British Superbike: Bridewell Best As Testing Concludes At Silverstone

David Swarts

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April 7, 2022

British Superbike: Bridewell Best As Testing Concludes At Silverstone

Round one beckons as Bridewell tops final day of pre-season testing at Silverstone

Tommy Bridewell topped the final Bennetts British Superbike Championship pre-season Official Test at Silverstone, setting the benchmark lap time in the final session of the day for the Oxford Products Racing Ducati team despite the high winds and cool conditions.

Bridewell’s pace-setting lap came on lap four of a six-lap run as last year’s title runner-up bids to go one better this season. The time put him just 0.103s ahead of Rory Skinner’s time from yesterday on the FS-3 Racing Kawasaki.

The lap times had been incredibly close throughout the two days, and as next weekend’s opening round at Silverstone beckons, the top 22 riders were covered by just 0.909s despite the mixed conditions.

The Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha team had a positive end to their pre-season testing with Kyle Ryde and Bradley Ray locking out the next two positions on the timesheets in third and fourth place respectively.

Honda Racing UK’s Glenn Irwin completed the top five as he set his fastest lap in the penultimate session of the day, edging out Dan Linfoot on the iForce BMW. Christian Iddon was the leading Buildbase Suzuki rider in seventh place, making it six different manufacturers to feature in the top seven positions.

2018 champion Leon Haslam was eighth fastest for the VisionTrack Kawasaki team ahead of Danny Buchan, whilst Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki’s Josh Owens impressed to complete the top ten.

Andrew Irwin, Ryan Vickers and Jason O’Halloran narrowly missed out on the top ten whilst double champion Josh Brookes and Tom Sykes finished the test in 14th and 19th respectively.

Reigning champion Tarran Mackenzie has been diagnosed with a fracture to the left ankle after his high-speed crash yesterday following assessment at University Hospital Coventry. The McAMS Yamaha rider will see a specialist in Nottingham tomorrow (Friday) for further consultation.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Official Test, combined times:

Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 53.627s
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +0.103s
Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.168s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.172s
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +0.202s
Dan Linfoot (iForce BMW) +0.241s
Christian Iddon (Buildbase Suzuki) +0.306s
Leon Haslam (VisionTrack Kawasaki) +0.407s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.435s
Josh Owens (Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki) +0.465s

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Tommy Bridewell – Oxford Products Racing Ducati

“We have had a really strong pre-season test for definite. The test here has been fundamental to be honest.

“We have a lot of new parts that we had to test and we found something today as we had been experiencing a little issue.

“There were a lot of positives and one negative, but we continued riding today to fix it and we managed to, so because of that I am feeling really strong coming into round one.”

MotoAmerica: Petrucci Will Start Season With Knee Injury (Updated)

David Swarts

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April 7, 2022

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MotoAmerica: Petrucci Will Start Season With Knee Injury (Updated)

Editorial Note: Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Team Principal Bobby Shekarabi, a.k.a. Bobby Shek, is denying the fact that Danilo Petrucci is hurt. This interview was recorded on a digital audio device, and this article is 100% accurate based on that recording.

Italian Danilo Petrucci will make his MotoAmerica Superbike debut on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC Panigale V4 R this weekend at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in spite of suffering from a knee injury.

During an exclusive interview with Roadracingworld.com Thursday at COTA, Petrucci was asked if he was fully recovered from the various minor injuries he suffered while competing in the Dakar Rally in January in Saudi Arabia.

“For sure, not 100% fit,” said Petrucci. “With all the injuries I didn’t have the chance to do the usual training like motocross or simply go running. After the Dakar, for one month I don’t even work and I was really tired in my head. Then I got another crash with the motocross bike.

“This year I go riding motocross two times, and the second time — one month ago — I [tore] my collateral ligament in my left knee, really bad. In the first moment, I thought I broke the knee and the season was already over. But fortunately, an operation was not necessary. So, we work hard until last Sunday with my trainer and my therapist to let everything work. Maybe this race I’m not 100%, but for [Road] Atlanta I will be ok.

“I don’t expect to be fast, at least in this race, because everything is new to me. I have little experience with the [Dunlop] tires and little experience with the bike. At least I know the track.

“I want to make experience and try to understand, especially because I don’t even know the level of the other riders. I don’t know lap times or what’s going on. I want to see step-by-step what’s going on and try to be fast. For sure, I want to be fast. I did not come here to spend one year out of my home. I came here to enjoy and be fast on this bike as soon as possible.”

Not only is COTA a track that Petrucci knows well, it’s the place where the idea of him coming to race in MotoAmerica started.

“Last year here at MotoGP, Eraldo [Ferracci] came to me and said, ‘Why don’t you try to come here and race? It’s a really good opportunity and you are still young. You can come and be fast,’” Petrucci said the famed tuner told him. “At that time I was okay with KTM and doing all of the World Championship rallies.

“I say, ‘OK, Eraldo. I am a great fan of you and I would like, but I am OK. I am done for next year. I will participate in the Dakar and then in all of the Rally World Championship.’

“He said, ‘OK, but think about it. We can do it.’

“I said, ‘We’ll see.’

“Then I go testing with KTM on the World Rally bike, and it was OK. But KTM did not see any chance for me after the Dakar. They did not see my level. At the beginning, they [wanted] me to continue in the World Rally Championship, but first of all they wanted to see my performance at the Dakar.

“So, I say, they don’t trust me so much. But on the other side I’ve got Eraldo calling me almost every day. At least they [Ferracci] want me. So, I have to follow the feeling, that feeling. I say, ‘OK, Eraldo, I come racing in America.’ Then everything starts.”

And Petrucci said he was overwhelmed with the response he received after it was announced that he was coming to MotoAmerica.

“I received messages from tons of American fans saying they can’t wait to see me racing here,” said Petrucci. “I didn’t expect so much impact, especially in that moment because after the Dakar the media got a lot of interest in this because I am the only rider to win in MotoGP and a stage in the Dakar. So, it was something really unexpected.

