Racer and TrackDaz owner Dustin Coyner presents “Ask a Superbike Genius” with Richard Stanboli, owner of Attack Performance and the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha MotoAmerica Superbike Team.
This interview was conducted following the MotoAmerica event April 8-10 at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas.
Ducati continues its growth trend, record first quarter 2022
13,450 motorcycles delivered to passionate customers worldwide during the first three months of 2022, up by 5% compared to 2021
Italy is again the leading market for Ducati with 2,544 motorcycles
The results obtained were penalized by a strong discontinuity in supplies, a situation that could continue over the course of the season
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 14 April 2022 – The first quarter of 2022 ends with another record for Ducati, which announced in March that it closed 2021 with its best ever result in terms of deliveries, revenues and operating profit. A total of 13,450 motorcycles were delivered to passionate customers around the world from January to March, with further growth of 5% compared to the same period in 2021 and 40% compared to 2020.
Francesco Milicia, VP Global Sales and After Sales Ducati: “Ducati’s order portfolio at the end of the quarter is up by 83% over the same period of 2021, demonstrating the success that the recently presented range is already having with customers. The figures achieved by Ducati during the first three months of the year, while setting a new record, are the result of a strong demand for a product that has to deal with extraordinary difficulty in the world of supplies, especially for all motorcycle components equipped with semiconductors. Delays in supply chains are unfortunately affecting our ability to deliver bikes on schedule, and we apologize to our passionate customers for this. We can guarantee that the company is making every effort to reduce this inconvenience.”
In the first quarter of 2022, Italy regained the place of main market for Ducati with 2,544 motorcycles delivered (+8%), followed by Germany with 1,382 units (+9%). Significant growth is recorded in France , which with 1,153 motorcycles delivered achieves +29% over the same period in 2021. Good performances also in the United Kingdom, +46% with 860 motorcycles, and Brazil, which with 241 motorcycles delivered grows by +21%.
The Multistrada V4 remains the most popular model among Ducatisti with 2,456 motorcycles delivered, followed by Monster (1,868) and the Ducati Scrambler 800 family (1,557).
Showtime at Silverstone for the 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season opener
The stage is set for the highly anticipated 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season opener at Silverstone this Easter weekend (April 15/16/17), with an all-star cast lining up to claim Britain’s most coveted motorsport title.
Reigning champion Tarran Mackenzie will watch the opening round of his title defence from the sidelines following a high-speed crash in testing last week. The McAMS Yamaha rider underwent successful surgery on a fractured left ankle on Monday, but is forced to sit out the opening three races.
There are two former champions on the grid ready to try to regain the title in 2022 led by double title-winner Josh Brookes. The Australian remains with the MCE Ducati team for the new season and will be eager to repeat the form that saw him last lift the title in 2020.
2018 champion Leon Haslam is back on home soil from the world stage and is reunited with Kawasaki in VisionTrack colours, joining the team that pushed him in his title-winning year with Jake Dixon.
The new season marks the return of 2013 World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes as he returns to the series for the first time since 2008, joining Brookes at MCE Ducati as the team bids for an unprecedented ninth title.
Last year’s runner-up Tommy Bridewell, returning with Oxford Products Racing Ducati, will be a formidable opponent too, after setting the pace at last week’s Official Test at the circuit. Jason O’Halloran is back as well with McAMS Yamaha, as he bids to make amends for missing out on the title after his strongest season to date last year.
No fewer than 15 race winners complete the 2022 Bennetts BSB entry list and Silverstone is a circuit where Haslam, O’Halloran, Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) and Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) have celebrated victory in the past. Whilst riders including Bridewell, Christian Iddon (Buildbase Suzuki) and Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) have all previously stood on the podium.
The opening round gets underway tomorrow (Friday) with the opening two BSB SUPERPICKS Free Practice sessions.
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tarran Mackenzie – the Champion’s view
“I think testing showed that a lot of people are in a good place heading into this first round and BSB is looking as competitive as ever. Then there are other riders who weren’t there on the times at the test, but they will be there come the races this weekend, so it is hard to pick names out of the hat to predict the Silverstone winner as there are so many potentials!
