged or disputed.
The individual procedures are as follows
KTM AG
claims filings
To date, 3,534 claims have been filed , namely 2,347 claims from employees and 1,187 claims from other insolvency creditors.
The registered claim volume is:
Claims filed by other insolvency creditors EUR 2,172,626,058.36
Claims filed by employees: EUR 12,718,555.48
Total: EUR 2,185,344,613.84
To date, claims amounting to EUR 1,665,985,681.24 have been recognised.
Numerous subsequent claims are to be expected. The claims do not yet include termination claims from employees who have been terminated or left the company, and claims are still being submitted to the court on an ongoing basis, which will be dealt with separately in another special hearing. It is therefore to be expected that the claims filed in the proceedings will increase.
For the time being, the “intercompany” claims are disputed under the aspects of equity replacement and possible challenges. These issues are being examined in detail with the assistance of experts, after there has been a considerable increase in intra-group receivables and offsetting since January 1, 2023 to finance the ongoing (loss-making) business and the high liquidity requirement. The restructuring administrator is therefore currently busy analyzing the intra-group financing.
In particular, claims for damages filed (conditionally) by creditors in the event of non-entry into current contracts are also provisionally disputed. Since the production plans are currently being revised, there are often no statements from the restructuring administrator or the debtor company regarding contract entry or contract withdrawal. In the event of contract withdrawal, the claims for damages filed would become effective.
The claims filed by creditors who have asserted rights of separation on the grounds of retention of title have also been provisionally disputed. The volume of claims in question is approximately EUR 200 million. In this regard, the restructuring administrator is examining whether these rights of separation or retention of title have been legally agreed.
employee
The number of employees has decreased since the insolvency proceedings began. Of the original 2,477 employees, 1,991 are currently still actively employed , following several waves of layoffs and resignations.
In addition, 100 temporary workers have been laid off since the insolvency proceedings began.
Furthermore, three management contracts were terminated with the consent of the restructuring administrator.
Continuation / Liquidity
As is well known, production is currently at a standstill. The “continuation”, especially the continued payment of wages to the largely laid-off workforce on short-time work, is therefore financed through existing assets. In order to secure liquidity, it was therefore necessary to reverse the real estate transaction of PIERER IMMOREAL GmbH. Further inflows will come via the sales subsidiaries. At the level of the sales subsidiaries in particular, efforts are being made to reach a final agreement with the institutions providing financing there in order to secure liquidity in the longer term.
According to a validated continuation financial plan, the insolvency estate should have sufficient liquid funds until week 08/2025. It is hoped that an agreement can be reached with potential investors by then, because according to the current status of the proceedings, financing the restructuring plan quotas only seems plausible through an investor.
investors
Despite the production stoppage, the company will continue to operate, as only a “living” KTM Group will allow investors to enter the business.
At the same time, KTM’s parent company PIERER Mobility AG commissioned Citygroup Global Markets Europe AG (“Citibank”) to find an investor solution. This process is underway and a total of 23 potential investors are participating. These are said to be both strategic investors and financial investors.
Further checks
Numerous reviews that have been initiated have not yet been completed due to the scale of the procedures.
This concerns the appropriateness assessment of a restructuring plan, the examination of the causes of insolvency and the decline in assets as well as possible liabilities or challenges. In addition, an estimate of the movable assets was commissioned.
The restructuring plan continues to provide for the statutory minimum offer of 30%, payable within 2 years.
The redevelopment plan meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and it remains to be seen whether a concrete offer can be negotiated by then.
KTM Components GmbH
So far, 739 claims have been filed in this procedure , 478 of which are from employees.
Insolvency claims amounting to EUR 80,971,072.08 were filed , of which claims amounting to EUR 48,886,627.97 were initially recognised.
The disputed claims amounting to approximately EUR 32 million are in the same situation as those of KTM AG. The disputes therefore concern the “intercompany” claims amounting to EUR 21.9 million, possible claims for damages as a result of non-entry into contracts and estimates by the tax office and the ÖGK.
In this procedure, too, numerous subsequent claims are to be expected; in particular, the claims for termination of employment by employees are still missing.
When the insolvency proceedings began, the company employed 478 people . During the ongoing proceedings, 97 employees were dismissed or resigned.
The majority of employees have been laid off as there is currently no production. The financial plan is being adhered to and liquidity and ” continuation ” are being coordinated with KTM AG, which is the main customer providing the liquidity.
In this procedure, too, the restructuring plan meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2025. The implementation of a restructuring plan will depend on an investor entering the KTM Group.
The above figures refer to documents made available to us yesterday and may change slightly in today’s session, as this does not take place until 1:00 p.m.
KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH
So far, 1,162 claims have been filed in this procedure , 772 of which are from employees.
Insolvency claims amounting to EUR 111,935,523.75 were filed , of which claims amounting to EUR 41,409,918.79 were initially recognised.
The disputed claims amounting to approximately EUR 70.5 million are in the same situation as those of KTM AG and KTM Components GmbH (“intercompany” claims, claims for damages, etc.).
Subsequent claims are also to be expected in this procedure.
The company currently employs 550 people . At the beginning of January 2025, there were a total of 146 layoffs.