“Like I did in the Dakar, I want to bring as many people as possible to MotoAmerica.

“It was absolutely nice to see the American riders and all the riders who are racing say, ‘If you need anything call me’ and ‘come here to my town and we will go training.’ I get messages from Ben Spies, from Toni Elias, from Josh Hayes, from Neil Hodgson, who was racing here some time ago.

“It’s really nice, the approach. It’s maybe something I need after MotoGP, where everything is so precise with the schedule. Here, it feels like they have more fun racing. When you go racing it’s still racing, but I feel like there is less pressure, more fun, and more enjoy the riding. That’s what I want.”

Petrucci is filling the seat left open by Frenchman Loris Baz, who raced for Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC in 2021 and fulfilled his stated personal goal of earning a path back to the Superbike World Championship for 2022. But Petrucci is looking at his move to MotoAmerica as a possible long-term thing.

“At the moment, I don’t have the plan to go to World Superbike,” said Petrucci. “Because in World Superbike the effort you have to put in is the same as MotoGP. So, I say, no. I need something different. For this reason I chose to go racing in the Dakar and MotoAmerica, because you don’t have all the eyes looking at you here.

“We have a big truck behind us, but on this side is a van with a rider and one mechanic and we go racing together. It’s a really nice environment. It’s what I like. After 10 years of MotoGP, I don’t plan to go to World Superbike. We’ll see, maybe I will go racing again at the Dakar and come back to MotoAmerica next year. We’ll see. First of all, we have to go racing this year.”

More, from a press release issued by Ducati:

Danilo Petrucci Set to Kickstart His MotoAmerica Career This Weekend at Circuit of The Americas

Two-time MotoGP Race Winner Petrucci Ready to Race in America

Sunnyvale, Calif., April 7, 2022 — Danilo Petrucci begins a new chapter in his racing career this weekend as the Italian joins the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team for the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with round one under the spotlight at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

Petrucci, 31 and fresh from an outstanding performance on the 2022 Dakar Rally, is no stranger to CoTA, having raced all the MotoGP races held at the expansive venue from 2013 through to 2021, and will thus have some valuable experience on which to draw as he squares up against the best riders and teams on American soil.

Despite having never raced in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship on the series’ control Dunlop tires with the factory-backed Panigale V4 SBK, Petrucci’s undoubted pedigree will see him start the season as one of the clear title favorites as Ducati aims to take its first American Superbike Championship crown since Australian Troy Corser on the Fast By Ferracci Ducati 888 in 1994.

Danilo Petrucci (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York): “I am very happy to finally land in the USA,” Petrucci said. “I am really liking the Panigale but I don’t know the tires and most of the tracks are new. I’m excited with this new experience and glad to have the support from the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team. I am looking forward to a fun race season because when I have fun, I am usually really fast. So the aim is to enjoy my racing and to be as fast as possible this year.”

Round one of the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship will kick off at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas on April 8-10, 2022.

MotoGP: Dorna, FIM, IRTA, & MSMA Celebrate 500th GP Together

David Swarts

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April 7, 2022

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MotoGP: Dorna, FIM, IRTA, & MSMA Celebrate 500th GP Together

#GP500: MotoGP™ celebrates 500 Grands Prix racing together

The collaboration between the FIM, IRTA, MSMA and Dorna reaches an incredible milestone in Texas

Thursday, 07 April 2022

The motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship is the oldest in the world, having begun in 1949. In 1992, the collaboration between the FIM, IRTA, MSMA and Dorna Sports began, ushering in a new era of collaboration and cooperation between all parties – the results of which can be seen every Sunday.

30 years later, as MotoGP™ arrives at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX, there is an incredible milestone to celebrate: 500 Grands Prix of #RacingTogether.

With the FIM, IRTA, the MSMA and Dorna working together, progress has been wide-ranging and comprehensive. The Grand Prix Commission, comprising representatives from the FIM, IRTA, MSMA and Dorna, has been a driving force behind creating the sport we enjoy today. Thanks to the evolution in the technical regulations agreed by all parties, the competition has never been better, with the sport showcasing the most level playing field possible across MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™.

Dorna Sports’ agreements with event promoters also continue to push the sport forward thanks to partners around the world, with MotoGP™ visiting an incredible range of racetracks and fans able to look forward to a full weekend of action at every Grand Prix, both on track and off. This season marks an additional milestone for MotoGP™ too, with 21 Grands Prix on the calendar seeing the Championship visit a record 17 countries in one season. The future is even brighter as new promoters and countries continue registering their interest in bringing the world’s fastest motorcycle racing Championship to their shores, with the sport having proven itself an economic, sporting and cultural asset to every region in which we race.

On track, one of the most vital advances of the racing together era has been in safety standards, with all parties working together to make the sport as safe as possible. In addition, the television and media coverage of MotoGP™ pushes boundaries year on year, with broadcasts now reaching nearly half a billion homes. The sport’s commercial reach has also grown exponentially, with MotoGP™ now enjoying a presence across every key global market as an ever-increasing portfolio of commercial partnerships prove testament to the sport’s appeal.

Racing together, every party has a voice in the paddock, working together to create the best possible spectacle and the best possible competition – for every stakeholder and every fan.

Jorge Viegas, FIM President: “The FIM is extremely proud to celebrate 500 GPs of the most exciting sport in the world, and we are especially proud of our partners: Dorna, IRTA and MSMA and obviously not forgetting our National Federations too. We have achieved this success story because we really work together as a very united family. But the important thing is that we continue to work for the riders, as they remain the real stars of the show!”

Herve Poncharal, IRTA President: “The main focus and purpose for IRTA has always been the safety of the riders. Clearly, since we started to work in the new era and now we’re celebrating 500 GPs of racing together, clearly we have established a much more positive atmosphere, and we’ve been listening to each other much more. Most importantly, the decisions regarding the sport, be it calendar, technical rules, circuits, are now discussed in the GPC with a representative from FIM, IRTA, the MSMA and Dorna.