“I think Silverstone is quite an easy track where you can put a new tyre in and do a fast lap time, so it’s hard to tell who will have the pace over the race distance.
“The track has always worked well for the Yamahas in the past and also the Suzuki always seems to shine at this track. Ducati and Kawasaki are strong, but they haven’t won a race in recent years so it will be interesting.
“I think Silverstone will be a hard race as it is so easy to get ahead of yourself and get carried away and you’re pushing, but then the last five laps it gets tricky with the tyre. It is close between the manufacturers and there isn’t a real standout, but it is about the rider and bike combinations that can keep the pace until the end and the tyre preservation that makes the difference.
“There are three Yamahas this weekend and the riders on them, Jason [O’Halloran] is very strong at Silverstone, Kyle [Ryde] has won there before and Brad [Ray] has been strong there too, so I predict at least one Yamaha lock out of the podium!
“I am gutted I am not racing this weekend though as it is my most successful track! I think I have had 11 races there, and in all the races I have finished, I have always been on the podium, so I always feel happy going to Silverstone!”
THE QUAIL MOTORCYCLE GATHERING NAMES ROLAND SANDS AS 2022 HONOREE
The premier motorcycle lifestyle event will honor the motorcycle racer and customizer as the 2022 Legend of the Sport at the gathering of over 300 vintage and modern motorcycles, hot rods and classic cars
Carmel, Calif. (April 14, 2022) – The Quail Motorcycle Gathering has announced that it will honor prolific American motorcycle racer and designer Roland Sands as the 2022 Legend of the Sport during the 12th annual event in Carmel, California, on Saturday, May 14, 2022. One of the most anticipated motorcycle events of the year, the gathering features a collection of some of the rarest vintage and modern motorcycles in the world, a selection of food and beverage options, the latest products from motorcycle lifestyle vendors and a variety of family-friendly activities all taking place in The Quail’s beautiful setting in sunny Carmel Valley.
Sands is well-known as the founder of Roland Sands Design (RSD), an innovative and highly regarded motorcycle, product and apparel company based in Long Beach, California. RSD also produces a plethora of custom bikes using a unique mix of RSD parts available to the public and one-off components made by Sands himself. Over the last five years, Sands and the team at RSD have expanded into the event space with the Moto Beach Classic on the beaches of Southern California and the Super Hooligan National Championship, a series that unites the custom-motorcycle scene with inspiration from flat track and road racing. Before starting his own company, Sands was a professional road racer for 10 years setting several tracks records and claiming the 1998 AMA 250GP Championship.
His motorcycle and product designs have earned several accolades, including three V-Twin Wheel Design of the Year awards, a V-Twin Control Design award, a Chip Foose Design of Excellence award, a second-, third- and fourth-place award in the Modified Harley class at the World Championship of Custom Bike Building, a V-Twin Trendsetter of the Year award and the Biker Build-Off Rookie of the Year award. Sands was also the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Grand Marshal.
“Our Legend of the Sport recognizes those few special and influential individuals who have made significant achievements and contributions to motorcycling,” said Gordon McCall, Director of Motorsports for The Peninsula Signature Events. “We are pleased and excited this year to add Roland Sands to this distinguished list of names that has included past legends such as Wayne Rainey, Arlen Ness, Malcolm Smith and others.”
Roland Sands will be invited on stage during the show for a fireside chat, where he will discuss his success and accomplishments with the crowd. The show will take place on the pristine lawns of Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California. This year’s five featured classes include Harley-Davidson XR-750, BMW /5 Series, Two-Stroke “Braaaps,” mini bikes |BIG FUN and Hot Rods & Classic Cars.
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering includes activities for all ages and families, children and pets are welcome. For 2022, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering offers General Public Admission Only tickets at $55, including parking and gear valet service for those riding a motorcycle to the event. This year, The Quail is partnering with local food trucks providing a wide selection of food and beverages. General Public Admission + Hospitality tickets are $90 and include a lunch in a private seating area, including a buffet of culinary delights and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are available online at www.quaillodgeevents.com. Learn more about the event at www.peninsula.com/en/signature-events and follow the action on Facebook and Instagram, @TheQuailEvents.