In this procedure too, the continuation depends on the provision of liquidity via KTM AG.
The restructuring plan meeting is also scheduled for February 25, 2025 and the fulfillment of a restructuring plan is dependent on an investor entering the KTM Group.
MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin (89) on an Aprilia RSV4 at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.
The Aspar Circuit has been chosen by the best riders in the world to train and prepare for the new season
Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.
In the last two weeks, the Aspar Circuit has welcomed four of the five active Moto GP champions, Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín, Fabio Quartararo and Joan Mir. The facilities located in Guadassuar (Valencia) have hosted two intense weeks of training in which the best riders in the world have been riding together to prepare for a season that starts soon.
These great champions have been riding alongside other riders such as Álex Márquez, Fermín Aldeguer, David Alonso, Dani Holgado, Izan Guevara, Filip Salac, Diogo Moreira, Máximo Quiles and Ángel Piqueras, among others.
Alex Marquez (73) leads Marc Marquez (93) at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.
A unique facilities in the world
When the Aspar Circuit project began in May 2024, one of the objectives was to become a space where elite riders could train at the highest level. In the last two weeks, more than 20 riders have chosen these facilities to practice before the World Championship starts on 2 March in Thailand.
Julio García, Aspar Circuit Director: “It is a privilege to see the best riders in the world training at our facilities. The fact that they choose the Aspar Circuit to prepare for the season shows that the Aspar Circuit is a reference place in the motorcycling.”
Jorge Martin (89) leads Marc Marquez (93) at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.
What is Aspar Circuit? The history and facility from the company’s website:
A company born with the aim of closing a circle that began more than 40 years ago, when Jorge Martínez “Aspar” got on a motorcycle for the first time. The Aspar Circuit is the first global motorcycling academy in the world and seeks to push young talents to the top of the World Championship.
The Aspar Circuit is a unique space for the diversity of activities that can be carried out there. It is the perfect place to get started in motorsport or for professional drivers to train. Whether in karting, motor racing or motorcycling, the Aspar Circuit has everything you need to enjoy the two or four wheels in the Valencian Community, as well as all kinds of sporting, commercial or corporate events.
MotoGP Legend Jorge Martínez “Aspar” leads a motorcycle racing team that currently accumulates fifteen world titles, ten world championship runner-ups, more than 150 victories and more than 400 podiums, all of them being present in the Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE World Championship, as well as in the FIM JuniorGP with its pool of young talents in the JuniorGP and European Talent Cup classes. If you go to the Aspar Circuit, you are likely to meet the members of the Aspar Team, as the team’s headquarters are located at the circuit’s facilities. In addition, it will be an ideal scenario for the team’s pilots to train in different modalities.
Aspar KSB Sport, founded by Kike Bañuls, is a Valencian school of pilots that has been offering its training services since 2006. With its proven experience with young children, Aspar KSB Sport provides the opportunity for all young people to learn, effectively and safely, how to ride a motorcycle and enter the world of competition. In addition, Aspar KSB Sport offers courses to improve motorcycling skills.
The Aspar KSB Technical Academy is a school for racing mechanics. It offers a two-year cycle of specific training, with a dynamic method based on 80% practice and 20% theory. The contents are focused on the operation of a pit box during a Grand Prix, so the practices are in real competition situations, sometimes with World Championship drivers.
The Aspar Circuit is also home to the Aspar Museum, a space that contains a large part of the history of the Aspar Team and its founder, Jorge Martínez “Aspar”. With more than 40 years as a rider and team manager, in the Museum you can appreciate great jewels of the competition, from the Derbi with which “Aspar” was world champion, to the current Moto3 bikes, through the historic 125cc and 250cc bikes that gave so much joy to the team.
Main track
With a length of 2.2 kilometers, this track offers motorcycle and car drivers a perfect space to challenge their skills.
It also includes a 1,348-meter variant designed for karting and homologated by the FIA. homologated by the FIA.
It is suitable for cars, motorcycles and racing karts.
Karting track
On its 850 meters of track, amateurs will be able to compete in races and heats with rental karts to see who is the fastest, while professional drivers will be able to perfect their technique on a more compact track.
Suitable for rental karts, pit bikes and mini motorcycles.
Dirt track
Motor racing is not only about speed. The dirt track awaits all the enthusiasts of modalities such as car cross or supermotard, among others.
Open track – School circuit
For more than 15 years, Aspar KSB Sport has been training young drivers in a safe and fun environment. Our track has everything necessary for riders to develop their skills. With expert instructors and personalized attention, at Aspar KSB Sport you will find the perfect way to start your adventure in the world of motorcycling. Join the school and start riding towards your dreams!
ASPAR MUSEUM
Aspar Museum is also placed in the Aspar Circuit, a space that collects part of the history of the Aspar Team and its founder, Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’. With more than 40 years as a rider and team manager, the Museum displays great jewels of the competition, from the Derbi with which ‘Aspar’ was world champion, to the current Moto3 bikes, as well as the historical 125cc and 250cc bikes that gave so much joy to the team.
RESTAURANT AND TERRACE
In our restaurant you can have lunch and dinner overlooking the circuit, celebrate caterings, birthdays, events or business lunches.
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