“Now, the big decisions regarding the sport are decided unanimously. The four main bodies are like one, with the same goals and visions and targets for the sport. All the main actors work together and target the same, listening and understanding each other. If the sport is a success, every party wins.”

Stefan Pierer, MSMA Chairman: “It is amazing to think that MotoGP has now reached this notable milestone. The innovations and the improvements through this journey so far has only been possible thanks to the work and the vision of the collective group. We cannot forget how fantastic and well received MotoGP is around the world now. It is more popular than ever. Through the MSMA we have the same unity and ambitions and with Dorna Sports, the FIM and IRTA we can piece the puzzle together and keep growing and keep entertaining. The manufacturers all race to win but there is a strong feeling that the millions that follow and enjoy MotoGP are also ‘winning’. We look forward to the next 500.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO: “Congratulations to all the people who’ve made it possible to reach this milestone between the FIM, IRTA, MSMA and Dorna. We started in 1992, and it seems like yesterday but the 500 Grands Prix since have been fantastic and I’ve been very lucky to be present at all of them. It’s an incredible achievement, everyone has grown the sport together. The Championship now is much, much better and we’re extremely proud to celebrate 500 Grands Prix.

“The best achievement, in my opinion, has been the improvements in safety. When we began working with IRTA we were looking to try to make the Championship safer, and it’s never enough but we had that as the main goal. The second is to really give MotoGP the chance to expand around the world, which is an important achievement. And then of course, in the last few years, with MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3, now everyone has the chance to race with the same conditions, creating incredible competition in all the classes.”

500 IN NUMBERS

During the 500 Grands Prix of this era, there have been 30 complete seasons of competition across six solo motorcycle classes as the 500cc, 250cc and 125cc categories became MotoGP™ (2002), Moto2™ (2010) and Moto3™ (2012). The sport has visited 23 countries, racing at 45 different circuits, and 55 riders from 12 countries have won at least one World Championship. There have been 28 lightweight class Champions, 24 intermediate class Champions and 12 premier class Champions.

Recently retired MotoGP™ Legend Valentino Rossi leads the way with nine Championships in the modern era; one 125cc crown, one 250cc title, the final 500cc Championship and then six MotoGP™ titles. The Italian is followed closely by Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) with eight; one 125cc, one Moto2™ and six MotoGP™.

Mick Doohan’s stunning run of five premier class crowns in a row from 1994 to 1998 makes him the most decorated 500cc Champion of the era and one of the riders with third most titles, equal with Jorge Lorenzo on five. The Spanish soon-to-be MotoGP™ Legend has two 250cc crowns and three MotoGP™ World Championships.

Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi are the only two riders to have won premier class titles with two different factories during the era.

What is the Grand Prix Commission?

The Grand Prix Commission is the driving force behind MotoGP™. Comprising representatives from the FIM, IRTA, MSMA and Dorna, the GPC takes the decisions that steer the sport, as well as deciding on and enacting changes to the technical and sporting regulations.

The technical and sporting regulations in place today have played a pivotal role in creating the high level of competition, safety and sporting excellence on show in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship every weekend.

What is the FIM?

The FIM is the Federation International de Motocyclisme, or international motorcycle federation. The FIM is the governing body for MotoGP™. The FIM is global and was founded in 1904, since growing to encompass 248 Championships, 116 Federations and 14 Commissions. It is headquartered in Switzerland and is recognised by the IOC as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport.

In MotoGP™, the most public role of the FIM concerns the rules and regulations. The FIM publishes the sporting and technical regulations. Changes to the regulations are decided by the Grand Prix commission, which comprises representatives from the FIM, IRTA, MSMA and Dorna, and then the FIM publishes the changes.

One of the most visible parts of the FIM at each MotoGP™ event is the FIM MotoGP Stewards and Appeal Stewards. The Stewards are in charge of sanctioning any riders, teams or members of the paddock who fail to follow the rules and regulations. The FIM is also responsible for homologation.

What is IRTA?

Founded in 1986, IRTA is the International Road Racing Teams Association and comprises all teams participating in the Championship.

IRTA exists to advocate for and represent its members in any decision making within the sport and paddock. This means IRTA also has a representative on the Grand Prix Commission, which proposes and approves changes to the technical and sporting regulations of MotoGP™.

One of IRTA and Dorna’s collaborations is in increasing sporting and financial support for participants in the paddock, working towards greater parity in competition and a level playing field. The role of IRTA also extends to paddock distribution, ensuring the paddock is an efficient space for all those who work within it.

What is the MSMA?

The MSMA is the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association. It represents the manufacturers in the paddock, and, like the FIM, IRTA and Dorna, has a representative on the Grand Prix Commission.

Given it is the association of manufacturers, the MSMA have key input into the technical regulations, providing vital technical feedback to the GPC. The MSMA also plays a vital role in the sport’s evolution, such as MotoGP™’s move towards sustainable fuel.

What is Dorna?

Dorna Sports is the exclusive commercial and TV rights holder for the leading motorcycle racing championships on the planet, including MotoGP™.

Founded in 1988, Dorna became organiser of the Championship now known as MotoGP™ in 1991 and has been the exclusive commercial and television rights holder since. Based in Madrid, Spain, with premises in Barcelona and a subsidiary in Rome, Dorna organises the Grands Prix and has a 360 approach to events, from making agreements with the circuit and event promoters that host each Grand Prix to broadcasting the World Feed coverage of each session and race.

WorldSBK: Rea Says “#1 Is Only A Borrowed Number”

David Swarts

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April 7, 2022

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WorldSBK: Rea Says “#1 Is Only A Borrowed Number”

Fighting talk from Thursday at Aragon: “It’s a golden era right now… a lot of contenders!”

We caught up with the headline names ahead of round one commencing, with everyone in agreement that 2022 is going to be a stunning year for World Superbike

The 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicks off at MotorLand Aragon for the Pirelli Aragon Round, with the 35th season of WorldSBK getting underway at the Spanish venue. Before the wheels have turned on the first racing weekend of the year, we caught up with some of the main stars and contenders ahead of the season, with plenty of fighting talk from the off.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK): “I’m excited because the season starts… every WorldSBK rider is very fast!”