2022 FIM MiniGP World Series calendars announced
Thursday, 14 April 2022
The FIM MiniGP World Series began in 2021, culminating in an incredible first FIM MiniGP World Series Final at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, just ahead of the MotoGP™ season finale. In 2022, the series expands to include even more National Series, with a number of new countries joining up.
The 2021 Series; Alpe Adria, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, North America, Portugal, Spain and the UK, are joined by Australia, Austria, India, Indonesia and Qatar this year. The top two riders from each will be invited to join the 2022 FIM MiniGP World Series Final and, as in the inaugural year of the FIM MiniGP World Series, the winner of the World Final will, subject to minimum age and location/nationality, secure a spot in one of the Road To MotoGP™ programs on the next rung of their career ladder.
The calendars for each of the Series comprising the 2022 FIM MiniGP World Series can now be announced, with competition underway in many already.
Please find (below) the details of each calendar as another exciting season on the Road to MotoGP™ gets underway!
FMWS_2022_Calendars_2022_04_12
The ASBK Management Team wishes to advise Teams and Fans of the cancellation of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) Round 6, scheduled to be held at Symmons Plains Raceway, Tasmania.
The cancellation is required due to a newly occurring national motorsport calendar shake-up affecting the Tasmanian round, including the announcement of WorldSBK returning to Phillip Island in November and a further International event landing on the weekend concerned. Additional complications include the recent late decision of Supercars to conduct the Adelaide 500 race in December, requiring a review of the backend of the 2022 calendar.
All of these recent changes occurring outside of ASBK or Motorcycling Australia’s control; unfortunate news for the Championship and its riders and fans alike.
The ASBK Management Team wishes to thank the Tasmanian Government for their continuing support and we look forward to the opportunity of returning in the future.
Finally, we take the opportunity to apologise to ASBK Teams, Riders & Fans for any inconvenience caused by the required decision.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to ASBK Round 3 at Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW on 22 – 24 April.
Featured In the April 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
Citing the need to reduce power and weight to avoid tire problems and solve safety issues related to top speed vs. run-off room, AMA Superbike officials decided to reduce engine displacement from 1025cc to 750cc for 1983.
The move set up an epic battle between Kawasaki’s air-cooled, two-valves-per-cylinder Inline-4 GPz750 and Honda’s liquid-cooled, four-valves-per-cylinder V-4 VF750F Interceptor. By the end of the season, the battle for the Championship came down to Wayne Rainey on the Kawasaki and Mike Baldwin on the Honda, with Rainey winning the title…
—Historic Racebike Illustrations: AMA Superbikes Of The 1980s, by Mick Ofield
It was a sea change in U.S. road racing—production-based Superbikes became the premier racing vehicles, and on those beasts a generation of American road racers prepared to conquer the Grand Prix world! Look back in detail at those fascinating “production” machines that were anything but “production” in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
PREVIEW the April 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the April 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE
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Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 26th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 11 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (11 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2022 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
David Kohlstaedt
Age: 18.
Current home: Puyallup, Washington.
Current height/weight: 5’11”/130 pounds.
Current school grade level: 12th grade.
Began riding at age: 4 years.
First road race: 2013, Shelton, Washington, WMRRA, 125GP, 3rd place.
Current racebikes: Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250, Kawasaki KX450.
Current tuner/mechanic: Dave Kohlstaedt (father).
Primary race series: RSD Super Hooligans, AFT Singles.