“I’m excited because the season starts again, and I use the #1. I’m very happy for Yamaha as it’s the first time they use the number. We are ready to race! Normally, I was feeling pressure before the season starts. Now, I don’t feel the pressure as everyone was here for the test, but now I just feel excited! For me, every WorldSBK rider is very fast. We know Bautista and Jonny are very fast, but also the other riders are very fast. Last year, we saw some riders very fast and got good results. Now, I see Garrett, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Bautista, Jonny, Locatelli… everybody’s fast!”
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “Ready to race… #1’s only a borrowed number”

“I’m happy to start! Last year, picking up the 100th win in 2021 was really nice to start and if we can start in similar fashion this weekend, then that’d be incredible. To have a solid weekend, get as many points on the board as possible and then move on. Rivals come from everywhere and last year, so many people were able to fight for the podium. So, in theory, many can now fight for victories and if we go by the test and everyone’s form, Yamaha riders, Ducati riders and also my teammate Alex. #65 carries less weight for sure! But it’s a happy number for me too, it’s back to my roots and it’s been my career number. #1 is only a borrowed number and it is one that has to be earnt.”

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “There’ll be a lot of contenders!”

“I am smiling because I’m happy! The readaptation was very quick, even after the first time, when I had to adapt my riding style a little bit, but for me, the Ducati’s very familiar and very natural. I think we are very prepared for the start of the season. I think for this weekend, Toprak is very strong but also Jonathan, who was very fast in the test, so I think they’ll be there, not only for this weekend, but for the Championship. We saw Garrett Gerloff very strong in all the preseason and also at this track, so I think he’ll be near the top. We can’t forget my teammate, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, who’s very fast here and also Alex Lowes. There’ll be a lot of contenders this weekend!”

Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “A new season in WorldSBK is always exciting!”

“A new season in WorldSBK is always exciting with what can happen. Testing is always different to racing, even at the same track, the temperatures have changed and that can affect riders differently. For me, it’s a new challenge with BMW and it’s a new project. Last year, I was thinking about how to win the Championship, this year it’s more about how I can improve the motorcycle and get closer to the top. My position this year is a little bit different and a little bit strange for me. Of course, the goal is always to win and for me, in this moment, it’s about improving the package. We’re getting there one step at a time, and we’ll see this weekend!”

Iker Lecuona (Team HRC): “The level in WorldSBK is very high… I want to be top rookie!”

“The level in WorldSBK is very high. Alvaro with the Ducati goes very fast, Toprak with Yamaha and Rea with Kawasaki. There are more riders, their teammates, so I think this year we have three riders who have a lot of potential to fight for the Championship. But then maybe six or seven riders more fight to win some races, to stand on the podium. For this year, I want to be top rookie. I want to stay in a top position.

Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team): “I think we can have a good first race”

“Biggest improvements for me have been the new chassis that we have, it feels like it has been turning really well. Then, the electronics that we have are feeling good. A combination of those two things are helping me to be really consistent and obviously, that’s the most important thing for the race. Last year, the circumstances for the podium were a little bit unique, but we should be good this year! I want to have a good Superpole session; on the front row would be ideal but the front two rows would make me happy. Then, just have a decent race and really, just go from there, start from somewhere and then just build. I think we can have a good first race.”

Eugene Laverty (Bonovo Action BMW): “It’s a golden era right now!”

“Having top speed is always great in race situations because, when you’re racing against other guys and you have the top speed always in your pocket, it means you’ve got an overtaking place automatically. If you’re lacking straight line speed, you always have to be more creative to try and look for overtaking places. This weekend will be tough at Aragon, the preseason test here has been difficult. All I have to do is progress from the test and try to get inside that top ten. Definitely this season, as it progresses, I want to be looking at that podium but there’s so many great riders and great bikes in WorldSBK right now, it’s a golden era so it’s tougher than ever!”

Philipp Oettl (Team Goeleven): “We can build up gradually”

“I think our goal is to be in front with the other strong Independent teams. I think the first race I cannot fight with Jonny, Toprak or Bautista but if there is an opportunity during the season, of course, I will take it, but we need to stay calm with both feet on to the ground because even in the test, with two tenths faster or slower, you can be in the top six or the top 15. If we work hard and we go step by step, we can build up gradually.”

Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director: “I think it’s going to be a great year!”

“I think it’s going to be a great year which is going to be very important, because for the last two years, we’ve faced the pandemic situation worldwide. Even if the show was great and the racing was spectacular, it was a shame that the fans couldn’t attend all of the rounds. The restrictions are being lifted and it looks like we can have our normal crowds again. On the racing, I think it will remain at the same level as last year and I’m confident it can be even closer! Maybe we have a surprise and in the first race, we have all five manufacturers at the front fighting, this will be my wish. We want to get the show to the general public, so that they come to the Paddock Show, the new podium ceremony and all of the new features that we’ve got for the 2022 season.”

MotoAmerica: How To Watch The Action From COTA

David Swarts

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April 7, 2022

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MotoAmerica: How To Watch The Action From COTA

Editorial Note: MotoGP TV Broadcast Schedule

MotoAmerica: How To Watch MotoAmerica Superbikes at Texas

It’s All Here: How To Not Miss A Bit Of The Action

Everything you need to know to watch the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Texas!

N2 Track Days Adds Five Event Directors

David Swarts

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April 7, 2022

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N2 Track Days Continues to Grow Adding Five Event Directors.

Media, PA – N2 Track Days is proud to announce the return of Quentin Miller as event director and the promotion of Robert Murillo, Chris Kubricky, Dan Hawkins, and Ron Jenkins to assistant event directors. Robert, Chris, Dan and Ron will join our event directors Dan Kaepernik, John Farrell, Anthony Sabbatino, and Shiloh Salopek. N2 Track Days has grown exponentially over the last 8 years and the success is entirely attributed to the tireless work of the track event staff. N2 Track days will be holding sixty-five track days this year, plus the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. In order to staff these events properly, some of the event superstars will be promoted to join our incredible team of event directors.