Top sponsors: Arai, 2 Fast Track Days, Vircos Leathers, Lightshoe, Bellevue Kawasaki, Incentive Solutions, KFG Motorsports, Öhlins, 2Wheel Dyno Works, Sammy Halbert Racing, Motion Pro, Vortex Racing, EBC, Umbrella Girls USA, Purveyors of Speed, Steve Huff Motorsports, DK29.com.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2021 season, finished 4th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (8 podium finishes), finished 3rd in RSD Super Hooligan race at Laguna Seca; 2020 season, finished 6th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish was 4th, twice), placed 2nd in WMRRA Lightweight Superbike and 3rd in WMRRA Lightweight Supersport and Formula Two Championships; 2019 season, placed 30th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish 11th at Barber), won WMRRA Ultralightweight Superbike Championship (5 wins), placed 2nd in WMRRA Formula Ultra 2 Championship (3 podiums in 4 races); 2018 season, placed 7th in overall WMRRA Championship, won WMRRA Ultra-Lightweight SS Championship, finished 2nd in WMRRA 500 Superbike and Ultra-Lightweight GP Championships, set WMRRA Ultra-Lightweight class lap record at The Ridge Motorsports Park, collected 2 top-20 finishes in MotoAmerica Junior Cup races while riding a Kawasaki Ninja 300; 2015 season, named AMA Youth Rider of the Year in Flat Track.
2022 racing goals: Finish on podium in RSD Super Hooligan and AFT Singles.
Racing career goal: Race in the MotoGP World Championship.
Racing heroes: Sammy Halbert, Valentino Rossi.
Favorite track: Barber Motorsports Park.
Favorite hobbies: Playing guitar, motocross, having fun.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Enjoying time with my family.
MotoE™️ Test: Aegerter wins race simulation on Day 3
The Swiss rider takes the spoils as drama hits for Torres and Granado, Garzo fastest overall
Wednesday, 13 April 2022
Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) won the race simulation in the third and final Day 3 session of FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup testing at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto. The Swiss rider crossed the line 1.6 seconds ahead of the returning Hector Garzo (Tech 3 E-Racing), with Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) rounding out the podium.
Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) crashed out at Turn 1 mid-race, and two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) suffered an issue that briefly forced him into pitlane.
After rain stopped play on Day 2, sunnier skies were a welcome sight on Wednesday and the field got two test sessions in before the race at the end of the day.
The fastest rider overall by the end of the test is Garzo, with the Tech 3 rider putting in a 1:48.458 to sit top of the pile. It’s close at the top though, with Aegerter just 0.022 back and Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE) only a further 0.025 in arrears.
Fourth fastest was Granado, with the Brazilian two tenths off Garzo by the end of action, with Miquel Pons making it both LCR machines in the top five. Casadei was sixth fastest rounded out by third in the race simulation. Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE), Xavier Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), Torres and the returning Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team) complete the top ten combined over days 1-2-3.
That’s a wrap on pre-season for MotoE™. Check out interviews with riders and test coverage on motogp.com, and then get ready for Round 1 at the Gran Premio Red Bull de España from the 29th of April to the 1st of May as MotoE™ goes racing!
RACE SIMULATION: TOP THREE
1 Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) – Energica – 16’26.261
2 Hector Garzo (Tech 3 E-Racing) – Energica – +1.601
3 Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) – Energica – +6.702
Suzuki Motor USA on Hand to Witness Suzuki’s Historic 500th Podium Milestone at US MotoGP
Austin, TX – Executives from Suzuki Motor USA were in attendance at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas to witness Team Suzuki ECSTAR’s Alex Rins claim second place in the MotoGP race, which marked Suzuki’s 500th podium in Grand Prix racing across all classes. This historic achievement comes after decades of Suzuki engineering and development, proving the performance of Suzuki motorcycles at all levels of world class roadracing.
With dozens of past Suzuki legends having contributed to the milestone, several were in attendance and gathered at the conclusion of the race to commemorate the significance of the 500th Suzuki podium.
“It was an honor for (Suzuki Motor USA, President) Mr. Haga and I to be able to be on hand and witness this historic achievement firsthand,” said Suzuki Vice President, Kerry Graeber. “Racing has always been at the core of Suzuki and seeing Alex on the podium this weekend, marking Suzuki’s 500th podium was truly special. The list of current and past legends that are part of Suzuki racing history is inspiring.”
The 2022 MotoGP championship continues at round five at the Grande Prémio Tissot de Portugal at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve circuit in Portugal on April 22-24, 2022. Team Suzuki ECSTAR riders Alex Rins and Joan Mir currently sit in 2nd and 4th place respectively in the 2022 MotoGP World Championship.