““Looking back at the past 8 years with N2 I am amazed at what we have accomplished. This could not have been achieved without the tireless energy, dedication, and talent of our directors and support staff with whom it has been a privilege to work with,” said CEO Jim Curtis. “I look forward to working with our new Event Directors as they move into leadership roles within N2. Our membership will certainly benefit from these additions.”

Robert Murillo started riding on track in 2011, started racing in 2015, and became a control rider for N2 in 2016. Robert lives in Atlanta GA, is the master at cooking tacos, and will be an assistant director at events in the Southeast.

Robert Murillo. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.

Chris Kubricky started riding with NESBA in 2006 and became a control rider in 2008. In 2010 Kubricky became an event director with NESBA. Chris took a break from the sport for a few years, but returned to N2 in 2017 and has been regular ever since. Chris enjoys introducing street riders to the track and opening their eyes to a safe, controlled environment to explore the capabilities of their motorcycles.

Dan Hawkins started riding in 2013 and started racing in 2015 with a WERA National Championship in 2018. Dan started coaching with N2 in 2018 and is a regular in the N2/WERA National Endurance Series. Dan loves track days because they provide an environment with the least amount of variables where riders can grow and learn.

Dan Hawkins. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.

Ron Jenkins started riding on track in 2011 and fell in love immediately. In 2017 Ron became a CR with N2. In 2020 after years of dabbling in racing, Ron decided to commit to a full season and earned 2 regional championships. Ron will be racing this year in the N2/WERA National Endurance Series.

Ron Jenkins. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.

Quentin Miller started was first exposed to motorcycles at age six when he burned his leg on his uncle’s CB750 and he has been hooked ever since. Quentin has an extensive history racing with more than 60 races under his belt, 22 podiums, 13 wins, and 5 championships. Miller started working with N2 in 2015 and reached 100 events this year.

Quentin Miller. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.

N2 – Ride, Race, Learn.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing.

N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

N2 Track Days is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, KYT Helmets, Armour Bodies, Chicken Hawk Racing, Impact SafeT Armor, Renthal, Woodcraft, WERA Road Racing, Innovative Motorsports, R.E.B Graphics, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, JE Pistons, Wiseco Pistons, Yamaha Power Products, Boxo USA, SBS Brakes and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

WorldSBK: Championship Begins This Weekend At MotorLand Aragon (Includes Video)

David Swarts

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April 7, 2022

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WorldSBK: Championship Begins This Weekend At MotorLand Aragon (Includes Video)

Raising the Bar: Defending the WorldSBK Triple Crown in 2022

Toprak Razgatlioglu (1) and Kohta Nozane (3). Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Yamaha enjoyed a dominant 2021 FIM Superbike World Championship campaign, lifting the riders’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles for the ‘Triple Crown’, alongside the awards for Best Independent Team and Rider, and the Rookie of the Year.

Despite this unprecedented success, Yamaha were already busy developing the 2022 R1 WorldSBK well before Toprak Razgatlıoğlu lifted the world championship trophy in Indonesia, knowing full well that they needed to raise the bar this season if they were going to defend the Triple Crown from some very motivated rivals.

Yamaha’s WorldSBK riders, Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK’s Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli, and GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s Garrett Gerloff and Kohta Nozane, all head into 2022 off the back of very different 2021 seasons.

For Razgatlıoğlu the goal is simple, to defend his crown and keep the #1, while the others are looking to deny the Turkish star a second successive title, as they target the top of the championship standings themselves.

Now, the countdown to the WorldSBK season is almost over, and the race to become world champion in 2022 is sure to be more exciting than ever.

More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team:

THE WAIT IS OVER! GYTR GRT YAMAHA WORLDSBK APPROACH OPENING WORLDSBK ROUND IN ARAGÒN

After having completed the last DWO Supported Test days at MotorLand Aragòn, the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK is more than ready for the upcoming season of the FIM Superbike World Championship. That will take place at Teruel venue on 8th-10th April with racing activities and more expected to be held at the same circuit.

Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff finalized their preparations for the 2022 season having made several tests before the beginning of the Championship. Both riders felt good and were happy with the improvements made on the Yamaha RZF-R1 and are thrilled for a new beginning.

Alongside the racing activities this weekend, the fans will also have plenty of on-site events to enjoy, such as the Paddock Show and Pit Walk.

Fans can also follow of the action across the world, as Dorna WSBK Organization extends their coverage to 29 broadcasters. You can follow the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team everywhere you are. For that reason, we’ll include a worldwide timetable (courtesy of Dorna) for the races.

Action will start on Friday with the first sessions of Free Practice, then we’ll be racing again on Saturday with Superpole and Race 1. That will be followed on Sunday with the last two races (Superpole Race and Race 2), here you can find the full schedule for the first round of the FIM Superbike World Championship.

Garrett Gerloff #31:

“I cannot believe we’re finally here. I waited this moment for such a long time and in a few days we’ll be racing again. I did prepare myself a lot with training and the test sessions we had with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. We feel ready and confident for a new fresh start, and hope you can follow us wherever you are!”

Kohta Nozane #3:

“It’s time to go back racing again! We had an intense month with the test days alongside the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team where we geared up for the upcoming season. We feel to be in a good stage and we did find some good points to start building for a good race weekend. Other than that, we hope to see a lot of fans throughout the season!”

Roadracing World Young Guns 2022: Gabriel Da Silva

David Swarts

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April 7, 2022

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Roadracing World Young Guns 2022: Gabriel Da Silva

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.

Gabriel Da Silva

Age: 18

Current home: Vero Beach, Florida.

Current height/weight: 5’10”/145 pounds.

Current school/grade: 12th grade.

Began riding at age: 2 years.

First road race: 2008, Immokalee, Florida, WCPBA, Pocketbike Open, 1^st place.

Current racebike: Yamaha YZF-R6.

Current tuner/mechanic: Eduardo Da Silva (father), Orlando Taborda.

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport, CCS, Pan America Superbike, WERA.

Top sponsors: HJC, Motion Pro, Galfer USA, RS Taichi/Moto Liberty, K-Tech USA, Orient Express, Broward Motorsports, Pirelli, Vortex Racing, Fluidology, Orlando Racing.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2021 season, won MotoAmerica Supersport Race Two at Barber, won C Superstock and C Superbike WERA Sportsman National Championships, won multiple FMRRA races; 2020 season, won AMA Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award, won 2 AMA Grand Championships (C Superbike and C Superstock Expert), won WERA C Superbike Expert National Challenge Championship, won 2 WERA Sportsman Series regional Championships; 2019 season, won a race in Racing Bike Mexico Supersport 300 Championship, won 600 Superstock WERA National Challenge race at Barber, won FMRRA Moto3 Championship (6 race wins); 2018 season, won Racing Bike Mexico KTM RC Cup Championship (3 wins, 7 podiums in 7 races); 2017 season, runner-up in Racing Bike Mexico KTM RC Cup Championship (by one point).

2022 racing goals: Win a Championship.

Racing career goal: Be MotoGP World Champion.

Racing hero: Casey Stoner.

Favorite tracks: Barber Motorsports Park, NCM Motorsports Park.

Favorite hobby: Studying motorcycle related information, cycling.

If I wasn’t racing I would be…: Focusing more on school.

BMW Motorrad World Endurance M 1000 RR: The Ultimate Parts Bin Racebike?

David Swarts

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April 7, 2022

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BMW Motorrad World Endurance M 1000 RR: The Ultimate Parts Bin Racebike?

by Michael Gougis

The record top speed for a Superbike World Championship machine is 330.3 kph (205.24 mph), set by Chaz Davies aboard a factory Ducati Panigale V4 R at the 2020 Philip Island WorldSBK round.

Official timing and scoring clocked the quickest of the Endurance World Championship machines at more than 345 kph (214.37 mph) at the 2021 Bol d’Or. That’s in race trim for a bike designed to last 24 hours.

BMW is the factory Dunlop team in EWC, a series where all four major racing tire brands are represented. BMW has its own Dunlop engineer and usually has a choice of development rubber available. Photo by Michael Gougis.

On the 1.1-mile Mistral straight, the motorcycles spent nearly 20 seconds with the throttle at the stop, with approximately 12 of those seconds in sixth gear right at redline. The leading machines did this nearly 700 times during the race. If you ride track days or race a literbike, think about how long you spend on a typical lap at any racetrack in sixth gear at redline, and you start to grasp the enormity of that statistic.

Point is, a modern EWC machine isn’t built just to survive. It is built to be easy to ride, a compromise between multiple riders, durable, all of that, yes, yes, yes.

But a front-running one is a legit missile.

And it’s not built of unobtanium.

Carbon-fiber fairings with WorldSBK-spec aero components and an extended EWC windscreen complete the bodywork package. Photo by Michael Gougis. — Carbon-fiber fairings with WorldSBK-spec aero winglets and an extended EWC windscreen complete the bodywork package. Photo by Michael Gougis.

BMW’s approach to racing is somewhat unique. The company literally races what it sells through official partner Alpha Racing, and almost all of its EWC-spec factory M 1000 RR racebike is either directly from the M 1000 RR streetbike or a customer racing component.

Steven Casaer, Technical Director for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, gave Roadracing World an in-depth look at the EWC racebike as the team prepared for the 24-hour Bol d’Or at Circuit Paul Ricard.

Suspension is over-the-counter Öhlins front and rear, the Suter swingarm also an over-the-counter piece, but a pricey one at more than $8,600 complete. Photo by Michael Gougis. — Suspension is over-the-counter Öhlins front and rear. The Suter swingarm also is an over-the-counter piece but a pricey one at more than $8,600 complete. Photo by Michael Gougis.

While the team retired early in France due to an engine malfunction, redemption came a few short weeks later in the six-hour EWC season-ender at Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic. Again, and just to illustrate that these bikes are legit, the fastest qualifying time for the BMW EWC squad would have put it 13th on the grid in the WorldSBK event at the same circuit a couple of months earlier. And the EWC machine didn’t have a special one-lap qualifying tire like the WorldSBK bikes did.

Engine maps are carefully constructed to mesh with the riding styles of all three team riders. Underway, riders have the choice of three different maps. Ultimate lap time isn't as important as consistent lap times throughout a stint. Photo by Michael Gougis. — Engine maps are carefully constructed to mesh with the riding styles of all three team riders. Underway, riders have the choice of three different maps. Ultimate lap time isn’t as important as consistent lap times throughout a stint. Photo by Michael Gougis.

The BMW team held the lead for most of the six hours, and Markus Reiterberger held off YART’s Marvin Fritz to win by 0.070 seconds, scoring BMW’s first EWC win and securing second in the Championship for the squad.

Over-The-Counter Parts

Wheel bearing guide plates inside the Suter swingarm guide the rear wheel during tire changes. Axle comes out, mechanic pushes wheel forward to end of the guide plate, releasing tension on chain, which is set to the side on a special bracket. Wheel is removed, new wheel slides all the way forward to the end of the wheel bearing plate, chain slips back on, wheel pulled back to cutout in the bearing plate aligned with axle, which is driven through and tightened to spec. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Easiest to think of the $32,495 M 1000 RR, BMW’s latest high-end race replica, as the starting point. The EWC machines are built at the Motorsports Racing Parts and Tires facility in Zonhoven, Belgium, under the direction of Team Manager Werner Daemen and Casear. The team starts with a bare M 1000 RR frame; “It’s cheaper that way,” Casear says. At the front, an Alpha Racing steering stem and triple clamps are bolted to a set of Öhlins FGR forks from the company’s carbon-fiber-framed HP4 Race. “There are dust seals and everything,” Casear says. “You can buy them straight from BMW.”