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.
Racer and TrackDaz owner Dustin Coyner presents “Ask a Superbike Genius” with Richard Stanboli, owner of Attack Performance and the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha MotoAmerica Superbike Team.
This interview was conducted following the MotoAmerica event April 8-10 at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas.
Ducati continues its growth trend, record first quarter 2022
13,450 motorcycles delivered to passionate customers worldwide during the first three months of 2022, up by 5% compared to 2021
Italy is again the leading market for Ducati with 2,544 motorcycles
The results obtained were penalized by a strong discontinuity in supplies, a situation that could continue over the course of the season
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 14 April 2022 – The first quarter of 2022 ends with another record for Ducati, which announced in March that it closed 2021 with its best ever result in terms of deliveries, revenues and operating profit. A total of 13,450 motorcycles were delivered to passionate customers around the world from January to March, with further growth of 5% compared to the same period in 2021 and 40% compared to 2020.
Francesco Milicia, VP Global Sales and After Sales Ducati: “Ducati’s order portfolio at the end of the quarter is up by 83% over the same period of 2021, demonstrating the success that the recently presented range is already having with customers. The figures achieved by Ducati during the first three months of the year, while setting a new record, are the result of a strong demand for a product that has to deal with extraordinary difficulty in the world of supplies, especially for all motorcycle components equipped with semiconductors. Delays in supply chains are unfortunately affecting our ability to deliver bikes on schedule, and we apologize to our passionate customers for this. We can guarantee that the company is making every effort to reduce this inconvenience.”
In the first quarter of 2022, Italy regained the place of main market for Ducati with 2,544 motorcycles delivered (+8%), followed by Germany with 1,382 units (+9%). Significant growth is recorded in France , which with 1,153 motorcycles delivered achieves +29% over the same period in 2021. Good performances also in the United Kingdom, +46% with 860 motorcycles, and Brazil, which with 241 motorcycles delivered grows by +21%.
The Multistrada V4 remains the most popular model among Ducatisti with 2,456 motorcycles delivered, followed by Monster (1,868) and the Ducati Scrambler 800 family (1,557).
Showtime at Silverstone for the 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season opener
The stage is set for the highly anticipated 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season opener at Silverstone this Easter weekend (April 15/16/17), with an all-star cast lining up to claim Britain’s most coveted motorsport title.
Reigning champion Tarran Mackenzie will watch the opening round of his title defence from the sidelines following a high-speed crash in testing last week. The McAMS Yamaha rider underwent successful surgery on a fractured left ankle on Monday, but is forced to sit out the opening three races.
There are two former champions on the grid ready to try to regain the title in 2022 led by double title-winner Josh Brookes. The Australian remains with the MCE Ducati team for the new season and will be eager to repeat the form that saw him last lift the title in 2020.
2018 champion Leon Haslam is back on home soil from the world stage and is reunited with Kawasaki in VisionTrack colours, joining the team that pushed him in his title-winning year with Jake Dixon.
The new season marks the return of 2013 World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes as he returns to the series for the first time since 2008, joining Brookes at MCE Ducati as the team bids for an unprecedented ninth title.
Last year’s runner-up Tommy Bridewell, returning with Oxford Products Racing Ducati, will be a formidable opponent too, after setting the pace at last week’s Official Test at the circuit. Jason O’Halloran is back as well with McAMS Yamaha, as he bids to make amends for missing out on the title after his strongest season to date last year.
No fewer than 15 race winners complete the 2022 Bennetts BSB entry list and Silverstone is a circuit where Haslam, O’Halloran, Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) and Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) have celebrated victory in the past. Whilst riders including Bridewell, Christian Iddon (Buildbase Suzuki) and Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) have all previously stood on the podium.
The opening round gets underway tomorrow (Friday) with the opening two BSB SUPERPICKS Free Practice sessions.
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tarran Mackenzie – the Champion’s view
“I think testing showed that a lot of people are in a good place heading into this first round and BSB is looking as competitive as ever. Then there are other riders who weren’t there on the times at the test, but they will be there come the races this weekend, so it is hard to pick names out of the hat to predict the Silverstone winner as there are so many potentials!
“I think Silverstone is quite an easy track where you can put a new tyre in and do a fast lap time, so it’s hard to tell who will have the pace over the race distance.
“The track has always worked well for the Yamahas in the past and also the Suzuki always seems to shine at this track. Ducati and Kawasaki are strong, but they haven’t won a race in recent years so it will be interesting.
“I think Silverstone will be a hard race as it is so easy to get ahead of yourself and get carried away and you’re pushing, but then the last five laps it gets tricky with the tyre. It is close between the manufacturers and there isn’t a real standout, but it is about the rider and bike combinations that can keep the pace until the end and the tyre preservation that makes the difference.
“There are three Yamahas this weekend and the riders on them, Jason [O’Halloran] is very strong at Silverstone, Kyle [Ryde] has won there before and Brad [Ray] has been strong there too, so I predict at least one Yamaha lock out of the podium!
“I am gutted I am not racing this weekend though as it is my most successful track! I think I have had 11 races there, and in all the races I have finished, I have always been on the podium, so I always feel happy going to Silverstone!”
THE QUAIL MOTORCYCLE GATHERING NAMES ROLAND SANDS AS 2022 HONOREE
The premier motorcycle lifestyle event will honor the motorcycle racer and customizer as the 2022 Legend of the Sport at the gathering of over 300 vintage and modern motorcycles, hot rods and classic cars
Carmel, Calif. (April 14, 2022) – The Quail Motorcycle Gathering has announced that it will honor prolific American motorcycle racer and designer Roland Sands as the 2022 Legend of the Sport during the 12th annual event in Carmel, California, on Saturday, May 14, 2022. One of the most anticipated motorcycle events of the year, the gathering features a collection of some of the rarest vintage and modern motorcycles in the world, a selection of food and beverage options, the latest products from motorcycle lifestyle vendors and a variety of family-friendly activities all taking place in The Quail’s beautiful setting in sunny Carmel Valley.
Sands is well-known as the founder of Roland Sands Design (RSD), an innovative and highly regarded motorcycle, product and apparel company based in Long Beach, California. RSD also produces a plethora of custom bikes using a unique mix of RSD parts available to the public and one-off components made by Sands himself. Over the last five years, Sands and the team at RSD have expanded into the event space with the Moto Beach Classic on the beaches of Southern California and the Super Hooligan National Championship, a series that unites the custom-motorcycle scene with inspiration from flat track and road racing. Before starting his own company, Sands was a professional road racer for 10 years setting several tracks records and claiming the 1998 AMA 250GP Championship.
His motorcycle and product designs have earned several accolades, including three V-Twin Wheel Design of the Year awards, a V-Twin Control Design award, a Chip Foose Design of Excellence award, a second-, third- and fourth-place award in the Modified Harley class at the World Championship of Custom Bike Building, a V-Twin Trendsetter of the Year award and the Biker Build-Off Rookie of the Year award. Sands was also the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Grand Marshal.
“Our Legend of the Sport recognizes those few special and influential individuals who have made significant achievements and contributions to motorcycling,” said Gordon McCall, Director of Motorsports for The Peninsula Signature Events. “We are pleased and excited this year to add Roland Sands to this distinguished list of names that has included past legends such as Wayne Rainey, Arlen Ness, Malcolm Smith and others.”
Roland Sands will be invited on stage during the show for a fireside chat, where he will discuss his success and accomplishments with the crowd. The show will take place on the pristine lawns of Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California. This year’s five featured classes include Harley-Davidson XR-750, BMW /5 Series, Two-Stroke “Braaaps,” mini bikes |BIG FUN and Hot Rods & Classic Cars.
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering includes activities for all ages and families, children and pets are welcome. For 2022, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering offers General Public Admission Only tickets at $55, including parking and gear valet service for those riding a motorcycle to the event. This year, The Quail is partnering with local food trucks providing a wide selection of food and beverages. General Public Admission + Hospitality tickets are $90 and include a lunch in a private seating area, including a buffet of culinary delights and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are available online at www.quaillodgeevents.com. Learn more about the event at www.peninsula.com/en/signature-events and follow the action on Facebook and Instagram, @TheQuailEvents.