Over-the-counter Öhlins FGR forks handle suspension duties at the front of the factory machine. Dry-break connectors for the Nissin endurance-spec calipers mean that the team can quickly change entire calipers mid-race, rather than swapping out the SBS brake pads. Custom 3-D printed brake ducts and ducting on the bobbed carbon-fiber fender keep the MotoMaster discs cool. OZ Racing wheels are mounted front and rear. Photo by Michael Gougis. — Over-the-counter Öhlins FGR forks handle suspension duties at the front of the factory BMW machine. Dry-break connectors for the Nissin endurance-spec calipers mean that the team can quickly change entire calipers mid-race, rather than swapping out the SBS brake pads. Custom 3-D printed brake ducts and ducting on the bobbed carbon-fiber fender keep the MotoMaster discs cool. OZ Racing wheels are mounted front and rear. Photo by Michael Gougis.

At the rear is an Alpha Racing subframe and a basic Öhlins TTX36 shock, chosen for its relatively low cost, mated to a Suter World Superbike-spec swingarm with quick-change ramps to guide the rear wheel bearings during pit stops. (Swingarms are expensive bits of kit. The basic Suter WorldSBK piece, which is available over the counter, lists for more than $7,000, and it requires an “assembly kit” that is an additional $1,600.) BMW opted for a quick-change system that leaves the sprocket attached to the wheel during stops.

Suter swingarm and quick-change hardware at the rear. The BMW factory quick-change setup leaves the rear sprocket attached to the OZ Racing rim during wheel changes. The black bracket bolted to the top of the swingarm holds the chain, which must be removed from the sprocket during tire changes. Photo by Michael Gougis.

OZ Racing wheels are mounted front and rear, as are MotoMaster discs, 5.5mm at the front – there’s no need for thicker discs as the wheels are changed hourly and rotors can be replaced at the team’s leisure between stops. The Nissin endurance-spec calipers at the front are slightly larger than normal to hold thicker pads, developed by SBS with the team. (Riders are forbidden to use the rear brake during races, Casear says, as changing those pads simply takes too long.) Front brake replacements, as necessary, are speeded by dry-brake fittings in the braided hoses.

The engine is an off-the-shelf assembly available to anyone who contacts Alpha Racing and is willing to part with $18,925, plus shipping. The K66-ENGTYP6 engine is essentially a stock M 1000 RR powerplant, which is upgraded from the base S 1000 RR with lighter titanium connecting rods, 1.5mm thinner rocker arms, a cylinder head with reinforced bearing brackets and lightened, forged two-ring racing pistons. Taleo radiators are mated to shortened stock hoses. A full titanium Akrapovic exhaust system completes the engine package. Output is a claimed 212 bhp.

K66-ENGTYP6 engine, available from BMW. Photo courtesy BMW.

One critical element is its assembly. Parts are chosen by hand at BMW’s engine and dyno center in Berlin and each engine is assembled by hand. One of the biggest differences in the engine bay between the M 1000 RR and the racebike is the transmission. The EWC gearbox has even closer ratios than the WorldSBK spec transmission, a much taller top gear and clutch plates made to a more durable specification. (Gearing is critical at Paul Ricard, as the faster bikes “skip” from the draft of one bike to the next multiple times on the run down the long back straight.) EWC rules require transmissions to have neutral between first and second gears, as opposed to a WorldSBK gearbox with neutral below first.

The brains of the machine are found in the M RCK (Race Calibration Kit) package, available from Alpha Racing for approximately $6,832.80. At the core of the kit is the Bosch Motronic BMSM2 ECU, but you also get the MoTec C125 dashboard, racing handlebar switches and MoTec datalogging software. The kit deletes the ABS capability and other street-oriented functions and allows the electronics engineer to create up to 64 different power modes, with different traction control, engine braking and wheelie control settings available for each gear. Traction control and engine braking are set to pre-determined ideal rear wheel slip targets. All TC intervention takes place with ignition cuts to ensure that the rider can hear that the system is operating. The system also allows for split throttle body action, so that pairs of cylinders can be operated independently, smoothing throttle response right at the moment the rider cracks the throttle.

Bosch Motronic BMSM2 race ECU manages the M 1000 RR-spec engine and power dynamics. The team builds custom race harnesses with quick-connectors at multiple points to facilitate post-crash rebuilds. The 24-liter tank is modified internally to speed filling and to ensure that all the fuel in the tank can be picked up. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Little things make a significant difference over endurance race lengths. BMW developed a special 525 chain for the M 1000 RR that the team ran for the entire 24 hours at Le Mans with zero stretch. GB Racing case covers protect the engine during a crash, and Alpha Racing clip-ons are replaceable without removing the fork or upper triple clamp.

Alpha Racing triple clamp-steering stem, oversized brake fluid reservoir mounted inboard to protect from crashes, and Motec C125 dash. Spare carbon-fiber WSBK-spec bodywork parts are in the background. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Top the whole thing off with an EWC-spec long windscreen and carbon-fiber bodywork with WorldSBK-configuration wings and you’ve got the basics of a bike that, as the team has shown, can run with the best of the EWC machines.

WSBK-spec carbon-fiber bodywork modified to hold headlights (quick-connector is visible on the inside of the left side of the fairing) and with additional ventilation holes covered with screening. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Special Parts

As always, on a factory bike there are parts that aren’t available to anyone else. With the BMW team, it’s little things that make a difference.

The 24-liter tank, for example, has a conventional dual dry-break filling system, but has been modified extensively internally with baffles and separators to ensure that the tank fills as rapidly as possible and that all 24 liters can be used.

The footpegs have a special brace behind them that butts up against the swingarm and, in a crash, prevents the rearset brackets from exceeding their plastic (permanent) deformation point.

Note the breakaway design of the Alpha Racing footpegs, and more importantly note the large extension behind the footpeg bracket that extends nearly to the swingarm. That is designed so that in a crash, the rearset bracket will flex only until the metal extension hits the titanium striker plate bonded to the swingarm. This means the bracket will not be distorted in a crash. Photo by Michael Gougis.

One of the most important things the team does by itself is create bespoke wiring harnesses with additional quick-release connectors, allowing for rapid replacement of parts after a crash.

And as always, there are tires. Dunlop supplies development tires to its factory teams, and BMW has a choice of development- and standard-spec KR106/KR108 radial slicks.

Every second counts, so the custom tank is configured internally to fill as rapidly as possible. Photo by Michael Gougis. — Every second counts, so the custom fuel tank is configured internally to fill as rapidly as possible. Photo by Michael Gougis.

The big difference between the factory and privateer bikes? Resources. For example, BMW brought three bikes to the Bol, let all three riders test all three bikes at a pre-event test, and reached a consensus on which bike to race.

As the leading Yoshimura/SERT Suzuki team is displayed on the garage monitor, the BMW team is tearing apart its stricken racebike after it ground to a halt on the circuit and was pushed back to the pits. Photo by Michael Gougis. — As the leading Yoshimura SERT Motul Suzuki team is displayed on the garage monitor, the BMW team is tearing apart its stricken racebike after it ground to a halt on the circuit and was pushed back to the pits during the 2021 Bol d’Or 24-hour race. Photo by Michael Gougis.

The end result reflects a massive amount of thought and effort to make the bike durable and fast. And sometimes it’s easy to wonder if it’s not overkill, especially if you are winning by 19 laps, as the factory Suzuki team did at the Bol. But when only 0.070 second after six hours of racing is the margin for your first win, as it was for the BMW squad at Most, it just proves that in racing, every little thing matters.

Spring-loaded front stand legs rotate the fork legs when the bike is lifted, moving calipers out of the way for quick wheel changes. Photo by Michael Gougis.

MotoGP: Riders Try Their Hands At Baseball In Texas

David Swarts

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April 6, 2022

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MotoGP: Riders Try Their Hands At Baseball In Texas

“I threw a bit of a wild one!”: riders switch bikes for baseball in Texas

Aleix Espargaro, Martin, Gardner and the paddock’s home heroes head for Round Rock

Thursday, 07 April 2022

The Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas is almost ready for lights out, but ahead of track action MotoGP™ headed north to Round Rock to switch bikes for baseball.

Argentina GP winner Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was joined by Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) and Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) at the event, as well as a veritable flotilla of home heroes as Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) and new rookie on the block Sean Dylan Kelly (American Racing) repped for the home team.

After some practice on the field and some tips from the Round Rock Express, the first pitch got the game underway and the riders settled in to soak in the American flavour. And, of course, they got to meet the Round Rock Express mascot Spike as the home team took on the El Paso Chihuahuas.

Next on the agenda is Thursday’s Press Conferences and media, before track action starts on Friday morning at the stunning Circuit of the Americas. Don’t miss it!

QUOTES

Aleix Espargaro: “I’m feeling good, still dreaming! Last week has been unbelievable, not just for the victory but all weekend, leading, pole position… I’m very happy now, trying to keep my feet on the ground but enjoying the moment because it was historic. I can’t wait to go back out at COTA and try to keep the momentum.

“This has been completely new for me, I’ve never been in a baseball stadium, it’s really beautiful. The sport isn’t easy to understand because it’s completely new! But it’s nice to be here, the atmosphere is super American style and it’s great to discover a new sport… but I think I’ll keep riding my bike, it’s pretty hard to catch the ball!”

Jorge Martin: “I’m super excited to be here at the game, it’s my first time ever and we’re coming from a great result. I’m enjoying my time here in the US, we always have fun and I’m looking forward to starting practice.

“This last result was great for the team, for me, for my confidence towards the next weekend. Last year here I was super competitive, almost on the podium, I won in Moto3… I’m looking forward to start and I think the goal will be the podium.”

Remy Gardner: “In Texas last year we were quite fast, I had a crash and it ended up being the worst race of the year! But we were quite fast so hopefully we can carry that speed onto the big bike this year.

“To play, baseball is really fun. I used to play when I was a kid in Australia, I think it’s part of like physical education in school. I was fully into it, I liked it and played it for 10, 11 years. I’ve got a baseball bat at home so I might pitch a few!”

Joe Roberts: “Baseball is sick, it’s really cool. I used to play Little League up at the park near my house, Coach Pitch for all the people back home who know. It’s really fun, and I’ve been playing baseball back home with friends of the last few months so I had a bit of practice, but er… I threw a bit of a wild one there!

“COTA for me, I’ve never quite had that weekend where I can walk away thinking it was an awesome weekend. It’s awesome with the fans, family, the whole vibe with everyone here but in terms of results I’ve never had a result I’m super proud of at COTA. It’s a tricky track, very unique, different from other places we go to and easy to make mistakes. It is a cool, unique environment and I’m looking forward to it. It’s not been quite the start we wanted to the year but I feel we’re starting to get a handle on why that is, and we’ll try to start to turn it around this weekend.”

Cameron Beaubier (left) and Sean Dylan Kelly (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Cameron Beaubier: “I’ve never played baseball before, sorry I know that’s pretty un-American! But it’s so nice to be back stateside, and this year it’s cool, with MotoAmerica racing as well and my brother races in Superstock, so I’m able to see him, my family, my old team…

“Last year here was a really good step for me, it gave me confidence I could run with these guys. Got to put in the hard work on Friday and Saturday and see where we are on Sunday, but I’m really looking forward to getting back on track and seeing how it goes.”

Sean Dylan Kelly: “I’m so excited! It’s amazing, to be back on home soil. It’s special for me and my team, American Racing, and for my family and everyone who’s supported me. It’s really cool and also my first pre-event… lots going on! Let’s get the excitement rolling into the weekend.

“I’ve never baseball played myself but my best friend growing up was really big into baseball, still is, and he lived two doors down so I was always around baseball with the family and going to his games to support. But I do want to grab these fans and bring them to MotoGP and tell them to watch that. It’s cooler!”

British Superbike: Bridewell Best As Testing Concludes At Silverstone

April 7, 2022

Tommy Bridewell (46). Photo courtesy MSVR.