2022 FIM MiniGP World Series calendars announced
Thursday, 14 April 2022
The FIM MiniGP World Series began in 2021, culminating in an incredible first FIM MiniGP World Series Final at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, just ahead of the MotoGP™ season finale. In 2022, the series expands to include even more National Series, with a number of new countries joining up.
The 2021 Series; Alpe Adria, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, North America, Portugal, Spain and the UK, are joined by Australia, Austria, India, Indonesia and Qatar this year. The top two riders from each will be invited to join the 2022 FIM MiniGP World Series Final and, as in the inaugural year of the FIM MiniGP World Series, the winner of the World Final will, subject to minimum age and location/nationality, secure a spot in one of the Road To MotoGP™ programs on the next rung of their career ladder.
The calendars for each of the Series comprising the 2022 FIM MiniGP World Series can now be announced, with competition underway in many already.
Please find (below) the details of each calendar as another exciting season on the Road to MotoGP™ gets underway!
FMWS_2022_Calendars_2022_04_12
The ASBK Management Team wishes to advise Teams and Fans of the cancellation of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) Round 6, scheduled to be held at Symmons Plains Raceway, Tasmania.
The cancellation is required due to a newly occurring national motorsport calendar shake-up affecting the Tasmanian round, including the announcement of WorldSBK returning to Phillip Island in November and a further International event landing on the weekend concerned. Additional complications include the recent late decision of Supercars to conduct the Adelaide 500 race in December, requiring a review of the backend of the 2022 calendar.
All of these recent changes occurring outside of ASBK or Motorcycling Australia’s control; unfortunate news for the Championship and its riders and fans alike.
The ASBK Management Team wishes to thank the Tasmanian Government for their continuing support and we look forward to the opportunity of returning in the future.
Finally, we take the opportunity to apologise to ASBK Teams, Riders & Fans for any inconvenience caused by the required decision.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to ASBK Round 3 at Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW on 22 – 24 April.
Featured In the April 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
Citing the need to reduce power and weight to avoid tire problems and solve safety issues related to top speed vs. run-off room, AMA Superbike officials decided to reduce engine displacement from 1025cc to 750cc for 1983.
The move set up an epic battle between Kawasaki’s air-cooled, two-valves-per-cylinder Inline-4 GPz750 and Honda’s liquid-cooled, four-valves-per-cylinder V-4 VF750F Interceptor. By the end of the season, the battle for the Championship came down to Wayne Rainey on the Kawasaki and Mike Baldwin on the Honda, with Rainey winning the title…
—Historic Racebike Illustrations: AMA Superbikes Of The 1980s, by Mick Ofield
It was a sea change in U.S. road racing—production-based Superbikes became the premier racing vehicles, and on those beasts a generation of American road racers prepared to conquer the Grand Prix world! Look back in detail at those fascinating “production” machines that were anything but “production” in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
PREVIEW the April 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!
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Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 26th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 11 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (11 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2022 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
David Kohlstaedt
Age: 18.
Current home: Puyallup, Washington.
Current height/weight: 5’11”/130 pounds.
Current school grade level: 12th grade.
Began riding at age: 4 years.
First road race: 2013, Shelton, Washington, WMRRA, 125GP, 3rd place.
Current racebikes: Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250, Kawasaki KX450.
Current tuner/mechanic: Dave Kohlstaedt (father).
Primary race series: RSD Super Hooligans, AFT Singles.
Top sponsors: Arai, 2 Fast Track Days, Vircos Leathers, Lightshoe, Bellevue Kawasaki, Incentive Solutions, KFG Motorsports, Öhlins, 2Wheel Dyno Works, Sammy Halbert Racing, Motion Pro, Vortex Racing, EBC, Umbrella Girls USA, Purveyors of Speed, Steve Huff Motorsports, DK29.com.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2021 season, finished 4th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (8 podium finishes), finished 3rd in RSD Super Hooligan race at Laguna Seca; 2020 season, finished 6th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish was 4th, twice), placed 2nd in WMRRA Lightweight Superbike and 3rd in WMRRA Lightweight Supersport and Formula Two Championships; 2019 season, placed 30th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish 11th at Barber), won WMRRA Ultralightweight Superbike Championship (5 wins), placed 2nd in WMRRA Formula Ultra 2 Championship (3 podiums in 4 races); 2018 season, placed 7th in overall WMRRA Championship, won WMRRA Ultra-Lightweight SS Championship, finished 2nd in WMRRA 500 Superbike and Ultra-Lightweight GP Championships, set WMRRA Ultra-Lightweight class lap record at The Ridge Motorsports Park, collected 2 top-20 finishes in MotoAmerica Junior Cup races while riding a Kawasaki Ninja 300; 2015 season, named AMA Youth Rider of the Year in Flat Track.
2022 racing goals: Finish on podium in RSD Super Hooligan and AFT Singles.
Racing career goal: Race in the MotoGP World Championship.
Racing heroes: Sammy Halbert, Valentino Rossi.
Favorite track: Barber Motorsports Park.
Favorite hobbies: Playing guitar, motocross, having fun.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Enjoying time with my family.
MotoE™️ Test: Aegerter wins race simulation on Day 3
The Swiss rider takes the spoils as drama hits for Torres and Granado, Garzo fastest overall
Wednesday, 13 April 2022
Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) won the race simulation in the third and final Day 3 session of FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup testing at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto. The Swiss rider crossed the line 1.6 seconds ahead of the returning Hector Garzo (Tech 3 E-Racing), with Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) rounding out the podium.
Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) crashed out at Turn 1 mid-race, and two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) suffered an issue that briefly forced him into pitlane.
After rain stopped play on Day 2, sunnier skies were a welcome sight on Wednesday and the field got two test sessions in before the race at the end of the day.
The fastest rider overall by the end of the test is Garzo, with the Tech 3 rider putting in a 1:48.458 to sit top of the pile. It’s close at the top though, with Aegerter just 0.022 back and Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE) only a further 0.025 in arrears.
Fourth fastest was Granado, with the Brazilian two tenths off Garzo by the end of action, with Miquel Pons making it both LCR machines in the top five. Casadei was sixth fastest rounded out by third in the race simulation. Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE), Xavier Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), Torres and the returning Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team) complete the top ten combined over days 1-2-3.
That’s a wrap on pre-season for MotoE™. Check out interviews with riders and test coverage on motogp.com, and then get ready for Round 1 at the Gran Premio Red Bull de España from the 29th of April to the 1st of May as MotoE™ goes racing!
RACE SIMULATION: TOP THREE
1 Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) – Energica – 16’26.261
2 Hector Garzo (Tech 3 E-Racing) – Energica – +1.601
3 Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) – Energica – +6.702
Suzuki Motor USA on Hand to Witness Suzuki’s Historic 500th Podium Milestone at US MotoGP
Austin, TX – Executives from Suzuki Motor USA were in attendance at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas to witness Team Suzuki ECSTAR’s Alex Rins claim second place in the MotoGP race, which marked Suzuki’s 500th podium in Grand Prix racing across all classes. This historic achievement comes after decades of Suzuki engineering and development, proving the performance of Suzuki motorcycles at all levels of world class roadracing.
With dozens of past Suzuki legends having contributed to the milestone, several were in attendance and gathered at the conclusion of the race to commemorate the significance of the 500th Suzuki podium.
“It was an honor for (Suzuki Motor USA, President) Mr. Haga and I to be able to be on hand and witness this historic achievement firsthand,” said Suzuki Vice President, Kerry Graeber. “Racing has always been at the core of Suzuki and seeing Alex on the podium this weekend, marking Suzuki’s 500th podium was truly special. The list of current and past legends that are part of Suzuki racing history is inspiring.”
The 2022 MotoGP championship continues at round five at the Grande Prémio Tissot de Portugal at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve circuit in Portugal on April 22-24, 2022. Team Suzuki ECSTAR riders Alex Rins and Joan Mir currently sit in 2nd and 4th place respectively in the 2022 MotoGP World Championship.
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.
